The wind blows Moore. He's hurtling out of control, back into the fog of the Deep Ethereal. As he tumbles end over end, he sees something ahead - a blue portal, swirling. He's heading right for it, the wind pushing him at it.
You can try to stop yourself from going through it or do something else, Moore.
Moore tries to simply straighten himself out in flight but stays such that he's going towards the blue portal. There's no way he could find his way in the Deep Ethereal at all, since there's nothing to really find. Instead, he trusts in his chances and reliance on fate to provide exactly what he needs!
He's just trying to right himself, but will fly with the wind to the blue portal.
Moore is at least able to right himself as he's blown right into the portal, not resisting the wind's path.
> roll 1d100 Moore
<Kobot> Ko-NitoriSolvesProblems rolled 1d100 Moore --> [ 1d100=27 ]{27}
Greenery and heat. Sweaty. The buzz of insects. All around Moore is jungle, the air hot and clogged with humidity. He lands face down in this, the sound of exotic birds and animals coming from various places around him.
Moore pulls himself up and brushes himself off, using Prestidigitation to take care of anything else. He also decides to use a little bit of his own luck to try and figure out where he is.
He's going to try and cast Improvisation.
I will presume it's K:P to try and figure out where he is.
[08:55] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+14+8+8 K:P
[08:55] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+14+8+8 K:P --> [ 1d20=15 ]{45}
Moore isn't sure. It could be a few places. There's a couple Abyssal realms that have jungles, including Demogorgon's realm of Abysm. The Beastlands does, as it has virtually every natural terrain somewhere. It could also be a prime material or a demiplane, in which case you wouldn't know more without further information.
In other words, more information is needed before you can make a determination.
Well, no sense in just waiting right here! He looks around for any roads or paths through the jungle first and foremost.
Make a Spot check, would you? Alternately you can use Survival. Whichever has a better modifier.
They're both the same, so I suppose I'll use what you requested first.
[11:44] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20+4+8 Survival
[11:44] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+20+4+8 Survival --> [ 1d20=10 ]{42}
[11:44] <Nephrite> You know I typed survival and meant spot but so it goes
Moore searches around. He finds there's no paths - he's in deep, thick and untracked jungle. If he were not a pixie and capable of flying, this might be quite unpleasant. The undergrowth is extremely dense and would need to be hacked through.
How interesting! Well, for now, he'll turn invisible and then try and head up to and through the tops of the trees. In theory, if he can manage to get past that, he can probably see a lot more and get his bearings on where he is.
Moore flies up. The canopy is thick with broad and wet leaves, drenching him as he flutters through them. Coming up, he sees the sky - or the lack of one. Instead, a glassy dome arches up a few thousand feet int he air, black nothingness beyond it. Below you is a jungle. It looks to be part of an island. In the center you can see a tall composite volcano, occasional bursts of smoke coming from its center. The shore of the island are beaches of black sand. Ocean laps at the shore, going out a few hundred feet before simply ending a shimmering barrier.
Moore's planar knowledge can tell him where he is now: A demiplane. A demiplane is a personal plane made by powerful entities, where they set the rules as they see fit. Fortunately, they are (usually) not the domain of deities, but of spellcasters beyond the ninth circle and outsiders of vast power.
Something about being trapped in what amounts to a bubble hits a nerve in the back of Moore's mind that makes him shudder.
"Well, if there was a way in there has to be a way out..." Moore says entirely to himself (or so he hopes). Could this have been created by that... no, it's much too orderly.
For now, he'll fly towards the volcano!
> roll 1d100 95+
<Kobot> Ko-NitoriSolvesProblems rolled 1d100 95+ --> [ 1d100=57 ]{57}
The flight to the volcano is unremarkable. It's even hotter by the volcano, Moore sweating profusely. He can see the central cone has an open top, leading down into a massive cauldron of magma. The mountain itself is free of trees or growth, instead choked by black ash and black stone.
Hmmm. Well, going into the magma will surely get him out, but of course not alive. He'll fly around the outside of the volcano, looking for anything there before going to the base and doing another circle.
He's basically looking for anything out of the ordinary!
Spot check again.
[12:16] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20+4 Spot
[12:16] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+20+4 Spot --> [ 1d20=6 ]{30}
There's a few cave entrances along the slopes. They're fairly visible, as slats of steel jut out from above the entrance, shielding them.
No harm in checking one out! Although... just to be on the safe side...
Moore's going to cast Safety on himself. It will last for 1 hour and he'll be able to find the shortest and most direct route to safety, which is "where the individual is not taking immediate damage from the environment, and immediate damage is not imminent." so it may not actually even do anything at all!
What book is Safety in?
Spell Compendium. 179.
The spell has no immediate effect.
