Progress.
Danger.
You sense both on the horizon as the people of your realm grow and prosper.
You continue to prepare as...
"Alyssa," Bastian steps from nowhere to behind you, in between the blinks of an eye.
Alyssa breathes deep, "You can feel it too, then?"
"Danger, "Bastian agrees. "Something dark looms."
"Mmm.. Question is, where and what. And who, but anyone we're overly concerned about will be able to fight us to find out... Have your people come across anything specific?"
Alyssa focuses on the feeling, trying to suss out any possible detail or clearer impression to work from.
It's just a feeling. As you focus on it?
"At least I got to cut loose lately," Bastian says, "I know what I can do better now."
Alyssa nods a bit distractedly, continuing to explore the feeling and what path it might lead to.
"Enjoy it, did you? Opinion on our group abilities and make-up?"
"Well..." It's all Bastian gets off before you feel it. A strong and renewed connection to Bastian, bolstered deeply and greatly by your own efforts.
Node update.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and looks at him sidelong, "Looks like someone was satisfied with their fight. Well done."
"Got something right," Bastian remarks at last, throwing a few jabs in the air. "Like I've practiced it for years."
Alyssa turns to him, "Haven't you though? I'm not anywhere as skilled as you, but even I have a good sense of my body and abilities. You've practiced far harder than I have, and must have a far deeper understanding. You deific power might be new, but it's every bit as much you as can be, isn't it? It makes sense you'd adjust to it quickly."
"I mean what I just gained, it's a technique I never learned," Bastian explains, looking over to you with a hm.
"Ah, well. It's fed to you by your power, yes? Makes sense that it clicks for you. After all, if nothing else, just chalk it up to being a God now."
A sidelong look, "Why not?" Bastian agrees without an argument. "Don't mock a gift."
"So what do you think of our newest recruit?"
"I spared with her," Bastian says, "She's good, and she knows how to get the most out of herself and others." He goes to have a seat, "Cunning little fey, she hides steel behind cuteness."
Alyssa chuckles, "Good. Think she'll help fill the gaps in our group?"
"She'll help," Bastian says, then casually, "She's damn good."
Alyssa nods, "You and Jarem know the most about the ugliest parts of life. I want you to cycle through a project with the others. One at a time, two at a time max. I want you to war game us. Find our weaknesses and how to break us apart. Be vicious. Be unrelenting, and unforgiving. Jarem's the obvious choice to start with, but I want you to work with him last. He's set to approach things with a certain mindset, and I want him and you to polish what you find with Dolmaya, Emily, and Honeydip."
Alyssa turns to him and locks eyes with him, "Do everything you can. Use everyone and everything. Assassins, chaos, demons, devils, I don't care, short of exposing us in a critical way. Burn our home to ground in every possible way. It's the only way we'll be ready."
Bastian smiles ever so slowly, "What little weaknesses we have," he points out, "Or how relative that is at our might."
Alyssa furrows her brows at him, "Arrogance. It's not a good look on you, Bastian. No matter how many times we do this, there will always be weaknesses to be found. No matter how perfectly forged a blade is, time will always exploit a weakness and break it."
In an instant Bastian is behind you, as if to strike. Yet he does not. "Just keep in mind how high up we are now," he says quietly. "Ask a mortal warrior of our weaknesses and he could not speak of one."
"I didn't ask a mortal warrior, though, did I?" Alyssa grins at him.
"Hmph." A short noise before, "I'll get it done," he agrees.
Alyssa nods, "Thank you, Bastian. Now, I believe I asked you some time ago to think on things you wanted to do, personally. It's time you give me an answer. Where do you want to go, what do you want to do?"
"Right now, one step at atime," Bastian answers, "The road will show the way if I walk long enough."
Alyssa rolls her eyes, "Yes, yes. I know the spiel. I mean, do you want to free slaves? Get rich? Find a woman? A man? Even if it's just exploring, you at least need a goal to search beyond the horizon for."
"Alyssa," Bastian says gravely, "I have a woman right here." He pats your shoulder for a moment before, "To find and show the road ahead. That's what I want to do."
"Very. For now. I still want at least one or two... Or I'll pick for you."
Bastian chuckles and is gone, leaving you with your thoughts and senses of trouble on the horizon.
Alyssa turns back, and considers things for a few more minutes before turning, using a bit of magic to dampen her magical power and enchantments and takes a stroll through her realm, letting her feet and wanderlust guide her while she considers things.
Gimme a d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
You just wander. You let your feet and the realm guide you.
It's a valley. A sharp and angular valley amid the mountains, a few buildings around the still strong stream that goes through it, as well as others higher up. A few farm plots, a school, the things you'd expect at the beginning of a settlement.
There's only a single person out, a middle aged dwarf who looks to be panning for gold in the waters.
Alyssa approaches him with wave and a smile.
The dwarf looks up, "Morning to you," he calls as he pans, "Name's Baryin. You?"
"Alyssa. How's the panning going? Enough trace to call for a mine?"
"Yes," he answers, and after a moment reaches into a bag. "Got this, too." He takes out a sky blue, uncut gemstone about the size of your finger nail. It seems to catch the sunlight and glimmer with radiance. Without looking up he flips it up, into your hands. "This is yours, or should be yours."
Alyssa looks it over.
What is it? Just a gem?
It's a beautiful gemstone. It's not like one you've ever seen before, and it seems to pulse in your hand in tune to your heartbeat.
Anything I can roll here to figure this out?
K:P.
K:P/Bibliotheca:
Take 10 for 82.
Nothing rings a bell - but as you hold the gem, you feel warmth come from it. Warmth and acceptance, almost as if it projected that feeling towards you.
Alyssa considers it, then turns to the Dwarf, "Normally I'm not inclined to accept anything like tribute from our people, Baryin. Anything of that sort, I want going back into the realm to help everyone... But... this is very unusual. I actually can't place it at all, other than it seems to have some sort of acceptance of me... When you have time, come to the Academy. Once I've figured out what this is, you'll be given a fair trade for it."
"It wasn't mine, could feel it," he says at last, "The roads took me here, got a sense for that over the years." He looks up from his panning, "Whatever it is, it's meant to be yours."
"Well! Thank you. What do you mean to do here, in our realm?"
He hefts is pan as if that says it all, and then goes back to panning for gold.
After a few moments, "I haven't seen this valley before, but there's always new paths to be found. Shaundakul's always made sure there's more."
Alyssa nods, "Any interest in making a permanent home here, or just another stop on the path?"
"The roads are my home," He answers, "Maybe one day I'll rest, but that day isn't today."
Alyssa nods, "Well, in that case, wait here for a moment."
Alyssa turns and takes a step, teleporting to her father.
"Papa, are you busy right now?"
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d100=57]
Father just happens to be eating lunch, sitting down at a table with other smiths. Naturally the conversation comes to an immediate halt when you step in, all eyes on you.
"Nothing that can't wait," he says, getting up and leaving his barely touched meal aside.
Alyssa smiles, "Grab your tools. There's someone we need to make something for."
Walt does just that and follows, "What do you have in mind, Alyssa?"
"He's a miner. Let's make him some tools for him. He's gifted me with something magnificent."
Alyssa takes out the gem and shows it to him, teleporting them to her study to gather her anvil and tools.
The gemstone twinkles in the light. Father stops and watches it for several moments before, "I know what to do," he says slowly, "Give it to me, Alyssa."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow but hands it over, 'Odd... papa's never been inclined with unusual objects or gems...'
Father takes it, and then takes a little knife from his belt. He raises it to his palm and slashes, and holds the dripping wound over the gemstone. "Blood of family, blood of world," he says as the droplets fall, in a voice that isn't quite his own.
Alyssa taps into her power, casting every spell to see magic she can, watching what happens...
Greater Arcane Sight and Detect Magic.
Spellcraft here and K:A.
Spellcraft/Cunning Knowledge:
Take 10 for 130.
K:A/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge:
Take 10 for 113.
You can see it. The blood of your kin mixes with the gemstone - the sheer light and vitality of your divine realm. It sinks in as newfound power is keyed to it, charged up. It would make a wonderful gem in a pendant or similar magical item, for it seems a gift from your realm.
"Fascinating! How did you know to do that?"
"I don't know how. It's like I always did," Father says distractedly, "Though I think Emily mentioned something about gemstones like this one time."
Alyssa nods and takes the gem back, "Well! That's for later. Now that we have our tools, let's go make the dwarf who found this a gift!"
Alyssa takes them back to Baryin.
Just so I can be clear mechanically, do you mean anything special with the tools you'll make?
Was going to use Words of Creation to make them while I forge. Sort of a test run.
The dwarf awaits you as you return and...
Go ahead, feel free to be as showy as you like and I'll adjudicate.
Alyssa breaks out her equipment, the anvil and hammer she made with the Word of Creation, each glowing oddly and catching the eye oddly, and an assortment of tongs and tools.
"I know you dwarves practically pioneered smithing, but today... Today I hope to show you something a bit.. different."
Calling on her divine powers she calls forth ingots of adamantine, enough to forge a pick, shovel, and pans for mining.
"You know what this is, but..."
Alyssa calls on her SLAs and uses Heat Metal to warm it, holding the metal with her bare hands and relying on her spells to protect her. (Elemental Body: Fire)
Once heated, she begins working on the pick axe first, speaking to the nature of the metal and her intent, Perfect mining.
Give me a craft check real quick and I'll start to hash it all out, too.
Blacksmithing/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+88 : 19 + 88, total 107[/blockquote]
Tools.
It's so easy like this, to craft and forge and create. You lose yourself in it as you make them, each one gorgeous and well made. They come into being as you work, half willed and half created with your own hands.
Alyssa finishes her work, putting the final touches, polish, and details on them with her father, then turns to Baryin, using a small bit of quick magic to clean herself, her father, and the tools up, offering them to the dwarf.
"These should serve you well for a very, very long time."
Baryin looks over the tools, ones that look perfect and well made, and he bows deeply, "Never have I seen such wonderful tools," he murmurs, "Thank you," he says, voice gruff.
Alyssa smiles at him, "A suitable reward, then?"
A quick, fervent nod is your answer.
"Well, in that case, why don't you show us around the area? What places you've found?"
"I've just found that river," he confesses, "But it's a good one."
"I agree. I look forward to seeing what sort of mine you build here, and if it develops into something more."
A deep bow to that as...
Are you going to do anything with the gemstone?
I will, but Alyssa doesn't have the skill to make jewelry, so I have to find someone for that. I also need to follow up with my followers and check on that Titan's Skeleton Prime and the College Mages, so any mixture of those things is fine for the next.
Okay. Who are you going to look for to jewelrize that, first of all?
I mean, I don't think I've recruited a jeweler, specifically. So unless one just happens to be around, we'll have to do some searching, or ask if any of the other nodes have a jeweler.
"A jeweler?" Emily answers when you ask around, "Elle's good at that."
"Oh? Well, I was recently given this."
Alyssa places the gem on her desk.
"I showed it to my father... Something imparted knowledge to him of it and he provided it blood. It's born of the realm and belongs to me, apparently. From what I can tell it's best suited to be an amulet."
Alyssa sends a message to Elle, looping Emily in, Excuse me, Elle. Would you have a few minutes to talk?
"Oh! I've seen something like that before," Emily says, "Roald, Jessica's husband, once found something like that in Sylica." She picks up and studies the gem, her face reflected in various distorted ways as she eyes it.
I have all the time in Creation now. What does time matter when eternity is your reward?
Very... philosophical. I meant if you were currently occupied with something. I was recently presented with a gem found in my realm that seems to belong to me. It imparted knowledge to my father when I showed it to him, and caused him to provide it blood, similar to something Jessica's husband found in Sylica, according to Emily. I feel it would best be made into an amulet of sorts, but I have no skill in jewelery making. Emily recommended you. Would you be interested?
You shouldn't need me. It's a gift from your realm - my understanding is that you should trust yourself and try anyway.
Oh? Interesting. I'll take your advice.
Alyssa considers the gem and then creates a bit of Platinum to work with, and begins the work.
Any particular design in mind?
Not really? Just something a simple but elegant style, made with good craftsmanship and high quality materials, in keeping with Alyssa's writeup.
Just for reference, make an untrained Craft Jewelry check.
Craft: Jewelry:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+18 : 4 + 18, total 22[/blockquote]
It comes out to be a beautiful pendant of platinum with the jewel hanging from it. It's a fine work, far fine rthan you imagine you could make on your own.
Alyssa puts her tools up and inspects the necklace, looking to see if the gem has any effects.
When worn, you believe it will boost your spells.
+1 DC of spells.
Wow, nice. Is there any way I can combine it with my current amulet (+7 natural armor)? Or do I have to sell my current one, pay to enchant the new one? Any way to speed that up?
You'd have to switch, yeah.
Can I enchant the new one with the same effect? Would it be a 1:1 cost? Like, sell the old one and immediately dump the cash into the new one?
Yeah, you could do that.
Alright, I'll do that then. Loot thread, I assume? If so, I'm done here, and the next thing would be the follower check-in, the skeleton thing, or the college thing. I fine with whichever of those you wanna poke at first.
Go ahead and knock out a loot post then I'll move you along once that's done.
Post done!
What was the skeleton thing real quick?
A great procession of refugees explores unknown lands on a Prime forged on the back of a broken elder titan's skeleton, so vast as an entire world forged itself around and with it. Another Prime, a great college of researchers all work together towards a symbol of great magic, as so many strive to cross beyond the ninth circle. Primes and worlds and great events of your portfolio pass through your mind every moment. Like the worshipers you take it in without the slightest bit of hesitation, as if it were no more strenuous than a gentle sigh. Each act big enough to net your divine attention plays by your senses, aware to you like you were there for it.
Alright, that. How are you going to research/approach that?
Well first, identify *which* plane it is, then look into which, or what kind of, titan it was, and then look into what resources and dangers might be there. After that, might dispatch someone to help them along.
Start with K:P here or some other method of identifying it, if you'd rather magic up a solution.
K:P/Bibliotheca:
Take 10 for 82.
You research and finally find it. A world called Talydar. It is known as a world where the main conflict is between law and chaos, a world where chaos is broken apart and fragmentary, but eternally resists the forces of order of all kind. Law always seems to be waxing in power yet cannot decisively finish chaos, and thus the battles continue.
Alyssa makes notes and continues, looking into the dangers of the place and possible places the refugees can settle. Preferably an area that has resources.
The problem with that is that the lands are well settled and organized - it's hard to find a place that's open and available. It usually takes a long, dangerous journey or accepting the yoke of another nation.
Alyssa taps her chin and considers... Could there possibly be a place underground or the like? It's worth trying to pick out.
That's specific enough that you'd need to have someone investigate personally.
Is this a level range one of my followers can be expected to complete fairly reliably? I made mention of possibly sending Croneasco to help them, so if it's something he has a decent chance to complete, I may send him. If it's a significantly dangerous area, I'll send someone else.
Depends on the area, but casual research suggests yes.
Alright, let's check in on him, just to make sure he's not in the middle of something.
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d100=39]
It just so happens he's fast asleep right now, but otherwise perfectly safe and unoccupied.
Wait, thinking about it, is he even at the level he can *get* to that plane?
Not by himself, no. He's level 5.
Hmm... I don't want to interfere too much and draw attention. About the only ideas I have are teleporting him myself, or using impart spell or whatever.
It's really up to you. Feel free to talk to an ally if you need to bounce ideas off someone.
Alyssa leans back in chair, sending a message to Emily and Bastian, If you two have a moment, I could use some advice.
Of course, Alyssa. What is it?
I want to send one of my followers to another plane to assist a group of refugees and do some scouting, but he can't transition there himself. Ideas to get him over there with minimal invite for interference?
If you're afraid of that, the simple answer is to ask a powerful follower of an ally for a favor. I can set it up if you need it, Alyssa.
Who would you suggest? Your mother?
No, someone completely unrelated to us, if you're concerned about retaliation. Aunt Waukeen will do virtually anything for the right amount of money.
I'll just have to talk fast.
If that's your suggestion. Speaking of her, you need to work on that project for her.
I am! I'll have something set up by the end of the day.
Alyssa taps on her desk for a moment before refocusing her attention. Might as well look in on the others, Croneasco will have to wait for his divine inspiration until things get arranged.
