Thus Alyssa sets out. There are many paths available to her.
She could wander the beaches, explore what they have.
Alternately, she could explore the sea and perhaps see what lives below the waves, if she has the magic to do so.
If that doesn't appeal, one can fly or seek mountain paths, to climb further up Celestia.
Alyssa closes her eyes and breathes deeply, then focuses on the wanderlust that's so deeply a part of her and lets it guidance her.
Basically just gonna roll the dice here. d3 or d100?
d3 is fine for that.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
You take to the air, lost in the journey as you go. You fly amid the mountains, taking it all in. The beaches and sea below, the cliffs and rock faces, the paths that wind amid it and up.
The only constant is the light of Chronias, which shines with an endless radiance.
Do you look up at the light?
Alyssa basks in it, turning to face it and soak it in for a few moments before tentatively opening her eyes to it.
It's a wonderful light, a glorious light. It's the most beautiful and warm thing you've ever seen.
You also remember. Moments of shortness, of anger, of failings. Of turning to the power of evil, wearing it on your finger. The power of Shar, looming over all like a blade at the neck of a prisoner. The lustful spite of Malcanthet, like a poisoned chalice forced to your lips.
Why do you walk a path no closer to what is right than what you oppose? What clearing will that path lead you to in the end?
Freedom. Pure freedom. Of choice. Of life. The space between the extremes that binds it all together. The grease of the cogs of Creation. The perfect balance that binds all together. Accepting of the choices, of the potential, but always aware that evil lurks to undermine and good to seduce into obedience.
Creation needs both to function, the sides of the same coin, and she is determined to walk the edge of that coin. On that path, Alyssa is sure that the true potential of Creation can be found.
You look into the light and but a single question comes to your mind: Was balance sufficient to save your brother?
Images.
Widows crying over graves.
Valiant heroes falling beneath the undead.
Soldiers holding the line against rampaging goblins, but slowly overrun.
A single brave man standing against an angry lord, taking magic meant for another.
Justice has scales to balance. The insult of what light vengeance on her brother's murderer was not balanced, which reaffirms the need for that balance.
Balance needs agents to act on it's behalf, but none of that will ever comfort those who have lost. To forget that, to ignore it is to lose your soul and will. Striving for the betterment of all has worth.
Justice is not wrong, you realize. No is striving for the betterment of others.
As you look into the light, a single question forms: In what balance do the deeds of the wicked find comfort? In what balance do the tears of mourners have worthwhile meaning?
In hope. In family and in love. Families can be pulled apart by it and they can be brought together. Two sides, and the path that binds both.
As you look up?
Then what place does those of evil have in families and love?
Redemption. Hope. Learning a different way. No single thing works the same every time. How much evil has good spawned? A son sees a drunken thief of a father abuse the family and strives for justice. The son of a guardsman who protects those around him and sees only power and status. Both spawned from one and to another. Two sides and a balance.
As you ponder, a question comes to you, simple and direct.
Then does one such as Shar have a place in your balance?
Yes. All things end. But all things have the right to struggle against it. The righteous win. The righteous lose. But was Shar offered a choice? Or was she bound unknown to her? An interesting question.
One thing will never end.
The light of Chronias shines brighter around you, ever radiant.
Do you understand now, Alyssa? Those who walk the path towards Chronias reject a balance, and instead embrace what will overcome all of this. All of the hate, all of the suffering, all of the evil. So that one day Creation will be free of them all, and none will need to settle for living a balance, where tragedy and suffering are an everyday fact.
A goal that must exist. One I don't deny the beauty of. But without freedom, without potential that gave them the context and motivation to join you, without being driven by the existence of that evil, how would it ever come to be? You struggle against it, but it defines you and forms your foundation. In that, a balance exists.
You are wrong.
Evil does not define good. Evil is what crawls into the shadows and away from what is good. The shadows do not create the sun, but instead the sun's radiance creates shadows, those who seek meaning in meaningless things.
A flash.
A best friend watching his friend and wife get married, all while his heart is heavy with lust and desire for his friend's wife. It festers within, growing in the shadows, away from the light.
A branch, two seen as one.
In one branch, the friend seeks council and heals in time, putting aside what was and finding his own happiness and his own wife and family. The shadow over his heart is expunged, and in the light he lives a full life.
In the other branch, the friend lets it fester, grows darker, more hateful. It's not fair. She should be his. A growing distance, hostility, a fight. An eruption that ends with murder, his friend struck down. Lives ruined, one man dead, another soon to be executed and a bereaved widow, lost in sorrows.
And in those branches, in the choice, is freedom. One good and one evil, but both need to exist for that freedom to exist.
You blink.
You stared off into the light, losing track of things for a time. You're just floating in the sky, movement having paused.
"Well... That went about as well as I expected..."
Alyssa sighs and tries to find her center and wanderlust again, hoping it leads her on.
d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 34, total 34[/blockquote]
You wander a time amid the cliffs. Here you come on a larger cliff, where a simple stone house sits. It's built into the mountainside itself, blending in well. The door's open and you also see there's a little river coming down from above, forming a small pond nearby the house.
Alyssa approaches it and calls out, "Hello?"
A pleasant voice calls, "I'm in here cooking, come on in."
Alysa heads in side, "I'm Alyssa Songsteel. I'm sort of wandering and exploring. I'm sorry to disturb you, but your home looked interesting."
Inside is an old woman, short and wrinkly. She wears a plain dress, as she chops carrots and garlic on a cutting board. With a smile she turns, "Well, I'll make enough for two, then."
It's a simple house within - open floor plan with a kitchen, a bedroom area and a general living area. Nothing too interesting on a glance.
Alyssa looks around at the home, "Might I ask who you are and why you've chosen to live here? It's quite out of the way."
"I like my solitude to reflect on life," The old woman says, chopping away all the while. "The view's lovely, which is a good bonus."
"It is. A good home. Thank you for your hospitality."
"That's sweet as milk for you to say," The old woman finishes her chopping, gathering it up and taking it to a pan. To the cookfire it goes, a steak being seared with vegetables. "Now what's got you wandering this far out here?"
"I follow Shandakul. Wandering is what I do, but it's more as a meditative way to find an answer. I had a conversation with a... local lord and our views aren't entirely compatible."
"Aaaaah. You're one of those," The old woman says, "Oh dear, there should be some plates over in that drawer. Could you fix up a few and put them on the table?"
Alyssa does so with her telekinesis.
"Oh, that's some fancy magic," The old woman says as she cooks, the smell of roasting garlic and meat filling the air. "How do you like your meat?"
"Medium rare, thank you. Might I help with anything else?"
"Oh, no need," she says, "So, whoever did you quarrel with? Most everyone here gets along so well."
"Well, I think it was the Lord."
You get a keen set of eyes on you, squinty.
"Well, you're either the best looking smite victim in history or your disagreement wasn't so serious," The old woman says, "Plus I don't smell lightning around you."
"Well, I don't think it quite led us to being enemies. Philosophical differences, primarily. I think that creation needs freedom and balance. The whole long argument between good and evil, law and order. We disagreed and the conversation ended rather abruptly."
The food is brought over and split up, "Well, you have a warm seat and a hot meal here," she says, "So I don't think anyone's too upset with you."
"Oh I don't expect anything truly horrendous to come of it, but it's always a little frustrating."
Alyssa sits and begins, "I'll have to invite you to my home in return for your hospitality. If you ever want a change of scenery."
"Well, you could try again later?" The woman suggests, "Everyone here's very friendly."
