Last time...
"Sun's Rise," Erathaol says as you take his hand. His voice fades into overwhelming light, "His name is Su-"
Stars, sun, moon, night. The earth, the fire, the wind and the waters. Life and death. An endless circle at war with itself across the spokes of a wagon's wheel. Dragons clash across it, lead by king and queen. Dreams fade into screaming nightmares. Order rises and falls higher and lower than you can see. Today and tomorrow become reversed, and the next and into the next and the next, until time itself seems naught but a stream you leap along, back and forth with no rhyme or reason.
It all fades to one thing - the light. Not the light of that other place, a light that burns it away from above. This light is the light of Erathaol - no. It is more. It is Celestia, it is is is is is - Moore is overwhelmed.
When Moore comes back to himself, he is dazed and shaken. New found power surges through him, knowledge of things poured into his head as if it were a tankard. "Now," Erathaol says, "You are to head to Aurora and join their Crusade. The throne archon Morniel has been sent instructions to help you. Beniel will go with you and join the forces there as an aide."
OOC: K:P check for Aurora from last time, doesn't feel right to re-roll it.
[12:09] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5+6 K:P for Aurora
[12:09] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=16]
Moore hesitates for a moment... before he nods. He understands what he has to do, even without being told.
"Yes, all right, Sir Erathaol." He nods again. "I'll make sure they get the help they need."
Moore can recall aurora is a group fighting against Hell. Their world was taken through some grand act of treachery or trickery and they are the survivors. Armed with the lost fortress Medicant, they tirelessly crusade to put right what went wrong.
"Go." Erathaol gestures towards a swirling portal of winds, besides you. Despite the wind, not a thing here is disturbed. "Fly ahead and upwards to find Aurora."
Moore nods. "Thank you, Sir Erathaol. I'm sure we'll meet again." He gives a proper bow before he heads into the portal!
"Let's go!" Beniel cries, the two plunging into a portal.
It's like a spring breeze. A cutting winter wind. A cooling gust off the ocean to the beach. The currents that carry the smell of fire smoke in the fall. You fly in an endless sky, no land and nothing but openness. It is as if all the sky above was taken and made to go on forever, detached from the ground.
"That came as a bit of a shock, huh?" Moore asks as they fly up. "I wasn't expecting that, but... I suppose in hindsight, all signs pointed to it..."
"Oh yes," Beniel says, doing laps around Moore, "But he was so nice and it was amazing!"
"Was this what you were looking for?" Moore asks as they continue on. "Or do you think you're still looking for something at this point?"
"No, I have my orders," Beniel says with a laugh, "So let's go and find Aurora!"
Moore nods and continues to fly up while taking in the scenery! This will make for a great story to motivate people! "I'd say that I regret not being able to spend more time in Xiranthador," Moore says as they fly along, "...but I think I learned enough while I was there for one short trip. I'm sure we can get back there someday."
The scenery is the sky. "Yes, we'll go back there, but forward now!" Beniel says, following.
> roll 1d100 random encounter chance (81+)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 70 > [d100=70]
You fly on without interruption. The skies are clear and the wind is pure. Far purer than anything you've felt or smelled before. It is simply the wind, untained and unchecked by things from the Prime Material. After some time, you come to see something ahead. It looms on the horizon, some sort of castle or fortress. "That must be it!" Beniel bobs up and down in the air, shaking. "Ooooh, I can't wait!"
"It must be easy to defend a place that's this high up." Moore reasons as he continues to fly up. "Actually, Ben, where -are- we anyway?"
"Air. The Elemental Plane of Air," Beniel explains, "It's where all the winds and the sky comes from for the Prime Material. Erathaol told me!"
"Oh, that explains the lack of... anything else." Moore says as they continue on. "I'm surprised we didn't run into an elemental or two, then." Oh well, there's always next time!
Speak of the devil. As you approach the fortress - a great thing with colored windows of glass and a wall around it - you see them in the air. Swarms of what can only be air elementals, humanoid figures made of gusting winds and clouds. They fly around the fortress, as if eternally chasing the winds around it.
Moore will give them a good amount of distance -- but if they approach, he'll say something. In the meantime, he'll fly around the sides of the fortress, looking for what would be considered the main entrance.
The main entrance is a gate. It's made of solid metal, silvery and gleaming. But you barely get a look as elementals swarm to you. They are lead by an elemental with wings of half wind and half white feathers. "Hold there," he calls, "You approach the fortress Aurora."
K:P to identify the elemental beyond "it's an air elemental" ?
Moore stops and holds his hands up in what he hopes isn't considered an aggressive manner. "Hello!" He calls in... Auran? Yes, Auran. That should hopefully make a good impression. "I have been sent to meet with the throne archon Morniel. My name is Moore." He says. He doesn't need to tell them where he came from unless they ask. No need to throw names around unnecessarily.
Sure, go for it. I'll reply after you've made your check.
[10:20] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+14 K:P
[10:20] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 31 > [d20=17]
The air elemental before you is Drena, grandson of Archomental Chan. His wings are a sign of celestial blood - though how a celestial and a sentient mass of air crossbreed is an open question. In any case, you also recall he's joined Aurora's crusade and serves as an intermediary between Chan and Aurora.