Going to do anything or just wait for Emily to come through?
Checking up on the others while waiting for Emily.
Fortunately, it doesn't take Emily long. It's set up - the only question is giving your servant marching orders.
Alyssa checks back in on Croneasco, to see if he's still asleep or up and about.
Awake and doing the morning routine, nothing exceptional or dangerous there.
Alyssa nudges him to look into a mirror, and once he does so, lays a vision of the refugees on it and a whisper to him, Help them find a home.
A blink once and then twice, "How can I?" Is the question right back.
Alyssa sends a feeling of mild assurance and amusement, You find a way.
A long moment, "But I don't even know who they are and where they are!"
Is that not how all exploration of the Horizon begins? A first for your journey. A name: Talydar.
"I will do as you command," Is the answer at that, "It will be done."
I have faith in you. Be wary of interference.
And with that, Alyssa lets Croneasco begin his next journey.
It's done, with Emily's aid coming soon enough. As you watch that, another ball in play?
Next move while you're knocking things out?
Check in on the other two followers.
Which ones? Gimme names and I'll sort that.
Lasri and Araseis.
Lasri looks to be deep in research, amid her own collection of books, an inkpot and several quills. From the looks of it she's researching new armor forging techniques.
Alyssa steps in behind her, looking over shoulder, "What do we have here? A new forging technique? What's the inspiration?"
Lasri looks up and immediately replies, "Some of the smiths I've seen here," she explains, "I believe I can improve my own works."
"Oh? Interesting... If you do create a new technique, I might have a task for you. Don't be daunted by failure. Study it and figure out what went wrong. If you can figure out why it failed, then you'll have a path to it succeeding. Just be sure you annotate both the failures and successes, both can be helpful to others walking the same path. How are you adjusting to our realm?"
A deep nod at that, "I'm home," Is her answer, "It's home like I always imagined it would be. I feel like I'm in the right place at last."
"Well, I'm glad to hear that. When you've finished with this project, let me know. I'm interested to see where it takes you."
With that, Alyssa pats her on the shoulder and returns to her office.
Who was the other one you were going to look into?
"I will," Is the simple promise as you depart.
Araseis. The Tiefling you almost killed like four times in her first appearance.
You find Araseis in an inn room - run down but dry. She sits on the bed, a spellbook in lap. From the way she's working, you can easily tell she's perfecting new spells and expanding her horizons. She's improved.
Araseis is now a rogue 6//wizard 6.
Oo, neat. She deserves a reward. Can I remotely add a spell to her spellbook?
Sure, if you wanted.
Let's do that, then. Based on the last adventure of hers, this is probably the best choice.Alyssa weaves a bit of magic and adds a spell to Araseis' spellbook!
Your growth and path make me proud.Presip's Life WalkConjuration (Healing)
Level: Clr 3, Hlr 3
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Living creature touched
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
When you cast this spell, the movement of the target's body creates tiny fissures to the Positive Energy Plane, allowing them to heal. For every 5ft the target moves, they heal 1 hit point. For example, if the target moves 30ft, they heal 6 hit points. This healing stacks with fast healing and other sources of healing. Only direct movement by the target causes healing, being pushed or thrown does not, nor does being magically moved in any way (such as teleportation).
You...do understand that's not on her spell list as it's not a wizard spell, right?
Why did my brain transpose that. I read through them like four times and I swear I saw it as a wiz spell... I think I got it switched up with my second option.
Flash BoltTransmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard cction
Range: Close (25ft + 5ft/2 levels)
Target: One creature
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes
You point at your target as you chant, the words of magic causing your hand to glow until a bolt of light fires from your hand with the last word.
You fire a bolt into your target's face with a successful ranged touch attack that blinds them for 1d4+1 rounds.
This spell has no effect on creatures without eyes or creatures that don't depend on eyes for vision.
The spell appears as Araseis' spellbook, a moment of surprise before, "A gift!" It is whispers reverently as she scans the new spell.
Alyssa leaves her to the new spell for now.
With that done, you next...
Next move since you're knocking things out right now?
This one: Another Prime, a great college of researchers all work together towards a symbol of great magic, as so many strive to cross beyond the ninth circle.
Cool, what are you going to do with that?
Research into it. See who they are, what they're doing. I might decide to contact/help them.
Cool. Is that all the info you have on them?
Yep, that's all you gave me.
In that case K:A to start with, see if you do well enough to help.
K:A/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge:
Take 10 for 113.
Nothing - it's just too broad. You'll need to pare down the information somehow or divine more facts based on what you have.
Uh, no real idea how to do that? I mean, they flashed into my mind, can't I just revisit that to do more observation and info gathering on them? If I was divinely aware of them, can't I find them again?
Then why don't you ask one of your allies for advice on this?
Alyssa sends out a message to everyone, When everyone has a few minutes to meet, I need some advice on how to track down a group of researchers.
Busy right now. All the attention in the world and you're still busy.
Oh! I have time right now. What is it, Alyssa?
Bastian merely gives you a sense of listening, but no direct words saying as much.
I caught a flash of a college of researchers working on a great magic symbol, trying to break through the ninth circle. I tried to do some research on what I saw, but didn't come up with anything. I'd like to see if they're a group we should help.
Hm. I'd start with divinations to chase them, but it's possible they've taken protections if they're that skilled.
On the other hand, they may be on the look out for someone who can help them.
I'll begin on that side. Any chance any of you got flashes about them? The more information I have to work with, the closer I'll be.
I haven't, at least nothing that fits that.
Alyssa sends a thanks out and turns her attention to divining information on them.
I can use Alter Reality to cast Legend Lore without the 2d6 weeks thing, right?
You could, yes.
Alyssa uses her divine power to cast the Legend Lore spell to get information on these researchers!
The Valadale Academy. Legends of great wizards who come from it, and the greatness of the current generation. The shining light and hope of Vanneon, the greatest wizarding college in the Civilized Realms. A bastion that protects against monsters and the tides of barbarians from outside, from the Weeping Desert and the Calmeran Hills. Legend has it that this group will protect the Civilized Realms until sun and sky come down to challenge King Sorrow.
Alyssa casts the spell again to get more information on the Civilized Realms and the King of Sorrow.
It is said the Civilized Realms are where the civilized kingdoms live. A collection of peoples who have accepted the protection of sun, sky and those who serve them, they live in peace as much as they can. It is comprised of Vanneon, Cyres, the Theocracy of Morning and Dammin.
Any race is welcome in the Civilized Lands, so long as they live by its rules. It is a realm where race matters less and your choices to live in peace or embrace savagery matters far more.
The King of Sorrow is said to be the Daemon, the evil that turns men to beasts and overthrows all of civilization. His symbol is said to be a bestial claw and he is also sometimes called the Beastlord. Your religious lore whispers to you that this is the same as Malar, the God of hunting, bloodlust and similar things. Most likely a particular interpretation or aspect of him.
Alyssa taps her chin, considering for a moment, then decides to try and scry on the researchers directly, to judge what they're up to.
Any particular spell or ability here? Need to know how you're doing it.
The crystal I made for it: Additionally, the great crystal at the center of the library workshop aids in scrying. It allows you to scry on a person or location as if by a Greater Scrying spell (DC 45). This crystal also wards users against counter-attacks by altering any incoming damage into non-lethal damage. Likewise, any curse that targets a user is immediately subject to a Tenacious Curse Dispel (caster level 30), cast upon the subject of the curse by the crystal once per round. This effect only applies to effects enacted during the use of the Eye.
> roll 1d20+30
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=16]
You scry - and it fails, as magic cascades from the eye. A counter curse shatters thanks to your precautions, which ably protects you from what they did to try and scold those who would scry on them.
Alyssa hums.. That will have certainly alarmed them enough. There'll likely be a counter investigation... Alyssa turns to herself and her realm, checking her own protections and watching for the probe she expects to come... If she can trace it back to a specific individual, she can use that as a starting point of contact.
There's a bunch of ways to do this, but let's go with some basic Detect Scrying, Spell Turning, Mind Blank, and Mage's Private Sanctum (this one is iffy, but it's 5th level, so technically I spam it endlessly to cover everything with Altar Reality).
It comes promptly.
It's skilled by mortal measures, but you are far more than mortal. Your magic stops it cold, the spell unable to penetrate your protections. Over a dozen by different casters, all focused on you at once. Yet not a one can defeat your means, overcome your protections as they are now.
Alyssa attempts to trace the magic back to the casters, to see if she can glean enough information to be able to contact them directly.
Okay, how precisely are you doing that?
Can I follow the threads of magic back to them, maybe identify one of the spells and link it to the caster? If I can get a name or something using that and Legend Lore, I can try to contact them directly, perhaps?
Give me a caster level check and a Spellcraft check.
CL:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+38 : 10 + 38, total 48[/blockquote]
Spellcraft/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+120 : 17 + 120, total 137[/blockquote]
Well, when you know exactly where to look it helps a lot. You're pretty sure it came from the direction you just scried on.
So I didn't figure out a name or anything for someone I can try to contact directly?
Oh right, that epic usage of Spellcraft. My bad.
Tibyrum.
Alyssa casts a quick Legend Lore on the name, since she has it and the context of him being part of the college.
Tibyrum is said to be a legendary wizard - reclusive, but said to be a master. It's whispered he's talked to those in worlds beyond and in places past mortal understanding. Things like that, nothing truly solid, just a chorus of possibilities and hints.
'This will make things easier, then, if he's already aware of the nature of deities...'
With that, Alyssa sends him a message, Greetings Tibyrum. Quite impressive spell-work, my compliments. Your college intrigues me. Shall we speak cordially to each other?
There's a long pause before, 'I'm listening.'
You're wise to be cautious of deific contact and intervention. Quite wise of you, but fairly groundless in this situation. Your efforts with the symbol brushed on my consciousness and I'm quite curious about your college and goals. Would you be willing to have a visit?
'Perhaps. If I may ask, who are you?'
Alyssa Songsteel, Scholar of the Forge and the Eternal Academic, and you are Tibyrum, legendary wizard of the Valadale Academy, researching into a symbol of power to elevate yourselves beyond the Ninth Circle.
'You are well informed, wise one,' The voice answers back. 'I have heard whispers of you and of this Godsrush.'
Thank you for that, but unlike with some others, flattery is a bit wasted on me. That said, I imagine you have a few others to confer with before deciding on a meeting?
'That would be so,' Is the answer. 'When do you wish to contact me again?'
My name in a prayer will gain you my attention.
'I understand,' Is the answer. 'I will do that.'
Alyssa turns her attention to other things while she waits, sending Emily a message, Do you have a few moments?
Whenever you need, Alyssa.
You mentioned wanting to strike at Shar and slavers. Any opportunities on that front? We've had good momentum, and I'd like to keep it going. Bringing former slaves here, after a thorough checking over, would likely help expand things as well.
I'm working something out on it now. Something worthy of our personal intervention.
Sounds good. Let me know when you get it together.
I actually don't have much else right now, except waiting for things to resolve, so whatever you want.
Quick d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]
It is only a few hours before a voice sounds in your mind. 'We are interested in a discussion, Alyssa Songsteel, after you contacted Tibyrum.'
Can I Legend Lore to figure out who this is?
Not without a name or something to work with.
Indeed I did. And he regulated this to you?
'Yes, goddess.'
Interesting. Who are you? One of the Academy's other leaders?
'I am Koros of the Ten Gales.' Is the answer, 'I speak with the authority of all of the leaders in this matter.'
Do you now? Well, I know being contacted this way is a bit shocking. Would you like time to prepare?
At the same time, she sends to the others, I've made contact with another arcane academy. They're trying to use a magic symbol to break through the Ninth Circle. Anyone interested in a visit? We've been invited.
Bastian's voice is heard all around you. "Really? We're up to the 14th or 15th circle. It makes me forget that it's a struggle to get even to the 10th."
I've heard of different ways to do it. Mine involved a personal ordeal and meditation on the Red Knight's wisdom.
Ooooh, I can answer this. There's different ways, but the main thing is an investment of effort to continue past the 9th circle. I'm not sure why that's the point where you have to do that, but it is. They must be new to it and struggling to figure out that investment.
Yes, I'm interested in how they're going about it. I want to determine if they deserve help or not. Last thing we need is another empire like the Mageocracy breaking through the Ninth Circle.
Better us than someone else. Really they're an opportunity waiting to be discovered. I'm surprised someone hasn't done this already, I wager someone's interfering.
They might be. It's not that hard for wizards of that level to negotiate a pact with a powerful enough being to teach them, and any deity who they serve would want to help them rise to that. Mortals of that power are rare and precious.
You two are going to come, then? Dolmaya, any interest?
'I'll mind the store, as they say,' Dolmaya says at last, 'I have no great interest here and you should expand your own reaches instead.'
Alyssa sends to Koros, I will be bringing two others with me. Are you prepared?
'We have prepared a place in the Astral. You are welcome at Villa Martez.'
Alyssa casts a quick Legend Lore on that.
It doesn't come up - it must not count as legendary.
Do I have any idea what that is? Any knowledge roll for it?
K:P, I suppose.
K:P/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+72 : 4 + 72, total 76[/blockquote]
No dice. At your level of skill you know that means just a few things - it's painfully obscure, it's brand new or it's completely unknown to anyone.
Anyone ever heard of Villa Martez in Astral? I can't recall anything about it, but that's where they want to meet.
A divination suggests it's free floating and it's not overly protected.
Let's make our way there, then.
Okay, any prep for this?
Just normal spells. I mean, this could go sideways, but we're not really looking for a fight. And three of us are going, so that's going to be a huge deterrent for any mortals.
Long Duration:
Self:
Create Magic Tattoo, CL 35, Duration: 24 Hours
+1 spellcaster level
Create Magic Tattoo, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls
Create Magic Tattoo, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
+2 competence bonus on attack rolls.
Mind Blank, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
Protection from all devices and spells that detect, influence, or read emotions or thoughts.
Energy Immunity x2 (Electricity/Sonic), CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
Immune to Electicity/Sonic
Epic Mage Armor, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
+20 armor bonus to AC.
Bibliotheca Arcana, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained.
Prying Eyes, CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
1d4+36 eyes, 120 ft normal vision in all directions, 25 word instructions:
"Orbit me in ringed layers leaving no gaps and report any useful resources or dangers."
Elemental Body (Fire), CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
Attune Form spell, Immune to Fire/Poison/Sleep/Paralysis/Stunning/Flanking/Critical Hits, Fire Sub-type, Darkvision 60ft.
Agility of the Dragon Princess, CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Dex
Beauty of the Dragon Princess, CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Cha
Mind of the Dragon Princess, CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Int
Many Moments of Prescience, CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
4 uses, +30 Insight bonus to any single attack roll, opposed ability or skill check, saving throw, or AC vs. a single attack.
Everyone:
Mass Energy Immunity (Acid), CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
Pre-combat, medium duration:
Greater Spell Immunity (Crown of the Ten Stars), CL 30, Duration: 300 minutes
1st: Greater Dispel
2nd: Dimensional Lock
3rd: Binding
4th: Ability Rip
5th: Antimagic Ray
6th: Banishment
7th: Enervation
Spell Turning (SLA), CL 36, Duration: 360 minutes
1d4+6 spell levels turned
Alyssa
HP: 684/684
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
AC: 108
SR: 51
Bonuses: Attack+54/49/44/39, Damage+0 AC+20, Saves+2, Skills+0
Resources: 26 Inspiration, 14 Opportunistic Piety
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Darkvision 60ft, DR 20/adamantine and epic, Resistance 20 Acid/Electricity/Fire 20, Immunity Electric/Sonic/Acid/Cold/Fire/Poison/Sleep/Paralysis/Stunning/Flanking/Critical Hits, Never Flat-footed, Attune Form, Fire Sub-type, +4 Insight Bonus Dex/Int/Cha, +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge Checks
Jarem agrees, so he's mostly making sure they're mind blanked - that should stop anything they do, so no need to posture with spells active. And if it's some how a next level trap, deal with it then.
The Astral Plane is as silent, empty and devoid of anything as ever. A sense of timelessness, a sense of forever and yet things move forward.
"Just keep it in your mind and go forward," Emily says, starting to fly onward.