The food's good, too. It's a surprisingly good cut of meat and it's prepared well.
"It's quite the difference of opinion, but yes, continuing trying is the only way. It's just a matter of finding the right point and building from there. This is quite excellent. I wish I had a cook as good as you."
"Why thank you," Smiling now at that, "You're going to make me feel all giddy, young lady!"
Alyssa chuckles, "It's simply your due."
"You make me feel young again," she reaches out and pats your cheek, "Your Mom must be so proud of you!"
Alyssa blushes a but, "Well if you come visit for a meal, you can find out. Or I suppose I can bring them here. That might be better."
"Come any time, young lady," she smiles, "I'll cook up something worthwhile. Don't you worry about your disagreements with any lords here - things work out here in the end, even with setbacks."
"I'll certainly visit, but I think I'll provide the meal next time. Perhaps a picnic of sorts. But you'll have to tell me your nam first."
"Tara," Is the answer, "Most people call me that, anyway."
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Thank you for the meal and reassurance. I enjoyed this little break. Was there anything you need help with? I can assist in most matters."
"Oh I'm fine here, young lady," she says, "I think you're the one who needed something here."
"Likely. Still, help should always be offered in return."
"You sound like you fit in already," Tara says, "This place has a way of showing you that, don't you know? I've heard the archons here say that anyone who comes here will one day climb up towards Chronias. Momentous days as well, Chronias so bright."
Alyssa waves a hand, "I won't deny that that this place is wonderful, but I can't ever see myself agreeing with all of their views. As much as I lament the results of evil, in general, I believe that it was built into the foundation of Creation and that eradicating it will be akin to pulling on a thread in a stitching. It'll all come apart."
"Oh, that sort of argument," Tara says, "I can see why you wouldn't get along."
Alyssa inclines her head, "I understand it as well. Still, it's just the way it is."
"Well, I'm sure you'll all work it out one day," Tara says, "Don't be afraid. Everyone here is patient and forgiving."
"If I were afraid I wouldn't still be around. But yes, it'll be water under the bridge. I should be going, someone is waiting on me. Are you sure I can't do anything for you?"
"I'm fine," Tara waves you off and...
Next move?
Back I guess. Finish this lesson up and maybe make some inquiries about how to find my brother's after life.
We'll focus on the latter real quick - how do you plan to inquire about that?
Was hoping Moore could point me in the right direction, barring that, try some wandering and hope I find the path with Shaundakul's help.
Thus you return to Hope's Landing. In the courtyard you find Cresiel, tending to a pair of horses. "Alyssa," he comes to you in greeting, "How was your wandering?"
"Tumultuous and soothing in turn. A disagreement and a wonderful meal. How are things here?"
"Peaceful," Cresiel says, "Do you need aid or advice, Alyssa?"
"I was hoping for some help. My elder brother was murdered when I was a child. I was hoping to... Find him. In the after life."
Cresiel nods slightly, "How old was he?"
"Just into his teens. I was very young."
"Old enough, then," Cresiel muses, "Did he do anything of great virtue or great woe?"
Alyssa's eyebrows slant down fractionally at the insinuation that her brother was anything but wonderful, "... He was my father's apprentice. A blacksmith of a local Lord. Nothing more, and nothing more needed."
"I understand," Cresiel says solemnly, a moment of consideration. "There is but one more thing needed: Had he chosen to revere and serve a particular deity or faith?"
I straight up dunno here. I would assume common folk would? I'm not sure who a blacksmith would worship, really, or if Arythma has a prevailing religion?
Well, do research on it or simply say he didn't. Your call here, it's your backstory character.
Well, I'd assume most commoners would... So... I guess Gond maybe? Is there anything established for Arythma?
Bits and pieces, Gond's fine if you want to go that way.
That's probably easiest and most simple.
"Gond, like most craftsmen."
"Then allow me to inquire," Cresiel says, "It will not take long, rest until then."
Alyssa nods, "Thank you. I have someone to contact on a different matter, so I appreciate you taking care of this for me."
It is not long - Cresiel merely prays quietly, until he raises his head. His answer is a simple, minute nod.
Alyssa offers up her own prayer... To Chauntea, 'Lady Chauntea, I am Alyssa Songsteel. I would like to inquire about the results of the investigation of Shadin Fescion.'
There's no immediate reply to that.
Alyssa continues to meditate on it, taking the chance to relax some while Cresiel does his work.
Your meditation is interrupted by a simple, "It is so," Cresiel announces.
Alyssa blinks, "You found something on him?"
"Yes. He rests with Gond," Is the answer you get.
"Could I visit with him?"
"You could go there and seek it," Cresiel says, "I caution you - many souls do not recall their mortal life. I do not know if your brother does or does not, but it is unlikely."
"If that's the case, then I can gain solace in seeing how happy he is. That will be enough."
"I understand," Cresiel's voice is uncommonly gentle, "He earned his eternity." Coming forth to you, "If you seek to meet him or change your mind, go to Gond's realm and seek him. It will take effort, but you will find him eventually."
"Thank you. I'll look into it. Might you have any idea where Moore or Xandra is?"
"Right this way," Cresiel invites.
Go ahead, Moore.
Moore is there, working on some sort of parchment -- it looks like a drawing of a building of some nature.
"Oh, Alyssa. Hello!" He greets her. "Did you find what you were looking for?"
"A bit, yes. I think I got in an argument with your patron, but neither of us are the worse for wear for it. A philosophical disagreement without any animosity, I think. Still, I think I've gained a bit... Firmer hold on my own beliefs. I think my beliefs are what are causing my block, but at the same time, they're what's allowing me the flexibility to learn despite not being an ideal candidate. Part of why I was chosen for our little group, I think.
I think learning the Words will be a... harsh road for me, but I think, in the long road, I'll be better for it. I'm certain I can slog my way through it. I just might need a cleric or two on stand by."
Alyssa gives him a bit of a lopsided grin at that.
Moore smiles at that. "I doubt he saw it as an argument, so much as a difference of opinion. I'm glad it went well. Is there anything I can help you with for the time being?"
Alyssa shakes her head, "No, unless you're willing to try some more lessons. If not, I have lots of work to do back at my new city."
"Let's wait until inspiration strikes you again." Moore says. "Then you'll know you're ready."
Netsplits suck. Going to be up much longer, Moore?
Alyssa nods, "In that case, if you need help in return, don't hesitate to come to me. You have your own people, but sometimes, you just need a bit of outside help."
Okay then, you two both ready to move on?
I am.
"Absolutely." Moore agrees.
sure
I'll split you two into new topics in the morning. One of you reply so I don't pass this over, would you?
REply!
Thus Alyssa returns home and ...
Next move right off?
General check in on things then a talk with node members about Malcanthet. Two or three times now higher powers have suggested I ally with her, so it needs to be addressed.
It's easy enough to get everyone together and...
Go ahead and do your expo.
"So, we have a looming shadow to deal with. Twice now deities have strongly suggested that I form a certain alliance. This came up in Celesta again, but in a roundabout accusing of collusion. Malcanthet. She sent a representative to the Order. Shaundakul suggested I ally with her. A commune spell suggested I ally with her."
Jarem's sitting back, listening.
Emily frowns, "I can understand Shaundakul perhaps, but wait, did CELESTIA?" she asks, "Are you certain?"
Ianvasah's pacing by the window, listening nonetheless.
Bastian's leaning against the wall, arms crossed. "It sounds like a bad idea - like most beautiful women of dubious moral fiber. Fun in the moment, horrible beyond that."
