Once the others depart, Morniel pauses with Moore. He considers a moment and nods, "Go see Adrian and tell him that you're available for general duty. He'll find something for you to do and get you set. Also," he says, "I've been sent word that Erathaol is sending funds for you to equip yourself. In addition to wiping out your debt, you'll have 100,000 gold to fully gird yourself. Visit the forges to take care of that after Adrian, or tell him and he'll get it done."
Moore nods to Morniel's words then looks a bit shocked for a moment. "One hundred tho..." He smiles. It must've been the nice dragon he met while he was there.
Moore bows deeply to Morniel. "I'll get it taken care of." At that, he leaves and heads out to find Adrian! He wants to ask Elena, but it's better if he gets himself more familiar with Aurora.
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 46 > [d100=46]
Moore wanders a little bit. He goes back to the entry hall and doesn't find Adrian there, so he meanders. A few more portals take him to a farm. An indoor farm, plants and crops growing despite a lack of sunlight. They are largely undisturbed, but you see a single pixie here. She has white hair and wears armor, kneeling before a row of crops. The portal back and to the main portal hub is also right behind Moore if he wishes to return and try another.
Well, there's no harm in at least introducing himself!
"Hello! I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Moore calls out to his fellow pixie!
The pixie rises - a female, face drawn. Her eyes are puffy and red, but she nods to you. "Good day, sir. Not to be curlish, but I'm afraid you are. I'm mourning a friend. He liked to meditate here..." She looks away, bowing her head down. "Perhaps never again now. I pray to the Court of the Stars that Lief's soul will find his way back to Yggdrasil."
Moore smiles, sadly and flies over, giving a gentle pat to the pixie's shoulder. "I can't understand your loss, but if you ever need to talk, I'll be around. My name is Moore. I'm sorry for interrupting." He says before he flies back off towards the portal, presuming this other person doesn't stop him.
Your reply is a slight nod and a murmured, "Be well and well met," before Moore leaves, back to looking for Adrian.
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 96 > [d100=96]
You end up in the entry hall again. By chance, Adrian's just stepping out of another portal. He's moving fairly fast, hasty and hurrying.
"Sir Adrian!" Moore calls out. If he doesn't stop, he has no choice but to follow him, either way!
Adrian pauses in front of another portal. "Moore," he greets. "What is it?"
"I wanted to let you know I'm available for general duty." Moore says quickly. "I'm going to go to the forges to get some equipment taken care of, apparently Celestia is investing in me." He says, swelling a bit with a small amount of pride. "I wanted to make sure I told you as soon as possible, so if you have anything you'd like me to do, let me know!"
That gets a slight nod, "I will. Get equipped in the meantime. I'll send Elena when something's ready for you."
Moore nods. "Understood." With that, he flies off to a portal to see if he can find the workshop on his own!
Okay, interlude to take care of your loot things. Over to the loot thread to answer your questions there and get that sorted.
Shopping and item creation takes time. Moore's completely tuckered out by the time that's done, a bit of rest follows. Once he's refreshed and gotten some food, he finds Adrian. There's a tower in the courtyard, only a few stories tall. Adrian's just outside of it, watching rows of soldiers - all female - going through various sword practices. A rather striking elf with white hair stands next to him, she occasionally trades words with him. She carries a sword and wears an elegant dress cut for combat.
"Moore," Adrian says, speaking up a little over the noise. "Ready now?"
Moore nods emphatically. "Yes sir!" He nods to the white-haired woman as well. "Greetings and salutations, miss!"
As the elf blinks a moment, Adrian smiles a little bit. "You don't have to be so formal. More...gentle, with the Graceful Blow."
That promptly gets him a bit of a look from the female elf, but she recovers into a warm smile, "I'm Misalea, Lindir-Megil of the Graceful Blow. I'm Adrian's wife."
Moore bows his head once, followed by a deeper bow himself. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Misalea. I'm Moore." He turns his glance to Adrian. "I'll keep your words in mind for the future and next time just wave when I see her." Moore says with a smile. "I'm still learning how everyone likes to be interacted with... You won't see me trying the super polite routine with Dana again!"
Misalea blanches, a hand to her lips as she gasps. Adrian just smirks and shakes his head, "Right, you catch on quickly. Anyway, I'm going to send you out with a couple of others to do some recruiting in Brightwater. It seems to be where your strengths lie, so we'll see how that goes first of all."
K:P on Brightwater?
"Of course! Is there anything I should know before I go?" Moore asks. "Any specific individuals we're looking for?"
Go for it, roll and post results.
Moore casts a quick spell to recall some information on Brightwater!
[19:51] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+8+14+10 K:P
[19:51] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 40 > [d20=8]
He used Lore of the Gods for an extra +10.
Brightwater is a divine realm attached to Arborea. It is the realm of Waukeen, Lliira, Sune, Sharess and Empress Sulia (the latter being a newcomer). It is mostly known for the bustling shopping and is the biggest trade hub in Creation. Each deity has their own quarter, though Waukeen's is the best known. It's said you can find anyone here and buy anything - except the dark things that the fiends only offer to those willing to blacken themselves.
"Yes, though Canderella will explain it to you. You're going with her and Tannin." Adrian gestures towards the gates, "They'll be there shortly. One's a pretty woman in a black dress and the other wears a hooded cloak."
"We do have a lot of cloaked people around here, don't we?" Moore asks idly. "It must be the 'in' thing for some people." Moore smiles and nods to Adrian. "Okay, certainly. I'll go wait for them! It was nice meeting you, Lady Misalea of the Graceful Blow! We'll talk again soon." He says before he bows again to both of them and heads over to the gates to wait!
Canderella, huh? Like a Candelabra? Hmm... no, that's probably not it at all...
A giggle from Misalea, girlish and innocent. "We do, don't we? It's a solemn or sneaky choice of dress if you ask me."
"Or practical. I had a few hooded cloaks back on Lifasa. They're useful for the rains." Adrian notes, "But I don't like how they reduce my field of vision."
The back and forth between the two fades as Moore settles in to wait by the gate. It's about 5 minutes before a man approaches. He's slightly tall and wears a hooded cloak, moving with a natural, easy grace. You get a glimpse of his eyes, a dull blue - no, check that. Green? Green, yes. Must've been the light. "'lo," he greets, "You're the rookie?"
Moore nods. "Yep! You must be Sir Tannin?" Moore asks. "Nice to meet you." He offers a bow afterwards.
"Yeah, that I am," He agrees with a hint of a smirk, "I don't right know why I'm surprised, this place is a magnet for pixies of terrifying power."
"Oh, I'm not sure I'm that noteworthy just yet." Moore says with a grin. "But maybe I'll dazzle you while we're on this excursion together! Ah... um..." Moore looks down for a moment. "I think it's best to get the shocker lizard in the room out of the way -- I'm sorry for the loss of your comrades. I've been told I'm a good wall to talk to sometimes, so if you need anything - I know I'm new - but I'll do whatever I can." He nods once, satisfied with what he said.
"Yeah." Tannin's face darkens, his eyes flashing. Literally flashing white, then changing in color to brown. He doesn't have a chance to say something, or maybe he did. Moore isn't sure. The most lovely, perfect woman he's ever seen approaches. She's short and wears a black dress, each movement drawing his eye. She's perfect and demands attention, a light toss of her hair as she smiles. "Hello there. Moore?" Long brown hair, a flashing smile and perfect white teeth. Her hands are delicate and yet have a slight curve to them, almost like claws...?
Moore blinks, then blinks again. Once more. One more time......huh?
He turns his attention. "Yes, that's right! You... ah..." Miss Irisi. He remembers. "Miss Canderella, I presume? It's a pleasure." He offers another bow.
Like always, K:P I'm guessing to identify what Canderella is?
Go for it.
[22:40] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+8+14 K:P
[22:40] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 38 > [d20=16]
Yep, she's a succubus. Definitely a succubus. How you missed the bat wings on her back you aren't sure, but she sheer presence and beauty she has can only mean one thing. Her smile makes Moore's heart skip a beat, seemingly all for him. "Likewise. Have you ever been to Brightwater?"
Ah. That would explain it. I wonder if there are any incubi here? Incubusses? Incubusees? ...Whatever.
Moore takes a breath to try and compose himself. This is embarrassing! "I have not ever been, no. I know of it, though." He manages to get out without further foolishness.
"Oh, we'll have a lovely time," Canderella lightly laughs, "Come on then. You have the scroll?" Her gaze turns to Tannin, who nods. From here the three head out into the Positive Energy Plane. As you do, "Close your eyes," Canderella says, "So you aren't blinded."
Moore does as he's instructed!
He'll have to ask Tannin about his eyes later. Mood colors, perhaps...?
"Now this should..." Canderella mutters, as suddenly reality jerks and falls. It's only momentary and then you hear Tannin say, "You can open your eyes now, we're here."
Moore opens his eyes! He's not entirely sure what to expect, but here goes!
Gold. You stand amid streets of beautiful marble buildings and opulent splendor. A massive marble fountain, inlaid with blue gemstones, sits in a square ahead. All are dressed well, showing sign of money and prosperity. It looks like the street of a well off city district's merchant center, yet bigger. Grander. Creatures of countless types wander. Humans, elves, dwarves and other humanoids are abundant. Celestials of all types can be seen, joined by blue-skinned mercane. A few elementals are about, and is that a lizard man over there? Oh, what about that wagon lead by a relatively small dragon?
It's an absolute nova of activity. There is a constant din of conversation and noise, while it smells of fresh air and an undercurrent of spices. Tannin takes a deep breath, "Brightwater's hopping today."
"It isn't always like this?" Moore asks with a glance to Tannin. "What's our first order of business?" He asks, turning fully to the other two. "Actually, even beyond that, do we have any specific goals while we're here? I was told recruitment, but that's rather broad..."
"Some days are busier than others, "Tannin says, stepping aside for a wagon to pass. He herds the three of you off the street and into the covered, pillared entrance to a building. From the windows, you can see clothing on display. Rich cuts of purple and blue for cloaks, dressed, tunics and so forth.
"We decided we'd best split up," Canderella says, "You'll come with one of us and the other will work alone. We'll cover more ground that way. What we'll do is try and find information on free agents or sympathizers for Aurora and talk to them. Our goal is to get people to join up, though donations and gifts are also possible."
Moore considers his options for a moment. He looks as if he's doing some mental math before he nods.
"I think it's best if I go with Tannin. Lady Canderella, you seem like the type who has quite enough confidence working by yourself that I wouldn't really be able to add much to." Moore says with a grin as he looks at Tannin. "Not that that means I don't think you do, of course, but I think there's a lot to be said of the saying about opposites attracting -- I think Canderella and I would put off some people together."
Canderella's smile falters just a moment, a long blink at those words. Tannin chuckles and says, "Alright, let's try it that way. We can switch up if this goes wrong." He turns and leads Moore away, as...
Gather information check is called for. Before you roll, what's your mod in it? Are you going to use any boosters?"
I don't have any, so I'd be using Bardic Knack for a +8 base along with Charisma for a total of 17.
He'd also use Improvisation to get +8 more for 25.
If Tannin is doing his own he can boost him as necessary.
> roll 1d20+41 Tannin GI (+3 assumed levels)
<Serith> Koaway roll for Serith < 51 > [d20=10]
You can aid him with an aid another roll or any spells/abilities you may have. Improvisation's too short in duration to affect a gather information check, which takes a few hours.
Oh, okay. In that case, Tannin will get the following:
+6 Competence to GI (Inspire Competence)
+5 Insight bonus to GI (From the Regalia)
+5 Circumstance bonus to GI (Fatesinger)
For a total of +16 unless he had the same type of roll there.
Moore will take 13 nonlethal damage and use up two uses of bardic music.
[16:01] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+17 aiding Tannin too
[16:01] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 34 > [d20=17]
(13)184/184
16/18 bardic music uses left
Okay, cool. So noted on all those bonuses.
The two of you begin to gather information. This involves wandering and talking, soon enough you find yourself passing into Lliira's quarter. People dance in the streets, sing in the taverns and celebrate all over. You end up in a glittering casino, sitting at a bar and watching people bet on a card game. The barkeep's a tall elf man with honey blonde hair and an easy smile. "Well well, Aurora you said?" he says as he slides your drinks over. "No bullshit?"
"Sure is. Name's Tannin Darkbrooke," Tannin nods, "Do investigation for Aurora. Moore's a new recruit here," Jerking a thumb over at the pixie, "So there I was, wandering Brightwater then I realized I hadn't visited one of the gaming rooms yet. So here I am."
Is this part of the investigation?
There's no way. Right?
It can't be.
Tannin!
Moore just nods to what Tannin says. "Best way to meet new people and impress them, I bet!" He figures at the very least that's not an entirely untrue way of looking at it, at least...
Moore will also cast Glibness for the time being. He has a feeling he may need to do some bullshitting sometime soon for some reason...
"Yeah, one of the regulars here has been talking about Aurora." A bag is taken out from under the bar, jangling with coins. "He's been putting some of his winnings aside, says they need to go to someone who's willing to fight the good fight."
Tannin grins at that, "Well thanks, we'll make sure it gets to Aurora's treasury." He takes the bag and peeks in, whistling. "Our friend have a name?"
Loot post.
Moore stays quiet, trying to figure out if these are all code-words for something. It's kind of weird that Tannin would just happen to show up here and there'd be someone waiting to give him money...
Moore glances into the bag too and nodding with some amount of approval.
"That is very kind of him, certainly! We'd love to at least introduce ourselves to thank him." Moore says with a nod.
"Oh, he's no the sort to meet people," The barkeep says, "Enjoy your drinks."
Once he's gone, Tannin leans in and murmurs, "Caught wind of this while we were looking. I've been around here before, spreading word and all that good stuff. Bloody nice when it works out, yeah? A few veiled references and it's easy, hands off money. Nice that way when someone wants to chip in without getting involved for some reason - probably some merchant with questionable business partners he'd rather not upset. See, the cut of the jibe here is that while it is a Heaven, it attracts all sorts since Waukeen's all about the money."
A pause to take a sip of his drink - brandy, you think - and Tannin smacks his lips. "Damn, that's good stuff. Anyway, probably wouldn't have caught it without you being so on top of things. Anyway, see, that's the nature of commerce. Funny marriage here - a Heaven all about the gold. Now if we were visiting ol' Celestia, someone would just give it to us. No run around like this, yeah? But that's also part of the fun, finding it and taking it."
Moore rubs his chin.
"So it's like a mysterious benefactor who chooses to remain nameless, hm?" Moore asks. "But you'd think that anyone can just come in here and pretend to be part of Aurora, right? Is that a concern while we're here?" Moore asks quietly as he swirls some juice in his cup. "Oh, but thank you. Hm... so I wonder, then, is it better to approach the people here with a business venture idea instead of out of the kindness of their hearts?"
"My face and name are known," Tannin says, "Barkeep's name is Jorel, deals a mean hand of poker. Guy's got great hands," Finishing his drink up and rising after that, "Half and half. We're mostly stirring the pot for recruits rather than business. We prefer not to deal with mercenaries, doesn't fit our goals so well." Getting up after that, "Let's get looking some more."
Moore nods. "That makes sense. I suppose all types of people visit this particular place, so we can keep an open mind."
From there the two go out and wander a bit. You end up back in Brightwater, chatting away. Soon enough you're in a side street, talking to a lantern archon, of all things. "Hm? Oh yes yes, I heard someone talking about Aurora! It was a courre eladrin actually, she was curious about them."
"Really!" Moore says, nodding along. "Do you remember where you last saw her, by any chance?"
"She was at Admiring Devout Mial's gallery a few days ago, but um, I think she's moved along since then. Oh," A sound of fingers snapping, despite the archon having no appendages at all. "I remember. She said she might be around Goldworth's Museum. It's down Wealth Avenue." The archon bobs towards the west.
Tannin hums at this, "Sure, thanks. Any hand's a good hand to have. Good sorts, those eladrins. Great for the after battle parties, too." Stepping along now, "I know where that is, isn't far."
"Thank you!" Moore calls out as he flies along with Tannin. "Arborea, right? I think that's where they're from?"
"Yeah," Tannin rubs his chin, "Arborea and the Court of Stars. 'bout the same thing if you ask me."
It's not far to Goldworth's Museum. It's a rather stately building of white marble with silver accents, a pillared design like a classical temple. The front door has young man standing out front, dressed in noble's clothes. "Welcome sir and sir," he greets in a loud, cheerful voice, "To the wonders and majesties of art ahead! Goldworth's Museum has notable art from all the planes, a true feast for the discerning patron of the arts! Admission is only 3 gold per person."
"Yeah, about that. See, thing is that we're not here for the art. Heard there might be a courre eladrin around here. One who is interested in that Aurora business going on right now. Heard of Aurora, right? Sure you have. We're looking for her, not for the art inside."
The Court of Stars. Something about that, at the back of his mind... no, it's nothing.
Moore nods to Tannin and then to the young man. "I mean, if she's here, we can probably just wait for her so we don't somehow miss her by going inside, right?" Moore suggests.
> roll 1d20+9 diplo Tannin
<Serith> Ko-NitorisUnstoppableCrusade roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=12]
Tannin's making a diplo check here to try and sway the guard. Feel free to aid him, make one of your own or try something else, Moore.
"It is very important that we meet her, though! It's like Sir Tannin said, Aurora! You've heard of us, haven't you? A bastion of light against the darkness of the depths below? Neverending hope against the tides of despair!" Moore emphasizes. "I'll be certain to make a donation to Aurora on your behalf for you. Then we can call the matter of the entry fee settled, yes?"
I'm not sure if that'd be a Diplo or Bluff check or just aiding. Your call on that one.
Diplo check. Roll and post.
He'll use his 1/day use of Skill Focus to take 10 on it for a total of 42.
The man hesitates, "But if I let you in..." he murmurs, before saying, "Tell you what, stay here. I think I know who you mean." He goes off and in, giving the few a brief period alone.
"Six gold really wasn't that much anyway, was it?" Moore asks over at Tannin. "Oh, I know, you're just testing me to see how effective I am. It's all right, I understand." Moore says with a knowing nod as he folds his arms.
A few moments later, a brightly-colored coure is politely but very deliberately ejected from the premises, trailing a misty halo behind her. She is a riot of colors of all kinds, purple hair, outfit a mash of patches and textures and shouting in a voice remarkably loud for something her size. "I cannot BELIEVE this place! All I did was suggest they put some color on all that metal and marble and stone tablets and weird urns!" She turns, shouting at the man in a high-pitched squeaky voice, "I just thought it could use some reds and blues and greens and purples and pinks and more greens and oranges and gosh oranges are good. I want an orange!"
She abruptly abandons the art critique and turns, preparing to head off before realizing that she has another audience. She stops and stares at the two men, human and pixie, for a moment through squinted eyes before pointing at Tannin. "You!"
"Yo," Tannin says easily, "Heard you're looking for Aurora?" He doesn't bat an eyelash, his eyes changing colors rapidly for several moments. They go through all the rainbow.
The coure inhales deeply, her eyes going impossibly wide and shimmery. She stares for a moment before zipping into Tannin's face. "That was SO NEAT! Do it again!"
Tannin shakes his head, grinning despite himself, "Sorry lass, but it can't control them. My eyes do what they want. It's the chaos in them, you see, all that chaos blood goes straight from my brain into my eyes."
She calms rapidly, nodding with complete understanding. "Chaos does that. Random, usually pretty, always interesting. Oh, you mentioned Aurora." She perks up, wings beating rapidly. "Aurora! Auroras are pretty too! Ysgard has them at night! Not enough colors, but still! Aurora. You're from Aurora?" She focuses in on Tannin again, grabbing him by the nostrils with tiny hands and looking at him very seriously. "You need help?"
Moore scratches the side of his head a few times. There's chaotic and then there's... did this poor person get touched by someone from Limbo?
Breaking himself out of his bewilderment, Moore speaks up, "Yes, we're here looking for recruits for Aurora and its cause. My name is Moore, this is Tannin. What's your name, miss?"
She releases Tannin, and turns to Moore. She blinks as if seeing him for the first time and flutters over to him.
She peers at him for a moment before giving him a somewhat-leering grin. "You're cute! I'm Calleigh. Kaaayyyleeeee. What's yours? Wait, who are you people!? Hey you wanna buy some really great art!? I know a guy. Girl. It's me. I'm the girl. Wanna buy my art? It's very colorful!"
"It's nice to meet you, Calleigh. Ah... we..." Was she not listening? Moore pouts a small bit. "We're from Aurora. My name is Moore and this is Tannin."
What in the world is wrong with this one...?
"Ahem," Tannin coughs into his hand, smiling hugely. "Down girl. Just relax, let the fires die down a little bit. Why do you want to join Aurora? Can you fight at all?"
Calleigh puts her hands on her hips, looking offended. "'Course I can! I'm an eladrin! I'm special besides!" she says, puffing her chest out proudly.
As much as he really isn't sure asking the next question is a good idea...
"What makes you a special eladrin, Calleigh?" Moore asks. He's subduing his natural instinct to sound incredulous.
"Would you like an orange?"
"Sure, though I'd prefer an apple," Tannin's just grinning all the while at this, "Can you do apples instead?"
Before Tannin's face appears an apple. It is the most luscious and perfect apple he has ever seen. Except for the fact that it is the size of his head. And orange. So vivid and vibrant orange. It's also hanging in the air.
"I can, but orange is such a GREAT color right now! I can do other stuff too! Bananas! Also explosions."
Psionic Major Creation
"Nice trick," Tannin taps the apple with a finger, "So you're a mage of some sort?"
Moore has some doubts that he's going to get a solid answer out of her, so he just opts for his own version of magical detection instead in case her answer leaves out anything.
Casting Detect Magic on the orange apple. Apple orange?
"I'm the BEST sort!" she says proudly.
In response, the apple wiggles.
Spellcraft, Moore.
Currently pending a bot.
[11:32] <Kobot> Hi, I'm Kobot. I like long walks on the beach, rolling natural 1s and seeing PCs die horrible deaths. Ready to roll?
[11:47] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+28 spellcraft
[11:47] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+28 spellcraft --> [ 1d20=5 ]{33}
Moore can tell it's a created magical item. A major creation spell, but it isn't quite right. How odd.
"There's something different about that spell than usual." Moore comments. "I mean... besides the color." He tilts his head as he looks at Calleigh.
Calleigh smiles sweetly, giving him a 'go on' gesture.
"...I was hoping you might fill us in on that difference." Moore says.
Calleigh gives a moue of disappointment. "Awww. Well, I guess not everyone can figure it out. Most can't, really. Not too common. I'll let you have fun figuring it out though!" she beams at the both of them. "So where to, valiant knights?"
"Got any business to finish up first?" Tannin says, glancing back into the gallery. "Tie up any loose ends now, Aurora'll keep you busy."
"Eh. I travel light." Calleigh shrugs. "I'm ready go."
