Dana takes you right out and into a library. Vast shelves soar above and around you, area silent save for the gentle rustling of turning pages. Until, "Tepen!" Dana shouts, "I need you for something, get over here!"
"Oooooooo books!"
A man comes forward. A man with yellow skin and a sour expression, clad in robes of red and gray. His gaze bores into both of them, "Lower your voices," he demands curtly, "Tepen is occupied. What business do you have with him?"
Dana scoffs, "Whatfuckingever. I need him to open a portal to Ysgard for us. I need to warm up for beating down Daddy and Calleigh here needs to have some fucking violence in her life, all explosion style."
Calleigh nods. "We need drinks and snacks too. Snacks! I like snacks."
"Damn right," Dana nods sharply, "We'll get some fucking snacks from the mess hall."
Sage Vul'lath looks less than impressed and says, "Well, as Tepen is busy, you'll need to find someone else who can do it. Go bother Jaela's mother or someone like that."
Calleigh looks at the man with big, shiny eyes. "Are you a librarian? Librarians are always grumpy with me."
"Out," Sage Vul'lath points at the portal, "Now."
"Fuck, don't get your frilly underthings in a knot. Go get laid or something," Dana retorts, going through the portal. Just before she does, "Come on, we'll go find Hanna."
"Bye mister gith librarian man!" Calleigh waves as she flies backwards after Dana.
Back in the entry hall, Dana's next to that ghost girl again. Elena is saying, "...n the courtyard, by the shrine to the Triune."
"Yeah," Dana says, heading back out. The entry hall is busy, people coming and going. Statues - or perhaps golems - stand at guard here, seeming to get Dana's attention. She watches them a few moments before a vicious scowl crosses her face. She then promptly goes off and out, saying nothing about it.
Calleigh notices the strange interaction, but says nothing!
Hanna's found in the courtyard, coming out of a cathedral. It's tucked into a corner of the courtyard, vines covering part of it. She's a tall angel, seven feet tall if an inch. She wears a white toga and carries a wicked looking scythe on her back. "Yo, Hanna," Dana calls, "I need transportation to Ysgard! Calleigh and I are going to fuck some shit up!"
Hanna's gaze travels to the courre, where she promptly stops. In an instant her scythe is out, a predatory smile coming to her face. "Aboleth," she says in a low voice, "Fish slaver, dominator and soon to be dead. Elena, Aurora's under infiltration and attack!"
Unfortunately, the battle hardened angel's reaction to a possible aboleth-alike isn't to freak out, but to handle it in a calm way that leads to said aboleth getting maimed. You have a reaction here, so make it count.
Yes, she has true seeing innately. Planetar and angel stuff.
"Aboleth? Whe-oh, you can see Tryll! That doesn't happen often! Usually only happens with the dragons in Brightwater, but they're used to it by now. Gosh, that's embarrassing. He's not an aboleth, though. No gross slime or anything like that. Or the slavery stuff." Calleigh shivers. "Ew. Like, can you imagine? Slimy tentacles and slavery and actually I've met people into that kind of thing and it's REALLY awkward when they can see him and now this is weird. Uhhhhhhm. Besides, he doesn't look like an aboleth. Aboleths look like him. Important difference. He's nice! Can we go to Ysgard now? Also do you have snacks? Nobody seems to have any snacks."
Hanna steps forward, 10ft away as her protective aura washes over Calleigh and Tryll. Her eyes gleam with holy light as she looms over both of them, "Are you possessed, child?" she asks in a quiet, dangerous voice. "Are you acting of your free will?"
Meanwhile you can see soldiers from far away - mortals, celestials, elementals and odder things yet - coming towards your spot in the courtyard. Fast.
Meanwhile Dana snaps, "Fuck no, I'm in MY right mind."
"Not you," Hanna says. "The courre."
Calleigh pouts, folding her arms. "'Course I am! What kinda question is that? You do know that courre can generate a magical circle against evil, right? And it's on all the time? Also, Queen Morwel likes him. Sort of. That's good enough for me."
As soldiers rush closer, "If you follow the Queen of Stars, then this should be harmless. Don't resist," Hanna says, energy pooling around her.
Calleigh shrugs. "As long as we can go to Ysgard when you're done."
Holy power in the form of a blast of white light from above smashes down on the group. It feels like warm sunshine, washing over all of you before vanishing seconds later. Hanna steps back after that, "False alarm, Elena," she says aloud, moments later the soldiers stopping their advance. "Then that begs the question of what in Lady Gwynharwyf's name you are."
"Duh, I'm a courre."
Dana starts to say something, but Hanna gives her a sharp gaze. It stops the aasimar cold, the two locking eyes briefly. Dana breaks and looks away, Hanna turning her attention back to Tryll. "I wasn't talking about you," she says. "But the aboleth-alike."
"You know, you're being really rude. Imagine if every time someone got a good look at you, they ran screaming." Calleigh's voice turns squeaky. "'Eek! An overly-busty giant blonde woman with an scythe! Run!' Of course if you follow up all your greetings with blasting people with holy power, I suppose this is normal then?" She trails off a bit, then shakes her head. "Anyway. We're here now, and you don't get two first impressions! I'm his face, because if he floats around and acts like a normal being, people do this. We work together. I'm a familiar. We're partners. Been doing this a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time. Also, not an aboleth. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that." She turns to Dana. "Have I missed that part?"
The bit about being overly busty draws a snicker from Dana, while Hanna scowls fiercely. "Then let's get to brass tacks. If you aren't an aboleth, what are you?"
"What're your opinions on telepathy? Cause I don't want you freaking out more and he can't talk like we can."
"Acceptable," Hanna says, "Go on."
"Great. Tag, you're it." Calleigh flits over to Dana and sits on her shoulder, huffing and leaning against her neck. "Hi."
Meanwhile, in Hanna's head, a calm voice enters her mind. "Hello."
Dana watches all of this with crossed arms, "The hell," she murmurs to Calleigh.
Hanna merely meets Tryll's eyes and replies in her mind, 'Hello. You are Tryll?'
Calleigh sighs and murmurs back. "Long story. Basically, I'm never alone. Big ol' squid guy and I been working together since we met on Arborea back, oh, I dunno. Long time ago. People see him and the first thing they think is 'Gaah, aboleth,' so he tends to stay misty. People tend to judge before thinking things through, y'know? Jumping to conclusions."
Meanwhile, Hanna gets a brainful as the voice perks up and becomes cheerful, "Ah! Yes! Hello! Not panicking? Good! Yes. Awkward mess, panic. Tends to get hairy before things can get smoothed. Yes. Anyway. Hello!"
"Should've fucking told us," Dana murmurs.
Meanwhile, Hanna hmms. 'So, to the question that looms over this entire incident: What are you? What are your intentions on Aurora?'
"We sorta thought you guys knew. We didn't just show up and ask to join, we got referred. We figured somebody high-up would have told your high-ups and so on and so forth. Oh well. Done is done. Don't tell my you're upset about this, too?"
"Oh. Yes. Right. What I am. Well. Hm. How to explain. Irrigo! Mostly dead race. Hm. Aha, that's a joke. Hm, you probably wouldn't get it, would you? I should explain. You have been to multiple primes, yes? I would assume so, being an adventuring...planetar? Yes? Some sort of larger celestial. Hm. Anyway. Noticed a vast diversity of sentient life on nearly every prime imaginable? Even your average prime has elves, orcs, humans, dwarves, et cetera. Yes?" Tryll gushes.
'Of course,' Hanna agrees, 'You're from one of the more unique primes?'
"Shit happens," Dana shrugs, jostling Calleigh. "Bad communication kills. Daddy's right about that one."
"Of a sort." Tryll hedges. "My plane was entirely aquatic, no above-water landmasses. We, the irrigo, were the only sentient beings to exist there. No humanoids. Or elfoids. Or whatever have you, depending on your point of view. Hm." He trails off a moment, then refocuses. "Was rather pleasant, really. Went on for quite a long time. No war, peace, prosperity. I assume you can understand that we were quite shocked when we were invaded."
Meanwhile, Calleigh laughs. "Suppose it does. Fair. Sorry." she cocks her head, "What's this about your dad, anyway? You've mentioned him like two or three times?"
Random setting trivia time: While the concept of evolution and genetics isn't invalid, there really isn't that sort of macro scale evolution. Primes are created and races made by the hands of deities and the like. Primes don't have the millions of years for typical evolution, races are generally created as if and then change on a much faster rate thanks to magic and supernatural forces.
A typical character wouldn't have any knowledge of the concept of evolution, though extremely learned types might. Even then, their understanding of it would be different than ours. To them, evolution is over a few generations or less as magic or supernatural forces change a race. Or sometimes instantly due to stronger forces yet.
Removed it altogether.
A tightening of Hanna's face, her hands gripping her scythe tighter. "Who?" she asks.
Meanwhile Dana whispers back, "Long fucking story. I'll tell you after this."
"Aboleths, if you can believe. Thousands of them. Tens, even. This was some time ago, you see, back when you could find the things in large cities of their own people. Not like now, where they are becoming increasingly difficult to locate." He pauses. "Hm. Oh. Yes. Right. We were routed, it was barely a fight. We were suited for scholarly and artistic pursuits, you see. Physically large but not necessarily formidable, no. Many were enslaved, whether by their insidious way or simple strong-arming. Our people cried out en masse to our triune god for aid, as is the way of all oppressed beings."
Calleigh nods at Dana. "I'll bet he's about done. It's a story that's been told a bunch of times and it's rather quick."
Here Hanna stops, holding up a hand. "You hardly look like devotees of Angharradh...but nevermind that," she says. "Just finish the story." She speaks out loud for this part, shaking her head.
"Hm? Oh, yes, there's another set going by The Triune these days, yes? No, this was our god, the triune of sea, sky, and clay. One for each facet of our world, and one for each gender of our race. Ours I believe was absorbed into Queen Morwel at some point. But yes, finishing the story. Over three days and nights, our people were visited by visions in their sleep and were ultimately given a choice: Either stay and be empowered to fight, or essentially die and ascend to our god's side. Naturally, the majority of us chose not to fight. We did not want to fight. An escape was preferable, even in death. A small handful of us, five that I am aware of, chose to cast off our mortal forms, but not ascend. Each of us had our own reasons and made our sacrifices to appease our god in lieu of joining our families. From there we found quickly found ways off the plane and none too soon, for our god smashed it to cinders in rage against the invaders as soon as the deed was done.
From there, I wandered. To make an extremely long story short, I met Calleigh on Arborea one day while painting and we've been working together ever since. We hopped from place to place, including Lifasa for a brief stint during the fight against the major evil there, and have been working with various agencies out of Brightwater for the last few hundred years. The Silverbrow Consortium referred us to you, and your connection to Lifasa intrigued me. So here we are.