Dolmaya gives Bastian a curious look, "I'd say the same thing about someone like Graz'zt. He's quite fetching if you don't mind six fingers on each hand and small horns on his head."
Bastian returns that look with a bit of a smile, "Beauty gets us all in trouble. The one time I laid with an elf adventuress, she ended up being a secret cultist of Talona. I'm lucky I didn't need a regenerate spell after it all went wrong."
Jarem glances over at that, while Dolmaya says, "No worse than a demon worshiping warlock. Handsome as sin and darker than sin in his heart, too."
Emily blanches at all of this, while Jarem adds quietly to her, "Those are the exceptions to the rule, or should be."
Meanwhile Bastian throws his head back and laughs. "I ended up having to kill that elf, her studies of Talona's dogma drove her mad. Yours?"
Here Dolmaya lets out a long, gentle sigh, "Before it came to a head between the two of us, his patron found out the warlock had been secretly bargaining with Hell for his loyalty and more power. A flaming fist through his heart was his rebuke."
"As amusing as it is to watch you two compare notches on your bed posts, let me address something. Celestia didn't approve it. They accused me of already dealing with her. Quite unhappily. In a way, at least. I believe the imagery was a poisoned cup at my lips.
The question remains, however. You've made food points against, but for arguments sake, let me raise two points. First, what resources can she bring? And second... Can we fight for creation with half of it on the sidelines? Or worse, pulled in to fight for their own destruction?
I've struggled with this, which is why I never responded to her. But... The question remains."
"I'd be careful about that," Jarem points out, "Imagery is just that and often one can get the wrong meaning."
Food points?
Good points.
"Yes. Part of why I brought this up to all of you. Ah, speaking of. Jarem, Emily. Should we take Bastian and Dolmaya to meet our returned friend?"
"Not enough to matter. She's evil, Alyssa," Emily says firmly, "Nothing good will come of working with her."
Jarem hms a moment, "We should, when you're ready."
Bastian grunts at that, "Malcanthet is a handful at best, and I think only the desperate or foolish should deal with her. We're not foolish, so are we desperate?"
Alyssa sighs and looks up at the ceiling, "We might be. Let's get some input from our friend and do introductions."
"Your returned friend?" Dolmaya asks, "Who?"
"Trust me, you'll understand when you meet him," Jarem gets up, "Sooner the better."
Moving on to that?
Yup.
Cool, any prep before it or shall I move you to it?
Nah, not really. Just regular stuff.
Thus you take your allies to Io's abode. On reaching the stairs Dolmaya looks around, "Whatever are we going to meet here?" she finally asks, as Bastian merely follows.
"Our patron, so to speak."
Alyssa heads up!
On and up, up and on.
It is then that you arrive. It is then that Dolmaya comes to a complete stop and Bastian stares, as the full size of Io looms far above the party. "Alyssa," he says quietly, "You have returned."
"Io," Dolmaya manages to get out, though nothing else. Instead she bows to him, "Dragonfather."
Bastian merely takes it in stride with a breath, "Io, is it?" Bastian bows deeply, letting that stand on its own.
"I have. These are my new companions. We needed a safe place to explain everything to them, and I wanted to consult you about an issue."
"Then speak," Io invites to you.
Alyssa turns to the others, "I was chosen by Lord Io here to be part of a struggle against Shar. She's been empowered to destroy all of Creation. All of it. Ao's grown tired of it and has appointed Shar to destroy everything and everyone. Seira is another who's been appointed to help stop that. There are others, and we're all working separately for the same goal, helping each other as needed. Lord Io's told us about something called The One, a sort of... Higher and alternate power to divinity, which I am aiming for. Any questions so far?"
"...many," Dolmaya says, "Finish first." Her voice is short, to the point, commanding you to simply, "Explain."
Bastian crosses his arms, "Go on," he says with a grunt.
Alyssa chuckles.
"My Order had a test to achieve rank. It was a labyrinth that turned out to be the lair of one of Lord Io's aspects. I was the first to actually get through the labyrinth and find that aspect. As such, Lord Io here granted me power, which is how I gained the magic I have.
He's been gone out into the... whatever it is beyond Creation to learn more of what is. Ao made Creation for a purpose but has now grown bored of it. He wants to free himself of it, or to start over, I'm not really sure. But either way, he's granted Shar power and purpose to destroy it all. But it seems like by doing so, he's giving Creation a chance to save itself. Namely, us.
Each of the chosen champions like Seira and myself are creating groups to fight against her. Each of us was chosen for a reason. Lord Io picked me because of sheer, raw potential. This is part of why I'm able to, with some difficulty, learn the Words of Creation even though I'm not exactly the most sanctified person to try. It also helps with how wide my range of skills are, and my views on Creation, Good, Evil, Law, and Chaos, I believe.
Shar targeted me before, but I don't think she's fully aware of what I am, or it would have been a significantly more focused effort than a single assassin. That, however, gave me enough time and room to get things established and to leave my plane. No one outside of the chosen few and their groups, like you, know any of this. And to speak of it outside of here, or Moore's home, is to alert Ao and Shar."
"Which means you must not, on pain of the death of everything," Io intones, "This is the gravest commandment I give you: Do not speak of this. Do not speak of this save in places of absolute security, such as here."
Dolmaya nods tersely, "What else, then?"
"That's about it. The bond we share is some expression of the power and the struggle, but other than that... Just defeat Shar and disrupt Ao's plans. Now's the time to ask questions."
"So," Dolmaya begins to tick off fingers, "We have to kill Shar, stop Ao and somehow save Creation. That's the summary?"
Alyssa claps and smiles happily, "Yes?"
A long breath in and out, "Insanity! How? How can we even contemplate such a thing? You may as well ask the sun and stars to come dance at your command, then have the oceans go embrace a snowstorm!" Dolmaya declares.
Bastian is silent, watching, perhaps lost in his own thoughts.
"We're getting stronger for now," Emily says, "More's coming later."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "You have something more important to do? You have two choices: do nothing and die, try and maybe win. Unless you have a better option?"
"Don't be daft," Dolmaya says, stepping forward and jabbing her finger at you, before turning to Io.
"I regret there is no better way," Io agrees, "We must make do with what we have, rather than what we wish we had. It is imperative that you all continue to grow closer bonds and continue to grow stronger. You will find no inhibition against this, no great lassitude in growth as most in Creation find in time."
"And?" Dolmaya asks, "AND?" She points her finger at Io, "I will not accept this lying down and acting pretty, like a blushing princess for whatever prince wooed her."
"And there are goal being done now. Are you aware of the search for lore Moore, Seira and others have begun, Alyssa?" Io asks.
"I think I recall them mentioning it, but we didn't go into details. I had quite a bit going on."
"This memory of Moore's will prove edifying," Io declares, as it flows into you, into your mind.
---
Moore makes sure everyone is settled in -- Jetina, Cresiel, Xandra and Kaja with Grias and likely Wood there as well.
The others don't need to be bogged down with all of this right now.
Moore clears his throat as he takes out a piece of parchment.
"I need to explain something to all of you about why I'm doing what I'm doing." He begins.
"When I was with Aurora, I worked with a woman named Sylvie, who had the... mixed blessing of coming into contact with something known as 21. For those of you who do not know, 21 is a tool that was created by the Incarnations to understand good and evil. It is a tool that is so far beyond the understanding of mortals, it could likely warp Creation itself."
