Okay, do you know where Yuth posted his Father information, first of all?
I think this came up before but I'm not sure where it ended up.
Okay, since we have a minor Yuth delay, we'll engage in something else in the meantime.
It's morning. Moore heads to the cafeteria after having a nice bath. Some milk and honey sounds dreadfully good. He flutters to a table, yawning amid all the noise of the cafeteria. It's just background to him as he gets his food, savoring it.
"Well, well," A familiar face comes on up. Bubbles sits right next to you, getting a wineglass full of dark red wine. She takes a sip before speaking further, "Good morning. Tell me, how nimble are your hands, dearie?"
"Hm?" Moore blinks, then smiles and nods to Bubbles. "I've been told I'm pretty good at most things. What did you have in mind?"
"I'm making a dress for Afina. Properly weaving clothes for a pixie takes a pixie's hands." Bubbles sips away, then reaches out and takes what looks to be a small bowl of some sort of blue jelly. She also gets a spoon and starts on that. "Someone of your talents has the agility to do it, even without training, so long as I guide you."
"Well... wait, why can't you just do it, then?" He asks, looking a bit confused.
Bubbles holds up her hands, "Sweetheart, my hands are not pixie sized. I could use magic, but that completely ruins the point of a hand made dress."
"Couldn't you just shrink the dress?" Moore says with a grin. "Either way, yes, I'd be happy to help."
"Darling, no one likes a smart ass," Bubbles finishes her wine in a gulp and has a few spoonfuls of jelly before she stands up. "So do you have any skill in the field at all?"
"A bit, here and there I picked up in my travels." Moore says. "But I can use a little bit of luck and a little bit of magical insight to succeed at most anything if I have the time to prepare."
"Fantastic," Bubbles smiles, "Well then, let's get to it."
What's your plan here?
As many uses of Improvisation and Divine Insight as it takes and a copious amount of Taking 10 (20?!) to get it done. Would this be a Profession(Dressmaking) roll or something else?
Something like that. Have anything relevant?
I can do literally anything!
Okay, make a check on that, then.
In that case, he takes 10 for Profession (Dressmaking) for 54, plus whatever Bubbles guiding him will help him do.
A few hours of dressmaking follows. It's weaving silk into a flattering gown, with a flowing and complementing upper body and a slit skirt. It's undyed and not fully formed, but your magic and general skill see you through. "Oh yes, this will do," Bubbles says when you're done. "Thank you, Moore."
"Sure, not a problem. Actually, Bubbles, I've been thinking -- I heard Calleigh went to Brightwater to sell some things, I was thinking of trying to open up... mm... almost a trade route of sorts between Aurora and Brightwater, and possibly other locations. I think we've kind of collectively sat on our thumbs for a while here hoping that magical artifacts and whatever we recover from trips would be enough to fund Aurora. Now, don't get me wrong, selling magical artifacts for a bunch of gold is awesome, but it isn't necessarily very practical outside of individual wealth."
"I know you know fashion, so I was thinking maybe we could try and market Aurora's Fashions or something to other places, what do you think? I should probably ask Emerelda if she has any ideas too, actually..." Moore makes a mental note to do that later.
"Mmm-hmm," Bubbles considers, "Azuril as well, he runs Blazing Fashions. He has good eye for the cut of cloth, even if his color selection is cribbed and banal. He wouldn't know a good blue or white if they came up and smacked him."
Moore laughs. "Hm, I wonder if we could market something for all of the elements at some point... we obviously have Afina, but surely there are fashions in Air and Earth people might enjoy. Well, that's an idea for later. I know we're on good terms with Mineral at least, so that's a plus in our favor."
"I'll look into it," Bubbles says, "Thank you again, Moore."
Got anything else to talk to her about?
"Of course. Let me know how she likes it." Moore says.
Not at this time. Next will be to find Emerelda.
Emerelda's found in her shop. She's whistling, polishing the long counter. Most of it's taken up by a big glass counter where rare materials and precious things are kept. "Welcome!" the dryad smiles at you. "We're now offering ravages if you need to poison any devils."
"Hi Emerelda." Moore greets. "I'm not much of a poison-user, I'm afraid... and I'm not technically here to buy anything, although I am here to shop." He flies over to be in front of the counter. "I was considering trying to open up a trade route of sorts with Brightwater to fund things around Aurora. I have a little bit of experience with selling things, for a time I sold my services as a motivator, so I understand the basics, but wanted to talk to you and some of the other shopowners about ideas."
"Ultimately, what I'd like to see is us to have an actual store in Brightwater that we send a variety of goods and things to, sell them at... well, there'd have to be a significant markup, I'd think -- but anyway, sell them there and then use the money to increase our notoriety or to just further fund the trading. It's a bit of a grand idea all things considered, so I'm not rushing into it, but I wanted to get your opinion and see if you had any ideas yourself."