Drena gives the pixie an inscrutable look, all gusting winds that batter around him. He then gestures to an elemental, "Inform Morniel of this," he instructs in Auran, the elemental going off to do that. "Please wait here in the meantime."
"Of course, Sir Drena." Moore says with a smile. "My apologies for approaching without due notification."
"It's okay, we were sent by the Heavens!" Beniel chirps, floating up to Drena. "Hi, I'm Beniel. I've never met an air elemental with wings before, are those normal? They're really nice!"
Drena looks on at both the waiting pixie and flying archon before he gestures. The other elementals resume flying around Aurora while he stays here. "Just wait. Also, it's not normal, the wind of celestials blows within my own."
"Beniel!" Moore calls out with some admonishment in his voice. "It must be a great burden, but also a great honor, to be someone who intermediates such as I've..." Moore trails off. Heard? Is that right? Hm. He shakes his head quickly. "It mustn't be an easy task. You have my respect, for as little as that might mean I suppose!" Moore says with a chuckle.
Moore gets a longer look at that, but finally Drena says, "Likewise, I do wonder about the burden of a pixie coming from Celestia. I was not aware pixies lived there."
Moore smiles. "I don't consider it much of a burden myself, but...well. It's not a terribly long story, I suppose, but I don't know if it's of any interest. Suffice it to say, I have been given a missive to follow fate as it sees fit to guide me, and so I am here with Beniel." Moore says, stretching somewhat afterwards. "It wasn't what I thought I was going to be doing yesterday!"
Before an answer is given, the air elemental sent to Morniel comes gusting back. "Yes," is his answer to Drena, "He will meet them past the gate."
To this Drena gestures at the gate, which is now open. "Go on."
"We'll talk later, Sir Drena!" Moore calls out before he flies towards the gate!
You step through the gates and into Aurora. The fortress is made of metal with colored lights going along it in lines. It stretches high into the endless sky and dominates the view. There is a vast, long courtyard circling the entire fortress, lots of space around. The courtyard has other figures working - a pack of what look to be wolves are being trained by a few humans. A group of women go through smooth, graceful sword forms. Nearby them a small tower sits in the courtyard. Celestials and air elementals fly about, while a mass of humanoid troops train below them.
Everything is a mass of sight, sound and color. Are those far too large spiders spinning ghostly webs in a corner? What about that man of fire, is that a fire elemental sparring with what looks to be a giant of iron? What about those actual giants throwing boulders to the side? As Moore struggles to take it in, one figure approaches. He steals your attention naturally. He is tall, perhaps seven feet and glad in shining golden armor. A halo of light surrounds him and a sense of calm fills you as he approaches. White wings reflect light almost as if they are metallic.
"Moore, Beniel," the celestial says, "I am Morniel and I have been told of your coming. Welcome to Aurora."
Moore bows his head respectfully. "Throne archon Morniel, it is a pleasure." Moore says, his tone shifting to one with at least a bit more reverence. "Is it always so bustling, here in Aurora?" Moore asks with a glance around at all the goings-on.
"Yes, Aurora is always busy. Especially as there is no day or night here," Morniel gestures out towards Air, a sweep of his arm. "Come with me."
Moore nods and will follow along! It must be hard for some people to keep track of time, then... thankfully for him, that's not too much of a problem!
You head into the fortress itself. Within is a hall full iron states - golems, perhaps. It leads to a platform full of swirling portals, Morniel leading you to one. You end up in a meeting room. The walls are the same metal as the outside, light flowing and glowing in the walls. "Please, sit," Morniel says.
Moore will look around at all the goings-on, even inside the walls. Goodness! Through the portal he will go, until Moore will sit down as instructed.
"Before we begin, do you have any questions?" Morniel asks, taking a seat opposite Moore. Beniel just floats over a chair besides the pixie, staying quiet.
"I have several." Moore says. "However, I cannot know if they're irrelevant or will be answered by what you have to say. It's my understanding that you have received orders for me... I think the best thing for me to do right now is to listen to those and then I'll ask the questions that rise from them." Moore adds, his posture still staying at least mostly proper.
"As you know, you've been sent to Aurora. In order to train you and assess your capabilities, you'll be sent on a mission with an agent of Aurora. You'll be in a support role and what happens after will depend on how you perform there." Morniel goes on after a pause for that to sink in, "It is a test, but one you will not fail as long as you are brave and forthright. It is more to assess your talents and how you can best contribute to our goal of liberating Lifasa and defeating Taelfagn, the Duke of Destiny."
"Perform well and you will be called on to aid Aurora directly," Morniel continues, "In addition, I recommend getting to know the officers of Aurora. There are many worthy friends, mentors and allies to be found here."
Moore nods. "I still have a bit of catching up to do, my abilities were... ah... well, let us say I am still growing accustomed to them." Moore says with a smile. "Are there any here I could talk to who have similar abilities as myself? It seems like you've already been informed of where my strengths lie." Moore says. "I'd like to do a bit of learning from them before this mission, if I have time for that." Moore taps his chin for a moment. "Beyond that... I think the rest of my questions will be answered as I meet the others here. Ah... well, actually, I do have a question -- is there anyone who is the leader of Aurora that I should be aware of? I of course will be respectful to everyone here, but if there's anyone who I should show any specific deference to, I would like to know." Moore adds. "Ah... I apologize, one more question. Is Aurora aligned in any specific way with Queen Titania? I would presume that both entities mostly stay out of each other's way, but... ah, apologies, Sir Morniel, if these are too many questions." Moore says with a sheepish smile.