A breath at that. "The price of using 21 came... all the time. Sylvie could never do anything except speak the full truth of anything she was asked. As time went on, she and 21 became more and more... one thing. I think it's fair to say Sylvie became an extension of 21's will, rather than the other way around. Near the end of the time she was with Aurora, she had affected an ability to see into the future in some ways."
He takes in a breath again. "She disappeared after Aurora's battle on Lifasa and hasn't been seen since. Calley..." He looks over at Kaja. "Calley is her son. I guess... she didn't really want a child originally, so... she probably didn't treat him well. It seems like she gifted him all the knowledge she had... and maybe continues to do so even now -- Sylvie didn't know I was a Duke when she left, so... there's some wiggle room there."
He shakes his head. "Anyway, our goal right now is to find her, and find 21. I think the both of them are together. I don't intend to let her live the rest of her existence out as a tool for something she doesn't want to be part of... and if that means I have to find a way to go beyond Creation itself to rescue her, then I will."
He unfolds the parchment and puts it on the table for everyone to see. "This is some sort of ritual that Calley was writing. I think it has the potential to lead us to the solution to find her. I am going to need a lot of help to solve this... and it's probably going to be something I need to spend some time on. I don't want to let our mission falter in the meantime, so that's why I wanted you all to be aware of my short-term plans. We're still waiting on someone to join us as an information broker, so once we have that I think we can really begin in earnest." Moore explains to everyone.
---
A few moments of silence follow that before Dolmaya says, "A goal I can work with. Lore it is."
Bastian scowls, "How useful is her child? Another warrior could be useful."
At this Emily frowns, "He's....a child. Perhaps 8 years as humans reckon it? Ah, he also has Sylvie's power and ability, he's powerfully capable at everything he wants to be. Sylvie was a skilled hero of Aurora before she left."
"He is. He visited me in the tower once. He was looking for something specific, but wouldn't say. His knowledge is a curse to him, but it may be a blessing in the long run. I don't want a child fighting, but... Maybe we could find a way to help him. Foster him, perhaps. But yes, lore is a thing Dolmaya and I excel at. We'll certainly offer help with it."
"That and lore," Dolmaya agrees.
"It's a start, and researching lore could be useful," Jarem seconds, "There should be some libraries in the Gates of the Moon we can check, and I can also nose around the ones back in Warrior's Rest."
Alyssa rolls her eyes. "You just want to tweak the nose of that librarian... Speaking of, Dolmaya, how are you at chess?"
"Experienced," Dolmaya says, glancing to you. "Why, do we have to play chess with Shar now?"
Alyssa chuckles, "You're going with Jarem to that library."
"Fine," Dolmaya says without missing a beat.
Jarem smiles ever so faintly but says not a word.
"Emily, you're on the Aurora library. I'll check at the Gates of the Moon. That gives us access to three significant libraries, and we can also visit Queen Morwel's if need be. She still wants you to visit, Dolmaya.
Now, for the more unpleasant thing. Lord Io, it's been suggested to me a couple of times now that I attempt an alliance with Malcanthet. What's your opinion?"
Io slowly breathes out and says, "I would only consider two reasons to ally with her, and I do not see either as applying to you."
Alyssa nods, "I don't like the ide either, but I can't help but ask the question 'Can we afford to have anyone on the sidelines?' I'll leave it to you to decide who to pull in, but... They have as much at stake as we do. It's just a question of can we trust them to remember that."
"For now, go forward and focus on your tasks," Io advises, "My council is to deal with the succubus queen when needs must but not before then."
Alyssa nods. "I'm making progress with the Words of Creation, but I'm meeting resistance. I'm going to start working on The One soon, if you have any advice."
"Read the book I provided about it," Io councils, "Work with Moore on that as you can, for he studies both."
Alyssa nods, "Have there been any new developments?"
"Not yet," Is Io's answer. "Though Moore studies it."
"I meant more in general, but if there's nothing new and Bastian and Dolmaya have no questions, then we should go. Plenty of work."
"...I'm fine," Bastian finally says, expression closed off. "Let's go." Bastian turns and walks away, waiting for no one else.
"No you're not. Upset at being pulled in without warning?"
Bastian strides away, not a word of reply given.
Alyssa dimension doors to step in front of him and locks eyes with him, waiting.
Bastian steps aside you smoothly and says, "The roads will provide me clarity."
"Then you wouldn't mind company."
A side long look as Bastian passes, "I can and I do. I do my best thinking alone."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "I'm a person of information and friendship. You do your thinking, but right now we're here with Io. Take advantage of it and ask what you need to so you can do your thinking fully informed."
Bastian's answer to that is to keep on walking.
Alyssa sighs.
"We'll see, I suppose."
"Alyssa..." Emily murmurs quietly, a sad frown on her face.
"Give him time," Jarem comes over, "He'll have it sorted out once he's worn out his boot soles."
"Yes, he will. One way or another. Either way, unless Dolmaya has more questions, it's time we head back."
"We can go back," Dolmaya finally says, "I think Bastian's right - I need time to think now."
Alyssa nods and bows to Io, "Lord Io. Thank you for your time."
"Go forth," Io says, "Return when you need my aid or council."
Alyssa nods and heads back with everyone!
Thus you return back and...
Any immediate next move?
Find the Hidden Room In Creation! ... I honestly don't know how to start that beyond some serious wish/miracle/commune power.
Well, weren't you going to send people to libraries?
Yeah, but I thought that'd be mostly autonomous? What do you want me to supervise on that?
Oh, okay, miscommunication on that. Just let me know who is supposed to go where?
Jarem & Dolmaya to the Red Knight's library, Emily to Aurora Library. Alyssa will check out the Gates of the Moon library. Ianvasah can either try Queen Morwel's or work on whatever she wants. Bastian is off in Bastian land.
How long would the wish/miracle/commune take? Surely I can do both in a reasonable sequence?
It depends on precisely how you plan on using them and what your general idea is.
Use the key (I think it was a key) as a focus for them and try to get a location/clue to the lock it goes to.
Which key in particular? Give me a paste.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104121.msg1146633.html#msg1146633
Your eyes burn but this time you withstand it.
Ocular Key: This pendant is the key to a forbidden room, somewhere in Creation. Take it to that place and it shall open up a mighty magical barrier.
Okay, cool. Go ahead and describe what spell/approach you want to try and we'll roll with it.
I guess I'll use a Legend Lore first on the lock and key, then just raw wish and Find the Path (via Devout Factotum). After that... Maybe rely on the demi-plane's trait of leading you where you want to go? There's actually not much good I can find for upper divinations that aren't completely combat focused.
Short or long version of legend lore? If it's long I write up some brief legends about it but this takes me time, probably won't be done until tomorrow. Short version just gives a summary and we move on.
Short is fine unless there's something you really want to expound upon.
The legends are...disjointed, for lack of a better word. Murmurings of eyes and vision and what lies beyond the eye's sight. Seek that hellhole, where flames reach high and darkness reaches low, for the legends speak of such a place.
Can I use a wish to clear that up? Get enough of a definite answer to find the path this thing?
Sure, got any particular divination in mind?
Not really.
The 10th layer of the Abyss, simply known as 'That Hellhole'. It's known of a dark place of pain, fire, feeding and misery. Granted, that's the Abyss in general, but it tends to be a free for all at the best of times. Fire is common and deadly there, fire fueled by pure hatred that burns anything and corrupts those who channel it there.
Alyssa goes to find Jarem and Emily, if they're around.
They're off at the libraries, you'd need to wait for them to get back. Do you?