There's a soft rustle of cloth as Emerelda drops her cleaning cloth. "That's a significant investment, but it could pay well. I've heard Brightwater can be a tough nut to crack for starting merchants, because you have to work your way up or know someone. Though from what I gather, that's rather the point. Those who end up there want that life."
"Thankfully, one of the places I've focused some fundraising efforts on have been there, so I think that part is settled, at least. I wasn't sure exactly what to offer in the first place, which is why I'm here. I wasn't sure if we'd want to try and just start small and focus on a few things or what... there are positives and negatives to both sides of things, so your experience would be very helpful." He says with a smile.
"I think we've got a pretty easy in in terms of setting ourselves up, if nothing else... Ithea is well-known there and some of my dealings have taken me to the Silverbrow Consortium, for example. I'm sure we'd need a large enough area to house everything and in a good location, but I think the location part can be pretty easily solved with some elbow grease word-of-mouth."
"Well, I can provide more, though sales have been weak so far," Emerelda admits, "But it takes time to set up a shop, the more established ones like Vel or Filbrez would have more capital to start up with."
"I think your wares would probably shine .. ah, excuse the pun, in Brightwater more than they do here." Moore says. "Just do me a favor and think about what you might want to offer -- I really think the poisons would be a big hit, ah... presuming they don't have some sort of law in place about that... mm... I'll look into it." Moore nods. "Thanks for your support, either way! I'll circle back once I have a more solid plan."
Next stop, Filbrez!
"Thanks!" Emerelda calls, and as you go, "Oh, tell your friends and officers about this shop. There's good deals here!"
"We'll drum up business for you yet!" Moore promises as he goes to Filbrez's shop.
Filbrez is busy - a group of mercane are guiding floating disks in, laden with goods of all kinds. He's watching it all like a hawk, "Careful, don't bump that shelf!" " Slowly now!" "You're paying for it if that breaks!" Comments like that.
You barely get a glance and a nod, Filbrez saying, "If you need assistance, I'll be with you shortly."
"I'm in no hurry." Moore says with a smile, content to watch and see what the mercane are bringing in.
Odd things - knickknacks.
Crystals. Gold coins. Vases. Small cages. Books. Scrolls. Bookshelves a piece at a time. Pixie sized furniture. Statuettes. Rolled up carpets. Casks of silk and barrels of wine. Rune stones. Jars with strange body parts within. A small beehive in a glass case. Weapons, armor, shields. Gemstones in silk bags. Clothes. So much more.
Moore just continues to wait, idly trying to figure out what in the world Filbrez even needs with all that. It can't all just be for resale... can it?
You don't know, but soon they're past and gone, coming back without any of it and leaving. Once they're gone, "Ah, Moore," Filbrez greets, "What are you in the market for today?"
"Advice and information today, Filbrez." Moore says. "I've been thinking lately that there has to be a better and more reliable way for us to fund Aurora, both from a campaign perspective as well as a personal one for improvements around here. I've come to the conclusion that the best way to do that is to try and open up a trading post of sorts on Brightwater that we can sell things through. But since I'm not much of a business owner myself, I'm going around and collecting advice and opinions on what we could offer there."
"Brightwater's tough," Filbrez says, "First of all, labor costs are extremely high. Everyone gets a generous wage. There's a minimum you can pay anyone for anything, and almost everyone earns well over that. So your labor costs will be much higher than expected. Second of all, you might have to start in a stall, a market cart or borrowing space from someone. Somehow there's never quite enough space, so you have to compete to get yours, work your way up."
The mercane reaches out, grabbing a little crystalline figurine, "Third, you have to have a good shop and something to build up customers. Variety is everywhere in Brightwater, you have to stand out to be successful."
"Do you think the Silverbrow Consortium could help with the 'breaking in' part?" Moore asks. "I think I have at least enough notoriety with them to ask for a favor. As for labor... I'd think magic might be able to help with that, but I suppose we should work out the 'what' before working out anything else, and that's what I'm trying to do at the moment. Do you think it's a better idea to focus on just a select few things, or do you think we'd end up with a better draw if we just had a wide variety? I'm positive I can drum up the support for whatever the venture is, if nothing else."
"How much inventory can you accrue and keep stocked?" Filbrez answers back.
Moore taps his chin. "I suppose that depends on what it is we're wanting to sell, doesn't it? If we took a little bit of everything that people make from here I would expect we would have a lot. I feel like Emerelda's ravages would be very popular, and I think some of our spirits could sell well, as an example."
