Soulriders 5.0: Legend of the Unending Games

At Ithea's message, Aurora's leading staff assembles. Afina returns from her forges, while Ithea and Sylvie sit within. Morniel is there, as is Adrian and Gisfal. Jaela has also returned from sudden business, everyone quickly settling in.

"Ahem," Morniel says, "Ithea, could you explain the situation to all of us?"

Thisis just an opening to let Ithea do the needed exposition. The rest of you are welcome to set yourselves up and say anything you like in the meantime.

Ithea gives a curt nod and with a deep breath begins sharing the information, "Alright, well, some of you may have been aware that Sylvie, Muirfinn, Lief and myself went into the Astral recently on a spying-slash-sabotage mission. Morniel shared some of the intel on a devil station located there and we went to get more information, or in the best case scenario, destroy it outright. Things went badly."

Pausing here, she waves her hands to gesture at the illusion of the station that is formed by the War Room's morphic capabilities. "The facility appeared lightly guarded, though with relatively capable guards (if they weren't facing Aurora anyway), and we entered it without much issue as a result. We were still discovered, and triggered some sort of trap involving heat. I...made the mistake of encouraging the rest of the group to deal with the trap first, instead of pushing ahead and dealing with the station now that we were discovered. We gave them too much time to prepare."

As she spoke, the illusion showed the path they traveled as they invaded the station, and the forked path, first a trail leading in the direction of the trap's source, then one following the other path, before the illusion morphed into a sight of the spire. "Lixer seems to have gotten personally involved as soon as it was realized that it was people from Aurora that comprised the strike team. Worse, so did Taelfagn and some nasty pair of Nessians that I couldn't even touch. The battle was pretty short and almost one-sided, outside of Lief doing some nasty damage to a creation of Lixer's, or maybe an avatar of some sort since he spoke through it."

Next to the spire appears an images of the foes they fought formed. "I tried to summon a gate to get us out, and Taelfagn (I think) did something involving chains that would block it or at the very least misdirect its destination. Sylvie managed to destroy whatever magic he used with 21, and she and I both dove through."

Grimacing, the illusions all vanish. "The gate shattered immediately behind me, without our last two members making it through. Meaning that Muirfinn and Lief are either dead or captured. I suspect the second obviously, but with what they kept throwing at us, the first could have occured too."

"How long has it been?" Jaela asks, leaning forward on her elbows. "We could have Priest check for the former while we prepare to deal with the latter."

"The first," Sylvie speaks up, "It isn't the first. I saw Taelfagn's sins with 21 and he rarely takes lives directly. What he does is worse." She shakes her head, looking down. "It's the worst of Baator, the need to enslave, drag down and corrupt. What is destiny but another thing to put in chains?"

Afina listens to all this with grave silence. That such a battle could have occurred while she was having fun bullying giants with an entertaining tournament... well, it's not nice. "In this case we should hope they are dead," she says once Ithea concludes her tale, her cutesy voice pitched low. As much as she can make it anyway. "We should attempt divinations to find out if they're dead, and sendings to at least find out their situation if they live." Before anything else, information is key.

"An hour or so to gather everyone," Morniel smoothly interjects, "The battle there is now won or lost. Balyss and our other seers are attempting divinations as we speak. Priest is among them, Jaela."

"I hope so," Adrian sighs, closing his eyes. "We always knew this could happen to any of us, but I hoped it never would. Not like this. If they're dead, we can attempt to revive Lief and wait for Muirfinn to reform on Water. If not...what can we do? Can we storm where they're held and save them?"

"We can storm the facility, and even take it," Jaela muses. "But I wouldn't keep my important prisoners on such an outpost, so what we should discuss is other options. Morniel, since your information gave us the outpost in the first place, do you have anyone in place to fill us in?"

"It hasn't been long as Morniel stated. We returned just a short while ago and called this meeting to figure out how Aurora should deal with the situation. All of you were pretty prompt at joining us. Thank you Elena for getting them so quickly by the way and Morniel for getting started with divinations."

Ithea tosses a grateful nod to both Elena and Morniel, and continues. "Anyway, I want to rescue them both, but...I'm not exactly sure -how-, let alone finding them. If we can divine their location, that'll be a start. Sylvie and I can also share the details of what spells we faced and hopefully we can develop countermeasures of our own. Other than that, any ideas of what to do if they are indeed captured?"

"We've done so before," Afina says to Adrian, though it took them a long time to prepare for Ilsenine's rescue. "We can do so again. If the divinations don't turn up anything we can put Tannin on the case?"

"I can look into it," he says, "But if Lixer or The Duke of Destiny took them, it's probably outside of anything they'd hear about." The archon frowns and shakes his head, "I'm more hopeful for divinations in the short term, especially since gathering information will take longer. I'm also worried that considering the devils involved, wards against divination are in play."

Clearing his throat at that, "Elena, how are Balyss and the others proceeding?"

"We will. It's just more devils," Adrian agrees with a grim smile, "What's more of them to go through?"

Meanwhile Elena promptly appears, "They're working on them. The quicker ones are already finished," she reports, "Um, the result they get is darkness."

An K:A and/or K:P check can be attempted here if anyone wishes.