Yeah, but I'd find other things to do. A bit of my own research or just general checking on things in the demi-plane.
Sure, no problemo. Choose one, we'll knock it out real quick.
Might as well go see some peeps.
Looking down from your towertop, you see that the city around the school is slowly being built, expanding as work is done. It's going quite well, at least on a glance.
Go ahead and go look for or talk to someone or go cruise for someone interesting to talk to as you like. Or heck, cast a spell for it. Whatever.
Time to do the Horizon Walker thing and wander!
Alyssa heads down to the ground, intent on wandering the new construction and looking for things to be do e and people to meet!
Awesome. In that case a d100 with a +20 bonus.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100+20 : 46 + 20, total 66[/blockquote]
A half built tavern is already open, even with no proof on yet. Here workers drink up inside - including Delaize, who sips quietly as he watches the others boisterously brag.
As he sits there, another comes to join him. A man, the first lines of age on his face and hints of gray in his hair. He wears common clothes as he leans in and murmurs something to Delaize.
Alyssa nods to Delize but leaves him to his business unless he motions for her and goes to get a drink.
You get a drink as you listen to the workers brag.
"I lifted two dozen," One thumps his chest with his fist, "Back to back!"
Laughter at that, "Well," Another one says, "Fuck that, 'cause I did 22!"
A few laughs at that, while one starts to count, "Say, two dozen is 24, right?"
Alyssa grins and shifts her clothes a bit to reflect a more common style, "What was it you lifted?"
Just changing your clothes openly there? Matters.
Well it's the best of many styles so I'm not getting naked or anything. But if you mean covering the shift the I think between a little quick movement and a Prestidigitation, I should be skilled enough to hide it.
Sure.
"Beams. Big interior beams," The man says, a big hunk of muscle and bulky as you'd imagine. Pounding his chest again, "Got plenty of strength here, you like that?"
A few laughs go up at that, Alyssa getting some open looks.
Alyssa laughs outright, "And how much you think it weighed each?"
"More than you, lady," He grins, big face splitting in a smile. "Stood those right up and took care of business."
Laughing and some drinking follows, as Delaize quietly keeps an eye on you, even amid the conversation.
Alyssa chuckles, "I bet I can lift them as well as you. I bet I can lift both of you big strong men."
That gets some uproarous laughter, as one calls, "You couldn't lift a child, let alone one of us!"
Delaize smiles ever so slightly at this, as the men laugh and drink.
"Let's make a proper bet, then. I win, you buy me any drink I want. Same to you if I can't."
"You're on," The man stands up, "Do your worst, girlie." He finishes his drink off and tosses the mug aside, waiting.
Alyssa snags the mug mid air with her telekinesis and smirks as she floats it around his head, waiting for a reaction from him for a split second before lifting him, and more and more people one at a time, until she hits her limit.
1650 lbs max.
Several men lift up with cries of alarm. "What...what-magic!" The flail helplessly in the air, held up by your will.
Several of the men not lifted break up, "Should've known!"
Alyssa laughs loudly and floats into the air, "Never let it be said that I don't have a sense of humor."
She turns to the one she made a bet with, "And you owe me a drink. Every one else, drinks are on me!"
She turns to the bartender, "Rounds on me til the first person drops unconscious!"
"Yes, ma'am," The barkeep grins at that, passing out drinks to a general cheer of acclaim.
The man gives you a sour look, "Fine, fine," he says, "You're a downright tricky she devil! Like an sackubi!""
WTF is a sackubi?
That's a pretty good question. As far as you know, nothing at all. Closest thing you can think of is a succubus based on the word he used.
Alyssa floats him over to face her, upside down, "Now I don't know that term, but it sounds like some sort of succubus slang. You get one chance to explain before you and me have trouble."
Suddenly the man's face pales at that, "Well...the smart, tricky...suck-sucky things that...they have wings and are real pretty, right? They have flaming rope? I heard that once. You're tricky like one of them."
Alyssa arches an eyebrow and folds her arms in that oh-so dangerous way every woman can and spins him to face Delaize, "Do you know who that is?"
Delaize has a slow sip of his drink before quietly adding, "The man or the creatures he's misunderstanding into one?" Another sip, "That man is Regald and the creatures he is thinking of are succubi and erinyes, both of which would want to gut him for mixing one up with the other. Erinyes have flaming rope and are somewhat more warlike, while succubi are more manipulative and cunning. I would not recommend letting a demon or a devil hear you make that mistake, or you'll swiftly regret it. For your entire life, be it 5 seconds or 50 years."
She then nudges the suspended man, "And you Regald, do you know him?"
"Uh uh," Regald shakes his head quickly, "I'm j-just having a drink!"
Alyssa smirks, "Might I have the honor of introducing to you Delaize, former Regent of the Arcane Order of Arythma and one of the chief advisors and mentors to the ruler of this budding town, and a leader of this community in his own right. Everyone, give a round of applause for one of the people who makes sure you have food and get paid!"
Cheers rise and toasts follow as Regald pales and thenshakes his head, "Then what the hell does that make you...oooooh."
Delaize merely raises his glass to the cheers.
Alyssa spins Regald back to face her and smiles at him, "I'll give you one last chance to... shall we say... AMEND your comment. Before I let you hang there while I use you as a target."
She uses her TK to float a few random objects around her; mugs, chairs, a table, that sort of thing.
"I'm sorry, your Queenlyness!" Regald blurts out, "You're way trickier than a sackubi or whatever it is! Way prettier, way more generous!"
The laughs don't stop coming, at least.
Alyssa finally sets him down upright, "Don't laugh at him too much. He's the sort we want here. Hard working. Honest enough to speak his mind, if a bit unwisely. Someone who honors his words and deeds. And let's not forget... He earned you all drinks! Celebrate his life! Cheer his virtues! And walk the path over the horizon shoulder to shoulder with him as friends!"
A barrage of cheers follow as a mug of ale is slammed into his hands, Regald looking a little dazed. "Cheers, cheers," people call, getting their drinks.
Alyssa nods once to Delaize and moves to keep wandering the town!
To your surprise, leaning on the wall just outside of the unfinished tavern is Bastian. He nods to you and falls in step with you, and speaks but two words.
"I'm in."
Alyssa nods, "You still have issues with it, though. We'll need to speak them over, no holds barred. This isn't something we can go into with underlying issues. We absolutely have to be on the same page and have absolute trust. You're here for a reason; I brought you into it for who and what you are, and your perspective holds significant weight. We'll have to discuss why I picked everyone in a more secure place. It wasn't a random decision, nor was it something done simply on recommendation."
"It can wait," Bastian says, "There's work to be done and roads to be walked." Cracking his knuckles slowly, "We need to get going."
"It can't wait. Before our next major move. Take into account the scale of this. We can't afford a single crack in our steel. But... it sounds like you have something specific in mind?"
"I know a library," Bastian says, "It's a bit of a walk, but it may be helpful."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "Oh? Which library is this?"
With a hint of a toothy smile, "You'll see, it's worth being surprised." Bastian says, already starting to walk. "If you need to ward your mind or ward us, now's the time."
"I do that every morning for everyone I can. Did you hear about the gift this place has?"
"I already know," Bastian says, "Come on, it's a walk ahead of us."
Alyssa nods and follows.
You step ahead...
...and step into jungle. A thick, vine choked path amid even thicker jungle. It's blistering hot and utterly humid, the air like a choking and wet blanket wrapped around your body. Colorful birds perch on tree branches while insects big and small fly around - including several for your arms, body and legs.