"Let's go see how Canderella did," Tannin says, leading the way on.
Meanwhile, in Canderella land.
> roll 1d20+40 Canderella gathers info
<Serith> Sunshine_Ko roll for Serith < 55 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+49 diplomacy
<Serith> Sunshine_Ko roll for Serith < 57 > [d20=8]
You meet up with Canderella where you appeared. She has no one with her, but is smiling. "Oh, did you recruit a courre?" she asks on seeing Calleigh.
"It certainly looks that way!" Moore says. "I'm a bit surprised we didn't come back with dozens of people jumping at the chance, but I suppose there's always time later for that sort of thing!"
"Recruiting can be hit and miss," Tannin murmurs, his gaze turning to the courre as well.
Waiting on Yuth here.
[16:10] <Serith> Muirfinn roll for Serith < 38 >12 [d20=12]
Either K:P or K:R to figure out why she's clearly a succubus but not under attack here.
Calleigh blinks at the appearance of an obvious succubus, but there is no reaction from her companions or the locals. She zips up to Canderella.
"You're a succubus! But you're not pinging off my wards! That must mean you're either not evil, or reeeaaaally powerful! Also you're pretty." Calleigh babbles as she begins to slowly orbit Canderella's head.
"I've been here a few times, cleared up some miscommunications," Canderella is unfazed as the courre does laps around her head. "I serve Talos and went along for the ride when he fled Fury's Heart." A small little smile come to her face, "Thank you."
Taking 10 on K:R for 41 for what Canderella is talking about, if appropriate.
"Oooooooh. Okay! That makes sense." Calleigh nods. "I remember hearing about that back, uh, when?" she floats sideways, spinning slowly as her orbit continues. She taps her chin, lost in thought.
Moore can recall until the past 1,000 to 2,000 years, Talos was a CE deity of destruction. However, shortly after Torm's fall into evil, Talos renounced his ways and remade himself as a CN deity of the natural cycle of life and death - destruction and recreation, rather than solely destruction. The reasons why are quite unclear. In any event, it's known that some demons and other vile things chose to stay with Talos and were transformed from creatures of chaos and evil to merely creatures of chaos.
"Been awhile," Tannin lazily interjects, "That whole ugly business with Torm, yeah? Moved the Triad around some and Helm took up Torm's old spot. Ugly, ugly spot of trouble that was."
Moore nods to Tannin's words as the knowledge seems to just come to him. He'll probably get used to that at some point... maybe.
"Well, are we good to go back to Aurora, then?" Moore asks. "Or is there other business we want to accomplish here?"
"Let's get back," Canderella declares.
Giving Yuth a chance to comment if he has anything to do or add here.
"Yeah, that was a thing. Arborea was in a big crazy tizzy about it for a while. Anyway! Let's go!"
As the four gather, "Now close your eyes," Canderella says, "Aurora's on the Positive Energy Plane right now, so you'll be at risk of blinding. We'll get into the gates in seconds, so it won't be long."
Moore closes his eyes again! One of these days he'll have to figure out what she's doing to get them from one place to another...
"Okay!"
A strange shift as the world falls away, then forward. "You can open your eyes," Tannin says, as the courre sees Aurora, just inside the gates and out of the radiance of the Positive Energy Plane.
I've described this a few times for various new PCs lately, so another description isn't needed.
"Ohhh, so it IS a mobile demi-plane!" Calleigh zips from spot to spot, examining everything along with a running stream of babble. "How's it work? Does it fly or just sort of move? Are there weapons? EXPLOSIVES? Look at all the colors! Are there flowers?"
"Something like that," Tannin says easily, eyes flashing purple and green. "How about we report in?"
Moore nods. "Yes, we can see if there's been any developments anywhere else."
From there, the party reports back to Adrian. He meets them in one of Aurora's war rooms, kicking back in his chair. He nods to the courre before saying, "Alright, go ahead and report," he says. "I presume she's a new recruit?"
Moore doesn't really have anything to say here since I presume it's Calleigh introducing herself.
Precisely, I figure she'll be all over herself with something or another.
I find your commentary enjoyable and endeavor to engender more.
Calleigh waves exuberantly, agitating the thin mist that surrounds her. "Hiiiiiiiii!"
"Hello," Adrian greets calmly, "So you're interested in the Crusade? What can you do besides normal courre tricks?"
Any appropriate checks for noticing something about that mist? Is that normal?
"Oh! Oh! Colors! Explosions! Healing! Summoning! MIND READING! Other brain stuff! Fortune telling! I'm really good at art! Also!" She reaches into the small pouch on her side and pulls out an handful of wands. "I have wands! Pew pew!"
Unless you have true seeing, it's just a mist that follows her around! It's in no way obscuring nor does it inhibit your ability to see her or anything.
It's pretty obscure, though it's just possible an K:A check might reveal something (in lieu of K:Psi).
Without missing a beat, "You'll fit in. We had a faerie dragon just join up, you'd probably get along good with him."
"Oohhh yeah you guys have dragons! I remember hearing that. Somewhere. We good?"
[13:33] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+16 K:Psi
[13:33] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=8]
Moore can't quite recall, but there's something...argh. He just flat forgets.
"You'll need to be assessed," Adrian says, considering. "What precisely are you skills? Arcane magic? Divine magic?"
"A bit of arcane. Mostly psionics." She replies cheerfully. "Also, Chaos."
Psionics? Oh, that probably explains the apple from earlier then, doesn't it? Why didn't she just say so?
"Yes, lots of chaos." Moore helpfully adds.
"Psionics? That's rare," Adrian says, "Elena?"
The blue ghost girl appears after a moment, dressed up like Dana. Before she can even get a word out, Adrian holds his hand up. "Don't. Just get the real thing, she's the best psionicist we have." A smirk from Elena and she vanishes right away again.
"Go ahead and have a seat," Adrian says, "We'll all go over this and see from there. In the meantime, is there anything else to report?"
Tannin takes out the contribution and tosses it onto the table, "Yeah, this."
"It isn't much, but I think further ties could be cultivated with some effort." Moore says with a glance to Tannin for approval of that line of thinking.
Adrian takes a look in, "It'll get to the Aurora fund," he says. "Yeah, we've been working on that. We have ties to Brightwater so this is expected."
"Also," Canderella cuts in, taking out a ring from within her dress. It's a ring of gold and inset with several large sapphires. She tosses it underhand to Adrian, who snatches it right out of the air. "Another donation. I'm not sure how much it's worth, but I think those are real sapphires."
Adrian holds it up to the light and peers at it intently.
> roll 1d20+28
<Serith> Kowork roll for Serith < 42 > [d20=14]
Appraise check.
"About 5,000 gold, give or take." Adrian puts it away, "That'll get to the Aurora fund as well. No luck with your own recruit?"
Canderella sighs lightly, a dramatic little look, "Little and less luck. I've been spending time around Mial, which helps, but it's still a hard sell."
"Mial...oh yes, her," Adrian murmurs, "I read that report. As long as you come back in one piece. Anyway," His gaze turns to Calleigh, "Just sit tight, Dana should be here momentarily."
"You have a ghost too!? Who's Dana? Is she nice? Will there be SNACKS?"
"Fuller of questions than an archon is of order," Tannin drawls, "Aren't you?"
Adrian clears his throat, "Her name is Elena and she's not technically a ghost. It's complicated. Dana's a warrior and a psionicist as well. She's...ah..." Adrian scratches at his cheek, looking away. "She's Dana. As for snacks? Elena, could you have someone bring something? Thanks."
Moore debates asking Calleigh to try and tone it down a little for Dana, but has a feeling that's going to have the opposite of the intended effect, so he just opts to not say anything and try and calm Dana down if it comes to it.
This cannot possibly end badly.
A moment after thinking it, Dana strides right through the portal and in. "What the fuck do you want, shithead?" she snaps, "I was trying to get motherfucking drunk for breakfast!"
Adrian coughs into his hand, "Dana, this is Calleigh. She's a new recruit and has psionic ability. As you're our best hand at that, I want you to tell me how good she is."
Calleigh beams cheerily. "Hello! I'm Calleigh! You have BRAIN POWERS too? Let's go blow stuff up!" Calleigh zips up to Dana. "Oh oh oh let's get DRUNK and then blow stuff up! And have snacks!"
"Well shit, it's a fairy with some balls," Dana grins at that, "Shit, you too? C'mon, I'm gonna get Tepen to send us somewhere fucking FUN!"
"Yay! What's a Tepen?" Calleigh asks.
"He's a wrinkly old..." Dana says as the two go through the portal and away. Tannin watches all of this silently, and once they're gone, "So is that psionics stuff a sign your mind isn't right?"
Canderella shrugs, "I've met a few that seem alright. I also met a balor who worked on mind powers. Tried to clone itself over and over with them, didn't work out for him. Oh, and there's the Wandering Giver." Canderella visibly pales at that, "No, forget I said that."
Off to your own thread momentarily, Calleigh.
"I think there's more to Calleigh than meets the, ah, Mind's Eye, so to speak." Moore says.
"At any rate, I feel like we accomplished what we set out to do, but surely there's more angles we can approach?" He asks, glancing to Tannin and Canderella before he looks to Adrian.
"Yeah." Adrian sits back, rubbing his forehead. "But first, are you part of any court, Moore? Fey court, that is."
Meanwhile Tannin nods, "Unless you have something more, I have an investigation I need to tend to."
Adrian glances over at him, "Go on. Which one is it? I didn't hear about one coming down."
"Personal," Tannin says, slipping into the portal and away.
"I'm not." Moore answers.
"Queen Ilsenine is the queen of Aurora's court. You don't have to join it, but you'd be best off at least introducing yourself," Adrian replies. "Most of the fey in Aurora are part of it."
Moore nods. "All right. Can you describe her, or tell me where I might find her in that case?"
Oh dear.
Moore, you know you met her already, don't you?
Moore wavers for just a moment. If that was her, then he'll just have to be extra polite.
"She is a pixie with purple hair and a demeanor like a queen. When you meet her, you'll know." Adrian says, "She has a suite of rooms she uses for the court. Canderella, could you escort him?"
"Sure," she says, turning to the portal and going through it.
Purple? No, that one's hair was...
Moore follows Canderella, either way.
A few more portals take you right there. It's a rather large, well decorated room. Fake (?) trees grow along the walls and cover them with green and brown. The burble of water can be heard, despite seeing no stream or brook around. It smells of nature here. Canderella stops and looks around, "This is new," she murmurs.
"Her Majesty commanded it," From outside of the bushes the white haired pixie comes out, clad in chain armor and with a sword at her hip. "Her magic made it so by her command. If it is found pleasing, we will work to ensure it becomes permanent."
"Ah, Crystal." Canderella goes on, "This is Moore and he's to meet Ilsenine or at least the court." She then steps back and through the portal, gone.
"...I think I offended her back on Brightwater." Moore says quietly before he turns his attention to Crystal, to whom he bows his head. "I owe you an apology for earlier. I hope you can forgive my rudeness."
"There is nothing to forgive, for your actions were reasonable while mine were churlish," Crystal bows her head to Moore, "I apologize, grief struck me of simple courtesy and compassion for another. I strive to be better than that."
Moore shakes his head and flies over to Crystal, holding a hand out to her. "Then let's use the opportunity to make up for what we both feel were mistakes and use it to become friends."
Crystal comes forward and takes that hand, shaking it. "I am Crystal, fey paladin in service to Queen Ilsenine and vassal of the Court of Stars."
"Moore, but you knew that already, didn't you?" He says with a small grin. "I'm not sure I have an official title... but maybe I should come up with one. Hmm..." He rubs his chin thoughtfully. "Ah... well, it can wait."
"Welcome to the Crusade." Crystal meets that grin with a steady look, "Are you a native of Lifasa?"
Moore shakes his head. "No. Honestly..." Moore trails off as he looks down. "I'm sorry." He looks back up at Crystal. "I hail originally from Arborea."
"There's nothing wrong with that. That means you've chosen to support our Crusade, a valiant and worthy choice suited to a man of honor and integrity." She smiles now, "You're not like most pixies, too. You're serious like a mature pixie, like myself, Afina or Queen Ilsenine."
"There's a bit more to the story than just my own feelings." Moore says with an earnest smile, but Crystal can tell there's a bit of a burden that falls behind it. "But I think it best shared with both you and Her Majesty, if that's something you can accept. It isn't that I mind telling the story twice, mind you! I just think it best shared at the same time."
"Yes. This way." Crystal leads you along the room, through a door and into another room. Here is a forest clearing, a stream running in the back. Just before that stream sits a throne of woven flowers and wood, a single pixie sitting there. Her head is bowed and she is silent, purple hair standing out. She is dressed in light robes and seems lost in thought. Several nymphs sit before the throne - gorgeous things, but ones Moore can deal with unlike Canderella - and strum lutes, lyres and other string instruments. Colorful butterflies fly overhead, while dryads poke out of the trees in the room and sing a soft, wordless melody.
Crystal approaches the throne and kneels, "Your Majesty, I present a pixie who has just joined Aurora."
Appropriate K skill for proper decorum for addressing a Fey Queen? Not sure if it falls under N or ...er... the other N. N&R. R&N? whatever.
Nature is relevant as is N&R. No real difference here, as it touches on both areas reasonably. Roll whichever is higher.
Moore casts a quick spell to get some insight on what he's considering-- he wants to be absolutely sure he gets this right!
Casting Lore of the Gods first.
[12:33] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+28+10 K:N
[12:33] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 44 > [d20=6]
Well, the fey tend to vary a bit from court to court. Aurora's court is largely unknown and unique, so it won't be perfect. But generally, kneeling a few steps behind Crystal and to her side (preferably the right side) is a safe and polite option. Generally wait to speak until spoken to by Queen Ilsenine. Be polite but don't offer loyalty or accept commands unless you join the court or intend to. Especially don't give your word on something unless you're part of the court and even then carefully.
Moore nods to himself as he takes up a position about 2 ft behind Crystal and to her right side as he kneels down to wait to be recognized.
Queen Ilsenine looks up at this, taking in the scene before her. "We are pleased, Crystal. We are less pleased that he cast magic in our presence. Were this not a place assured of safety, matters may have gotten unpleasant."
Ah well, nothing to be done about it except apologize when given the opportunity. Best not dig the hole any deeper by trying to argue about semantics!
"I apologize, Majesty," Crystal turns to glance at Moore, face composed and impassive. "I would expect it is little more than a minor faux pas. Moore has shown me that he is a pixie of honor."
The Queen's eyes don't leave Moore now, "Moore, is it?" she asks.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Moore answers, still with his head bowed. His voice is full of subdued respect. Best to be overly polite at this point than risk any other mistakes.
"You have joined Aurora and the Crusade. You have our thanks," she intones, "More are needed to put right what went so terribly wrong. Do you intend to join this court?"
"I do not yet know if that is what fate has in store for me, Your Majesty." Moore answers, now looking towards Illsenine but lowering his gaze and also staying in the kneeling position. "I mean no disrespect to you or to this Court by saying that, but my circumstances are... unique. If I may, I can explain this if Your Majesty cares to hear it -- even if it is not my fate to join your Court, I would still wish to have a respectful relationship with Your Majesty." Moore says, doing his best to avert any specific promises for the time being.
"Explain," Ilsenine demands in a single word.
Moore swallows. "Yes, Your Majesty. I hail originally from Arborea. I would fill you in on the finer details, but I believe they are irrelevant. There is a period of my life missing -- in a sea of light. I do not know how long I was there -- ah, also irrelevant, I suppose -- but it turns out that this place was... somewhere else. It seems to have been a trial for all creatures to pass. I passed and found myself alone and with no memory save a few small recollections on Venya. I journeyed through and found myself at Xiranthador, where Erathaol informed me that I was to play a part in Aurora's crusade." Moore says, leaving out more of the details he doesn't think the Queen would want to be bored with. "He then gave me a fraction of his power and sent me on my way here." Moore lowers his head slightly to indicate his story is done.
Queen Ilsenine is silent until Moore finishes. In a soft voice she asks, "Curious for a fey to be entangled in the machinations of law in such a way. Yet we cannot deny that this happens."
Moore nods once. "I was quite surprised myself to hear that I was to play some role in foiling Taelfagn, Your Majesty." Moore says quietly.
"To do so is a deed worthy of our greatest champions," Queen Ilsenine remarks. "What talents do you have, what skills?"
My primary talents involve bolstering my allies to greater feats of courage, competence and heroism, Your Majesty." Moore says. He raises his head slightly at this. "By Lord Erathaol's blessing, I have also begun to manipulate the tangible force of fate around my allies and myself. It is my hope to continue this path so that I can be of further use to my comrades here." Moore now lowers his head slightly. "I am also capable of casting some arcane and divine spells, though the former is stronger than the latter, Your Majesty. I would also say I am well-suited to Diplomatic endeavors, although my first step into your Court proves I still have some ways to go. Among the mundane, I am a morale-booster-- I find enjoyment and success in the success of others around me." Moore concludes, bowing his head once again.
"We see." Queen Ilsenine declares. "Should you join this court, you would be tasked to drive it to greater heights. We must be stronger to stop Hell and reclaim Lifasa. It is our one, absolute imperative. Without Lifasa, there is no life for this court and no future."
"Your Majesty, should you permit it, I would cast a spell here that would allow me to give you an answer on this matter." Moore says with his head bowed a bit more in apology for his first act of foolishness.
There are several moments of consideration before the Queen nods. "You may do so," she says.
Post what spell it is first, since she's spellcrafting you.
Divination. CL 8
Do note the casting time is 10 minutes. Okay with that?
I'm fine with it if Her Majesty isn't insulted waiting. But Moore figures getting the answer this way may make her happier rather than him reporting it later.
Moore prepares and sets up his divination, lightning the incense and preparing the magic. It takes some time, time during which Queen Ilsenine and her subjects patiently wait. In fact, Her Majesty comments, "Divinations are not simple magic, cast on a whim and a moment's effort."
Finally the spell is cast. Much to Moore's chagrin, it fails.
Unlucky divination percentile dice roll. As noted in the spell, the result is rolled secretly by the DM, so it isn't posted here.
Moore shakes his head. No, it didn't fail -- this is Erathaol's way of saying that this is entirely Moore's decision to make.
"Your Majesty, as long as it is not offensive to you or to this Court that I continue to follow Lord Erathaol as my deity, I would be humbled and honored to join your Court." Moore says. It makes perfect sense to him -- the rift between Celestia and the fey could be greatly improved by something like this.
Murmurs at that, but Queen Ilsenine silences them with a raised hand. "We accept your offer of fealty. You shall be one of our diplomats. Perform well and you will find a place for yourself here, Moore. Go now, Lady Skye will see to you. She awaits in you in the previous room."
"Your will be done, Your Majesty. Thank you for this audience." Moore will rise, turn and depart for Lady Skye.
Lady Skye awaits you. She is rather pretty if a bit severe looking, no sign of childishness on her face. "Moore, Her Majesty has entrusted you with a chance. I expect you to live up to it."
Well, this one isn't as foul-mouthed as Dana, but...
Moore nods his head and bows. Regardless of the position he holds outside the court, he's not foolish enough to not show proper respect to one already in it. "Of course, Lady Skye. Would you please tell me more of what it is Her Majesty would have of me?"
"Aurora needs more forces, more strength and more treasure. A diplomat focuses on the first and second, but with your might, the third is also a consideration." She ponders a brief time, before going to the Queen's throne room. She returns with Crystal, "General Crystal also needs funds. I believe the two of you can put your heads together and work on that for today."
Moore nods to Skye. "Very well then. It shall be as you requested. General Crystal, I have some ideas on this matter, shall we discuss them elsewhere so as to not inconvenience Lady Skye?" Moore asks, trying to gauge any reaction from Crystal on this rather obvious but not overt attempt to simply leave Skye's presence.
Crystal leads you out into the portal, then to another. The library this time, a quiet corner of it with no one around. "Crystal will suffice," she says, "To be perfectly clear, I am not a general in Aurora's ranks, but given the rank of general in regards to Her Majesty's court. Afina holds the same rank and is also a general in Aurora's reckoning. The court title is somewhat ceremonial, as the court's forces are interlinked with those of Aurora's."
"Crystal it is then." Moore says with both a smile and a nod of understanding. "Be that as it may, I have some questions before we are to proceed. If I ask anything out of line or uncouth, please forgive me." Moore says as he taps his chin a few times. "First and foremost, what do you want? It's obvious Lady Skye has some ideas of how to proceed here, but I'm not interested in going about trying to impress someone while dragging a comrade somewhere they'd rather not go. So, consider that first and foremost. Second, but just as important -- are there any deities that you happen to follow? If so, then I think it'd behoove us to follow those leads if we can. Finally, do you know what our relationship is with the Court of Stars? I certainly got some looks in Celestia for even being there, so I'd imagine the relations are probably something along the line of 'don't get in our way and we won't get in yours' but not much beyond that." Moore finishes, counting off the three questions again to himself.
"Very well," Crystal perches on the back of a tall wooden chair, listening to Moore. "In all truth, and I am loathe to admit it but Skye outed me and my particular situation, I desire to make coin so that I may pay off a debt and procure better equipment." She perks up ever so slightly at the second question, "I am sworn to the Court of Stars and serve Queen Morwel, Lady Gwynharwyf and Sir Faerinaal, so your last question is simplicity onto itself. The Court has offered Aurora aid, Hanna is a planetar who serves Lady Gywnharwyf and General Jaela's mother."
Here Crystal pauses for a short time, "The relations between Celestia and Arborea are complicated. I have learned some of these thorny matters during my own studies and experiences in the Crusade, so I will tell you what I know. Still, I would suggest seeking out one better versed in these matters if you wish for a more comprehensive discussion. Tell me, what do you know of the angels and the yugoloths?"
K:P for this, I would guess?
Certainly. Roll and post.
"I hope I don't offend you, but I want to make sure I get this right." Moore says as he casts a quick spell!
Casting Lore of the Gods again.
[13:01] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+32 K:P
[13:01] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+32 K:P --> [ 1d20=1 ]{33}
Does the retry via that spell count for 1s?
Lore of the Gods: Reroll aspect is removed. The rest of the spell works as written.
From houserules, so the question is moot.
Yugoloths are the fiends of Hades. They are neutral evil and stand apart from the demons and the devils. A typical yugoloth is sneaky, secretive and completely self absorbed. They often serve as mercenaries and play both sides of the Blood War.
Angels are the celestials of Elysium. They are neutral good and are spread across all the Heavens. A typical angel is honest, forthright, kind and all those other virtues they represent. They often serve about the Heavens or as divine agents.
"I know the basics -- They're basically two sides of the same coin in the sense that if you reverse all the qualities of one you get the other." Moore answers. "But beyond that, probably not the finer points, if there are ones to know."