"It's one thing to have a lot right now, it's another to keep up a steady supply chain. Especially in Brightwater, where a successful shop can move stock extremely fast," Filbrez begins to pace as he talks, "You see, Brightwater is full of people buying and selling. Moreover, there's different groups. Will you be aimed at merchants who buy more but at a cheaper price, with the intent they sell it for a profit later? Or would you prefer to sell to customers yourself?"
"I would expect us to be selling directly to customers, unless we have something that we know won't sell well but could sell other places. I suppose ravages might be a good example of that -- I would think that the market for them isn't especially high in Brightwater proper, but merchants could buy ours and sell it in other places. Of course, I suppose that begs the question of whether Brightwater is really the right venue for us in the first place?" Moore questions back. "Am I limiting the idea too much by focusing just there?"
"It's the best place unless you have a serious advantage in another big market like Dis the Mercane Consortium," Filbrez lectures, "Ravages actually sell best in two places, the heavens and the hells."
"Well, I doubt Mount Celestia needs an Aurora shop set up, but I suppose it's an avenue I can pursue." Moore says with a smile. "So it sounds like what we-- ah, well, what I need to do is figure out what exactly we can produce that could sell enough of to be worth the investment of time and resources. We can obviously produce magical goods here and sell them to people, but that seems... Well, I'd rather not run afoul of Waukeen, you know?" Moore grins. "Anyway, my general idea was some of the food produced here, as well as the spirits... and then ravages. What do you think?"
"Not bad," Filbrez says, "Though one problem: Don't mix anything toxic with food and drink sales. It gives the wrong impression."
"I suppose we can just have two different stores if it came to it..." Moore considers. "Are you aware of any laws in Brightwater prohibiting the sale of poisons?"
"They're regulated but allowed," Filbrez says, "Ravages are less regulated because the churches tend to be involved in making them, and that takes up the slack. If you're opening up a big shop, you'll need to get approved and provide a sample, along with who is making them."
Moore nods. "All right. I think I'll just start with the ravages then, and we can work our way up from there. Thanks, Filbrez."
Okay then, now what?
To Emerelda to see if she even wants to try!
Emerelda's still in her shop. Finnegan's in there, looking over an ingot of silvery metal. He holds it in one hand like it weighs nothing. Emerlda looks over from that, "Moore, you're back! Do you want to buy something?"
"I'd like to buy your time and possible your service. Hi Finnegan." Moore nods to him. "I think making ravages and selling them in Brightwater is a good opportunity for you. It gets your name out there to the patrons of Brightwater, which in turn makes you more valuable here because people will hear about your successes. That, and I think the market for ravages will be fairly good in Brightwater. Would you be interested?" He asks.
"I would be," Emerelda coughs, "But I don't make my own ravages, Moonlight does. She just sells them through me."
Finnegan nods to you, stepping back a bit and staying out of your business.
Moore rubs his chin and nods. "Okay. She doesn't seem like the type who's that interested in buying and selling wares, but I'll talk to her about it and get back to you." He nods again. "I promise I'll buy something next time! Oh, hey, sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt."
Since we're still waiting on Yuth's stuff, I suppose Moore will just meander around and see what else happens.
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=80 ]{80}
You go and have a wander around Aurora. You end up running into Crystal by the portals, who nods to you, "Moore," she greets. "Are you going to visit Her Majesty?"
"I had not planned on doing so." Moore says with a small smile. "I do not wish to make her situation any more difficult by showing up at inopportune moments."
"Ah, your timing is excellent and well found," Crystal says, "Her Majesty is indisposed today and court activities are minimal on account of this."
Moore just has to smile at that. "You are nothing if not earnest about certain things, Crystal."
He turns slightly to take the portal to the Aurora Court.
Crystal follows with you. The court is empty, save for Lady Skye fluttering about, waving a wand. Gentle magic cleans and sorts things out, putting things to rights.
"Hm? Do you have business here?" Crystal asks as you follow along.
Moore blinks and then looks over at Crystal.
"You know, I just figured that Her Majesty would be here anyway... It's hard for me to divorce the Court business from Her, it seems." He shrugs with a smile. "I suppose I ought to just go check her room."
"AHEM!" Crystal loudly clears her throat, Lady Skye looking over with disapproval.
"The entire point of telling you that Her Majesty is indisposed was to tell you that Her Majesty was indisposed. She's not taking visitors today." Crystal says, slowly and carefully.
Hm, did he completely misread the situation? He really needs to pay more attention to subtleties...
Moore puts a hand up to his face to cover his mouth. "I see, it seems there has been a terrible misunderstanding. My apologies." He turns and flies back out!
I completely misread "indisposed" earlier, but so it goes. You roll with your punches.
Moore settles in and opens his gem bag. With his success he's left with some more gold as well as a shining diamond. Filbrez is the one to identify them and eyes that one last, "You're blessed," he says, "You got that out of that gem bag?"