Alyssa is perfectly comfortable in her little bubble of personal air provided by her necklace, but she does ready her TK to rebuff any of those insects that might decide to come after them.
"Library in a jungle? Terrible place for it. All the moisture would destroy the pages."
"Keep your eyes open," Bastian says, "Some of the natives get hungry and have a taste for flesh." He walks nonetheless, seemingly relaxed in the face of any danger. "The dire tigers are stalkers, so keep that in mind."
"That reminds me, I wonder what Jarem did with that dire tiger we captured... He said he knew someone who could train it. Tell me, do you know if there are Shocker Lizards here?"
"Those things? They're everywhere you don't want them to be, so yes," Bastian says, "You might even seen one as we walk. Tsch, annoying pests. They look at you like they hate you."
"Excellent. I might need to come back here to catch a few. I've had plans for an experiment with them for ages."
A short nod as...
d100+20, would you?
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100+20 : 15 + 20, total 35[/blockquote]
Perception.
Perception (+3 to this if Terrain Mastery applies):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 2 + 46, total 48[/blockquote]
As you walk, you can see low grasses and plants being disturbed - something's following you. Several small somethings.
Alyssa considers for a moment... Can she tell how far back they are? Enough to target them with TK?
They're about 20ft to 30ft away. Trailing but not too far away.
Alyssa continues to stroll on but mumbles a spell under her breath...
Time Stop, CL 33.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 4 + 1, total 5[/blockquote]
You speed up rapidly and...
You got 5 rounds, go for it.
Alyssa turns around and moves towards the things trailing her and searches for them!
Easy enough. Beneath the grass is a shocker lizard, eyes frozen in your speed, staring at where you were when this began.
Your lucky day.
How many are there?
Looking around, you find four.
Hm. What ways can I capture these things? I can't just throw them in my haversack and have them be okay, can I?
One would presume some way to hold and restrain them, or somehow render them docile or cooperative.
What I mean is, I don' t think I have anything like that ready right now. Unless you have an idea?
Not really, no, and the DM really shouldn't comment on that. I suggest getting creative.
Does telepathic bond work on them?
No, it requires Int 3 or higher.
Well, I mean, I can float them with TK but that's not really the way to start and speak with animals is a druid thing... Hm. Maybe just move them out of the way for now. Or pick them up and see if Bastian has ideas.
Alyssa looks around for any others just to make sure.
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 10 + 46, total 56[/blockquote]
Nope, that's all you can see offhand.
Alyssa positions herself to surprise them when Time Stop ends.
Thus the time stop ends and...
Go ahead.
Alyssa snatches them up with her TK and keeps them apart from each other to prevent them from reacting with each other or shocking herself or Bastian.
> roll 1d20 1 fishing for all of them
> OOC: Er, 20.
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 7 > [d20=7]
You now have four shocker lizqards lifted up, crackling with electricity and turning as one to stare at you. Unblinking eyes regard you as Bastian turns back, "You found some," he says, unconcerned.
"Yes. Any ideas how to calm them? I currently lack a druid."
"Not a one. Knock them out and worry about that later," Bastian says, "There's things in here that eat those, it's like waving meat in front of a bear."
Alyssa nods and uses her TK to set them down as far as she can with a little toss to discourage them from coming back.
The shocker lizards don't resist, scurrying into the undergrowth and away at that chance.
"Well, at least they didn't come after us. Let's keep going."
Gimme a second d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 22, total 22[/blockquote]
At last you come to a rising road that comes to a cliff. A valley is below, shorn of the jungle. Here, great and vine covered stone slabs sits. Slabs larger than a city, dozens of them lying about this valley like a titan's forgotten tombstone. A great river winds through the center, the waters rapid and roaringly loud,
In between the various slabs, skeletons of all kinds sit. From the bleached white skeletons of humans and animals to the vast skeletons of impossibly large things (including at least a few dragons on a glance), all lie about the valley.
"Learned Sage Tormuk never trusted books, or so the legend goes," Bastian says, "So he made something that would not succumb to the ravages of time." He hops down the cliff, half flying and half jumping. "Come on."
Check for that name?
K:A.
K:A/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]'1s29+61' is not a valid dice string![/blockquote]
Try again, Iddy, you misrolled.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+61 : 17 + 61, total 78[/blockquote]
It rings a vague bell - a long forgotten mortal wizard who became a lich. Known as a sage of considerable talent and skill, vanished long ago and thought destroyed.
"The lich? He was destroyed a long time ago, no? Then this is extremely valuable. Fascinating. We'll have to make replicas and move them into the tower."
Alyssa heads to the nearest one and starts reading it over.
The tablets are massive - hundreds of feet long and wide. Each one has row after row of tiny writing, carved into them. Each row must have thousands and thousands and thousands of words, and a vast number of rows per slab.
Bastian lands next to you, "It is no easy task, there is a great store of knowledge here."
"What do you think of pulling the same trick as with the bank? I'm torn on trying to move them."
"Bad idea," Bastian says, "There's guardians. Strong ones." Shaking his head, "Saw what happened to the last person who tried that."
"Oh? What sort of guardians?"
"Nagas, an entire coven of them," Bastian says, "Strong ones, damn strong ones. They have minions too, isn't worth it."
"Are they amiable to speaking? If we want to make copies, having them on our side would be smartest."
"I haven't seen them except for that," Bastian shakes his head, "Couldn't tell you, but they sure didn't look interested. They were too busy murdering."
Alyssa considers. "Well, let's try, at least. Anything you want to do to prepare?"
"Reinforcements," Bastian says flatly, "Preparations. This isn't a battle to do on a whim, Alyssa. Unless you want your road to end in a tomb.""
"Well, I don't want to fight, I want to talk. Let me think for a moment..."
Knowledge check for customs of nagas? Ways to talk to and invite them to something like parlay or negotiating?
K:Dungeoneering.
Wow, that's one I haven't used in a while.
K:D/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+84 : 12 + 84, total 96[/blockquote]
Problem one: It depends on the type of naga. You need more information like what kind of naga it is.
"Can you describe the nagas you saw? There are different kinds."
"Huge," Bastian says, "Scales red as blood, bigger than any naga I've seen. The face was beautiful, rather than ugly. Most other naga have ugly faces, but these are all nice to look at." Scowling a bit, "They had strong magic and despite their size, moved deftly."
That help my check?
Yes, based on that it's a worse case situation. They sound like ha-nagas, the most powerful type of nagas. Often worshiped or revered by lesser naga, these nagas are fearsomely powerful sorcerers and rare. An entire coven of them isn't quite apocalyptic for a normal Prime, but it's still a gigantic disaster that could see kingdom after kingdom fall to them.
They're notable for one particular passion: The desire to see civilizations collapse, then lair in the resulting ruins.
Well poop. Okay, let's do this then.
"Sounds like ha-nagas. Especially nasty. Keep a look out for a few so I can study one of these tablets before we leave."
Study one to recall later with my memory spell.
Sure.
This goes unremarkably enough, studying away. This particular tablet's front section seems to be about general magical theory and magical beasts.
Alyssa nods to herself.
"Okay, I think I have enough to recreate it in memory. That'll let me figure out what resources we need to get them all recreated. Let's get back."
Gimme a quick d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 86, total 86[/blockquote]
The trip back is without incident and...
Plans?
Okay, so. Is everyone back from their respective libraries?
Not yet, no, these things do take a bit of time.