"Yes, they are in many ways mirrors of one another. Let me put forth an observation: Yugoloths fan hatred, for they meddle in both sides in the Blood War and ensure it continues. Angels are spread about all the Heavens and support all of them." Crystal says, a sweeping gesture to the nearest wall. "In this Crusade, archon and eladrin fight side by side. A demon and a devil will attempt to slaughter one another above all else, should they happen to cross paths. Tell me, what does that say of the relations between Celestia and Arborea?"
"I think it would indicate that while the end goal may not necessarily be the same, each side realizes that if the side of devils and demons were to win, everything would be horrible for all involved." Moore reasons. "To that end, then, it seems as if at least in terms of the fighting against Hell, Celestia and Arborea are of one mind." Moore reasons with a nod. "Even so, do you think you will find many archons in Arborea or fey in Celestia? Is that by choice, or by some unwritten rule, I wonder?" Moore taps his nose a few times as if thinking on that very question. "Perhaps it isn't so much an unwritten rule as no one's thought to look and ask."
"Or simple preference, for natures oppose one another. No matter how the angels keep the peace." Crystal muses, "I understand that they largely cooperate because of the nature of Good and some such."
"It may be as such. Well, perhaps it's best to focus on less grandiose ideas for the time being and focus on how to help you while also helping Aurora." Moore smiles at that and looks about the library. "It'd be easy enough to simple go appeal to the Court of Stars on your behalf and appeal to them for further aid for Aurora, but... hm. That seems too..." Moore thinks for a moment. "Too direct, you know? Do you have any ideas, or perhaps some individuals that you know of that could offer what we're looking for but for whatever reason have yet to actually do so? We could try and convince them of our good intentions, such that we can accomplish our goals."
Crystal hums in consideration, "In truth, I was thinking of more direct means - vanquishing evil and using that as our impetus, rather than a more indirect approach. But..."
"Well, we can certainly go with the direct route." Moore agrees. "But do you have another thought? I could also try and find some divine inspiration for a direction for us to go in!"
"Please," Crystal says, "Divination has never been a strong suit of mine."
Moore nods and prepares another Divination!
Casting Divination again, CL8
Moore casts again - and again the spell fails. How curious.
Brutal luck on the dice, Moore.
Moore tilts his head. There's surely not some kind of anti-magic spell in play...
"One moment. It looks like today may not be my day either." He rubs his chin once and decides to try once more -- If this fails, then he'll try something completely different.
Casting Divination one more time.
You may want to read Divination carefully, Moore. Especially the line with multiple divinations on the same matter getting the same result.
I presumed that since I hadn't actually asked anything that that didn't apply. Does Augury fall into the same rules?
Okay, then what precisely are you divining about? I inferred it was the same question, but I may have been wrong.
The first question would have been "Where should Crystal and I start with regards to diplomatic endeavors to fulfill the Queen's directive?"
Since that one failed he'd try and change the general idea to "What first step should we take to resolve Crystal's money problems?" If that isn't different enough then that's ok.
Moore receives the following reply: All prosperity starts at home; is it not time to lie down for a spell?
He blinks.
Ah, he thinks he understands.
"Well, I think we'll see a sign here later on how to start our progress. But I think for now we should take a small break and rest before then. I think that what we're looking for will come into our possession if we wait for it." He nods to Crystal. "I know that seems like a bit of a peculiar response, but I've learned to trust in what I've been told."
A long hm from Crystal, "...very well," she finally says, "Divinations are often cryptic like that. Let us meet again here in 4 hours?"
Moore nods. "Yes, I think that's a good idea." Trusting in the advice he's received, Moore will head back to his room to rest, although he does anticipate either something will be waiting for him there or something else may happen.
Rest is unremarkable. It's when you meet Crystal again that something happens. She looks entirely peeved and is colored like arainbow. Half dried pant drips from her wings, a cavalcade of colors.
"...it seems you were not in error," Crystal finally says, "Events have conspired so that Baleruk has made us an offer that will greatly enrich ourselves and our pockets." She slowly wipes blue, purple and orange globs of paint off her face. "I say, do you have the proper magic to clean this mess off?"
Moore looks at Crystal in slight surprise and does his best to cover an amused look. He casts Prestidigitation to clean up the paint off of her.
"Goodness, are you certain you're all right? Did... well, why don't you tell me about this offer?" Moore finally says, deciding it best to not ask Crystal to explain what precisely happened.
"The timing was...fortuitous." Crystal finally says, ever so slowly. "Baleruk has obtained news of a treasure cache that will enrich his own hoard. If we get it for him, we get half. He has heard that the githyanki recently managed a successful raid on one of Mineral's great treasure caverns. They loaded a ship to the gills with treasure, only to be interdicted at the last moment. The natives damaged the ship and broke the portal, so that the ship was tossed to location unknown, the crew and treasure presumed lost."
A moment for that, "But Baleruk believes he has obtained knowledge of where the ship is."
"Do the denizens of Mineral want the items returned in any capacity?" Moore asks. "Ultimately, we should recover whatever we can. If there's specifics they want returned I can probably handle the diplomatic side of things, but otherwise, I'll absolutely help in any way I can. Where does Baleruk believe that the ship found itself?"
"Perhaps, they rarely tolerate theft. However, I have heard no request of a formal reclamation. The question is a salient and important one - we could return it in exchange for a finder's fee and improved diplomatic relations," Crystal remarks, "Though Baleurk would get less for his hoard that way and would require pacification of his noble spirit."
Moore nods. "I don't want to make the decision for anyone or cause problems. Maybe we should ask Baleruk first since this seems to be his idea? I wouldn't wish to offend him."
"You have not yet met Baleruk, have you?" Crystal remarks with a little smile. "Not many would so blithely say so if they had."
Moore smiles. "I haven't met him, I've heard some people talk about him though. I'm sure some in Celestia would be aghast that I'd even want to have a good relationship with a situation like that!" Moore says with a bit of a laugh. "It wouldn't do me any good to judge someone or make presumptions before I've even met them, though. How do you think we should approach it?"
"With wisdom and great forethought, for such a situation is not clearly a matter of good and evil," Crystal smiles more, "Such a situation requires deft hands and courtly wisdom. First and foremost we must reach the ship and assess the situation, as well as the viability of any recovery efforts."
Moore nods to Crystal. "I agree completely. I presume Baleruk will accompany us?"
"No. Baleruk offered me this opportunity. Unfortunately, it's too good for me to pass up," Crystal admits, "No matter how vexing Baleruk can be. First we need to find an ally who can manage our transport."
"I think it was Lady Hanna who took Sir Adrian and I to where we went, so perhaps her?" Moore suggests.
"Hmmmm." Crystal hums aloud, "Ah, of course. Elena, is Hanna free?"
Elena so appears, today dressed in an airy sundress. "Hi. No, she's off with Dana and another new recruit. Kascha's off with Afina and Jaela, while Tepen and Vul'lath are both occupied with research."
This gets Crystal to frown, "That is troubling and greatly inhibits our options for transport. Who else is available?"
"Oh! Miss Canderella could probably do it." Moore offers. "If she isn't busy, anyway."
"She is busy," Elena says, rather thoughtfully. "Hmmm, I know Ithea has that bracelet of hers. That might be the best shot right now. Let me go ask her," Elena says, before blinking away.
"Now wait a mom-" Crystal reaches out for Elena, but she's already gone. She closes her eyes and sighs softly, "Truly, I fear our path has been suddenly taken from us by another."
Moore smiles. "Don't worry about things like that. We'll get there one way or another and figure everything out -- worrying about the 'how' too much and you end up losing the focus on the thing you're even trying to focus on."
"Yes, one supposes," Crystal says, "Still, no matter. Elena should return shortly."
Elena reappears shortly, just as Crystal predicted. "Ithea's busy at this moment, but she'll be along soon."
Moore nods. "All right. So where is it that we're going, anyway?"
"When the portal was interdicted, its destination of the Astral Plane was lost. Baleruk has learned of the location, which is the Deep Ethereal. Have you ever been there, by any chance?" Crystal hms at that, "I know Afina and a few others have, but it's a seldom explored realm."
Moore shakes his head. "I've never been there." He does try to recall anything he can think of about that place, though.
[12:51] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+22 K:P don't give me another 1 Serith
[12:51] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=1]
Moore can't recall anything salient, except that it's obscure. Figures.
"It's like the Ethereal, but moreso," Crystal explains. "There is no gravity and creatures can fly naturally there. Deep mists ruin visibility. It's a secluded realm and some consider it to be the true Ethereal Plane, with the normal Ethereal being merely the borderlands of it."
Moore rubs his chin. "So we'll probably find what we're looking for suspended somewhere? Or it may have crashed into something else since it's been adrift for some time. Hm... Presuming we aren't the first to find it -- what kind of creatures do you think we might encounter?"
That draws out a shake of Crystal's head. "That I cannot tell you, for the denizens of the Deep Ethereal are rare and reclusive things."
Moore nods. "So the odds of us running into something are probably low. All right, that makes sense. Do we need any preparation, spell-wise, before we go there?"
"Emergency means to return to a safe plane," Crystal remarks, "In case things go afoul."
Moore rubs his chin at that. "I can cast a spell to get us to safety, at least. Hm, do we have any way of contacting anyone in Aurora once our business is completed?"
"Sending will be useful as well, but Ithea should be able to handle that," Crystal says.
Moore nods. "I suppose we should give some consideration to how exactly we intend to bring everything back, too. I know there are spells to shrink things, but I don't know if they'd work on everything we'd run into. Hmm... I do have a container, but I doubt it'd fit everything. Unless we could somehow transport the ship, but I'd imagine its contents are more important than the material itself."
"Yes," Crystal agrees, "We can sort that out once we get there. Bags of holding should suffice."
"All right. I think we have as much in order as we really can." Moore nods.
From there it's not long for Ithea and Stille to join them, the four meeting...
Go ahead, y'all.
"Hello, Crystal, Moore. Elena mentioned you needed a gate somewhere?" Ithea asks, more of Crystal than Moore, though she turns to the new pixie and gestures between him and Stille.
"Oh, and Moore, have you had a chance to meet Stille before? He's my boyfriend, and Balyss' brother....actually, you've probably not met her yet given she was out all of yesterday from her divination. You're at least familiar with her name, I guess."
"I've heard it mentioned. It's good to meet you, Sir Stille!" Moore nods to him. He'll let Crystal answer Ithea's question since it'd be rather rude to answer on her behalf.
"Ah, Moore the Motivational Speaker!" Stille greets with a wide smile, "Good day, good day."
Crystal meanwhile says, "The Deep Ethereal. We know a location of a treasure hoard thanks to Baleruk." She quickly goes over the situation, ending with, "The closest land mark - as much as those matter three - is a floating set of trees called the Ghost Glade. Aim the portal there."
Ithea nods. "Okay, I can do that. Though before I open the portal, then in case Elena didn't mention it, a fair warning: I can't actually cast the gate spell myself, I use a trinket that's usable once a day. Any issues with being stuck there for a while?"
"That's fine," Crystal says, "Can you get us home if needed, Stille?"
To this Stille shakes his head, "Alas, I do not have the proper magic prepared, and do not refresh it until moonrise."
"Well, moonrise is still sooner than morning, at least. I do typically carry a scroll of sending on me as well. Anyway, if you're fine with it..."
With that, Ithea starts to lead the group to the gates of Aurora so she can open up a portal to where she was directed.
ooc: Did I need to roll K:P or anything to target the Ghost Glade?
I presume you're leaving Aurora first?
ooc: Oh right, yes. Edited post above.
"We'll be fine. I can find us a safe place to wait if we need it." Moore says as he goes along with the others.
No need. Any preparations before going out, y'all? Stille will note that Mind Blank may be a wise choice if possible.
If there is anyone available to cast it before we leave, might as well. Can we assume it gets done and we gate out? If there is a limited number of mind blanks not sure who best options might be though, probably we can discuss that IC then unless Neph or you have preferences there.
Moore would say he has plenty of protections on his own from things like that so if there was a limit then he'd offer it to the others.
> roll 1d4
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 4 > [d4=4]
You're in luck, there's enough for everyone. Anything else?
Nope. Let's go do motivational pixie stuff!
Let's DO THIS!
Well, when you say it like that? Go ahead and make a Diplo ch-erk! Kidding, kidding! Let's get this going.
The light of the Positive Energy Plane fades into mist. You fall into cool, clammy fog that is all around you. Visibility is terrible, with only a few mist-shrouded trees able to be seen ahead. You're floating in midair, the pull of gravity absent. Stille looks around slowly, while Crystal pats Hope's side and remarks, "As if it is a place of ghost and memories, where one cannot be discerned from the other."
"Random trivia, did you guys know we initially found Aurora hidden here in the Deep Ethereal? Not the same spot, obviously, but it feels like so long ago when it was just Adrian, Afina, Jaela, Willim and myself," Ithea comments as she looks around.
Annalise goes unmentioned.
"Anyway, you two know the details, so lead away."
ooc: For Neph's reference, planar traits of deep ethereal - http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,101835.msg1024847.html#msg1024847
Dunno if there's any additional traits for the ghost glade.
"I wonder what causes the atmosphere and mists to settle like this." Moore wonders aloud as he takes a look around. "I can't say I know too many details, but I think we'll know what we're looking for once we find it!"
"Well...You mentioned a treasure hoard, so I presume we're fighting some dragon and err, liberating its treasure, some as tribute to Baleruk?" Ithea asks, not having all the details on what they're looking for exactly.
"I assume we'd hunt for some caves in the mists if so, and that it'll be a mist dragon given the location? I remember fighting one of those back when we sought Aurora."
"Not exactly. We're looking for a lost treasure ship of the githyanki that was waylaid on their escape from Mineral." Moore says. "Miss Crystal and I were going to recover it."
"Oh? Well, if it's been lost for a while that Baleruk stumbled upon hints of its location, it's probably guarded by something or someone. Not githyanki anymore, certainly. But whatever Baleruk's source was would have claimed it themselves if it was so ripe for the taking otherwise."
"Any clues as to the defenses we might face?" Ithea asks of the pixie pair.
"So be on guard," Crystal mounts Hope, "I fear what problems we may encounter. But may they be minor ones overcome. Baleruk was not aware of the precise nature of any obstacles, but you are right that logic suggests they will be there."
"Right then. Before we move on... Any of you have weapons that could use some magical empowerment? I can improve their edge for close to a day if needed. Gotten into the habit of just doing that with Seiryu instead of getting Afina to do it for me."
ooc: do any of them want GMW on their main weapon? Crystal's sheet shows a masterwork weapon, Stille has a mix of +1/masterwork, and ...Moore doesn't have a weapon, so guess he's fine.
Moore shakes his head. "I'm fine." He gestures to the harp he's carrying. "Miss Ebony inspired me to have something special created. It's not a weapon, per se, but I can fight with it. It's a bit arbitrary, but which direction are we going in?"
"Crystal seems to know the most regarding what we seek, so she can. She's probably the fastest here with Hope as well and can occasionally scout if necessary and maneuver right back to us when we need to regroup, though if I happen to spot or hear anything, I'll suggest it so we can switch directions as needed," Ithea answers Moore as she waits to see if Stille and Crystal are also fine.
ooc: I hadn't said so btw (I had way back in CODA, but just as a refresher), but I generally assume GMW is on Ithea's weapon since it lasts a day or so barring dispel tactics like the nessian pit fiend. Those are the only cases where I might cast it IC, or if I'm offering it to others.
Speaking of spells, Moore casts some himself just in case!
Divine Insight, CL6, so for 6 hours and a +11 bonus to the next skill check whenever it comes up.
That's the only long-duration one he has right now, so we'll stick with that.
"Please," Crystal holds out her longsword. "I'll lead the way and we'll see how this goes. May the Court of Stars guide us."
Stille just smiles and follows, looking around the fog curiously. "What a strange realm."
Ithea nods and cast the spell on Crystal's longsword. "I'll keep a eye and ear out as best I can with all this mist."
ooc: One GMW cast. Stille didn't want one then? If he does, let me know and just assume I did it here too or I'll edit post.
If needed:
[12:06] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+51 spot
[12:06] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+51 spot --> [ 1d20=8 ]{59}
[12:06] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+54 listen
[12:07] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+54 listen --> [ 1d20=10 ]{64}
Stille's already at +5 enhancement bonus for his unarmed strikes. Also, what's the CL on your CMW?
The party travels through the fog. Crystal takes point on Hope, the others following behind. It's a silent, chilly realm of fog. The world around you is cut off, insulated with one another and little else. Conversation fades into the mists, seemingly strangled before it even leaves your mouths.
> roll 1d100 80+
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 80+ --> [ 1d100=2 ]{2}
> roll 1d100 good subtables
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 good subtables --> [ 1d100=11 ]{11}
After a few hours of travel, the party comes on something ahead. The mist thins out lightly, ground visible ahead. It looks like tilled ground, grain and corn growing despite a lack of sunlight.
"Eh?" Crystal places a hand on Hope's neck, stopping her mount. "Cultivated land here?"
[spoiler]
Crystal: 223/223 Buffs: Greater Magic Weapon (+5), Mind Blank (CL 22)
Hope: 484/484 Buffs: Mind Blank (CL 22)
Stille: 300/300 Buffs: Mind Blank (CL 22)
K:N, perhaps? Or would this fall under K:P that I must remind you I rolled a 1 on for this place.
K:P, yes. This is a separate thing provoking it, so you can roll.
OOC: Ithea's CL for spells is 25 (+1 if lightning, +8 to beat SR; though neither applies here). GMW will last 25 hrs. You forgot to italize your spoiler box btw, boss! =p"Interesting. I wonder who'd eke out a living here in these parts," Ithea muses as she searches the land for sight of any creatures that could be responsible for the cultivated land even as she searches her memory for any stories of mist farmers or some such.
OOC: (If Collector of Stories applies, +5 to roll)
[21:24] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+42 K:P
[21:24] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+42 K:P --> [ 1d20=12 ]{54}
HP: 346/346
AC: 56 , 39 (Touch), 56 (Flat-footed), 77 (CMD)
Buffs: GMW+5 (CL 25), Mind Blank (CL 22)
Qualities: DR 10/silver, SR 34, Darkvision, Low-Light Vision, +4 CMD vs Trip/Overrun/Bullrush, Evasion, Uncanny Dodge, Spellwarped
Abilities:
Racial: Healing Touch 0/1,
Rogue: Mimic 0/1,
Factotum: Inspiration 0/6, Nerveskitter 0/1, Heroics 0/1, Piety 0/9
Duskblade: Attunement 0/14, Quick Cast 0/4
Feats: Chaos Devotion 0/1
Gear: Counterstrike 0/2, Greatreach 0/3, Reciprocate 0/2, Haste 0/10 (rounds), Daylight 0/1, See Invis 0/1, +2d6 electric damage 0/3
Spells:
Lv 0 - 0/6
Lv 1 - 0/23
Lv 2 - 0/23
Lv 3 - 2/23
Lv 4 - 0/18
Lv 5 - 0/14
[22:30] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+14 K:P
[22:30] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+14 K:P --> [ 1d20=19 ]{33}
Spoiler boxes aren't italicized, since they're already in a spoiler box.
Moore can tell this isn't natural. Crops don't grow here. For that matter, Ithea knows that and also knows that magic must be involved. More saliently, it suggests non-natives of this plane doing something unusual.
As you look about, the party can hear a voice from farther ahead in the fog. "Plowing the fields, working the land. Making my food with what I have on hand." It's a vaguely masculine voice singing, rather untalented.
[spoiler]
Crystal: 223/223 Buffs: Greater Magic Weapon (+5) (CL 25), Mind Blank (CL 22)
Hope: 484/484 Buffs: Mind Blank (CL 22)
Stille: 300/300 Buffs: Mind Blank (CL 22)
[/quote]
Ithea attempts to spot the source of the voice past the fog.
ooc: Bah! And I've been needlessly italizing my spoiler boxes all this time and you didn't say anything! Jerk! Meanie!
[21:54] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+51 spot
[21:54] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+51 spot --> [ 1d20=17 ]{68}
Moore rubs his chin but looks in that direction too!
[22:58] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+24 spotted dogs
[22:58] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+24 spotted dogs --> [ 1d20=16 ]{40}
You don't need to say OOC. Mere italics suffice.
Ithea peers ahead. The mists part slightly, revealing something 50ft ahead. Six large, blue, frog like creatures. Ithea can identify them as blue slaad easily enough. A human sized frog-man of gray watches them work. All are dressed up as farmers, the blue slaad tilling the land and the gray one overseeing them. One of the blue slaad is the singer.
Crystal peers and frowns, "What is it?" she murmurs, "Farmhand music?"
"Uh, yeah. From... slaads," Ithea replies quietly. "Blue ones at that. Not sure what they'd be doing here instead of Limbo, honestly, and farming at that, but after 27, Renbuu and that dungeon slaad, I probably shouldn't be surprised at anything those guys do."
Is the Deep Ethereal bordering Limbo in any way? Vaguely curious to whether the anarch powers would work here. Or if it's just slaads being random and being in a place they're not supposed to because why not.
Moore blinks. "Slaad? Oh, um... are they... er... normally here? I guess they probably aren't."
"Well, I certainly didn't expect to see some here farming at least."
"Ah, this should be excellent," Stille murmurs, "Productive slaad, what a strange and welcome idea."
Crystal wrinkles her nose, "Fantastic, in truth we may face multiple 27s."
"Well, 27 seems to fit in just fine in Aurora, for all that he annoys Hanna. Maybe we should invite them to grow crops in Aurora instead of some hidden glade in the Deep Ethereal?" Ithea jokes.
"We could just go around them otherwise, doesn't seem like there's much point to approaching them outside of us being curious. Asking if they've seen any lost Mineral shipment is just asking for them suddenly desiring to grow crops out of it or something."
Moore looks over to Ithea and rubs his chin. "I don't think it's mere chance we're meeting them. I think it's an opportunity -- so I'm all for approaching them at least to find out why they're here. Maybe they really would want to come to Aurora, you never know unless you try, right?" Moore concludes. "I mean, it's impressive enough that they're growing crops in a place like this -- they may have some insight on the matter."
Before anyone can say anything else, "Quite right!" The human-sized slaad shouts, "Behold, my farming friends!" He points towards the party, the other slaad all taking a look.
> roll 1d100 slaad reactions
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d100 slaad reactions --> [ 1d100=91 ]{91}
> roll 1d100 slaad reactions
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d100 slaad reactions --> [ 1d100=28 ]{28}
"Yes!" The first blue slaad cries in Draconic, "I can plant turnips on the anarch!"
The second stares at the party before breaking down in screaming sobs. "I AM NOT A FOOD OR FOOD BASED PRODUCT! I AM NOT! NO NO NO! DAMN YOU!" It howls in Sylvan, before picking up a hoe and brandishing it like a sword. "I call for war!"
The third blue slaad merely looks ahead at the party, licking its lips long and slow. Over and over again.
The fourth blue slaad studies them, rubbing it's chin before it holds up a finger and says in Abyssal, "I resign." The slaad promptly falls apart into hundreds of common frogs, a swarm of them that breaks apart in every direction, fleeing.