"There are a few. In the time you have, I would recommend Ebony, an angelic bard from Sylica. To find her, ask aloud for Elena and she will come to help you, as she is a spirit of Aurora." Morniel smiles slightly at those questions. "The leadership of Aurora is based around six generals and several commanding officers under them. For the officers, it is less military and more adventurer in decorum, if you grasp my meaning."
After a pause for that, "Titania has not directly participated in the Crusade, though Seelie fey do help Aurora."
Moore smiles. "I understand." He nods to Morniel's final response. "I understand as well. I may try and act as a liason between our people then, if I am deemed worthy enough." Moore then stands and bows again. "As far as I can think of, that's all I have in terms of questions for now. If I have more... well, it sounds as if I can ask for Elena and she can guide me to someone who can answer them."
"Hi!" A blue ghost appears next to Moore. It's exactly what she is - a pretty young woman wearing a set of armor and carrying a lance "I'm Elena and I help run Aurora. So who are you looking for?"
Morniel nods, "Good luck."
Moore nods again to Morniel. "Please seek me out if you need me for anything else." Moore then turns to Elena. "Hello! I'm Moore! I am looking for Ebony, Miss Elena."
You note Beniel flying ot Morniel, the two quietly talking to each other. In the meantime, "Hi! She's outside by the phase spiders. Do you know where that is?"
"Are those the ones I passed when I came inside, the ones making the webs?" Moore asks. "If so, yes. Otherwise I'm afraid not."
"They are," Elena says, "She wears a black robe with a hood. You can't miss her."
"Thank you, Miss Elena!" Moore says as he leaves Beniel to his tasks for now and goes to find the spiders and Ebony!
You find the phase spiders. It is a dense cluster of large webs off to the side of the courtyard. They weave away and skitter amid the webs. You can see there is furniture of spider silk about, including a plush-esque chair that Ebony sits on. It has to be her - a black robe with hood drawn, head bowed. The spiders move around here, none touching her in favor of giving her some distance.
"Ah..." Moore starts, lowering his voice a notch or two. "Excuse me, Miss Ebony? My name is Moore, I'm here on... um... " He shakes his head. "I'm here on a mission for Aurora. Sir Morniel sent me to you to get some advice on adapting to some of my newfound skills at magical prowess."
Ebony turns, a glimpse of dark hair framed by big, expressive eyes. White wings poke out from her back as she turns, tucked away before. "Hello, Moore." She pats the couch next to her, "Tell me what you need, then." Her voice is soft and melodic, a natural singer's voice.
He will fly over and take the seat next to her. "I'm not really sure where I should focus my magics... I have several spells swimming around inside my head --" At this, he'll make a motion with his hands around his head. "I can feel words of power at the edges of my consciousness, I just need to focus on them... but I don't know where to focus." Moore says, slumping his shoulders slightly. "I've always found love in supporting others, so that's generally where my magic thus far has been focused. Sir Morniel said you used similar magics, so I thought I would get some advice from you, if you don't mind."
"Calmness," Ebony murmurs, "Moore, close your eyes and relax. Breathe deeply and count to ten, then tell me of your circumstances."
Angels must really not like dealing with people who are unsure of themselves, Moore realizes.
He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, counting backwards.
"I'm to go on a mission in a supportive role. I would like some advice on choosing spells from the 5th and 6th circles to be able to better assist with that, and, long-term, a supportive role here in Aurora." Moore states, putting his hands in his lap.
"Gladly," Ebony smiles, a sweep of her arm. Snowflakes fall in her wake, "Have you head of the snowsong, the music of winter?"
Moore rubs his chin for a moment. "I have not." He answers simply.
Ebony bows her head and sings words of Celestial. Of the coldest time of the year, of the land resting and being ready to be reborn. It is a beautiful song, snow falling as she sings. You feel uplifted and revitalized, full of energy. The snow melts the moment it hits anything, not cold at all. It's merely soothing, like the lightest touch of chill to ward down a fever.
"The snowsong bolsters your allies with the spirit of winter's promised hope of spring and dooms your enemies with the inevitable death winter brings. According to legend, a bard dedicated to Bahamut created this spell to oppose Auril. It is not a spell that is inherently good or evil, but instead based on allies or enemies."
She's referencing snowsong in Frostburn, if you'd like to take a look yourself.
Moore smiles as he watches the snow, tapping his chin and then his nose as if he's trying to study it.
"I think I understand. Yes, that would be a good spell to learn to bolster my allies while harrying enemies." He looks to be taking a mental note himself, but then looks like he just remembered something. "I actually invented a spell of my own use that allows for someone to gain greater magical strength when I inspire them to greatness. I've been hoping to improve on that and... well, I think you are familiar... I have recently learned of the Words of Creation, though I have yet to use them for myself. I was considering trying to devise a spell that perhaps allowed one who uses magic to maximize their potential magics if I spend the magic and then sing properly. Ah... I'm not sure if I made a lot of sense with what I said, so if you need me to demonstrate it, I would be happy to do so." Moore says with a smile.