Alyssa considers and calls Delaize to her office.
Delaize reports and after a brief nod, "Yes, Alyssa?"
"Bastian has led me to a lost library. Everything is recorded on stone slabs and guarded by what seem to be ha-nagas. I've studied one so I can show it through my memory spell, but I'd like to start planning out how to reproduce them for use here. I'm thinking of returning and using a Wish to copy the slabs into my memory, then reproducing them safely here, but if I do that, my magic will be unreliable for a return. Or we could try a spell circle between us, and anyone else we can find trained in it, and just try to reproduce them flat out with Wish here. Your opinions?"
"I can simply come with the means to bring us back," Delaize says, "Simple and effective."
Alyssa nods, "That was what I was thinking. We should still look into how many people can participate in a spell circle, though. Do you need to make any preparations?"
"I am ready when you are ready," Delaize says, "We can go."
"Then let's get Bastian and head back. It should be easier to get directly there since I've been there once. Oh, did you ever find anyone to deal with magical beasts? We ran into Shocker Lizards on the way and I'd like to have some for our stables."
"It will be done soon," Delaize agrees.
Alyssa nods, "Do you have any spells ready that will subdue some if we come across them again?"
"No, but I can prepare them if we wait," Delaize says, "We will not need overwhelmingly powerful ones."
Alyssa nods, "Do so. I'll talk with Bastian and give him a chance to do some of his own preparation."
Nothing else for me.
Okay then, prep for this?
Nothing special on my end, really since I'm just using Wish. It's more for Bastian and Delaize.
Soon enough the three of you return to the jungle path, the hot humidity again like a physical thing, soaking into you with relentless determination.
"Eyes open," Bastian says, already striding open.
Delaize follows, merely adding, "The weather's a little unpleasant."
Alyssa nods to both, "I have an item that keep it a pleasant temperature around me. You should look into one."
Alyssa does keep an eye out for anything, however.
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 18 + 46, total 64[/blockquote]
> roll 1d100
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d100=4]
Luck is with you, for your trip back to the slabs is uneventful. Nothing is awry here that you see, only the vista of stone-engraved knowledge ahead.
"Alright, be ready."
Alyssa begins casting!
Wish, CL 33.
Transfer knowledge and dimensions of these stone slabs to me so that they may be perfectly recreated by me.
What do you mean by dimensions, exactly?
Size and shape of the slabs.
Gimme a Will save.
Will/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+35 : 14 + 35, total 49[/blockquote]
With a cry you manage to stop the spell at the last moment. The knowledge gushed into your mind, willing, ready. Like it was designed to.
The problem is that it's an unfathomable amount of knowledge. More than you could easily manage at once, you're sure of it, some instinct saving you from calamity.
Alyssa starts breathing heavily and wipes sweat and a bit of blood off.
"Okay. There's far more than what's written on the slabs. An oceans worth. Delaize, let me try to open a gate. Do you have a Wish prepared? You might have to pull my trick with the bank. Let's see if there's anything on them that might resist it."
"Take a moment," Bastian says, "One, we just hit something new. Two, a gate won't work here, why do you think we didn't come right here? Three, I really don't want to fight a coven of ha-nagas unprepared."
Alyssa looks frustrated, "The more trips back here the more they get warning. We can return with more forces, though. Let's get moving before they show, then."
"Let's," Delaize says quietly, "If we're to force it, then make the third time the one that counts."
Bastian starts walking, "Better to do it right than fail and die," he says, "The roads are decorated by the graves of those who forget that."
"I'm sorely getting tired of these roadblocks. Let's get things organized for this. This library is one of the core things we're missing."
> roll 1d100
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d100=59]
Luck is with you, you return back in good order and...
Plans?
Alyssa is back in her office with Bastian and Delaize.
"Okay. Well that was a spectacular failure. In hindsight, I got too eager and rushed things. We'll need a proper expedition for this. Bastian, do you have anyone you trust for scouting it out? I want to know how many ha-nagas were dealing with. If not, work with Delaize and whatever diviners we have on hand. Now that we have someone who can do professional information gathering and knows what to ask for, let's get the best work out of it that we can.
Delaize, see if you can't organize a few teams to copy slabs. I know we're still working on getting people settled, but relying on Wish destabilizes our magic too much, especially if our most powerful people have to do it.
When the others get back, we'll have a real sit down to go over everything."
"I know people," Bastian agrees, "It'll be done."
Delaize is thoughtful, "I can do that. But, if I can be so direct, can we simply talk to these nagas instead?"
"I made the same suggestion, but Bastian has apparently dealt with their kind before and strongly suggested otherwise. Bastian?"
"They're rarely helpful," Bastian says, shaking his head, "If these are as bad as Alyssa thinks, I don't see much point."
"Nagas are not an area of study for me," Delaize admits quietly, "Do as you see fit."
"I think it might be worth a try. Do we have anyone who's dealt with nagas?"
"I can find out," Delaize says, "We're still getting a grip on everyone we have."
Alyssa nods, "Put the word out. If we can find someone all the better. We still have time before everyone gets back."
Any prep while everyone gets back, then?
Just general checking on stuff. How's our elemental peeps doing?
They're integrating. You could take a closer look if you wanted.
Sure, if I need to. Otherwise just whatever.
Whatever's fine for now. Refresh me on who went to what library and we'll start hashing that out?
Jarem & Dolmaya to the Red Knight's library, Emily to Aurora Library. Alyssa will check out the Gates of the Moon library. Ianvasah can either try Queen Morwel's or work on whatever she wants.
It's Emily who returns first. She's smiling, "Hi," she says once she's in your office, "I have the information, but Elena said Kascha had been there for the same subject already, so it's probably redundant. Still, I tried in case I found anything she missed."
This did happen IC, just no way to be known by you.
Alyssa nods, "It was still worth the time just to be sure. I've gotten a few more things to do since you left, but let's get this one consolidated first. Let's get everyone together first."
"Then I have time for a bath," Emily says, "Though Aurora's baths are the best. Oh!" A smile, "We should build a large bath for our use, Alyssa. It's really lovely to soak and relax after a long day, and it makes a wonderful place to talk."
"Sounds like a project you're volunteering to head up. Very gracious of you."
Alyssa smirks.
Emily smiles, "I am! I'll get started on that right away," she gets up, "It'll be wonderful for you, me Ianvasah and Dolmaya."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "There better be one for the men folk too. Also, talk to some clerics and Ianvasah about getting a few spells built in. Vigerous Circle and the like."
"I'll investigate," Emily promises, going off.
Anything more to add or onto the next?
Nope.
It's not long before Ianvasah returns, "I got a good deal of lore," she says, presenting you several scrolls and books.
Alyssa grins, "Excellent! Did you enjoy your trip?"
"It was an experience," Ianvasah says, "Such things I would have never dreamed of a year ago."
"Well, one in a hopefully long line. There's things to discuss, but we'll go over everything when everyone is back. Get some rest, I want to hear about your experience."
"It was a lot of reading in a library amid the stars," Ianvasah admits, "A sky library next to where the angels hammered the stars into shape." Her voice is full of wonder, "I saw them send off the shooting stars and forge the meteorites with crowns of fire."
"... Did you make any friends with them?"
"I talked," Ianvasah says, "They knew of the stars in the sky, of their names and their meanings. I don't remember much about it, it was like a dream."
"Well, I'm interested in seeing them forge things, but I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"Present these to Moore," Ianvasah gestures at the materials, "They may yet help."
Alyssa nods.
"Thank you. Go get some rest."