Alyssa does so, flying forward with the others.
d100 and Perception.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 16, total 16[/blockquote]
Preception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+64 : 18 + 64, total 82[/blockquote]
Your journey is ultimately uneventful. Villa Martez is a free floating villa home, a few stories tall and fairly wide. It's supported by a thin layer of stone and it drifts in the endless Silver Sea. It's well enough made, at least to your eyes. It's definitely a pleasant home versus a fortress.
Alyssa nods an appreciation and approaches, studying it for any magic on it.
There is - just some protective wards, nothing too strong. Limited anti scrying, strengthening the walls, that sort of thing.
Alyssa enters the villa!
The front gates are a plain door in - uncarved, but when you open it, a chorus of voices is heard in song. "Welcome! Please come in, oh honored guests!"
"My, more of you than I was expecting, it sounds like. Thank you for the welcome."
The door opens. Here is an old man - stooped of back and long of beard, fingernails long as daggers. He bows with a slow, awkward movement and wears a soft woolen robe. "Great Lady Alyssa, Magnificent Lord Jarem and Child of Dragons Emily. Those of the Godsrush I welcome."
Alyssa grins, "Quite the lofty titles. Thank you for the greeting, but I prefer a more personable approach to these sorts of things. Let's have us a sit down and talk for a bit before we get to the official things."
Jarem merely nods while Emily says, "Oh, are you hurting?" she asks, stepping forward.
"...It is my burden to bear," He steps back and shakes his head. "May I introduce myself?"
"Please do, and those with you."
Alyssa looks the man over, trying to identify the cause of the problem he's dealing with.
Got any ranks in Heal?
A few, yeah. Gonna assume that's the check you're asking for and go ahead and roll it for expediency:
Heal/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+67 : 8 + 67, total 75[/blockquote]
He's old, likely swollen and with bad joints and altogether in the sort of health that haunts those who live long in mortal bodies.
Alyssa makes note of it and waits for the introductions.
You are lead deeper in. As you walk through the villa's front, busts of various old men and women mounted here, "You honor us with your attention, divine ones."
Jarem nods as if this is second nature, "Your struggles have caught our attention."
"These are your past leaders?"
"Yes, past luminaries," He answers as he walks along slowly. "Those who have reached the title of Archmage."
Alyssa nods, "An impressively long lineage. I congratulate you on it."
"Thank you," The old man says, then, "How far do your lineages go back?"
We never really decided that about the Arcane Order. What do you think? Say.. 500 years?
Sure. Knock yourself out.
"About 500 years for the Order I led before ascension. We had our own proud history. Speaking of, what's your history like? Your goals and focus?"
"We seek to overcome the ninth circle, for the whispers speak of the tenth and beyond." He answers, "Our goal is to find this greatest magic and use it to secure the civilized lands."
"Secure them? For what purpose, and from who?"
"We are beset by eternal strife and war. What is unbound and uncivilized wishes to tear down civilization," The old wizard explains. "Thus it has always been."
Alyssa inclines her head, "Tribals, then? What is your plan for them if you win against them?"
"Make a world free of those forces, a world where there's not war every year, suffering every day and loss every hour." A look at you, long and thoughtful. "You would be free of this, great lady, by your own will?"
"Free of what, exactly? Let's be specific."
"A world free of war and struggle," Is his answer, "A war free of the uncivilized lands."
"I can't say I fully support that at this point, unfortunately. If there are free people out there making war, they deserve to have a chance to exist, unless they're out to butcher everything in their path. Outright extermination is a bit beyond what I'm willing to back."
"How many siblings have you buried?" The old wizard asks, "How many mothers have you seen crying over graves?"
"Too many," Emily whispers, and then louder, "That doesn't mean to return evil onto evil. If the only choice is a war for safety and survival, then so be it, but every option before that must be considered. If a means of peace can be found..?"
"Yet they reject civilization and wage war on us," Is his answer, "They're always welcome to accept peace, law and order and settle down in the civilized lands. Every day they reject that choice."
"And they have the right to reject it. If they were to offer peace and to hold the lands they have with no expansion, would you accept it?"
"They will not. Their very nature rejects order," Is his answer, "They will fight, they will take, they will maraud."
"Hypothetically, if they were."
"Then the cycle would break and war would not be needed." Is the answer.
"If," Jarem says, "It seems a question of the rejection of both order and good, not just order. Were they goodly but chaotic, they would not attack you."
Alyssa sends him a response, Possibly, but we have only one side so far.
Wise, but I also don't think he's lying to us. At least not obviously.
Wisdom is understanding that, but there's also wisdom in seeing when you truly do face unbowed and unrepentant evil.
"Well, I plan to look into the situation. In any case, let's talk about what sort of research you've been doing!"
"By your pardon, may we talk about that once we are all gathered?" He says, as you reach the end of the hall.
Alyssa nods, "Absolutely."
For my reference, do you have mind blank or anything similar going?
Yep! Let me past them again:
Long Duration:
Self:
Create Magic Tattoo, CL 35, Duration: 24 Hours
+1 spellcaster level
Create Magic Tattoo, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls
Create Magic Tattoo, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
+2 competence bonus on attack rolls.
Mind Blank, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
Protection from all devices and spells that detect, influence, or read emotions or thoughts.
Energy Immunity x2 (Electricity/Sonic), CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
Immune to Electicity/Sonic
Epic Mage Armor, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
+20 armor bonus to AC.
Bibliotheca Arcana, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained.
Prying Eyes, CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
1d4+36 eyes, 120 ft normal vision in all directions, 25 word instructions:
"Orbit me in ringed layers leaving no gaps and report any useful resources or dangers."
Elemental Body (Fire), CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
Attune Form spell, Immune to Fire/Poison/Sleep/Paralysis/Stunning/Flanking/Critical Hits, Fire Sub-type, Darkvision 60ft.
Agility of the Dragon Princess, CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Dex
Beauty of the Dragon Princess, CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Cha
Mind of the Dragon Princess, CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Int
Many Moments of Prescience, CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
4 uses, +30 Insight bonus to any single attack roll, opposed ability or skill check, saving throw, or AC vs. a single attack.
Everyone:
Mass Energy Immunity (Acid), CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
Pre-combat, medium duration:
Greater Spell Immunity (Crown of the Ten Stars), CL 30, Duration: 300 minutes
1st: Greater Dispel
2nd: Dimensional Lock
3rd: Binding
4th: Ability Rip
5th: Antimagic Ray
6th: Banishment
7th: Enervation
Spell Turning (SLA), CL 36, Duration: 360 minutes
1d4+6 spell levels turned
Alyssa
HP: 684/684
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
AC: 108
SR: 51
Bonuses: Attack+54/49/44/39, Damage+0 AC+20, Saves+2, Skills+0
Resources: 26 Inspiration, 14 Opportunistic Piety
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Darkvision 60ft, DR 20/adamantine and epic, Resistance 20 Acid/Electricity/Fire 20, Immunity Electric/Sonic/Acid/Cold/Fire/Poison/Sleep/Paralysis/Stunning/Flanking/Critical Hits, Never Flat-footed, Attune Form, Fire Sub-type, +4 Insight Bonus Dex/Int/Cha, +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge Checks
You step into a room. A room with a square table, where six others sit. Each is hooded and shadowed, yet oddly plain. An illusion dances past your eyes, not enough to fool you. Merely men and women, all old, seven in total with your guide.
The room is otherwise well decorated and the table has carvings of cities and fields on it, made of a richly stained and darkened wood.
Can I tell what the illusion was supposed to be?
It made them look stronger, younger, more vital.
Ah. How vain.
Alyssa jauntily waves at them, "Hello! A pleasure to meet you all!"
She takes a seat at the table.
Jarem walks in, a sense of presence. A sense of him, tightly coiled around him like armor. He takes a seat and once he has, "You seek our aid? Wise."
Emily smiles and enters, "If your cause is just, we will aid you, within all reason."
As one they nod their heads deeply to the three of you. "Thank you," An old woman responds, "You flatter us."
"Well, let's get down to discussions."
"We'd like your help. What are your terms?" The old woman asks, to the point. "We come as supplicants."
"Well, let's start off with this: we're not going to agree to help you if it involves extermination. We'll conduct our investigation and make a decision on what's acceptable. I understand your desire to end conflict, but until we have first hand information, that sort of thing is off the table entirely."
"Very well," No argument, simple acceptance and nods from all of them.
"If we end your conflict, what are your plans for afterward?"
"Our hopes is for peace," An old man says, "We've grown on war, year in and year out. It grinds us down as they attack us."
"I want to hear specifics. Peace takes more work than war."
"Life," An old man finally wheezes, "Please, we want a world where we don't bury sons and fathers every year, and that maps are constantly redrawn because villages are sacked."
"Please," The old woman says, "I had four sons and buried each one. Please."
Alyssa taps the table in annoyance, "We will not wage war on your behalf without the entire story. So far all you've done is tell us the other side is evil and deflect my questions. I want specifics. Now."
Gimme an Intimidate check, +10 circumstance.
Intimidate/Cunning Knowledge/+10:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+110 : 4 + 110, total 114[/blockquote]
Immediately you are answered, "Peace. We dream of it. Our kingdoms and homes not under attack every year. Harvests not ruined by raiders." The old woman says, "We have grown thick and bloated on war. Our kingdoms can grow and be prosperous. We are controlled by it, so much is in reaction to that."
"War economies have a difficult time transitioning. What are your plans for that? Once your magic is no longer focused on war, what do you plan to do with it?"
"Build," Is the answer from an old man. "We have the keys of power, but they've only been used for war because we have no choice. What marvels we can build in peace!"
Can I sense motive on these guys? They're not directly answering anything.
Sure, go for it.
Sense Motive/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+88 : 3 + 88, total 91[/blockquote]
They're on the level. You don't detect any obvious lies.
Alyssa sends to the others, They're not lying as far as I can tell, but they're being evasive. Unless... They just flat out don't know how to deal with a non-war economy.
That's my inference of the situation. It's not that they're lying, but they're genuinely so lost in a long term conflict they don't grasp what you really mean. An eternal struggle between order and chaos, how many mortal minds can properly cope with eternal war?
I think Jarem's right, Alyssa. I think a gentler tack is needed, they seem more in need than we realized.
We can make a reconstruction advisor part of the deal, I suppose. I still want to look into the tribals, before anything else.
For the best. Keep talking then.
"We're somewhat inclined to help you, but it all depends on what happens with the tribals. Tell us what you know about them; where they are, who their leaders are."
Nods of submission all around. "The greatest thing that can be said is that the tribes and leaders are fluid. Leaders rise and fall, tribes absorb one another while other factions splinter away. One of the greatest difficulties is that so often the names, faces and leaders change swiftly. A new leader may begin completely new tactics or disregard anything the old leader agreed to. Give them a year and half the groups are new, or reformations of old groups, or combinations of groups that will have split up in another year's time."
"Very non-specific. The tribes have clan names or the like?"
"Of course they do," The old man says, "The point, of course, great lady, is that they so often change."
"And yet, I still want the most up to date information you have."
"It has been prepared," Another says, as a rolled up scroll hovers over to you.
Alyssa nods and glances at it, but puts it away. "Thank you. We'll be looking into things on our end. We'll get back to you after we've done so. In the mean time, I'd like a tour of your academy."
I'm going to remind you OOC that a deity, barring an avatar, going to the Prime causes massive spiritual wounds, Iddy.
Oh yeah. I never got aroundtomakingone of those. Was goingtodo it afterthe proxy but it slipped past me. I'll fix this:
"I want to arrange for a few of my people to visit your academy. We have one of our own, and it might be the start of an exchange program of sorts."
"As you wish, great lady," Is the reply, not an ounce of resistance to that.
"Any questions for us?"
"Yes," The old woman says immediately, head bowed. "When can we expect your aid if you deign to give it to us, great lady?"
"Let me be clear here: my aid will be in a form We decide to render it, and it will come when we deem it appropriate. We are not here to win a war for you, or to fight it on your behalf. We are here to ensure the war causes as little damage to innocents as possible, and to preserve as much as possible, ranging from people, to knowledge, to culture. We will step as we see fit, when we see fit. We have made no pledge to you beyond agreeing to assess the situation.
The form and timing of whatever action we will take will be based on that assessment, and you likely will not be satisfied by it. Understand that the more we get involved, the more other deities will as well. Our goal is not to turn your war into a proxy of our conflicts, we're simply interested in the curious wizards pushing past their limits, as we once did ourselves. We will not tie ourselves into your world only to bring it to ruin."
Okay, gimme Intimidate again then.
Intimidate:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+65 : 15 + 65, total 80[/blockquote]
"Any aid you can give us is worthy, great lady," They all bow, none daring to look up at your visage.
Alyssa sighs, "I'm not a tyrant, and you don't have to fear for yourselves. I'm just giving clarity. Jarem, Emily, anything to ask or say?"
Jarem considers, "No," he finally says, "In this, you have spoken."
Emily agrees to that while..
Why are you taking such a strident tack with them, Alyssa?
I've had interference from other gods repeatedly already. If they take action in my name, believing I back them unilaterally? What would that invite? In the first major intervention on our part?
I see then. Well, at least it's a start.
"Now then, let's move onto lighter things. Tell me about this symbol you're working on."
Maybe I'm having a stupid moment, but symbol?
Symbol to break past 9th circle?
Oh okay, it was a stupid moment. Good to know.
"We will provide you better," Is the answer, as another scroll is presented to you, "For you, great lady."
Alyssa takes it and lays it out for the others to see, studying it.
It looks like a great deal of magical work and effort to understand and overcome the barrier. You know from experience it's hardly needed, but you're also hardly a typical specimen in that regard.
Anything to roll to find mistakes and figure out if it'll work? Or streamline it?
Sure, K:A.
K:A/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+103 : 17 + 103, total 120[/blockquote]
Oh yes. This is far below your ability and you can think of a dozen ways in a few moments to improve it.
As of now it's stumbling in the right direction but it has a ways to go.
Alyssa rolls the scroll up and taps it against the table, "Yes, you're headed in the right direction... Roughly. I can help you improve on this, but that will be outside of any agreements pertaining to your war. My instance on our investigation is to ascertain your goals, tactics, and, in general... Morality. Provided we are satisfied, I will likely extend an offer for your project leaders to come study at the Alyssum Royal Academy. We'll go over the details of it once we decide completely, but our requirements won't be too onerous. Likely along the lines of an exchange program, access to your library, and open doors for our followers. Opinions?"
There is silence - perhaps telepathy. It matters little until the old man bows his head, "It will be as you say, great lady."
"Mmmm... You know, you don't have to blindly follow what I say. And just making a show of it won't endear you to me. I venerate personal choice and freedoms, not followers. If you have something to say, please, do so."
It's the old woman who speaks, "Forgive us, those that directly disrespect the divine are often idiots."
"Big idiots,"Jarem agrees, "But be direct here. Tell us."
One of the old men, voice stronger than the others, "Great lady, you are not familiar with our world? Our...Prime, as the realms beyond ours reckon them?"
"Not specifically. I've done some surface checking into it, but I prefer to discover things personally. Research and exploration are my great passions."
"Then you don't know how bad it is, and trust what you call the tribals far too much," He goes on boldly. "Investigate, but you'll soon understand what is our way and why it is right."
"To be clear, I don't trust, or distrust, anyone. I'm reserving my judgement for now. You're all well educated. I'm sure you've come across history books about wars, yes? They're rarely impartial. I know you've been at war for a long time. Possibly too long. How many conflicts have become enduring simply because of ingrained animosity, when the true reason for the starting of the conflict has been lost in that animosity? Grudges between noble houses are often like this, and they often turn into conflict.
It's rare that either side of a conflict on this scale is truly innocent. Whatever evils they have visited on you, can you truly look me in the eye and swear on your souls that your own people have visited none at all on them? All I want is to remain impartial in my investigation, and the chance to find a way other unilateral action, if possible. As deep as the pain and grudge you bear is, theirs is equal. It takes mutual agreement to continue a war for this long. And can you tell me with honesty that their culture has produced nothing of value? No music? No art? No agriculture? No veneration of elders? No cherishing of children? No love of a sunrise? Nothing at all?"