The fifth slaad studies them all carefully, then in Common, "Oh, you met Renbuu! Oh my chaos, isn't he horrifying? Can you BELIEVE that smock he wore when he tried to visit Oberon last century? Not even an archon would be caught wearing that, dearies."
The sixth blinks slowly, ever so slowly. It cocks its head to the side, "Eat?" It asks in a single word of Ignan, to which the gray slaad shakes his head. "Not food yet. Not ripe. We can only trust what we grow ourselves."
Well, no time like the present.
Moore waves at the slaad, although he can't wave at all the frogs, but so it goes. "Hello and greetings!" He calls out. He figures he'll try something boring and traditional, it just might work!
Maybe something a bit more random would work? Hmm...
"Huh, good eyesight on them," Ithea mutters.
More loudly, she calls out, "Hello, my farming friends! Hello!" she calls out to the gray slaad first, then turns to the others in turn.
"Turnips are out of season, you'd best wait!" (Draconic)
"You cannot make war on an empty stomach!" (Sylvan)
She skips any statements for the third, instead she simply gestures with two fingers at her eyes, then at the slaad, then switches to a fist with a thumb out and makes a cutting gesture around her neck while giving it a focused flat stare.
"If you'd like a job now that you're unemployed, we'll consider hiring you! Do you have a resume?" (Abyssal)
"He seemed rather colorful fellow, I thought! He may have heard about that social snafu and in embarrassment given up all forms of clothing. He seemed quite taken with wearing nothing but a birthday suit last we met." (Common)
"Baleruk's fault. Don't ask," she mutters quietly afterwards to her companions in case they're wondering about that last bit."
Finally, the sixth one. "He's right, you know. Your stomach would burst." (Ignan)
> roll 1d100 slaad reaction
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d100 slaad reaction --> [ 1d100=88 ]{88}
> roll 1d100+88 slaad reaction that's the magic number, 88. Since Limbo's numerological number is 8.
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d100+88 slaad reaction that's the magic number, 88. Since Limbo's numerological number is 8. --> [ 1d100=39 ]{127}
Sorry Ithea, your reply got pre-empted by Moore there.
"AAAAAAH!" As one, the slaad stare and scream at Moore. In a burst, all of them explode out into radishes and potatoes. Hundreds of them now litter the field instead of slaad. The potatoes and radishes then leap up and run away in all directions.
Moore turns to Ithea and then back at the various vegetables.
"Did I offend them?"
"Apparently," Ithea says gobsmacked. "Right, next time, let me do the talking with any slaad we see. I'm pretty sure if they hadn't been screaming over my response, they'd at least not have split."
Moore rubs his chin. "I wonder if it's something I can't see... well, anyway, should we take anything they were making back for study, or just leave it here?"
"Well, if there's anything left, I don't see why not. At the worst, maybe 27 will pick up a farming hobby when I'm not around," Ithea says as she starts walking towards where the slaads were gathered to see if anything is left to be pulled up or such.
Moore will look around too! He'll also cast Detect Magic, since, surely, this is magical in nature, right?
Detect Magic from Ithea as well.
Stille and Crystal both stare at the spectacle of the slaads, the former finally finding words. "Well then," he says with a jaunty smile, "Shall we continue on?"
Meanwhile Ithea and Moore detect magic. There is no magic to detect.
Anything spotted by visual inspection? Any vegetables in the ground or such, even non-magical ones?
Ithea can see all the planted corn and wheat. Looks normal enough.
Ithea grabs some of the corn and wheat and sticks it in her bag of holding. A gift for 27 later on!
"Sure, let's move on."
Moore nods and will continue on!
Add the wheat and corn to your sheet, Ithea.
> roll 1d100 85+ random encounter
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d100 85+ random encounter --> [ 1d100=45 ]{45}
The group begins to travel on. It's quiet immediately, and in this silence, Crystal speaks up. "Do you plan on eating that?" she asks, looking to Ithea. "Can food grown as such be trusted? It seems unnatural."
"I was going to gift it to 27. Whether he plants it or eats it is up to him. If it's good enough for those slaad, it's good enough for 27. Probably."
Will do, chief.
Crystal seems content with that. From here the party advances further on.
> roll 1d100 87
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d100 87 --> [ 1d100=38 ]{38}
The next hours are silent in this misty realm. No disturbances, only further travel. Crystal is ahead in the thick mists, barely visible - until she stops cold. "Oof!" she cries, the sound of her and Hope smacking into something hard.
"Oh, Miss Crystal, are you all right?" Moore calls out, staying where he is to avoid crashing into anything else.
"Merely bruised," she calls back, voice slightly muffled. "I fear we have hit an unseen barrier."
Unseen? Well, that has to be magical, doesn't it? Just in case, Moore casts a few spells!
Improvisation and then Detect Magic.
Do you see invisible or anything like that, Moore?
I do not.
Ithea attempts to detect magic as well, and tries to find the length of boundary for this field.
Detect Magic from Ithea, and if noted something is there, she can do See Invis as well.
Ithea goes forward, seeing an invisible barrier of soft golden light. Stille advances as well, "How curious, to bring to mind Aurora's own defenses."
Spellcraft, both of you.
[21:53] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+42 spellcraft
[21:53] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+42 spellcraft --> [ 1d20=3 ]{45}
[23:05] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+28+9 Spellcraft
[23:05] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+28+9 Spellcraft --> [ 1d20=2 ]{39}
Kobot rolls, alright.
It's a wall of force. Sort of. Far larger than one, extended greatly. From the slight curve and the magic, you can estimate its in the shape of a massive sphere rather than a wall. It's also somewhat weaker than a typical wall of force. Sufficient might should be able to bowl through it, but it'll need to happen in a single, overwhelming strike.
Moore scratches his head. "Well, I think we can break through it if we all attack it together, but... it begs the question, why is it here?"
"IS the ship ahead?" Stille asks, "Perhaps another scavenger is guarding his territory?"
Crystal rubs her chin and stares ahead hard, "I don't know," she replies. "But that would make sense. Unless the slaad did it, in which case no further reason is desired or needed."
"Well, either way, we need to dispel it or just break through. I think, considering, breaking through is the easiest." Moore says. "I can give you all a bit of an oomph if you'd like to go that route."
"Well, the only way to find out is to charge at the wall with all we have and try to break through. I recommend we all gather some distance and then charge together, timing our attack as best we can. Moore, if you can boost us with your magic, that might help as well. Going around this force field would be a waste of time, and there's always that potential that the ship is inside as you both said."
Ithea begins to put some distance back, judging for an attack. "Whenever you've made your preparations, one of you give the go command, and we'll attack, try to break through."
ooc: Ithea will use True Strike (automatic quick cast) with Power Attack+Charge, arcane strike of a level 5 spell, channel shocking grasp, and use her ring's ability to add some bonus electric damage. I'll wait for Moore's bonus as well before rolling.
Okay, that's fine. Once you have it, go ahead and make your attack roll (in case of a natural 1) and then the damage roll.
"All right, everyone, focus your attacks and let's get through this!" Moore calls out, inspiring his allies with courage! While doing so, he gently strums his harp to give them some much-needed confidence as well!
Inspire Courage sans Word of Creation, +5 on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Along with that, everyone gets +2 more on attack rolls. In addition, his aura provides +1 to attack rolls as well, so everyone has +8 on attack and +5 on damage.
Ithea waits for Stille and Crystal to give note that they're in place and ready, giving her own once her preparations are done. Then she just awaits for a signal from one of them and charges in, glaive flying ahead of her with its reach, charged with lightning and arcane might, a feline propelled bullet attempting to pierce through the wall in front of her.
[12:03] <Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+53 atk
[12:03] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+53 atk --> [ 1d20=8 ]{61}
[12:04] <Sailor_Mercury> roll d10+20+5d4+33+5 dmg
[12:04] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d10+20+5d4+33+5 dmg --> [ 1d10=2 5d4=12 ]{72}
[12:04] <Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+32 CL to beat SR (if any)
[12:04] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+32 CL to beat SR (if any) --> [ 1d20=1 ]{33}
[12:05] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 7d6 (shocking)
[12:05] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled 7d6 (shocking) --> [ 7d6=17 ]{17}
Shocking damage = 1.5*17 = 25 dmg
Attack: +40 (normal) + 5 (arcane strike) + 2 (charge) + 20 (true strike) + 8 (bard) - 22 (power attack) = +53 atk
damage: d10+20 (normal) +5d4 (arcane) + 33 (power attack) + 5 (bard)
bonus damage: 1.5*7d6 (electric)
Used Lv 1 x2 / Lv5 x1 spells. Used ring of storms.
Stille flies forward, right by Ithea. He rears his fist back, crackling with lightning as he mimics Ithea.
Using arcane channeling for a 3d6 shocking grasp. No SR needed. Also, his motivate ardor aura overlaps with Moore's, so no extra damage there.
> roll 1d20+20 (+8 Moore, -22 PA)
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisImpossibleDemand rolled 1d20+20 (+8 Moore, -22 PA) --> [ 1d20=14 ]{34}
> roll 1d8+45 (+22 PA, +5 Moore)
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisImpossibleDemand rolled 1d8+45 (+22 PA, +5 Moore) --> [ 1d8=4 ]{49}
> roll 3d6 shocking grasp
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisImpossibleDemand rolled 3d6 shocking grasp --> [ 3d6=10 ]{10}
At the same time, Crystal rears back for a charge, before barreling right at the other side of Ithea, hitting with all her might.
> roll 1d20+45 (+2 charge, +8 Moore) unfortunately no PA hurts her here
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisImpossibleDemand rolled 1d20+45 (+2 charge, +8 Moore) unfortunately no PA hurts her here --> [ 1d20=6 ]{51}
> roll 2d6+32
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisImpossibleDemand rolled 2d6+32 --> [ 2d6=8 ]{40}
All three blows barrel into the force sphere head on. Visible cracks appears, straining as those and the wall immediately around it becomes seen to all. It's badly cracked, faltering - and the cracks are already starting to shrink and vanish, your combined strikes insufficient.
[spoiler]
Crystal: 223/223 Buffs: Greater Magic Weapon (+5), Mind Blank (CL 22)
Hope: 484/484 Buffs: Mind Blank (CL 22)
Stille: 300/300 Buffs: Mind Blank (CL 22) Spells Used: Duskblade: 1 1st level charge.
Moore rubs his chin.
"Well, I think we're close. If you'll all try again, I have an idea that I think will work! You all strike it, and I'll point out the weakness in the wall's strength and get you all to strike there." Moore says with a nod to them all. "So just try once more!"
The plan is to use Rally Attack once they all hit it for the first time.
Okay, what's rally attack do? Refresh me.
Benefit: You can provoke a sudden rally of attacks in your allies. Once per day as a standard action, the marshal can allow all allies within 30ft to immediately make a single melee or ranged attack (but not a spell or spell-like ability). This counts as a creature's attack of opportunity for the round, so a creature cannot make an extra attack if they have already made their maximum number of attacks of opportunity in a round. The marshal is not affected by his own use of rally attack.
Okay. I'll wait on Ithea to lead the next attack and then the followup with Rally Attack.
Roger dodger.
Ithea nods curtly, a bit disappointed the first wave of attacks didn't fell the force shield. As she takes her distance, she repeats her actions again except she casts the true strike spell normally before she charges. This time, in addition to preparing herself for Moore's rally, she will cast a Disintegrate spell the instant she connects with the force field.
The disintegrate may not be needed when combined with the rally of Moore, but it'd be worse if they kept expending resources and found themselves failing again.
Almost same as last time (adding a quick cast of disintegrate into mix). I did 2x PA damage this time, last time I did 1.5x so I missed out on 11 damage.
Also, for disintegrate, normally it says objects including force fields are just disintegrated in a 10ft square. Wasn't sure if I needed to roll damage or not as if it was a target, so I just rolled the damage so you have it handy if that was the case instead.
Attack:
[13:23] <Merc-zzz> roll d20+53 atk
[13:23] <Kobot> Merc-zzz rolled d20+53 atk --> [ 1d20=18 ]{71}
[13:23] <Merc-zzz> roll d10+20+5d4+44+5 dmg
[13:23] <Kobot> Merc-zzz rolled d10+20+5d4+44+5 dmg --> [ 1d10=5 5d4=11 ]{85}
Shocking Grasp:
[13:23] <Merc-zzz> roll 7d6
[13:23] <Kobot> Merc-zzz rolled 7d6 --> [ 7d6=30 ]{30}
(1.5x damage on electricity, so 45 dmg)
Disintegrate:
[13:24] <Merc-zzz> roll 40d6
[13:24] <Kobot> Merc-zzz rolled 40d6 --> [ 40d6=134 ]{134}
HP: 346/346
AC: 56 , 39 (Touch), 56 (Flat-footed), 77 (CMD)
Buffs: GMW+5 (CL 25), Mind Blank (CL 22)
Qualities: DR 10/silver, SR 34, Darkvision, Low-Light Vision, +4 CMD vs Trip/Overrun/Bullrush, Evasion, Uncanny Dodge, Spellwarped
Abilities:
Racial: Healing Touch 0/1,
Rogue: Mimic 0/1,
Factotum: Inspiration 0/6, Nerveskitter 0/1, Heroics 0/1, Piety 0/9
Duskblade: Attunement 1/14, Quick Cast 1/4
Feats: Chaos Devotion 0/1
Gear: Counterstrike 0/2, Greatreach 0/3, Reciprocate 0/2, Haste 0/10 (rounds), Daylight 0/1, See Invis 0/1, +2d6 electric damage 2/3
Spells:
Lv 0 - 0/6
Lv 1 - 4/23
Lv 2 - 0/23
Lv 3 - 2/23
Lv 4 - 0/18
Lv 5 - 3/14
They all strike - and it is indeed unneeded. The moment disintegration hits it, the entire thing simply flashes and vanishes, gone even from Ithea's enhanced sight. Stille blinks once, "Ah yes, the traditional weakness of walls of force. We should have started there."
Moore was about to call out to strike the barrier again, but alas, it wasn't needed at all.
"Probably," Ithea says to Stille. "Last minute thought, unfortunately."
"Anyway, let's go in quickly and explore. Always possible someone will try to pinpoint our entrance once they realize the field is down."
Marching order? May matter here.
Crystal, Ithea, Stille, Moore?
The party begins to advance in the fog, Crystal leading the way. You hardly get 100ft in when suddenly a great gust of wind comes from ahead, barreling into the party.
Strength checks, y'all.
[00:20] <Merc> roll d20+22 str check
[00:20] <Kobot> Merc rolled d20+22 str check --> [ 1d20=8 ]{30}
[08:13] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+2 (+8 more if Improvisation is still working from earlier)
[08:13] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+2 (+8 more if Improvisation is still working from earlier) --> [ 1d20=20 ]{22}
[08:13] <Nephrite> Aaaand it doesn't matter.
> roll 1d20+10 Hope
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisImpossibleDemand rolled 1d20+10 Hope --> [ 1d20=17 ]{27}
> roll 1d20+36 Crystal ride to moot her needing a check since Hope crushed it
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisImpossibleDemand rolled 1d20+36 Crystal ride to moot her needing a check since Hope crushed it --> [ 1d20=2 ]{38}
> roll 1d20+6 Stille
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisImpossibleDemand rolled 1d20+6 Stille --> [ 1d20=12 ]{18}
A savage wind plows into the party, nearly knocking all of you back. But everyone is surprisingly ready and strong, able to resist it for the long seconds it takes to die out. Whew. Not a single person moved.
Crystal's hair is wild after that, blowing straight back in the wind. "Hold...and advance," she calls, spurring Hope on once the gale has ebbed.
Ithea advances, watchful of any other sudden bursts of wind. "Was that natural or some sort of attack to get us out of the area? I didn't have time to focus on checking it for traces of magic."
"I don't know enough about this plane, but I can't imagine it was natural. Where would it come from?" Moore asks rhetorically ask they continue on.
Ithea shrugs. "Well, when I meant natural, I mostly meant that it wasn't an attack. Simply based on the geography of the place it could be possible, even if unlikely. We'll find out as we move forward."
"I doubt it," Stille says, "Doubtless more interference remains, especially if our treasure ship is ahead."
Moore nods. "Well, either way, they're not going to deter us with just some wind and a barrier!"
Ithea chuckles. "With our luck, we'll find a bunch of evil beings planning an apocalypse, stop them after a hard fought battle and find out there was no treasure to be found here and still have more of the deep ethereal to search. And the only reason we'd have stumbled onto them is because they had a massive force field in the middle of nowhere."
"I fear the fate makers of Mechanus are now a-tizzy with activity," Stille says, shaking his head with his own laugh. "For we have tempted fate head on, and what fate would pass that chance?"
"I am certain that we'll find ourselves exactly where we need to be." Moore agrees. Well, it's sort of an agreement, anyway.
Forging ahead, the party soon comes to it. Ahead is a vast, broken ship floating in the Deep Ethereal. It's hazy and perhaps 100ft ahead, coming up on it from the side. The fog's thinner here, just enough to see the outline of it.
Ithea laughs at the sight of the ship. "And you said we were tempting fate. Apparently reverse psychology works on the fate makers. I assume that's the ship we're looking for up ahead?"
Ithea attempts to make out any markings to confirm the ship's origins as they get closer, hopefully making out those important details before they get spotted in turn by someone else.
Make a Wis check, Ithea. Anarch bonus applies.
[12:08] <Merc> roll d20+8+8+1 wisdom+anarch+ioun
[12:08] <Kobot> Merc rolled d20+8+8+1 wisdom+anarch+ioun --> [ 1d20=1 ]{18}
[12:08] <Merc> lovely
"We still have time to meet whatever has taken over the ship and is using it as a base of operations for fiendish and nefarious deeds." Moore chips in!
It's okay, Merc. Natural 1s happen to every PC sometimes.
"Hopefully that's not-" Crystal begins, before reality splits like broken glass. The party is tossed about as Ithea feels a familiar thing - it is as if this is Limbo, reality around her being reshuffled at a whim. When it clears, Moore and Ithea lay in a sunny field, face up and staring at the bright sunshine.
Moore blinks.
He blinks again.
He looks around. Is he in Venya again...?
Moore can see he lies in a sunny field. An open field under the summer sunshine. It's quite pleasant - except for the fact that the sun has a face in the middle. A face full of anger and fury, a voice booming, "NONE DARE DISTURB THE GREAT MIKELOS AND HIS TREASURE RAIDING! YOU WILL BE CAST TO THE MOST BORING REGIONS OF MECHANUS FOR YOUR IMPERTINENCE!"
"That felt like the touch of Limbo," Ithea says with a frown as she flips herself upright and looks around only seeing Moore at first. "Where are Stille and Crystal? Dammit..."
"You okay, Moore?"
Hearing the voice of this Mikelos, Ithea frowns further as she tries to recollect anything about this guy, as well as to see if she can use any lingering touch of Limbo to send them back or something.
K:P to recognize Mikelos? Or something else?
Any possibility to try again on the wisdom check, or was it a one time thing?
K:P, yes. Make that first of all.
"Yes, I think I'm all right." Moore responds with a glance at the Angry Sun.
[13:32] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+14+8 K:P
[13:32] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+14+8 K:P --> [ 1d20=9 ]{31}
[12:34] <Merc> roll d20+42+5 K:P+collector of stories
[12:34] <Kobot> Merc rolled d20+42+5 K:P+collector of stories --> [ 1d20=3 ]{50}
The name rings a few bells for both of you. It's the name of a minor demon, an incubus (or glabrezu, the lore's obscure) that serves Malcanthet. In addition, Ithea can recall that he died about a thousand years ago, slaughtered by a devil raid.
"Aren't you dead?" Ithea asks with a raised eyebrow as she casts detect magic.
And yay/nay on limbo check?
Moore decides to stay quiet for now, only unleashing his dreaded greeting if asked.
"YOU DARE TO CONTRADICT THE SUN? Okay." The voice drops into an apathetic tone, "Then just burn up or something, I don't know. How boring."
Suddenly the fields around you burst into fire, an inferno all around the party.
Ithea, you can try to anarch it again if you like, though it may or may not work, you aren't sure.
"I agree that burning is kind of boring, are you sure you wouldn't rather a nice misty treasure ship surrounded us? That sounds nice to me."
Ithea speaks irreverently this as she quick casts a spell to resist the energy of fire while reaching for Moore as well, and boy if this isn't giving her unfortunate flashbacks to Lief and Muirfinn. Even as she does this, she concentrates on trying to take control of this realm or whatever Limbo'ish power she felt as Moore and herself were deposited her.
Quick casting RE(Fire) for 30. I assume we still get hit one round? Or quick enough with the anarch and RE? Dunno!
[20:33] <Kotono> You should get Moore to use Motivate Wisdom, if he has it.
[20:34] <Merc> I think he only has motivate dexterity, sadly.
[20:34] <Merc> But I'll ask.
[20:32] <Merc> roll d20+8+8+1 Anarchy Powers, Go!
[20:32] <Serith> Merc roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=3]
[20:33] <Merc> Booo
[20:33] <Merc> At least not a 1
But the realm does not change, only burning away instead. Fortunately your protections are in time to stop fire damage, though it's getting smoky. No more words from the sun, which is gone with the inferno.
"I think I preferred the exploding vegetables." Moore says as he looks around at the blazing fires. "Ideas? Up, maybe?" Moore suggests.
"Find a way out of here first," Ithea says as she spends a spell to fly above the inferno. "Try up."
I assume the fire isn't all the way up, if it was I may want to change my action if I could tell such.
Ithea and Moore fly up. The flames leap up a good 40ft, but it's not hard to go higher than that. Smoke rises up and obscures your vision, but you see a vast field of fire in all directions. "I am the great Agares," The voice is back, demanding from above, "And I tell you to die or run away already!"
"Could you do something about the smoke, Mikelos? Oh, I'm sorry, Agares was it this time?" Ithea asks. "Very hard to see, can't run away very well if we can't tell where to go? K, thanks, lovely chatting with you as always!"
Can someone roll K:P for me on Agares? +42 mod (+47 with collector of stories)
Also if I can, I'm give the wisdom check another try (+17).
> roll 1d20+42 rolling for Merc
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+42 rolling for Merc --> [ 1d20=6 ]{48}
> roll 1d20+17 rolling for Merc anarch
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+17 rolling for Merc anarch --> [ 1d20=12 ]{29}
Agares is the name of a deceased Duke of Hell. He was once the Duke of Entropy, but was ultimately exiled to Avernus and slain in a heavenly crusade. If you recall right, Alicia Reynes and Seira Aryn were the two who lead the crusade.
Ithea tries to alter the reality around her. It's difficult, not nearly as responsive as Limbo. She can't quite do it - it's like trying to move mud.
Moore is content to let Ithea handle this for the time being. If his role is required, she'll either ask or his opportunity will arise.