Ebony nods slightly to this, "Yes, there are a few who seek to draw greater power from the Words of Creation. One must be cautious, for a misspoken word with them can end your life. They are the language used to make Creation. I know of a path, one I am on the cusp of beginning. Have you heard of the singers of the celestial choir?"
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103074.msg1050459.html#msg1050459 For reference, since they use the WoC to greater effect, like you mentioned doing with magic.
Moore nods. "Yes, of course. I do not mean or intend to overstep my boundaries in terms of the knowledge I have just come into. I think that what you are speaking of is a path I would consider following once I've overcome my first trials here." He says, sounding more relaxed than he did originally when he sat down. "I think, in the meantime, I will consider ways to enhance people's magics without treading so on the Words."
Moore takes a moment to shift his posture slightly. "I don't think I have the time to focus on that study right now, though. It can wait until afterwards. For now... Hm." He looks up at the spiders, then over at Ebony. "I know there are some who summon allies, but... I do not yet think that is something for me to focus on. For some reason, the thought of a celestial dire bear comes to the back of my mind. I think I'm trying to focus on doing too many things at once, my apologies, Lady Ebony. Do you know of any spells that I could use against enemies that may either distract them or... hm, perhaps even turn them on each other?"
"There is a spell that can do that. Do you know the song of discord?" Ebony asks. She sings a single note, one that vibrates in the air, sounding like music gone wrong. "It compels them to battle each other."
Spell of the same name on the SRD.
Moore looks for a moment as if he's looking past Ebony, into something else. He nods.
"Yes, I know that one. I think that would be a good one to commit to." Moore says as he contemplates something. "Hm. Yes, I think I know how to focus my musical skills now." Moore says with a smile. "Thank you, Lady Ebony, you have been most gracious to this newcomer."
"We're all in this Crusade together," Ebony says, turning to look back to the spiders. "If we are a house divided, we will surely fall."
"There certainly do seem to be a rather varied group of individuals here." Moore says with a glance at the spiders. "Do you enjoy their company?" He asks, making a brief gesture towards the spiders.
"They're good conversationalists," Ebony remarks, a faint smile as she says that. "They are from Sylica and so am I, so they are in part my responsibility."
K:P on Sylica?
Moore nods. "Creatures of all types have interesting stories to tell if people care to listen to them." He says with a smile. "Lady Ebony, I think I've taken up enough of your time. If you don't mind, when I get back, perhaps we can talk some more and share some stories?"
Yes, go ahead and make an K:P check on that.
[11:47] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20 K:P
[11:47] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=5]
Sylica is a recent development. It is a demiplane located on Ysgard, ruled by two newly risen deities. They are Alicia Reynes and Syala, who rule the plane together. Alicia is a patron of those who combine martial and magical skill, while Syala is a protector of families and love.
"You're welcome to." Ebony pauses here, "Hell is excellent at training and producing new recruits. We can only strive to match them, lest we be overwhelmed."
Moore nods. "Once I get my footing here, I hope I can be of some service." Moore considers for a moment, then realizes he has no idea where to go from here. Hm, well that's going to make things difficult...
He bows his head in respect to Ebony before he flies back to the main courtyard area. "Miss Elena? It's Moore again, I'm sorry to bother you. I need to find either Sir Morniel or whomever it is I'll be working with on this mission of mine." Moore calls out.
Elena appears at your request. "Are you ready for it? No more preparations or anything to do?"
Moore scratches his head. "Oh." He looks down and then makes a sour face. "I hadn't thought about it in all the commotion to getting here, but I don't actually have any... equipment. Do you think I can get something temporary?" He asks.
"Oh, of course," Elena says, "We have a fund for just this thing. We'll loan you 15,000 gold for equipment, go put in some requests. Hmmm, Afina should be back soon and she can help get you set up on that front."
Moore nods. "Okay, I can certainly do that. Ah... can you point me in the right direction?" Moore asks.
"I'll take you," Elena says, "Everywhere in Aurora's interior is connected by portals, rather than by hallways and normal means. That's why there's that portal hub in the entrance hall. It also means that invading Aurora's interior is almost impossible, since Galariel and I control them."
Moore nods. "That must take some getting used to. Unless you know where each individual wants to travel, I suppose." Moore says.
"Yes, though it's easy once you get the hang of it." Back into the entrance hall, all the bustle there. Amid all the noise, a man approaches. He has wild black hair and is handsome in a rugged sort of way. He has a heavy build, that of a powerful warrior. On his back is a greatsword, one that shines silver in the light. "Yo, Elena," he calls, "That's the new recruit?"
"Hello!" Moore says with a wave, then a small bow. "I'm Moore, I... well, I'm not sure I've been recruited yet, but, I'm definitely the new one!"
"Adrian," He introduces himself, "I'll be taking you out for your test, once you're equipped and ready." He glances to Elena, "Afina's stil out?" After getting a quick confirmation of that, "C'mon with me. So what can you do?" Oddly enough, when he's closer, you can see a few faint scales on his neck.
K:P again?