Give me a Diplo check here, -5 penalty.
Diplo/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+99 : 19 + 99, total 118[/blockquote]
Silence falls after your words. There's no real argument against them, as after a short silence, "We'll look and we'll find out," Emily puts in, "Fear not. There is hope yet."
You look about and see they're quiet, a few downcast at your words, or perhaps simply introspective. It's hard to tell, but not a one is stone faced.
Alyssa smiles, "Yes, I don't intend for any side in this to come to ruin of any sort if we can avoid it. Like I said, we'll look into it and meet with you about it after. All I want is for you to be willing to consider things other than extreme actions."
General agreement to that - none dare speak against you.
"Then if no one has anything else, we'll retire and begin our investigation."
There is indeed nothing else.
Going to leave now, or do you have anything else here?
Did they give me enough info on the tribes to do an investigation?
Yes. I can go into details if you read what they gave you or just answer general questions.
Let's do a bit of detail. I was trying to track down the structure of the tribes and the names of their leaders, to start with.
The tribes vary. You find out it's shorthand for various groups and structures. Generally speaking, alliances and organizations fall apart and form with ease, often morphing and with information at times out of date. The emergence of powerful figures does little to change this - they simply make new groups as needed. As if everything they do is unnaturally fragile, with social constructs crumbling to the least effort.
Any sort of like legendary leaders or anything about a unifying leader ever?
A few, but any unity never lasts.
You know enough about people and organizations from your knowledge ranks to note this isn't how it normally works, period, but it seems to work this way in this world.
Hmm.. Is there currently a one "largest" clan?
As of the writing of this, the Steel Eagles are the biggest, but it even notes this may be out of date.
Well, let's do some Legendary Lore-ing on it to see if it's still correct!
According to legend, the Steel Eagles were a briefly lead tribe that quickly gave way to infighting over tactics. There's not a lot the spell provides - your arcane lore lets you know that's because while it qualified, it simply didn't exist all that long.
Okay... What about traditions? Something to establish diplomatic relations?
It's pretty basic. Beat someone up or get beaten up and get convinced, or meet a friend or whatever. The only constant is that hospitality is not violated lightly.
Generally though, a leader gets rolling and gathers moss until something breaks up his rock and the process repeats and repeats.
Well... Can we identify a clan that would be "the most open" to us?
As in willing to listen and do what you say?
Well, listen. I think wanting "do what I say" off the bat will be asking a bit much.
Well, one of the big problems is that they don't listen, but you think the best bet from this is the Black Gales. They're fairly stable for one of these, they've been together a bit according to notes.
Alyssa calls the others for a meeting!
It's not hard to get everyone together, which lets you...
Go ahead, this is your bailiwick.
"I've done some looking into to the tribes. This is going to be difficult. They're true representations of chaos. They have no leaders, no enduring tribes, no real rules. Anyone have experience with tribes of chaos?"
"We need to back up a step," Jarem says, holding a hand up. "These are mortals. They shouldn't be acting like they're slaad. What's going on in this world?"
"He's right," Emily agrees, "We need to figure that out, it doesn't make sense."
Bastian sits, arms crossed as he gazes out a nearby window. "It sounds like something big has interfered. Something that may strike back, so we should understand before we throw our weight around."
"Ideas on how to figure that out?"
"Ask someone in charge," Jarem answers, "What gods are revered here?"
No idea. Legend Lore?
Person, place or thing, not general questions. You'd need a different divination for that.
Well, let'sstart then!
"Alright... I'll start researching into it. Anyone want to work on the divinations?"
"I will," Jarem offers.
Plan here then so we can get it rolling?
Library first for historically worshipped gods, then post any questions that come up the the academy.
Sure, give me an K:R check.
K:R/Bibliotheca/Library:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+82 : 8 + 82, total 90[/blockquote]
You recall what you heard earlier.
The King of Sorrow is said to be the Daemon, the evil that turns men to beasts and overthrows all of civilization. His symbol is said to be a bestial claw and he is also sometimes called the Beastlord. Your religious lore whispers to you that this is the same as Malar, the God of hunting, bloodlust and similar things. Most likely a particular interpretation or aspect of him.
Additionally, you hear a few other names. Gyim, said to be a delicate dancer who protects civilization, with a holy symbol of a star above a nebula. Your lore tells you this matches the holy symbol of Bahamut. The Eversight, said to be the watchman who sounds the alarm when civilization is under attack. His sigil of a gauntlet with an eye is a familiar one to your lore - Helm.
Alyssa sends to the others, Seems like Malar, Bahamut, and Helm are involved.
Two of the three are reasonable to talk to. Emily?
I've talked to Helm once or twice, but he's a solemn and serious man. Bahamut is a dragon with all that entails, though he is a goodly wyrm.
Well, let's set up meetings.
Who are you going to approach here?
Well, they're both involved/meddling, so both of them. Better to have a single discussion than a bunch of back and forth. I mean, Helm's not really friendly with anyone, but it's worth a shot.
Okay cool, how are you approaching them?
I dunno? What would the protocol be?
Emily would say it depends on how you're doing it - formally or informally. Formally has a servant go there and do diplomacy. Informally is direct contact.
Formally. This is probably going to be a Thing.
Okay, give me a d100 real quick.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 91, total 91[/blockquote]
Thus you send servants. It isn't long until you receive a sealed message from Bahamut, a scroll for you alone.
Alyssa sits in her study and raises the protections, then reads the scroll.
The scroll reads as follows:
Speak plainly to me, what is it you desire with this, Alyssa? You are not one of the righteous. I await your response.
Bahamut.
Alyssa writes out:
I'm interested in the academy; their efforts came to me like prayers. However, I don't want to advance war efforts. I also seek to avoid the extermination of the tribal clans.
My research shows you as one of three involved in the plane. Though I'm not one of the righteous, I don't want our efforts to conflict.
The writing above yours changes into the following:
You do not understand this world or threat, do you? I will explain these matters if you but ask, for knowledge is power.
That is part of why I sent an envoy. Please explain what the plans you have are.
My plans are my own.
I speak instead of the underlying causes of this world.
Please, go ahead.
This world is tainted by primal Chaos. It is divided between those who are not and those who are. Those that live there labor under it, either to embrace order and resist it, or to accept chaos and champion it.
I see... I wonder... I may contact you again after I test out a theory, but in the mean time, as I don't know the full scope of your investment and plans in this plane, would you take it amiss if I were to involve myself more fully?
It is your choice, but you shall make Malar an enemy if you choose to do so.
I will think on it and let you know either way. I'm mainly exploring options at this point.
You step into a contest long underway. Know that well, and know the side you seek to aid is not your natural side, is it?
I decide what side is worthy of my assistance. Knowledge, history, research, logic, and compassion guide my decisions. I'm not overly fond of the absolutes of Law, but the absolutes of Chaos aren't of much use in the propagation of knowledge, either. I don't plan on moving anything towards either of those absolutes. Order cannot exist without Chaos, and neither can Chaos give form to anything without Order.
Foolishness.
You speak as if they are interdependent. What of good and evil then, do they require one another to endure?
In creation, they do. Was creation not built on them as founding principles? Remove one, the balance breaks, and what does that lead to? It may be impudent, but I am new to godhood and the Competition. It seems to me that each was created with a purpose and part to play.
They are to find an Answer. To find which is supreme. One day, chaos and evil will end.
Perhaps. In any case, I thank you for taking the time with me.
There is no reply to it - perhaps the conversation is done.
Alyssa taps her chin and thinks, considering options while waiting to hear back from the others.
"Alyssa?" Emily pokes in as you think, "I got a response."
"As did I. Just finished corresponding with Bahamut."
"How did it go?" Emily asks, coming in fully.
"Mmm... Well, I'm not one of the "righteous" so there's that little bump in the road, and he wouldn't talk about his own plans at all, but it seems like there's some sort of underlying competition between Order and Chaos built into the fabric of the plane. From what he implied, there may be no way around it. And he certainly didn't seem to find the idea of a stable balance there appealing."
"Helm was also circumspect," Emily admits, "But he's always like that." She comes in and throws herself onto a chair, a little pout on her face. "It's like we're nosing into a boy's club and no girls allowed."
Alyssa snorts, "I doubt it's quite as crass as that, but yes, they don't seem happy about interference. I think it's just that it's their own little proxy battle against Chaos, and they've been using it as such for long enough that they feel they own it entirely. I'd bet if we even toed the line in Chaos' favor, their reaction would be entirely different."
Alyssa taps on her desk in thought, "If Malar were less inclined to evil I'd suggest approaching him, but... I doubt he'd be any more open to a balance than they are. So, the question becomes... Can we influence the mortals into a balance with those three actively wanting to proxy-war it."
A long silence from Emily, eyes closed, "Secondly, is it worth it even if we can? Thirdly, is it something we should pursue in the first place? It may be simpler to give them the gift, have them owe us favors and merely ensure they don't use it in an evil way."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow at that, "Look at you with the first bit of moral flexibility. You, who were angry because I was having demons fighting demons, are less concerned with possible evil application of your help?"
"Not an inch of it," Emily retorts, "But this is a battle of law and chaos. Important to me, but not as important as good and evil. Ensure at least no evil is done and allow the forces of civilization to grow stronger. That I can live with."
"Well, food for thought: Law and Good are strongly tied together, as you yourself exemplify. By that line of thought, the day will come when you will need to destroy me to attain that final goal.
In any case, in this case, we may want to explain to the Academy exactly why their world is one of extremes, though I imagine all three of the other gods involved will be disgruntled at that as well, and then try to instill in them that absolute genocide is evil in and of itself. Maybe we can steer them into setting up a barrier and isolating the tribes."
This gets Emily to smile. "Alyssa, I'm never going to destroy you." She meets your gaze, "I'm going to convert you."
Alyssa rolls her eyes, "I may have to summon a few more demons to balance the books, then. In any case, what do you think of that plan? Think we can slip enough influence in to preserve some of the tribe's culture and people?"
"What culture they have, yes," Emily agrees, "Unless they fight so hard that no one has a choice."
"Even that has some limited value. If their entire culture is based on that, imagine the ingenuity. To have any sort of sustainable food source under those conditions? How efficient their construction and industry must be? How well they can train others? The evolution of their fighting styles and tactics? What a wellspring it must be."
Emily pauses, "Assuming they don't live as raiders and bandits," She allows, "But that's a good point."
"Even if they do, there's still much to learn. If they're that successful to sustain multiple tribes as pure raiders and bandits? Their guerilla warfare tactics must be the absolute best of the best. Their ability to gather intelligence? Organize a raid? If they use Calvary? Their ability cover ground and react to an opportunity? They'd be the best of the best harriers. If you could channel that into the right fight as a mercenary unit? Think of the use."
"Alright," Emily says, "You've convinced me it's worth an investigation."
Alyssa chuckles, "Who's converting who now? But yes, let's see what we can do about it. If push comes to shove and it turns out that the tribes only want to wage war and they don't care on who? We may be able to arrange something with Jarem or the Red Knight to get them channeled where they can be useful."
"I doubt it if chaos is that strong with them," Emily disagrees, "But if they are that good, we should find out how and why, and learn."
"That's what the investigation is for, yes. Let's touch base with the others and see if they came up with anything."
Alyssa calls for the others.
You get them all together and...
Go ahead.
"Emily and I have contact with Helm and Bahamut, respectively and the conclusion we came to was... They don't actively want us involved, but won't bother us unless we try to get the tribes to take dominance of the plane.
From what I can figure out, there's an underlying conflict between Law and Chaos in the plane itself, and the three of them have exacerbated it and turned it into their own little proxy conflict of Law vs. Chaos. So, I don't think we'll be able to achieve any sort of massive scale over-turn of thought there, but... We may be able to still make something out of it.
Right now, I think we should explain exactly what the nature of their conflict is and what it's been used for, then pending the results of our contacting the tribes, establish with them that genocide in general should be viewed as evil and to isolate and channel the tribes. If their culture is entirely martial, then their abilities as warriors must be outstanding. And if they're sustaining a self-sufficient culture in the midst of that, then their industrial efficiency is something to be impressed by. And to learn from. And if it turns out they're entirely based on raiding, well... We may be able to turn them into a more mercenary mindset and Jarem or the Red Knight might be able to make use of them as harriers in conflicts.
Opinions?"
"A fool's errand," Dolmaya speaks up, "Until we understand more about what causes this."
"Hardly," Bastian disagrees, "Go walk the roads, get a few to walk with us and see what happens," he retorts. "Easy as can be."
Alyssa nods slowly, "Alright. Dolmaya, work with me on researching that. Bastian, start there and see what you can do."
Bastian is up and gone in a moment.
Dolmaya joins you, "Very well," she agrees.
Meanwhile Emily nods, "I'll ask a few other people who may know," she adds, "Even if it may cost me a favor."
"Only if you feel the need to. You may want to wait until we finish researching into it."
Emily nods at that as...
Okay, how are you going to approach this then?
I have no idea. We're supposed to be looking into the nature of the plane, so I guess going through the history of it or trying to figure out how it was created.
Sure. Give me an Int check then, or lore if you have anything like that. Your library bonus would apply.
Int/Library
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 11 + 28, total 39[/blockquote]
You do some digging. Most of what you find essentially rehashes what you already know. Useful for sure, but after being given details from Bahamut, less immediately helpful.
Though you notice no one really defines what the primal chaos is that affects this world.
Let's try to find that out then.
Second check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 6 + 28, total 34[/blockquote]
No luck - you're going to need a good primary source to get to the bottom of such a profound mystery.
What do you mean a primary source? Like a lead or someone to give me a lead?
Precisely.
Hmmm... what about slaad? Or is there a god I'm friendly with that might help?
Do you have a particular deity in mind you want to ask?
No, not sure who I'm friendly enough with and that might know.
Well, it's your move here on this, whatever you choose to do or whomever you choose to ask for advice.
Okay, the only Chaotic god that I know is Selune, so I suppose I'll try to contact her about it.
Certainly. Go for it.
Alyssa sends an envoy to Selune, with a letter going over the broad strokes of the situation and the ones involved, asking for insight to the nature of the plane.
Your answer is Selune's voice in your mind.
You seek the wisdom of all that lies beneath the moon's steady gaze?
Alyssa mentally sighs to herself, but responds cheerfully, Yes, I do. Bahamut and Helm have both somewhat snubbed our efforts to find out about the nature of the plane.
They do not wish to involve another in this particular world, and they are not without reason.
What do you know of the nature of Chaos?
What *do* I know here? I know there'll be some assumed knowledge, but not to what level.
K:P.
K:P/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+103 : 2 + 103, total 105[/blockquote]
Chaos is change, alterations, mutation, freedom. It is inconstant and forever different, a thousand faces that never agree with one another. It is possibilities and so much more.
Some. I understand that it's change. Possibilities. What it is, is never the same for long.
That raw possibility was accidentally woven into part of this world. The mortals under it are affected, granted the boons and banes of Chaos.
So even those of the Lawful slant may have boons of increased potential. Interesting. My interest in this plane is to keep the chaotic tribes from being completely wiped out, however neither Bahamut, Helm, or the mortal Academy seem particularly interested in it. Do you think there could be someone in the tribes that has the potential to forge, at the very least, lasting borders?
That is the tragedy. They have both the gifts and the banes - and one of those is a nature like the slaad themselves. Their nature and themselves are not constant.
Alyssa leans back in consideration, That makes me wonder if I should get involved beyond helping them with their magic... Though, at the very least, I feel I should attempt to contact the tribes and offer at least some help to keep the scales balanced.
Do as you will, so long as you learn from it. It is your beginning, merely continue to grow.
Thank you for the insight and advice.
Okay then, next move after that?
Wait for Bastian to get back and then go over everything together.
Bastian returns soon enough. He meets you outside on the roads and calls, "How'd your end of it go?"
"Selune gave us some insight. Apparently the plane was made... Odd. Both Chaos and Law are in the very nature of everything there. Everything there has it in varying degrees. I have to wonder what the elimination of one side will do. Even for the victors, the other side is in their very natures."
"That or they can't win easily," Bastian says, "Sounds like it's a setup from the beginning."