"It seems like fate has special things in store for me sometimes." He says with a bit of a grin. "You probably would've gotten something better out of it yourself, though!"
"I'd have gotten nothing but agates," Filbrez says dryly, as he puts the gems on the counter before you, cash changing hands for most of them. "What will you be doing with that diamond you're keeping?"
"I don't know just yet." Moore says. "Maybe it can be a nice birthday present for someone, or perhaps fashioned into something more appropriate than what it is... I'm sure something will come to me...probably literally, if history has proven anything."
"Well, for a thousand gold I could make it the centerpiece of a lovely gold ring. Surely a dashing sort like yourself has maidens worthy of it? Unfortunately I can only make one since you have one diamond." Filbrez smiles.
Moore smiles. "I think it'd send the wrong idea for right now, but I'm sure I'll come up with something for you to do with it eventually. Actually, where do you even get all this stuff from? Do you just have regular suppliers? That tea set was... well, it sticks out, you know?"
"Oh, here and there," Filbrez waves his hands, "I know people."
Moore gives Filbrez a look that hopefully carries with it a meaning of not being impressed.
"Maybe you should try to convince some of those people to donate certain goods and services directly to Aurora. I'm certain if their names received enough recognition here for their clearly magnanimous donations to our cause that they'd be well rewarded by both our patronage and the advertising they'd receive, don't you?" Moore says, a 100% and totally good-natured and pure (really!) smile forming.
Filbrez returns it, "Oh, I have agreements with them already. Quite air tight and to Aurora through Filbrez's Emporium." His smile is just as bright and pure as Moore's, "Airtight contracts, straight from Mechanus."
"Filbrez, come on. Surely there has to be a way to help Aurora out besides just selling things to them, doesn't there?" Moore asks. "There's no way these people would just donate something that didn't need to be sold?"
Filbrez laughs. "They're mercane, Moore. What do you think will happen if you ask one to give away goods for free?"
"You ask them more nicely." Moore says, folding his arms. "Besides, free of gold doesn't mean free of anything, does it? There are all sorts of exchanges -- information, for example. Favors, that sort of thing. Come on!" Moore exclaims, throwing his hands in the air. "You don't want to be second to Vel for the rest of your time in Aurora, do you? Just imagine the talk of the cafeteria when you suddenly bring in a bunch of new things to distribute to help make Aurora better."
At this, Moore takes on a high-pitched voice, not entirely unlike a Nymph. "'Can you believe Filbrez? He managed to convince the entire court of Water to donate some magical research! He's such a great guy, we should shop there more often!'" He clears his throat afterwards. "I'm just saying to think about it."
Make a Diplo check.
Take 10 for 71
Filbrez folds his arms at the same time as you,"I can try, but it'll be like pulling teeth from a dragon."
"If you want, I can always go in your stead, so it isn't you owing the favor." Moore offers. "Just let me know. Morniel's not the only good diplomat!"
"That won't be needed, I'll let you know how it goes." Smiling again, "Now are you sure about that ring?"
"If I had you make it into one, I'd suffer more wrath than I think can be spoken in words." Moore says with a sigh. "But I promise I'll have you do something with it eventually."
Filbrez laughs again, "There must be very many pixie ladies enthralled with you, then."
"No!" Moore says loudly, almost fearfully. "Not at all! Just... just the one, I just... don't want anyone to get the wrong idea about it right now."
"Oh really?" Filbrez virtually purrs over the question, "Who is the lucky lady, then?"
"Well now, Filbrez, it seems I have information you want." Moore says with a wide grin. "But now, what in the world is that information worth, I wonder?" He laughs. "I'm surprised you haven't heard about it, it seems everyone else has..."
"Not much, since you just said everyone else knows. I'll ask around this evening," He says, "Oh, I can ask around the fey court on who your current paramour is," he adds with a smile, "So that I make sure I give the ring to the right lady."
"You could, absolutely." Moore nods in agreement. "But by asking, you'd be proving that you weren't up on the latest information. So is the information itself worth the hit your reputation for having everything on hand and being up-to-date? I doubt it." Moore shrugs melodramatically. "Besides, I'm pretty sure you could find the same information by sitting in the cafeteria long enough. However, to do you a favor, I will simply tell you." He leans over the counter -- well, as best he can, anyway, and whispers. "It's Illsenine."
"Oh." Filbrez blinks, "Oh. OH!"
After a few moments to gather himself, he gives you a look, "Queens have expensive tastes. I could make a ring out of platinum instead for three thousand gold. You should have told me, I wouldn't have wasted time with mere gold."
Moore puts his face in his hands for a moment.
