So your plan is to take Muirfinn's diary and head to Celestia? Taking anyone or any greater plans beyond that?
If Cresiel would like to go he's welcome, otherwise Moore can get there himself. As for plans, no, he's found what he's needed to by just following the paths laid out for him, so he's sure he'll find what he needs eventually.
Cresiel will come along, sure.
The two of you go out and head to Celestia. The two of you appear on the beaches, standing in ankle deep water - at least for you, anyway. Above Celestia shines, beckoning you higher. You feel better here, righter, at home.
"I would like to see Xandra before we leave, but I have a feeling she knows we're here anyway." Moore says as he looks around. He takes in a deep breath, filling his lungs with the air. "It's odd... one day I'll come back here permanently... but... today is not that day." With that, he simply will fly up. Where will they end up today, he wonders. Is there even a 'today' in Celestia?
You fly up. You do not get far before finding a trumpet archon sitting atop a small cliff. A male, clad in a loose toga. He has a heavy book over his lap that he writes in, only looking up as you pass. In Celestial he says, "Hail, esteemed champion."
"Do not hail me," Cresiel slows, "I am but an instrument of Celestia's will. My victories and glories are not mine at all."
"For true glory resides above, not within," The trumpet archon finishes.
Hey! Maybe the trumpet guy was talking to him, not to Cresiel! Either way, Moore glances between the two of them. Is this some sort of Celestian handshake?
"A good day to you." Moore says in Celestial. "Are you keeping a record of passersby, or something else entirely, if I may ask?"
"Well met," The trumpet archon replies, his trumpet resting nearby. "I am a recorder of religious thought and lessons. I find the view of the sea excellent inspiration. It always strives to reach as far as it can with waves, only to fall back and repeat it. The saga of those seeking Chronias, for sin is the ever-enemy."
"Oh, I see!" Moore smiles and nods. "I'm not much of an evangelist myself, but I can understand the need to record those sorts of things. Religion can be a very powerful tool, in the wrong hands it can do more harm than good."
"Even wisdom can be used wrong if the giver and the receiver are not prepared for it," Cresiel says, "There are revelations we are not yet prepared to understand."
"Quite right," the trumpet archon agrees, "All truth comes from Chronias. It is up to us to learn from that light and obtain the truth. In doing so, we become worthy to understand greater and greater truths. As we do, we climb higher up the mountain."
Moore nods again. "Exactly. Sometimes, the truth may not be what someone needs to hear at any given time... but it's important that it still exist. At any rate, we will take no more of your time, good archon." Moore says, offering a small bow before he continues to go up, unless Cresiel stops him.
"May you find what you seek," He offers, raising his hand as you begin to go.
"We always do. Celestia provides to those willing to be guided." Moore responds as he goes!
You fly up and on - only for wind to soon buffet you back, stopping your rise and pushing you back down to the shore.
Cresiel merely looks upward, "I see. Celestia wishes us here right now."
Moore smiles. "Well, then, it would seem I need to pay more attention." Was it the trumpet archon? Hmm...
Either way, he will pick a random direction and start to fly.
Ahead or upwards?
A little of both!
Alrighty then.
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Koaway rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=75 ]{75}
You wander for a little bit, quietly exploring Celestia. It's peaceful and you lose track of the time, simply enjoying this for what it is.
Cresiel breaks the silence, "A coin for your thoughts?"
"I'm worried." Moore admits. "It seems a great deal of things have been thrust onto my shoulders... and I don't know if I'm ready for them. Coming here was... well, it was my hope to find himself to help me with my resolve, to show me something maybe I hadn't seen because I was so worried about everything. That, and..." He takes a breath in again. "I really want to know -- I want to know what happened."
"No one's every ready until they do it and find they were ready," Cresiel says gravely, "If the path to the mountain takes you to a place, know that you have the potential to do it and that you are ready. Also, you want to know what happened with what?"
"What I told you about before." Moore says. "With the light. I feel like something is unraveling my memories of it, or trying to poke holes in the shroud -- I would rather just know and find peace with the knowledge, then have it continue to eat away at me like it seems to be. Or... if I cannot, for whatever reason, because I am not ready, to understand the message it is trying to send me now."
"Then let us continue," Cresiel says, "To find the truth, or to find what lies ahead."
Moore nods. "Yes. Whatever we find will be valuable."
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Koaway rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=3 ]{3}
You wander for a time more, until you come to an elf. A simple, uninteresting female elf - pretty but not remarkable by elven standards, wearing simple homespun clothes. She stands ankle deep in the waters, fishing. A wicker basket is a bit away, several fish already in there. She raises her hand in greeting as you approach.
Fishing...? No, it can't be about the actual fishing itself, can it? No. Perhaps it's a sign he's simply in need of more patience...
"Good day, madam." Moore greets. "Good bites today?"