Now! Questions?"
"Heaps," Hanna says dryly, putting away her scythe. She slips it back onto her back and then adjusts her toga. "But they aren't ones that need to be answered. In fact," she turns to Dana, "What did you want me for in the first place?"
"Oh yeah," Dana drawls, "A portal to Ysgard already so we can wreck some shit like Willim used to wreck my ass."
Hanna simply starts walking towards the gate out, "Fine."
"We'll talk later. Calleigh really likes it when we blow things up." Tryll says to Hanna, followed by a "Yaaay!" from Calleigh.
From here it's a quick trip out into the Positive Energy Plane. Eyes shut against the brightness, the three (four?) soon have a sensation of rising. Crisp, cold air batters against you as you stand before a valley battlefield. A massive river bisects the valley, stone bridges across it. They are the sight of pitched battles, warriors on each side contesting control of the bridges. It's about noon or so, you'd guess.
Hanna steps back, "This good enough?"
"Yes thanks!" Calleigh chirps.
"Now," Dana draws her rapier, "What the hell can you do?" She gestures at the battle, seemingly uncaring of two more arriving on the outskirts of it.
Range?"Which side do you want to win?" Calleigh asks as the mist around her twitches and swirls.
Manifesting Inertial Armor at 24 PP for +15 armor bonus.Tryll
HP: 183
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: None
PP: 525
Calleigh
HP: 91
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: None
Psicrystal
HP: 91
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: None
When you augment a power, could you mention what you augment it up to numerically? Thanks. Like what's inertial armor's armor bonus now?
You're about 250ft from the closer side and 500ft from the far side. Dana waves a hand, "Don't give the slightest shit or fuck. Wipe them all out if you want to, they'll get better."
Updated spoiler block & last post."Let's get a move-on then!" Calleigh zips forward, trailing mist in her wake. With a hissing whistle, three fiery explosions bloom across the flank of the army.
Manifesting Energy Barrage (fire) at 23 PP. No SR. Reflex 29 halves.
[23:35] <Willim> roll 8d6
[23:35] <Kobot> Willim rolled 8d6 --> [ 8d6=36 ]{36}
[23:35] <Willim> roll 8d6
[23:35] <Kobot> Willim rolled 8d6 --> [ 8d6=29 ]{29}
[23:35] <Willim> roll 8d6
[23:35] <Kobot> Willim rolled 8d6 --> [ 8d6=29 ]{29}Tryll
HP: 183
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: None
PP: 502
Calleigh
HP: 91
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: None
Psicrystal
HP: 91
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: None
> roll 1d20+11 vs 29
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 vs 29 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{17}
> roll 1d20+11 vs 29
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 vs 29 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{22}
> roll 1d20+11 vs 29
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 vs 29 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{31}
Blasts of fire rip into the flank of the army. Several warriors go down, ablaze and screaming. The rest of the flank turns its attention to Dana and company as they approach, a wicked grin on her face. "Come on, cocksuckers! Time to get fucked over!"
Init. You're now 150ft from the army's flank.
requesting init rolls
Tryll +6
Calleigh +7
Psicrystal +0
> roll 1d20+6 Tryll
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Tryll --> [ 1d20=3 ]{9}
> roll 1d20+7 Calleigh
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+7 Calleigh --> [ 1d20=5 ]{12}
> roll 1d20 Psycrystal
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 Psycrystal --> [ 1d20=8 ]{8}
> roll 1d20+5 Dana
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 Dana --> [ 1d20=13 ]{18}
> roll 1d20+4 army
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 army --> [ 1d20=18 ]{22}
Initiative order is Army(22) > Dana(18) > Calleigh (12) > Tryll (9) > Psicrystal (8)
Army opens.
Downside to that barrage? You got the warrior's attention. In addition to a few dozen charging the party's way, a rain of arrows comes down at the from the middle. Meanwhile, you can see the battle of the bridges nearby intensify, support robbed from that to your attack.
> roll 1d20+20 flatfooted AC unless uncanny dodges are in play vs all
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+20 flatfooted AC unless uncanny dodges are in play vs all --> [ 1d20=18 ]{38}
I don't see ACs in that block, Yuth. What is everyone's AC?
[spoiler]
Dana: 313/313 Power Points: 239/239
Would an unanimated psicrystal count as an object?Tryll
HP: 183
AC: 43
Touch AC: 28
Flatfooted AC: 39
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: Incorporeal, Hide Mind
PP: 502
Calleigh
HP: 91
AC: 45
Touch AC: 25
Flatfooted AC: 36
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: Magic Circle Against Evil, Tongues
Psicrystal
HP: 91
AC: 29
Touch AC: 14
Flatfooted AC: 29
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: Unanimated (currently being used by Calleigh as a staff, gains no bonuses to initiative. No strenght or dexterity score)
As in not using its propulsion ability or some other meaning?
yes
Yuth, be specific. Yes it isn't using its propulsion ability or some other meaning?
As in not using the propulsion ability.
It would still be a creature unless it loses all traits of being a creature while not using propulsion.
Alrighty
> roll 3d8+18 crystal
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d8+18 crystal --> [ 3d8=10 ]{28}
Damage reduction applies.
A rain of arrows bombards the ground. Tryll just watches them pass through him, while his familiar deftly dodges a deluge of arrows. Dana's armor proves more than proof against them, though the psicrystal takes a few shots. Meanwhile Dana charges right in, coming to within 10ft of the advancing warriors. "Come at me, you mountain fucking bastards!"
Familiar, Tryll and then your psicrystal is up. Go.
Want me to do those separate or together?
Together's fine.
Calleigh stretches out a tiny hand and issues forth a blast of arcane missiles at a single target, popping the lead warrior right in the face five times!
Magic Missile
SR: <Serith> Willim roll for Serith < 41 >12 [d20=18]
<Serith> Willim roll for Serith < 3 >12 [d4=2]
<Serith> Willim roll for Serith < 4 >12 [d4=3]
<Serith> Willim roll for Serith < 3 >12 [d4=2]
<Serith> Willim roll for Serith < 4 >12 [d4=3]
<Serith> Willim roll for Serith < 5 >12 [d4=4]
Meanwhile, the mist around Calleigh flashes and twists. The minds of the warriors immediately behind the lead are twisted! 'Those around you are your enemies and you should fight them instead!' Tryll speaks into their minds.
Manifesting Dominate, Psionic
PP cost: 24
Augmentations: +16 PP to affect a total of 9 targets, +1 PP to extend effect from Concentration to 1 hour
Will 32 negates.
I'm assuming they all appear to be humanoids and not outsiders from the scant look we can see.
The psicrystal is inert and remains motionless in Calleigh's hands
In the interests of fairness here, go ahead and make an K:P check real quick.
[18:11] <Serith> Willim roll for Serith < 34 >12 [d20=8]
You can tell they're outsiders. This is normal for Ysgard - many warriors retain humanoid-esque bodies but are really outsiders. They provide the bulk of the warriors on the plane. You'd know using this wouldn't make sense. Since you're new to the character, you can go ahead and choose a different action.
Another hissing whistle fires off, and three blooms of jagged frost explode amongst the advancing soldiers.
Manifesting Energy Barrage (cold) at 23 PP. No SR. Reflex 29 halves. Note that these are each 10 foot bursts (should have mentioned last time), so anything caught within has to make the save, and if they're running packed together, they're all gonna suck it.
[22:06] <Serith> Willim roll for Serith < 23 >12 [d6=4,3,4,3,2,1,3,3]
[22:06] <Serith> Willim roll for Serith < 21 >12 [d6=4,5,2,5,1,1,1,2]
[22:06] <Serith> Willim roll for Serith < 29 >12 [d6=5,6,3,2,3,1,4,5]Tryll
HP: 183
AC: 43
Touch AC: 28
Flatfooted AC: 39
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: Incorporeal, Hide Mind
PP: 479
Calleigh
HP: 91
AC: 45
Touch AC: 25
Flatfooted AC: 36
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: Magic Circle Against Evil, Tongues
Psicrystal
HP: 61
AC: 29
Touch AC: 14
Flatfooted AC: 29
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: Unanimated (currently being used by Calleigh as a staff, gains no bonuses to initiative. No strength or dexterity score)
> roll 1d20+11
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+11
> roll 1d20+11
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=11]
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=13]
Blasts of energy pepper the warriors as magic missiles pelt them. Several go down, several more staggering under the assault. The battle at the bridge grows bloodier, the opposite side pressing harder as defenders are peeled away from the main struggle. Shouts and the song of steel on steel echos amid the valley as Dana's challenge is met head on. The warriors come right at her, trying to overwhelm her in a tide of bodies and blades.
Arrows don't follow this time, instead focusing on the bridge and supporting that battle.
> roll 1d20+21
> roll 1d20+21
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 34 > [d20=13]
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+21
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 34 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+21
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=9]
But Dana stands there, a rock amid the storm. She's not touched even once, a scoff and a laugh following, "That's fucking it? Pussies." Her rapier flashes out, trying to skewer all the warriors.
Augmenting offensive prescience to 22 to use as a swift action and boosting the damage up to +7.
> roll 1d20+38 rapier storm
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 42 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+33 rapier storm
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 47 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+33 rapier storm crit?
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 46 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+28 rapier storm crit?
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 32 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+23 rapier storm crit?
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 31 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d6+28 (+7 op)
> roll 1d6+28 (+7 op)
> roll 1d6+28 (+7 op)
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 30 > [d6=2]
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 33 > [d6=5]
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 31 > [d6=3]
> roll 2d6+56 (+7 op) the crit
<Serith> Infinite_Ko_Loop roll for Serith < 67 > [d6=5,6]
Warriors are skewered left and right around Dana. She's a storm, running one through the heart, then whipping to the side to smash one's face in with her elbow. Another heart blow on a third and fourth, lined up like kebobs on her rapier. Soon the warriors around her are down or falling back, the attack on the group stuttering out.
Go, your end of it is up, Tryll.
[spoiler]
Dana: 313/313 Power Points: 217/239
Nothing visibly changes, yet...
'You should fight your friends, too! It'd be fun!'
Let's try this again!
Manifesting Dominate, Psionic
PP cost: 24
Augmentations: +12 PP to affect a total of 7 targets, +1 PP to extend effect from Concentration to 1 hour, +4 PP to affect animals, fey, giants, magical beasts, monstrous humanoids, aberrations, dragons, elementals, & outsiders.
Will 32 negates.
Waiting on resolution before continuing.
> roll 1d20+11 Rei-chan
<Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d20+11 Rei-chan --> [ 1d20=10 ]{21}
Success. It won't show until their turn, though. Continue.
Another blast of arcane darts lash out from Calleigh!