"I don't suppose you have some ability that's good for boosting chaotic abilities such as controlling limbo or just generally understanding and making sense of the inner workings of a reality?" Ithea asks Moore quietly as she continues to fly upwards towards the source of the voice.
"Because I'm having trouble thinking of options where I can't hit anything, gate out of here, or wrest control of the reality around us. And while I'm enjoying needling the guy taking identities of dead evil morons, that may not be helping in this situation."
"You...!" A strangled croak comes from the voice as the two fly up. The smoke is fading, reality shifting again. "I am the unstoppable Tanalis! Begone!" From ahead, another gust of wind comes, as strong as the previous.
Strength checks.
[13:33] <Merc> roll d20+42 K:P (Tanalis)
[13:33] <Kobot> Merc rolled d20+42 K:P (Tanalis) --> [ 1d20=1 ]{43}
[13:33] <Merc> boo
[13:33] <Merc> roll d20+23 str check
[13:33] <Kobot> Merc rolled d20+23 str check --> [ 1d20=16 ]{39}
"I am fairly adept at improving someone's ability to do things, I don't know if it'd work with that, but I can try!" Moore responds as the winds come. Unfortunately for him, his spell for a little bit of extra luck isn't there anymore.
<Nephrite> roll 1d20+2
[16:10] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{6}
Tanalis is the name of a yugoloth - probably an ultroloth, but Ithea isn't sure. The nature of yugoloths makes it hard to tell. It's also one that's not been seen in ages and is likely deceased.
Meanwhile, Ithea manages to hold her place. But Moore does not - instead he is sent flying, hurtling away as fast and hard as he can. He's gone, Ithea unable to see him.
Congratulations. You get a new thread shortly, Moore.
"Moore!" Ithea calls out, but he vanishes so fast that she can only assume he's been knocked out of the area, hopefully to safety or at least towards wherever Stille and Crystal were sent.
Growling, Ithea continues flying up towards the voice. "You like the names of the dead so much? I'm gonna make sure you can use your own name soon, 'Tanalis'."
HP: 346/346
AC: 56 , 39 (Touch), 56 (Flat-footed), 77 (CMD)
Buffs: GMW+5 (CL 25), Mind Blank (CL 22)
Qualities: DR 10/silver, SR 34, Darkvision, Low-Light Vision, +4 CMD vs Trip/Overrun/Bullrush, Evasion, Uncanny Dodge, Spellwarped
Abilities:
Racial: Healing Touch 0/1,
Rogue: Mimic 0/1,
Factotum: Inspiration 0/6, Nerveskitter 0/1, Heroics 0/1, Piety 0/9
Duskblade: Attunement 1/14, Quick Cast 1/4
Feats: Chaos Devotion 0/1
Gear: Counterstrike 0/2, Greatreach 0/3, Reciprocate 0/2, Haste 0/10 (rounds), Daylight 0/1, See Invis 0/1, +2d6 electric damage 2/3
Spells:
Lv 0 - 0/6
Lv 1 - 4/23
Lv 2 - 0/23
Lv 3 - 3/23
Lv 4 - 0/18
Lv 5 - 3/14
You soar through the air as reality ripples around you again. It stretches out far and farther, like wet taffy pulled apart. Open sky distorts into hazy clouds, which then becomes a rippling forest before everything around you breaks. You're back in the Deep Ethereal. Ahead of you is a vast shadow, hidden by the mists. It's about 50ft or so ahead, with mist so thick that even from here you can't make out details.
"Where are my friends?" she asks as she continues to fly towards the most likely source of their mixed reality troubles. Briefly she considers launching an attack, but on the off chance that the shadow is that of the ship they seek or any of her allies, she holds off on that until she can tell more details.
No reply this time. Flying ahead, Ithea closes in to 20ft. She can see the shadowed, misty outline of a ship ahead. It's broken, parts of it just floating about. Its as if it was bisected down the middle - only half of a ship is here. You're just above the main decks, with sails and rigging above you. You don't immediately see anyone about.
"Stille? Crystal? Moore? Any of you here?" She calls out loudly, landing on the deck and casting detect magic, searching for signs of any magical activity around her even as she also extends her normal senses in search of her allies or their mysterious (and apparently cowardly) foe.
No reply, your words stirring nothing in the fog. You land on the ruined deck and look about - there's a faint aura of magic over everything.
Spellcraft.
can someone roll for me? Spellcraft is +40 I believe.
[13:54] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40 Spellcraft for Ithea
[13:54] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+40 Spellcraft for Ithea --> [ 1d20=6 ]{46}
The entire place is saturated in magic. The ship just reeks of it. Nothing specific, but it was clearly exposed to an overwhelming amount of mystical might. It makes identifying anything nigh impossible. Perhaps not impossible for you, though, if you take some time on a particular item or place you suspect.
Ithea explores th ship for now. First she'll search for where its holding area is.
> roll 1d100+8 vs 88
<Kobot> Ko-NitoriSolvesProblems rolled 1d100+8 vs 88 --> [ 1d100=95 ]{103}
> roll 1d100+8 subtables
<Kobot> Ko-NitoriSolvesProblems rolled 1d100+8 subtables --> [ 1d100=15 ]{23}
Ithea starts to walk down the deck - and as she does, she hears a croak behind her, followed by a ribbit. "Hark, it is an omen!" A soft, feminine voice calls forth. "That the crunchy cat stalks swiftly throughout the wounded wreckage!"
Ithea turns around in search of the slaad (?) that spoke. "So says the softly spoken slaad shifting in shadows?"
"Zorcerous zounds!" The creature behind you approaches to within 20ft. It is a gray slaad, barely taller than you are. A thing you have seen before, froglike and with a sleek, muscular body. It wears naught but its gray skin is painted red, hundreds of numbers scribbled all over its flesh. "Sorcerous sounds! I can hear the wind arguing about you with the cucumbers and lemons." It throws itself onto the ground, pressing its ear to the ground, "WHAT WAS THAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"
The slaad then leaps right back up and claps its claws together. "Is that it? Is that it? Tell me! Tell me!"
"Softly spoken appears an incorrect choice of words. Perhaps sonorous would have been best bet," Ithea notes. "The wind is full of hot air, though it took some friends of mine. Might you know where the wind took them?"
> roll 1d100 slaad reaction
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 slaad reaction --> [ 1d100=30 ]{30}
The gray slaad recoils - literally leaping 10ft back, ribbits of distress. "I WON'T LET YOU!" it howls like a banshee, before pouncing at Ithea!
Init here.
[19:35] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+22 init
[19:35] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+22 init --> [ 1d20=11 ]{33}
> roll 1d20+7 gray slaad
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+7 gray slaad --> [ 1d20=6 ]{13}
Initiative order is Ithea (33) > Gray Slaad (13)
Open Ithea.
"What is it about this place and frightened slaads?" Ithea mutters as she uses a spell to get behind the slaad and then slams the unbladed side of her glaive into the creature's back.
Dimension Hop behind the slaad, then full attack with -4 for nonlethal. I'm assuming K:P for knowledge devotion, though as long as it's a knowledge skill I have, I should get +5 outside of any rolls of 1s. If I don't have the correct skill, subtract -5 from all attack rolls as I assumed success.
[19:48] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+42 K:P
[19:48] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+42 K:P --> [ 1d20=6 ]{48}
[19:49] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+41 atk #1
[19:49] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+41 atk #1 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{52}
[19:49] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+36 atk #2
[19:49] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+36 atk #2 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{37}
[19:49] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+31 atk #3
[19:49] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+31 atk #3 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{39}
[19:49] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+26 atk #4
[19:49] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+26 atk #4 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{27}
[19:49] <@Sailor_Mercury> I've been in full form with the 1s.
[19:50] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d10+25 atk #1 (if hits)
[19:50] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d10+25 atk #1 (if hits) --> [ 1d10=9 ]{34}
[19:50] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d10+25 atk #3 (if hits)
[19:50] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d10+25 atk #3 (if hits) --> [ 1d10=7 ]{32}
What does your weapon count as to defeat damage reduction?
Not lawful, if that's what you were looking for. It counts as slashing (or bludgeoning I guess if nonlethal?), silver, epic, good. Also ghost touch, though he seems solid.
Ithea whirls around, glaive's flat end battering the slaad. She manages a few solid blows, but it's nothing decisive. It takes those and keeps going, wild slashes all around Ithea as a cascade of colorful energy surrounds it.
> roll 1d8
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8 --> [ 1d8=2 ]{2}
> roll 1d20+23 (+4 smite)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+23 (+4 smite) --> [ 1d20=9 ]{32}
> roll 1d20+23 (+4 smite)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+23 (+4 smite) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{28}
> roll 1d20+14 bite
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 bite --> [ 1d20=3 ]{17}
Unfortunately for the slaad, Ithea's guard is more than sufficient. She's able to dance around its claws and kick away the bite. She's faced worse opponents by far, despite the slaad's rage.
Go.
Ithea continues to attack the slaad nonlethally for now. "Calm down! I just want to find my friends right now!"
[11:51] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+41 atk #1
[11:51] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+41 atk #1 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{53}
[11:51] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+36 atk #2
[11:51] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+36 atk #2 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{47}
[11:51] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+31 atk #3
[11:51] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+31 atk #3 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{33}
[11:52] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+26 atk #4
[11:52] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+26 atk #4 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{45}
[11:52] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d10+25 atk #1
[11:52] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d10+25 atk #1 --> [ 1d10=8 ]{33}
[11:52] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d10+25 atk #2
[11:52] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d10+25 atk #2 --> [ 1d10=2 ]{27}
[11:52] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d10+25 atk #3
[11:52] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d10+25 atk #3 --> [ 1d10=2 ]{27}
[11:52] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d10+25 atk #4
[11:52] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d10+25 atk #4 --> [ 1d10=2 ]{27}
Still non-lethal? You didn't mention in your attack string this time.
Ithea continues to attack the slaad nonlethally for now. <-- I mentioned it in the body. Next time I'll re-iterate in ooc as well.
Thanks, just missed that.
A few more blows sent the slaad to the ground, sprawled out and seeing stars. Perhaps literally with a slaad.
Free act.
Ithea sighs again. "I'm going to drag you back up top to the deck. Hopefully you'll not cause trouble when you recover."
Ithea begins to drag the slaad by one of its feet up to the deck. If there's any rope she can use to tie him to a mast or something, she'll try to do that, otherwise she'll just leave him sprawled up there and go back into the ship to search for the others or any remaining treasure.
There is indeed rope.
Make a quick use rope check.
[12:32] <@Sailor_Mercury> roll d20+19 use rope
[12:32] <Kobot> Sailor_Mercury rolled d20+19 use rope --> [ 1d20=13 ]{32}
The gray slaad is tied up quite tightly. It won't be going anywhere soon, even if it wakes up.
> roll 1d100+16 vs 88
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+16 vs 88 --> [ 1d100=67 ]{83}
You narrowly avoided cascading slaads. Well done.
Ithea finds a door leading below decks. As she starts going down to it, "Turn back..." A ghostly voice wails, "We did not and now we haunt this place forever!"
"Well that's just going to make me more curious, so you know. And I still need to find my friends."
That said, Ithea opens the door and continues to explore.
"How adorable," The ghostly voice retorts, "You'll soon fear the name of Ekelo!"
"Haven't feared the last few names dropped, probably won't start yet."
[13:52] <Merc> roll d20+42 K:P (Ekelo the other dead guy, I'm sure)
[13:52] <Kobot> Merc rolled d20+42 K:P (Ekelo the other dead guy, I'm sure) --> [ 1d20=9 ]{51}
Ekelo is the name of a tulani who was last seen on Androlynne. It's generally assumed he died defending the lost eladrin children there centuries ago.
"So what did you do with my friends? I mean, I'm beginning to think you don't have them stashed here, given you're trying to keep me out of here," Ithea asks loudly in the direction ahead of her as she continues exploring.
What skills are appropriate here? Spot/Listen? Search?
Search is good.
[21:38] <Merc> roll d20+12 search
[21:38] <Kobot> Merc rolled d20+12 search --> [ 1d20=6 ]{18}
Ithea pokes around a little while, going on down. The first few doors are unremarkable rooms, nothing interesting there. As you go, "I killed them!" The voice challenges, "Quiver at the name of Zallae!"
The hall goes a little further and down a set of stairs. But as you go, you can see a few gemstones, glittering and bright with your light, lying on the top stairs.
Ithea pauses momentarily, more drawn to the voice's statement than the gemstones, before deciding the voice is lying. "Well if you killed them, I clearly must avenge them and murder you in the most painful of ways, drawn out for as long as I can, bringing you to the brink of death, heal you, and start all over. All until your mind is broken to itty bitty useless pieces and then and only then put you out of your misery. I'm spiteful that way just so you know."
That said, Ithea takes the time to focus her mage sight on the gemstones and giving a cautionary search for traps around them. Seems kind of random to just have gemstones lying there, really.
[22:06] <Merc> roll d20+42 K:P (Zallae)
[22:06] <Kobot> Merc rolled d20+42 K:P (Zallae) --> [ 1d20=14 ]{56}
[22:06] <Merc> roll d20+40 spellcraft
[22:06] <Kobot> Merc rolled d20+40 spellcraft --> [ 1d20=8 ]{48}
[22:06] <Merc> roll d20+12 search (trapfinding, why not)
[22:07] <Kobot> Merc rolled d20+12 search (trapfinding, why not) --> [ 1d20=2 ]{14}
Ah, Zallae. The name of a particularly odd Inevitable. A female one who thought trying to act like a succubus to infiltrate them was a good idea. Didn't work out and suffice to say, no Zallae II was ever commissioned.
"You can't stand my power, little cat," The voice sneers, "I am invincible! I am unbelievable! I am unstoppable!"
The gemstones don't radiate magic.
"Well, I'll certainly agree to you being unbelievable," Ithea retorts as she approaches the stairs. Before she picks them up, she'll do one last cursory search for traps, and if not finding anything, put the gems away before taking the stairs down.
[22:07] <Merc> roll d20+12 search/trapfinding
[22:07] <Kobot> Merc rolled d20+12 search/trapfinding --> [ 1d20=11 ]{23}
No sign of traps. But as you search, "You know what? You're boring. You bore me." The voice is suddenly cold. "Go away, now!"
Will save. Mind-affecting. SR applies, but tell me if immune first.
Still have Mind Blank up. So yes, immune.
But nothing happens, as Ithea finds there are no traps ahead.
"Because telling me to go away has worked all those other times, riiiiight," Ithea notes as she picks up the gems and puts them away before descending the stairs.
HP: 346/346
AC: 56 , 39 (Touch), 56 (Flat-footed), 77 (CMD)
Buffs: GMW+5 (CL 25), Mind Blank (CL 22)
Qualities: DR 10/silver, SR 34, Darkvision, Low-Light Vision, +4 CMD vs Trip/Overrun/Bullrush, Evasion, Uncanny Dodge, Spellwarped
Abilities:
Racial: Healing Touch 0/1,
Rogue: Mimic 0/1,
Factotum: Inspiration 0/6, Nerveskitter 0/1, Heroics 0/1, Piety 0/9
Duskblade: Attunement 1/14, Quick Cast 1/4
Feats: Chaos Devotion 0/1
Gear: Counterstrike 0/2, Greatreach 0/3, Reciprocate 0/2, Haste 0/10 (rounds), Daylight 0/1, See Invis 0/1, +2d6 electric damage 2/3
Spells:
Lv 0 - 0/6
Lv 1 - 4/23
Lv 2 - 1/23
Lv 3 - 3/23
Lv 4 - 0/18
Lv 5 - 3/14
This time it all goes wrong. There's suddenly a massive burst, as all around Ithea explodes.
> roll 1d6
<Kobot> Ko-Kappafear rolled 1d6 --> [ 1d6=5 ]{5}
> roll 1d20+25 SR (+3 wild magic, +2 spell penetration, +2 greater spell penetration)
<Kobot> Ko-Kappafear rolled 1d20+25 SR (+3 wild magic, +2 spell penetration, +2 greater spell penetration) --> [ 1d20=10 ]{35}
Does that beat your spell resistance, Ithea?
It does, sadly! SR is 34.
> roll 21d8+21 force damage
<Kobot> Ko-Kappafear rolled 21d8+21 force damage --> [ 21d8=87 ]{108}
Ref save, Ithea.
[22:31] <Merc> roll d20+31+11 reflex+inspiration (evasion)
[22:31] <Kobot> Merc rolled d20+31+11 reflex+inspiration (evasion) --> [ 1d20=16 ]{58}
Ithea flies straight up, through the deck with a slice of her glaive. She ship below her shatters into thousands of wood chunks, breaking apart before your eyes. "I AM INVINCIBLE! I AM THE BEST!" The voice howls, "LAY STILL AND BE EATEN!"
"The best? Hah! You haven't even shown yourself! All you've done is yell threats and splutter indignation when I ignore you and your lame attempts at my life! Some invincibility!"
Ithea exclaims as she floats in the silent space above, giving a cursory glance towards where she'd tied that slaad. Would suck if whatever the voice did just now killed it trying to get to her. Especially after the effort she put in, y'know, NOT killing it.
As for her unseen enemy...Oh well, wherever he is hiding, he can hear just fine, so she might as well keep taunting.
Directing her voice towards the remains of the ship, specifically where she burst out of... "With these petty tricks, you're not even close to being the best! Cause the way I see it? At every turn, I've been besting you! Untouched! Unharmed! Unstopped! So what now, you loser?!? Ready to bow to my obvious superiority?"
> roll 1d100 slaad reaction, random as only slaads can be
<Kobot> Ko-Kappafear rolled 1d100 slaad reaction, random as only slaads can be --> [ 1d100=77 ]{77}
Oh boy, just asking for heavenly interference.
No sign of the slaad in the mess of the ship. Meanwhile there's a long silence, before the voice asks, completely calm, "Tell me, why is there an angel cat on your shoulder? I don't understand any more."
Ithea blinks and pauses. Well! That was new.
Part of her wonders if she should be taking the voice seriously after all the haughty behavior, though given the change in tone...well, who knows?
"I hold the honor of serving as one of Lady Sharess' champions. I would presume any angel cat present on my shoulder would be a blessing of hers," she says with a serious honesty.
The answer is a series of meows and hisses, just like a cat. There's a pause, then the voice answers itself. It barks like a dog, then growls. Finally the voice resumes, "Very well. I must conclude this audit is a waste of everyone's time. Why didn't you tell me about the cats? Everyone knows cats are the true rulers of Creation."
Ithea would give the voice a really, really flat look if she had a target to direct it towards. Instead, she turns to her shoulder to see if she spots an actual angel cat there. After verifying (and hopefully not reacting), she turns back to the wrecked ship.
"I'm a catfolk! You didn't think to ask until just now? Also... I wasn't aware of that particular blessing until you said anything."
There is no cat there.
"Very well, I divorce you. I divorce you. I divorce you." With that third one, the air all around the broken ship ripples. "The Child of Lifasa is dead. There is still hope. Woosh!" A gust of wind that blows Ithea back a little bit, "I travel on to the Citadel of Ten Thousand Pearls!"
Ithea just floats there, not sure what to do now.
Clearing her throat, "Uh, so...my friends? Where'd you send them to?"
Can you roll relevant knowledge check on this Citadel for me? I assume K:P for +42?
I rolled it, assuming K:P is correct!
[19:57] <Harley> roll d20+42 K:P (Citadel)
[19:57] <Kobot> Harley rolled d20+42 K:P (Citadel) --> [ 1d20=16 ]{58}
The Citadel of Ten Thousand Pearls is the home of the Padisha of the Marids. It's located in Water and is the beating heart of marid culture and civilization.
There's no reply to Ithea's question.
Ithea frowns at the lack of response, and decides to dive back towards the wreckage in search of the voice's source, assuming it's still even there. Or at least some hint of something -useful-, dammit!
Listencheck.
[22:48] <Merc-zzz> roll d20+54 listen
[22:48] <Kobot> Merc-zzz rolled d20+54 listen --> [ 1d20=15 ]{69}
Sharess doubtlessly approves of that roll result.
As Ithea goes down, she can see it's all floating around. Ruins, broken bits of earth, glittering metals, shiny gemstones. So much of it, like a sea of debris and treasure all mixed together. As she takes this in, she hears the faintest breath right behind her. Her antagonist's voice is heard as the softest whisper right into her ear, "Let's do it again!"
Doubtlessly.
Ithea growls lightly as she turns her head, already expecting to find nothing there. "Am I ever going to find out your true name?"
The answer is a long, low ribbit. "Tell me what I am. TELL ME WHAT I AM!" The voice demands, indeed not behind her at all. "WHEN SNOW WHITE LIGHT FADES AWAY, TELL ME WHAT I AM!"
"Well, if I had to guess from the recent ribbiting, you're a slaad. A black slaad at that?"
A bell rings. An actual bell like an overly loud handbell, ring ring ringing away. "Yes! There is wisdom in this one's food meats!" It appears 15ft to your left, a huge slaad-shape seemingly cut out of the night sky, save for two glittering blue eyes. "I smell colors on you. Did Renbuu send you?" The creature licks its chops slowly, "Renbuu's servants are tasty. Chourst send me. His servants are tasty, too." It continues to lick its lips, before taking a bite out of its arm. Flesh regrows instantly, even as it loudly chews its own flesh.
"I like you. You make me hungry. Can we eat?" It flies forward, getting right into Ithea's face. "Because I bet more are coming and there will be plenty to eat. Someone's selling the information and it makes me even more hungry."
Ithea tries very hard not to think anything involving food and other creatures that obsess over such things.
Is this a different creature from the one she'd been speaking to previously? At least before, when it was imitating all those dead beings, it seemed reasonable. Now it was...well, it was definitely behaving more like a slaad.
"Unfortunately, there's those that would say I have more wit than sense," Ithea says, certainly feeling like that in this moment given her dislike of gluttonous beings.
"Neither Renbuu nor Chourst sent me, although I have seen some of Renbuu's colorful work before. If you're hungry, have some corn," Ithea replies as she draws a piece of the corn she'd saved for 27 (hopefully she won't have to go through all of it) and flings it towards the slaad-shape's mouth.
> roll 1d100+8 slaad reaction, +8 for corn
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisTwistedIndustries rolled 1d100+8 slaad reaction, +8 for corn --> [ 1d100=62 ]{70}
The corn is snatched and devoured in a single bite. "When I last visited Acheron, I found out that cubes are edible. Is this cube or cube based corn?" It licks its lips once more, a long, black tongue lolling out of its mouth. "It's important, since Shar doesn't like cube or cube based corn. But she likes cube or cube based peppers, plus they attract flies. But that's not good, since they're empty flies. When empty flies come, you die."
It then sniffs Ithea several times, "I propose that I propose to you." IT looks right to your shoulder, withdrawing a ring of iron from nowhere. "Angel cat, will you marry my stomach?"