Soon enough Jarem and Dolmaya return, the former carrying books while the latter strides in. "Alyssa," she calls, "We've returned."
"Welcome back. How did it go?"
Jarem places down a double armful of books onto your desk, "Fairly well, I got us into the good libraries and skipped the chaff."
"No chess match? A shame."
Alyssa begins leafing through the pile and shifting it around so she can go through it on her own.
"Amazingly," Jarem remarks as he sits down, "She wasn't there."
Dolmaya joins the two of you, sitting next to Jarem. "She sounds like a total bore, but nevermind. All of that should help."
"I'm sure it will. Get some rest, we have things to go over."
"We will," Dolmaya says, getting up and striding off.
Jarem lingers a moment and smiles, "Hey, Alyssa." he asks once she's gone.
"Yes, Jarem?"
Point blank to you, "Would you object if Dolmaya and I had a relationship? Do you want to bring that sort of potential problem into this?"
Alyssa breaks out laughing.
"Wow, you move fast. Well, you know the consequences and she's older than civilizations. If anything goes awry, I'll have both of your hides."
This gets Jarem's smile to widen. "Alyssa," he says as he holds back a laugh, "It wasn't me. Dolmaya's the one moving fast."
"Oh I'm sure you're completely innocent in it. Keep it professional when you know it needs to be. Go on, get some relaxing in. We have some really big tasks ahead. Bigger than the bank."
Somehow holding it together, "I'm dead serious." Jarem retorts, "The point is I don't normally kiss and tell, but I also don't want to create a problem in the ranks. Seen it happen a few too many times in with soldiers."
"And I believe you. I expect you to draw on that and behave the way you know you need to. Don't think I don't recognize the risk. I'm trusting both of you. An I'm dead serious about the upcoming tasks."
"Yeah, I know," Jarem says, going off at that.
Ready to move on? Are you sending that information to Moore or do you want to look over it first?
I'll go over it with him, but getting the new things organized takes priority. Plus gives you and Neph time to plan out a posting slot for it.
Sure. Meeting next, I presume.
Thus you get everyone together for the matter of the slabs, and...
Go ahead and set up, I'll bounce off that and get people going.
"Alright, a few things happened. First off, Bastian here has led us to an opportunity to get a very good head start on our own library. There's a valley with numerous stone slabs, enchanted to hold massive amounts of knowledge by a necromancer. Unfortunately this valley is inhabited by ha-nagas. I tried to use a Wish to get the knowledge to recreate the slabs here, but it was a literal ocean of information and almost burned me out. So, let's not try that again and get a plan to either deal with the nagas and move the slabs, or have teams in the valley to work on individual slabs. Delaize is trying to find someone who's dealt with nagas before to help.
Secondly, I did some divinations on the key we found in the bank. It leads to a locked and hidden room somewhere in creation. That somewhere is, apparently, in the 10th layer of the Abyss. I want it, and we're going to find a way to get it. I know a raid is a tall order, so I'm looking for suggestions.
Third, I've almost finalized my plans for the jewels we got from the bank, but my plans are going to be costly. There's two parts to this; the cost of the jewels and the funds and resources we need to get this place ordered. We need leads on treasure. I think our Fleshknower friends might be able to help with that, but I also know there's places like Mineral that could be good options. I don't want to raid anywhere like that, so if anyone has contacts who're willing to trade or give us work, let's tap them.
Fourth, we need to get some serious trade going. You all have knowledge and contacts for various groups and places. They all need things, let's figure out what we can do about that.
Fifth, you all have things you want to accomplish. Places to go and tasks to be done, on a personal level. Let's not simply focus on what I need or want. Those things you always to get done but couldn't muster the resources or allies for? I want a list of those things.
Sixth, I need to start planning to cast the spell to extend my family's lives. It's a long spell. Two weeks long. Let me know what you think needs to be done to make time for it."
All of that's listened to, Dolmaya speaking up first, "That Hellhole?" she makes an expression of disgust. "It could be done, but the realm itself is dangerous, brutish and lethal."
Jarem nods a bit to that, "Not familiar with it myself, but that sounds like the Abyss. The Ha-Nagas sound more manageable."
"I can talk to my Moms about that," Emily speaks up, "They'll be glad to help with trading, I can take care of that in a single message."
"The joys of having rich parents," Bastian grunts, leaning against the wall by the window, gaze looking out at the roads below. "I'll figure out some things I want to get done."
"So shall I," Ianvasah rests in her chair, "I say prioritize your family if you care about them, Alyssa. All of these problems sound like they aren't ones that need to be done in haste."
Alyssa nods, "Well, speaking of family, I plan a small journey to Gond's realm. I'm going to look in on my brother."
"All for your betterment," Dolmaya agrees.
Meanwhile Bastian looks out the window, and after a moment, "Also, don't try to steal from Mineral. It's not worth it. The natives hate it and they have long memories and longer grudges. We could probably get away with it, but it's also probably not worth it."
"That's why I want contacts and work. Trade too if we can manage it. Let's see if our Fleshknower friends might be able to make introductions. They may not be the same sort, but they're... Cousins? Maybe, and it could lend a little leeway."
"Then let's decide on what to do and more importantly, what first," Jarem suggests, "I think Ianvasah's right - spend the time now if you want to enchant your parents, before something comes along and you don't have the chance."
"Family's important," Emily says, "We all have a lot to do."
Alyssa nods.
"Sounds like a plan. That'll give us a chance to get our new people settled too."
Going to see to that first, then?
Sure.
Gimme a d100.
Meanwhile, gimme a list of everyone being extended, just so we're on the same page?
I offered it up to NPCs but no one really responded. If anyone wants it, they can join in. I have... 18 people in addition to family I can do. As for who right now, Mom, Dad, Sis.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 23, total 23[/blockquote]
Jarem's got his eternity sorted so he doesn't need it, Bastian, Emily and Dolmaya have no need of it and Ianvasah's gained the dragon type.
Awesome offer, just a situation where none of them need it.
Okay then, any prep for this I need to be aware of?
Not that I'm aware of beyond the long casting time.
Days pass. Days of casting and ritual. Days of listening to your family chat to pass the time. It's a test of endurance as much as anything else, each day oozing by as you spend time working.
At last it's the final day. You're preparing the last words and final invocation to seal this mighty magic. Power flows into you as...
Go ahead and play it up as you like, Iddy. There's a lot of time here but it's wholly skip over time as your'e busy spellcasting.
Alyssa draws the flow of power in, splitting it for each of her family members and herself and the weaving it into them, letting it fill them and soak into their beings, letting the spell run its course, then relaxing as it finishes for them all.
She then looks at them with a smile, "It's done. Our lives are renewed and extended."
The magic finishes in a burst of golden light, getting cries from your family. It soaks in as you willed, the magic filling them. There's no immediate, visual difference, but you can feel the power you wrought manifesting.
"I feel better," Walt admits immediately, "Good work, Alyssa."
Mother smiles warmly while your sister adds, "100 years," she murmurs, "That's so long!"
"And it's for you to dream with. You lived for us, raised us. You let us have our dreams. It's your turn to dream."
That gets you a hug from Mother as...
Okay, great work, another goal down. Next one up?
Arranging research time to share research with Moore and check in on how organizing is going for contacting the nagas and the slabs.
Sure, Moore's at loose ends so this is perfect timing. Let me move you on over there with him.
Sure.
Locking this thread, you'll go after another Moore post or two.
You're up in Moore's thread, just FYI.