[21:08] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 1d20+23 SR --> [ 1d20=5 ]{28}
[21:07] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 1d4+1 --> [ 1d4=1 ]{2}
[21:07] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 1d4+1 --> [ 1d4=4 ]{5}
[21:07] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 1d4+1 --> [ 1d4=1 ]{2}
[21:07] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 1d4+1 --> [ 1d4=2 ]{3}
[21:07] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 1d4+1 --> [ 1d4=3 ]{4}
The psicrystal in Calleigh's hands again does nothing, but it is assuredly very menacing while doing so.
Missiles fly out and plunk more, even downing a warrior with a hit right ot the heart. At this point, the rear of the army has been devastated, even worse when civil war breaks out amid them. Warrior against warrior results in more falling, complete chaos breaking out at this point. Arrows come all about, hitting friend and foe alike.
> roll 1d20+15 (-5 infighting)
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+15 (-5 infighting) --> [ 1d20=6 ]{21}
Dana simply ignores the arrows, not getting past her shield or armor. Tryll is not subject to such simple things, while Calleigh dodges and protects the crystal. Warriors swing at her, only a few, as any advance towards Tryll and company halts.
> roll 1d20+16 (-5 infighting)
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+16 (-5 infighting) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{21}
At this point, blood and bodies are everywhere. The battlefield is rocked as the bridge defenders are starting to fall back or be slain. The rear is a complete mess, ally against ally. Dana cackles at this, "Fucking pussy ass motherfuckers!" Her rapier flashes out, trying to end the warriors around her.
> roll 1d20+38 rapier storm
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+38 rapier storm --> [ 1d20=16 ]{54}
> roll 1d20+38 rapier storm crit?
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+38 rapier storm crit? --> [ 1d20=16 ]{54}
> roll 1d20+33 rapier storm crit?
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+33 rapier storm --> [ 1d20=1 ]{34}
> roll 1d20+28 rapier storm
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+28 rapier storm --> [ 1d20=3 ]{31}
> roll 1d20+23 rapier storm
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+23 rapier storm --> [ 1d20=3 ]{26}
> roll 1d6+28
> roll 1d6+28
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d6+28 --> [ 1d6=5 ]{33}
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d6+28 --> [ 1d6=5 ]{33}
> roll 2d6+56 crit
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 2d6+56 crit --> [ 2d6=10 ]{66}
More smooth, far too fast strikes. Dana impales the heart of one, before another thrust skewers the brain of a second warrior. They're falling fast and hard, the offensive towards you in complete tatters.
Go.
[spoiler]
Dana: 313/313 Power Points: 217/239 Buffs: Offensive Prescience (+7) (ML 22)
Further out, a ring of heat and fire bursts into existence!
Energy Wall
PP: 5
Ring is 60 feet wide, damage faces inward. Everything within the wall as it manifests takes 33 fire damage. Creatures within 10 feet of the edge of the wall take 11 fire damage. Creatures beyond 10 feet but not 20 feet take 7 fire damage. Per round. DC 23 Reflex for half.
[16:18] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 2d6+20+2 --> [ 2d6=11 ]{33}
[16:18] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 2d6+2 --> [ 2d6=9 ]{11}
[16:18] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 1d6+1 --> [ 1d6=6 ]{7}
Meanwhile, Calleigh dances around the hail of arrows, laughing.
No action by Calleigh or psicrystal.
Where exactly are you manifesting this wall?
Let's say 30 feet beyond the dudes that I Dominated.
Near the bridges a wall of fire appears, scorching several more warriors.
> roll 1d20+11 reflex
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+11 reflex --> [ 1d20=10 ]{21}
Yet more fall, ablaze and burning. The archers start to fall back - only for the bridges to be taken and warriors stream across, setting into them. The few survivors are pinned, being decimated as Dana laugh. "That's it? Shit, I need a real fight."
"Hm. I wonder." Another voice says, female and powerful. It's the voice of a warrioress, coming from all around all of you. To each of you it seems to be spoken, "Today's war has been decided far quicker than it should have been."
Free act for now.
"We got someone's atten-tion~!" Calleigh singsongs.
Dana looks around, the corpses of the fallen all around her. "Eh? So someone's balls finally dropped and they show up?"
120ft above the party appears a figure. A figure clad in black armor and with white wings, a celestial of some sort. Swords float around her middle, points down - half a dozen, from a shortsword to a gleaming silver greatsword. "This is my warband and you interfere. Since you crave battle, have at you!" You can get a glimpse of short cut blonde hair, the rest of her figure hidden by armor.
The remaining battle freezes at this, all attention turning up to the party and the angel above. The blades around her spin faster as...
Initiative here.
[21:11] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 1d20+6 Tryll init --> [ 1d20=20 ]{26}
[21:12] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 1d20+7 Calleigh init --> [ 1d20=19 ]{26}
[21:12] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 1d20 Psicrystal init --> [ 1d20=3 ]{3}
> roll 1d20+5 Dana
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+5 Dana --> [ 1d20=6 ]{11}
> roll 1d20+11 valkyrie
<Kobot> Super_Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+11 valkyrie --> [ 1d20=6 ]{17}
Intiative order is Tryll = Calleigh (26) > Valkyrie (17) > Dana (11) > Psicrystal (3)
Open, Tryll and Calleigh.
Roll to know who/what that thing is?
K:P.
[15:26] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 1d20+26 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{46}
The woman above you is a valkyrie.
You passed the result by a ton, so I'll just link you to the generic valkyrie sheet. It's likely she's an advanced specimen and thus has greater abilities than the norm.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103072.msg1059418.html#msg1059418
Calleigh uses Detect Magic and passes along everything she can see to Tryll, who acts accordingly!
Also since she can use my skills,
[10:57] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 1d20 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{11}
Plus Tryll's ranks in Psicraft and Calleigh's Int mod: 11+26+3=40
The swords around the valkyrie? Magic. Her armor? Magic. Herself? Oh, several different enchantments. She's prepared for war, but it would take more time of studying to get more than that.
Tryll.
Discordant reality lashes out across the intervening space at the woman!
Dispel Psionics, augmented
PP Cost: 10
Allows up to +20 to dispel.
Hitting her and the area around her.
[11:15] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 1d20+20 Dispel --> [ 1d20=7 ]{27}Tryll
HP: 183
AC: 43
Touch AC: 28
Flatfooted AC: 39
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: Incorporeal, Hide Mind
PP: 450
Calleigh
HP: 91
AC: 45
Touch AC: 25
Flatfooted AC: 36
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: Magic Circle Against Evil, Tongues
Psicrystal
HP: 61
AC: 29
Touch AC: 14
Flatfooted AC: 29
Active Effects: Inertial Armor
Passive Effects: Unanimated (currently being used by Calleigh as a staff, gains no bonuses to initiative. No strength or dexterity score)
The magic around the valkyrie is assaulted - but like soldiers against a great wall, they hit it and fail, becoming little more than a dashed memory against it.
"Is that it?" The valkyrie asks, descending to 50ft down. She imperiously gestures at Calleigh and Dana, her blades all flying from her to assail the both of them.
> roll 1d20+32 vs Calleigh
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisImpossibleDemand rolled 1d20+32 vs Calleigh --> [ 1d20=2 ]{34}
> roll 1d20+33 vs Calleigh
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisImpossibleDemand rolled 1d20+33 vs Calleigh --> [ 1d20=19 ]{52}
> roll 1d20+33 vs Calleigh crit?
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisImpossibleDemand rolled 1d20+33 vs Calleigh crit? --> [ 1d20=6 ]{39}
> roll 1d20+31 vs Dana
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisImpossibleDemand rolled 1d20+31 vs Dana --> [ 1d20=10 ]{41}
> roll 1d20+35 vs Dana
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisImpossibleDemand rolled 1d20+35 vs Dana --> [ 1d20=15 ]{50}
> roll 2d6+20+1d6+1d6 (first 1d6 is fire and the second is cold in case she has resistances)
<Kobot> Ko-NitorisImpossibleDemand rolled 2d6+20+1d6+1d6 (first 1d6 is fire and the second is cold in case she has resistances) --> [ 2d6=11 1d6=3 1d6=5 ]{39}
The blades soar down and out, two clanging against Dana's shield. She blocks both of them quickly, all while Calleigh tries to dodge. She manages to avoid one, only for the other to graze her. Unfortunately, it's a greatsword, so a graze is akin to a deep slice to the tiny little courre. It cuts deep into her side, blood welling out from the wound.
Dana's up.
"Oh fuck you," Dana calls up. "Fuck you and the unicorn you fucked on the way over here!"
On second thought, she'll hold a sec to give Tryll and Calleigh a chance to act before she tries something. Go you two. Psicrystal too if he's going to do anything.
A translucent sphere of force appears around the group, but is ignored by the swords.
"Agh!" Calleigh shrieks as she is sliced by the falling blade.
Intellect Fortress manifested for 5 rounds. Immediate action. I know this will ignore it but this is just in case she decides to start blasting too.
PP Cost: 11Tryll
HP: 183
AC: 43
Touch AC: 28
Flatfooted AC: 39
Active Effects: Inertial Armor, Intellect Fortress
Passive Effects: Incorporeal, Hide Mind
PP: 439
Calleigh
HP: 57
AC: 45
Touch AC: 25
Flatfooted AC: 36
Active Effects: Inertial Armor, Intellect Fortress
Passive Effects: Magic Circle Against Evil, Tongues
Psicrystal
HP: 61
AC: 29
Touch AC: 14
Flatfooted AC: 29
Active Effects: Inertial Armor, Intellect Fortress
Passive Effects: Unanimated (currently being used by Calleigh as a staff, gains no bonuses to initiative. No strength or dexterity score)
Okay then. Dana'll take her held action.
Intiative order is Tryll = Calleigh (26) > Dana (18) > Valkyrie (17) > Psicrystal (3)
"Hey bitch," Dana cries, her head shifting into a black scaled, draconic visage. Her voice turns into a guttural roar, "FUCK YOU!"
Breath of the black dragon on the dancing weapons around her, augmented to 22 PP for 22d6 damage. Reflex half.
> roll 1d20+20 reflex vs DC 23
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+20 reflex vs DC 23
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=8]
> roll 22d6
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 92 > [d6=3,3,6,6,6,1,4,4,5,5,1,5,5,1,1,2,4,6,6,6,6,6]
46 acid damage to each weapon before any hardness.
The swords are grazed by her acid breath, splashes of it sizzling against the bare metal. Foul steam rises up from the two, but neither is down yet. Indeed, the valkyrie looks down with a scowl, "An ill tempered cur, eh?" she mutters to herself, descending down to the ground and gesturing with her free hand. "Come at me, you crazed bitch!" She then settles into a ready stance.