"I didn't plant the corn, so I couldn't tell you if it's cube or cube-based. I can tell you it was planted by potatoes and radishes?" Ithea offers.
Then pauses and not having heard any meows this time, she asks, "Did the angel cat accept?"
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisTwistedIndustries rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=12 ]{12}
The slaad recoils back two dozen feet in an instant, screaming in a loud, hysterical voice. "NO NO NO! GET AWAY!" It promptly bites out, tearing a hole in the air before you. A ripped portal, similar to what you've seen Adrian make. It dives through it, gone moments later.
Ithea just stands there for a moment, looks at her shoulder where this supposed angel cat rests, and asks the empty space there, "Did you tell him you'd marry him if he went on a diet? Cause that's the only thing I can think of to draw that reaction."
Not expecting any response from the empty space above her shoulder, Ithea goes for her scroll of sending and activates it, preparing to send word back to Aurora so that they can find Stille, Crystal, and Moore, as well as send someone to pick her up and all these gemstones.
Go ahead and elaborate your exact reply, Ithea. 25 word limit, remember.
Ithea spends a brief moment thinking up what to send, and once certain of the wording, sends the following message to Tepen: "Stuck in Deep Ethereal surrounded by gemstones. Need pick-up. Lost Crystal, Stille and Moore. Check if they are safe and need pick-up too."
The 'too' might get lost if 'gemstones' is considered two words, but it wasn't critical, and it should get the most important parts through.
A little time passes after that until there is another reply. Tepen again, "Understood. Scrying incoming, do not resist."
Ithea does as requested!
Several moments later a portal appears before you. Tepen steps through it, "Finally," he says, "Are you hurt?"
"Not at all, though a few close shaves," Ithea replies with a shake of her head. "I'm more worried about the others that were with me. A black slaad was playing with us and sent them somewhere else. I found the treasure Crystal was looking for, I think, but fat good if we can't find them. Any luck finding them or was I the first?"
She gestures at the wreckage of gems and ship parts around her to Tepen as she mentions Crystal.
"We're working on that," Tepen says, "Now that we know the location, we'll see about sorting out this treasure," he gestures at it, before returning through the portal.
Good to skip along?
Sure.
Soon enough Ithea is back at Aurora. Moore, Stille and Crystal join her, the four in one of Aurora's sitting rooms. A simple lunch of finger foods - little fruits, bits of fried chicken, cubes of cheese and so forth - is set out to snack on. "So," Stille says brightly, "We were sent to a Prime Material world of little note, until we returned to Aurora. Did the same happen to all of you?"
"I'm not sure where I ended up, but I managed to get back to the Deep Ethereal and then Sir Tepen found me." Moore explains, leaving out a few things. "Sorry for all the trouble, but at least we did find the ship."
"Strange and stranger," Crystal remarks, nibbling on a grape. "Ithea, what of yourself?"
"It never managed to get rid of me, actually. It being a black slaad. It kept calling itself after dead beings for whatever reason and claiming to be all powerful and so on. Typical power-crazed behavior, until...well, I'm not sure if my continually mocking him and rejecting his power claims or avoiding his attacks drew away any sanity it had because by the end it seemed to be behaving more like a typical slaad and just being crazy. It finally ran off in fright after it tried to marry the angel cat in my shoulder."
Ithea pauses and shrugs. "I think it got really weird for me mostly because it had felt sane at first. Its eventual insanity just rang weirder afterwards."
"...right." Crystal says, rather flatly. Meanwhile Stille chuckles, "I fear your good manners were too much for him to deal with."
As all of you chat and nibble on food, Elena appears. "Good news," she announces, "They've brought all the wreckage and treasure we could get through to Aurora. We're sorting it out in the courtyard now."
"Oh, that's great!" Moore says with a nod. "I wonder what ended up still being there."
"My manners were implacable for the given situation," Ithea says with a sniff before turning to Elena. "Great! Oh, by some chance diid they find a grey slaad there? I had one tied up to the mast of the ship, but when the black slaad blew the ship up, I didn't spot it anymore. If you found any vegetables that might count. It seemed like some sort of common theme to them when they wanted to vanish to turn into potatoes or some such."
"We found a cat, actually," Elena says, "A gray tabby cat. It was hurt, but a little bit of healing fixed it right up."
Typo above, I assume you mean Elena not Ithea.
"A cat? Weird, don't recall seeing one at all. Poor thing, getting caught in all that. Well, at least assuming that really is a cat and not some new slaad form. I did mention that tied up slaad was gray and I did beat it up a fair bit? Eh, someone with true seeing can confirm that, I guess."
"I'll have someone do that," she says, vanishing away.
Do y'all wanna get involved in sorting the treasure at all or just move along?
Move on, unless there's anything exciting there, but I assume Elena would tell us if so.
Moore's curious about the treasure since Crystal approached him about it but not enough that you'd need to split us up again for it.
If you want to go look at it, we can! I'm not that picky! Just figured we'd get a treasure post if anything =)
I mean Moore's happy to help, but I'm fine skipping if it's mostly just a token 'wow this sure is a lot of soup!' kind of situation. Don't need to have Dune waste time explaining stuff.
Maybe it's potato and corn soup! We did find a lot of slaad!
From here the group goes to see the recovery efforts. A vast pile of debris and precious things are all about. Soldiers work to sort it out, Sage Vul'lath overseeing it all. There's a pile of riches - some cut gemstones are joined by ingots, nuggets and other similar things. But there's even more that's raw - ores, uncut gemstones and so on and so forth.
Off to the side, you can see Mei watching silently. Mirima's worth her, arms crossed as she watches soldiers sort out precious, uncut gems by color.
Moore looks at all of it with slight stars in his eyes. That's sure a lot!
"How are we splitting this, anyway? I mean, I never really helped find it, so I'm not sure it's really fair for me to have any!" Moore says with a small sigh. "At least it got recovered either way."
"I would think it is only fair to split it as normal, barring any returns to Mineral," Crystal remarks, going to flutter around and over it all. "Goodness, it is a lot."
Sage Vul'lath comes over and waves her away like a bothersome fly, "Out of the way. It will take time for me to appraise and cut all the gemstones, as well as for the metals to be harvested and melted down."
"Is there anything we can do to help, beyond just... ah... not being here?" Moore asks.
Crystal flies back, trading glares with Vul'lath. The gith clears his throat, "As a matter of fact, no. Take your pet slaad and go."
"Pet... slaad?" Moore asks, looking around. "So that cat really was a slaad...?"
No sign of the cat, but 27 has silently come up behind the party and is staring at them.
"Oh, hello!" Moore calls to 27, before he covers his mouth, remembering what happened last time. He slowly removes it. "I hope I didn't offend you."
Crystal warily flies a little higher, "I'd like to remind you that I am not Hanna."
Stille looks on, "Good day, 27. Come for Ithea?"
27 looks at everyone, before taking a sniff of the air. He whimpers softly and says, "Anarch, you stink." He then turns and starts heading off.
"Well that was a bit rude! Didn't even give me a chance to give him his presents!" Ithea huffs.
"And splitting everything as normal is fine. I'm thankful none of us seem to have gotten into any real danger while separated."
Moore nods. "I agree. It's nice to be back from a successful retrieval mission!"
Okay, now ready to hop along, y'all? I plan to post a treasure list tonight and move y'all on after that.
Arrr.
Hoppity hop hop.
> roll 1d20+34 Vul'lath gemcutting
<Kobot> Ko-SagetorisAquarium rolled 1d20+34 Vul'lath gemcutting --> [ 1d20=1 ]{35}
You meet with Vul'lath the next day. All four of you are there as you meet with him. "The majority of the work is done, thanks to magic and many hands. We have an idea of the total value now. Including the costs incurred to process all the materials, we're looking at approximately 400,000 gold in value. It could swing by up to 50,000 either way."
Loot post will be delayed until final value is figured out.
Ithea whistles. "Well, Baleruk's probably pretty pleased."
I'll hold off on split post in Loot until then, but assuming 400k, I'll go with the CODA split method of treating Aurora as a character: 200k to Baleruk, 40k to Aurora/Crystal/Stille/Moore/Ithea. I'll update the Aurora funds then. In case I forget, remind me that I need to make a pixie donation adjustment to Aurora fund (need to remove 11,955 gold).
So noted.
Stille whistles right after, "That should take care of Lady Crystal's debt, no?" He flashes her a smile, "And if not, I would be glad to contribute, for I already have the greatest treasure." He reaches out and takes Ithea's hand.
Crystal blushes, "Ah, thank you, but that will pay off my debt and leave me with some coin to spare. Ahem!" Coughing a few times, "So we won't return any to Mineral?"
Ithea snorts, and pulls Stille closer to give him a peck in the cheek. "That was entirely too cheesy, you know," Ithea notes, before looking towards Crystal at the mention of Mineral.
"...hrm? Thought you said it was a Githyanki ship?" Ithea asks, before furrowing her brow. "No wait, you said they were escaping Mineral when they got lost. Ah, stolen cargo?"
Vul'lath grunts here, "Anything from Mineral is stolen. The natives do not approves of others coming to poach the treasures there. One can find a king's ransom by merely looking around themselves, yet the elementals there will attack if you take the barest scrap of treasure. As far as they are concerned, it is for the natives and the natives alone." He then steeples his hands, "But once successfully removed from Mineral, such treasures are usually fair game. Unless one wishes to score favor with the natives of Mineral."
I was about to post: "What would gaining favor with them mean for Aurora? If gemstones and such aren't supposed to leave Mineral, can any materials? Any sort of trading or such?" Ithea asks.
However, would a K:P check give Ithea that information without having to ask for it?
Sure, go for it.
[22:10] <@Mercury> roll d20+42 K:P
[22:10] <Kobot> Mercury rolled d20+42 K:P --> [ 1d20=17 ]{59}
The possibilities are as follows, listed in order from the most likely to the least likely.
- Trade of certain things from Mineral. They do make some magical items there, usually in exotic materials or out of gemstones.
- More understanding if things go wrong in Mineral when you're there. This won't let you get away with taking the treasure there, though.
- The attention of the archomentals of the plane. While the archomentals of Earth have some influence there, the natives do run the show. You don't know much about them, however. They're painfully obscure, as few deal with the locals in any way but bloody ones. Mineral tends to be isolationist.
Ithea muses for a moment on what she does know of Mineral.
"Have the natives of Mineral mentioned anything about this lost ship's stolen cargo or such before? Or was it just considered that it would end up 'fair game' as you put it?" Ithea questions Vul'lath.
"I'm honestly kind of split here. Building better relationships with other planes is great, but if they've already given up on it... what are your own thoughts on it?" She asks of the others. "I take it you're leaning towards returning it since you brought it up, Crystal?"
"It is only right," Crystal agrees, "We are reasonably entitled to gains for our heroism, but stolen goods are best returned to the owners. Theft is a terrible thing, a loss that can be felt most keenly."
Stille hums, "I say we keep it," he says, "Lady Crystal isn't wrong, but it is our efforts that found it and it's going to a better cause than to sit pretty in Mineral."
Moore folds his arms and thinks. "Well, it was Baleruk's idea originally, wasn't it? I don't know if he'd really be happy with us just taking his share without even asking him at all." Moore says. "But I think I agree with Crystal's sentiment regardless, but understand the other side too. They obviously didn't launch a full retrieval operation for this at all. I think we should return as much of it as we don't really need. So clear Crystal's debt with it, see what Baleruk thinks, then if anyone else needs the money for something, and return the rest."
"It's a nice thought, but that sort of compromise defeats the point of returning the treasure. If we kept a portion, we'd basically have to lie and say that all we found was what we'd returned since based on what we know of them, they wouldn't react kindly to us claiming a 'finder's fee'. That's a terrible way to start off a relationship and more likely to turn it negative," Ithea points out with a shake of her head. "It'd be best to not bring it up at all rather than to get in contact with them."
"As for Baleruk, he's definitely going to be against this. I'm assuming you haven't met him, so I'm just going to say he's really...bombastic. I didn't want to bring it up with him unless I was certain that we should return the treasure. Doing so while there was uncertainty would just invite a lot of loud headaches on all our parts."
Ithea muses on it a bit more as she gives a half-hearted listen to any further arguments from the others.
Late to do some chores I was leaving 'til today, so I'll not post again until late afternoon probably.
"I'd say it's best to avoid bringing him in for that, yes," Sage Vul'lath seconds. "It will not go well."
Stille leans back and spreads his arms, smiling at Ithea before settling in. "Hence not returning it. We will put it to a better cause and the diplomatic issues it entails are troublesome. But if you are not certain, I can ask dear Balyss to divine Selune's will and wisdom on the matter."
"I fear it is a question of right and wrong," Crystal says, "I just feel as if there is something wrong here." She then sighs and bows her head, "Perhaps I am self defeating. It is one thing to take treasure from vanquished evils, but this is not a matter of evil at all, but happenstance instead. It is akin to finding a mugger's cache of stolen coins and you know who he stole them from."
Moore nods to Crystal. "There's more to it, though, you know he stole it from a rich man who won't notice it being gone." he says. "If this was a situation where we knew that the people who had lost these items were suffering without them or needed them back, I don't think there'd be any question about us returning it." Moore continues. "If we're going to utilize it for the purposes of doing good, then I think that is sufficient justification to just keep it. We didn't steal it, we recovered something that they've not shown interest in recovering at this point."
Moore looks to Crystal at this. "If you still, rightly, feel wrong about this, then why don't we approach Mineral and see if there's something we can do for them? We don't have to tell them of any of this, we can simply offer them our services to extract something or recover something that they actually want back."
Diplo check, pixie.
[15:43] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+37 diplo
[15:43] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+37 diplo --> [ 1d20=16 ]{53}
Crystal slooooowly sighs and bows her head. 'Perhaps you are correct," she finally says, "Veiled diplomatic efforts, hm?" She's silent for a good time, seeming to ponder it.
Moore smiles. "It gives us an opportunity to strengthen our ties to them. In the end, I'm sure they'll get more value out of that sort of thing than what was left of that ship."
Ithea chuckles. "Well, that's a novel idea, and a compromise that's more likely to work. I rather like that option."
"There is only one suited to that task," Vul'lath cuts in, "But Morniel's busy for the foreseeable future."
"Well, I know I'm new here, but why don't you let me try?" Moore asks. "Unless there's a reason Sir Morniel does it?"
"Hmmmm..." Stille looks Moore over, "Mister Moore, it must be noted that Morniel is one of the finest diplomats I've ever seen, as well as one deeply versed in planar relations. Those are big shoes to fill."
"Yes, but if a big folk can, so can a pixie," Crystal speaks up, "Have you ever dealt with elementals before, Moore?"
"Well, I made a decent impression with Sir Drena!" Moore says. "I've spoken to a few elementals in my time. If you let me do a little bit of reading up on our history with Mineral, I'm sure I wouldn't disappoint you or anyone else. But, I don't want to sound as if I think I can do a better job than Sir Morniel, but I'm sure I can accomplish the same tasks." He nods to Crystal at that with a smile.
Crystal flutters up, "We can go to the library to brush up. After your freely given aid, the least I can do is help you study for this matter."
Moore nods to Crystal. "Thank you! Well, Sir Stille, Miss Ithea, unless you want to be bored with some books, I suppose we'll see you later!" Moore says with a smile.
Moore will toss up a Divine Insight and Lore of the Gods as they go in case he needs an edge.
Okay, I'm going to split you into a new thread unless Ithea decides to tag along with this. We'll wait for her say on that.
Ithea chuckles again. "Trust me, books won't bore me. If you stay here long enough, you'll find that a lot of us hit the library fairly often, and raid Vel's book store about as much as his book stocks let us. That one's fairly happy he set up shop here in Aurora, I promise you."
"Now Stille here, he might get a bit more bored there, so I'm afraid I'll decline and keep him company. I think you'll do fine if you're able to continue coming up with ideas like that, though, and remember that if you ever need a hand, just ask for me."
"Sure thing, Mis...no, I guess I can drop that, huh? You got it, Ithea! Thanks for the fun trip!" Moore says with a nod to her and Stille. "Shall we?" He offers to Crystal.
Ithea, you're off to a new thread. I'll get you started shortly.
Going to the library is unremarkable. It's quiet in here, people reading away. Crystal flutters over to a table and says quietly, "Elena, could you have someone bring us some refreshments? Thank you." It's a smaller table, almost pixie sized. It's tucked away near one bookshelf, Crystal taking a seat. "The books will come to you if you ask for them or for a category. Say what you want and we'll start from there."
"Then let's start from most recent and see what we have." Moore says, lowering his voice mid-way through when he remembers where he is.
"I'd like anything we have on the the most recent dealings with the Mineral plane and anyone who lives there." Moore states, with a look at Crystal afterwards. "...Was that too broad?"
Just like that, books fly on down. A few dozen, all landing in a neat set of stacks before Moore. Crystal clears her throat, "Yes, quite. Well," she takes one book and opens it, "We shall be reading."
"I suppose I should have specified 'in the last year.'" Moore says, glancing around to see if any more books come flying. "Oh, I do have a spell I think will speed this up... am I okay to use it? I didn't think about it before, but I probably shouldn't just go casting spells without knowing the rules, if there are any."
"Of course," Crystal says, "By all means."
Moore casts a quick spell and then will start touching the books from highest to lowest!
He's casting Scholar's Touch, which will last for 17 rounds/ 17 books.
Okay. Make an K:P check with the library bonus applied.
[20:58] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+14+8+8+15 K:P using Improvisation, -8 if that's not allowed
[20:58] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+14+8+8+15 K:P using Improvisation, -8 if that's not allowed --> [ 1d20=14 ]{59}
The dealings with the inhabitants of Mineral tend to follow along one of two paths.
1. You're here for the riches and treasure. This ends poorly for the treasure seekers, as the natives tend to know or figure out quickly and strike. The only thing they see of Mineral is violence and pain.
2. You aren't here for the riches and treasure. Assuming you don't fall afoul of overly zealous natives anyway, the inhabitants of the plane are fairly apathetic.They're isolationists who are only interested in the affairs of Mineral. Creatures from Earth and the Positive Energy Plane do slightly better, as they share some blood with them, but in general they just aren't interested.
The main inhabitants are mineral elementals. They're like earth elementals made of precious metals and gemstones. This tends to make them even hardier than earth elementals, resulting in high endurance and damage reduction. Virtually any creature from Earth and the Positive Energy Plane can be found there, though.
Anyway, ti is possible to deal with them if you aren't interested in treasure and step carefully. As they don't care about external matters, it's difficult and most quickly lose interest if you aren't talking about those things. If you are and speak well, you can keep one's attention and deal with them. If you speak poorly, you'll be ridiculed as a foolish non-native.
Would Moore be able to pick up any specifics on what they might be able to offer that is both 1) Internal to Mineral and 2) Doesn't make them look like they're just hunting for treasure?
In addition, would Moore be able to puzzle out anything he might be able to bring to curry favor with whomever it is he meets with?
Finally, are there any individuals with which he'd want to start talking to that the records mention?
Things that are internal to Mineral are the treasures there, protecting them and life. The second one's tough, since there's not much in Mineral except scads of treasure. The best idea Moore can come on is to be there for a mystical location.
The best way to gain favor is to leave any riches there alone and not look like you're about to take them. Part of the problem of diplomacy with Mineral is that they're so hyperfocused about it.
There's the name of various elementals. The most notable is Crystalle, claimed to be an archomental of Mineral. He (or she?) resides in a palace deep in Mineral, one warded heavily. This place is one of the few places relatively open to diplomacy, if you can find it.
"...Interesting coincidence." Moore says as he gestures at one of the books. "Are you familiar at all with a 'Crystalle' of Mineral at all?" Moore asks. "It looks like they're probably our best shot at any kind of actual diplomatic relationship. In addition, we probably would want to find some place there that we could offer to clean up or defend or something... some sort of extremely important leyline or...something or other, I think."
Crystal shakes her head. "I do not, but it's not that uncommon a name. I've met a few other Crystals in my time. Who exactly is the one you speak of?"
"They're apparently an archomental of Mineral. I can't get a good sense of whether they identify as male or female, but it probably doesn't really matter... but they're apparently very reclusive and reside in a palace that's very heavily warded. However, if you can manage to actually get there, supposedly they're very open to diplomatic endeavors." Moore answers.
"So, I think our best bet is to try and focus on finding where they reside." Moore says. "Though I'm not entirely sure how we do that... there are a lot of options."
"Hmmmmm." Crystal marks her place with a scrap of paper and closes her book. "I think we need an expert on planar matters. Going in unsure and hopeful into a plane that could turn hostile is markedly unwise, especially when the purpose is to do good and forge stronger ties."
"Agreed." Moore nods. "Do you have anyone in mind?"
"Morniel's busy, Tepen and Vul'lath are both busy, but perhaps we could pry them away." Crystal starts ticking off fingers, "Jaela's busy. Hanna, perhaps, she's been around a long time. Sylvie, though her personality can be difficult."
"I'm good with difficult personalities." Moore says, smiling. "What about Canderella or Tannin? They may at least be able to point us in the right direction, if nothing else."
"I think Tannin's busy," Crystal says.
At that moment Elena pops in, "Yes, he's not here right now. He's on a mission." She pops right back out.
"...ah." Crystal nods at where Elena was. "My implied question was answered. Very good. As for Canderella, that's a thought."
"I'm fine deferring to your expertise on the matter." Moore says.
"But before any of that, did you want to buy anything with the funds we've accumulated thus far? It might help." Moore says.
"Best not, we shouldn't spend money we have that may not be ours soon," Crystal frowns and sighs, closing her eyes, "Regardless, if we do keep it, that money will go towards paying off my debt, not personal expenditures."
Moore nods. "We can wait until we're back, then. All right, so it seems like it's between Miss Hanna and Miss Canderella. Preferences?"
"I hold Hanna in high regard," Crystal says, "She serves the Court I serve and embodies Lady Gwynharwyf's sacred principals of righteous anger at evil and restraint against others."
Moore nods. "Elena? Can you tell us where Miss Hanna is, please?" Moore calls out.
"She's taking a bath," Elena pops back in, "I can tell her you want to see her?"
"Please," Crystal says.
Moore nods. "Yes, but please tell her not to hurry on our account!"
It takes about 30 minutes. By that time you and Crystal have a pixie sized meal for you - little chunks of apple, a bowl of honey to share, a few bits of fresh bread and sliced up grapes. The meal's paired with glasses of milk, Crystal eating a fair bit and drinking the same.
Hanna comes on in, her scythe carried in her free hand. She drags a bigger chair over - big enough to hold all of the tall planetar's muscled bulk. "You wanted to see me for something?"