You're not taking damage or in imminent danger of taking damage, so no result for now. If that changes during the duration of the spell, you'll know.
Moore nods to himself. So no hidden assassins. Good!
He'll fly towards the first cave he can see!
The first cave you can see is about 3/4ths of the way to the top of the mountain. It's an unremarkable cave entrance, barring the metal slab keeping it shielded. It goes into the cave, quickly sloping downwards at a rather sharp angle.
Moore rubs his chin thoughtfully about that slope, but decides to fly in anyway and see where it goes!
Low light or darkvision, or any other way of seeing in darkness?
Low-light vision and I can cast Light if necessary.
Moore soon casts Light, the path pitch dark ahead. He follows the path, a sharp downward slope that winds around to the left. He's at this only a few minutes before he sees another source of light coming his way. A humanoid of some sort robed in blue, a white mask with swirls of green and blue decorating it. It floats just above the ground rather than walking. Light comes from its mask, shedding radiance all around it.
Well, the Light probably gives him away even if he's invisible, so he decides to make himself visible but keep a respectful distance.
"Greetings and salutations!" Moore will call out and offer a small bow. "Is this demiplane your handiwork?"
The creature advances, now only 30ft away. A voice comes from behind you, "Intruder. Exterminate."
Initiative here.
Oh dear.
[13:11] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+16 init
[13:11] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+16 init --> [ 1d20=16 ]{32}
> roll 1d20+8
<Kobot> Ko-NitoriSolvesProblems rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{11}
Intiative order is Moore (32) > Robed One (11)
Open Moore.
"Look, if you can tell me how to leave this demiplane, I'll be happy to do so! Oh, you probably can't comprehend any of this, can you..." Moore says with a frown. He'll just fly a bit away from it to get distance -- He's pretty sure he's going to have to dismantle this thing one way or another, but for now he'll just try nonviolence.
Flying 50ft away if possible.
Moore retreats back. His words don't seem to have any effect. Instead, he hears behind him again, "Intruder. Exterminate." The creature pursues, coming to within 20ft of moore. It extends one blue gloved hand out, beams of light flying at Moore.
> roll 1d20+14 vs Moore's spell resistance
<Kobot> Ko-NitoriSolvesProblems rolled 1d20+14 vs Moore's spell resistance --> [ 1d20=15 ]{29}
I don't think that beats it, but in case it does.
> roll 1d20+18 touch AC
> roll 1d20+18 touch AC
> roll 1d20+18 touch AC
<Kobot> Ko-NitoriSolvesProblems rolled 1d20+18 touch AC --> [ 1d20=13 ]{31}
<Kobot> Ko-NitoriSolvesProblems rolled 1d20+18 touch AC --> [ 1d20=18 ]{36}
<Kobot> Ko-NitoriSolvesProblems rolled 1d20+18 touch AC --> [ 1d20=15 ]{33}
Tell me if that beats SR and if it does, tell me if that hits you.
SR is indeed 32.
Thank you.
The beams hit Moore, but nothing happens. They crumble against him, the magic unable to make the slightest impact.
Go.
"Look, I really don't want to do this, but your boss really should've given you some ability to think on your own!" Moore shouts, as he casts a quick incantation and then screams, causing sonic energy to burst out around the area right behind the creature!
Cacophonic Burst, for reference.
[13:30] <Nephrite> roll 15d6 DC 24 Reflex Half
[13:30] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 15d6 DC 24 Reflex Half --> [ 15d6=43 ]{43}
EDIT:
[13:37] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+17 CL check
[13:37] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+17 CL check --> [ 1d20=20 ]{37}
> roll 1d20+10 ref
<Kobot> Ko-NitoriSolvesProblems rolled 1d20+10 ref --> [ 1d20=10 ]{20}
The burst of discordant sound explodes over the robed creature. It holds its head, as groans are heard behind you. It's staggering about, no longer floating as both feet hit the ground. It promptly turns and runs off, staggering with a nasty limp.
Are you going to follow or let him go?
Wait a minute. A robot wouldn't do that! That wasn't a robot at all!
Moore will fly after!
"Hey, wait a minute! I'm really not trying to hurt you!" He'll call after the creature. It proooooobably isn't going to believe him now, but you never know!
Moore's able to catch up with it like this. It's staggered, resting with one hand on a wall for the moment. You can hear heavy breathing behind you.
Go ahead and act, you have a chance here.
"You were controlling it, right? Or acting like a robot or something?" Moore asks, staying a bit away but looking concerned all the same. "Look, I didn't want to hurt you, I can heal you too if you want. I don't want my first interaction to seem like I'm a heartless person, really! My name is Moore, what's yours?"
Make a diplo check here, Moore.
Taking 10 via Skill Focus for a total of 47.