[21:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+35 arcana
[21:03] <Serith> Ebiris roll for Serith < 49 > [d20=14]

"Between Tannin and Morniel we should make a rescue work," Jaela agrees, nodding at Afina. "We can't negotiate. It's not just some nasty power we could bargain with, but our very enemies. Once preparations are done, we should reinforce Aurora's defenses and then take a force to destroy the Astral outpost. Aside from being a good target, it might give us a chance at hitting one of their officers and supplementing our information."

[15:04] <Merc> roll d20+42 K:P
[15:04] <Serith> Merc roll for Serith < 50 > [d20=8]

[23:05] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+38+15 K:P, divine insight
[23:05] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 63 > [d20=10]

Afina knows that sort of thing can be one of two things: The actual result or blocking magic. Most blocking magic does make it fail outright, but it's not impossible for that to be a result of warding.

Ithea would know that darkness is a symbol of Hell and the deepest, most absolute darkness is in Nessus. It could be a sign that they're in Nessus or an agent of Nessus took them.

Jaela would know what Ithea knows, as well as that such darkness signifies the action of a Duke of Nessus, the Nessian Pit Fiends or the Lord of the Ninth himself.

As they take that in, "Balyss is communing with Selune," she adds in a soft voice, "We're hoping that turns up more."

"Nessus," Sylvie murmurs, "The deepest layer of Baator."

Sylvie just took 10 on her skill checks.

"That's where the sign seems to be pointing," Jaela agrees grimly. "But if that's right, they won't be held there forever. There is only so much personal attention a Duke can give someone before they fall back on their routines."

"I don't think they're just going to shuffle Muirfinn and Lief between prisons," Afina says. "If they're in Nessus it's because something's going to be done to them there. We all remember the things we saw in Castle Crumbling?" she asks, looking around the table. "Those skulls that were made from Solars, right? What would Lixer make out of those two given the chance?"

Jaela shakes her head. "I think he'd keep them alive as bait for the rest of us, which could give us a chance."

Adrian grimaces, slowly rubbing his face with his gloved hand. "I try to forget most of what I saw there. You're right, it makes them damned good bait - right in to the enemy's strongest defenses. How the hell do we attack Nessus? We don't even know where in Nessus they are. They could be in some forsaken corner of Malsheem and surrounded by Nessians."

Morniel bows his head for several moments, "It is at times like this that we must look to Celestia the most. When it seems there is no hope is when faith is most precious. We need to seek the knowledge to enable us to help them. Few have gone to Nessus and returned; information is scarce about it, that is the first trial we must overcome."

"Yeah," Adrian says, looking up. "I doubt it'll be as simple as a plane shift or a gate anyway, so we can't just rush off to Nessus and hope we get lucky. But there is one thing. We just got a new recruit from Celestia, apparently Erathaol sent him because he can help against the Duke of Dest-"

This is interrupted by Elena reappearing, "Balyss went into a seizure," she announces, "She's speaking in tongues!"

Ithea leaves the war room and runs off to check up on Balyss immediately after Elena's warning!

That sounds ominously like someone seeing too much with their divination and getting some kind of backlash. "Where is she now,  Elena?" Afina asks, set to follow Ithea's example.

"Adrian," Jaela says quickly, while they wait on Elena's answer. "You and Gisfal make sure Aurora's safe, just in case our foes got enough information from Muirfinn and Lief to try something when they think we'll be in disarray."

"Yeah," Adrian says, "We'll get it done. Elena, Galariel, I want a full status report."

Meanwhile Elena says, "In the Selunite chapel," she says quickly, before going over to Adrian and Gisfal. As those two get into it, the Afina, Jaela, Ithea and Sylvie race to there. They find it full - Hanna's there, as is Priest. Both are pressed back from Balyss by an aura of silvery light around her. She floats a few feet off the ground, convulsing and uttering words in languages none of you understand. Her eyes are rolled up, only the whites of them visible. A massive smile is fixed on her face.

"She looks happy at least? Does that mean it's good news?" Afina asks as she flutters to a stop between Hanna and Priest.

"It has to be Selune herself," Hanna steps back and next to the others. "There was a moment of overwhelming presence when this began."

It does seem likely, and so Jaela settles in to wait out Balyss's altered state.

Ithea looks in concern, though she's somewhat calmed by the smile on Balyss' face. Hopefully it's some sort of good news regarding Lief and Muirfinn...

Balyss twirls in the air, coming to face the party. Her eyes open, nothing but pools of silvery light. "One is lost from the view of the moon, where darkness will never end." Her voice is different, feminine but distinctly not that of Balyss. "A night without ending and the moon, while the other dies and now lives forever as the dead. Beware Negation! Beware the serpent, for he has feasted on the mind. Mourn Muirfinn, free Lief."

Not good news then. Not good at all. Afina slowly drifts to the ground, standing for all that she barely reaches the thigh of most people around here. "So now we have to put Lief to rest... Castle Crumbling again? Or will Lixer have him elsewhere?" She doubts at least that he'll be sent to Lifasa, since that's Bel's lookout and not Lixer's.

Balyss slowly lands and then goes limp, the glow fading around her. Priest is at her side a moment later, checking her over.

Hanna closes her eyes and sighs long, "Lady Gwynharwyf help them," she murmurs, "And help us make this right. There's already too many injustices on Creation, so guide us to punish the wicked and correct this one."

