Thus you return.
Cresiel is at the wagon, tending to the horses. He's brushing their manes out as Kaja is glimpsed inside the wagon proper.
"Moore," Kaja calls, "What are we going to do with all the silver?"
"We'll donate at least part of it." Moore says. "Did anyone tally up what's actually in there yet?"
"Not yet, but it's a lot. The silver coins aren't worth much, but everything else will be." Kaja says. He pokes his head out and says, "I'd assume somewhere in six figures if I'm not counting wrong. It's a lot of money."
"And the wagon seems special too." Moore says as he goes over it with a finer eye for magic.
Take 10 on Spellcraft for 87 to identify anything special about the wagon, but this does seem awfully familiar for some reason!!!
It's like when two different groups both find a holy avenger, y'know? Sometimes these things happen.
The wagon looks to be a expanded to have far more space inside than it should. It's stable and useful, allowing lots of storage within.
The horses aren't magical, by the way.
"Well, you know what's interesting, we could probably shrink the wagon down and keep it with us in case we need a lot of space." Moore suggests. "There are times where it's hard to put things in bags or portable holes. Can you have someone appraise all of the wealth in here? Once we know how much is it, we can figure out what to donate."
"I'll have someone do it," Kaja agrees, "You want to put any of it aside for anything?
"If there's anything specific, like something that could be used for something else... then sure, but otherwise, just leave it all together." Moore says.
With that sorted, see loot. Next move? Back to the book?
Back to the book.
Give me another check on it to start?
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+25 : 8 + 25, total 33[/blockquote]
You continue to study away - it's long but you're losing yourself in it, gathering more and more information.
How long are you going to stay with this?
Lets day four hours and then a break.
You feel progress and parts of it are familiar for sure.
After all, you realize you've been studying parts of this for some time.
You're making steady progress on it for sure.
Cor's take on this was rather dragged out, too much so in retrospect, so yours will be sped up a bit.
Admittedly, some of that was due to other things distracting, but you're free of that right now.
Moore will nod with satisfaction, then take a break and fly around Hope's Landing to see if anything interesting is going on!
D100 if you need it.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 70, total 70[/blockquote]
You wander a bit, stretching your wings.
You find Cresiel in the courtyard, seeing to the two horses. He's checking them over carefully, focused entirely on it. Grias watches him along with Villisa, a casual conversation overheard as you approach. "...and still, Cresiel's quite skilled," Grias says.
"He should be," Villisa says, as Cresiel kneels, a few murmured words before he lifts a hoof up without resistance, checking it carefully. "We don't bother with anything less than excellence."
Moore smiles. He strives for more than that! He'll leave them to that and continue along.
You next find Jetina practicing in a meeting room repurposed. She's down to her underclothes - a simple light padded tunic and short pants - and swinging her blade, practing against a stone dummy. She's sweating quite a bit but still going, not slowing down in the slightest.
Moore gives her silent encouragement as he keeps going!
You find Kaja next. He's sitting by a window, looking outward and lost in thought. A silver ingot is in hand, slowly rubbed, almost like absently petting a dog.
Speaking of, Wood sleeps nearby, curled up into a ball. Another dog sleeps nearby, a black furred one of average size.
Moore flies over to pet the new doggie!
A she-dog on a glance, who looks up happily at you. She licks your hand after a few moments, licking and licking away.
"Moore," Kaja greets, "I think Wood has a companion now."
"It seems that way." Moore agrees. "What's on your mind?"
"Money," Kaja says, hefting the silver ingot and flipping it to you. "I have no great love of it in truth, but sometimes it speaks to me. A failing of many with dragonsblood is to greed and the desire for treasure, a thirst that can never be truly slaked."
"I understand. A question of value and worth that's at the core of all dragons." Moore says. "Why not ask Io about it? He'd probably give you more insight than just trying to solve the puzzle on your own."
"It feels like cheating," Kaja finally says, turning to you at last.
"You could talk to the Authority of Generosity. He probably has a unique take on it since he just spends his time giving away his wealth." Moore offers.
"I may one day," Kaja agrees, "I'm surprised you aren't buried in that book."