Moore smiles at Adrian. "Um... hm." He considers this for a moment, remembering both Iris and Ebony before he clears his throat. "I'm primarily a spellcaster. I can use my music and words to inspire people to greatness or heroics with ease. I can heal a little but it isn't really my forté. I'm much better at hanging back and making sure whoever I'm fighting with is brought to a much higher level than they could normally manage." Moore says. "I can do a little of anything, really, at the end of the day. But that's the basic idea!"
What precisely are you curious about, Moore?
What he is since he has scales.
K:A.
[22:04] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+26
[22:04] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+26 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{38}
Moore thinks it's most likely a sign of draconic blood. He's possibly dragon blooded but not a full half dragon. This could be from a dragon a few generations back on the family tree or from magical augmentation.
"That's a good sort to have," Adrian waves Elena off, going to a portal, "We'll get you some temporary gear at the worst since you aren't equipped."
"I'm embarrassed to say I forgot about it entirely, but I had other things on my mind." Moore says with a grin. "That would be fine, I expect to earn my keep while I'm here."
"You'll earn your keep," Adrian agrees, "And best you don't make that mistake again. Good gear can mean the difference between making it back alive or not." Stopping before a particular portal, one of many here. As you stand here, a rather short and busty angel with gold skin and white wings comes out, going from one portal to the next. She wears heavy armor but you only get a bare glance at her. "My wife helped bury the woman who was like a sister to her, when better equipment and preparation would have saved her."
"I don't think I'll find myself in the same circumstances again. They were rather unique." Moore says. "But your point is taken, Sir Adrian, I will not rush headlong into a situation. I may be a pixie, but I do sometimes have reservations about things!"
"Yeah, speaking of, our main smith is a pixie," A couple of men in breastplates and carrying swords go from one portal to another, Adrian stepping aside to let them pass. He steps into a portal, saying just as he does, "Follow me."
"No kidding? Are there a lot of fey here?" Moore asks as he follows after Adrian. "Last place it seemed a bit of a shock to some people that I was even there!"
"Some," Through the portal you stand in forges. Great forges where men of pure fire dance amid the flames, while air elementals replace bellows, sending gusts of air into the flames. Humanoids of rock and dirt forge metals and provide them, while circles of cowled wizards chant over various pieces of equipment. Adrian stops here, crossing his arms and waiting.
Moore glances around. "No water elementals?" He asks Adrian.
"That's what you took away from this?" Adrian retorts, a crooked grin following. "We use them, though apparently not right now."
"Sorry! It's a very impressive forge! I didn't think you wanted to hear about how impressed I was with it." Moore says, then brightens as he realizes something. "Actually, Sir Adrian, what is the history with this place? The whole... thing, I mean. Or is that a question for Miss Elena?"
"It's a long story," With a gesture, Adrian gets the attention of an earth elemental. He jerks his thumb towards Moore, "This pixie needs to be equipped and has 15,000 gold in credit. Go on, Moore. Get yourself ready and worry about a history lesson later."
It's time to equip yourself, Moore. You have 15k in credit, and remember that anything bought through Aurora is at a 75% discount.
Before I begin, can I enhance the effects of the Regalia of the Hero (MIC 207) at all?
Possibly. Take this over to the loot thread since this is loot discussion, though. Just copy/paste your question there. We'll resume in this thread once we have loot sorted out.
There's a lot of indecisiveness but after a few moments of thinking it over, Moore decides on three items in particular -- a vest, some armor and a lyre. He seems quite satisfied with the three of them and even has some money left over!
"They'll be made and ready for you before you go," Adrian says, "Do you need to rest or anything before that?"
Moore considers for a moment. "No, I think I'm fine. It's strange, I didn't sleep when I was there, but I'm honestly not really sure how much time passed. I think I'll be fine, I don't feel tired at the moment." He responds with a nod. "Where are we going, anyway? Sir Morniel didn't give me too many details."
""The Elemental Plane of Fire," Adrian says, "Don't worry, you'll be protected so you won't burn up. There's a fairly easy target there. We go in, crush it and get out. Easy, quick and effective. We don't linger long enough for trouble to find us."
Moore nods. "Well, I'm ready whenever you are, Sir Adrian."
"This way," Adrian leads you to another portal. You end up in a library, great shelves of books far taller than even Adrian. They fly out to readers seemingly at random, the silence only interrupted by the sound of book leather meeting hands. Adrian leads you to a young man in a white robes, a staff resting next to him. An unremarkable staff at a glance, but occasionally tiny ripples of blue light play in the wood's grooves. "Elder Magi Tepen," Adrian murmurs, "Moore is a new recruit and is going with me to Fire. I need him to be immunized to fire."
Elder Magi Tepen looks up from a thick book, gaze sharp and right on Moore. "Another pixie? A full defense against fire is possible. Please give me your hand."
Well it's no wonder he's confused about another pixie, he's already got him confused for Lief!
Moore takes a look around the library. "Wow, I bet this has the same types of books that were in Xiranthador..." Moore says quietly before he's broken out of his stupor. He does make an almost insulted face and puts a hand over his heart. "Why, sir, I am not just 'another' Pixie, but I suppose the grand stories can wait for later." Moore quips before he offers his hand to the Elder Magi, who really doesn't look that old at all, Moore thinks to himself...