"I'll get there eventually, but right now we're just... ...in the..." He gestures offhandedly. "At the start. But yes, I promise, I'll have something worthwhile made."
Filbrez leans over the counter, placing one gangly, long fingered hand on your shoulder, "My friend, that is the beginning for royalty. An 8,000 gold ring is a reasonable trinket for early in the relationship. I'd also suggest greatly augmenting your gold reserves, royalty is expensive."
"I'm working on it." Moore says with a smile. "Both personally as well as for those around me. But hey, if you hear of anything, like one of those abandoned castles full of riches that somehow no one else has found that are always in storybooks, by all means, let me know."
"Good luck," Filbrez says, "Good luck."
Anything else to do here?
Not here, no. Since we're still waiting on that other stuff, Moore will ask around in the library to see if Aurora even has any numerologists at all.
Asking anyone in particular?
Vul'lath if he doesn't look like he's in an awful mood (so probably not him) or Tepen if they're around. Elena otherwise.
You find all of the above.
Sage Vul'lath and Tepen are reading a large book together, talking to Elena at the same time. They're keeping their voices down and none of them seems to notice your approach.
The life of a wizard must be really boring...
He'll politely wait for them, he's in no hurry.
You settle in and watch the three, and then, "Hi," Elena says right behind you, despite the fact that you have eyes on her.
"Oh right, there are two of you now, aren't there." Moore says quietly, holding the book up and over his head. "I bought a magical numerology book, but I think it'd be dangerous if I tried to learn anything from it." He turns around at this, still offering the book out. "I was going to ask them, but they seem preoccupied. Do we have any numerologists here?"
"No professional ones, though Muirfinn knew one. Don't worry, if the book's dangerous, we can put it somewhere it can't be accessed lightly. We have a section for books that are dangerous like that." Elena says brightly.
"I don't think the book itself is dangerous, just... dangerous to non-numerologists." Moore says. "Do you know who this other one was? I want to find someone who can really make use of it, you know, spread the knowledge."
"I forget his name," Elena says, "No, I never heard it. I'll ask around."
Moore nods. "Thanks, Elena."
Nothing much else to do at the moment, then! Maybe check in with Morniel to see if he's got plans for that writ or anything.
Lemme pause you pending Yuth finishing up those notes at last, then.
You got it boss.
After dealing with Filbrez, you stop in your room to rest a bit. You just feel tired, dazed. Shaky. She'd fix it with a spell and a smile.
For some reason you just feel...tired. He found his sunbeam, you know. She found her library. They all found it.
Moore takes a long, deep and calming breath. He's been all over the place today, so maybe it is time for a small nap... Yawning, he casts a quick spell for some luck, both divine and his own, to ward off any bad dreams before he goes over to his bed to rest.
Casting Tyche's Touch and Improvisation.
You fall dead asleep, awakening what seems like moments later. You blink light out of your eyes, a foggy part of your brain wondering why your eyes are dazzled with bright light.
There goes that luck with the bad dreams...
Moore slowly tries to get used to the light... Light?
Oh, not this again.
Groaning, he attempts to sit up, take a deep breath in and see -- just seeing for now is good enough.
You can see normally. Your room is like it was when you fell asleep. His lizard would've fit right in.
Nothing else seems wrong after a few minutes of getting yourself together.
Moore rubs at his eyes and lays back down. "Elena?" If this is a dream, she certainly won't appear.
Elena appears, dressed up like a soldier today. "Hi!" she greets, "You called?"
"Do you by any chance know how long I was sleeping for?" He asks.
"Five hours, give or take," Elena says, "You were snoring and everything, it was adorable." She giggles after that.
Moore's cheeks redden a bit as he clears his throat. "Nothing else strange? All right, thank you."
So maybe his dreams got entirely suppressed... is that worse?
Either way, he certainly can't go back to sleep now, so he'll tidy and freshen himself up to go get a snack.
"Sure, after all," Something said, you can't make it out, "Made it home, too."
Moore stops dead and turns around. Surely there's nothing else there. ...is there?
He really needs to take a trip back up the Mountain to get answers for all of this...
Nothing's behind you.
"Hey!" Elena calls, "Don't turn away when I'm talking to you. That's rude!"
"Elena, you didn't... hear that? I..." He turns back. "...I'm sorry, what was it you were saying?"
"I was saying I'm glad you're feeling better. You looked tired before," Elena has her hands on her hips, scowling a bit. "I didn't hear anything."
No, of course she wouldn't have, the message was only for him.
"Ah, I'm sorry for worrying you, then. Can you tell me where 27 is, please?" He asks.
"On Ithea's bed," Elena replies, "Rukkig is using him as a pillow."
Is that his way of saying he can't be bothered?
"All right, thank you." Moore shakes his head again and really does go to get something to eat this time.