"Hmm... With the ones involved, I don't think it's a mere set up. I can't imagine Helm or Bahamut not being fully serious about it. Still, the plane was made with Law and Chaos together. I think they're disrupting the balance and exacerbating the natural conflict there."
"That's a certain level of malice to them I'm not sure I believe," Bastian says, "At least Bahamut. He's a paladin, he has to believe he's working towards good there." He considers it, slowing his pace as he catches up to you fully.
Alyssa nods, "True, but if it were the case that he was intending to protect the balance, I think my reaching out to him might have gotten a different response. Though I guess he could just not trust me, which is oddly upsetting. I haven't done anything to garner that. Paladins, though, are all about the establishment of Law and Good. The tribes are likely neither. Though... I wonder if our third player has meddled in their raw nature to push them to more extremes."
"You're not of law or good," Bastian points out, "So why would he want you interfering?" Nonetheless he listens, "It might be. That entire world's axis seems off. It might just be what's going on there, I don't know."
"Mmm... So, should we even get involved is the question. I dislike the idea of either side overtaking the other. Both end in a slaughter. That said, we still need to look into the tribes; they could be irredeemable."
"Then aim it to be a conversion instead," Bastian suggests, "But regardless, let's find that out. I dealt with a few off plane, they're all as dogmatic as almost any spirit. Not as hard to talk to, I think they have flexibility, but the deck is stacked. Near as I can figure it, it's mortals with connections to primal chaos like a spirit. Interesting mix."
"So not flat out problems, good. Issue is their lack of structure. We need to talk with a few of them to see if we can figure out a way to appeal to all of them."
"Good luck," Bastian says, "Each one wanted to do what he wanted." He follows, "I think the first thing is to treat them like individuals and garner the worthwhile ones. Got a line on one who was awed and honored I met him."
"Well, that's a start, I suppose."
"Why don't we bring him over and you can get a feel for him," Bastian agrees, "As well as study their nature."
Alyssa nods, "Sounds like a plan. It'll give us a baseline to work with and the others can make their own evaluations."
Okay then, any prep for this?
Nah, I mean, I'm not that worried about meeting one guy with three other Gods and Dolmaya around.
As you prepare?
Alyssa.
Alyssa sighs and sends to everyone, Shar is contacting me. Again.
Then, to Shar, Yes, yes, slip into nothingness, let the pain end, all that. What is it you want today?
That's easy, Alyssa. I want you. We have unfinished business and poor Ianvasah is lonely without you.
That's cheap even for you. And yes, we do, but I've honestly got more important things to deal with than you right now.
Tell me, Alyssa, if you ignore me: Can your family afford your arrogance?
Alyssa focuses a bit of her attention to check in on her family.
Oh? And what exactly do you have planned?
To the others, She's threatening my family. Start checking security.
Your family is fine.
I will, I promise.
Bastian's voice, 'I'm there with them as of now. Let her come.'
Come to Shadow. You are my honored guest. If you do not, your family will come as prisoners instead."
You... don't exactly have credibility for ensuring safety, Shar.
It is your choice, Alyssa.
Choose wisely.
To the others, She... invited me to visit Shadow. After threatening my family.
Don't even think about it. It's a threat that the only answer is to tell her no, and stand strong. Bastian's protecting your parents, forget about Shar's message. Tell Selune since we're in the Gates of the Moon, and tell Shaundakul as well. Emily, let your parents know in case she tries this with anyone else.
Agreed. She's an awkward one.
Alyssa contacts both Selune and Shaundakul about the implied threat.
Shar will not pass any road to here. She seeks to intimidate you, for she shall not pass.
Then protect her well. The moon's light shall guard them every night, for I will not let her come here and terrorize others.
However.
I have recently learned of a new threat Shar poses. She may have found a way to merge with Shadow, and in that game unfathomable power. Do not confront her lightly, and no matter what, do not go to Shadow.
Thank you both. I had no plans to take her... invitation. Though, if she can merge with Shadow directly, it makes me wonder if the threat rides on the coattails of some new ability that might allow her to make good on her threat...
Thus we will be vigilant.
Then she can die trying. I will honor her with a beautiful death under the moon's light.
Don't hesitate to include us.
We will. You are part of this realm as we are. We share it together.
Alyssa passes it on to the others.
I passed it onto Mom, and I'll let the others know. Be careful, Alyssa.
Always. In any case, let's continue on with our task. Bastian, you met one of these tribals we could meet?
'Yeah, you ready for that?' Bastian sends back.
As good a time as any.
Okay, any prep for this I need to know about, or anything for your parents defense?
Yeah, let me put something together for the family defense. I'll have for tonight's session.
Sure.
Everyone in the family gets the following (for now) with the Contengency trigger being "When attacked or in critical danger trigger the following spell"
Contengency: Chasing Perfection
Contengency: Greater Heroism
Contengency: Karmic Retribution
Contengency: Mislead
Contengency: True Seeing
Contengency: Cacophonic Shield
Contengency: Xorn Movement
Contengency: Teleport (to the Tower)
Greater Mage Armor
Superior Resistance
Okay, a few notes.
1. I'm going to need something a little more specific than 'critical danger'.
2. Remember you can only use one contingency spell at a time - and I'd forgotten this until I looked it up to review your choices. It's the last line of the spell above material components.
Oh bleh. Well poop. In that case, probably this:
Greater Mage Armor
Superior Resistance
Contengency: Xorn Movement
Contengency trigger being "When attacked or in critical danger of dying trigger the following spell"
Okay, that sounds good. You ready then?
Sure.
Do you want to be directly involved with this or more hands off and let Bastian handle it?
I'll let Bastian do it. I've done most of this type of stuff for the group, so it's time some of the others get experience in it.
He's a warrior - 30something, maybe, scarred but intact. A big, broad man who shakes Bastian's hand. "Never thought I'd have the honor," he admits, as you watch them from afar, as Bastian meets him on the roads.
"Truth is, you could be important," Bastian goes on, "Very important."
Alyssa quietly continues to watch, splitting a bit of her attention to watching her family as well.
Your family is safe and guarded. They're keeping together for now.
The two chat a little bit and as they walk, "But what I want to know is - why? Why do things not last with your tribes and your world?" Bastian asks.
The man - his name is Kring Stonemason - grunts once. "It's not right. Things change. People change."
Alyssa continues to listen.
Bastian nods for him to go on, "Civilization is death," he responds at last. "We have to change! We have to grow more. That's where strength is, and without strength is nothing. With nothing we die in the fields."
Bastian listens, "There's always a path to walk, even if it takes you away from your old path."
"Yes," he says right away, as if he understands it all. "The only ones who stand still are the dead."
'Alyssa,' Bastian says, 'There a deep rooted need to change and do things. It's not normal.'
'Yes, but remember there's still strong law there too. Maybe that explains the strength of conviction? No one said they have to adhere to civilization.'
"Then let's not stand still," Bastian agrees, "Let me teach you."
Kring looks to him, "I would be honored."
From here Bastian teaches. With his powers and with his mind, a study. As you watch, you notice something. He rarely repeats things the same way. There's always some adjustment, some change to it. It's not the same way twice, even if he says it multiple times. Subtle variations in meaning and intent, like a truth being adjusted each time it is said.
Int check you can't fail omitted. Being smart helped here.
Alyssa passes it on to Bastian.
'It's a manifestation of Chaos, I think. Have you explained to him about the nature of the plane and what's being done?'
'No, I don't plan to, it would be a waste and change his opinion.' Bastian sends back.
'Mmm... Perhaps. Keep it in mind though: despite what he says, he's not a being of pure chaos.'
Thus that goes on and...
Any other points of interest to cover with him now that you got a glance? More time with him or anything else desired?
Nah, I'll let Bastian do his thing. Maybe drop in on the family just to see them.
Gimme a quick d100 as Is ort out your next thing then.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 73, total 73[/blockquote]
Alyssa Songsteel, I am Empress Sulia of Brightwater. I offer you my congratulations on your ascension, as well as an offer. I now well that you face new and difficult tasks, and a need to spread your own beliefs while you make an impression on the planes.
Would you care to come with me in a quest that may accomplish all of those?
Hello, thank you for the greeting and congratulations. What sort of quest are you offering?
Alyssa passes on the offer to the others, to let them know what's going on.
You are familiar with another newly risen deity, Queen? I have met her and spent some time with her, and she too should expand her influence. I propose the three of us meet and make our mark on the planes. We all have antipathy for law, and may well find our influence best served by overcoming one of Baator's champions, one who opposes our interests.
I've met her. An interesting proposal. Let's, at the least, meet in person and discuss. I offer my home for the meeting.
One day's time is enough?
Yes, I look forward to it.
Any prep for this then?
Just a talk so nah.
It is a carriage. A carriage flies in the skies, from Selune towards your academy. It is drawn by pegasi, a golden, decorated carriage out of a fairy tale.
Alyssa sighs, but puts on a smile, waiting.
Down it comes. It touches down before your academy as others watch from afar, but give you distance as desired. Once it settles down the carriage opens and Empress Sulia emerges.
"Alyssa," she calls, a warm and pleasant voice. She comes forth, "It's lovely to meet you - and oh, your new position can be so difficult," she commiserates.
Alyssa inclines her head to Sulia as an equal, "Thank you, I've been discovering that, but transitioning from High Regent has made things easier. Welcome to our realm, and to our Royal Academy."
A long look about, "What a fine academy it is. My days of learning in such a place are far beyond me, but it brings back pleasant memories." After a moment, "Our last guest will be here shortly."
"There's many days of learning and discovery to be done here. I truly look forward to it."
A pause. From above you see it - a large leaf, as if a leaf of a tree. Bigger than any of you, big as Hanna or so, it is a lively green and begins to descend down.
"Ah, that must be Queen now," Sulia says.
"Seems so."
Alyssa waits for her to fully land.
The leaf lands on the ground, and from it she slithers out. Queen is there, "Alyssa," she greets, "You survived your trip from last time."
Alyssa nods, "I did! And I'm glad to have the chance to expand our relationship. Welcome to our realm and Academy."
Queen takes it in, "This is your kingdom? It's prosperous."
"It's not just mine, no. There are three other gods who are here with me, and two others who stand along side us as friends and equals. And yes, for a realm as newly established as ours, it does seem to be doing well. It's open to just about everyone looking for a place to settle, and education and craftsmanship are held very high. I encourage our mages and priests to help homesteaders and villages with their magics.
Druids helping to grow crops and place and build villages without clashing with nature too much, priests helping with births, sicknesses, and education. Wizards and Sorcerers helping with useful enchantments for homes and education. It's still in fledgling stages now, but once I figure out how to refine things and make the enchanting process easier, it'll expand."
"It is lovely," Sulia says, "But shall we skip the warm pleasantries? If I may say, you seem like the type to get down to brass tacks and cat's claws, Alyssa. Queen is much the same."
"Yes, ceremony restricts time for exploration and research. At the least, though, we can move to my study and have a light meal while we talk."
Alyssa leads them on!
This is well enough and the three of you sit down. Well, Sulia does. Queen stays coiled as she sips cool lemon tea.
"Before we begin, I do have one question. Will any of the others here join us? I did speak to Selune briefly to pay my respects, but what of Shaundakul and your fast friends?" Sulia asks.
"I wanted to talk to you and see if you were interested in them coming. I can call them and they'll listen to what you have planned and make their own decisions, if you want?"
"Oh, I don't mind more," Sulia says. "Queen?"
Queen nods slightly, "Very well. I hear one of them carries a familiar shield."
Alyssa sends out a call to the others to join them.
Also, we've both been negligent on noting that Honeydip is around, so don't forget!
Everyone, I presume?
Yep. If that includes anyone watching the family, then the family comes too.
Bastian stays with your family, as does Dolmaya. Just in case.
Jarem enters first, a respectful nod to Empress Sulia and then Queen. This doesn't last because Emily enters and smiles, "Hi," she calls, hurrying over to Sulia, "How are you?"
"Oh, Emily," Empress Sulia greets, "Well and better yet. Have you meet Queen," she nods to her, "Really, one of the most pleasant surprises of all of this."
Meanwhile Lady Honeydip flutters in, as requested.
Alyssa nods to the new comers, "Thank you for coming. Empress Sulia and Queen have a proposal for a mission for us."
"I heard from a little birdie," Queen begins, as for some reason that makes Empress Sulia sigh ever so slightly, "That you recently ventured to the Abyss?"
"We did, yes. That's part of why I came to your realm."
"Our goal is something a little different -we want to eliminate an Archdevil," Queen agrees, "To make a great impact and make our names across the planes."
"And which one are you planning to target?"
"There are several of interest," Queen goes on, "Before that, what is your portfolio of duties?"
"Knowledge, Exploration, and Potential. Why?"
"Our choice should reflect that," Queen says, the tip of her tail lashing back and forth.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "And what of both of you? What archdevil might be suitable for all of us?"
"Perhaps...Gargauth?" Queen reckons, "Do you know of him?"
K:P.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+72 : 17 + 72, total 89[/blockquote]
Gargauth is said to be an exiled Archduke of Hell and a deity in his own right. The Hidden Lord, one whispered to be so vile that not even the devils could stand him. While little known and often to the fringes of Creation, he is a known force for woe.
You recall that he prefers to operate under various pseudonyms and rarely directly challenges others.
"Mmm... An interesting choice. Do you have a line on him already? I believe he fights using misdirection, proxies, and traps? He'll be hard to pin down and logically have multiple methods of escape even if we do."
"Nothing concrete," Is the answer.
Sulia cuts in here, "Of course, that would be the first part we work on. It's not an easy quest, but one that could profit us greatly."
Jarem listens to it all, "What about his allies? Even if you think he doesn't have any, he's a devil. He has allies."
Alyssa nods, "And likely agreements no one knows about until he calls on them. There's certainly going to be protections against scrying and divination, but I've set something up to help with that. I'll let you take a look at my crystal so you can have a template to work from and improve on. Though any improvements you think of, I would greatly appreciate being included on so I can incorporate them myself.
We'll also need to make agreements with a few outside interested parties to have some emergency reinforcements ready, in case he pulls in more devils than we can find out about. Finding some other critical targets of his and arranging strikes from others against them to force him to split his attention would be wise, as well. Perhaps The Red Knight?
Hmm... There's certainly potential here, but I won't agree to anything until we get some solid working information on this. That said, Jarem, your opinion outside of worry about his allies?"
Privately, we're cooperating with Hell in our true task, Alyssa. Remember that's a factor, too, and not one we can tell them. In fact, come up with a reason for the two of us to slip out a few minutes so we can talk about this ourselves.
True, but I also believe he specifically stated that anything outside of the fight against Shar was outside of the agreement, too.
To the others, "In any case, I have to step out for a moment. Shar made a direct threat against my family, and Jarem and I need to put something in place against that. Come up with some ideas and when we get back, we can keep the discussion going."
"Oh dear, let me know if I can help," Sulia offers as you make your escape with Jarem.
Once out and in a room sealed by will, "You're right, but we'd still best step with caution. Baator's willing to be ruthless, too."
"Mmm... At the least, then, perhaps we should contact the others and get their opinions on how this will impact the alliance."
"If we say no, we also need an honorable, sensible reason to or we risk offending our guests," Jarem points out, "So if it goes that way, that's another consideration."
"A variation on the truth. Some of the more powerful gods we have contact with have informed us that our involvement in such a fight will disrupt their plans for our development and have requested we not participate."
"A baldfaced lie," Jarem says, "As long as you're good enough at it that they don't pick up on it. If they figure you're lying, even if they don't show it, they will remember that."
"It's not a lie. If it's something the others involved with this agree it puts the alliance in danger, then will disrupt their plans, and our development."
That gets Jarem to smile a bit, "Alright then, Alyssa. Contact them and we'll find out."
Alyssa huffs, "Fine, then you come up with the excuse! Get some practice at diplomacy since I've been doing it all."
Regardless, she sends a message to the other gods involved in the alliance, Would an attack on Gargauth violate the agreement we have with them concerning the fight against Shar? An opportunity may have presented itself.
Who precisely are you messaging?
All the main peeps in the nodes, or their 2nd-in-commands.
Okay, go ahead and drop a message in Alicia's thread as well as Seira and Moore's current threat (the one on Seira's board).
Done.
Thus messages are done and...
