Ah, relief at last. Back in Aurora, no dangers and no twisted Astral. Moore finds himself in the courtyard, watching great schools of fish swim outside of Aurora's barrier. It's sublimely calming, tensions from the past several days bleeding away as he rests here.
But thoughts do not leave him alone. First and foremost, his anarch powers come to mind.
Ball's in your court here.
His first thought is that the most natural place for him to go is Celestia. However, he doesn't want to simply barge in there.
So, the best way to ask is by praying, right? So that's what he'll do!
Intent is to go to the temple and pray to Erathaol and basically ask if it's kosher for him to Plane Shift to Celestia - wherever the Mountain decides he should land he'll work with, whichever layer that is. But he doesn't want to just go ahead and do it before he at least asks.
Which temple?
Since there isn't one for Celestia yet (Moore may work on that...) the one to Selune.
If you do want to work on it, add it to pending stuff at the bottom.
The temple of Selune is quiet right now. A few of the laity are about, but no sign of Balyss or Stille. It's quiet, more people outside watching Water than inside the temple. But it provides it peace and clarity, allowing Moore's mind to easily relax.
Just praying or casting a divination?
He's going to try praying first.
Wis check then.
[23:05] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5
[23:05] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 7 > [d20=2]
A good hour or so of prayer follows. Moore feels revitalized and refocused, though he has received no guidance from above.
There's no harm in being patient. It's a virtue, isn't it? He'll simply keep praying for now -- he's been so busy the last few weeks that he never really had a chance to sit down and do that.
Presuming it's the same roll.
[23:13] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5
[23:13] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 13 > [d20=8]
More time passes. Moore feels refreshed, but still no guidance. Some time during his prayer, Still entered. He talks to the laity quietly, answering a few questions you don't really catch. He tends to the altar, sprinkling it with holy water and a silvery powder.
This would probably be going better if it wasn't Selune's temple, but hopefully she doesn't mind.
Ah, what's another hour or two to an eternal land like Celestia? He'll take a deep breath and focus. If this doesn't work... well, he'll just try something else. Or maybe not. He's indecisive today.
[23:17] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5
[23:17] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d20=16]
Hours slip by. Moore is at peace and content, knowledge slowly tricking in. The point of Celestia isn't to reach it, because that is only the beginning. Does not everyone climb the holy mountain?
Moore nods to himself, content in the knowledge. Yes, if Celestia demands he start at the beginning on his journey, then that is how it shall be. If Celestia deems he should start somewhere else, then that's how it shall be.
Quick questions before anything else -- can Moore borrow a bag of holding or something similar for the Nessian spear to take it with him?
Will Word of Recall get him back to Aurora?
A bag of holding can be borrowed, I'm sure someone will have a spare they can lend.
What's word of recall in?
It's an SRD spell. http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/wordOfRecall.htm
It can't. It's limited by the plane you're on and Aurora is a demiplane. Also, Aurora has plenty of wards against teleportation which would shut you down. Upside, it keeps troublemakers out.
Okay. Then before he leaves he'll need to buy some scrolls of Gate so he can get back presuming he can't find someone to return him. I think two would be sufficient.
Getting sent there's easy enough, plenty of people can plane shift you. Getting back's tougher, so yes, bringing transportation would help. Go ahead and post the expense in loot, assuming you're buying, or you can try and find someone who can transport and doesn't mind going out with you for the trip.
Okay. Moore will look around for anyone who'd be interested in going on a trip to Celestia first, then. If there aren't any takers, he'll buy from scrolls. He can handle the Plane Shift himself, at least.
Aiming for anyone in particular?
Ebony first, then Hanna. If both of those are no-goes maybe Cresiel and if not him then we'll go from there.
A quick Elena call gets you locations. "Ebony's in the baths right now with a few other ladies," she reports, "I think they're having a social call so they won't be out any time soon. Hanna's training with Mirajane and Cresiel's meditating in his quarters."
Well, the least busy one is Cresiel, so he'll head there first.
You find Cresiel's door already open. He floats above the floor, sitting cross-legged. Waves of light slowly emanate out from him, each one leaving a heady sensation of valor in your chest. An urge to go out and crush all the wicked that oppose you, never ceasing and never stopping.
Moore will wait politely, but if after about 10 or so minutes he hasn't responded will clear his throat.
It's hard. It's like a slow-burning fire builds in your chest. Moore has to resist the urge to scream. To shout, to go do something. To find something, a tyrant, a destroyer, a monster. To stop it. Visions of glory begin to fill his mind, of triumph over-
"Moore." Cresiel's voice gets your attention, the solar standing now. "Does the Crusade require me?"
Moore blinks a few times. He could learn a thing or two about inspiration from that!
"Ah, Cresiel." Moore says, sounding a bit distracted at first. He bows properly. "I was considering going to Mount Celestia to both learn and to see about resolving a matter. I was curious if you would care to join me."
"I would," Cresiel says, briefly going to get his weapon and put on his armor. "Celestia always welcomes visitors. We can leave as soon as you wish."
Moore smiles at that. "We can go now, if you'd like. I had actually thought to simply Plane Shift us there and see where the Holy Mountain decides to take us. I've found that letting it guide me rather than trying to guide myself allows me to learn more."
Cresiel smiles. The world seems brighter when he does, as of the sun were shining down on you. "Wisdom. Celestia guides us not to what we want, but what we need. Our wants are often clouded by the here and now, by trivial things of no true value. How many have fallen into sin for wants that mean nothing compared to the simple things they need?"
Moore nods. "You're absolutely correct. Inspiration and motivation... my passions... it's the same thing. They aren't the type of thing that you know you need, but once you find it, it helps put your entire life into perspective. It's about showing someone a path and giving them the courage to take it." Moore says with a smile. "Shall we see what the path has in store for us?"
"Yes."
With that single word, the two of you head out into Water. You hold your breath, floating in the endless ocean here. The waters are cool but not cold here, bright with the light from Aurora. Cresiel takes your hand and then you rise, a moment of rising higher than you could ever imagine. Light, wonderful and perfect light, and then you are home. A sense of belonging strikes you, pure and wonderful. It's as if part of you was blind and lame until this moment and you had forgotten, a sheer sensation of rightness filling you.
You stand in neck deep waters, the color of dark purple wine and warm. Ahead is a beach that surrounds the greatest, tallest mountain you have ever seen. It stretches far higher than you can see, seemingly endless and full of light. "Lunia," Cresiel announces, "The shores of Celestia welcome us."
Ah, that's a sensation he won't ever quite get used to.
"It's nice to have come here by my own choosing this time." Moore says with a look around, taking a moment to just bask, as he flies up and out of the water. "I wonder if I actually passed through here, but just don't recall... ah, it doesn't matter." Moore takes in a deep breath. "Well, let us see what Lunia has in store for us." At that, he'll start heading towards the beach, not in any particular direction, knowing that they'll find everything they need to find in due time. Hey, maybe he can meet Iris and the others again.
"Just wander. Time doesn't matter here. Celestia will keep us as long as we need to be here, no longer and no shorter." Cresiel advises.