"Negation," Sylvie speaks up here, "Castle Crumbling is one of Lixer's bases, his outpost on the Negative Energy Plane. Negation's his home in Hell." she says.

Sylvie took 10 on the relevant knowledge skills.

"What others of Lixer's bases can you think of?" Jaela asks Sylvie, ignoring her discomfort due to the situation they're in. "Hitting a couple might force him to redeploy to protect the rest, and make a strike right at Negation possible."

Ithea's fists tighten at the mention of mourning Muirfinn and Lief's apparent fate. What Muirfinn's fate must have been that Selune would simply say to mourn him when Lief is being turned into an undead creature? Not something she wants to focus on, actually...

"Forcing him to redeploy and making him question where we're targeting is probably the best way to make a strike possible on Negation," Ithea agrees. "We've seen the results of giving him time to prepare, so I definitely want to ruin his plans as much as I can. Also, can we figure out how to deal with that mage armor spell that protected the pit fiends during our battle? If we can reliably destroy that, getting through their defenses will be easier."

"My behemoths can destroy mage armour and other force effects by striking them," Afina answers Ithea. "Past that you just have to rely on dispelling it. I think making some quick raids against Lixer's holdings is a good idea as well - lets relocate back to the war room and we can strategise?"

"Was it a force spell?" Jaela confirms. "I have ways of breaking through that, and I think there is a special crystal growing on one of the elemental planes that cuts through such spells as well."

"It was an improved version of the regular mage armor spell. Much, much stronger defense. If I had to guess? Five times stronger or so?" Ithea answers based on what she saw from the battle, before nodding to Afina. "Okay, we'll head back and try to figure out where Lixer has other facilities that we can hit, as well as how to handle what defenses Sylvie and I saw in place so far."

Based on Ithea's description, any of you can make K:A.

[18:57] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+35 arcana
[18:57] <Serith> Ebiris roll for Serith < 47 > [d20=12]

[20:58] <@Annerose> roll 1d20+26+15 K:A
[20:58] <Serith> Annerose roll for Serith < 55 > [d20=14]

Both Afina and Jaela can identify the likely spell as epic mage armor. An 11th circle spell of great power, it surrounds the target wtih a field of force capable of stopping catapult shots cold. It's one of most well known spells beyond the 9th circle, in part because regular mage armor is such a popular option.

"Force can be overcome," Hanna agrees, "The true problem is that Lixer is willing to personally support already formidable minions. We can dispel and kill all the Nessians we please, but if they're willing to devote the personal time to that, it's only fighting the symptoms, not the cure."

Meanwhile Priest levitates Balyss up with a few gestures, taking her to lie before the altar. He tends to her quietly, occasionally murmuring a prayer to the Seladrine.

"In other words, we have the honor of the personal attention of Hell's nobility," Sylvie says, rolling her eyes, "Taelfagn said as much. If it's any consolation, it shows that we've really managed to get on Hell's hit list."

"What if we don't kill them?" Jaela voices. "Or, at least, not until a quick plane shift back home to do that? It's one thing if he's running around nursing them back to health after they reform, and another if they're just gone." She runs a hand through her hair, admitting, "I've always hated that fucker Lixer. How about make that our short term goal?"

"Or capture them," Afina says. "Plenty of room still in the dungeons. But yes, we can't let this go unanswered. Even if Bel is our primary target, a strong response to Lixer here should give anyone else pause before they consider joining the fight against us."

"You've read my mind," Jaela tells Afina, nodding resolutely. "And you were right earlier, let's go back to the war room. I propose an immediate strike to wipe out Lixer's outpost on Astral, and then we'll gather information on his other holdings. Once he's angry enough to show his hide, we'll bring him down!"

"Easier said than done," Hanna says, "But the idea's sound."

From there it's a quick return to the war room. After a brief discussion of what happened with Balyss, Morniel says, "I see. One point must be addressed: The holding in the Astral may not be one of Lixer's bases. It came up to us in the matter of freeing part of Lfasa, this may merely be a general order. Still, destroying the base is needed regardless. What is our plan?"

"Let's not make this too complicated," Afina says, drumming her fingers on the tabletop. "Either it's been abandoned as compromised or there's another trap waiting for us to blunder in again. So take no chances. We deploy Aurora to the location and then send out Baleruk and the golems to raze it until no stone stands atop another. Then we leave."

"Sounds safe enough," Jaela muses. "So long as we plan to move onto Lixer's other holding right after. Is there actually a viable target we never got around to hitting there, or do we need to scout them out?"

"We'll need to work on it," Gisfal speaks up, "But finding more places to make Lixer squeal about should be able to be done."

"Alright," Afina says, since it sounds like they have a framework. "Sylvie? You round up Vul'lath and Tannin and draw up a list of targets for us, big or small it doesn't matter. I'll organise Baleruk and the golems for some wide area destruction, and Ithea can you draw in the patrols and get someone to Gate us to where that outpost was? Also we've been hanging around Air too much, maybe we should come up with ideas for a new location to head too after we finish up on the astral."

"Yo, there's one of other thing," Adrian's standing, hands on the table as he leans forward. "We have a new recruited named Moore. He's a pixie sent by Erathaol, Morniel can vouch for this. He's apparently meant to help against the Duke of Destiny. The timing of it's obvious."