Go ahead.
"Alicia doesn't think so, and Moore suggested asking Zaphkiel."
"Sensible," Jarem says, "Well, go ahead. You're the one leading us."
Alyssa narrows her eyes at him and huffs, "Lazy."
Then turns her attention and sends a message to Zaphkiel, Lord Zaphkiel, forgive the interruption but I need to concern something considering our alliance with Hell in our fight. Would a strike against Gargauth violate the agreement?
My opposite has no objection.
Alyssa blinks. "Well, I didn't expect it to go that far, but... Lord Zaphkiel says it shouldn't be problem."
Alyssa slumps a bit, "But it sounds like he confirmed it with his 'opposite,' so the cat is out of the bag, to a degree."
"I doubt he'd be surprised, anyway," Jarem reckons, "With what we know now, I suspect he could accurately surmise what we had for breakfast, let alone our plans." With a soft huff of laughter, "It's like playing poker with your cards showing. You have to simply be better to win."
Alyssa grunts a bit, "So, what do you think. We've gotten the go ahead, effectively, but you're the tactician. What's your opinion of a strike like this?"
"High risk, high reward," Jarem says, "But even a failure, as long as it's not a catastrophic one, is a chance to build alliances and allies."
Alyssa nods, "Alright. Let's go check on my family so our excuse is as true as can be. We'll need to start setting things up. Find us some secondary targets for distraction. What do you think about emergency reinforcements?"
"Far too likely," Jarem's lips twitch up, "He's a devil, of course he has them."
"I mean for us. Who are likely candidates?"
"The other groups," Jarem says right off, "They have no reasons to like devils. Possibly the Red Knight, but she may or may not interfere. Selune might be willing to help. You could also ask Shaundakul."
Alyssa nods, "You comfortable with that, or should we hunt out more?"
"Wouldn't hurt to get more," Jarem agrees, "But the more we tell, the more the information can spread and risk getting to someone who makes it harder."
"True. Those are fairly weighty reinforcements in any case. If even half of that has to come to the field, it'll be a battle of gods that hasn't been seen in a while."
"Which could turn this from a simple mission to a disaster," Jarem points out, "It's ambitious, but if it goes wrong, it goes very wrong."
Alyssa nods, "Something to bring up, at the least."
"So let's go back and see how sane they'll be about this," Jarem agrees, "C'mon, Alyssa."
Alyssa follows!
"There you are," Sulia greets once you return, "Is everything well?"
Queen sips her tea, as she chats with Emily. "Oh, and yes, I know them too," Emily says, "You should go to meet them, they're really a lot of fun."
"For now, yes. You can't ever tell with Shar if a threat is off-hand to destabilize things or an immediate threat."
Alyssa sits down, "So, what have you discussed so far?"
"Oh, entirely social matters, "Empress Sulia says, "We didn't want to go on without you."
"Alright. On our way, Jarem and I had a talk. We've got some things we need to lay out and come to grips with. Gargauth is sure to have alliances. We have them too, but the question is how they will play out. If he calls on three, four, or five others for aid, we will too. How far do we want to escalate this?"
"We want to eliminate him before it gets out of hand," Empress Sulia says, "If it gets out of hand, the entire enterprise is doomed." She says it frankly, a serious look to you. "We thrive when our enemy is not aware. This is not a triumph we can win if he has time to prepare himself."
"If it does get out of hand, do we retreat?"
There's contemplation at this, "I think so," It's Emily who speaks up, "But we accept Gargauth as a serious enemy if we do, because he won't forget that, and we won't easily get another chance."
"Then the answer is simple. We do not fail. We triumph." Queen declares, "Defeat is for lesser creatures. Victory is our birthright."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "I'm not sure you're understanding what it means for the balance if it comes to pass. An all out battle between that many gods will have repercussions we can't imagine. But yes, let's start planning to minimize that chance.
I think the basics, for now, is to secure our emergency back up, make a list of distraction targets, figure out where he is, and figure out his defenses as best we can. After that we can build an actual plan of action."
"I do have an idea," Empress Sulia says mildly. "I do have a few things to discuss before that, information that will be helpful."
Alyssa nods for her to go on.
"Firstly, Gargauth's companion and vassal is Rathguul, a blue dragon son of Tiamat." Empress Sulia says, "There is some manner of agreement there that ensures his service, but the details are elusive. He is an exceptionally powerful dragon and not to be taken lightly."
Alyssa leans back, "Well, that'd be a terrible addition to the fight: Tiamat. We'll need to dig up information on him. If we can isolate him or drag him away, it'll prevent that."
"Good luck," Empress Sulia says, "In addition to his draconic talents, he is a hellfire warlock of vast potency, personally tutored by Hell's elite. His breath is lightning mixed with hellfire, and all the more deadly for it."
"You're being awfully pessimistic for the person who proposed this whole thing."
"Nonsense," Empress Sulia declares, a faint smile, "I merely state the opposition clearly."
"She has a point," It's Jarem who speaks up, "If she knows, the better that she tells us. So we have a seriously deadly dragon to factor in. We can do that."
"I meant more the good luck comment. Anyone have anything to add to the basic layout before we start?"
"Yes," Sulia goes on, "He often fights with throwing daggers, but has an unlimited supply of powerful ones. They don't last in anyone else's hands. It's said they wound the minds of their victims and strengthens his mind in return."
"Well now... That's certainly an effect I'm interested in. We'll have to do some research into them, but we may be able to work out a defense. There's plenty of spells to protect against projectiles to build from, and since we know about it, it may help."
"That does sound like a problem - don't face him where he can focus it on you," Jarem reasons, "Should all else fail."
"Should all else, but duller wits hurts all of us," Empress Sulia agrees, "It's no trivial threat."
"It's not, no, but it's a problem to be worked on. Anyone else?"
Nothing more, at least for the moment.
"Alright then, everyone make a list of allies they can call on. Once we get an aggregate, we'll settle on a final selection.
We'll start trying to pin down his location here. Queen, if you don't mind, try to get knowledge of his allies and subordinates. Even if it's only a list to expand from, it'll help.
Empress, if you don't mind, try digging up records and accounts of his past fights. We can use it to build a basic understanding of his abilities and tactics, and from there, work out defenses.
Any problems with any of that, or suggestions for additional things to be done?"
As that's digested, "I do have some stories of how Rathguul fights." A beat for that, "All foes around him burst into hellfire and die."
A moment.
"I'm afraid it's not a truly helpful story, as precious little can stop hellfire, but it is known. I've heard that he adds his breath should his enemies survive long enough."
"Then we fight him from afar," Jarem says, "As much as we can dictate the battlefield. However, I suspect he'd stay close to Gargauth in a serious battle to negate those sort of tactics, while Gargauth does something that demands you go in close and challenge him."
"That's enough to start with, for now. We'll also start to look into defenses against those things. At the very least, we can have someone watching for those things and able to call it out to everyone. Anything else?"
"Let's gather this and then get back to this?" Emily says, "It's a lot of work!"
General agreement follows.
Alyssa nods, "Yes, first step first. Keep in contact and work together."
Anything else to add to this?
Nope.
In that case, next move?
Start ze research! Start making a list of his holdings and secondary targets for now.
Sure, how are you going to start on that? If it's research, gimme an K:P check with library bonus.
Research and Legend Lore, yeah.
K:P/Bibliotheca/Library:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+82 : 12 + 82, total 94[/blockquote]
Okay, give me an K:R followup, same bonuses apply.
K:R/Bibliotheca/Library:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+82 : 7 + 82, total 89[/blockquote]
His actual divine realm is obscure, but you eventually find out it is called Amberys and resides deep in Acheron. He has few known holdings beyond that, but you retrieve stories of several hidden abodes deep in Earth and planes related to it. It's all fragmentary, nothing concrete, but it recurs again and again and again.
Can Legend Lore give me anything more specific? If not, I'll have to start looking into trying to find an information broker or something I guess?
You could try, sure, but bear in mind a deity's divine realm is almost certainly guarded, but other things might be fair game.
Well, I was more targeting his outposts in Earth and the like.
You could do that, sure.
Let's doooo!
Legend Lore: Gargauth's outposts on Earth!
No good. You can tell it's blocked - perhaps expected when dealing with another deity.
Alyssa humphs and then goes back to doing it the hard, time-consuming way.
Sending a message to Bastian, Bastian, have you made any contacts that can get us information discreetly?
'Obviously,' Bastian retorts right away.
Gargauth's holdings on Earth and the adjacent planes are protected. Not unexpected, but still a block. See what you can find out, but don't push if you feel it'll tip him off. And speaking of your role as impromptu spy-master, we've yet to have a sit down and talk about the state of the realm and what sort of probes you've found. We need to do that.
'We will,' Bastian sends back. 'I'll be in touch when I have something or call it off.'
Alyssa nods to herself and goes back to researching, trying to find any information on his operations, or what he prefers to target.
Gimme another K:P check this time.
K:P/Bibliotheca/Library:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+82 : 16 + 82, total 98[/blockquote]
One of his main modes of operation is known.
He's known to set up his summoning by mortals, or sometimes approach a particular target personally. Regardless of which, he ultimately convinces mortals to accept gold he provides. This gold ultimately leads to profit and then a great reversal, but a gift of power: words of malice they speak seek to become true. Those that use and embrace this power are doomed to Gargauth, and those who try to escape always seem to swiftly die and find the same fate.
The exact details vary telling by telling, but this consistent theme comes up.
Alyssa taps her chin... 'Is there a way to track this magic...'
Alyssa tries to find records of rumors of any mortals that have fallen prey to this magic that might still be alive.
Which is not easily on the ground. Mortals who deal with Gargauth seem to end up serving him, dead or most likely both. But, you do hear of a rumor, of a mortal of some kind who hides in Brightwater, who escaped Gargauth's grasp somehow. The details are muddied and hidden, but it is said to be known.
Alyssa sends a message to both Emily and Bastian, I'm finding rumors of a mortal who seems to have, at least temporarily, escaped Gargauth's clutches. I believe he's hiding on Brightwater. I want to find him and see what I can learn from the magic that might still be lingering on him. It may lead to a way to track Gargauth, or a way to impede his magic.
Oh, I have that, Alyssa! Give me a few hours and I'll have something!
Thanks! Don't forget you owe your aunt still.
It is just a few hours before...
Well...
I had to work off some of my debt, but I got what we needed. He's hiding there, but he's also under confinement by Waukeen's orders.
Any chance of a meeting?
Yes, we'll both owe Waukeen a favor.
I don't think that will be anything too onerous, unless you think otherwise?
Nothing dangerous, but it might be expensive.
Well, I don't mind owing a favor. Try to haggle down the price cap, though. That'll at least entertain her and put her in a good mood.
Oh Alyssa, I already did.
Ouch. In any case, set the meeting up.
Any prep for this?
I don't believe anything outside of my normal stuff will be needed. Though I'll probably pop spell turning before investigating incase whatever magic is on him lashes out.
He's held in a basement of all places. The building above is a general indoor bazaar, goods of all kinds sold. Emily leads you along to a side door there, two armored guards there - but they step aside at Emily's approach. "Keep going down as far as you can, ma'am," One says.
Emily nods and keeps going, not slowing a bit. Past all of this is stairs...and more stairs. You walk down what must be a dozen stories if not more, until you come to the flat bottom. Here a man of adamantine stands, forged completely of it. Heavier armor covers him yet further, and he carries a massive warhammer in one hand and the other has a tower shield at the ready. A dozen golden coins fly around his head like ioun stones, leaving glitters of gold in their wake.
"Divine ones," The figure says, "You may enter by Waukeen's command."
"Thank you."
To Emily, Impressive security. Remind me we need to do something similar.
I'm more surprised that Waukeen didn't relocate him. Letting us see these protections was less important than keeping him safe.
Give yourself some credit. She's your aunt, and I doubt she mistrusts you. The only reason I'm here is because of you. And don't think for a minute that this is every layer of security. I'll be for every thing we've seen, there are five we haven't.
The door opens. Within is a comfortable room. Large and well decorated, even with a window that lets in sunshine. A feat for a deep basement floor to say the least. A rather corpulent man sits, sweaty and a bit greasy. He has sparse black hair and a florid face, perhaps 50 and human. At least human enough, despite eyes of pure bright orange. He wears white and green, including a little vest to go over his shirt.
He licks his lips slowly, "You're the ones I was told about?"
"We are. I'm Emily Aryn and this is Alyssa Songsteel," Emily steps in. "It's nice to meet you, sir."
"No it isn't, and call me..." he pauses, "Oh, what's the point if you're here? Estan." Taking out a handkerchief to wipe at his forehead, "I'm the lucky one, I got away from Gargauth. That's what you're here for?"
"In a way. We're interested in his magic and how he subverts mortals. Would you be willing to let us spend some time asking you questions and investigating his magic?"
"I have no more of his magic on me, but I'll tell you what I know. Part of my repentance. " He answers, "Ask me what you like."
"There may be residual changes from his magic that could enlighten us as well, but questions for now. Please, start with how he approached you and how things progressed."
"It was years ago," Estan begins. "I was born into a merchant family and took up the family trade. I was good at it, willing to do what it took to get a profit. One season I invested in hardwoods but the warehouse burned down, so my stock was wiped out. I had put most of my money into that, since forest fires made them rare to the east."
He pauses here, going to a nearby table to have a cup of chilled water. After a drink and pressing the cup to his forehead, "I needed money so I called in some old debts. Only one of them was able to pay, and he paid in good gold. So I used that to buy new stock and start over - and a few days later, I was arrested for fraud by the Khendan's men. My gold had turned to lead. The gold I collected was fake, cursed."
"Go on," Emily coaxes as she listens.
"I was to pay back the sum in one month plus a fine, or be sentenced to ten years imprisonment and hard labor, as well as the confiscation of my property." Estan reflects, "I was in a blind panic - and they just didn't care who I got the gold from, it was my fault for using it. It was then a man approached me. Charming, rich, friendly, and I was fairly deep in my cups that night. He had a friend who could help, if I'm just willing to visit him."
A beat, a drink. "Why not? I had no better options."
Alyssa finds his behavior odd and subtly uses Alter Reality to cast Arcane Conversion, swapping out Synostodweomer for Greater Arcane Sight to watch him for any magic effects.
There's warding in the room and around it, but he's clean.
"His friend didn't call himself by his true name, but it was Gargauth. A hint of compassion and a simple offer of an interest free loan if I just sign this contract. I did, much to my great stupidity." He goes on, "He gave me more than enough gold to settle my debts and get going again. I went and did so and..." Here he pauses, "In five days all the gold turned to lead. I remember how all I could taste was stomach bile in my throat when the soldiers came for me."
A sip of water, then a longer drink. "I cursed them, screaming that they'd burn for this."
A longer pause. "They burst right into flames before me. Gargauth's voice was then heard, that I could speak and have things happen, so I could eliminate all of this. Sort out my problems and live rich. All I had to do was keep going."
Here he pauses, "My mother taught me one thing above all else - that as dirty as moneymaking can be, you don't kill. It's a line you don't go over. I..." Here he pauses, "I knew I was in the grasp of something terrible. I tried to go to a local holy temple of Selune, and then of Tyr. I grew pained as I went, and couldn't bring myself to enter. More guards would come and I would either die by their hand or kill them with a word."
He takes a long breath, "I chose a third path. I went to a magic shop and spoke again, demanding the shopkeep give me treasures. He did and one of them was what I hoped for - a magic ring that was whispered could take you to another world. It hurt so much to look at, but I had nothing else. I bled when I put it on and I lost control of myself. All I could do was pray for mercy, even to Waukeen, who looks over merchants. Somehow that was enough to activate the ring, and it brought me to Brightwater, even as I bled."
"And then?" Emily asks.
"Ultimately my life was saved and I was given a chance to make amends. I did so in the end, but only barely dodged assassins and devils. I only got that far because Waukeen blessed me. I managed to save myself and divest myself of what Gargauth gave me once I made things right. Gargauth took it as a personal insult, but none of the deities of Brightwater would allow him to bully a soul away once fairly earned. So I spend my mortal life here, under the most extreme protection, as well as a further penance for what I did. A lifetime's imprisonment is a fair punishment for murder."
"Do you remember the face he wore?"