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d100=80]
> roll 1d100+7
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d100=72]
You wander the beaches for several hours. It's restful and pleasant, until you come on a simple campfire, just away from the waves. It's a pile of driftwood burning away, a dark-skinned man sitting before it and warming his hands. Several fish cook over the fire. The man wears rather old and simple peasant clothes, once a simple, homebrown brown and now just a dull, dead brown from wear and age.
Moore nods to Cresiel's words and starts to fly with him.
Huh, Moore wonders, upon sight of the man. Where's the driftwood... ah, right. Celestia provides it, he's sure.
"Good..." Moore realizes that there isn't really day or night or morning or afternoon... hm. "Greetings, sir. I hope you don't mind the extra company."
"No," He gestures open-palmed to the food, "Eat?" He speaks in Common, slowly and carefully.
Taking 10 on K:P for 45 to identify this man's race and possibly the language he speaks.
He is a humanoid it appears, thus K:P does not apply. Do you have ranks in K:L?
Taking 10 for 31!
He is a human. Some humans have darker colored skin, from the color of light caramel to dark brown to even pitch black. It's not remarkable as much as just likely how his regoin's humans (or perhaps that Prime altogether) looks. Mortals tend to skew to expectations, but with countless Primes, you run into variations. This is one such.
No hints on possible languages, since it seems like Common isn't his first?
Unfortunately not, no.
Moore nods and will fly over to try some fish. "Native Language?" Moore asks in Common. He hopes that the intent to find out is conveyed. Worst case, if he doesn't speak it, he has a spell as a backup!
"Not important," The man says, reaching out to gently grasp Moore's face. He meets his eyes, "I have to tell you about important news, about Empress Sulia."
Cresiel kneels in the sands opposite the two, watching the entire thing go on.
Moore merely nods, before he blinks. He doesn't try and stop the person, knowing that he's entirely safe here.
"Of course, go ahead." Moore says.
45 for K:P for who that is if appropriate. Standing 31 if it's K:L. If neither, then darnit!
K:R, actually.
Well in that case, it's 48!
Empress Sulia is a newly risen deity (in a planar sense, which means within a few thousand years or less) that represents nobility and martyrdom. She is allied with Brightwater and the newest addition to that group. A relatively young demi-power, she is slowly spreading word as she can and building up her power base across the Primes - both the Primes of her origin and any other Prime she gets followers on. As a former follower of Sune, Lady Firehair has helped her cause greatly.
You also recall she was a mortal empress executed by her husband, the emperor. She did great good across the empire and aided many, but fell in love with another who traveled with her. The emperor would not accept this and put her to the guillotine. In her death she became far more than she was in life.
Odd to see someone in Celestia talking about her, though.
Moore merely stays quiet to allow this individual to speak what they find so important!
Anything on Lady Firehair, also?
A title for Sune, fairly common knowledge.
"Empress Sulia will protect you," He declares, "Empress Sulia protects." He nods and lets go of Moore.
"Thank you for giving us the message." Moore says with a smile. "Thank you for the fish, also."
He will spend some time eating the fish and, unless the man has any other news to impart, will leave after spending some more time there, just enjoying the quiet company.
It's good fish if nothing else, Moore finds. Once you're done and going, "Did you know that man?" Cresiel asks.
"I... do not believe so, no." Moore shakes his head. "I wonder if the Lady Empress is simply reaching out to any who would listen or if the message was special to me... hm. I suppose we shall find out in due time, yes?"
"Celestia must have a reason, especially to permit a follower of Brightwater to advertise so freely," Cresiel says, a slight frown as he ponders. "No matter. Pondering what ifs is a fool's game."
"Perhaps we should make a trip to Brightwater after our business here is done." Moore suggests as they continue on. "I've only visited once and didn't really have a chance to look around much."
"It is not an evil place, but terribly hectic and disordered." Cresiel admits, "There is no harmony there, only the pursuit of various desires."
"Sometimes a change in perspective helps to appreciate the way things are." Moore says with a smile. "Or helps one to remember what's most important."
"...yes." Cresiel murmurs, "You are correct. My visits to Brightwater only fortify my spirit to seek the light of Celestia, for I am my father's child."
"Oh, that's right... what exactly, ah... how did you end up in Hopelorn, anyway?" Moore asks.
"An attack that went wrong," Cresiel says, "I defeated many, but was ultimately subdued." He shakes his head at that, "An unacceptable failing for one of my caste. Should a solar fall in battle, all hope is lost. We are to stand as the great generals of the celestial host, but the devils were too powerful." He turns and looks out at the waves, "Yet there lies my sin. Pride crept in, so that I could not retreat a lost battle. More temperance would have served me well, I must study Domiel's lessons anew."
"I know they don't always get along, or at least, that's what I've read, but... well, I don't wish to presume anything, but I would just say that Erathaol would say all things happen for a reason, good or bad. What happened to you was... unfortunate, but I'm glad we were able to rescue you. So despite that, perhaps... don't be so hard on yourself. You've clearly learned a hard lesson, so there's no reason to dwell on it." Moore says. "At least, that's what I think. You have to learn and keep moving."
"Yes, I have to learn. I have to be better. My father has the wisdom to avoid that trap and my mother the power to overwhelm that battle. I possessed neither and fell into the pride of thinking I had both my father's wisdom and my mother's might." Cresiel closes his eyes, as if in deep thought. "I must dwell on it, because I must be better. I am a solar, the greatest of the celestial host. Too much else depends on me."
"You'll find your own Wisdom while we're here, Cresiel." Moore says reassuringly. "We both will."
"We will, as the holy mountain guides us." From here Cresiel is silent, the two wandering further.
> roll 1d100+7
<Penuche> Kowork invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d100=28
You wander a while longer. In time you come to a cleft in the mountain side, the beach extending into it. A little, half hidden place, perhaps. You note it as you pass, something to explore if you desire.
The last time he explored something like this, he met an ancient dragon!
"Hm, hold a moment." Moore says as he goes to take a look to see if it's a longer cave or just a small one.
Looking in, you can see that it doesn't close on top - light from above can get through, it's not a true cave. From the outside, you can hear the murmur of voices - and then suddenly several lantern archons fly out and by you, laughing and chasing one another.
"Oh! Hello!" Moore greets them. He will resume his walking with Cresiel if they go about their business.
Cresiel smiles slightly, hanging back. The lantern archons flock Moore, all burbling, "Hi! Hi! Hi!" They greet him in Celestial, "What's your name?"
Moore switches over to Celestial to be polite. "My name is Moore. This is Cresiel. Say, do any of you know Beniel?"
"Who?" They ask, "We're new! Who's Beniel?"
At this Cresiel clears his throat, "Moore, they're newborns. Souls that have reached their eternal reward, they probably don't even have names yet."
"Oh, I see." He nods to Cresiel. "He's a friend of mine, a lantern archon, just like you all!" Moore says.