The only way he's going to find the answer is by going directly to the source...
Plans now?
See what Morniel's up to, for a variety of reasons.
Morniel's back and you find him in the forges. He's talking to Gold, instructing him. You catch a fragment of it as you approach, "...handle should be solid gold, so..." he then turns his head to you, "Moore."
"Morniel. Do you have a few minutes for me? I can wait." He says, with a gesture and a nod to Gold.
Gold returns it, "I have enough to begin work, Go see to him, this won't be hasty."
"So it will be," Morniel says, stepping aside and in to a corner. The din of the forges is ever-present, hammers on metal joined by the grunts of hard workers and the hissing of hot metal meeting cold water. "Yes?"
"I have two questions for you: One, will that writ be enough for something sufficient here as we had discussed previously? I'm not done with my fundraising efforts, but I wanted to check on that first." He says, then he frowns a bit. "Second... no." He shakes his head. "No, I already know the answer, I need not ask the question."
"What writ?" Morniel asks. "I believe you have me at a disadvantage."
You haven't told him about the Brightwater writ of credit since you just got it, remember.
I thought I posted that I was going to give it to him off screen, but maybe it got lost in the shuffle.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Moore says, digging into his bag to produce it and offer it over. "I thought I had already given it to you, I think I just dreamt it... Sorry, I've been... distracted for a few days."
Must have, we'll run with that.
"We all have our burdens," Morniel smiles, "Don't be ashamed about it. So what is this writ?" He reads it over, "50,000 gold? That's a fair sum of money. It would more than cover raw materials." With a gentle smile, "Celestia does not need altars of gold or jeweled walls. We need faith and people. That is what is important, not richness. We don't even need money to install some spells, since we can call on volunteers to do it freely. Well done."
"Still, I hope that the gesture is appreciated by Selune so we can stop, ah... well, I'm sure her patience only goes so far. But either way, please do with it as you see fit, anything left over can be used for other faiths in need of something similar, or even as a donation to the Selunites for their continued understanding and patience." Moore says with a smile. "If you hear of any further diplomatic issues that you'd like my assistance with, please feel free to let me know. I'll do all I can to help."
"I will. For now, focus on achieving the task Celestia has laid before you," Morniel says. "Raise a place to Celestia in Aurora."
"Oh, you want me to... Very well, I can certainly do so." Moore says. "In that case, I will go to Brightwater to purchase the correct materials."
It occurs to me that Moore could've just used his Lyre of Building for this, but Oh Well!
Okay, cool. Shopping trip can be OOC unless you're going to pull shenanigans. What's your plan here for building supplies and the like? What are you aiming for?
He'll do some research in the library to find out the general types of building materials used in most Celestia-based temples so he can buy the same type of materials, be it certain types of stone or what have you. The actual size of the Celestia place of worship can probably be on the smaller side, I'd imagine, maybe large enough to fit 20-30 comfortably with plenty of space so people can spread out as they need to.
I envision it as a pretty classic pew-style with two or three rows going up to an altar where Moore would like a permanent image of Mount Celestia for people to look at. If regular Celestia-based places use a different format he'll defer to that, though. Once it's all said and done he's going to put the stone from Lunia and the plank of wood that used to be a Nessian Spear on whatever altar they have also.
He'll certainly try and get the best deals he can in Brightwater by wheeling and dealing and being charming.
There are in fact fairly complex specializations that are preferred for Celestia's temples, though these are largely optional. Morniel's comment about faith being the most important thing is completely true.
If you're wheedling and dealing, make a Diplo check to cover that. No boosters unless they last an extremely long time (hour/level of higher) due to the sheer amount of time you'll be at it.
Well, he'll try and include what he can within reason. If nothing else, the image of Celestia should be sufficient. Take 10 for 71 since Divine Insight does indeed last a long time.
Divine insight's also one pop and it's done, rather than being a long term boost. Doesn't apply here.
He could -totally- recast it while dealing with different people! Fine, fine, it's 56 in that case.
Moore gets decent materials and ends up spending 12,000 gold of his writ.
With materials done, now what? Building?
Also post the expense in loot, by the way.
Yes. I'm not sure how this would work, but Moore will use his Lyre of Building to use the materials to actually build everything, and then use the Lyre further for anything missing. Although I suppose he probably needs to find a suitable spot, is there even one available?
Courtyard has space, though Elena was talking about expanding it as well.
Any idea on the cost for that expansion? I'm not sure if it's already posted somewhere.
Hasn't had a cost applied to it since it's mostly been talked about more than anything else, possibly by absorbing something else.
Meh, we can always move it later through feats of magic. So somewhere in the courtyard that's off to the side so it won't be in the way.
Okay. Any details you want to add? Also, how fast does the lyre work?