Meanwhile her weapons keep striking, two on Calleigh and two on Dana.
She's in some sort of offensive stance, ready to strike. Psicrystal and then Tryll and Calleigh are up.
'
> roll 1d20+32 vs Calleigh
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 45 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+33 vs Calleigh
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 37 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+31 vs Dana
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 47 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+35 vs Dana
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 42 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d8+20 and 1 Con damage Calleigh
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 27 > [d8=7]
A direct hit. Calleigh is skewered on the side, wobbling in the air as she bleeds profusely. She can barely stay aloft, the dancing weapons devastating her.
Go, psycrystal and the two of you. Dana's after and then valkyrie again.
[spoiler]
Dana: 313/313 Power Points: 195/239
"Who cuts up a courre!? THAT'S SO MEAN!" Calleigh shouts.
Psicrystal holding action until after Tryll's.Time slows...or the three speed up. One of the two. Either way, vigor is bestowed, and wounds rapidly close.
As time resumes its normal flow, the mist spreads, thinning as Calleigh pales a bit. Abruptly, six blooms of explosive noise detonate in a tight circle around the valkyrie.
Manifesting Temporal Acceleration, Vigor, True Metabolism, Inconstant Location, Twinned Energy Barrage
Temporal Acceleration
PP Cost: 23
Lasts 3 rounds
Shaken for 1 round
Vigor
PP Cost: 20
Lasts 24 minutes
100 temp HP for Tryll, Callegh, Psicrystal
True Metabolism
PP Cost: 15
Lasts 24 minutes
Fast healing 10
Inconstant Location
PP Cost: 11
Lasts 1 minute
Swift teleport at will, max distance equal to move speed.
Energy Barrage, Twinned (sonic)
PP Cost: 21
Expending Psionic Focus
DC 27 Reflex to halve. Per text, save for each explosion individually.
[20:29] <Serith> Muirfinn roll for Serith < 23 >12 [d6=1,5,4,5,5,3]
[20:29] <Serith> Muirfinn roll for Serith < 16 >12 [d6=1,1,5,1,2,6]
[20:29] <Serith> Muirfinn roll for Serith < 30 >12 [d6=2,6,6,4,6,6]
[20:29] <Serith> Muirfinn roll for Serith < 20 >12 [d6=2,5,4,5,1,3]
[20:29] <Serith> Muirfinn roll for Serith < 24 >12 [d6=5,6,4,6,1,2]
[20:30] <Serith> Muirfinn roll for Serith < 16 >12 [d6=3,2,1,5,1,4]Calleigh blinks away from the blades, appearing 60 feet away to her right!
Before Psicrystal and Calleigh finish acting, how far away is the Valkyrie, and is she in Melee range of Dana?Tryll
HP: 183+100
AC: 43
Touch AC: 28
Flatfooted AC: 39
Active Effects: Inertial Armor, Intellect Fortress, Vigor, True Metabolism, Inconstant Location, Shaken 1 round
Passive Effects: Incorporeal, Hide Mind
PP: 349
Calleigh
HP: 7+100
AC: 45
Touch AC: 25
Flatfooted AC: 36
Active Effects: Inertial Armor, Intellect Fortress, Vigor, True Metabolism, Inconstant Location, Shaken 1 round
Passive Effects: Magic Circle Against Evil, Tongues
Psicrystal
HP: 61+100
AC: 29
Touch AC: 14
Flatfooted AC: 29
Active Effects: Inertial Armor, Intellect Fortress, Vigor, True Metabolism, Inconstant Location, Shaken 1 round
Passive Effects: Unanimated (currently being used by Calleigh as a staff, gains no bonuses to initiative. No strength or dexterity score)
The valkyrie is 40ft away from you. She's not in melee range of Dana yet, though Dana looks about ready to change that.
Saves rolled and ready for when you're done, I'll hash it all out then.
> roll 1d20+20 reflex vs DC 27
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+20 reflex vs DC 27
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 40 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+20 reflex vs DC 27
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 40 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+20 reflex vs DC 27
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 36 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+20 reflex vs DC 27
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+20 reflex vs DC 27
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 40 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+20 reflex vs DC 27
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 33 > [d20=13]
Calleigh pulls a wand from her pack, pointing it at herself. "SHAZAM!" And she vanishes.
Greater Invis, 7 rounds.
The Psicrystal will hold until Dana's turn is over.
Dana bulls right on ahead as Calleigh vanishes, a wordless shout of challenge as she comes in shield first, bashing her back before trying to skewer her with her rapier. A chain of bright white ectoplasm forms over her arms and legs, her armor pushed out as her muscles bulge.
Using chain of personal superiority+4 for +4 insight to Strength and Constitution for 1 minute. That's a free action.
> roll 1d20+41 (+2 charge, +2 chain of personal superiority, -4 PA)
<Kobot> Ko-NitoriSolvesProblems rolled 1d20+41 (+2 charge, +2 chain of personal superiority, -4 PA) --> [ 1d20=16 ]{57}
> roll 1d20+41 (+2 charge, +2 chain of personal superiority, -4 PA) crit?
<Kobot> Ko-NitoriSolvesProblems rolled 1d20+41 (+2 charge, +2 chain of personal superiority, -4 PA) crit? --> [ 1d20=19 ]{60}
> roll 2d6+64 (+7 offensive prescience, +4 PA)
<Kobot> Ko-NitoriSolvesProblems rolled 2d6+64 (+7 offensive prescience, +4 PA) --> [ 2d6=5 ]{69}
Dana charges right into the valkyrie's personal space, managing to skewer her in the outer shoulder. The two come face to face for one moment, a smirk on Dana's face. Then the valkyrie rears back and headbutts her back, rapier and all tearing out. A moment later she materializes a huge lump of iron in her hands. It's a cudgel of sorts, as much a hunk of iron that was once half melted and then cooled. She steps back and swings, right for Dana's middle.
Valkyrie is using her counterattack ability.
> roll 1d20+46 (+4 ???, +2 ????)
<Kobot> Ko-NitoriSolvesProblems rolled 1d20+46 (+4 ???, +2 ????) --> [ 1d20=2 ]{48}
But Dana brings her shield up, the silver scaled shield holding up under the impact. Freezing mist is sent gushing out in all directions from the blow, akin to hot steel being quenched in water.
Psycrystal was holding. Do you want to go now as desired?
[spoiler]Dana: 313/313 (357/357) Power Points: 195/239 Buffs: Offensive Prescience (+7 insight damage), Chain of Personal Superiority (+4 insight Strength/Constitution)
Behind and just overlapping the valkyrie, a many-tentacled mass of translucent ectoplasm forms. Its shapeless, undulating, and rugose form enveloping the area and jostling everything nearby with uncomfortable pressure.
Manifesting Ectoplasmic Shambler, edge just overlapping the valkyrie. Covers a 30x30ft area up to 10 feet high. 20 ft high in the center. Immediate 12 physical damage.
All spells/powers/etc require a concentration check of 15 + power's or spell's level.
It looks sort of like this guy!(http://images-cdn.moviepilot.com/images/c_fill,h_423,w_1000/t_mp_quality/qzzozcl9gduwq4use9ow/hollywood-s-biggest-secret-revealed-ghostbusters-2-slimer-slimer-on-the-big-scre-407732.jpg)
Intiative order is Tryll = Calleigh (26) > Dana (18) > Psycrystal = Ectoplasmic Shambler (17.5) > Valkyrie (17)
Valkyrie is up.
Waves of ectoplasm and tentacles surround the valkyrie, chipping and clawing at her. She grunts at this as her weapons begin to move.
She takes 1 on the concentration check, she can't fail it. No point rolling an irrelevant check. However, she will make an K:A check to see if she knows about ectoplasmic shamblers.
> roll 1d20+20 K:A
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+20 K:A --> [ 1d20=14 ]{34}
The four animated weapons take to the air, going right for Dana's back.
> roll 1d20+32
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+32 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{48}
> roll 1d20+33
> roll 1d20+31
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+33 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{45}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+31 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{32}
> roll 1d20+35
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+35 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{37}
But the rocky armor she wears takes each thrust and holds first, unable to be penetrated. The valkyrie grasps her club, bracing and taking one absolutely massive swing at Dana.
> roll 1d20+45 (+4 ????, +1 ???)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+45 (+4 ????, +1 ???) --> [ 1d20=20 ]{65}
> roll 1d20+45 (+4 ????, +1 ???) crit
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+45 (+4 ????, +1 ???) crit --> [ 1d20=12 ]{57}
> roll 4d6+57+10d6+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d6+57+10d6+2d6 --> [ 4d6=12 10d6=35 2d6=8 ]{112}
> roll 1d20+38 Fortitude Dana
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+38 Fortitude Dana --> [ 1d20=2 ]{40}
Dana's hit head on, a crack as her nose breaks and face caves in. She's sent flying 50ft, landing in a heap on the ground. As she struggles to get up, you see her face is a mess of blood and broken bones. Nonetheless, Ysgard's traits show true, as the wound is already starting to mend.
Go Yuth, you're up. REmember Ysgard's fast healing 2 if needed.
[spoiler]Dana: 313/313 (255/357) Power Points: 195/239 Buffs: Offensive Prescience (+7 insight damage), Chain of Personal Superiority (+4 insight Strength/Constitution)
At this level, the Concentration check is laughable. The 5 ft limitation to vision isn't. And it's not subject to True Seeing because it's actually "real" and not just an illusory effect.
I see my phone post was eaten by my phone. Alas.The mist flashes multicolored bolts of faux electricity before two jagged arcs of black lightning leap from the mist to strike the Valkyrie.
Manifesting Stygian Bolt, Twinned (found in CPsi)
Reflex DC 26 negates
Augmented: Extra 1d4 negative levels
PP Cost: 23
[21:07] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 2d4 NLs --> [ 2d4=4 ]{4}
[21:07] <Kobot> Muirfinn rolled 2d4 NLs --> [ 2d4=7 ]{7}
Here's hoping she eats them both.Tryll
HP: 183+100
AC: 43
Touch AC: 28
Flatfooted AC: 39
Active Effects: Inertial Armor, Intellect Fortress, Vigor, True Metabolism, Inconstant Location,
Passive Effects: Incorporeal, Hide Mind
PP: 326
Calleigh
HP: 17+100
AC: 45
Touch AC: 25
Flatfooted AC: 36
Active Effects: Inertial Armor, Intellect Fortress, Vigor, True Metabolism, Inconstant Location,
Passive Effects: Magic Circle Against Evil, Tongues
Psicrystal
HP: 61+100
AC: 29
Touch AC: 14
Flatfooted AC: 29
Active Effects: Inertial Armor, Intellect Fortress, Vigor, True Metabolism, Inconstant Location, Shaken 1 round
Passive Effects: Unanimated (currently being used by Calleigh as a staff, gains no bonuses to initiative. No strength or dexterity score)
Psi-like ability (Ectoplasmic Shambler): Expended
> roll 1d20+20 vs 27
<Kobot> Ko-Kappafear rolled 1d20+20 vs 27 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{26}
> roll 1d20+20 vs 27
<Kobot> Ko-Kappafear rolled 1d20+20 vs 27 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{40}
4 negative levels.