Whoops, the joy of sorting out multiple posts at once. Fixed.
Elder Magi Tepen takes that hand and shakes it, leaning down to do so. At the same time his eyes blaze blue, words of twisting power uttered, "By the seven gates above and the nine pits below, I abjure you from all of Fire. Go forth, blessed and safe." He clears his throat after, "Pardon in the incantation, but protecting wholly against an element requires a rather sweeping invocation. No actual appeal to Baator is made."
You have energy immunity (fire) cast on you, CL 22nd.
Moore smiles and shakes his head. "Trust me, Sir Tepen, sometimes you have to be very broad in the words you use, I understand wholly. Thank you for your assistance." He turns to Adrian. "Is there anything else you think we need to take care of before we depart?"
"No, we're ready." Adrian calls quietly, "Elena, we're heading out. Have Hanna out there for Gate." From there it's a quick trip outside into Air, a looming figure waiting for you. She is female and wears a toga, another angel with a scythe carried on her back. Her wings are curled in, her gaze powerfully boring into Moore.
"Thanks, Hanna. I'll send word when we're ready to be picked up." Adrian says, flying along in Air easily.
Moore nods to Hanna, following it up with a half-bow, as he gets the inkling that she isn't much for words.
"Good fortune ahead," Hanna offers, a murmured prayer that Moore doesn't quite catch following. A swirling red portal appears before the trio, flames leaping out in long lashes of fire. One hits Moore on the arm, but its like being hit by a puff of really hot air - a little unpleasant but harmless.
"Thank you, Lady Hanna." Moore says with a nod to Adrian. "No time like the present, hm?" Moore asks as he goes to enter the portal, but not move too far ahead of Adrian. He does look around to see if there's anything besides just fire. Surely there has to be something solid to stand on somewhere, right?
The two land in fire. You step into flame itself, heat buffeting you like gale winds. You stand in the heart of an inferno, unburnt and undamaged by the plane's nature. Adrian is likewise untouched and promptly steps forward. "Fire spring," Adrian grunts, sweeping his silver greatsword about to clear away some of the flames. "It should be ahead, stay with me and support me if you see an enemy."
"You got it!" Moore responds. He glances around for anything out of the ordinary. Well, it'll be hard to tell exactly, but he'll still look!
Spot check.
[12:23] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+22 spot
[12:24] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 42 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d100 random encounter
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 50 > [d100=50]
> roll 1d20+36 Adrian spot
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 37 > [d20=1]
The flames that leap up from the ground - a charred, blackened soil as hard as rock - largely obscure things. But you soon can notice the flames are thinning out. You're fairly confident nothing immediately dangerous is around. Adrian leads you on, not hesitating and ignoring the flames that lash at him. Soon enough he pauses and kneels to the ground, studying it.
"We're almost there," he announces, "Be ready. These last few flames will be it. We'll be coming out on a volcanic plateau."
Moore nods. "We'll be ready in case there are enemies." He says, making a mental preparation for some orders in case of a battle.
Noting minor aura is set to Dexterity for a +7 bonus to init
Got it.
The two step out ahead. You stand at the edge of a field of black volcanic glass, glittering orange-red from the flames behind you. Ahead is a tower made of the same dark glass, rising up in a slowly shrinking spiral. It is a broad tower at the base, but each floor above is smaller and smaller. Oversized windows the size of doors connect to stairways along the side of it, criss-crossing the outside of that tower.
Adrian speaks quietly, sword out, "This is a minor devil base. It's completely unrelated to Aurora's struggle; it serves as a scholarly outpost for the study of fire in all its forms, as well as the plane of Fire."
Moore nods to Adrian. "Do you think they'll bother us if we don't bother them?" Moore asks quietly.
"They're devils. Fuck 'em." Adrian spits to the side, wiping his mouth with the back of his gloved hand. "It doesn't matter, we'll send them howling back to the rancid pit they call home."
"Well, if we're here for another reason, we shouldn't waste time with them, right?" Moore suggests. "But you're in charge, so I'll follow your lead, Sir Adrian."
Adrian glances over his shoulder, "They are the reason." Turning all the way around now, "Did someone tell you otherwise?"
"Oh, well, you said they were unrelated, so I thought you meant unrelated to what we were doing here." Moore says. "If they're the reason we're here, then let's get to it."
Glancing back towards the tower and seeing nothing, Adrian continues. "Unrelated to our war, as they aren't under Bel's command or another force openly oppressing Lifasa. But all devils are our enemy."
Moore nods. "That makes sense. So what's the plan, then? Do you want to call them out here or should we just go in? Getting their attention might be for the best, since we don't know what they might have inside the tower itself, forcing them out here changes the playing field a bit." He offers. "I could also just create something that takes us to the top and we could start up there if you prefer."
"It's a plan to be a force of nature," Adrian smirks briefly, turning back and marching ahead. "We go in the front door and kill every devil and devil-ally in there. This IS our crusade, another conflict with Hell. The little tyrants here won't have a chance to grow into big ones.'
Moore nods. "When you're ready, let me know, then. I can cast a few spells before we go in to give us an advantage."
"I'm ready," Adrian declares, "Spell away." He starts walking forward at the same time.