The man coughs - again coming from behind you. He reaches up and pulls off his mask. He's middle aged with a short gray beard. Blood trickles out from his nose and he looks up at you, "Then why are you here, fairy?" This time his voice comes from him.
"My friends and I were in the Deep Ethereal, when we had a chance encounter with... uh..." Moore rubs his chin for a moment. "I'm pretty sure we ran into a slaad of some sort. I got blown out back to the Deep Ethereal and passed through a portal, wherein I ended up here. I started looking around and... well, I think you know the rest? Here, let me take care of that for you."
Moore clears his throat and recites some simple words before he reaches out to put a hand on the gentleman.
Using Healing Hymn and then Cure Light Wounds.
[14:32] <Nephrite> roll 1d8+5 CLW
[14:32] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d8+5 CLW --> [ 1d8=5 ]{10}
Healing Hymn should be +20 on top of that.
The man's pained breathing slows and he straightens after that. He starts to raise a hand as you cast, but relaxes as the healing magic takes him. "What is a slaad?" he asks. "I do not understand the words that you speak."
Moore opens his mouth, then he shuts it again. How can this person not know? Wait... this person must not be the one who created the plane, but part of it...
"They're creatures from the plane of Limbo who want nothing more than to cause chaos. Except when they don't." Moore explains. "They're the very epitome of chaotic and randomness." He adds.
"So what's your story? You know who I am, but I don't know very much about you." Moore asks, trying to clarify exactly what this person knows, if it's even really a person at all...
"I don't understand any of that, but The Wise Man will." The man says, "I am Rogelas, student of the Nine Circles." He bows to Moore, "I am in your debt for your kindness so freely given, fairy. Surely The Wise Man will help you return to your home then, this strange Deep Ethereal you speak of."
Moore smiles. "It's nice to meet you, Rogelas. Well, if you don't mind, then, can you take me to meet The Wise Man?"
"Yes." You are lead deeper into the caverns here.
Going to follow? Assuming so, doing anything special or just going along for the ride?
Nope, I'll just follow. Presuming Safety isn't giving me warning sirens (I don't even know if it really does that or not).
You are lead down a long, deep path. It dives deeper into the mountain, only the light of Rogelas' mask illuminating the way ahead. Eventually the path widens and takes a gentler slope, heading into a cavern. A large one, the ceiling glowing cherry-red, like heated iron. Several buildings have been forged here, black stone tinted red by the light from above. Dominating them all is a castle in the back, a classical one that even has a moat.
Other people are around. They're garbed like Rogelas and float along, moving nigh silently. "This is our home, the lair beneath the fires." Rogelas says, his voice again coming from behind you.
Moore nods, rubbing his chin at this. It's an interesting setup, to say the least, but it's probably best he just asks his questions from whoever's directing all of this.
"Does anyone else live beyond this home?" Moore asks as they go along.
"No. We are all here," he says, "The Wise Man has us live here, away from the water and close to the fires."
Hmm... well they're not fire elementals... or are they? Moore ponders the endless possibilities.
"I take it the Wise Man lives in the castle over there? Do you think he'll mind seeing me?" Moore asks with a glance around.
Before we go on, could you refresh me on your perceptions/special sights, Moore?
I've got Low-light vision and that's about it. I guess Safety is still going but beyond that no always-on sight or magical detection.
You are lead deeper. The floating citizens largely ignore you, giving the two of you a wide berth. The trip to the castle is like this, a long one that ends with a trip across a drawbridge. Once you cross into the courtyard (an unremarkable one, like other castle's Moore's seen on the Prime), a voice booms, "A fairy comes forth! What is the meaning of this?"
Rogelos immediately kneels, pressing his face into the ground. "Wise Man, this creature comes from realms unknown. He is kind and healed me, and only seeks to return to the strange realms whence he came."
Moore flies down to kneel as well. head bowed. He may not really -need- to in a situation like this, but he may as well follow the same rules he followed with his last audience. Sans the magic part this time, of course.
The voice booms further, "Speak, pixie," It demands. "What realm do you hail from?"
"I'm originally from Arborea, but through circumstances, I'm an agent of Celestia working with Aurora. Sir." Moore responds, lifting his head forward slightly.
"Stay there," The voice booms. Soon a figure comes - a middle aged man with a brown beard and trimmed hair, both shot with gray. He wears red robes and approaches. "This is not a place for outsiders. I will return you to whence you came, but you must give your word to tell no one of this place."
"If that is what you wish." Moore responds. "I came here through a portal in the Deep Ethereal, I do not know if that was something you're aware of. My name is Moore, if you ever wish to come to Aurora or anything of that sort. I can tell you wish for your privacy, so you have my word I will speak nothing of what I found here, though I would be happy to extend diplomatic endeavors to you if you ever wish." Moore says. "I have a comrade -- her name is Ithea, she is still in the Deep Ethereal. If you have the ability to send me to her then I would be in your debt, but if that is asking too much then whatever you are able." Moore says while bowing his head again.