"How about the Positive Energy Plane?" Morniel suggests, nodding to Adrian before he continues. "It will complicate and restrict patrols around Aurora, but it will make it harder for any direct assault on it. Doubly so for any undead minions of Lixer."

Will they get a new tortle as well? It's probably unfair to Moore, but so soon after losing Lief it just feels like a replacement, and there's no replacing someone like Lief. "Positive energy plane sounds good. Have a location picked out and we'll go straight there after finishing up this outpost," she says, heading off to organise some weapons of mass destruction.

"Will do," Ithea say with a short nod as she heads off to do what Afina suggested.

ooc: Who knows Gate in Aurora?

"Wait up," Jaela calls out to Ithea. "I'll handle this personally."

Well, as it so happens....

"Alright," Ithea says, pausing to wait for Jaela.

Well that works!

Okay, can I get a quick summary of teams and goals here?

Plan is Aurora gates to astral, sends out Baleruk and golems to raze that outpost to the ground, then gates to positive energy plane. Then we review targets provided by team info gathering and make up new teams to go on raids. We'll be at action stations while the outpost is being razed in case serious opposition develops.

Preparations are a storm of activity. Aurora bustles once more as plans are made. Soon the fortress passes through a portal and into the Astral Plane. The timeless silence of the realm surrounds Aurora like a calm sea. Before you is the base that caused so much grief, its emerald spire still rising up in defiance.

The prismatic dragon Baleruk stands before the gates, the golems besides him. "Now," he is quiet, "We shall CRUSH THIS OFFense against us!

Go ahead and set yourselves all up, everyone. Be it a part of the strike team, watching at battle stations or merely a spectator.

Moore has little to add besides a short introduction to those he happens to meet as he hears about the news and his condolences to those who knew the two that had fallen.

For the time being, he waits near a window for either some orders from Morniel or Adrian, although he does cast a spell to ask specifically "Should I do anything specifically beyond what is asked of me for now?"

Moore's casting Divination, CL 6

EDIT: I lied, it's actually CL8 due to having the Oracle Domain

Afina lingers by the gates, having instructed the freshly constructed Shredstorms to obey the orders of Baleruk and their senior golems for this excursion, but content to let those more attuned towards brute force have their fun.

Moore takes the time to cast divination. He receives the following phrase: "Stand ready."

Easy enough to do! Moore'll stay on guard for what will inevitably an interesting time.

Having provided the Gate for Aurora to expand and travel to Astral, Jaela remains in the war room. Unlikely as it is that they will need another Gate for a swift escape, she should be there to provide for the possibility. And with the room's scrying ability, she could monitor the situation outside the walls and direct reinforcements should those be needed far more efficiently than from anywhere else.

Ithea awaits near the gates with Afina, wanting to get a close personal view of the destruction that will surely follow in short order.

Jaela prepares in the war room. Adrian is with her, leaning against a nearby wall with his arms crossed. His gaze is dark and lingers on Jaela for a time, but he says nothing.

As Moore watches by a window, "Who the fuck are you?" The voice is female, strong and rather annoyed.

Afina and Ithea are at the gate. They're joined by Sylvie, while the entirety of the Graceful Blow, including Mirima and Misalea, hang back just a bit. The entire army is in a state of readiness, waiting in case they are needed.

With all in place, Baleruk leads the golems into the Astral Plane. The shredstorms falter and stop once out into the Astral, unable to advance. The others aren't slowed down at all, racing ahead and lead by the prismatic dragon. Like a tidal wave they rush into the fortress. Baleruk's fivefold breath tears into it as he crashes through walls, golems spreading out around him. A scene of carnage plays out before you, the fortress being smashed before your eyes. There's no sign of immediate response. Not even lesser devils erupting from the fortress to challenge the attackers.

"Left as a trap, probably," Jaela says softly to Adrian, observing through the war room's interface. "Afina was right on the money."

"Like...son of a bitch." Adrian straightens suddenly, "'Small guerrilla tactics, bait and carefully planned traps. This is starting to remind of us our strategies."

natural flight doesn't work in the astral?

Afina sighs and goes to collect the shredstorms via floating disc while keeping an eye on the destruction before her.

"While we're growing overconfident," Jaela agrees grimly. "Let's focus on that part in the near future, while training the troops. We're a lot stronger now than while starting out, but we're still the underdogs where it comes to the devil higher ups."

Moore's attention is turned from what's going on outside to the voice. He turns, smiles and offers a small bow, even before he really has any idea who the person is! "Hello! My name is Moore. I'm here to assist Aurora!"

It does not, Afina. Your movement is equal to your Intelligence score * 10. Mindless creatures can't effectively move in the Astral.

"I like to think we've had the advantage for a little while. Not even the traitors are an overwhelming threat now." Adrian turns to watch the images of the fortress, each strike tearing it down further, Baleruk and the golems heading towards the green spire. "But there's still whole other realms of power. We need to remember our strengths and know when to run rather than to fight."

The person behind Moore is indeed a woman. She wears heavy stone full plate armor and has short cropped brown hair. Her gaze is defiant, a hand on her hip, "Then why the fuck are you in here instead of out there? Get your ass moving!"  She strides forward, towards a nearby portal.

Sylvie joins Afina and helps gather the golems. "Haven't awakened them yet?" she asks quietly.