The valkyrie screams as the black lightning hits her, withering her body rather than shocking her. Dana meanwhile gets up, spitting away blood and several teeth. "Youse huckfing HORE!" Or something like that anyway, as Dana gathers energy into herself. A corona of golden energy surrounds her, shining bright.
Vigor augmened to 22 PP for 110 temp hit points. Psycrystal and shambler are up. Go.
[spoiler]Dana: 313/313 (257/357+110 temp hit points) Power Points: 195/239 Buffs: Offensive Prescience (+7 insight damage), Chain of Personal Superiority (+4 insight Strength/Constitution)
Calleigh flutters back to Tryll, but otherwise chooses to take no action. The psicrystal remains inert.
Edit: 12 physical to Valk
The valkyrie shimmers and vanishes, a burst of magic as she teleports away. She appears 100ft above Dana, glaring down at her now. "You want a real battle? No more games."
Auto passes the Concentration check, so no roll. Tryll and familiar are up.
But Tryll likes games, especially Tag. Specifically, he tags the valkyrie at range. With another Ectoplasmic Shambler! With her at the center!
"Come back and play!" Calleigh shouts while opting for additional protection by adopting her alternate form.
Troll'd.
Ectoplasmic Shambler.
PP Cost: 9Tryll
HP: 183+100
AC: 43
Touch AC: 28
Flatfooted AC: 39
Active Effects: Inertial Armor, Intellect Fortress, Vigor, True Metabolism, Inconstant Location,
Passive Effects: Incorporeal, Hide Mind
PP: 317
Calleigh
HP: 27+100
AC: 45
Touch AC: 25
Flatfooted AC: 36
Active Effects: Inertial Armor, Intellect Fortress, Vigor, True Metabolism, Inconstant Location
Passive Effects: Magic Circle Against Evil, Tongues, Incorporeal
Psicrystal
HP: 61+100
AC: 29
Touch AC: 14
Flatfooted AC: 29
Active Effects: Inertial Armor, Intellect Fortress, Vigor, True Metabolism, Inconstant Location, Shaken 1 round
Passive Effects: Unanimated (currently being used by Calleigh as a staff, gains no bonuses to initiative. No strength or dexterity score)
Psi-like ability (Ectoplasmic Shambler): Expended
There's a groan of pain and frustration from the valkyrie as another shambler appears over her. Dana cackles as she looks up, holding for the moment.
Psycrystal's up.
Psicrystal holds, it lacks useful actions at this time.
The valkyrie's weapons fly up to her, dancing just outside of the range of the mists. "Enough of this!" The weapons begin to multiply - 4 become 8, then 16, 32, 64 and more. A storm of weapons is above you, "Be torn asunder," she shouts, as all the weapons plummet down at the party.
Ref saves, all.
[10:42][10:42] <Kobot> Lobsterfinn rolled 1d20+21 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{23} Tryll (Incorporeal)
[10:42] <Kobot> Lobsterfinn rolled 1d20+26 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{37} Calleigh (incorporeal)
[10:42] <Kobot> Lobsterfinn rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{21} Psicrystal
Wouldn't Calleigh have evasion since she's a familiar?
Oh yes good call she does. Both she and the psicrystal have Improved Evasion.
> roll 1d20+27 Dana
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+27 Dana --> [ 1d20=6 ]{33}
> roll 1d100 vs incorporeal
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs incorporeal --> [ 1d100=59 ]{59}
> roll 5d8+10d6+5d10+5d12
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 5d8+10d6+5d10+5d12 --> [ 5d8=31 10d6=43 5d10=25 5d12=34 ]{133}
Dana half, Tryll full, Calleigh none, psycrystal half (failed but improved evasion). Damage reduction applies. Since that's a pretty big beating, let me know if anyone goes down from it.
We're fine.
Blades of all types rain down. The party is skewered and stabbed, the aftermath leaving them wounded but alive. Cuts all over, but nothing remotely critical. "Perish," The valkyrie snaps, "Perish already, you bothersome pests!"
Dana's reply is to give her an obscene gesture, followed by spitting out another tooth. It at least clears her voice up, if nothing else. "Fuck you! If you don't like it, you can go fuck a troll!"
Tryll and Calleigh, you're up.
[spoiler]Dana: 313/313 (257/357+54 temp hit points) Power Points: 195/239 Buffs: Offensive Prescience (+7 insight damage), Chain of Personal Superiority (+4 insight Strength/Constitution)
"You're gonna hide in the cloud!? This is Ysgard! There's no hiding here! You're a valkyrie! You're supposed to lead by example!" Calleigh shouts, turning her voice on the nearby(ish?) soldiers. "ARE YOU GONNA FOLLOW SOMEONE WHO HIDES IN CLOUDS AND RUNS AWAY FROM A SWORDFIGHT!?"
[14:11] <Kobot> Lobsterfinn rolled 1d20+33 for Diplomacy since this is not really a Bluff --> [ 1d20=11 ]{44}
Also 12 damage to Ms. Scaredy-Pantz.
While Calleigh is yelling at the armies fighting each other, the cloud containing the valkyrie rises up above her, slapping her around a bit before revealing her to those below.
Moving the shambler with my brain. Also taking a 1 to use a move action to refocus psionically, since I can't fail when not in melee.
A flash and a whistle from on high, and six blooms of distorted sound batter the valkyrie in an attempt to remind her that the sky isn't exactly safe either.
Energy Barrage, Twinned (sonic)
PP Cost: 21
Expending Psionic Focus
DC 27 Reflex to halve. Per text, save for each explosion individually.
[14:22] <Kobot> Lobsterfinn rolled 6#6d6 -->
[ 6d6=22 ]{22}
[ 6d6=17 ]{17}
[ 6d6=16 ]{16}
[ 6d6=21 ]{21}
[ 6d6=17 ]{17}
[ 6d6=24 ]{24}
> roll 1d20+20 ref
> roll 1d20+20 ref
> roll 1d20+20 ref
> roll 1d20+20 ref
> roll 1d20+20 ref
> roll 1d20+20 ref
<Kobot> Ko-SagetorisAquarium rolled 1d20+20 ref --> [ 1d20=12 ]{32}
<Kobot> Ko-SagetorisAquarium rolled 1d20+20 ref --> [ 1d20=9 ]{29}
<Kobot> Ko-SagetorisAquarium rolled 1d20+20 ref --> [ 1d20=15 ]{35}
<Kobot> Ko-SagetorisAquarium rolled 1d20+20 ref --> [ 1d20=13 ]{33}
<Kobot> Ko-SagetorisAquarium rolled 1d20+20 ref --> [ 1d20=4 ]{24}
<Kobot> Ko-SagetorisAquarium rolled 1d20+20 ref --> [ 1d20=3 ]{23}
"You impudent little courre, it's called strateg-" The valkyre shouts down, before blast after blast rocks her. Already wounded, she can do naught but plummet to the ground. She hits with a bone-cracking crunch, lying on the ground and bleeding out. Victory!
Free act.
Calleigh resumes her physical form, dusting herself off as wounds close. She pokes her crystal stick, prodding at a crack rent in the otherwise smooth surface. "...gonna need another of these." She flutters over to Dana, mist trailing behind her. "You good?"
The victorious soldiers watched the entire battle, now gawking at it all. Dana struts on over, "Yeah, I'm fine. Dumb bitch put on airs, thought she was something." Turning aside and spitting out more blood, "You're pretty fucking good with that mind shit, though."
Calleigh smiles brightly. "We get by. What's next?"
"This." Dana promptly goes over to the slain valkyrie, who has dissolved into light. She picks up her bloody chestplate and hurls it over at the soldiers, "Hey, you worthless fucking cock sheathes! Tell that bitch next time we show up, she'd best bend over, since we're going to ram our fucking foot long Aurora cock up her ass and call it recruitment!"
Calleigh stares at Dana in open wonderment. "Do you take time to just come up with this stuff, or is it natural?"
"I took motherfucking diction lessons because I'm a princess," Dana snorts, spitting out a touch more blood. The soldiers just stare in absolute shock at Dana's display, "Let's find Hanna and get back to Aurora. I've seen enough."
Calleigh waves cheerily at the assembled warriors. "Bye soldier-men! You're adorable! Have fun murdering each other!"
Anything else to do in Ysgard or ready to return?
Nope!
Nothing to do because Merc is a poopyface
The group returns to Aurora. Hanna goes off once you're back, leaving you with just Dana. "Anyway," she says, "I'll tell them that you know your ass from a hole in the ground. Elena, get them a room or something."
Elena promptly appears as Dana leaves. "Hi," she says, "You want a room? I understand it'll need to be a big room?"
Calleigh's expression takes on a strange mixture of gobsmacked and confused. "A...room? You're giving us a room? I mean, we've just been staying on the streets in Brightwater most of the time. You're giving us a ROOM? A whole room? Like, a place with four walls and a roof? Wow, it's been ages since someone actually OFFERED us a room. Usually we have to con som-er, CONVINCE someone to get a room. We're loud. And bright. And colorful! And nobody really appreciates good art anymore! And you wanna give us a room! Oh gosh no we don't need a big one. I'm a courre and Tryll is...Tryll. He takes up literally no space. Wow! A room! Neat! Do you have painting supplies? Are we allowed to paint?"
"You can do whatever you like in your room," Elena laughs lightly, "It's yours as long as you're here. It's fine."
Calleigh begins zipping around Elena's head in rapid circles, jubilantly singing off-key. "We're gonna get our own roooooooom!"
"Yes, yes," Elena laughs and shakes her head, "Just follow me before you smack into something."
"Yaaaaaaay!" Calleigh continues to orbit Elena. "So are you a ghost? You don't look like a ghost. Most ghosts I've seen are scary and mean. You're nice! And sweet! Also pretty. Where are we going? With there be stairs? A tower? You have a big green gem in the sky, what's that? Oh! And there are so many people here! This place is SO BIG!"
"I'm Aurora's controlling spirit," Elena says, holding a hand up. "You know, if you keep asking me questions, we won't get to your room. So just follow me." She goes off at this, heading back to the entry hall.
"But I have SO MANY QUESTIONS!" Calleigh squees.