Moore smiles and gives Hanna a half bow. "Hello! Yes, Crystal and I have been discussing going to Mineral on a diplomatic envoy since Sir Morniel is busy. We've been doing reading and I found the name of Crystalle, an archomental there who apparently enjoys diplomatic endeavors. But Crystal and I didn't want to just pop in and start poking around, so we were hoping that you might be able to guide us on how to approach this particular project. I understand the basics -- don't go there hoping to find treasure, but still offer them something of value, ah.. Crystal and I were considering offering our services to either recover something, protect something, or just investigate something they may need us to do, for example."
Moore takes a breath. "I know dealings with Mineral can be a bit... difficult, at least according to what I read, so I wanted to make sure we got off to the right start."
> roll 1d20+34 Hanna
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+34 Hanna --> [ 1d20=18 ]{52}
"Crystalle? I've heard of him." Hanna leans back, while reaching over to nab a bit of apple to munch on. "He's not bad as far as archomentals go. He's not a Prince of Elemental Good, but he's far from being a Prince of Elemental Evil. See, Mineral's largely untouched by good and evil. He'd probably be a Prince of Elemental Good if there was a counterpart in Mineral for him, but there isn't."
Hanna eats her apple and goes on, "I do know Mineral's wholly consumed with its own affairs, plus the other natives are much less welcoming than Crystalle. If you can reach the Diamond Palace, you're in good shape. But of course the entire palace and everywhere around it is cut off from the Astral. You have to find a cavern within traveling distance and make the journey the hard way."
"I think it'd be worth it, don't you?" Moore asks with a look over at Crystal. "I can't blame them for not being welcoming, when your entire plane is basically a treasure trove, you probably get tired of people coming in to steal things. Either way, I think it's worth trying. I mean... If we were able to somehow secure Crystalle's aid for Aurora, that would be a huge boon to both our sides. Crystalle would have allies in case demons or devils were to assail Mineral -- which we'd help out with regardless, I'm sure -- but even extending that branch at all I think is worth a shot."
Moore taps his chin a few times. "I suppose the only hard part will be getting to the cavern and through it without upsetting anyone. Also finding it."
"Far eaiser said than done," Hanna picks up from there, "The plane shifts ever so often so that old caverns fill in and new ones form. It's most common around Crystalle's palace, which makes finding one that's current so difficult."
"Then we need to find that out first of all," Crystal idly sips from her glass and says, "Obviously and obviously tricky. We need to find someone in the know or hope magic can win the day."
Moore nods. "I'd imagine we probably won't get any help from anyone in Mineral, unless Aurora has some good relationship with... something or other there." Moore says. "I can probably try and divine us a way once we get there," he adds. "I suppose we should also consider if anyone else will go with us. If not, we can at least leave word in case anything goes awry while we're there."
"Who do we need, then?" Crystal says, "The three of us are a fairly potent force." She looks to Moore, "Do you have someone in mind?"
Moore shakes his head. "I'd ask Miss Ithea if our latest excursion hadn't been quite so... eventful." Moore says with a smile. He turns to Hanna. "If you don't mind accompanying us, then I think this should be sufficient. I know I still have a bit to go before I'm as trained as everyone else here, but that sort of thing doesn't usually come from just sitting around." Moore says, although technically part of it did come from sitting... well, that's not something to dwell on, now is it?
"There's one I'd like to bring, actually. She's rather quiet, but she's the last person to be interested in Mineral's treasures - she has a vow of poverty," Hanna says. "Also a vow of silence, but she's useful in a fight."
Moore nods to Hanna. "That'd probably go a long way to convincing Crystalle that we're not interested in taking anything from Mineral. But wow, a vow of silence too? I couldn't do that, for sure..."
"Mei's entire life is devoted to the Seladrine and Angharradh." Hanna explains, "She's more devoted than some celestials."
"She's an example, one I strive to live up to," Crystal quietly adds, keeping her voice down, "That sort of wisdom and devotion is commendable. Few can live up to that example."
Moore nods to Hanna and then smiles at Crystal. "It must be hard, but it isn't for everyone, for certain. But I'm sure you're devoted in your own way." Moore says. "Well, if we're going to go... hm. Is there any preparation we need?"
K:R for more information on Selandrine and Angharradh? And is it one for both or one for each?
Just one check. Roll it.
[13:23] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20+8+3+11 K:R
[13:23] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+20+8+3+11 K:R --> [ 1d20=17 ]{59}
The Seladrine is the elven pantheon. They're lead by Corellon Larethian and Angharradh is part of it. She's the Triune, the joined form of three elven deities: Hanali Celanil, Sehanine Moonbow and Aerdrie Faenya. Together, they are called the Queen of Arvandor.
I can go into a lot more detail if you like. That's the quickie version if you don't want a ton of elf lore.
Certainly, if you want. Moore likes making sure he has his ducks in a row on these sorts of things. But if you want to do it later you can do that too.
We can go into it later since its' really extraneous to the current situation.
"Mineral's much like Earth," Hanna says, "The proper magic can take care of most problems. Longer term stays are difficult, since the realm can petrify you into precious gemstones and metals."
"That doesn't sound pleasant at all." Moore says. "All right, should we get those protections before we leave, then?"
"Yes," Hanna says, "We'll take care of that and I'll prepare those spells in case they're dispelled. Anything else?"
Moore shakes his head. "I can't think of anything. I didn't use too many spells when we went out before, so I'm still good on that front." He taps his nose once or twice. "They'll have the other items sorted out by the time we get back, so... I think we're good. Ah, whenever... Mei, right? Whenever Mei is good to go."
"Then let's get going," Hanna says.
Soon enough the foursome gets together at Aurora's gates. Moore, Crystal and Hanna meet Mei. She is an elf who wears only a simple green robe. She has large blue eyes and smiles slightly on seeing the party, before nodding and falling in step with them.
Go ahead and react to her, and this is alos the last call for equipment and preparations. We'll hit this more Monday night or Tuesday, depending on how long my eyes stay dilated.
"It's good to meet you, Mei!" Moore says with a flourishing bow to her. "Don't worry, I'm pretty good at reading body language. Thank you for coming with us, I think you'll be a real asset in proving our intentions."
I can't think of anything Moore needs at this point that he could afford, but he might buy something once the other loot is sorted out.
Mei smiles and nods, lighting up her entire face. From here the party goes on off, into the momentary brightness and to Mineral. You stand in a cavern, dazzling bright. The walls are gold, mithral, platinum and more precious things yet. They are studded by hunks of earth where visible gemstones can be seen. Some are raw and others are already cut and polished. All the gemstones shed light and provide radiance to see by, which multiplies and expands as it reflects of all the metals.
[spoiler]
The entire party benefits from an attune form spell, caster level 22nd. Hanna has more prepared in case things go south. NPC block will be in the next post.
Mineral's planar traits are as follows.
- Heavy gravity, as per MoP 9.
- Infinite size.
- Normal time.
- Earth dominant, as per MoP 12.
- Minor positive dominant, as per MoP 12. In addition to giving creatures fast healing 2, broken metal and gemstones 'heal' and automatically mend any damage to them as if by a make whole spell (caster level 15th).
- Enhanced magic. Spells with the earth or healing descriptors are both empowered and extended (as if by the Empower Spell and Extend Spell feats).
- Impeded magic. Spells with the air descriptor are impeded, requiring a Spellcraft check of 15 + spell level to successfully cast.
- Petrification. Creatures that spend time on Mineral are at risk of being petrified. For each day that they spend there, they must make a DC 15 Fortitude save or be petrified. The DC rises by 2 per consecutive day spent on Mineral. Creatures petrified become a mass of gemstones and precious metals. Natives to Mineral and creatures with the earth subtype are immune.
Moore looks around, taking in the sights. He suppresses his immediate urge to go touching all the shiny things by trying to accustom himself to the newfound gravity.
"Oof... This place certainly feels a lot different than the last one!" He says with a scratch of his cheek. "Hm, where do we go from here?"
Mei takes it all in with wide eyes, looking at this or that. Meanwhile Hanna is unperterbed, scythe resting atop her shoulder. "You said you had divinations that can help once we're here. Do them."
"Oh, I suppose that would work, wouldn't it?" Moore says with a sheepish smile.
With that, he'll certainly give it a shot!
Divination with the question: "How do we get to Crystalle's palace from here?"
The answer is this: "Up and around the slope ahead."
Whew! No failure, and good thing too since that was the last one he can do today.
"We should go up and around the slope ahead." Moore announces to the others.
Crystal hops onto Hope and takes point, "Then let us find this slope."
Any notes going forward or anything relevant?
I don't think I have anything relevant. I mean I can do a K check on gemstones or something, but there's not much else for me to add.
Gemstones and the like are covered by K:D by houserules. You can if you want to.
[12:42] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+8+8 Bardic Knack for K:D Kobot
[12:42] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+8+8 Bardic Knack for K:D Kobot --> [ 1d20=12 ]{28}
It's a showcase of riches. It's gemstones of all types, from semi precious stones to diamond, rubies, sapphires and other valuables. A few minutes and a pickaxe here could net you tens and tends of thousands of gold. An hour and you'd be able to buy kingdoms. A day and you'd be as rich as Mammon, able to buy out Waukeen herself. Moore's palms are suddenly sweaty, tension flowing into him. So much treasure, just sitting there and waiting.
He must remind himself, the entire point of this visit is to establish relations that prove the people of Aurora are different from those who would just steal from this place!
Either way, he will start flying up and around to find whatever it is that they're going to find. At least, that's what he's trying to focus on.
> roll 1d100 vs 85 Moore
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 85 Moore --> [ 1d100=68 ]{68}
Crystal takes point, Hanna following and Mei bringing up the rear. You forge ahead for a short time, until you come to a vertical tunnel. A chasm extending up and down in both directions. Winding outcrops of gold and gemstones provides a rough path that can be followed with difficult jumps. It both ascends up and plummets down. The entire thing is radiant with glorious light, a rainbow blast of color from various gems.
Not that you have time to admire it. There are creatures just before it, standing in guard. Eight of them are larger than men, rivaling Hanna in size. They are creatures of rock, gems and metal, composites. Two are even larger, dwarfing Hanna and all the party. They are the same, but each has a large, glittering diamond in place of a head.
"STOP." Both of the huge ones advance forward, 100ft from the party. "WHAT BUSINESS DO YOU HAVE IN MINERAL, THIEVES?"
"We wish to see Lord Crystalle of Mineral." Moore states plainly. "We come from Aurora and wish to establish diplomatic ties with him."
He figures just being upfront and honest will work. If it doesn't... well, they'll pass that hurdle when they get there.
"Yes," Crystal says, "We do not seek to steal from you." She opens her hands and spreads her arms, "We have not taken a single thing since we arrived."
"Exactly. Do you know my kind?" Hanna asks, "We do not lie. The fey speak truly."
The elementals don't reply right away, watching the party instead.
Moore glances over at the others and then back at the elementals.
"If you'd like us to prove that intention somehow, we certainly can... But if you wanted to take us to Lord Crystalle, then you could watch us on the way to ensure we do not take anything, if that is a concern of yours." Moore says.
At least they didn't immediately call the party liars... so that's good.
Make the dreaded pixie diplo check. Hanna and Crystal aided and both have ranks, so they take 10 to give you a +4 bonus.
[13:23] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+37+4 Diplo
[13:23] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 60 > [d20=19]
There's a long pause as the elementals are silent, before the two huge ones rumble, "PASS. BUT WE ARE WATCHING YOU."
"Thank you!" Moore says to them. It's always good to start things off well!
"Up and around, yes?" Moore asks the others before he starts to fly that way!
Hanna and Crystal follow, while Mei takes a moment. She closes her eyes and concentrates, wings of light emerging from her back. She follows, the entire party airborne and ascending.
> roll 1d100 vs 75
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 19 > [d100=19]
> roll 1d100 vs 80
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 17 > [d100=17]
The party flies on amid wealth for an hour and then two. Much easier than jumping and struggling along. In fact, you see few creatures here, only the occasional elemental on a chunk of stone or large gem. In time you come to an opening on the far wall, a passage leading away from this tunnel, which continues to rise up.
"Hm... have we run into the slope yet?" Moore asks the others. "I don't think so... 'Up and around the slope ahead,' is pretty generic, but... I think we keep going up." Moore reasons. "Unless I'm misinterpreting."
Mei nods sharply as she continues to rise. Hanna hovers a moment and glances at Moore, "You're the diviner," she says, going back on and up. Only Crystal pauses briefly, "Yes, onward," she says, spurring Hope on.
Moore continues up! No need to be distracted here!
You fly up a little higher - and to the side you see a small, winding path. Easy to miss, only spotted easily because the party's looking for it. It hooks away and further into Mineral.
"There we go!" Moore calls out, pointing it out. He stops and starts to fly towards it!
Mei floats on over and lands gracefully, peering ahead. Hanna follows, need to crouch a bit to fit in. Crystal brings up the rear, slowly manuevering past others - through Hanna's legs, beneath Moore and then Mei's side. "I agree, this does look like it. I only hope it's not a terribly long trip, for the elementals appear restless and waiting for an excuse to cause mayhem."
"Ah, I'm sure enough of us speak their language that it won't be a problem. Been a while since I had to converse in Terran, though." Moore says as he goes forward!
Crystal pauses, "Be right behind me, Moore," she says, "This seems to be your strong suite, so you should be ready in case words are needed."
Quick question, what auras do you have going?
Moore nods to Crystal. "You got it."
Motivate Dexterity and Motivate Attack.
What are the bonuses on those?
Motivate Dexterity is +9 and Attack is +1
The passage is tight and narrow going. This is no problem for most of the party, but Hanna has to crawl a few times and otherwise wiggle through. Leading on, you go about a half hour until you reach a dead end. The way ahead is blocked by a massive face of ruby, as if one giant block of ruby was crudely carved into the shape of the face. As you approach, it opens and utters in Terran, "DO THOSE WITH STICKY FINGERS DRAW NEAR?"
"We do not," Moore responds in Terran. "We are here to speak to Lord Crystalle. As you can see," Moore with gesture with his open palms as the others did earlier. "We have stolen nothing from you nor do we wish to. We are from Aurora and wish to establish diplomatic ties with Lord Crystalle of Mineral. We humbly request access to him." Moore finishes.
"Yes," Hanna steps forward at Moore's words, "I am Hanna of the Court of Stars. Know that our kind cannot lie, and that I say that Moore speaks true."
Crystal sits up straighter on her mount, "I am Crystal, sworn to the Court of Stars. I promise on my honor that we have no designs on your treasures."
Mei merely steps forward and bows deeply to the elemental.
Diplo check, +6 bonus since they're all aiding you.
[11:48] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+37+6 Diplomacy
[11:48] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 56 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+45 (+20 ????) vs Moore
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 53 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+45 (+20 ????) vs Hanna
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 60 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+45 (+20 ????) vs Mei
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 63 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+45 (+20 ????) vs Crystal
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 50 > [d20=5]
The face has eyes - eyes of ruby that roam over each of the party. "YOU SPEAK TRUTH," it thunders, before receding into the wall and sliding aside. The passage continues past it.
Moore smiles at the others. "I don't think they're used to people just being upfront an honest here, you know?" He'll let Crystal lead the way and follow after!
No reply until you're past it, at which point Hanna says, "They may. It also may be a way of testing us before we reach Crystalle."
Moore nods. "I'm sure if Crystalle is as important as it seems, he probably has several guards. It really makes sense." Moore says as they continue along. "I just hope we're almost there."
> roll 1d100 vs 85
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d100=16]
You go on for a half hour or so, down the twisting and cramped passage. But suddenly the party stops, as Mei comes forward and gently pulls Hanna's arm, pointing to a section of wall - platinum studded with deep blue gemstones. Hanna looks and yes, "Yes, you're right. Everyone," she points to the section of the wall, shifting a bit to do so, "There's a fake wall ahead, a passage covered by an illusion."
Having two people with always active true seeing is handy.
Moore rubs his chin. "It wouldn't surprise me if it was hidden behind that. Let's investigate it -- the worst that happens is we have to turn back around." Moore nods and lets Crystal again lead the way, unless she wants him to do so.
Crystal rides Hope onward, right into the wall and through it. "Curious. No resistance," the fairy murmurs, "Normally illusions must be properly disbelieved, but this one seems merely a fig leaf."
"It might be another test," Hanna says tersely, "Or something else."
"If I were to take a guess, it's probably just another test of how talented the person is. I suppose it's also possible that it's just designed to be a contingency plan since the caverns shift so much, certain entrances and exits may be more easy to find." Moore suggests as they go along. "Either way, we'll probably find out soon enough, if we run into another giant gemstone guardian."
The path winds upward more steeply than before and you soon find it widening a little bit. Hanna's able to walk without crouching now, increasing the party's pace. After about twenty more minutes of travel, you find the slope is replaced by steps of cobbled together gems. They're tightly fused together and smoothed over, the surface sleek to the point of being slippery. Not much past this you come to a barricade. A massive, closed gate of shining gold blocks the way ahead.
"Well, if we're not there then we found something else." Moore says as he flies forward a bit, raising his voice. "Hello! We've come to seek an audience with Lord Crystalle of Mineral!" He hopes, at the very least, someone or something is listening.
A voice echos all around the party. It says, "The truest enlightenment is by offering what is precious."
Moore rubs his chin. "But what's precious to one may not be precious to another. I can offer you material items, but I don't think that's very precious to you. To me, what's precious is my life -- my experiences, my travels and my new friends." Moore calls out to the voice. "That's why we're here, to offer ourselves as those who would aid Mineral against those who wish to steal or do harm to the inhabitants here. We offer you an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between us. I would hope that in and of itself is precious."
There's a moment of silence after that and then the gates slowly swing open. The path continues past them.
"I suppose you did offer something valuable and precious," Hanna ventures, "Something few in Mineral would think of, blinding by wealth instead."
"It's all about your perspective." Moore says as they continue on. "I imagine they see a value in diplomatic ties too, if you think about it. They might actually see more wealth in it for them than something mundane to them like a gemstone or gold."
"If they're so enlightened, we may have hope yet," Hanna says as the party proceeds on. Up and up the stairs you go, until at last they end. It opens up into a vista ahead, a platform far above the ground of a truly gigantic cavern. Ahead lies a path leading to a castle. A castle made of pure white diamond, shining with a brilliance that rivals the sun. Along the path to it are pools of boiling, molten gold, silver and other such precious metals.
The castle itself rises high with many towers, each one ending in a sharp point. Even from here you can see gigantic elementals lumber about and labor away.
"My goodness." Moore says as he looks around. "One has to wonder what this castle would be worth. I don't think enough gold exists outside of this realm to pay for that..." He says as he starts forward. He goes slowly as to not overstep any boundaries. "I wonder if Lord Crystalle knows we're already here to see him."
Crystal stares ahead, mouth slightly agape. Hanna's less poleaxed, shifting her scythe and remarking, "If he's an archomental, probably," is all she says.
"I wonder if they consider all of these sorts of things completely mundane." Moore asks aloud as they go along. "So something simple, like a wooden chair from where we're from, would actually be considered an extremely high-class item." He ponders this as they go along, looking around for where the main entrance is and looking to see if there are any obvious guards. The walls themselves are probably alive anyway...
The partly slowly heads on down. It's a short flight to the ground and then you walk along the path to the castle. The pools of boiling metal don't throw off much heat, simply bubbling as you go past. As you approch the castle's entrance, you see elementals rise from the ground. Dozens and dozens of them appear on both sides of the walkway, flanking the party on both sides. They say nothing, merely watching. They range in size from man sized to the size of ten men.
Hanna glances back and forth, "We've definitely been noticed now."
"A welcoming party, perhaps?" Moore asks as he continues flying. He'll slow down, but continue going towards the gates unless something rises in front of them to indicate they should actually stop or indicates that they -want- them to stop.
"Considering what we've run into thus far, I think they understand the message we've been providing."
Mei nods smartly at this, the rest of the party proceeding to the gate. As you approach it, another figure rises from the ground. This one is about the size of Hanna or so, made entirely of gold and in the shape of a man. It wears naught but its body is ill defined, more like a doll than a real person.
"Visitors," It greets in a rich, robust voice, "Welcome."
Moore bows deeply in greeting. "Greetings and salutations from Aurora." Moore says.
K:P to identify what the creature might be?
Go for it.
[18:24] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+14+8 K:P
[18:24] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 41 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+34 MEi
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 49 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+34 Hanna
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 42 > [d20=8]
The creature before you is Gold, one of Crystalle's personal retainers. It is a unique elemental and sees to much of the day to day business of running Crystalle's palace. Beware its touch, for it can turn living creatures to gold, effectively petrifying them.
Hanna strides forward, "Greeting, Gold. We are from Aurora and seek to discuss matters of importance to Mineral."
The golden man nods at that, facial features too ill defined for expressions. "Welcome, Aurora. Aurora's deeds have even reached here."
"We appreciate the opportunity, Gold." Moore says, flying a bit forward, but behind and to the side of Hanna. "We understand that most... visitors to this plane are not interested in talking, so we hope that we will be able to make efforts towards strengthening the bonds between us." He bows graciously. It's probably kowtowing a bit, but it's for a good cause.
You're working your magic, so make a diplo check. +2 since Hanna's aiding you.
[19:02] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+37+2 Diplomacy
[19:02] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 53 > [d20=14]
"Most visitors find the wages of sin to not be worth the price," Gold replies, voice booming about the cavern. "You are welcome here, Aurora. Come with me."
Moore smiles at Gold and then at the others. Victory! Well... sort of.
"Absolutely. Thank you." Moore says, as he will follow along with the others!
You are taken into the gleaming palace of diamond. There are halls of gems, each one large as a man. There are rooms where liquid metal flows like water, woven in between crystalline platforms. Mineral elementals stand guard everywhere, expressionless and solemn. The castle is quiet more than anything else, your footsteps often the only sound.
"Is this place always so silent?" Crystal speaks up as you go, "I feel it to be more a tomb than a keep."
"Perhaps they communicate the same way Mei does?" Moore asks with a glance over at her. "Or perhaps they have no need to do anything in this part, because it's already reached perfection?"
Mei shakes her head slightly.
"No," Gold says, "Elementals do not have the same need to converse as other creatures. Especially earth and mineral elementals," Gold explains, "They are by nature a taciturn lot, speaking more in rumbles of earth than words."
Meanwhile you enter another room. A table of beaten silver sits here, chairs of the same. Various sizes of chairs, from ones big enough for Hanna to ones small enough for a pixie. Gold takes on and sits in it, which groans under his weight but does not fall. "We are free to talk here. Tell me why you come in detail."
Moore nods to Gold and takes a seat in a chair!
"I do not presume to speak of all of Aurora, but we wish to establish a firmer and more direct diplomatic tie to this plane." Moore starts, folding his hands in his lap. "I do not know the precise history between Aurora and Mineral, but I think it's safe to say we can both aid one another. We would offer you aid against those who would seek to do harm to this plane -- surely, there are things that we are much better suited and talented at than the denizens of this plane that surely your enemies would know also." Moore adds. "We have experts in every field -- that does not mean that I think you do not here, but it is my understanding that it would be safe to say that the problems of Mineral are solved by Mineral in many cases? We would seek to add our knowledge to yours."