Meanwhile Baleruk and company are tearing more and more into the fortress. It's a slow but steady grinding, the outpost being reduced before your eyes.

Listen check, Afina and Sylvie.

"Oh, um... Well, I was given orders last time, but I can go with you, Miss...?" Moore trails off as he goes to follow the intense woman.

"Dana," she snaps, "Now stop pussying around and drag your pixie dust dripping ass out there!" She grabs Moore by the arm and starts to march off to the portal. "Shit, I'm two minutes late and I find people treating it like a mother fucking stage play!"

"Sorry! I'm kind of new at all of this, I'm not really an official member yet -- well, nevermind the details. You lead, I'll follow, Miss Dana!" Moore yells. "Two minutes late for what, though? I thought the dragon and those constructs were doing everything."

"Like that'll stand. Besides, don't you want to be close to the fucking action?" Dana demands as you go through the portal, ending up in the entry hall. She heads out of it at a brisk walk. "Now come on!"

Moore will just follow along to keep pace with her! "You're right. That's where I can be the most help." He'll leave out all the parts about being a burden and not really having any idea what's actually -going on- right now, but he thinks saying any of that won't really help any anyway.

While I'll accept that Aurora moves with Galariel's int (otherwise we just stranded ourselves here forever) what about stuff like Githyanki ships? Anyway to avoid a long debate over this...

"No, and I'm not going to. There's value in having disposable combatants available," Afina tells Sylvie, casting planar bubble upon each of the Shredstorms.

They were made while we were on Air so now Air planar traits apply within 10 feet of them.

With no fresh orders given each Shredstorm immediately takes off to join the fray according to their last orders as soon as they have the capacity for movement again.

[17:25] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+35 listen
[17:25] <Serith> Ebiris roll for Serith < 36 > [d20=1]

It's safe to say the natives have specialized means or magic to deal with it.

> roll 1d20+46 Sylvie +22 factotum, 11/12 inspiration for encounter, +5 potion
<Serith> Kowork roll for Serith < 65 > [d20=19]

Dana leads Moore along, going right to the gates to watch. She nods to Hanna briefly.

In the meantime, Sylvie stops cold. She looks around and says aloud, "I hear chains, just like the Duke of Destiny last time." Her eyes narrow as she looks all about, hurrying back towards Aurora.

Farther away, Baleruk pauses in his destruction and roars, "WHO DARES OPPOSE ME?"

"Trap sprung," Afina mutters, though sadly not on their terms. And so much for having until the attack on Benfal before facing the bastard. "Shredstorms, return to Aurora!" she orders. "I'll cover their retreat," she says as Sylvie departs presumably to the war room. Accelerating herself massively she rushes out into the silver sea and comes to a stop by Baleruk. "Time to go, we're done here," she announces to him and the golems, seeing little point in lingering.

9th level spell sacrificed for 4 rounds of time stop allowing me to cover 5100 feet with 4 run actions and 1 move action. Casting shield, greater heroism, haste, and see invisibility en route as quickened spells thanks to astral

I'm assuming that since I stated I was using the war room's scrying functions to look in on things and watch for danger, I caught Sylvie, Afina or Baleruk discussing this.

"You've read my mind, Adrian," Jaela responds. "And furthermore, I think it's one such time." She focuses on recasting Gate and holding it in place. With her at the helm, it should give them up to two minutes to retrieve the raiding party and move the Aurora to the positive energy plane.

"Trouble," Hanna murmurs, glancing back to see Dana and Moore. "Be ready, we might have a problem."

At the same time, Afina becomes a blur of movement. So fast that time seems to stop completely, she rushes over to Baleruk in the blink of an eye. As reality returns, she can hear the loud rustling of iron chains. Baleruk turns to Afina, "To ABANdon this battle?" he asks, as the golems are already in retreat.

"Good," Adrian watches as the Gate is created, "Hell's taking us completely seriously now. We'll have to be ready for anything."

"It's not a battle it's a trap," Afina replies, staying in constant movement around Baleruk to maximise her defensive advantages against any sneak attacks. "Lets not give them the satisfaction."

And just because she can she drops a flaming magmaberg atop that green spire. Since spells are so effortless here on the astral it's a trivial effort to do without slowing down their escape at all.

Iceberg has a 60 feet radius, range is 1,320 feet. (element changed to fire obviously)

[22:22] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+27 cl check for sr if needed
[22:22] <Serith> Ebiris roll for Serith < 34 > [d20=7]
[22:23] <@Ebiris> roll 20d6 no save within 20 feet, ref for half DC 34 between 20 and 40 feet.
[22:23] <Serith> Ebiris roll for Serith < 70 > [d6=4,3,4,4,6,1,4,5,2,4,1,4,3,1,3,5,5,6,3,2]
[22:23] <@Ebiris> roll 10d6 ref for half between 40 and 60 feet.
[22:23] <Serith> Ebiris roll for Serith < 32 > [d6=4,4,1,3,4,6,1,6,1,2]

If within 20 feet or a save is failed between 20 and 40 feet anyone in the area is buried in magma.

Make a quick diplo check here, stream pixie.

[22:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+13 i am not diplomatic
[22:31] <Serith> Ebiris roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=14]

Diplomatic enough. Baleruk's stubborn, not stupid.