Moore will cast a series of spells as they go, as well as one for himself, wherein several mirror images appear around him!
-Casting Haste on himself and Adrian, 17 round duration
Tyche's Touch on Adrian, +4 sacred bonus to the next saving throw, followed by +3, +2, and then +1 for each afterwards.
[13:48] <Nephrite> roll 1d4+5 Mirror Images
[13:48] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 6 > [d4=1]
Moore gets 6 additional images for 17 minutes.
Magic weaves around them, speed bringing them to the tower's front door in a mere 3 rounds. Adrian simply strides right in, an open entryway full of murals of fire. The floor is the same, a massive mural of leaping flame from a great pit. A pair of barbazu are just inside, snarling, "You can't enter!" they snap in rough Common, immediately moving to interdict the two.
Init here.
[14:04] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+7+5
[14:04] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+20 Adrian
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+6 barbazu 1
> roll 1d20+6 barbazu 2
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 13 > [d20=7]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=10]
Intiiative is Adrian (30) > Moore (23) > Barbazu 1 (16) > Barbazu 2 (13)
Adrian strides forward, going to the first barbazu and almost lazily slashing out with his greatsword.
> roll 1d20+37 (+1 haste, +2 healer's vision since this is a sneak attack, -10 PA)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 38 > [d20=1]
But despite the sheer speed of it, the barbazu somehow manages to bring its glaive up. The glaive's metla is badly gouged by the contact, cracks of pure silver running up and down the weapon.
Go, you're up.
HP: 152
AC: 29, 23 touch
Current effects: Mirror Image (6), Haste (13 more rounds)
Moore clears his throat. "It's nice of you to give them a handicap, but I don't think it necessary!" Moore calls out, weaving his inspirational music with the Words he learned. He shudders for a moment as the power surges through his voice, empowering both himself and Adrian!
+10 morale bonus to charm and fear, and +10 morale bonus to attack and weapon damage rolls.Oh, then Moore just disappears completely. But he leaves the 6 Mirror Images behind as targets! It seems that you can't do that, so Moore will just stay visible with the mirror images.
The music ripples through the air, the fatigue of it making Moore buckle a bit. But the barbazu don't take advantage, instead trying to rip Adrian limb from limb.
> roll 1d20+11
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+6
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+11
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+6
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 9 > [d20=3]
Angry cries come, a loud noise as the barbazu shout, "Intruders!" But Adrian looks unbothered, ducking and dodging blows as he goes around for a sweep of his sword.
> roll 1d20+35 (+1 haste, +10 bardic music, -20 PA)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 54 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+35 (+1 haste, +10 bardic music, -20 PA) crit? +2 damage if this is a crit thanks to healer's vision.
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 43 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+35 (+1 haste, +10 bardic music, -20 PA) haste bonus attack
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 44 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+30 (+1 haste, +10 bardic music, -20 PA)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 38 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+25 (+1 haste, +10 bardic music, -20 PA)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+20 (+1 haste, +10 bardic music, -20 PA)
> roll 4d6+160+7d6+2d6+80+2d6+80+2d6+80+2d6+80
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 545 > [d6=6,4,1,4,3,2,3,1,1,3,4,1,6,6,6,6,1,6,1]
I'd normally sort out targets and all sort sof technical things, but this is such a slaughter that it doesn't matter.
Adrian slices out once and cuts both the devils in half along the hips. They fall apart, exploding into bursts of glittering silver dust. "Good," Adrian calls resolutely, ""Damn, you are good." He strides ahead, towards a large arch going further in. "Barbazu are the easy ones for us. They just aren't strong enough or a high enough caste to threaten us in anything but massed numbers."
Free act for just the moment.
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=6]
Moore grins a little bit as he flies along with Adrian.
"Well, it was mostly you, but that was pretty impressive." Moore comments as they go along. "Do you expect there to be a lot of resistance here?" Moore inquires, glancing around in case of any other devils.
Adrian grins, "As much as the devils can muster. It won't be enough." Adrian hurries along down the hall beyond the arch. There's a turn 40ft ahead, where a barbazu and a midnight black, towering creature carrying a greatsword. "Cornugon, horned devil," Adrian braces, "This one might put up a bit of a fight."
The cornugon grins, calling in Infernal, words Moore doesn't understand.
Adrian merely returns that grin, "Adrian Barnan of Aurora," he declares in Common, "Go rot under the same pile of shit that spawned you. FOR LIFASA!"
Init here. 11 rounds left on haste.
[21:46] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+7+5 init
[21:47] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=3]
Miko Pixie.
> roll 1d20+20 Adrian
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 32 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+6 barbazu
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+7 cornugon
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=9]
Init is Adrian (32) > Barbazu (25) > Cornugon (16) > Moore (15)
Before anyone can act, Adrian is off like a shot. He barrels right at the cornugon, Gaelach out in a flash. "Now DIE!"
> roll 1d20+34 (+2 charge, +2 healer's vision since this is a sneak attack, +1 haste, -15 PA)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 38 > [d20=4]
> roll 2d6+62+7d6
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 97 > [d6=4,1,2,6,6,3,5,3,5]
> roll 1d20+20 cornugon save DC vs staggering strike's DC
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 35 > [d20=15]
The horned devil loses most of a wing in one silver-flash slash, catching a followup kick to the ribs. It staggers the cornugon, leaving it gasping for air from the strike. The barbazu shout, a bloodlusted scream as its eyes turn bright read. It goes to Adrian's side, trying to hack him apart.