"I want to be Beniel!" One cheers, then another calls, "Me too! I'm Beniel!" "No, I'm Beniel!" "No, I am! Me me me!" The lantern archons fly off, laughing and arguing with one another.
Cresiel watches with a soft smile all the while, "After a life of labors, what is more welcome than the simple joys of childhood?"
"Yes," Moore agrees with a smile. "They deserve to have some peace from their hardships." With that, he will continue along.
"Everyone does," Morniel says, "But how few truly grasp it and strive for it? When laid out like this, our eyes able to see celestials and fiends, it seems obvious. But for mortals, it is a distant promise contrasting with a hard world."
"I think for most people... just getting through life is enough of a challenge. I don't think they strive for what they think might lie beyond, but... I think it motivates them to be a good person." Moore says as they go. "It isn't so much that they're promised anything after they pass, so much as they want to leave a good legacy for those around them."
"Have you ever listened to the holy men of Tyr, of Ilmater or of the others?" Cresiel gestures the mountain, "Listen how they give succor by the tales of what awaits the righteous who follow the path. The mountain calls those that seek it, the word of the righteous to look past the mundane and to what matters."
"Mm, you're right, of course, but..." Moore considers. "Think of those who do good deeds not out of any specific reason or calling. One does not necessarily have to follow a divine path to ring goodness to others, right?"
"Indeed, though it is like entering a locked room without the key. Far harder to do and more likely to fail," Cresiel says, "Celestia's paragons do not seek worship, but instead bolster the churches of the Triad and other allies. That message is vitally important." There's a short pause as the solar considers, "Consider like throwing oil on a fire."
Moore smiles. "No, I understand. If someone's meant to find their way into Celestia, then it will happen. You don't just... stumble in here." Moore says, then he starts to laugh. "Well, I suppose there are some extraordinary circumstances that could happen, speaking from experience."
"You appeared in Venya from nowhere?" Cresiel asks.
"Apparently." Moore says. "I... I'm sure something happened prior to it to bring me there, and... well, no matter what it is or was, it's put me on the right path. So there's no sense in my dwelling on it."
> roll 1d100+7
<Penuche> Kowork invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d100=60]
More time passes. It's hard to tell how much, as there is a certain peaceful timelessness here. You don't grow weary, only introspective and quiet as you study things. You find your gaze on the waves, studying them. A steady, endless pattern that laps at the shore, no sign of high or low tide. Just simple continuance, going on and on forever and ever more. It smooths the beaches, straightening the sand and washing away any footsteps or imperfections on the shore.
Moore watches the waves come and go as they continue on. He briefly considers trying to invoke his apparent anarch powers, but decides for now to wait until a better opportunity presents itself.
"It must be a good feeling for those who arrive here to not feel like they'll ever get lost." Moore says with a chuckle.
Cresiel is not looking to the waves. He looking higher up, towards the endless light from above. "You cannot get lost here, only find a part of your path that is unfamiliar and winding." He slows down and looks to Moore, "When I visited my father as a child, he would take me to the beaches here to play. Even as a child, I found these beaches soothing."
"There is peace here, for they never change. A million years can pass and you can return here, and it will be as it was before. No matter what, it will not change." Cresiel says.
"Such is the nature of an orderly place." Moore nods. "It makes me wonder... Not doubt -- that isn't the right word." Moore looks like he's considering as he looks up towards the light himself. Light... ... ... "To have found myself here, to have been given a path by Erathaol himself... to find out during our encounters that I seem to have some other natural power within me..." He smiles at that. "It helps to solidify how special the circumstances are and how much I have to learn."
"All in time," Cresiel says, "It is rare for a being of order to have the skills of an anarch. No matter how chaos would claim otherwise, there is a reason for it. It is a sign, a sign that you are a champion that can not only defeat chaos, but force it into order."
"Yes, exactly." Moore nods. "I was, truthfully, rather fearful when I discovered it... I thought that it was a bad thing. But one can't simply boil everything down in such a manner, can they?" Moore nods to himself at that. "I know Celestia will guide me, so I have no worries."
Spot check, Moore.
[16:01] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+35+2 Spot
[16:01] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=2]
Some time passes watching the waves. Cresiel breaks the meditative silence with, "A power over chaos is not a bad thing if it is used for the greater benefit of order. You saw that on the Astral, as your gift helped assure victory."
"Yes, I agree." Moore nods. "If it's being used for a good cause, then I think it warrants further investigation. If nothing else, I can use it to stop chaotic forces in the future."
"For those accursed times when you must visit Limbo," Cresiel murmurs, "I have been there thrice and none of the visits are ones I wish to remember."
"I can imagine it is anathema to one such as yourself." Moore says with a bit of a smile. "But yes, Ithea seems to be well-regarded by them... the most chaotic thing they could do would be to be an ally of order, so it may not be that impossible to get them to behave."
"Hah. Optimism is truly eternal." He turns, "Shall we continue? The mountain has not yet offered us a path to begin our climb."
"Yes, let us continue. I think Celestia wanted to hear some stories from us, first." Moore says with a grin.
> roll 1d100+77
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 132 > [d100=55]
You wander for another hour or two, eventually seeing a path on the mountain. It leads up and off the beaches, onto the holy mountain proper. Cresiel immediately heads for it.
Moore will fly with Cresiel!
Spot check again.
[16:51] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+35+2 Spot
[16:51] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=1]
Moore flutters up, following the pa-
> roll 2d8
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 8 > [d8=1,7]
Damage reduction applies.
OW! A small stone rolls off the nearby mountain side, hitting Moore right on the head. It ruins his train of thought, making him flutter forward as he tries to regain his balance and shake it off.
Ack! He should really pay more attention! Nonetheless, his concentration ruined for the moment, he'll go to retrieve it. It'll be a nice present for someone, if it manages to stay with him the entire time.
If it matters, he didn't actually take any damage, thankfully. Whew!
It's a plain stone. Unremarkable in every way. Cresiel watches with a raised eyebrow, "Are you hurt?" he asks.
Add the stone to your sheet.
"No, not at all." Moore says with a smile. "I think it was a warning from Celestia to be more observant."
"It could have been," Cresiel agrees, "You may have missed something important, so pay attention."
Moore will re-double his efforts to pay attention as they continue along and not let his thoughts interrupt that!
Spot check again.
[22:01] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+35+2+15 Spot with Divine Insight this time
[22:01] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=4]
As you climb up the mountain, you notice something out of the corner of your eye. Faint movements, glimpsed every so often as you begin to go up the trail. Someone following you, though you never get a decent look at them. They're quite good, following with a great deal of stealth.
Hm. Moore continues on casually, idly casting a simple cantrip to allow himself to communicate to Cresiel without saying a word.
"You probably already noticed, but someone is following us. Should we just continue on until they reveal themselves?" Moore whispers, barely audibly.
He's using Message so he can whisper and be a super secret spy.
Cresiel doesn't respond, instead following the path up.
Moore will follow along!
Cresiel continues to walk - faster and faster, leaving Moore behind as he tries to keep up.