"Yes," he says, "Brown hair, beard and mustache, both well kept but just a little overgrown, like he hadn't shaved today. Brown eyes, big eyebrows. He almost had a peasant look to him, but he spoke so well that it put to rest any thoughts he was one. He was easy to listen to and knew how to listen to me, and freely offered good advice. He was right, I shouldn't have had all my stock in one warehouse, even if it would've cost more to split it up. But he wasn't cruel about it, he did it in a way where it felt like he was being helpful."
"Devils are skilled at that," Emily points out, "Many of them could sell water to a water elemental."
"Maybe, maybe," Estan agrees, wiping his brow again. "Even now, this here?" He holds up his handkerchief, "I'll feel a little of Hell's heat until the day I die. So that I never forget what I did. My choice. I don't want to forget. I can't forget. How can I forget the smell as those guards burned? How can I let myself forget?" He looks square at Emily, "I need this, so I always remember why I'm here and what mistakes I made. So that I'll forget what I dreamed of as I sought to make things right - that with a word I could have what Gargauth offers, but there would be no going back this time."
Alyssa works a bit of magic to create an image based on the description, "I'd like you to help me get this as accurate as possible. It's possible this is a face he uses consistently, so it may help us in finding him."
"A little bigger, and the ears are too big," he says, "Work on those."
Alyssa makes adjustments as directed until it's right.
It's soon right, "There," Estan says, "That's it."
Emily eyes it, "Thank you."
Alyssa considers, "What name did he use? And did he ever mention any locations?"
"Sangar," Is his answer, "And no. We met in a comfortable lodge, but I felt strange. They believe I was subtly moved to another world for it."
Alyssa nods, "Likely. Who was the one that introduced you to him?"
"Miller. Wicken Miller. He's dead now," Estan shakes his head, "He's feeling a lot more of the heat now and forever than I am right now."
Alyssa leans back. "Hmm... Well, a name and a face. It's more than before. The symptoms may prove useful to know, as well. Thank you, you've helped us."
"Waukeen help you to profits," he answers, "There is one more thing - he has an enforcer with him. In elf form, but it had the eyes of a reptile. It. A man, but it was no man. It never said a word, but it quietly watched."
"Did he ever refer to it by a name?"
"No," Is his answer, "Never by name and barely at all."
Alyssa leans back, "I assume the gold coins were made to look like local currency? Too much to hope his pride got him to put his own face on them..."
"They blended in, and he also provided unmarked bars for trade," Estan answers. "Couldn't have told it apart from any other local coin."
Alyssa grunts. "I wonder if the lead is mined from a single source... Wish I could get my hands on one. Anyway, thank you for your help."
"Think it's magic," Estan says, "They just transformed, like it was always lead. But it was gold to every test, and even one used magic to test it since it was such a large payment." A deep frown at that, "Never imagined someone could fool those spells so easily."
"It's a matter of power. It's a rare mortal that can beat the magic of a God."
"I've seen that," Very quitely Estan adds, "Never had the gift for magic, but my father had me take lessons to see if I did. It's a whole other world for them."
A moment when Emily's aura is everywhere, a feeling of her cloaking the room. "Like us." she corrects, voice very gentle.
Estan's eyes wide hugely and he fumbles his drink, which falls - only to stop in midair and return to his hand.
"You're welcome," Emily says, "Continue to repent, for the day when you leave your mortal body behind will come with glories beyond your reckoning. You faced Hell and repented, few fall in such a trap and survive. Stay the course for as long as you have left."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow at Emily, but nods along, "Yes, you seem to have the spirit for it, and more importantly, the understanding of the scope of your actions. You're doing well, continue to."
With that Emily turns to leave, heading out.
Alyssa offers him a smile before leaving as well.
Once out and as you head back up?
He does have what looks to be a stable method, but it also seems to be time limited before it fully closes in. No wonder it's hard to find out more.
Yes, but we've got more to work with. A face, a possible name, the fact that he does this in person means it's an Avatar, and I'll be the bodyguard is Tiamat's son. We can search for similar situations, narrowing things down by looking at large transactions that used testing methods that missed it. If we correlate everything, we'll be able to work out what his preferred targets are. Once we have that, we can start searching for a likely one and wait. Send a probing strike at his Avatar as a distraction from our main attack.
If we can find a recent incident somewhere in Creation. We need more to narrow down where he's targeting right now, or if he's spread about more.
We'll split it. One of us will search for recent occurrences, another will search more long term. The longer term will tell us if his tactics change and let us see how often he does this, which will help with any prediction for the near future.
Let's see if we can find something, Alyssa.
Next move?
Return and try to track down those things. Emily's more interested in the near future stuff, so I'll look into the past stuff.
Sure, how are you searching?
Well, I figure Legend Lore won't directly work, so I need to get ahold of like, financial records from somewhere? I figure I can use Legend Lore to "find ledger books that show transactions with the same characteristics" and then use my scrying crystal to actually read them?
I don't think the ledger books qualify for the spell. To quote:
QuoteAs a rule of thumb, characters who are 11th level and higher are "legendary," as are the sorts of creatures they contend with, the major magic items they wield, and the places where they perform their key deeds.
Ledger books aren't the magic magic items they wield nor any of the others, so I can't see it working on those. You'd need something much more specialized.
Hm, then let's get with Dolmaya and work out a spell. That should also help with her node goal!
Okay, do you have any idea here or are you just hoping you can work one out with her IC?
Uh, sorta just working one out? I can't think of any spells to use as foundation other than Scry Location and modifying it to something like Scry Records/Book Depository or something.
"The problem," Dolmaya says, "Is that such a spell would be ridiculously specialized. We may need it anyway, or to develop a stronger, broader spell. My first instinct is to throw a wish or miracle at it and see if that passes muster."
Alyssa nods, "A good idea, but still, I want to have you here for this. I'll use the Wish, but it will destabilize my magic. You'll need to help me refine it past that. Suggestions for specific wording?"
Iddy, deities don't suffer from that with wishes or miracles.
I thought that was only limited wish, whoops.
"You'll be able to help me refine whatever information we find faster. You also have more experience with records than I do, Oh Eternal Empress."
Alyssa grins at Dolmaya.
A put on sigh, "I should have seen that coming," she laments.
"The burden of experience. Let's start."
Alyssa begins casting!
Wish, CL 38
"I wish to know the location and contents of any records that are similar to or match the tactics used by Gargauth against mortals."
Are you narrowing it to any particular range?
Large transactions.
No, I mean in territory or areas/planes covered.
Oh, no.
No good.
Dolmaya hms, "We likely need a more focused or stronger spell, or to limit the scope of the wish."
Wish is powerful, but this feels a bit out of its normal bounds.
"Hmm... Suggestions for narrowing it down?"
"Narrow it down first of all, find where he is rather than fishing. Use a stronger divination," Dolmaya suggests, "Work from there."
"Divination was never my strong suit... Think we need to build a more powerful spell?"
"We could brute force it," Dolmaya says at last, "But I also think this is a situation to work smarter rather than harder. Do we know a world he's active in right now or has clergy?"
"Earth and adjacent realms seem to be places he has continuing interest in."
"Then start there," Dolmaya agrees, "Especially if he has dealings with any dao or evil earth elementals." She sits back, eyes closed for a few moments. "The dao have a finger in every pie they can, or at least some dao do."
Alyssa nods, "Let's use the crystal. I'm sure there'll be nasty protections."
A word of agreement at that, as...
You want to use that. What's your play?
Same deal as before? Except via the crystal and restricted to Earth. I may not hit on his stuff directly since he's got protections, but I may be able to land on a dealing with the dao or something.
Refresh me on the crystal real quick?
Additionally, the great crystal at the center of the library workshop aids in scrying. It allows you to scry on a person or location as if by a Greater Scrying spell (DC 45). This crystal also wards users against counter-attacks by altering any incoming damage into non-lethal damage. Likewise, any curse that targets a user is immediately subject to a Tenacious Curse Dispel (caster level 30), cast upon the subject of the curse by the crystal once per round. This effect only applies to effects enacted during the use of the Eye.
The library is also equipped with calling orbs that allow for rapid transmission of information from the field.
Okay, so I need a location or person to scry on. What's your aim?
The Dao?
Just need something a little more specific than the dao. It's targeting, it has to be reasonably precise.
Like a particular holding or area is fine, I just need more than a vague the dao.
I personally don't know a bunch about them, so is there a check to ID one that would be likely to make a deal with him?
Sure, K:P.
K:P/Bibliotheca/Library:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+87 : 2 + 87, total 89[/blockquote]
As an educated guess with a lot of homework, you'd suspect Rumza the Golden to be that.
Alyssa focuses her scrying on that one!
CL check, please.
CL:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+38 : 11 + 38, total 49[/blockquote]
A dao - big and broad. A bit fat and a bit muscled, somewhere in between for that. He sits in a deep pool of water, up to his chest in it, as he soaks in the water and the steam that rises up from it. His eyes are closed, a wild, bushy beard dominating his face. He looks utterly relaxed, even as a beautiful, scantily clad maid feeds him what looks to be crystalline grapes.
Alyssa focuses on anything that might lead to a connection to her target. Any sort of records or the like.
It's what looks to be a hot spring. It's not exactly a place to see records, and indeed you see nothing around except a dao being fed grapes and enjoying the rich life.
Alyssa settles in for a long watch, but does take notes on anything he says that might turn out to be interesting.
A few minutes pass uneventfully.
From out of view you hear a voice, "Sir," A woman's voice, gentle and demure, "Today's dinner will be ready in a half hour. Also, an honored emissary has come from the Red Rats and has a message for your ears only."
The figure merely nods, as if no great thing. "Put him in a comfortable room and feed him, I will see to it after dinner. Treat him as a welcome guest."
"Sir," Is the answer.
Alyssa takes interest and continues to watch, but tries to bring up what she remembers of a group called Red Rats.
Do you have lore or anything similar to that?
Just Knowledges, though I can cast Legend Lore.
K:P then.
K:P/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+72 : 15 + 72, total 87[/blockquote]
You recall a small point of lore - they're a minor spy group in the dao. They're mostly facilitators of knowledge and sell it to the highest bidder. They focus on Earth, but deal with most of the elemental planes and a few sprinklings of the outer plans.
Alyssa continues to pay attention and take notes.
A few more minutes pass before, "Sir," The voice again, "Three slav-"
"Servants," The dao corrects lazily. "Do remember they get paid in these absurd political times."
"Servants," The woman corrects. "Three servants have been executed for theft. They were found stealing gold and finery, sir."
"Unfortunate," Is his answer, unconcerned. "Why has this reached my ears?"
"One of them had an unusual tattoo, sir," Is the answer, "Of a green bird in flight."
That gets his attention, "Have the body brought to Parsimon." he orders immediately, "Top priority."
Alyssa checks her notes and memory for anything related to the tattoo.
K:P again.
K:P/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+72 : 20 + 72, total 92[/blockquote]
It's hard to narrow down, but your best guess is the Free Fliers - a loose organization of rogues, thieves and the like who are based in the Astral Plane. Mortals doing mortal things, thought not all are nasty and evil. It's mostly an agreement to help the others if something goes wrong, something of a loose bit of insurance.
Alyssa makes a note, if they've infiltrated his residence, then they may have already gathered intel, then continues to watch.
"Sir," The woman's voice and then silence, before he gets up and rises, as if to leave and go elsewhere.
Alyssa suspects her scrying has been discovered, but continues to follow the dao. If he begins to wander or delay the meeting, she'll set up some defenses.
He get up and get dressed in fine, comfortable robes. He's heading right out into a luxurious palace, a pair of beautiful female servants (elves, you note) follow him without a word spoken.
Is there way for me to check if I've been detected, or tell if he's using telepathy?
Give me Sense Motive first of all.
Sense Motive/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+88 : 3 + 88, total 91[/blockquote]
He doesn't give any sign of that. He seems entirely natural.
Alyssa keeps a look out for any warning signs, but continues to follow him.
A walk into a side room. A pleasant antechamber, dominated by a soft, comfortable couch. Here the dao sits, his feet up on an ottoman as he simply relaxes. Within a few moments the far door opens and a figure enters. A tall, strapping figure, a well muscled man with the head of a brown dog. He wears rich clothing of fine silk, cut well and dominated by a heavy greatcoat.
"Sir," he nods, "I'm afraid your fears are well founded."
"Curse it all to Air," the dao breathes out, "Did he get the Vaeynar?"
"It's secure," The figure says - an arcanoloth, a type of daemon, according to your planar lore. "How and why he got mixed up in petty theft isn't clear. Unfortunately his body was prepared so that Speak with Dead doesn't work."
"Bah, that means nothing," With a wave of one big arm, "I don't care about the expense. Use strong divinations."
To this the arcanaloth bows and departs, while the dao sits where he is.
K check on the Vaeynar?
K:N.
K:N/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+72 : 12 + 72, total 84[/blockquote]
It rings a distant bell. Something tied to the fey lords, perhaps Oberon. A large gemstone bigger than a grown man's skull, or so you recall it said. The Vaeynar, a weeping star that fell from the sky. The Vaeynar, the lost sorrows.
Alyssa sends a quick message to Morwel, Queen Morwel, would you happen to have fey contacts that know about a gemstone called the Vaeynar? I don't have any personal contact with the fey gods, yet.
The dao, Rumza the Golden, appears to have it. I don't know its exact location, but one of his arcanoloths just confirmed it to Rumza himself.
A troubling matter that will be resolved.
I believe your realm will find a new fey emissary in the fullness of time.
Oh? I look forward to it. If I find out any more, I'll let you know. I'm monitoring this dao, hoping on information for another target. If your fey friends want help with their plan, I'm willing to help.
Fear not, you have already done something important.
What arcanaloth gives Rumza aid?
No names, but...
Alyssa attempts to send an image to her.
I have no idea of projecting an image across planar bounds is within limited wish's ability, but for the sake of argument I'll handwave it for now and do homework after session.Not a notable one. That is enough.
Yeah, I was super tempted to end that with a ? because, uh, I have no idea either.
Alyssa turns her attention back to the dao.
Going back, you see that the dao enters into the chambers ahead. Whatever's in there interferes with your scrying, as it peters out.
Alyssa grumbles, but tries to find the arcanloth from before.
No good. It be blocked pretty hard.
The whole area, or just around that room?
Around the arcanaloth, that's what you aimed for.
Gotcha. Can I remotely figure out what spell is being used to block me?
Spellcraft.
Spellcraft/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+120 : 9 + 120, total 129[/blockquote]
They went into an area warded twice over - both with powerful wards and a thick layer of lead as well.
Can't do anything about the lead... Guess just try to make a blueprint/layout of the place until the dao comes back out.
It looks to be a fairly large palace as you search about and scry. As you do this, are you looking for anything in particular?
Not really. I mean, anything magical, traps, guard placements. Figure I might as well make a map in case we have to go in. Can toss it to Morwel, too.
This is all easy enough - it's big but you get an overview of it. It's mostly a palace, the defenses there but out of sight. Guards, magic, traps all carefully laid not to interfere.
A large section in the middle is out of sight and includes where the dao went into.
Hmm... Is there anyway to bypass the blocking spell? Or attune my spell to it to trick it?
You'd have to go there and dispel it directly or otherwise neutralize it in person.
Boo...
Alyssa simply looks for any interesting going-ons for a bit. She figures any records that might link him to Gargauth are probably in the warded areas.
d100 there, sure.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 18, total 18[/blockquote]
You check out a small library. As you do, you see a book with a broken ram's horn on the spine.
Your religious knowledge lets you know that's Gargauth's holy symbol.
Alyssa makes a note of it and tries to investigate.
It's a book. You can't see much else of it as its on a bookshelf.
I meant more like any magic around it, or anything else in the library.
You don't see anything else of immediate relevance in the library, nor any magic beyond a few spells to keep the books in good condition.
Alyssa turns to Dolmaya, "Ideas? He's holed up in a warded area."
"As of now, no. We'd have to go there and that's a serious escalation. We have, however, gotten allies alerted to him that may do the work for us," Dolmaya points out, "I presume there's fey out there who care about this gemstone, and they're about to learn where it is."