You get a long gaze from the prismatic dragon, before he takes to wing and soars along the Astral as well.

How fast are you moving each around, Afina? Need to know. Base movement speed is fine, I presume you're running unless you say otherwise.

My base movement here is 300 but my behemoths are limited to 120 so I'll pace them once caught up. Did my exciting magmaberg crush the spire or any sneaky devils lurking around it?

Baleruk keeps pace as the two flee, Afina's 'magmaberg' crashing into the emerald spire. There is a massive CRACK that echos throughout the Astral as it breaks, an explosion rocking it. Moments later, chains erupt out from the broken fortress, racing after Afina and friends.

They're racing on fast as they approach Aurora's gate, it's going to be a tight finish at best. At worst they'll surely catch something, as behind you the fortress begins to sink down and away, fading into a portal of darkness and fire. It is dragged down by chains identical to the ones after you and Baleruk.

Anyone by the gate can act as well, should they wish.

Without slowing her pace, Afina places a prismatic wall in the path of those hungry chains! While the wall might not be as perfectly infallible as it's billed, she's banking it'll at least slow them down!

92x46 feet prismatic wall (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/prismaticWall.htm)

Moore continues to wait, standing ready, but he looks to Dana to see if she intends to do anything. He did say he'd follow her, after all.

Ithea watches Afina handle things. She holds in case anything happens that requires action from her.

Baleruk flies, a second prismatic wall joining hers. "You wilL NOT CATCH Us!" Baleruk roars as he soars towards Aurora. Together you two walls block the chains - they hit it and shimmer rainbow colors, before starting to swirl around it and pull at it. But it's more than enough time for the two to get into Aurora, past the newly sprung gate to the Positive Energy Plane. Glorious light comes from it, greenery and grass sprouting up in the Astral around it. Out of nothing and in the thin air, the light of life spilling out.

"Now!" Adrian calls in the war room, "Get us out of here!" At this, Jaela takes her chance and moves Aurora through the portal. In an instant light suffuses everything. All around Aurora is endless light. The protective barriers around your fortress keep it down to a reasonable level, but the courtyard is still lit. It's far brighter than the noon sun, everything fully illuminated.

"Aw damn," Dana grumps as she watches, "I wanted a fucking fight!"

"No, not with that," Sylvie looks away, a small sigh coming from her. "Never with that if you can help it. Those chains share many of the same sins as the Duke of Destiny." She then goes to Ithea and murmurs, "Stop by when you have a little bit of time, alright? We need to talk."

Ithea nods to Sylvie. "We can talk after the war meeting that I'm sure's going to get called in a minute."

"Thanks," she murmurs back, her gaze lingering on Moore a moment. "The new guy?"

Feeling a new pair of eyes upon him, he looks over and waves. "Hello!"

"Are you Lief's replacement?" Sylvie asks, before grimacing. "...ignore that, please." She facepalms and slowly drags her hand down her face, "Just ignore that."

Ithea winces briefly at Sylvie's comment.

"Hello," Ithea greets back with a wave and a tired smile. "I'd heard about a new guy joining in. How are you finding Aurora so far? Today's chaos change your mind or anything about joining? Your timing may have been a bit on the unfortunate side, through no fault your own."

"I am where I need to be." Moore says with a nod. "I don't know the circumstances of your lost friends, but I'm sorry that my arrival will be forever remembered because of that." He frowns at that but shakes his head. "We have to take each day one at a time, right? Oh, I'm Moore, by the way. I'm still acclimating, but everything will work out in the end."

"I'm Ithea. Who have you met so far and what brought you to join us?"

"I've met Sir Morniel, Sir Adrian and Sir Tepen... Lady Ebony, Dana and Hanna thus far. Oh, and Lady Elena." Moore thinks if there's anyone else he's missed and shakes his head. "As for what brought me here... let's call it fate. I woke up in Venya and had an interesting journey until I came here with a lantern archon named Beniel. I wonder where he got off to..." Moore trails off as he looks to the side. Where DID he go, anyway? He quickly shakes his head. "Anyway, I was told to come here because I was needed."

Ithea sighs. "I see. Well, welcome to Aurora. Did Morniel or Adrian suggest what group to hang around with to get more acquainted with, or did the chaos of the day mean you've kind of just been floating around randomly getting yelled at and told to move from one spot to the other without any clear directions?"

Moore smiles and laughs at that. "You caught onto that, did you?" He rubs his chin. "My original mission was to be tested with Sir Adrian. After we got back, I think the news was spreading, so... I've been sort of in limbo... ah, obviously not literally you understand!" Moore laughs again. "I haven't bothered to ask since then because it seems like there are more pressing things on everyone's minds. Being patient and waiting for fate to guide you is something I learned on my way here, although I suppose there's something to be said for being proactive too."

"Fair enough. Well, I guess you can join us in the war room as we discuss recent events once more, and then catch up with Adrian. Have him drag you to the cafeteria if you haven't had a bite recently. Alternatively, you may want to wait outside in case your presence brings up any more unfortunate comparisons," Ithea gives an apologetic glance at Sylvie at that since she'd seem happiest forgetting it was even said.

"They're not ill-intended, but with the situation... And the fact is that we're probably going to discuss if we want to be adding Lief's name to the Memorial Hall's along with Muirfinn's just yet, or wait while we try and figure out how to rescue him."