Moore can easily enough see what's going on, so he simply stops. If Cresiel wanted him to keep up, he'd ask him to -- no, it looks like whomever this is will be a meeting by himself.
Cresiel is soon gone, Moore left behind. He hears nothing behind him, safe for the faintest sound of a footstep.
"It seems you have me at a disadvantage." Moore says, turning in the direction. "But allow me to introduce myself properly nonetheless. My name is Moore, member of Aurora and follower of Erathaol. Among other things, I dabble in inspiring people to such heights that destiny itself has no choice by to move with the motions I guide people through." At that, he offers a flourishing bow.
The figure behind you is hard to look at. Light, sheer and powerful. Blinding and overwhelming. It vaguely human shaped, but you cannot look at it except in the barest glance, so the details are hazy. It stands 10ft behind you, watching impassively.
Images flood into Moore's mind, a torrent of them virtually drowning him. Chaos all around him, the ever changing realm of Limbo. His will makes it his realm, a great kingdom rising out of the chaos. Here Moore sits on a throne, in a castle of imagination. The slaad bow and scrape to him, terrified servants that ensure his every thought is fulfilled. Moore sits in his kingdom, every desire fulfilled as it comes, nothing rejected. His every whim is reality in this place, and reality takes a back seat to whatever catches his fancy.
For a moment, he's lost in that fantasy world. Servants? An entire kingdom? Why, isn't that what he's always wanted? Yes, of course, it's only natural that... ...no. That isn't right at all.
Moore shakes his head. "No. I am not the type to make others bow to my will in such a way." He shakes his head again, as if trying to drown out that chaos.
"If I do anything to the slaad in Limbo, it would be to understand them. I am not the type to lead through fear or domination... but through hope and inspiration." Moore smiles. "Let me show you, if you'd like."
If K:P is relevant I'll take 10 for 45 to identify what this is.
You have no idea what this creature is. The sheer radiance suggests something mighty indeed.
More images fill your mind. Talking to the slaad, understanding them. As you do, you become more and more like they. Growing taller, bigger. Changing colors, becoming frog-like in appearance. You grow greatly amid them, a kingdom of unreality and mutable shape forming as you gather bannermen (banner slaad?) to your cause. You do war with rainbows, a skeletal prince and a golden blob of some sort. Destruction fills Limbo, a war of countless shapes and dimensions as an unthinkable number of souls perish in the great battles.
Moore shakes his head again. "I'm sure Calleigh would like that, but it isn't for me. When you talk to and understand something, you take a little bit of them and make it yours. You don't have to give up who you are or your identity to understand something or someone -- but the perspective is important. This power -- the power over chaos... it isn't about making something chaotic, or turning something that's chaotic into order. It's about merging this with my own abilities and understanding it." Moore insists.
"Although it does sound rather fun to fight like that, it wouldn't be my desire to do so." Moore says.
This time another barrage of images fills Moore's mind. The stuff of chaos becomes treasure under his will. Gold and jewels, riches enough to buy whatever he could dream of. Aurora is laden with wealth incomprehensible, Moore's many chambers filled with enough treasure to buy Brightwater itself. He sits on a throne carved from a single huge diamond, rubies the size of a large pixie lying all about. Gold ingots long and broad as a human lie about casually, as if such fantastical wealth isn't even worth picking up off the floor.
There is something tempting about that...
"Even still, wealth gained like that must be taken from somewhere else in Creation, wouldn't you say?" Moore asks. Well, 'say' is obviously not something this particular creature does, but...
"I don't do what I do for any personal wealth in such a material fashion. I bring hope to my allies because I'm needed to do so. I do not expect a reward from it except stronger bonds with my comrades." Moore says. "This control of chaos... if you can call it as such -- Is another tool in my arsenal to better my allies."
"Moore! Moore!"
Cresiel's voice shakes you from a deep reverie. You blink, standing at the beginning of the path, the stone that hit you on the head still in hand. Cresiel kneels next to you, still overshadowing you as he shakes your shoulder. "Wake up."
Moore blinks. He blinks again. One more time for good measure.
"Oh... Cresiel, hello." Moore nods. "...I'm sorry, did that hit me harder than I think it did...?"
"It may have," Cresiel admits, "But falling stones are not a hazard of Celestia, unless you are an enemy," he remarks, looking down at the stone. "But I see no reason for Celestia to reject you. There must be a greater purpose to it."
"Ah... yes, I met someone." Moore answers. "They did not identify themselves, but... well, I think they wanted to know what I intended to do with my powers over the forces of chaos. A test of character, if you will."
Immediately Cresiel nods, solemn, "How did it go?"
"They showed me a few paths I could take -- domination, control, using the powers for my own gain, that sort of thing." Moore explains. "I think they accepted my answer that I don't intend to use the powers in that manner, since that's when you woke me up."
"You acted with wisdom. All of those were the appeals of the earthly world," Cresiel stands, a sweep of his arm towards the illuminated heavens, "Celestia is not about any of that. As you climb, you fill find yourself tested, in some ways obvious and others subtle."
"I wonder if someone wanted to see if I was really worthy of landing in Venya." Moore says with a bit of a smile. "Well, my apologies for worrying you. I will try and be more observant ...ah... again, I suppose." Moore says with a chuckle.
He'll cast Divine Insight in case of another rock-falling incident.
So noted.
You wander up the path. It's a bit steep, but nothing that troubles you thanks to your wings. You soon come to a recess on the side of the path, where a humble hut of stacked stones has been built. An opening with no door leads inside of it. Meanwhile, the path continues along and upward.
It'd be rude to not at least greet anyone along the way up the Mountain, wouldn't it?
Moore flies over. "Hello? Is anyone in?" He calls out, trying to get a sense of how deep this might be.
It's a simple hut - not deep at all.
Within sits an old man, thin to the point where you can see his ribs. He wears only a loincloth, a wild and long beard and matching long hair, both white. His skin is deeply tanned and wrinkled. He rather looks like a dwarf that grew an extra few feet and went on a crash diet. He looks up, sitting cross-legged on the stone ground. "Greetings," he offers, "This humble hut will do naught but keep out the rain, but you are welcome to it, traveler and most holy one."
Cresiel shakes his head, "I am but a traveler as well, as we all are."
Moore nods his head respectfully of the elder one.
"If it begins to rain here, you may see me again." Moore says with a smile. "However, while we're here... is there anything we can get you, sir? Even if it's just some company for a while, it would be a disservice to not at least offer."
The man smiles, "Yes, stay a time."
Morniel sits on the stone ground, matching the old man's cross-legged position. "Thank you for your hospitality."
"Aaaah, Celestia welcomes us all," The old man says, "Who am I to deny anyone? Fairy, why do you climb the holy mountain?"
"I wished to ask for Celestia's guidance on some matters." Moore says.
He flies in and takes a seat and follows suit with the other two. "I have discovered some powers I did not know were there and did not wish to blindly set off on my own to try and harness them." Moore starts, then realizes that he may as well add some of his own charismatic attitude to it.