"That's good," Elena perks up as you go into the entry hall. It's busy as always, people hurrying along and into and out of portals. The Aurora golems stand on guard as you follow. "There's someone here who is specialized in asking questions and answering them. His name is Elder Magi Tepen and he's always glad to help."
"That name sounds familiar!" Calleigh chirps helpfully.
"Good." Elena leads into a portal, which leads to a hallway. You're lead down it, few people here. It's quieter in general. "You can usually find him in the library. Just go up to him and ask him any questions you have."
"Gosh you guys are nice here." Calleigh says, openly eyeing people and sights as they pass.
It's a hallway. Not the most interesting thing ever. The walls are white stone here and quite smooth. You soon come to a metal door, one Elena steps aside from. "Here," she says. "Go on in, this is it."
"This stone is awesome." Calleigh declares before turning to the door. "Oooohh a METAL door!" The door opens itself and Calleigh flies in. "Thank you!"
Telekinetic Force PLA.
It's a nice, large room. There's a bed, table, a couch, chairs and a walk in closet. Also a dresser drawer to go with it. Altogether a rather nice place. "You're free to decorate it however you like," Elena says, waving and turning. "Have fun!"
"Ohhhhhhhhh wow I'm gonna color this orange and the mattress SKY BLUE and this desk is nice but it could use more purple and this couch needs GREEN and..." Calleigh trains off, babbling about colors and changing her mind several times as she rapidly inspects every corner and cranny of the room.
Anything you need to do IC in regards to decorating here?
Nah, it can all be handwaved.
Okay then, anything you want to get done on Aurora while you have some free time?
I want to meet Baleruk and see if I DIE.
Fair enough. How do you intend to do that?
Well, let's approach this using logical progression. Tryll & Calleigh are maybe only vaguely aware of Baleruk, as I'm sure the Aurora having a gigantic dragon would not be a secret. I will start with Elena's advice and visit Tepen! Preferably after a day in order to regain abilities/PP if possible!
Sure thing.
Rest comes and with it recovery. The next day is taken with finding Tepen. You track him down in the library. He's bent over a tome, pouring over it and making notes as he writes. He's completely absorbed in it, not even the barest reaction as Tryll and Calleigh approach.
Calleigh remains mostly silent except for the whisper of tiny wings flitting behind her as she slowly and carefully approaches Tepen.
Move Silently check.
[10:25] <Kobot> Lobsterfinn rolled 1d20+16 MS --> [ 1d20=13 ]{29}
> roll 1d20+33
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+33 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{36}
Tepen pauses his reading and turns as Calleigh approaches, the faintest rustling of wings enough to catch his attention. "Ah. A courre...Calleigh, by chance?" He closes his book, "I heard you made quite an entrance to Aurora."
"Hi!" Calleigh zips up to Tepen. "Whadda ya mean we made an entrance?" She looks around. "We didn't even really start painting yet. But we could! Paint! Whatcha doin'?"
"Your unseen friend. Hanna told me about him," Tepen nods in the vague direction of Tryll. "I'm studying to help unravel some of the lore and magic we recently recorded in an encounter with a powerful devil."
"Oh good Hanna told everyone. Getting attacked over and over is really tedious. But DEVILS! Gross! We could help!"
"How skilled are you with spell analysis?" Tepen asks, "Are you resistant to lawful and evil energies? Are you experienced with the control of Baatorian ideas and how to purge those thoughts from your mind despite patterns that insist they'll continue forever?"
"I'm a courre, we're naturally resistant to evil influences. And Tryll is great with the brain stuff!"
"Do you think you can withstand this? It is the weight to drag an entire world into Hell," Tepen says, any trace of good humor gone. "If you are certain, I will consider it."
"Yep!" Calleigh remains cheerful. "We knew what we were getting into when we signed up for this. We've done weird before. And scary apocalypse stuff too. Well I haven't, but Tryll has. And I was around for the Androlynne thing. Sort of. But if you don't want help, I totally understand." A very large grin forms on her face. "Elena told me to come to you. I have questions! So many."
"You're also new," Tepen says, "While I find your confidence encouraging, it's best not to risk it for a variety of reasons." Resting his arm atop his closed book, "What questions do you have?"
"Weeeeeeelllllll..." Calleigh inhales deeply in a tiny fashion. "What is this place? Where did it come from? Who made it? Did you make it? Why did you pick these bland colors? What's with the giant green gem and the castle in the sky? I heard someone mention a hot spring. You have a hot spring? How's this place move? Did Elena die here? Is that why she's a ghost? What book is that? Is it about paints? Or slaad? Or eladrin? Oooooooh eladrin painting slaads??? Slaads are fun, and colorful. Renbuu is big on colors, I hear. Oh! Oh! Oh! Why are we camped out on the Positive Energy Plane, and why haven't we all popped yet? Also what happened to Lifasa? Like, really? We were there a while ago. A few years ago. Centuries. Whatever. There was a lot of fighting. Are there other courre here? Or even other eladrin? How many people live here, anyway? I think I saw soldier guys like we fought in Ysgard with Dana. Oh, isn't Dana neat, though! She's so nice and fighty and scrappy and just really seems to like fighting actually. But she let me sit on her shoulder without trying to smoosh me so she's nice! And she's got the brain thing! But you're smart too, clearly. You read books! And you're a sage! Yes? No. Maybe! Sage is also an herb. Good for cooking mushrooms. So I'm told..." Calleigh trails off, having babbled herself out of air. She looks thoughtful for a moment, then perks up, inhaling again.
Now is the time to interject. If Tepen doesn't, she'll keep going. Probably forever.
Tepen summons another book with a gesture, writing down questions as Calleigh utters them. With a pleasant smile, he merely gestures and says, "Please, continue."
"...but you have a library! You can't eat in libraries. It's rude. So I'm told. The librarians get mad when I chew. I like libraries, they're nice and quiet! Good place for a nap while Tryll looks around at books and boring stuff. The last one we were in before we got kicked out had this neat pop-up book that had a BED inside! It wasn't very comfy to nap on, but it was still neat! Oh yeah, our room has a bed! I can't believe you guys gave us this huge room and gigantic bed I can get lost in and all this furniture and the chairs and table and a window and STUFF! That's so nice! We haven't had our own room in forever! No really, we've been living on the streets of Brightwater for 200 years. Off and on. Mostly on. We're here now though! Speaking of here, why do you guys have so many elementals? They were everywhere when we came in. Also, how'd you wind up with Canderella? She's a succubus! I get that she's one of Talos' kids, but it's still a surprise from an organization that leans as strongly as the Aurora does towards Good. She's nice though. It seems. I'll have to go say hello to her and get to know her and then maybe we'll be best friends or maybe we won't and she'll throw me out but that doesn't bother me it's happened before and I'm pretty flexible. I get over it. Make some art. Art! Who here likes lots of colors!? Everything has been so dreary and stone-y and this place needs color! Don't you have a decorator? Someone to buy tapestries or paints or mosaics or statuary or physically-manifested fractal songs with edges that could cut like a knife or curtains or draperies or paintings or even some sort of wall hanging or how 'bout some paints? I like paints. That's how we met. Paints." she pauses, the refocuses on Tepen. "You haven't thrown anything at me yet or yelled? Neat! Where are you from?"
Elder Magi Tepen keeps writing throughout, answering at the end, "I'm from Lifasa. Are there any more questions?" He finishes writing for the moment, "Since I'm writing them all down right now."
"Okay, so you look at this." Calleigh holds out her hands. Abruptly there is a blue ball held between Calleigh's hands.
Major Creation, yo.
"So this is blue, right? We can both agree, it's blue. You look at this and see blue, and I look at this and see blue. Are we really seeing the same color, or just our own interpretation of blue. What if I'm seeing blue, and you're actually seeing green, but you've been told your whole life that green is blue and blue is green and you don't know the difference. How do you sleep at night with this question in your head?"
The last question is written down, "Thank you," Tepen flashes the courre a smile, "You have a room here now, I believe? I'll have the answers sent to you shortly. "Is there anything else?"
Calleigh blinks. "You mean you're not gonna answer right away?"
"Oh no. I'm quite busy," Tepen says, "Besides, sages require time and research to answer difficult questions. But if there's a single question you need answered right now, I can help with that."
"Aww, okay." She tosses the ball over her shoulder. "Well, get back to me when you can then! Is there anything we can do to help right now? If not, I'm gonna go explore!"
"Right now? No. We're preparing," Elder Magi Tepen says, waving a hand, "Go explore, see the sights and meet people. Prepare yourself."
"Okay thanks good luck have fun byeeeee!" Calleigh zips out, mist trailing behind her.
Going anywhere in particular or just looking around?
Calleigh has chosen a random direction and is speeding off in search of adventure, food, or something equally fun.
Meanwhile...
Ithea spends a few hours talking and enjoying herself. It's a nice respite, but all good things must come to an end. She goes back up and to business, heading out. In the entry hall she's going to another portal when she's interrupted. It's Lady Rosa, approaching with a crisp, swift walk. "General Ithea," she greets, "What was that about earlier? You nearly ran me over like a galloping steed."
Meanwhile, Calleigh flutters over to the portals. She can see this - a cat woman and an elf talking, a strange pair indeed.
"Ah, my apologies for that," Ithea responds. She ponders what else to say, but the rumor mill was going to let her know something anyway, might as well keep it truthful. "Two friends of mine, Sylvie and Balyss, had a bad fight over personal reasons I won't go over. Unfortunately, last time they had one that bad, Sylvie had considered leaving Aurora. I'll admit I panicked a bit when Elena told me Sylvie was heading out of here, and it was apparent I overreacted."
Calleigh grinds to a halt, staring at Ithea with widening eyes. With eyes nearly as large as her (admittedly tiny) face, she cries, "KITTY!" and zips toward the pair.
Ithea twitches.
"Adrian's been spreading that..." she mutters, before turning to face the source of the high pitched squeal. Seeing the courre, she scrunches her face briefly as she mostly recalls what said general said about her.
"Ah, the courre with the invisible non-aboleth familiar? Calleigh, right?"
"I-" Rosa begins, only to stop and turn as Calleigh barrels towards Ithea.
Ithea, do you have any special means of perception like true seeing?
Nope! Just 'See Invisibility', though I haven't activated that yet. Speaking of which, I need to remember to pick up the permanent greater blindsight at some point before the assault thing. Though that probably won't catch Tryll anyway.
Okay then, carry on.
It wouldn't unless Tryll wanted it to. He does not cast any kind of air displacement, thought Mindsight could see him.
Calleigh zips right up to Ithea. "You're a kitty! And a person? That's so neat. Look at your fur it's so nice and pretty! It's everywhere! Not just the ears! And your hair! It's silver! Gray? I like it! The markings make it work! Hi!"