"It's fine." Moore says as he waves his hands in a reassuring manner. "There'll be comparisons no matter what, right? I don't want to be anyone's replacement -- I'm not just a stand-in, so there's no worries there." He smiles and looks over at Sylvie then back to Ithea. "Don't worry too much about finding a place for me, it'll happen with due time."

Ithea smiles and gives a small laugh. "You've got a pretty laid-back personality, don't you? Well, I'll show you to where the war room is, you can decide if you want to wait inside or outside. Or if there's any other place you'd rather wait for Adrian, I can take you there and then let him know to find you there. What's your preference, Moore? Might as well give you an option before we start running you ragged again."

"Let's go to the war room and see what's waiting for us there." He suggests. "As for my attitude, ah... let's just say I got a very direct understanding while I was in Venya that things happen beyond what we can all see." He does frown at that. "Maybe you can teach me how to use the portals, while you're at it? They're a bit overwhelming for a newbie."

Ithea snorts. "I may be the wrong person to ask that. Most of the gates around here are provided by other people, I usually just tell someone where I want to go and they get me there. My friend Sylvie here did have this trinket crafted for me when I need a way out though, so there's that."

Ithea taps the bracelet, gesturing it for Moore. "She, in her infinite wisdom, decided to name it the 'Gate of Counter Ithea's Luck'."

Hopefully that draws a giggle out of Sylvie and lightens her mood a bit.

"Ah, you must be the type to think fate has it out for you then, Miss Ithea." Moore says with a small grin. "Actually, can you tell me more about this place? I haven't really had much of a chance to sit down and learn much about what makes it up."

"Oh, I don't really think that, even if I like complaining about it. Though with someone whose title is 'Duke of Destiny', I might be excused if I actually did think that. As for telling you about this place, well, that's a long story honestly, one we probably don't have time for."

Ithea smiles and shrugs, before adding, "To hit on the quick notes at least... well Adrian, Jaela, Afina and I come from the same plane, our world was known as Lifasa. It was invaded by devils, we escaped, searched for a way to fight back, found Aurora, then known only as Medi's lost artifact, started gathering other survivors, then started gathering other allies, friends and just unusual acquaintances. Doesn't hit all the highlights of the history of Aurora, but it's really all we'll have time for. Anyway, come on, let's head over to the war room."

Ithea starts leading Moore and Sylvie towards said destination.

"Not today," Afina murmurs as she, Baleruk and the golems escape safely to Aurora. "But soon." Raising her voice she commends them, "Good work all of you. There'll be a lot more hard fighting in the days to come, so rest while you can."

Pep talk given she flutters off to the war room to see what targets have been scrounged up.

"Ah, I understand. Well, if it's any consolation, Erathaol is the one who sent me here, so you at least have someone else with some relationship to fate backing you." Moore says with a reassuring pat on Ithea's shoulder. "So don't worry, I'll make sure you succeed at whatever you do. It's one of my talents!" He adds with some emphatics.

What kind of K check would be appropriate for Medi?

Cheers go up as Aurora escapes, filling the air as soldiers celebrate. Meanwhile, Sylvie merely nods and doesn't crack a smile at all. As the party heads back...

K:A or K:P.

ooc:
[10:02] <Merc> roll d20+42 K:P
[10:02] <Serith> Merc roll for Serith < 57 > [d20=15]

[11:04] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+26 K:A Medi
[11:04] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 31 > [d20=5]

Was the knowledge check request just for Neph, or for everyone?

With the "As the party heads back..." I figured it was for everyone and something was gonna happen.

Just for Neph. Y'all have long since made this one.

Moore recalls that Medi is an ancient spellcaster of long ago. He raised a fortress to challenge evil itself but was ultimately defeated.

Everything gathers in the war room. It's a rather oversized gathering this time. Afina, Jaela, Ithea, Adrian, Sylvie, Hanna, Dana, Moore, Gisfal and Morniel. Mirima and Misalea soon join you, Canderella drifting in and lingering as well. Even 27's there, lying at Ithea's feet.

It is Morniel that speaks and brings things to order, "We have several points," he says, his calm voice bringing silence to the war room. "With the destruction of the Astral outpost, the original purpose of that mission is possible. Under the circumstances, I recommend we liaison with Makaril and see about delegating it to him. As of now, an attack by Aurora is simply too predictable and certain to face stiff preparations."

Tannin slips in during this, nodding to a few people as he silently joins. "The second point is that gathering proper targets to strike against Lixer will take time. Quite frankly, his divination defenses are robust and a direct assault on Negation is not currently feasible. I will be leaving shortly to make diplomatic overtures to various courts to aid our information gathering. I estimate this will take seven days, though with Celestia and Tyr's grace, it may be shorter. In short, we have preparation time."

Clearing his throat a moment after a slight murmuring between Misalea and Mirima, which silences them, "Thirdly, I have been advised that Balyss will make a full recovery. This sort of union is less tax-" A pause as Vivantha enters, eyes going to her. Morniel merely nods gravely to her, a gesture she returns. Once done, she takes a seat. "Ahem. The union of Balyss and Selune's presence is something less taxing to her than many, as she is partially a spirit and an experienced Silverstar on top of that."