Moore stops there to get a feel for how Gold responds to this.
Mei leans forward throughout this, nodding at the right places and fixing Gold with serious, soulful eyes.
Hanna listens to it all and adds, "We can help each other. More importantly, we can do the right thing for Mineral and for Aurora."
"Yes," Crystal nods, "We recently came into possession stolen treasures from Mineral, an Astral ship of the githyanki was knocked awry during its escape from Mineral. Tempting as it would be to keep them, we know that offering them back to you is the right thing to do."
Diplo again, Moore. +6 for aiding and +5 in addition since Crystal's offering up shinies.
[22:02] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+37+5+6 Diplomacy
[22:02] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 59 > [d20=11]
"Really?" Gold chuckles, a sound like a drum being thumped. "Few come for anything but treasure and far fewer for altruistic reasons. You speak from the heart, pixie." Which he means isn't clear, but he says, "Lord Crystalle would greatly appreciate the return of Mineral's stolen goods."
"Then it shall be done." Moore says, adding finality to that.
He pauses. "Then, I suppose the next step would be to ask if there are any immediate and pressing concerns that you or Lord Crystalle would like to have handled. It can be the first official step after our ties have been formalized, so to speak." Moore says with a nod.
He intentionally leaves out making any requests, still, because he wants to see if they'll make any offers on their own.
"Your generosity sets you apart from others who come to Mineral," Gold says finally, "Archomental Crystalle approves of your attitude." He stands, as a swirling blue portal appears before him. Light spills from it, the endless radiance of the Positive Energy Plane familiar to the party now. "By the Archomental's will, this will take us to before Aurora's gates. Go and bring forth the stolen treasures."
Moore nods. "Let's get that taken care of before any further negotiations, then." He looks to the others for confirmation, as he doesn't want to just lead them since he's still pretty new.
Mei nods firmly and smiles at Moore, while Crystal merely nods. "It's the right thing to do."
Hanna cuts in, "We will. It won't be long, the treasures are put aside." She promptly rises and goes through the portal, Mei and then Crystal following.
Moore will head to go after them unless Gold stops him for some reason! It wouldn't be polite to make the others all do the busywork after he's the one that agreed to it!
The path leads into the light and Aurora's gates. Hanna's already talking to a few guards nearby, "...as soon and quickly as possible. As little noise and fanfare as possible, too." Once that's done, she turns to the others and says in a low voice, "Let's do this before Baleruk catches wind of it. We can deal with an angry prismatic dragon afterwards."
"If it comes to it, let me take responsibility." Moore says. "He doesn't know me, so there's no friendships to be ruined." He nods to the others. "But we might be able to offer him something even better in exchange if this goes as well as it seems to have thus far."
> roll 1d100 Baleruk chances you want low here
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 7 > [d100=7]
Getting the treasure is blessedly easy. It's in a bag of holding, passed over to Hanna. No sign of Baleruk at all. Hanna smiles at this, "Good thinking. Make sure whoever had that idea gets rewarded properly for it." She takes the bag and heads right back now, hurrying along. Mei follows with a content smile, Crystal falling in with Moore.
"It seems fortune favors our choices," she murmurs to him.
"When it comes to this sort of thing, I have it on good authority that the pieces are already in place, we just have to move them." Moore says quietly back to her. He's certainly called on divination enough to have someone's attention.
He'll fly back with the others at that, thankful still that they've at least gotten this far!
Returning to whence you came is mercifully without incident. You return to Gold, Hanna simply opening the bag of holding over the silver table. All the recovered treasure spills out onto it, a few pieces clattering to the floor. A great big heap of riches. "This is all we recovered from the wrecked ship. There may be more that was taken by others, as slaad had found it first."
Gold peers about at it all, checking it over, "This is from Mineral," he announces, "You have our thanks for doing the right thing. Of the few who seek to gain our favor in this way, fewer of them live up to their words."
"We want to make sure you do not mistake our motives." Moore says, surely speaking for them all. "It does us no good to start relations off with deception or trickery -- we want for both of our sides to benefit, not just one." He says, taking a seat again.
The others sit as well, now a king's random between the party and Gold. "You speak of aiding us, but what do you wish from this? It is not the nature of creatures to give back our treasures lightly. Even your kind can feel the pull of greed, angel, lest there would be no Fallen in the Realms Below."
"That is for you to determine." Moore states firmly.
"We cannot put a price on what goods Mineral values as we do not live and breathe -- ah, metaphorically of course -- as you do." He starts. "We could put an arbitrary amount on trade between us, but that would do us no good as our understanding of wealth and value is too different. I would like to, in time, learn more of your way of thinking, but I think overall, what would make the most sense is for you to provide to Aurora what you feel you can. Whatever it is, mundane or not, we can put it to use." He takes a breath here.
"We want what you are willing to give. There is a saying I heard -- one man's trash is another's treasure. Our aid has no price tag." He concludes with that, letting the ball roll proverbially back to Gold's court.
That's worth another diplo check real quick. +5 still in effect since you gave up loot.
[23:30] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+37+5 Diplomacy
[23:30] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 52 > [d20=10]
Gold leans back in his chair, the entire thing groaning under his weight. His expressionless face is focused on Moore and he falls silent after Moore's words. It's then that Hanna adds in, "Doing the right thing for us is the important part, not material gain."
Crystal shifts slightly in her seat but stays quiet.
"If all who came to Mineral shared such sentiments, this realm would not be so isolated," Gold says before standing. "Come with me."
Moore nods and rises to fly after Gold!
"I think some people don't truly understand what it is they really want. Having the ability to see things from many different perspectives helps us in that regard." He says with a nod to the others.
"Understanding is walking in another's shoes for a day," Hanna says, "Wisdom is grasping that."
Gold leads the party along, through the wondrous halls of unimaginable wealth. In time you down a long hall and to a single door. Gold opens it. Within are vast piles of broken things - items of precious metals that are dented or broken, shards of gemstones, rich carvings in ruin and so forth. Dozens and dozens of elementals roam through it.
"This is where the archomental keeps his broken things, his trash. You're welcome to what you wish from here, since all you ask for is our castaways. Elementals," he calls to them in Terran, "You will serve and help these people, bot here and in the fortress they take you to."
Moore opens his eyes wide. Even this sort of thing can be useful! He wonders if spells like Mending could be used to repair them.
He bows deeply to Gold. "This is wonderful. Perhaps from here we can establish trading ties between Archomental Crystalle and Mineral and Aurora so that we can offer you something you would consider of equal value to you in return for future dealings. It would also be steps towards further understanding of what each of our people's value." Moore says.
He looks to the others. "Does Sir Morniel typically head up negotiations and diplomatic endeavors? I wouldn't want to add to his plate unnecessarily -- but I think it's best to have one person in direct communication back here so that the ties can be firmly established." He considers for a moment after that. "If it isn't a problem, perhaps I can handle the matters for this? I don't want to overstep my boundaries, though."
"Archomental Crystalle will be in contact with Aurora," Gold says, gesturing. A swirling blue portal appears, "Take what you and the elementals can carry through."
Hanna looks it all over with a low whistle, while Crystal turns and simply says, "Thank you."
Mei comes over to Gold and bows deeply.
Moore will do just as instructed!
He'll take whatever he can in his haversack and leave the other items up to the rest.
Any preferences to what you take, Moore?
He'll take anything small, gems, any statues that can fit and that sort of thing.
Any ranks in Appraise?
I have them via Bardic Knack, yes. 8 +8 int if it would matter.
Make a check on that real quick.
[12:47] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+8+8 Appraise
[12:47] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=5]
Soon enough everyone loads up, picking through the ruins of wealth, save for Mei. She simply shakes her head, looking to Hanna. Hanna clears her throat and says, "Mei prefers to avoid the entrapment of wealth altogether."
"Oh, that kind of vow too, huh?" Moore says with a smile to her. "Well, you could always take something and make an offering with it to the Triune if you wanted to, or I can give you some of mine. It feels wrong for you not to at least get something. I mean... I understand, you want this sort of thing to go to others." Moore nods. "Not that I mean that I think you need to make an offering of something material, but it's just a thought."
Mei considers and finally nods, taking a few pieces of things.
Quick note. VoP generally assumes you take your share and donate it to a good cause, though I consider abstaining from wealth altogether a reasonable interpretation. The things she took won't be included in loot as she's directly donating them.
From there, it's a matter of getting things and returning to Aurora. You bring with you dozens of elementals, a triumphant return to Aurora. Adrian's out there when you come back, whistling, "Not bad. How'd you manage that?"
"Being honest goes a long way." Moore answers.
"That, and I don't think they see any value in any of this stuff, so we're really just taking their trash away for them. Ah... I'm not sure what to do with the elementals, though..." Moore says with a look over at them.
Adrian just smiles, "It means we have more soldiers, that's what. Good work, all of you."
Moore smiles, but then looks over at Crystal with a more serious expression. "Ah... how do you want to approach the matter of Baleruk? Should we wait until all of this has been sorted through, or... do you want me to just go and deal with it directly now?"
"Let's wait," Crystal says, "He'll be easier to deal with when we have treasure to throw at him."
"All right." Moore nods. "Sir Adrian, did you need any of us for something, or were you just here by chance?"
"By chance," he says, "Now go get some rest."
Good to skip along a little bit?
Yessir.
Rest comes along with recovery. The next day brings Moore and Crystal together, meeting with Sage Vul'lath again. He's rubbing his temples as you come in, "Ahem," he coughs, "The second pile of treasure in two days, both requiring considerable work and magical labor to sort out." The githyanki looks to both of them, a less than impressed gaze. "But between restoring what was damaged with magic and melting down the rest, we have a total of 384,958 gold in value. Approximately."
"I apologize for the inconvenience, Sir Vul'lath." Moore says with a bow of his head.
Moore then looks to Crystal.
"How would you care to divvy this up? What's the most fair way to handle this?" He asks.
"Same suggestion as last time," Crystal says, "I think the premise is the simplest for all."
Moore nods. "That's fine with me. I also don't mind giving half of mine to Miss Ithea, considering the circumstances."
"Very well then," Crystal says, "Thank you," she turns to Vul'lath and bows to him, "Your services in this matter have helped us greatly."
Go ahead and post in loot how you plan to divvy this up and we'll work from there.
Once that's all sorted out and purchases are ordered, Moore and Crystal are heading out of the forges. It's then that Adrian comes up, "You two," he says, "Baleruk wants to see you and he's making noise about it."
It's otherwise quiet around you. The bustle of the forges is behind you and the main noise is the gentle swishing of the portal Adrian just stepped out of.
Moore blinks and nods to Adrian. "All right. Well, we may as well -- If he's upset we'll see what I can manage."
"Good luck," Adrian says, heading into the forges without a second look back.
Crystal sighs, "Hopefully it's not dragon art time," she murmurs.
"It will be fine." Moore says with a smile. He'll wait for Crystal to lead him to Baleruk!
Baleruk's lair nests above Aurora - a strange thing that you enter and find yourselves in another place. Ahead is gold - a vast pile of gold. Treasures are all about, beautiful and prismatic. But they're dominated by the dragon who rests there. He shines with every color of the rainbow, eyes on you the moment you enter. The dragon's bulk shifts as it stares at Moore several long moments.
"Hello, Sir Baleruk." Moore says, bowing his head and then giving him a more formal bow afterwards. He figures he'll just see how things go from there. If he's angry, then he'll just have to endure it.
Baleruk comes forward, head bigger than Hanna coming to within inches of Moore and Crystal. You end up right next to one big, rainbow colored dragon eye as Baleruk says, "You smell like MINERAL!"
"Yes, we've just returned from there." Moore answers. He thinks that it's best to not be overly informative right now.
"Yes, and you've received your share of the treasure as agreed on," Crystal chimes in, "Sir Baleruk, I trust everything was sufficient?"
Baleruk's eye swivels slightly, going back and forth between the pair of pixies. "Sufficient? Sufficient? Things ARE ONLY SUFFICIENT WHEN-" He stops and eyes Moore a second time, before taking a sniff of the air. "You also smell like Celestia. Are you one of Bahamut's minions?!"
"I am not, Sir Baleruk." Moore answers. "However, I am in league with Erathaol. He sent me here."
Baleruk's gaze is aaaallll on Moore now. "Explain yourself."
"To make a long story short -- I woke up in Venya, did some traveling there and found out that Erathaol had chosen me to be instrumental in the battle against the Duke of Destiny, Taelfagn. He sent me here to join Aurora and I have been offering my assistance in both martial as well as social manners." Moore answers, not usually his light-hearted and carefree attitude, but just answering the exact question the way he thinks Baleruk wants it answered.
Baleruk withdraws back, giving both pixies some space. "Very well, I will allow you to serve me. Your tribute is accepted. One of my student is attempting to become a prismatic pixie. You will join Crystal in being her aide and minion."
"Minion?!" Crystal sputters out, "I'm not Afina's minion!"
Moore looks over at Crystal and then back to Baleruk. "Sir Baleruk, I'll do whatever I can to aid you and Aurora in keeping with Erathaol's wishes." Moore says. He's most certainly not lying about that part, just... leaving a lot out.
"I'll see how we can help Miss Afina out once she returns." Moore adds. Again, not untruthful!
Make a diplo check here since you're trying to calm the dragon.
Taking 10 for 47
Crystal's objection is noted and promptly ignored. "Go forth, minions," Baleruk declares, "NOW GO IN MY NAME AND MY BLESSING!"
This gets Crystal to turn and promptly fly off.
Moore will go with Crystal!
"He's quite the character, isn't he?" Moore says with a grin. "I suppose we ought to report back to Lady Skye about our success."
"We should," Crystal says, a little pout on her face as she blushes. "But just to be clear, I am not Afina's minion!"
Moore smiles and then just starts laughing as they continue on. "Don't worry, I don't intend to be Afina's minion either."
"Yes...though..." Suddenly Crystal trails off, humming to herself. "Ah. Are you currently romantically entangled or spoken for?"
Moore blinks. "No, I'm not."
"Hm." Crystal gives Moore another look, "Speaking of Afina, I've been thinking she needs a pleasant distraction, someone to grow close to. You have promising morals and a silver tongue, both things which may well aid you should you court her."
Moore's cheeks turn a slight shade of red, but he continues to smile. "I will consider that, should fate deem we have that kind of relationship. Actually, Miss Crystal, if you don't mind my asking... before we go back to report you're no longer in debt... what exactly happened to get you there?"
As the two fly over Aurora's courtyard and down, "Ah. Awhile ago, there was a concerted effort to equip Aurora's elite with magical belt. These belts enhance all aspects of the wearer greatly but are prohibitively expensive. I understand two hundred thousand gold is the average price for one, should you be fortunate enough to obtain one. Afina is able to manufacture one for about a fourth of that. It was decided to distribute them to all, and those who could not pay would be paid for by the Aurora fund, then expected to pay off the debt."
Moore nods and gestures at his hat. "I had heard about that, so I actually had something similar fashioned into this. I'm glad we were able to take that burden off of your shoulders, though." Moore smiles and nods to Crystal. "It must not have been easy."
What's Moore's hat look like? Relevant.
dark blue beret with a silver feather in the shape of a dragon holding a book. Kind of similar to Edward's hat from FF4.
"Yes, Afina's hat does much the same," Crystal notes, flying around Moore and studying his head wear. "It was a trial, but it is one that has been finished. All that's left is to learn from it and move on."
Moore nods. "I think I must've overheard someone talking about it, the idea just came to me. Either way, I hope Queen Illsenine is pleased."
"She should be," Crystal says, the two returning to court.
You meet with Lady Skye in the same antechamber. She gives you a curious look and says, "Well then, tell me of your deeds."
Congratulations, you've been hit with the exposition stick.
"I will summarize for the Lady." Moore says.
"We first ventured to the Deep Ethereal to uncover some lost treasure. We all got separated, but eventually recovered it. However, we decided that a better use of the treasure would be to barter with the denizens of the Mineral plane -- it was Lady Crystal's idea, actually, so any thanks for it should go to her." He turns and smiles to Crystal at that before returning to Skye. He uses his arms a great deal for emphasis but most of the story simply comes from his inflections on the heroic acts. "We crossed through the tunnels and caves of Mineral to finally stand at the door to the palace of Lord Crystalle of Mineral. We met with his personal attendant, Gold, and through an up-front and honest interaction wherein we pledged the services of Aurora to Mineral, they were gracious enough to accept the offer. We returned with quite the trove, as well as new allies. It was all around a complete success." Moore finishes, offering a small bow as he moves his hands slightly away from his chest and outward.
He's being honest but still trying to upsell here.
That was a pretty good performance, though this isn't a case where diplomacy checks are needed.
Lady Skye stays silent throughout. She begins with a neutral expression, though she begins to smile when you talk about treasure and allies. "I saw the mineral creatures myself. As if precious wealth took to legs to fight against Hell. Her Majesty will be pleased by your efforts, Moore."
Moore bows his head slightly. "It would be unbecoming to provide anything less to someone who has been so gracious to me."
"Yes, and I can vouch for this good service," Crystal says, "He has proven himself in my eyes."
To this you get a nod, "In that case, Her Majesty will be in touch within two day's time. You're dismissed for now, you've earned your rest."
"Very well. If you need anything before then, please let me know." He turns to Crystal. "You as well, Miss Crystal." He smiles and turns to go!
Don't really have anything on the agenda except maybe a Divination to see if he should be doing anything out of the ordinary that he otherwise wouldn't expect. Otherwise, he'll just hang out until something happens that pulls him in.
Okay, what's the wording on that divination?
Let's go with "Is there anyone who needs my aid here that otherwise I wouldn't meet unless I searched them out?"
The answer is but a pair of numbers: "27."
Has Moore met 27? I think he did.
Briefly and in passing, yes. It was during the big Aurora meeting where taking revenge against Lixer was discussed.
Well, there's no harm in looking around Aurora for him. He can't be that hard to find!
Just going to look around for him?
Yep! He's trusting that fate will find its way to show him what he needs to find.
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Ko-AndthenwehaveCarthrat rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=4 ]{4}
Moore wanders about Aurora. A few hours leaves him with sore wings and not a lot else. No sign of 27 anywhere. A bit tired, he heads back to his room to take a break. As he goes down the corridors of the various officer's rooms, he hears a sudden scream from within a nearby room. It sounds like a woman's scream, no less.
Oh no!
Moore will fly over to the room in question and test the door to see if it's open or not! "Hello!? Are you all right in there?" Moore will call out. If the door isn't locked for whatever reason, he'll try to open it just a small bit -- he doesn't want to just barge in in case someone just dropped something.
Going to it, you find the door's already ajar. "I'm fine." The woman's voice is heard, as she comes to the door. It's Hanna, "I thought I saw something I didn't."
"Oh, hello Miss Hanna." Moore says as he backs away slightly. "It wasn't 27 by any chance, was it?"
This gets Hanna to close her eyes and sloooooowly sigh. "It was. I thought I saw 27 for a moment."
Moore lets out a chuckle at that. "Well, if you happen to see him again, let him know I'm looking for him, please." Moore glances down the hallway before he backs up again. "Sorry to intrude, though." He'll nod once to Hanna before he'll fly back towards his own room unless she has something more for him.
"If you're looking for someone, call for Elena and ask her," Hanna says in reply, rubbing her temple. "If he's in Aurora, Elena will know where."
Oh.
That might've made things easier.
Oh well, there's really no fun in making things easy all the time, is there?
Moore rubs his nose at that. "I suppose I ought to have done that first. Oh well, no harm in familiarizing myself with the place, right?" He'll smile and back away again from Hanna so she can go back to her business if she wants to. "Elena? Can you please tell me where 27 is right now?" Moore will call out.
Hanna promptly closes the door and leaves Moore to his own devices. Elena promptly appears when called, dressed up in wizard robes and a matching wizard's pointy hat today. "Hi! 27's in the library, curled up behind a bunch of books. I'm not sure how he even got there, but that's where he is."
Moore nods. "Thank you!" With that, he decides he'll go find him for now. He's still tired and sore, but fate has conspired to let him find him! Right? Well, he'll find out when he gets there.
You reach the library. There's just one problem - there's bookshelf after bookshelf, several dozen that stretch quite a ways up. Amid the quietness of the library, finding 27 isn't a given.
Moore rubs his chin. He decided to check the 27th row.
Should he not find 27 at that point, he'll just ask Elena again! No harm in that, right?
A bit of searching and a quick conference with Elena points out where 27 is - at the very top of a 20ft tall shelf, curled up behind several books there. Moore flies up, finding the badger slaad staring at him the moment he comes into sight. 27 doesn't say a word, only stares.
Moore will smile and fly over. "Hello there, 27."
> roll 1d100 maybe Moore will get a 1
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 maybe Moore will get a 1 --> [ 1d100=48 ]{48}
27 shrinks back and hides behind the books, saying not a word.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you. I'm new here -- I'm a friend of Ithea's." Moore says, staying where he is and speaking quietly. "I scared some slaad off while we were out... so if I come off as intimidating to you, I apologize."
27 pauses and sniffs, murmuring, "You smell nice."
"I was told I smelled like Celestia earlier, maybe it's that?" He asks, flying just a bit closer.
27 quickly presses himself back, heart-sword poking out several inches. "You smell like Anarch."
"Oh, that makes sense." Moore nods. "27, this may sound odd, but... I was told that I ought to find you and give you my aid. I realize that's a bit sudden for me to say, but... I think you'd understand that."
27 considers and comes out at that, emerging from behind the bookshelf. "Can you...take me to the cafeteria?"
Moore just smiles. "Yes, I think I can do that. I certainly passed it enough looking around."
27 simply falls in behind Moore, as if waiting to be guided along.
Moore will head to the cafeteria with 27 in tow, then! Unless something stops 27 from following him, like pretty colors or something.
Thankfully, this trip is uneventful as well. The cafeteria is full as it always is, eople chattering away. 27 immediately looks around, then stops. He looks around a second time then stops cold yet again.
"Are you concerned by the presence or... the absence of something?" Moore asks quietly.
"She's not here," 27 says, "Confused." He says, shaking his head and rubbing at his eyes with his claws.
"Who, Ithea? Or someone else?" Moore asks, looking around for any familiar faces.
"Hanna." 27 says, before wandering back through the portal. Or he would, if not for Adrian to come through the portal, followed by Mirima a few moments later. The slaad hits against Adrian's middle, failing to budge him.
"Eh?" Adrian stops, Mirima smoothly stepping aside it all. "What is it, 27?"
"Oh, he wanted to come to the cafeteria." Moore explains. "But I suppose he's done now."
Adrian nods and moves on, going past 27. This lets 27 escape into the portal and away, leaving Moore alone.
Anything else you want to do right now, Moore?
Nah, he made his impression (or something), so he's fine just resting and seeing where things go.
Let me pause you for the moment, then. Thread locked.