He'll try to include as many Celestia temple things he can as within reason, though anything complicated or requiring a special something or other can wait.
The lyre states "The effect produced in 30 minutes of playing is equal to the work of 100 humans laboring for 3 days. Each hour after the first, a character playing the lyre must make a DC 18 Perform (string instruments) check." I'm honestly not sure how fast that really is but it seems pretty fast since the materials are all already here.
Yes. The Perform check is trivial for you, it's more a question of stamina. Doing anything that long is a challenge by itself, especially as your fingers start to cramp and simple fatigue kicks in. Any plan for that or just going to play and see how it goes?
No specific plans so he's more or less going to wing it and see how things end up. If it only gets half done then he can get some help to complete it.
Make a Constitution check.
[16:44] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+7 Con check
[16:44] <Rei-chan> Nephrite rolled : 1d20+7 Con check --> [ 1d20=18 ]{25}
It takes several hours of playing, but you do it. It assembles before you as your hand cramps and you struggle, but you keep on at it. You have a crowd watching as...
Feel free to describe.
A glorious, yet humble building, large enough to fit many but small enough to not take up the entire area. The outside is covered in bright gold and silver lining, adorning the seven windows -- two on the front with the doors, then two more on the sides, save for the back that sets itself against the courtyard walls.
The main doors are two made of a strong wood with a circle on each with six smaller circles within, each circle having a small passage written in Celestial for each layer of Celestia itself. The handles are made of a polished stone that is smoothed over completely so as not to even seem rough at all.
Inside has several pews, fit for at least 30 people comfortably across with a large walkway between the three sets on the left or right that lead to a grand altar for sermons or for prayer. The altar itself is covered in a rich and dark blue carpeting with gold lining on the ends that leads straight forward and up some small stairs to where the altar itself is. Atop the altar, made of a white and pearly stone, is a small stone and a plank of wood, both from Lunia.
Beyond the altar is a large, stained glass window (oh, there's the seventh one) set with another image of Mount Celestia, with each deity from Celestia set at varying levels, as represents the layers that they each reside in. Right below the stained glass is a permanent image, about 8 feet tall, of Mount Celestia, including clouds and a sparkling light at the top to represent Chronias.
Finally, on the far sides, near the two windows are chairs and tables, two each, for those who wish to simply sit in peace and enjoy the quiet. The windows themselves are all clear so people can look out onto the courtyard at their leisure.
Do me a favor and copy paste that into nagging, I'll probably need it later and that'll be easier to find.
You have plenty of attention when it's done, tired but in a good way. Adrian's there by now, as is Gisfal and Misalea. Cresiel approaches, "It is good," he intones, "You put heart and artistry into this."
"Ah... mm... it was the best way to represent each different lair without taking up too much room." He admits, smiling. he shakes his hands with a bit of a wince. "I'm just happy to... no." He shakes his head and smiles. "I'm just happy."
"You've been to light before," Cresiel says, focusing on the light that represents Chronias. "Be happy."
Moore blinks. ...is that... No... ...is it possible??
He turns and looks at Cresiel, his mouth slightly open. "It must've touched me in a way I can't yet comprehend, then."
"Beg pardon?" Cresiel says, "What touched you?"
Moore closes his eyes. "I keep seeing it -- light. Hearing it, even, apparently." Moore says, not bothering to explain the obvious sudden misunderstanding. "I came from there, before I was here. I think it's still affecting me in some ways."
"Ah." Cresiel leaves it at that, "Let us go in and open this, we can talk of it later."
Moore nods. He turns to the gathered and raises his voice. "Know that anyone with a pure heart is always welcome here. You need not follow in the wisdom of Celestia to enter, but I hope that you will find it while you are here."
At that, he'll move to open the doors for people.
From here there's a lot of people coming to take it in, seeing the new temple and the like.
Okay, there's a lot of stuff that's probably largely hand-waveable unless you wanna go into it. If you do that's fine, say so. What's your next move?
Moore really needs to clear his light-headedness (get it?????) before he does anything else so let's go talk to Cresiel.
Once the immediate crowd goes, you sit at one of the tables in the back. "What happened?" Cresiel asks.
"I don't know." Moore says with a look out of one of the windows. "I think I died." He shakes his head. "Maybe. Anyway, there's a gap in my memory... a haziness... no, just a bright light. I went somewhere. Whatever happened there, I landed in Venya. To make a long story short, I wound up in Xiranthador and met Erathaol who gave me a jolt of something and sent me here." He takes a breath. "Everything was fine until I went to Yggdrasil. Ever since then... it feels like something's been..." He takes another breath. "Eroding the block, maybe? I don't know. I keep hearing things... seeing things... I keep hearing things about the light, being blinded temporarily. I was on a prime when -something- just hit me... like a memory resurfaced of a planetar or something... knocked me right on my face. Very embarrassing, I'll add..." He shakes his head. "I feel like I have to go back... I have to find out what happened, or at least... why THIS is happening."