"Fourthly, we have a new recruit and a message from Erathaol of the Hebdomad. Moore," He looks to the pixie briefly, "Will be useful against the Duke of Destiny, for the Seer has seen it shall be so. Additionally, he has seen that this is a ripe time to recruit others. Fortune and fate favor us at this current time; Erathaol sends us this council and his well wishes for our Crusade. A future where we triumph is integral. The Duke of Destiny must be stopped here for the sake of all Creation."

He takes a breath now, looking about the room. "Fifthly, Afina and companions recently captured a cloud giant castle. One that I understand floats on its own cloud in the sky. There is interest in joining it to Aurora, Galariel and Elena are looking into that with Sage Vul'lath as we speak. Our army is growing and a place for larger creatures to be comfortable would help us all. It will require expanding Aurora's courtyard, more details will be ready on that soon."

"Sixthly, Elder Magi Tepen was divining the magics used by the Duke of Destiny in today's battle. He is deep in study with that information and Ellese is helping him. We hope to find out more about the chains Taelfagn commands. If anyone wishes to visit him and aid them, they are welcome to do so. Only those with a strong grasp of spell mechanics and arcana need visit, as the information is elaborately complicated."

"Finally, I wish to make one point clear. As of now, we have been struck a terrible blow. We have lost two people who we cared deeply about and were valiant brothers in arms in our Crusade." Morniel pauses here, Vivantha meeting his gaze with firm if bloodshot gaze. "We are stronger and we will recover to prevail. Mourn as your heart tells you to but know that we will triumph and we will make this right one day."

"It is a time for actions and deeds in preparation of our next struggle in the Crusade. Let us go forward bravely and with stout hearts."

"Sylvie and I will talk with Tepen and discuss our own experiences with those chains. Regarding your last point..."

Ithea pauses, struggling a bit on how to put it, it was easier mentioning it to Moore who didn't really know them well, but she continues shortly. "When do we wish to have a ceremony to add their names to the Memorial Hall? Also, do we wish to hold back Lief's name as well given that there might still be a chance of recovering him?"

She conveys her sympathy to Vivantha as much as she can in such a public gathering. That, however, can be expanded upon later.

"Glad to hear that about Balyss," Jaela says firmly to Morniel. "And one thing wasn't clear to me. Did the Seer suggest we go on another of our mass recruiting drives? Or were you referring to Moore?" She glances at the pixie briefly, before returning her gaze to Morniel.

"On the rest, heartfelt approval for expanding Aurora with Afina's spoils. It was on a Prime, I believe?"

"I think so," Tannin calls, "You ask me, it's only right. Haven't they bleeding earned it?"

"Tomorrow," Adrian says, looking to Ithea, "I'm already taking care of it. Information on the time will be distributed and anyone can visit after. We're adding both. If we ever have a reason to take those names off, we'll have a celebration for it."

"Muirfinn and Lief weren't just brave and powerful allies, they were friends and they were Lifasans. Our world will be diminished without them even once freed," Afina says. "They will be avenged, and put to rest no matter what Hell's done to them. Once we have a list of Lixer's holdings, we'll move out and smash them. But that leaves Taelfagn." She looks around the war table from where she stands on its edge rather than using a chair or standing on the ground. "We thought we had until Benfal before facing him, so we grew lax on this matter. We need the first embers of Goldenfire to end him. I need volunteers to come with me to Elysium to seek it out."

Then to Jaela's question she nods and says, "The same one Tannin and a lot of our other recruits have come from. As for the memorial... sooner the better I think. Don't hold any illusions that Lixer won't use Lief's remains to torment us, nevermind whatever's been done to Muirfinn. Best we make our peace with that, and deny them that power over us."

"Yeah, my Prime," Sylvie speaks up. She doesn't add anything else to that, just listening to Afina.

"Yeah. For now, let's keep busy," Adrian announces, "We all have things we can do and may need to create groups to go out to do them. Let's get moving."

Chat as you please then do as you like. There's plenty of things to do, as well as any personal things you might want to accomplish as well. Ball's in your court.

"I agree," Jaela states. "We can't wait on something this important, be it the memorial or what we need to strike back. We'll honor Muirfinn and Lief for all that they were, and then we can go get Goldenfire, Afina." She pauses in consideration. "Devils won't make a play for that Prime, I don't think. Not simply over us. So Aurora should go integrate the cloud castle upon it, to give everyone something to do rather than mope about on the positive energy plane. And by the time both are done, we should have at least some of our answers, towards the chains and Lixer's holdings."

"It was nice meeting you, Moore," Ithea says to the newest member before turning to Sylvie. "C'mon, you wanted to talk, we can go do that now, and then catch up with Tepen."

Moore will fly over to Morniel. "Sir Morniel. I do not know if you've received any further instructions on what I should do here, but if you have not, then I'll offer my services as best as I can and fulfill whatever tasks there are that I'm suitable for. I have a feeling that there's a bit more I need to catch up on before I can contribute, though."

"Alright, we'll take Kascha and Arrel again unless anyone else wants to volunteer," Afina nods to Jaela. "Once we're done with that we'll see where things stand with Lixer and other opportunities before us."

Okay, I'll split y'all off into your own threads. This one's done, locking it now. I'll update with links to the new threads soon. If I don't, feel free to remind me to.