"I'm taking a break." Moore says. "Just remember you're not alone in all this, okay?"
"As if I hadn't noticed before," Kaja says, "Thank you, Moore."
A smile as he heads back to his room to continue reading!
How long?
Lets go for six hours.
Gimme one more check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+25 : 10 + 25, total 35[/blockquote]
You make more progress - and it's just going to take time, though you are making headway in. Going to keep on it longer term?
Chance to focus or do other things, up to you.
He's been at it all day, he probably ought to sleep before he pushes himself any further.
He'll tackle it again the next day.
The next morning breakfast is brought in as Wood snoozes on your bed, hopping in once you're off and it's still warm. As he sleeps away, Grias adds, "Oh, you have a letter from Queen Ilsenine," he says, floating it over and putting it down before you.
Moore will read it!
Assuming that's 'letter'.
Fixed.
It reads as follows.
Dearest Moore
Enclosed is a token of my esteem. Use it wisely.
Be well.
---
Within the letter is a simple ring of iron and gold bands.
Moore will identify the ring as he is wont to do!
Will save.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+62 : 11 + 62, total 73[/blockquote] mettle
"You peeked," Ilsenine's voice is heard as you somehow don't startle. It comes from the ring, "This ring is a simple enchantment, but it's safe. Put it on and see. It's a surprise."
Is this some sort of elaborate trap?
No, it couldn't be -- he's protected within these walls now.
He puts the ring on!
A feeling of warmth around you and Ilsenine's scent - a hug. It's just like a hug, lasting several seconds before fading. "The ring works again if you take it on and off, as often as you like."
"I take it we can talk through it as well?" Moore asks.
"Letters grew tiresome," Queen Ilsenine admits. "I'm only surprised you weren't startled, there was magic in the ring to aid that."
"Did I ever tell you about the time that Asmodeus sent me a magically poisoned letter?" Moore asks. "I actually thought this was the same sort of thing, so my apologies."
"You did," Ilsenine agrees, "Are you well, Moore?"
"I am. How about you?" He asks. "How is Lifasa? Have you had any interesting visitors to the court?"
"Afina stopped in again, but only for a favor from Crystal," Ilsenine says, "She's dedicated herself again to hunting."
"That makes sense. I'll let her know if I find anything out about where Gathgorian is hiding." Moore says. "But how are you doing, by the way?"
"Busy and I miss you," Ilsenine admits, then sighs softly, "Lady Skye just came in. Another time, be well, Moore."
"You are as welcome here as I am there." Moore says as he smiles and takes the ring off and holds it in his hand for a good time before he looks over at the book again.
How long this time, or just until interruption/completion?
The latter. Lets go go go go.
d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 94, total 94[/blockquote]
Days pass. A week? More? It's hard to tell. You find yourself enthralled as you read more and more, bending your mind and will towards understanding all of this and...
At last you finish. You aren't sure how long it's been - time has passed for certain, but you lost track of it in your studies. But at last you're done.
PM incoming momentarily.
Sent.
I have several questions. How would you like me to get them to you?
PM's fine.
Another PM.
pursuant to that, then, let's proceed with The Words.
Meeting with Xandra is simple enough and...
Okay, go ahead and explain to Xandra what's up and what you want.
"I've finished with this." Moore says as he holds up the book. "From it, I have a relatively comprehensive understanding of the process of One. I think, from it, I'd like to try and develop some way to utilize the Words to help. Since everything has to come from me, I think focusing on something... maybe that I can make my own, if that makes sense?"
"Then I'll help you," Xandra says, and a thought. "It's too bad she's not here. I understand learning was her talent and passion."
"...mm." Moore smiles all of a sudden. "I think you're right. Maybe that's an extra piece to all this. Maybe, before I even worry about this, we should find her."
"That is a delay," Xandra muses aloud, "Perhaps we should redouble our efforts to find lore?"
"A delay, but... if this is to work, then I think we need as much help as we can get." Moore says. "I want to proceed with this, but I think this is the best way to go about it. I know it will take time, but would you like to read the book?"
"I would," Xandra agrees. "To understand what you mean. Would you go over it with me?"
"It'll take time, but I think you have insight that may speed it up." Moore says.