"I'm a catfolk specifically. Have you not met our race before?" Ithea asks curiously, reacting to the hyperactive being in front of her, and momentarily forgetting Rosa. "And thank you for the compliment on the hair and markings. I usually call it light gray myself, though others have called it silver as well, so either works."
Rosa stays quiet for the moment, before lightly sighing, "Courres, like children and puppies," she murmurs.
"You mean there are more!? How did I not know this!? Do they come in different colors? Browns and yellows and tabbies and oranges and calicoes and blues and greens and reds? Oh wow, imagine a blue cat! That would be so great! I wanna see it!" She blinks, and turns to the elf. "Hi!"
Oh dear, the courre would probably drive the other catfolks insane. Best to focus her attention elsewhere.
"There are also turtle-people, eagle dragons, pixie dragons, rainbow dragons, fire dryads, badger slaads, cat slaads, and steam pixies here in Aurora. The steam pixie and rainbow dragon are -especially- colorful, if you ever want to meet them! Though be aware that the rainbow dragon is very grumpy, so be careful, okay?"
"Rainbow...dragon? You have a rainbow dragon? What does that even mean? How do you make a rainbow dragon? Is that a common thing? How have I never heard of this? Explain! I need to know! Need! Tell meeeeeeeee! Please! With sugar on top! And candied cherries and those colorful sprinkles and chocolate shavings and salted caramel and oh gosh I think I'd like some ice cream."
"Yeah, we have a rainbow dragon. It's technically called a prismatic dragon and they're very rare. I believe that there aren't very many, why you might never meet another besides Baleruk. I'm afraid I can't tell you how they're made, as it is a secret with some very nasty consequences. But after meeting Baleruk, why would you ever need to know how to make one anyway?"
"His name is Baleruk? I have to meet him! Is he pretty?"
"Beauty is subjective, so I cannot say if you would think so. I...suppose he could be considered pretty though," Ithea answers after a bit of thought.
"Everything is pretty in its own way!"
"I suppose so," Ithea responds, though she looks a bit doubtful of that. "Anyway, I'm Ithea. It's a pleasure to meet you, and...Tryll was it? Admittedly I can't see him, though maybe I can fix that..."
See Invisibility cast.
"Sure you can!" Calleigh gestures at the thin mist that surrounds her.
Ithea waves at the thin mist then. "Hello, Tryll too."
A genial, genderless voice enters Ithea's mind. 'Hello!'
What does a genderless voice sound like, really?
"Have you both met Lady Rosa Unchuar?" Ithea asks, gesturing towards Rosa.
I imagine it to be of medium pitch, without a deeper masculine inflection or a higher feminine one. Sort of like when you can't tell by someone's voice if they're male or female. Somewhat child-like.
"I have! Sort of. Not really. Um. Hi! I'm Calleigh!" Calleigh chirps.
Rosa inclines her head to both of them. "Greetings," she says, offering a hand out to Calleigh.
Calleigh flits over and sits on Rosa's outstretched hand. "Thanks! Hi! You have red eyes AND red hair, and I think that's neat! You're pretty! So what do you do here?"
"I command forces from the Seladrine and Court of Stars," Rosa replies with a hint of a smile as she watches Calleigh. "It's rare for courre to involve themselves in war like this."
"the Queen sent some eladrin? Yay!" Calleigh's hands reach above her head in jubilation. "I'm not just any courre though! I'm me! I was asked to go!"
"Oh?" Rosa asks, "Who asked you?" Her voice is neutral here, curious.
"Oh, lots of people! We talked to all sorts! Some even begged! The general consensus was 'Please go.' and someone from the Court even gave us a bag of gold for the trip! We went to all sorts of neat places!"
"Oh? What sorts of places? And what led you here to Aurora specifically then?" Adrian said Calleigh was just the type to do so, but might as well see what she had to say on the matter in her own words.
"How...generous," Rosa murmurs, "I see now, yes. How generous of them."
"Oh yeah, they were real nice! We even got to pick where we wanted to go! We went to Limbo! I met Renbuu! Sorta! He's not bad for a slaad! Do you guys have slaad here? Slaads are fun. Slaad. Oh, I could go for a salad. Slaad sounds like salad. I've had salads in lots of places. Some nicer than others. We went to lots of places, we've been traveling for a while. I bonded to Tryll like...uhhhhhhhhh...a looooooong time ago, and we've been doing stuff together since! We like to help out! Sometimes good people deserve a break from oppression, and we're good at loosening people up. Mostly. Sometimes they yell and throw things, but sometimes they throw parties too! I love parties! We had a party on Lifasa a long time ago. There was a war. Lots of war. Some bad guys had to get stomped! We helped! That's why we're here! We heard from the Silverbrow guys that Lifasa had gone to Hell, so we took the job and volunteered to help!"
"Ah."
"Ah." Rosa says it at exactly the same time, completely deadpan.
Calleigh nods cheerfully. "And now we're here! I was talking to Tepen in the library who I think is a sage or maybe someone who likes wearing robes and dressing like a wizard and he was super nice and wrote down all the questions I asked! Even the big one at the end! There were some big, big books in there!"
"Yes, yes," Rosa murmurs, "There are big books in there."
"Small books too," Ithea says with a deadpan of her own.
"Books far and wide,' Rosa adds.
Calleigh looks back and forth between the two women. "What's that even mean?"
"Grown up talk," Rosa smiles sweetly, "I daresay you shouldn't concern yourself over it."
Calleigh's face turns frowny. It's not a nice look for her. "Hey! I'm totally a grown up!"
Ithea just watches the two with a straight face. If they start going 'Are not!' "Am too!' 'Are not!' 'Am too times infinity!' 'Are not times infinity plus one!' though, she makes no promises about not starting to laugh.
"Perhaps so," Rosa concedes after a moment, "Most courre are child-like no matter how old they are, but some do grow beyond that."
"Well...fine. I admit that I'm sorta energetic. But I'm not a baby! I've seen some crazy stuff!"
"But to fight is hard," Rosa says, "But if you can manage it...can you?"
"Yeah we can!" Calleigh cheers with a grin. "Ask Dana! We went to Ysgard and fought some soldiers and made them fight each other and then this mean valkyrie showed up and she threw lots of swords at us and ran away from Dana so we blew her out of the sky!"
"I..see." Rosa murmurs, turning to Ithea. "Well, this has been a remarkable meeting, but I will leave her to your inspired guidance."
Ithea raises an eyebrow, and nods. "Anyway, apologies again for almost running into you earlier. I'll show Calleigh around, I guess... unless she thinks she's fine on her own?"
She turns towards the courre and looks at her questioningly.
"I was going exploring earlier when we ran into you! That's so nice of you to show me around! Bye Rosa!" Calleigh launches herself off of Rosa's hand and lands on Ithea's head, between her ears. "Let's go meet everybody!"
Rosa hurries off, leaving Ithea and Calleigh well behind.
"Soooo...you've met Tepen, Adrian, Rosa, Dana and myself. Anybody else? And who do you want to meet?"
"We could go meet elementals! And do you have any slaad? Oh and the rainbow dragon! RAINBOWS."
"We'll go meet the elementals first then."
Ithea leads Calleigh to them!
Which elementals in particular?
Start with air ones/Drena.
The air elementals are found flying about the upper courtyard, doing laps beneath Baleruk's demiplane lair entrance. Dozens of them from ones small as a dwarf to as large as a giant. They fly about, great masses of semi-visible wind that flow with a grace that leaves even the spriest elf looking clumsy.
"Familiar with air elementals?" Ithea asks the new recruit.
"No, I'm a courre familiar."
"Cute," Ithea says dryly before gesturing at the elementals and then the entrance to Baleruk's lair. "Well, that's most of the air elementals here in Aurora. Don't specifically see Drena so can't introduce him. Oh and that there is the entrance to Baleruk's lair. He's the prismatic dragon I mentioned."
The air elementals give the two a wide berth as they fly about. Indeed, no sign of Drena right away.
Calleigh beams at the compliment. "Thank you." She looks about. "What about other elementals? Fire and water and earth and salt and ooze and mineral and smoke and magma and ash and dust and lightning and vacuum and steam and radiance and OH RAINBOW DRAGON let's go see that!"
"We have Fire, Water and Earth elementals too. But they're elsewher...aaaaand you're more interested in Baleruk anyway. And we can see if he's interested in entertaining visitors, I guess," Ithea says as she uses magic to help her up to the entrance. "Follow me then."
Calleigh flits after, trailing mist!
The trip into Baleruk's lair is without incident. On there, you find the prismatic dragon crouched over a paint canvas, one studded with gemstone fragments of all colors. He uses a single claw to paint, dipping it into barrels of paint. His back is to the party when you enter, but immediately he looks back. "I KNEW THIS DAY WOULD COME! The sea tyrants are jeaLOUS OF MY POWERS AND HAVE COME TO TAKE IT!" Baleruk leaps up and does a 180, draconic body mind-bogglingly graceful as he lands facing the party. His tail thrashes, sending gold coins spraying behind him.
"Hey Baleruk. Meet Calleigh. And Tryll. They wanted to appreciate your art and your hoard. They seemed nice, so I figured, why not?"
Calleigh gasps deeply, hands clasped before her and eyes shining in wonder. "Wooooooow YOU'RE SO PRETTY! And you're a great big dragon! I thought they might mean that you were a faerie dragon because they have lots of colors too but clearly you're not you're a big colorful dragon! Also Hanna was supposed to tell everyone he's not an aboleth. AND YOU CAN PAINT oh this is so neat! Hi!"
Calleigh doesn't even get looked at. Baleruk is intent on Tryll's true form, his voice jabbing into his mind. 'I DEMAND YOU IDENTIFY YOURSELF, FAKE ABOLETH! I WILL NOT TOLERATE A MOCKERY OF A MERELY FAKE ABOLETH TRYING TO TAKE MY POWERS! YOU WILL IDENTIFY YOURSELF AND IMMEDIATELY GO BECOME A REAL ABOLETH!"
Tryll responds back, though much more politely. 'I say. Greetings to you, Baleruk. I am Tryll. As Calleigh said, I am indeed not an aboleth, nor do I aspire to something so loathsome. I'm afraid that I don't wish to become one. There are more worthy goals. Such as art.'
Baleruk stares at all of them, "The three of you will design art here, right now!" He steps aside from the canvas, "You will show me your art!"
"Wait, me too?" Ithea asks, gesturing at herself.
Calleigh looks tremendously excited.
Baleruk turns his gaze onto Ithea and utters a single word that shakes the coins beneath him and rattles the ground, "YES!"
Ithea sighs and moves towards the canvas. "Okay, do you have any paintbrushes? I'm not using my claws to paint. And before you suggest it, I'm not using my tail either."
"You need a paintbrush?"
"Yes."