"I know that the Holy Mountain guides those who come to it in search of wisdom and not in pursuit of desires. It seemed prudent to see what the Holy Mountain had to show me, what paths it deemed I should walk. The other matter... is most likely more simple. We have an item that was doused in infernal machinations and I wished to see it put to a better purpose, so I imagined this would be the best place to see that done."
He thinks afterwards that this might not be that exciting to the old man, but he did ask for company and probably loves to hear a good story or two.
"You seek wisdom?" The old man says, then cackles, "Meditate with me, son. Open your mind as you close your eyes."
It would be rude to turn down someone who's been in the mountain for as long as this one has... or perhaps he's part of the mountain itself? Ah, it's irrelevant.
Moore will meditate as he's asked. He slows his breathing into controlled rhythms to try. He may not know the mental magics, but being this close...
Wis check, +7 bonus.
[14:15] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5+7
[14:15] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=8]
Moore drifts, his body growing numb. Like this he meditates, losing himself to the world around him. He feels it in his veins, a slow-building tingling. It burns in his blood and courses throughout his body. It's not part of him, yet it feels right.
Tinging... yes, like an itch. That's it -- he has to...
He does his best to follow the path laid out for him as best as he can in this state. Whatever this is may not be part of him right now, but he'll welcome and accept it -- it would not do to reject an offer like this that can be used for such a good purpose.
Make another Wis check, another +7 bonus.
[14:24] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5+7
[14:24] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=13]
You feel it. The power to control chaos blossoms in you. It is not a whip, nor a sword. A shield. It is a shield, the weapon of a protector to save others from the ravages of chaos. Understanding follows - it is a great responsibility, the ability to face chaos and control it to protect others from it.
When using your anarch abilities to protect yourself or others, the bonus to rolls increases to +7.
It's worth noting that each anarch is different. Some, like Ithea, get a flat bonus with no restrictions. Some never improve, some become less effective over time and some become better at it. There's really no rhyme or reason for it. In this case, your ability seems defense-oriented. Likewise, the bonus to Wisdom checks to control Limbo varies from creature to creature.
Baleruk, as a quasi-power and an anarch before his ascension, generally doesn't need to make checks to affect Limbo. Altering reality is the domain of deities, after all.
Ironic that that's exactly how he was using it before!
So it's +4 under normal circumstances, and then +7 when being used defensively, just to make sure I understand? Now, if we can just get it so Moore's charisma is what influences it rather than Wisdom...!
A shield -- yes, of course. That makes complete and perfect sense. That's how he ended up using it in the Astral... so he was doing it subconsciously.
Moore revels in this knowledge and will allow anything further the Mountain wishes to pass on to him to be welcomed.
Correct. You were on the right path for it, so figuring this out wasn't as hard as it could be.
A peaceful reverie passes, Moore soon awakening. His body is stiff and sore from sitting on the stone, but he's back to awareness.
Moore smiles. "You have my thanks, sir." Moore bows his head. "That answers one of my questions. The next has to do with a weapon... I'm sure the Holy Mountain will provide us with what we need, so there's no need to bother you with questions." Moore smiles. "Is there anything else we can do for you before we leave?"
"No." He says, "Your company was enough. May Celestia guide you, young man."
Cresiel rises in one smooth movement, far too graceful for a creature of his size. "Thank you for your aid. I look forward to seeing you higher on the mountain in the future."
"Thank you." Moore bows again before he heads back out with Cresiel!
Once out, Cresiel asks, "Did you find what you sought there?"
Moore nods. "Yes, I have my answer about the powers. I think more will come to me in time as I use them."
Cresiel smiles, sending warmth throughtout Moore, like a summer morning. "Then do wish to continue now? It is always worthwhile to climb the mountain, but one is not always ready to continue once they have found the wisdom they needed at this time."
"I brought with me a Nessian spear." Moore says with a small frown, not enjoying saying the name like that. "I was hoping that Celestia might provide a way that we could turn it into a tool for our forces."
"Let me see it," Cresiel says, "I may be able to provide insight, here in the light of holiness."
Moore opens the bag of holding that he borrowed to contain the spear and offers it to Cresiel.
As you take the spear out, you see it writhe in the light of Celestia. It moves as if alive when Moore takes the tip of it out, needing to slowly withdraw the huge spear with his tiny pixie hands. "Drop the bag!" Cresiel commands, stepping back.
Moore does as he's instructed and drops the bag!
The bag is dropped. The spear falls out when it hits the ground, almost pulling itself out. The entire thing twists and moves, writhing like a man on fire. Smoke begins to rise from the sear, a foul and noxious fog that makes Moore want to throw up.
Chance to act here if you want, Moore.
Moore frowns at this display, putting a hand up to his mouth in both surprise but also slight nausea.
Those things are alive...??
Any K relevant here as to what's happening beyond the obvious?
K:P and K:A.
I'll use the Divine Insight for the K:A and take 10 for 60. If there's also need for K:P on top of that then I'll take 10 for 45 as well.
Your arcane knowledge tells you that something is wrong here. The magic in the spear is reacting in a way you can't understand, but you can tell this. Unknown dark power confronted with true holiness rarely ends quietly.
Moore's planar knowledge tells him that whatever the spear is, it is likely composed of something antithetical to Celestia. The realm itself rejects it.
Well, if it ends up being destroyed then it's probably for the best. He had hoped to somehow remove the taint of evil from it, but this may wind up being a better solution.
He'll just watch for now since there isn't much else to do.
Cresiel backs up, shielding more with a wing. The spear rises up into the air, twisting and howling. An audible howl of fury, echoing amid Celestia's peaks. The spear begins to rise - and lurches towards the party. A spectral image grasps it by the haft - a great, towering pit fiend worthy of such a huge spear, bellowing defiance. Like a flickering nightmare, it advances onto you.
Init.
[12:32] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20 Penuche
[12:32] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+14 Cresiel
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 26 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+9 phantom pit fiend
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 22 > [d20=13]
Init is Moore (37) > Cresiel (26) > Phantom Pit Fiend (22)
Open Moore. Your enemy is 20ft away from you.
Does the spell Greater Blink have any effect here?
It does not. Blink's only effective on the Prime.
Moore casts and creates several Mirror Images of himself! Since there are only two targets currently, he may as well make a total of 9!
I'm presuming that I just get the extra 8 images due to the caster level. If this is not correct then let me know.
Yeah, you can't end up with less than 8 images, so no point rolling.
"Return to Hell!" Cresiel declares, advancing on the creature implacably. His shield comes up to parry a spear thrust, closing in and bashing the devil right in the face.
> roll 1d20+42 (+10 furious strike)
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 45 > [d20=3]
> roll 2d6+9+5d6
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 29 > [d6=1,3,5,2,2,1,6]
The blow hits the phantasm in the face, making it flicker in and out of reality. But it holds together and roars, "I WILL EAT YOUR SOUL!" before trying to stab Cresiel.