> roll 1d20+11 (+2 rage)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=1]
But the blow is too slow, missing Adrian by a mile. The cornugon GLARES at Adrian, but nothing happens. Still staggering, it manages to point and gesture, fire exploding around them all.
> roll 1d20+27 (+4 tyche's touch)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 40 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+15 CL check vs Adrian's SR of 32
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=13]
But when it clears, not a single combatant is scorched by them. Adrian snaps off something Infernal. Whatever it is Moore doesn't know, but it makes the cornugon level a deadly glare at him.
Moore, go.
"Don't stop there, Sir Adrian! Keep going!" Moore calls out, inspiring his ally to take another swing at his opponent!
Rally Attack on Adrian, he gets a free Standard Action. Counts as one Attack of Opportunity for the round.
I forgot to mention it, but Moore also has Motivate Attack, which is +1 to Attack Rolls as long as Adrian is within 60 feet of him.
Okay, noted. Just don't forget it again, you're new at this build so that's okay this time.
Adrian takes that chance, moving even faster as he hacks at the cornugon again.
> roll 1d20+31 (+1 aura, +1 haste, -15 PA)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 46 > [d20=15]
> roll 2d6+60
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 64 > [d6=2,2]
Another big chunk of the cornugon's side is gone, Adrian slashing relentlessly. He doesn't bisect it, but he comes close. With them on the ropes, Adrian becomes a blur of swords and movement, trying to rip the two devils asunder.
> roll 1d20+41 (+1 aura, +1 haste, -5 PA)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 60 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+41 (+1 aura, +1 haste, -5 PA) crit?
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 55 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+41 (+1 aura, +1 haste, -5 PA) haste bonus attack, forgot to note he's downing the cornugon first and then will worry about the barbazu
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 50 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+36 (+1 aura, +1 haste, -5 PA)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 45 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+31 (+1 aura, +1 haste, -5 PA)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 42 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+26 (+1 aura, +1 haste, -5 PA)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 31 > [d20=5]
> roll 2d6+40 cornugon
> roll 2d6+40 cornugon
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 44 > [d6=1,3]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 48 > [d6=3,5]
> OOC: That was the crit combined, just derped on combining it.
> roll 2d6+40 barbazu
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 48 > [d6=4,4]
> roll 2d6+40 barbazu
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 51 > [d6=6,5]
> roll 2d6+40 cornugon
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 43 > [d6=2,1]
Both foes go down, shredded apart and falling. Adrian stomps down hard on the cornugon's skull, blood and brain squirting out. Glancing back, "Moore, do you have a holy weapon or blessed spell handy? I forgot to pick up my means of dealing with it from Afina."
Free act. See nagging for the story behind that comment.
"I don't, that's not something within the realm of possibility for me, unfortunately." Moore says. "I suppose it wouldn't be a bad idea to pick up a wand or rod that can emulate it when we get back." He suggests.
"That was probably the commander," Adrian pauses, a flick of his wrist clearing Gaelach of blood. He pauses again to stomp down on the cornugon's head, a sick crunch as it slowly regenerates. "Damned rookie mistake." He grunts and grabs the cornugon, dragging it by one leg. "We'll take this one back for interrogation. If the leader's one cornugon out of favor enough for a non-combat position, there's nothing here that's worth the trouble, and I'd rather not leave a bunch of devils free to regenerate."
Moore nods. "All right, then. Should we head back, then?" He asks, before he starts to fly back in the direction they had come from.
The two drag the cornugon out as shouts come from the fortress. But it's enough to get out, Adrian briefly dropping his load. He draws his blade and slashes in the air, a ragged portal appearing. "Hurry up," he says, taking the devil and going through with him.
Moore wastes no time and follows Adrian through!
From here it's all wrap up - Adrian uses some magic to get in touch and soon Hanna appears to take you back to Aurora. She drags off the cornugon, a few scythe blows keeping it down. Just as Adrian turns to say something, Elena appears. "Adrian!" She blurts out, "There's an emergency meeting, the Duke of Destiny and Prince Lixer ambushed Muirfinn and Ithea's group," she says quietly.
Adrian's color rapidly drains from his face, "How bad?" he asks.
"Bad. Ithea and Sylvie made it back. The others didn't." Elena looks down, "Really bad."
Taking a long breath, "Moore, take a rest. If you need a room, ask Ebony or an office rand they'll set up a guest room."
Moore startles at that. "The Duke of Destiny?" He repeats.
Then it hits him.
Has Erathaol planned for this so far in advance? Is that why he's... Moore takes a moment and takes in a breath. If that's the case, then all will be revealed to him in time. He trusted Celestia before and has no reason not to now.
"Of course." He says, as he goes to fly back to see if Ebony is still with the spiders.
Okay, I'm going to pause you since getting a room for the night is unremarkable. We'll pick up once we get everyone lined up due to the current IC crisis.
Okay.
You'll begin in a new topic, so locking this one.