With a soft plop, there is now an unremarkable paintbrush resting on Ithea's head, right between her ears.
Major Creation
Okay, so describe what y'all are going to try to make. Relatedly, do any of you have any skills related to this?
I have no skills. But neither does Baleruk so if he can, so can I! I assume untrained craft (art), ie a flat int check works? I'll post and describe Ithea's art project once I get home, so in about 6hrs, in case Yuth was waiting on me to paint first.
"Thank you," Ithea says to the courre, if just a tad miffed that she placed it right on her head. Reaching for the paintbrush then looking at the canvas and at the barrels of paint.
Then focusing back on the canvas, she begins to imagine a scene that Baleruk might appreciate, and having spent a few hours recently in the company of slaads, she uses them for inspiration.
The brush dips into a barrel of earthy brown and orange colors as she begins with a farming field, devoid of life initially but soon filled with hints of growing vegetables. Then atop the field she draws an upright cat (not a catfolk) in a tuxedo, waltzing with a badger in a racy gown of sparkling stars.
In the background, a podium with a grey slaad standing upright and rigid, with its arms raised upwards and outwards, as if mimicking a bird in flight, with a celery stalk in one of it's hands, as if a conductor's baton. To its sides, surrounding the dancing animals are a random assortment of red and blue slaads, all in motion while playing what looks to be a fusion of music instruments and the farmable veggies she saw in the Deep Ethereal (radish drums, wheat flutes, corn xylophones, potato guitars...) or simply opening their maws and singing.
Above it all she paints a pitch black sky and then adds musical symbols rising from the slaads, looking crooked and dissonant, representing the cacophany of sound they must be making, the musical notes shining brightly like stars as what look to be the outlines of arms made of the same darkness as the skies drags the notes into a vast maw near the top of the canvas, made of stars or mist, crumbs trailing and falling from a corner until they reach the badger, as if saying that the dress it wears was formed from the falling stars and crumpled musical notes.
Well, that's what she tries to paint anyway. Whether she can get that image across from her brain and onto the canvas successfully is another story. She kinda got focused on what she was imagining and less on what she was painting. As she puts away her brush, she muses over the results in front of her.
[19:21] <Harley> roll d20+11+5 craft[painting] (untrained int check) + inspiration
[19:21] <Kobot> Harley rolled d20+11+5 craft[painting] (untrained int check) + inspiration --> [ 1d20=4 ]{20}
Before I post, is there just the one canvas, and if so is it entirely taken by Ithea's work?
There is only one canvas, yes. Up to you on how you deal with that, since Ithea's using that one.
Sorry for taking up all the canvas!
"You didn't leave me any room!" Calleigh pouts. In response to her complaint, a wooden easel appears next to Ithea's work, a blank canvas resting upon it. She tosses her stick in the air, where it proceeds to hover of its own accord.
Calleigh unleashes chaos. She leaps headlong into a bucket of paint, submerging herself completely before bursting to the surface. She laughs as she sprays paint onto the canvas with a twirl, tiny hands and arms and even feet adding points of color to the mess. She flits back and forth from canvas to paints and back innumerable times, sloughing paint onto the floor when she becomes too heavy by flickering incorporeal and back. Occasional slashes of paint are drawn from the pots by an unseen source, Tryll contributing to their work.
When at last completed, the canvas and much of the surrounding area is a riot of color and texture, with random placement of color and shapes. Tiny handprints and footprints and even full-body courre-prints array into a spiral of prismatic color, ever arcing toward the center of the spiral, where the colors filter together to sparkle in a single simple jagged glass prism, reflecting the colors back again across the canvas.
Some more Major Creation and some Telekinetic Force PLA.
"Aaaah, sorry. I got a bit too focused on my mental picture and somehow just grabbed all the space available as a result. Looks like you managed fine at least!"
"'sokay!"
"So...what do you think, Baleruk?" Ithea asks the looming dragon. He'll probably like Calleigh's art more since it's almost random even with the spiraling pattern, and full of colors. Or maybe he'll appreciate what she painted, who really knows. She does kind of wish she could have done her concept more justice, but alas. It's not terrible for someone untrained at least.
Okay, do you have any relevant skills to this, Calleigh?
Not on your life!
What about on Muirfinn's life?
Then make an Int check.
[20:57] <LobsterSquid> roll 1d20+10 Tryll
[20:57] <Kobot> LobsterSquid rolled 1d20+10 Tryll --> [ 1d20=17 ]{27}
[20:57] <LobsterSquid> roll 1d20+3 Calleigh aiding
[20:57] <Kobot> LobsterSquid rolled 1d20+3 Calleigh aiding --> [ 1d20=2 ]{5}
When both works are done, Baleruk brushes the three back with a flick of his tail. He goes to Ithea's first, studying it in silence. This stretches on nearly a minute before he says, "I find the symbolism FASCINATING," from casual to a bellow in a second, then back to casual, "In particular the two fold reference to the Queen of Stars and an implied masculine Sharess, as that joins the inherent dualism of red and blue slaad combined. This in turn references the dualism of the eladrin two-form reality, which can be interpreted through neo-unrealism to further imply the figures in the painting are hermaphrodites."
Baleruk pauses, still studying Ithea's work. His eyes narrow slightly, "The numerological inclusion of three vegetables is most displeasing. How dare you imply that three vegetables and the music are the same, which clearly an elven analysis tells us that the Triad are the vegetables and the natural fruit of dual-gendered slaad. Unacceptable. UNACCEPTABLE!" Baleruk's tail slams into the coins beneath him, a loud metal clatter to punctuate his words.
"However," he draws himself back down, "The nature of the music becoming the dress and the night sky bring to mind the image of the chaste woman giving life through magical parthenogenesis, which clearly defies the initial role of Sharess, until we remember that any proper reading of this through Renbuuan philosophy informs us that this must be taken in reverse of the natural meaning, and in that all the natural meaning cannot be trusted as it is ever mutable. If you extrapolate this to a political statement, it is a firm rebuttal of anti-anarchic sentiment, in particular a hierarchical order."
Baleruk goes silent after a time, whirling onto Ithea and staring at her. "But what about black slaads? The night sky is clearly symbolism to represent them, so why is there no statement on destruction in the piece?"
...that was totally not what she meant with the badger and the cat. That was just a reference to 27 and the slaad cat. Really, everything in the picture was slaads. But if Baleruk wanted to see something else, sure, she can work with that!
"The music being devoured, crushed and becoming the stardust," Ithea comments gesturing towards the crumbs of stardust falling from the maw of stars and musical notes, in reference to his last question.
Ithea pauses briefly before considering if she should respond on the matter of vegetables as well.
I forget my numerology despite having read some book on it at some point. Are four or five better than three for whatever madness Baleruk is thinking of? There were five veggies present in the portrait, and I guess I could bluff and say there are four if four is better than five. Also, is numerology what he's using as a reference, or some other weird mathy thing?
Make a quick Int check.
[22:38] <Merc-zzz> roll d20+11 int
[22:38] <Kobot> Merc-zzz rolled d20+11 int --> [ 1d20=8 ]{19}
edit: add +5 if collector of stories bonus applies (though I suspect not, even though it sounds like something it should!)
Ithea has no idea what Baleruk's going on about. It's words and some of them just don't make sense. She's getting a headache trying to wrap her head about everything Baleruk talked about.
However, she does recall three is an important number and recurs often. The Guardian of 21 mentioned it is a simple resonance of the fact of the Three Incarnations. Four represents death and five is about combining 1, 2, 3 and 4 together into one whole.
Well, since she has red and blue slaads, a gray slaad, a black slaad, and whatever the hell 27 and the cat are, she decides to go with honesty and adds, "Also, there are five vegetables, not three. The conductor is using a celery stalk, you can see corn, wheat, radishes and potatoes as the musical instruments too. I suppose the potatoes and the radishes might look a bit similar due to the shapes and the colors I used, but still..."
"Hmmmm...." Baleruk considers this, then whips his head over to Calleigh and Tryll. "EXPLAIN YOURS. NOW."
"Well gosh I saw you and I just thought colors and you're really inspiring and we thought prisms and I know that colors are usually related to chromatic dragons and stuff so we grabbed as much color as we could and built it into this big vortex thing of colors and the prism in the middle is designed to catch ambient light and refract the colors in the painting all over the place but not in a uniform way to represent chaos and I HOPE YOU LIKE IT!" Calleigh is shaking with enthusiasm. "Oh my gosh a real art critic and a dragon and oh my gosh oh my gosh ohmygosh."
Baleruk gazes at Tryll then at Calleigh. "Yes. You are welcome to BASK IN MY MAGNIFICENCE!"
Calleigh is very clearly basking.
"Now," Baleruk turns back to Ithea, "There are two pixies I have COMMANDED TO BE MINIONS TO my disciple, Afina. You will ensure they serve her well."
Ithea blinks at that and guesses, "Is it Crystal and Moore?"
"Yes," Baleruk says, "You will ensure they follow my will."
Well that should be pretty easy since they already follow her without any further prompting needed from her or Baleruk. "Sure, I can do that?"
"Go then!" Baleruk commands, "Go forth!"
"Well, alright then," Ithea says, before turning to Calleigh. "Do you plan to stay here with Baleruk and bask in his magnificence? Or want me to keep showing you around?"
That all depends on whether Baleruk is actually gonna critique my art.
Maybe you need to tell him that!
Baleruk turns away with his final proclamation, going back to the two paintings.
Ithea waits a bit longer for the starstruck courre to answer! But if she doesn't, she'll take that itself as answer!
Calleigh's face crumbles into a sad, sad frown. She looks at Baleruk with big shiny sad eyes and says, "But...but what about mine?"
Baleruk pauses and turns, looking long at Calleigh. He extends one claw, crooking it back in a come-hither gesture.
Calleigh flits over.
"Little courre," Baleruk says, almost...gently? He takes that claw to her painting, resting it against its side. "Is this painting a cry for help, an attempt to become a rainbow courre?"
"...what's a rainbow courre?" Calleigh asks, eyes as big and shiny as saucers that are big and shiny and courre-sized. "I love rainbows!"
"YES!" Baleruk proclaims, "GO FORTH AND FIND THE WAYS TO BECOME A PRISMATIC COURRE!" Baleruk bellows.
"YEAH RAINBOWS!"
"NOW GO!" Baleruk points a claw out, "FIND YOUR PRISMATIC DESTINY AMID THE PLANES!"
Now thoroughly distracted from the desire for an art critique, Calleigh zips off, corkscrewing through the air as she goes. She makes it nearly to the entrance before she stops and heads back for Ithea.
Okay, unless you have something to knock out real quick, I'm going to pause you two here.
I've nothing.
Okay then, new topic in a day or two, once things get together.