"I will return you to the Deep Ethereal," he says, "Though I know not where you will go, and it is unlikely it will be near your friend." He snaps his fingers, purple orbs of light surrounding him. They emit a faint hum, "Return whence you came!" It's like being hit in the chest by a club, Moore sent flying back.
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=41 ]{41}
You're in the mists once more. The floatiness of the Deep Ethereal is joined by the thick fog, chill clamminess replacing island heat. It's jarring and refreshing at the same time, the sweat on Moore's body making him shiver.
Moore has little time to even thank the person before he's hurtled out and finds himself floating, rubbing at his chest. Ow. He didn't have to be so rough...
"Hm..." Moore looks around. Oh, right, that isn't going to help, is it? Ah, he knows what might work! Maybe!
He's going to cast Divination with the question "Which direction should I go from here to find Ithea?" Though he realizes that direction is kind of relative.
The answer is thus, "North, until the juncture beyond space."
Moore makes a sour face. Now, how in the world is he supposed to... ...oh, wait!
Casting Know Direction, that spell that I literally never thought I would use.
Moore is promptly pointed to the north - which just happens to be to his right, as he was facing west. Who knew?
Moore lets out a relieved breath as he starts to fly north! He also turns invisible, just to be on the safe side.
"Until the juncture beyond space," though... well, he'll have to figure it out when he gets there.
> roll 1d100 77+
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 77+ --> [ 1d100=52 ]{52}
> roll 1d100 77+
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 77+ --> [ 1d100=81 ]{81}
> roll 1d100 77+ subtables on the second
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 77+ subtables on the second --> [ 1d100=95 ]{95}
Moore wanders for a time in this fog. He isn't sure how long, just floating along. It's fairly similar and unchanging for a time, until he sees the fog thicken ahead. A small clump of it, easily avoided if he wishes.
Well, this clearly isn't the way to Ithea, but there's no harm in looking, right?
He'll fly over to take a look at the thicker fog! As long as he knows which direction north is, he can always resume later.
The fog is quite thick and...nostalgic? As he approaches, Moore feels a sense of nostalgia. For what he isn't sure.
Curious! But nostalgia is usually good, so he will continue on. He will cast Detect Magic just in case, as well as fishing for a little luck in doing so.
Detect Magic and Improvisation if possible.
There's moderate magic around the cloud, but as you look at it, the cloud drifts to you.
Make a Wisdom check. You did get Improvisation off.
[23:07] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+4+8
[23:07] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+4+8 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{29}
The cloud turns into...you? You aren't sure. A sudden, brief burst of dizziness rocks Moore, and when it clears? He was doing...something. Traveling. Yes, traveling to find Ithea and friends. Why did he stop? He must have drifted off a moment.
You gain the ability to cast modify memory once per day as a spell-like ability. The caster level equals your hit dice.
Moore blinks, then blinks again. Traveling... yes, traveling.
How strange. Why would he have stopped? Oh well, he can't worry about it now! He resumes his travels north!
You don't get much farther until a voice sounds in your mind. "This is Tepen of Aurora. Please reveal your location. Lower your defenses, we will scry to retrieve you."
Moore rubs his cheek. "Oh, Sir Tepen! Hello!" He isn't actually sure he can be heard, though... "I'm still looking for Miss Ithea. I know if I keep going north I'll find her." Moore calls out to the surrounding fog, although he does stop moving.
He decides to wait to see if they actually can hear him before he continues explaining the circumstances.
There's no reply for several long moments, but suddenly...
Will save. You're also entitled to SR if you want it.
Moore takes a breath but just waits out whatever's going to happen!
He's going to let it hit him, whatever it is.
Nothing immediately happens - until a swirling blue portal appears. Elder Magi Tepen steps through, "Aurora retrieval service," he says with a hint of a weary smile, "Stille and Crystal inform me that all of you were cast adrift from one another?"
Moore nods. "We ran afoul of a slaad -- ah, I think it was a slaad. I... ended up somewhere else, but managed to get back to the Deep Ethereal. I divined that to get to Miss Ithea I should continue north until the "juncture beyond space," and I've been traveling in that direction. I think Miss Ithea is still here, so I wanted to try and meet up with her first. Do you want me to go back with you, Sir Tepen?" Moore asks.
"Come back," Tepen remarks, "We're trying to locate Ithea right now."
Moore nods. "As you wish." Moore will fly into the blue portal!
Let me pause you here. Ithea shouldn't be much longer and you're ahead of her chronologically. I should get you rolling again in a day or so, depending if I catch Ithea tonight.
You betcha.
Merged back into the main thread. Locked.