Cresiel considers that, rubbing his chin. Please don't forget me, even after you leave.
"I don't think you died. Memory loss happens after death for mortals, but recovering it usually all or nothing. Plus you're not a mortal. I'm not overly familiar with Yggdrasil, are you?" Cresiel asks.
"Despite going there, not at all." Moore says with a laugh. "But it seemed to have collected all of our..." Moore looks off to the side. "It collected all of our memories, for every past life we've ever had. Maybe..." He murmurs to himself, then looks back at Cresiel. "When I was there, I was hit with memories about the people I met in The Light, as I'll call it. Or at least... I was hit with knowledge they'd escaped, gotten out. I think that was the trigger."
"What is this light?" Cresiel asks, "What else to you know of it?" LISTEN, please! Don't forget me!
"Nothing." Moore says. "Just that I was there for some indeterminate amount of time. Erathaol asked if I remembered it when I met him." He adds. "Honestly... I don't care anymore what happened there or why I was there... but something is happening to me that's... i don't even know. It's like something's bombarding me randomly from there for some reason."
"There must be a reason," Morniel says in consideration, "Even if it is a reason beyond us, or a truth we are not yet ready for. If not for these occurrences, you would not pursue it?"
Moore nods. "You're right. That's why I planned another journey to Celestia. On the one hand, I certainly seem to go there a lot, on the other..." He gestures around with a bit of a grin. "I think I've garnered some good faith. That and I have some other questions that I'd like to search for answers for."
"It is hard to say one should not return to Celestia. We are always there in soul, striving for Chronias one day at a time." Cresiel murmurs softly, "Yet sometimes our climb takes us to places far away from it and we must return to center ourselves."
"I know the mountain will turn me away if the knowledge is to be sought elsewhere." Moore says with a chuckle. "What you say is true as well. I try and not seek the knowledge unless I feel I have strayed from my path, as I know the path I have followed thus far has been laid out rather well for me."
Since Jaela's going to run just a tad longer. I suck at timing things lately.
"Sometimes the path twists and turns, but we never lose it. We may lose sight ourselves, but the path remains," Morniel says, "What are others but those who have lost the path to chaos or evil?"
Moore nods. "Yes, I agree entirely. Cresiel, let me ask you something -- do you think that there are certain entities in Creation that can never be brought ... mm... Can never be saved? Are there those that are so purely consumed by evil that the Light of Celestia can never reach them?" He looks out another window at that question. "It's sad... that there are those that are evil, or those that are lost, simply because of the way fate determined they were born."
"Anyone can be saved," Cresiel joins you in looking out the window, reflecting on that a time. His voice is low and deep, stirring. "I have seen men stained in the blood of thousands recant and redeem themselves, so that they rise to Celestia when they pass. I have seen a fiend sob when he was confronted with the light of Chronias, no longer able to deny the truth. The path is available to anyone, even the darkest, should they wish to atone and follow it. But it is not an easy path, never an easy path. Pride is the great evil that bars many from even attempting, the perverse whisper in the soul that tells you that you don't need it. That redemption is a fallacy, that you are right and everyone else is wrong, and hang the consequences."
Moore closes his eyes. Could the light of Chronias save Him? Is the only real recourse to kill Him? What if there was some way...
"For someone who has never known love and has only known madness, I wonder if they would be able to even understand." He muses. "It is something I must seek knowledge on, I think."
"It's a question many have grappled with," Cresiel says, "Who do you have in mind?"
Moore turns his attention back to Cresiel. "Are you aware of the... fiend we have trapped here within a book?"
A solemn nod back is your own reply.
"That." Moore says. "Everyone always talks about killing it, ridding Creation of it. What if... what if there was yet another option no one had ever even considered, because of the sheer audacity of the idea?" His shoulders sag somewhat at that. "That's another reason why I'd like to go back to Celestia, to find out if... ...if it's something even possible."
"It is likely a fool's quest, but who can deny trying to bring another to the light." Cresiel says, meeting your eyes. "Go and see."
Moore smiles. "I just have to make sure I don't manage to find myself too close that same light, right?" He laughs at that. "Thank you Cresiel. Let me know if you think this place needs anything."
"I will." Cresiel promises.
Next on your planner?
Nothing really leaps out right this second, he can meander for a bit while we wait on Jaela so he doesn't end up leaving before she catches him.
Then lemme pause you, she should be along.
I'll get it right this time, really!
I believe in you.
In Jaela's thread now, will just make you a new thread when that's done.