> roll 1d20+30 vs 44
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 41 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+25 vs 44
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 31 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+20 vs 44
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 27 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+15 vs 44
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 16 > [d20=1]
But Cresiel stands firm. His shield moves as fast as the spear, blocking each and every attempt to impale him. The clang of steel on steel echos through Lunia, Cresiel's eyes beginning to glow brilliantly white. His wings flare out, offering up his own roar of fury and defiance to the phantasm before you.
Go Moore.
"Stand tall! We have no need to fear this creature in this Holy place!" Moore calls out, calling on his words to inspire Cresiel!
Inspire Courage +14Moore
HP: (6)245
AC: 47
8 Mirror Images
With Moore's bardic power filling Cresiel, the solar stands against the fiend and attempts to bash it into dust.
> roll 1d20+41 (+14 inspire courage, -5 power attack)
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 58 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+36 (+14 inspire courage, -5 power attack)
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 40 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+31 (+14 inspire courage, -5 power attack)
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 38 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+36 (+14 inspire courage, +10 furious strike, -5 power attack)
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 44 > [d20=8]
> roll 2d6+23 (+14 inspire courage)
> roll 2d6+23 (+14 inspire courage)
> roll 2d6+23 (+14 inspire courage)
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 27 > [d6=1,3]
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 29 > [d6=1,5]
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 30 > [d6=6,1]
> roll 2d6+23+5d6 (+14 inspire courage)
<Plushie_Ithea> Space_Cat roll for Plushie_Ithea < 50 > [d6=4,4,4,6,3,2,4]
> OOC: +20 to the grand total, forgot power attack. Dur.
Cresiel's blows pound the phantasm. Strike after strike slams the semi-solid thing, pounding its chest into mush and head into a bloody mess. The last blow bursts with holy light, crushing the head of the fiend. It vanishes, the spear falling to the ground. It writhes again and again before bursting into flames. Before your eyes the cursed spear is immolated, burning down so fast that not even ash is left behind.
Free act.
"I suppose it was arrogant of me to believe something like that could be turned into a tool for good." Moore says with a frown. "Thank you, Cresiel, I apologize for needing to bring you into that."
Cresiel shakes his head, "No, you did the right thing. To redeem something is a greater victory than to destroy it. But some things must be destroyed." The solar turns, smiling gravely. "You did well, Moore."
Moore bows his head to Cresiel in agreement. "I will take your words to heart then. Well... my business here is concluded for now. But if there's anything you wish to still do here, I would be happy to accompany you."
Spot check, Moore.
[14:08] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+33
[14:08] <Plushie_Ithea> Nephrite roll for Plushie_Ithea < 44 > [d20=11]
Hm? As Moore goes to turn away, he spies something. A long and narrow shard of wood rests where the spear was. Strangely, you didn't see it before.
"I do," he says, "I want to visit my home. I have not been there for some time, and I have things there that may help our Crusade."
"Of course. I'd be happy to visit, if you'll have me." Moore says with a smile, before he... wait, what?
Moore blinks once or twice, but goes over to look at the piece of wood! To be on the safe side, he casts Detect Magic.
Taking 10 for 45 on the Spellcraft.
The wood is utterly non magical. It's a lenght of wood perhaps 5 feet long, a bit jagged but not terribly so. One end has a rough indentation there, as if something was there but is now not.
Cresiel turns without comment, "Some of it survived?" he asks, readying his warhammer.
"No, it's... just wood." Moore says. That's strange... Moore will pick it up anyway.
"It will be a souvenir." Moore says with a smile.
"Strange," Cresiel agrees, "Celestia seems to have you gathering negligible things."
Moore just smiles and puts the wood away in his haversack. "Mysterious ways, I suppose. Well, then, lead the way."
The two of you take flight. You don't seem to fly long - perhaps a half hour. Back over the beaches of Lunia, until you see something ahead. A quiet, small fortress against the mountain, the beaches coming just up to its front gate. It's made of simple gray stone, built of great big blocks of it stacked atop one another. It has no towers, just a short and squat defensive point. No banners fly from it nor is there any identifying markings.
Well, that's rather surprisingly unassuming for something in this place... Moore will have to ask about that. Either way, he continues along.
Cresiel flies to the front gate, which opens as he approaches. It slides up smoothly, barely making any noise.
"Master!"
Rushing out is a creature you know - a hound archon. A red-furred head and humanoid body, wearing full plate armor (save for a helmet) and carrying a blade on his side. He approaches and bows, "Welcome home, Master. It's been a long time."
The solar approaches with a smile, a brief hug exchanged, "It's been a long time, Red. How's home? Also, this is Moore," he says, "He's part of the Crusade of Aurora that I've joined."
Moore smiles, but inwardly screams. Surely their names are more imaginative than that, right?
He bows his head once to Red. "It's good to meet you."
He comes over and starts to offer a hand, but stops. "Bit small for a handshake, aren't you?" He sniffs a few times, then growls. "And you smell like brimstone!"
"Down, Red," Cresiel's smile widens, patting the hound archon's head. "We just dispatched a powerful artifact of Hell. Freshening up and washing the stench of Baator away is the first thing we're going to do. Go get Orange and Gold to get baths ready."
Oh no. No. No. They're not all just named after colors, are they????
"Yes, my apologies." Moore says with an apologetic smile. "I should've thought to use a spell or two on the way here."
"Yes, Master," Red stops growling and hurries off inside. "Blue, Green! Master Cresiel's back! Get the baths ready for him and another for his guest!"
"Come in, we'll freshen up, share a meal and see to things." Cresiel invites.
Moore nods to Cresiel and will follow him inside!
"Does this have a name?" Moore asks, gesturing at the walls.
"Bestha Fortress," Cresiel leads you in. It looks to be fairly homey here, well decorated and kept. You're lead to the sides, where you're given a small room and a chance to freshen up, including a bath. Once all of that is done, the two of you are served a simple meal of bread, roast and water by an array of hound archons. Each one with a different fur color and matching name. You eat in a simple, comfortable dining room.
"It's been too long," Cresiel murmurs, "Three hundred and some odd years."
Moore indeed freshens up and tidies up his outfit to be presentable.
Once at the table, Moore blinks to Cresiel's comment. "Wait... since you've been back?"
"Yes. Time matters differently to us than it does to others. Mortals pass a handful of years as we pass the centuries. Counting time is a preoccupation of those with mortal lifespans." Creisel finishes his meal quickly and efficiently, leaving naught but crumbs behind. "I spend most of my time crusading and taking the fight to evil. I rarely come home to rest."
"While I can certainly understand that from my own point of view," Moore says with a smile. "It never hurts to keep in contact with those that formed the foundation for you. Ah... not to say that I mean to suggest your crusade is incorrect." Moore quickly adds. "I just think it's good to go home every now and again. But if you're happy with the length of time, then who am I to tell you otherwise?"
"Mm." Cresiel considers that, "...in truth, my mother tells me much the same thing when I visit her." He smiles, rather wryly, "And I tell her she spends too much time in Brightwater rather than using her power for the better. Home is important, but other places need me more."
Moore laughs at that. "Yes, I suppose that makes sense. I should return home to Arborea someday... but that time is not yet now."