"Well, not where it is exactly, but yes. We found Gargauth's holy book there, so either there's a link or he's a collector. It would make sense for Gargauth to use someone like him to find possible targets though... Suggestions for next steps?"
"If that fey comes quickly, talk to them," Dolmaya says, "Otherwise, find out more about Rumza."
Alyssa nods and stretches a bit, then dives into researching Rumza some more.
Okay, you've tapped out your knowledge caches, and your skills inform you that you'd need more specialized knowledge.
How do you go about this?
Guess I'd have to find out his enemies and ask them, or find an info broker.
Sure, how are you going to go about that, then?
Well, finding his enemies should be fairly easy. I think Legend Lore should provide that. Info broker would probably be Brightwater and a reference from one of Emily's family. Maybe even Waukeen herself.
Okay, which one do you wanna do first?
Legend Lore. TIS FREE!
Okay, gimme a person, place or thing that might qualify and we'll go with this.
"Enemy of Rumza that will be open to trading information" good enough?
No, it has to be specific. A name, a person.
Ah well, then we'll have to do some info brokering first.
"We'll need to get a list of his enemies. Let's find Bastian and see if he knows anyone. If not, then we'll have to find a broker in Brightwater."
> roll 1d20+68 Bastian
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d20=7]
Bastian comes in a few hours later, "Here," he says, passing you a list. "It's fairly comprehensive, though it probably misses a few lesser ones."
"Thank you! We found one of Gargauth's holy books in his palace, so there's definitely a connection. I've got a general map of the place, but this will help us get more specific information. We'll likely be getting some fey help, too."
"Unholy book," Bastian points out, "Holy books are for the holy." He smiles just a brief moment at that, "Sloppy mistake for someone in charge to make."
"He's still a god. They're almost all nonsense anyway. How's your side of this project coming?"
"Says the god," Bastian retorts in good humor. "It's coming."
"Bah, born as a mortal. In any case, if you need anything, let me know."
Alyssa goes over the list.
It first notes that mostly goodly creatures would oppose him, and that unless notable animosity exists, this is assumed and not mentioned.
Gigas Eye
A sect of Umberlants who have a longstanding grudge with Rumza. The details of it involve Rumza's forces looting a shipment of treasure meant to be sunken in a ritual to Umberlee, which the Gigas Eye objected to and things got unpleasant for everyone. It turns out that sect holds a grudge.
The Karami Clan
A group of dao who have had several bad dealings with Rumza. Both groups hate each other and try to sabotage one another. Due to cultural concerns they keep this struggle out of civilized society so it's more of a shadow war.
The Gilded Mask
A dao paladin (!) said to serve an unknown patron. Specializes in solo strikes which shatter the enemy and then his smooth escape. Little is known of him, but he's hit a few of Rumza's operations and has earned his personal enmity. So named because he wears a mask that shows a crying man, made of pure gold.
Entemoch and Sunnis
The good archomentals of Earth have little use for Rumza, and have acted against him before. It's a long lasting feud, but one that sees action perhaps once a millenia according to reports. The impression is that both have bigger priorities so they mostly attack when opportunities present themselves.
Alyssa passes the list to Dolmaya.
"I think our best options are probably The Gilded Mask and the Karami clan... I don't have any contacts with the archomentals, but they'd be good candidates too. Opinion?"
Dolmaya scans it, "If we can find the former and he's amenable," she agrees, "But one man is still one man."
"Is he, though? A paladin is an instrument of a God."
"Yes, but we have many instruments," Dolmaya observes. "Still."
"Remember, we're simply trying to pull them in multiple directions. The more snarls we can get on their perimeters, the better."
"Then let's make our choices and begin," Dolmaya agrees after a few moments of thought.
"Well, I've made my suggestions."
You're the on in charge here, so feel free to make your move.
Yeah, but this is a tactical decision. More than I should have input.
Alyssa calls for the others, We've got a list of possible enemies we can instigate towards Rumza. Emily there's one in particular you might be interested in, but I want some tactical input on the choices.
Emily considers, "I like the paladin and...well, mostly the paladin," she admits.
Jarem paces as he thinks, "Forget the Umberlants, not worth the headache. The others can work."
"That was about my take. Alright, Emily, find the paladin. Figure out who he serves and lets make sure we're not putting our hand in the fire with him. Anyone have experience or contacts that can help with Entemoch and Sunnis or the Karami?"
Headshakes before, "I know a few people in Earth, but not the right people. We're going in without that, so when in doubt, be brazen enough to make a cold introduction." Bastian advises.
"Who wants to take which then? I didn't do so well with the last archomental I met."
Bastian just chuckles before, "I'll see you after Earth," he says, walking away and gone.
"That answers that," Jarem says, "I'll check out the dao family, see if they're reliable and worth it."
Alyssa nods and turns to Dolmaya, "Other ideas to look into?"
"For now? Take a short rest and let others work," She says, "A chance to clear our minds before more information comes."
Alyssa nods and stretches a bit, "How's Alihana coming along?"
"She learns like a mule," Is Dolmaya's answer, "Both in pace and in the tenacity that she stays with it when provoked."
Alyssa snorts, "As far as pace... I think it may be a matter of presentation, how are you giving her the work?"
At this a pause.
Hello, Alyssa.
Hello, Lord Zaphkiel. How might I help you today?
I come with a warning. Events of great magnitude begin to stir in Fire. Beware of them.
Anything you want me to help with, specifically?
Unfortunately I cannot, as it is a matter my counterpart and I are both involved in, and cannot come to an agreement on. Merely be aware of Fire and that great events begin to transpire there.
Thank you for the notice.
To everyone else she sends, We should probably avoid Fire for a while.
But why?
Zaphkiel and Asmodeus are having a disagreement about how to deal with an issue and it's not going well. Zaphkiel's warned me off personally.
That it serious!
Then if it's not our business, let it lie. We have enough other concerns.
Agreed.
Okay then. Anything but waiting for people to get info?
Nothing specific.
Gimme a quick d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 40, total 40[/blockquote]
It took some doing, but I tracked that paladin down.
Oh? And what of their personality and who they serve?
Lady Chan, Princess of Elemental Good in Air.
Alyssa blinks for a second in confusion, An earth dao in service to an Air goddess?
I know!
It's unbelievable, but it seems to be true!
Alright... Well, how did they seem? Amenable?
As long as we don't mention they are directly involved, they're willing to cooperate.
Hmm... So getting them to participate in an attack isn't likely... Can they offer any intel? Perhaps anything that might link Rumza to Gargauth? We don't want to just hit Rumza, we want to draw Gargauth's attention.
Last post has an edit, but it's just a typo correction.
What? No, I said they're willing to cooperate. What I mean is they don't want to be directly linked to it. They thrive on being unexpected and striking where the enemy isn't the strongest.
Am I misunderstanding? How do you attack a place with forces without being directly linked to it? Boots on ground is a pretty direct link?
Feel free to ask her to clarify, since you two clearly aren't communicating.
What? How do they plan to attack without being directly linked? Having forces on the field is a fairly direct link.
A remote strike on a seemingly unrelated property to divert attention is the idea. Leave it a question of coincidence, since apparently he's struck a time or two before like that out of opportunism or coincidence.
Alright. I want you and Jarem to coordinate it; I'm still trying to find any of Rumza's holdings that would also draw Gargauth's attention, so finalization of the target may be delayed. I'll work with Bastian to try and make things go faster.
Alyssa considers a moment, then sends a message to Morwel, Queen Morwel, if you would pass it on to your fey contacts, I have a general map of Rumza's palace. There's some areas that were warded from my scrying, but outside of those, I have a complete map. I can't verify that the gemstone is in his palace, but a fast enough strike to take control of those warded areas will surely yield valuable information.
The fey will know of this.
Excellent. I look forward to meeting their representative.
Alyssa moves on to other things!
Bastian, when you have time we need to coordinate my scrying with your information gathering to try and identify targets that Gargauth will be interested in.
'Working on it,' Bastian sends back, 'Busy with a hell of an earth elemental to prove myself!'
Alyssa leave him be, then, and continues on looking for another dao that might be connected to Gargauth.
Give me a d100 real quick?
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 84, total 84[/blockquote]
As you work?
Got something, Alyssa.
Oh? What's going on?
I made contact with the Karami Clan, safely. Reading between the lines and the politics of it, they're interested in something as long as it's not reckless.
Excellent. Them and the Paladin so far.
What about the rest, anything?
Bastian was fighting an elemental. Nothing since.
It's a few more hours until...
'Well, I got somewhere,' Bastian says, 'But they want a show of sincerity to assure them this isn't a trap of some kind.'
'Such as?'
'They want us to eliminate one of Ogremoch's personal agents,' Bastian sends back, 'In other words, do their dirty work to prove we're sincere.'
'Mmmm... Figures. Can you get back without giving a guarentee?"
'Easily.'
'Alright, get what intel they have on their target and get back. We'll do an evaluation of it before we promise anything.'
'I'll be back soon,' Bastian says, 'Get everyone together so we can do this. I doubt we'll need all of us, he's not that strong.'
'We'll talk about it when you get here.'
Alyssa informs the others.
Soon enough Bastian returns, and all of you gather. "Now we might have to try a little bit to find him," Bastian goes on, "But the target's named Grumrock. He's an earth elemental golem - no, I don't know how it works, I didn't care to ask - that does a lot of dirty work for Ogremoch. It's some sort of metal druid as well. Nothing we can't handle, but it might be annoying if we approach it wrong."
Emily listens, "It's not one that's run across Mom's dealings in Earth, but she's not that tied into Earth compared to some of the others elemental planes. Well, that and Ogremoch doesn't really advertise his servants. They just show up, like elementlas."
"Well, just to play devil's advocate, is this a fight we want to pick? Is Ogremoch someone we want as an active enemy on top of what's already on our plates? The question has to be asked."
"He has to be stopped, so yes," Emily says, as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.
"It's an enemy," Jarem muses, "Hardly the worst but still a problem. More because this will feel as a personal insult to him to attack one of his unprovoked."
Alyssa points to Jarem, "Exactly my point. Dolmaya? Honeydip? Bastian? Opinions? Do you think it's worth it to pull in another enemy, on a personal level?"
"Too much trouble," Dolmaya murmurs, "They're not only buying our aid now, but in the future when this tangles us in Earth's troubles. It's a smart offer by them, they either ward off a half hearted attempt or involve us deeper in Earth in their favor."
"Ogremoch is a worthy foe," Honeydip speaks up here, voice cute and clear, "Don't turn away from him out of pragmatism, but stop him because it's the noble and just thing to do. Every person you save from his wrath will be in your debt. No matter if they know it or not."
Bastian crosses his arms, "Dolmaya's got the point of it. It's bait. It's not an insult I imagine Ogremoch will ignore, and if he comes after us, we'll get drawn into Earth's politics."
Alyssa taps the arm of her chair, "They want this to be circumspect and detached. Can we do the same? Is there a way for us to draw in some sort of mercenary force to keep ourselves clear?"
"Of course there is, if you have the money and connections," Jarem waves a hand, "I can do both. That also means they may fail."
"Hmm... What do you think of that route? Fund an attack, five or six steps removed from us to keep us out of it, and capitalize on the distraction?"
"Slower, more likely to fail, more expensive - but less risky and less likely Ogremoch finds out who did it," Jarem ticks off fingers, "He's not the sort to go for deep motives and conspiracies."
"It's too indirect," Honeydip speaks up, "Don't be afraid of him - one day, evil will come to you if left alone. Don't be afraid to stand and oppose now."
"She's right, Alyssa," Emily speaks up, "Ogremoch needs to be halted. To weaken him is a good thing, even if it draws his wrath."
"I agree he's not to be ignored, but, consider this. In the fight that's to come, do you at all doubt that if Shar finds out that she will pull him in to strike at one of our flanks at a critical time? Our goal, at this moment, isn't Ogremoch, it's Gargauth. I don't want to miss our first target because we're focusing on a second one.
How about this... Let's hire the mercenaries and send a few of our own to serve as commanders. We've all got key followers at this point, let's send them out as part of the mercenaries as a test. We can monitor and direct them remotely, if need be. Eventually it'll reveal our part in it, but for the moment they're likely to be overlooked as part of the mercenaries. What do you think?"
"Too indirect," Honeydip rejects ti immediately.
"Slower," Jarem disagrees, "But I like it since this is an indirect strategy with minimal risk. It'll be harder to find mercenaries who will accept those conditions, though, and probably cost more for them to go along with it."
Dolmaya drums her fingers on her chair rest, "...fine. It's a spymaster's move, but it's a spymaster's game we play."
"Honeydip, Emily, I know this isn't how you like to do things, but I need to look at the long term. Reservation now will likely save us a hole in our defenses later. My concern is for that fight. Freeing every slave and defeating every evil now will mean nothing if we fail later."
Emily shakes her head, "It's not an excuse to ignore evils now."
"It isn't," Honeydip agrees, but holds up a finger. "But." A moment before she goes on. "But. It also depends on what you get later. If we do this, what is our expected victory?"
"We're trying to draw out Gargauth. We know he has ties with Razma, and the goal of this whole thing is to strike Razma's holdings that Gargauth is involved in. In order to strike multiple targets, I want to pull in Razma's enemies. But now they want us to strike Ogremoch by way of Grimrock.
If we do this, we're now four steps removed from our original target, drawing an established alliance of enemies that already have ties to each other against us, and exposing our combined strike with Queen and Empress Sulia to possible attention.
The goal is to identify targets that are combined holdings of Gargauth and Razma, which is why I'm resistant to bogging down our forces, and influence, with a direct strike. We already have agreements of cooperation from Lady Chan's paladin and the Karami clan. Not to disregard Bastian's efforts, but I'm concerned this strike to secure a third party for this is drawing us too far away from our original target, if we do it personally. Hence the mercenary option. Getting our people in the command structure is just my wanting to maximize the opportunity to get them in the fight, test them, and get them experience in command and planning."
Rumza.
"This is getting complicated," Bastian notes, "We can try it, but let's try something not so thrice stupid complex if this fails."
Alyssa nods, "That's why I don't want to get any more directly involved in this strike. It's too far off from our objective. Any opinion change on the mercenaries? With our people acting as anchors for them and giving some oversight, it may be the solution."
There's some thought about it, "It's still too indirect," Honeydip insists, "There's illusions, and then there's fooling about without being effective."
"Then," Dolmaya declares, "I'll make sure they're effective."
Alyssa nods to Dolmaya, then to Honeydip, "Make suggestions to improve the plan."
"Scrap it. It's not a good plan," Honeydip, as she sticks to her ideals.
Meanwhile, "Choose the right people and the right mercenaries. This will work if you can do that." She gets up, "Jarem, we'll have to do this personally."
Jarem matches her, "It does take good judgment," he agrees amicably.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "Then come up with an alternative, Honeydip."
To Jarem and Dolmaya, "Make plans, but don't commit or deploy. Let's see what Honeydip comes up with. Honeydip, ask for whatever help you want, but no final decisions. Disagreeing is fine, but it doesn't solve problems."
"I have," Lady Honeydip rises, "If you're not willing to face Ogremoch, so be it." she turns away and flies out.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "Proposing a strike isn't a battle plan."
Emily looks down a moment, "I'll go talk to her," she says, getting up and following.
Bastian lingers, "Paladins," he says quietly, a note of tired exasperation there. "Martyrdom glorified, every one of them."
Alyssa snorts, "Only sometimes. Conviction rarely allows flexibility."
"She's right, it would be a lot more direct and simple," Bastian admits, "We may be outsmarting ourselves here. A plan with ten great steps is worse than one with one good step. Martyr in the making or not, there's value in that sort of simplicity."
"Then get me ten good steps. We don't have them right now."
Bastian gets up, "I'll see to something," he says. "I get busier by the day."
"That's what minions are for! Also, ask for help."
Bastian chuckles as...
Okay, next move? You're also due a new topic after that post.
Well, until certain pixies get twigs out of their butts and come up with an actual plan l don't have much for major tasks, so... I asked Jarem to try and make contact with the Knights of the Coral... The weird chaos/order plane thing is still pending... and I want to start on changing the elemental alignment on some of the shocker lizards and do the awakening on a few as leaders. Any of those, in whatever order is fine with me.
Sure, new topic.