Okay then, plan of action?
I need to redo our realm to allocate resources to notes, but Moore will spend time with Xandra and the book until it's interrupt time.
Let me pause you just a sec pending working out how this is gonna flow on Seira's side.
yar
You are working on that when, "Moore."
You look up from your studies with Xandra. Erathaol is there, a hand held up. "Your services in hosting may well be required soon."
Moore blinks, less in surprise from the sudden appearance and more to why.
"Lord Erathaol. I have no objections, but why here out of curiosity?" He asks.
"Seira requested it," Erathaol explains, as Xandra turns as well. "We seek to bring the Grand Sultan to negotiations from a position of strength and force an end to this war."
"I admit some surprise that we aren't using Lord Barachiel's abode." He says. "Nonetheless, if Seira requested it then I will ensure we receive him in a manner befitting these negotiations."
"The light of Chronias is strong here. Let him not be blinded to the truth," Erathaol agrees. "Let him have to face reality and not hide between pretty lies."
"I'll have things ready." Moore promises.
"Do so. If you need aid, I will provide it," Erathaol says, simply and to the point.
Moore nods!
I can spend some time creating a good description for what I'm looking for here.
By all means.
A new building, right in the middle of Hope's Landing, stands out slightly from the rest of the bright stone used to make the rest of the fortress.
It's not very tall, but it stands out -- there are bright white banners on the front of it, depicting the seven layers of Celestia -- two on each side of the large door that stays open.
Inside the building is a large, round table made of fine wood. All around it sit comfortable-looking chairs; the chairs themselves fit any size, as does the table. No matter who sits at the table, everyone always seems to be eye-to-eye and completely level.
There are six windows, each placed slightly higher than the last, with a large, glass ceiling that allows the light of Celestia to shine down into the room.
Fortunately you have a deity helping you with a relevant alter reality since otherwise that's a big project, yeah.
By saying it stands out slightly from the rest of the stone, how so?
Mm, think of it like a building that has high charisma. Does that make sense? Like it has a 'presence'.
Like it's meant to stand out and be the focus of the place?
Yes, that is correct.
Thus it is finished, time enough to look it over and do a few small things before events transpire.
You have basically the evening session as free time, in case there's anything you want to do real quick, due to the timing and positioning of it.
I don't really have anything on my agenda.
We'll just wait until tomorrow then in that case, since the timing's just unexpected. Sorry about that, this came up today as you know, so.
No worries.
You wait until...
'He has agreed,' Erathaol sends to you. 'It will be soon, be prepared.'
Moore will take time to finish the design and have things ready for the delegation. He will ask Melia in particular to keep an eye on whatever guests the Sultan brings.
and by ready I mean light snacks and things, no giant feast unless it's requested.
Sure.
Your group will be expected to look your best, though.
Im sure we have Official Business outfits.
Cresiel is clad in his armor, everything freshly polished and clean. He knocks on your door before entering, "Soon," he says, "You need any aid before it begins?"
Moore has changed into a pearly white dress coat with a few bits of gold trim here and there.
"No, We will just have to bear witness to how this goes. I don't know that we will witness much ourselves, though." He says.
"We'll witness enough," Cresiel says firmly, "And ideally the surrender of the efreet."
"I'm..." He begins, before he stops to look out a window. "If you'd asked before... I think I'd have said the Sultan can't give up his pride. But given recent events... perhaps even he will have to realize the situation he's in."
"Xandra's been praying about it," Cresiel remarks, "I trust she has some insight that will aid us in this."
"I'm sure she does." Moore says. "Whether she can share it is a different story."
"Shall we find out?" Cresiel offers, "I think we still have a bit more time."
Moore nods. "Lets."
You find Xandra...heading towards your room.
"Moore," she says, "Great danger and great opportunity rests ahead. Be wary but be ready."
"You realize that basically boils down to 'this could be either good or bad,' right?" He says with a bit of a grin.
Xandra returns that, "The point is that we have a great chance here, but one that could go sour. Do not underestimate what we could accomplish today if we are victorious."
"Then I'll help make sure it's successful." Moore affirms.
Ready to get to this, then?
yep
New thread.