"I don't think that's where you'll end up, in the end," Cresiel says, "You serve Erathaol."
Moore nods. "Yes. My very first question to him..." Moore smiles, looking off to the side at how suddenly that happened -- "Was if I was even allowed to follow him in such a manner. I was worried Her Majesty Titania would frown upon it."
"It doesn't matter," Cresiel says, quite firmly. "What matters is Mount Celestia. If it calls you, what anyone else says doesn't matter. It is the most important thing in all Creation, and on the last day, Chronias will be opened wide and come to all Creation. My friend, worry not of what Titania would say, because you have found something far more precious."
Moore smiles to Cresiel. "I don't disagree with you... it's just in my nature to want to make peace with everyone, you know? Working as someone who motivated others taught me that sometimes you have to find common ground... even when it seems impossible. There may not be any one thing that all in Creation can fundamentally agree upon, but there are many things that, across all sorts, can be used to bond people in agreement."
Moore clears his throat a bit. "I do not mean to say I do not intend to carry out Erathaol's will, but... well, I think my participation in the Court of Stars back in Aurora is a good testament to the fact that common ground can be found in unlikely places."
This conversation is about to continue, when one of the hound archons enters. A golden-furred female comes in, "Master Cresiel, the armory's ready."
"Thank you, Gold," he smiles to her and rises, "That may be or not be...but right now let us get to practical matters."
Moore nods. "Of course. What did you have in mind?" Moore's pretty sure he knows, but...
"I have many mementos of past campaigns here. They can help Aurora,' Cresiel says, "They will be gifts as thanks for my salvation from Lixer."
Moore smiles. "That's very kind of you, Cresiel. I'm sure we can put them to good use."
Cresiel leads you to a small room, full of weapon racks and armor racks. Several are on display - from the mundane to exotic. Weapons and armors of all types are on display, though Cresiel goes to one in particular. "I knew a pixie hero once," he begins, a small rapier hanging on display. "His name was Broadleaf and he fought to protect others from evil until his last breath." He carefully picks up the rapier and presents it to Moore, "It's a weapon well suited to a bard."
Moore will reach out to take it! "Ah... do you mind if I take a moment to understand it?"
"Go ahead," Cresiel says.
Likewise, go ahead and make with identifying.
Taking 10 for 45 on Spellcraft. If that doesn't do it he'll Identify it proper.
Moore studies, figuring out the rapier.
Refrain
Refrain is a small rapier+2, keen. Whenever you use bardic music while holding or wielding Refrain, echos strengthen your music. Your bard level is considered 3 higher to determine the variable effects of your bardic music. Additionally, you may use bardic music an additional three times per day.
Moore smiles. "I have nothing to offer you yet in return, but I am certain that I will, in time, find something suitable to your stature."
"Aurora saved me. That is enough," Cresiel says, the color-coded hound archons coming in. They begin to load everything into a single bag - a bag of holding or some such. Cresiel takes it and says, "There is no place like home, but Aurora is where I am needed. Let us return."
Moore nods. "Yes, I agree." He turns and bows to the Rainbow Hounds. "I'll see if I can convince him to come back a bit sooner next time."
Ready to move back along, Moore?
Yessir.
Moore and Cresiel return to Aurora. You swim into the gate and into open air, drying yourselves with a simple cantri-woah! WHAM! A figure comes flying down from ahead and above, slamming down into the ground a mere 10ft from the both of you. Moonlight slowly picks herself up, wiping away at a bloody nose with the back of her hand. "Oh yeah," she shouts back at Aurora. Standing atop one of its spires is the Master, balancing and awaiting her. He gestures with a hand, as if to tell her to bring it again.
"Getting some practice in?" Moore asks with a glance up towards Master.
"Oooof." Moonlight shakes her head back and forth, "Yep!" Hitting the side of her head and knocking a bit of dirt out of her ear, she then promptly takes off and soars back towards the Master.
"Cresiel, thank you again." Moore says as Moonlight leaps away. "If you ever have need of me for anything, please do not hesitate to ask."
Cresiel nods, the two parting ways now.
What's the next thing on your agenda that you want to do?
Next on the agenda was to see if it was time for the mysterious demiplane. A Divination would do fine -- "Am I in a position to meet with the one who controlled the demiplane I visited when in the Deep Ethereal?"
To be clear, as in the spell divination?
Yes. They really needed to name that spell something else...
Remember to deduct the 25 gold component, Moore. Post it in loot.
The answer you get from the divination is as follows: Yes, but be aware of the costs.
Costs, hm? Those could be anything... Well, if he can be an ally of Aurora, regardless, it's worth considering.
He will perform another Divination spell, recalling that the last times he had done this it sounded as if someone specific was to go with him.
"How can I return to that demi-plane where I met this individual?" Moore will ask.
I'll tally all the Divination costs up at the end since this may take a few.
The answer you get is: Find the sealed gate in Algorand.
Well, the best thing to do is to go looking in the library for that. However, first...
"Elena? Have you ever heard of something called Algorand?" Moore will ask as he starts to head towards the library.
Deducting 50 gps
Elena appears, "Doesn't ring any bells," she admits. She's dressed up like a peasant girl today, a simple, homespun dress.
"Okay, no problem. Are the books in the library categorized in any way to your knowledge?" He asks. "I'm guessing I'm looking for a place and not a thing..."
"Oh, the magic there will help you with that," Elena says, "Ask Sage Vul'lath if you need help with it."
Moore nods and will head to the library to find Vul'lath!
Okay. What's your plan here, just find info on Algorand?
Yes. He'll use Scholar's Touch to speed the process up.
Make a Knowledge (Local) check. Even if you have it, you won't have ranks for this particular land, so assume untrained so bardic knack applies.
[12:33] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+21+15 K:L Divine Insight
[12:33] <Plushie_Ithea> Nephrite roll for Plushie_Ithea < 54 > [d20=18]
Even with scholar's touch and Sage Vul'lath helping, it takes hours and hours of reading. Moore's eyes are tired, his wings droop and he has to struggle not to face plant onto the book he's reading. It's a recent addition to Aurora's library, an account of various Prime worlds. Skimming, your spells long since expended, you casually read, "...and the lost island Algorand..."
Man, this is such a waste of time. You've spend all day read-wait a sec. Moore blinks his eyes and reads it again. "The stories of Makim and the lost island Algorand." It's just a casual summary of lore from various Prime worlds. The story is of a powerful wizard named Makim, who stole a rich and fertile island from the world and hid it away. Brave Prince Rennard challenges him but was soundly defeated, again proving the might of wizardry over common sword play. It then goes onto mention that the myth is popular in the Samgan Empire, a wizard-based meritocracy.
Wait, wait... How can he find a sealed gate on an island that's been lost?
Well, the description does match, since it was pretty much a literal island... But it sounds like he has to find the island to find the gate, but... isn't that backwards? Since if he's found the island he's already... ...ah, perhaps the sealed gate on the island leads there... but that still doesn't help much. He'll just have to ask how to find his way to Algorand, though if nothing else it sounds like going to the Samgan Empire might be a lead.
Either way, he's far too tired to try a divination on the subject right now, so he will retire to his room so he can try the next day. Maybe he'll have a dream about how to get there.
> roll 1d100
<Plushie_Ithea> Kotono roll for Plushie_Ithea < 83 > [d100=83]
No such luck on the dreams. Moore has a dream about a rabbit, but he can't remember it as he wakes up. As he's getting dressed and cleaned up for the day, there's a sharp rapping on the door. "Moore?" Crystal's voice. "Are you awake?"
Moore takes a moment to get dressed and freshen himself up with Prestidigitation. "Yes, I'm coming." Moore calls out and he opens the door. He bows his head. "Crystal, hello, it's good to see you."
Crystal's glad in her armor and gear, returning that with a brief half-smile. "Queen Ilsenine will see you this morning," she says.
"That doesn't sound like a request, does it?" Moore says with a bit of a smile. "Should I put on something more formal, then?"
"Yes," Crystal says, right to the point. "Any other questions?"
"Ah, no, I'll be along in just a few minutes. You're welcome to wait if you need to accompany me, but otherwise I will see you there." He'll shut the door in order to change his clothes to a much more formal attire, including a nice, dark blue vest to match his hat. He'll leave his bags and things behind and carry just his harp and attach the rapier he received from Cresiel.
With that, he'll fly to the Aurora Court as fast as he can, but not so fast as to leave him out of breath. That simply would not do.
Neph, if you could fix the issue in your last post? Thanks.
Going to the court's easy enough. Reaching the portals take you right there. It's quiet here, save for a few things. Queen Ilsenine sits on her throne, eyes closed and resting. Nearby a nymph sits at a piano, one that certainly wasn't there before. She plays a slow, deep and relaxing melody, lost in the music.
Moore will fly in and kneel in the center of the room, since he appears to be the only one here. He'll simply wait to be called upon.
Queen Ilsenine soon opens her eyes. On seeing more, she holds a hand up. The music stops and she murmurs, "Leave us." The nymph quickly does just that, leaving the two alone. Her Majesty studies Moore and says, "Rise."
Moore does as he's instructed. He's not nervous, exactly, but...
Queen Ilsenine is quiet for a few moments, before she asks softly, "How was your trip out?" she asks. She doesn't quite meet his eyes.
Moore blinks, but keeps a serious composure and tone. "It was good to tread upon Mount Celestia again, Your Majesty." Moore says. "I was able to find further insight into a matter that I believe will further aid Aurora's cause. Cresiel and I went to his home as well and met his allies. I believe, all things considered, it was a successful outing, if I may say so." Moore concludes.
"Ah. Good." Queen Ilsenine murmurs, reddening in the cheeks. Not a lot, but visibly so.
"One of my goals in my downtime to see if this Court required my assistance with anything." Moore says. While he was certainly investigating the other matter, it isn't an untrue statement at all.
"There is," Queen Ilsenine says, "Morniel will be hosting a delegation of marids soon. They are interested in our court and I wish for you to be there with myself, Afina and Crystal."
Moore bows deeply to this request. "I would be my honor to represent us along with you, Your Majesty."
"Good. You will be called when it is time," she says, "Go."
"As you wish, Your Majesty." Having been dismissed, Moore will stand and move to go!
What's next on your agenda, Moore? Preferably something on the quick side in case that marid thing happens fast.
His other agenda items would take him out of Aurora for too long (Crystalle and the demi-plane), so he'll probably just go around and see if anyone needs him. If not, he'll just go do some troop motivation!
Hang tight for the sec, Surraruthru needs an anarch so we'll knock that out shortly.
Moore goes back to his room to prepare for the day anew. As he does, Elena appears, "Moore," she begins without preamble, "Surraruthru's looking for an anarch to help with something. Could you?"
"Word travels fast around here... I suppose it makes sense when you have an instant way of communication. Yes, I'd be happy to help." Moore answers. "I'll meet him wherever he is."
"He's in his rooms," Elena says. From there it's a quick trip to his hoard room, as...
Go ahead and set up, Surraruthru.
Surraruthru waits idly for Moore to come into his lair, perched on the box that contains Filbrez's Surprise for Moore to arrive.
Moore will enter and take a look around. "Hello, Surraruthru. Is that what you wanted help with?" Moore asks, gesturing at the box.
"It is indeed. This is box contains something that supposedly originated in Limbo. That being the case, I thought having an Anarch near when I opened it would help... mitigate... any unpleasantness that came from it. Would you be willing to do so?"
"Depending on how you look at it, it might make it worse..." Moore says with a hint of a grin. "But yes, I'll be happy to help."
"Excellent! Thank you."
Surraruthru eagerly tears the box open!
Are you trying to do anything here, Moore?
Moore's just going to be ready for magic and will have a shield ready for Surru if things go awry.
Okay. Roll 1d100, Surraruthru. Higher is better.
> roll 1d100 dontkillme
<Plushie_Ithea> Iddy roll for Plushie_Ithea < 95 > [d100=95]
Congratulations, you made it to subtables. Roll another 1d100.
> roll 1d100 dontkillme v2
<Plushie_Ithea> Iddy roll for Plushie_Ithea < 32 > [d100=32]
The box opens and a flash of gold appears. Projectiles explode out at the duo. Unfortunately, while the box is made of chaos-stuff in some form, Aurora itself is not. Making a shield through your anarch powers is ineffective. Fortunately, it's not needed. All around you are coins - made of huge, faceted gemstones somehow flattened down.
Dodges them as best he can but otherwise lets the box do its work while trying to assess the value of one of the 'coins.'
"Um... hm. Congratulations, I think?" Moore says as he casts a few quick spells before he goes to investigate the coins to see if they're genuine and how much they might be worth.
Taking 10 on Appraise + Improvisation + Divine Insight for total of 58.
The coins are genuine. Oh yes. You appraise them at...
Loot.
"Extremely fortunate... What share do you wish for, Moore? You lent assistance, and as much as I loathe to part with treasure, you are owed your fair share."
"Oh, no, no, it's fine." Moore says with a smile. "I was just here for moral support. It's all yours."
"Mmm... As generous as that is, I insist you take at least one coin. Fair trade for services reserved, so to speak. Choose."
Moore will take the hyalite coin-gem in his hands and inspect it. "In that case, I'll take it if only to try and figure out how this managed to be created. I think people would be really interested in this type of gemcraft."
Surraruthru nods.
"Thank you for your time with this."
I'm pretty much done with the box, so I dunno if you want to split me or what.
I will in a bit, after the draft finishes up.
Note that you're taking that coin in loot, Moore.
Now that Surraruthru's done, what was next on your agenda, Moore?
There really isn't much he can do since the meeting with the Marids is soon, so he'll just see if anyone needs help with anything or he'll go do some motivating for any of the troops that are still in the doldrums.
That's fine. Lemme hold your horse for a bit until we get to that. Afina shouldn't be too long there. I'll probably merge the two of you into a new topic, so locking this one.