Huh. When she turns to you, you see the has orange eyes the color of sunrise. Pure orange, nothing but orange. "What a strange combination," she murmurs as the two of you approach her. "Yes, the fish always bite here. I'm about done, would you care to join me for dinner?"
Take 10 on K:P for 47 for anything that might jog his memory on ORANGE
"That would be splendid. Thank you for the invitation." Moore answers. "Ah -- how rude of me. I'm Moore of Aurora, and this is Cresiel... ah, but you might already have known that? Sorry, I just figure most everyone in Celestia knows everyone else." He says with a laugh.
Cresiel chuckles, "Celestia is far too big for that."
"One doesn't need a name to know a solar," The elf pulls her fishing line back in and wraps it up, "Elegy, by the way."
"Oh, what a nice name!" Moore says, then laughs at Cresiel. "I suppose it is pretty big. Probably infinitely so, but that's neither here nor there. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Elegy."
Soon enough there's a fire on the beach, fish cooking over them. Smells pretty good.
"I've been here, studying this plane. It's fascinating how well organized and connected all the lore is." Elegy says as she turns the fish over the flames on little skewers.
"Where do you hail from?" Moore asks.
"Around," Elegy replies as she turns the fish, "Parents worked for a mercane group and traveled with them. Saw many of the planes, even this one. Strange place for an elf to be, but something here calls to me."
Moore smiles. "I know that feeling. I traveled a lot myself, but finally found a sense of purpose once I started to follow my own path. I've found that, especially here, if you worry less about searching for the answer to a specific question and just let the wisdom of the mountain guide you, you'll find what you're looking for. It may not be... mm..." He looks to Cresiel and then back. "It's probably not going to be what you expected, but the wisdom will be there nonetheless."
"That's another thing that draws me here," Elegy slips into elven, not seeming to notice. "You find answers seemingly from innocuous things. You learn from them, grow greater with it being unexpected." She chuckles, "I had worried that I caught too many fish and would have to salt and preserve them, yet now it is provided for. A trivial worry, except that I do not have the money to use salt on that."
Moore smiles. It feels too obvious that suddenly the answer is going to be 'elves,' but...
"Yes, exactly. Perhaps the mountain itself is suggesting that we are to have this meeting." Speaking in Elven as well, he glances at the fire. "I suppose one could say you shouldn't over-analyze anything... But I think in a place like this, you have to make exceptions."
As the fish turn and turn, cooking away, Elegy asks, "Since you've solved my problem, what of yours?"
"Haha, am I that easy to read?" Moore says. "I have two... One is personal, one affects everyone. I feel like I need to deal with the personal one before I can adequately deal with the other. To make a long story short...er, I will summarize: I'm missing some memories. I can't tell if they're good, bad, or somewhere in between... and I keep feeling as if I'm getting breakthroughs on them that stop me in my tracks. I thought by coming here I might be able to find answers to that matter."
"No, but Celestia is sometimes obvious," Elegy retorts. "Hm. If you weren't a fey, I'd say it sounds like you're trying to remember your mortal life."
Moore smiles. "Unless I turned mortal while I was there, which... well, I suppose it's not completely impossible." He shrugs at that. "I do remember light. Lots and lots of it... I just don't know why." He manages to pull his eyes off the fire for a moment. "But I think it's integral to the whole thing."
Cresiel speaks up here, "What provokes remembering?" he asks.
"Light? An endless sea of light?" The elf asks, taking the fish off and putting them onto plates.
"It seems completely random." Moore says, thinking back to the times it's happened. "I..." He turns to look at Elegy. "Yes, that's it... ...wait, don't tell me you...?"
Elegy laughs now, stopping to cut into her fish and take a bite. "No. I've merely read various metaphors for Chronias, and one of them is a sea of light."
"I do not believe it to be Chronias," Cresiel says, quietly but firmly. "One does not return from there, not until the day the gates of Chronias are unlocked. As Valor's Trumpet has not yet been sounded, that day has not come."
"Well, most people don't just wake up in the middle of a field on Venya next to a sheepherder, either." Moore counters with a smile. "But I think you're right, you probably can't get kicked out of Chronias, as it were." Moore laughs, then he clears his throat. "No, but maybe that's part of it... maybe it's just a giant demiplane that was someone's creation to get closer to Chronias. Hmm... I guess it's possible, but... anyway."
He looks back to Cresiel. "The last time I was overcome was when we were visiting a prime world. I was just... hit with something. I was thinking that the place we were in reminded me of... something, Like a fragment of a memory of someone... And then I suddenly had an image of... I first thought it was Hanna, but then... no, it was a planetar. Something lost... ...and then I just found myself on the floor with my face in it first. It really hurt." Moore adds.
"After that, when we came back, I was exhausted and took a nap. I woke up and all I could see were dazzling lights... and that's when I swear I heard someone talking to me... sometimes people's words would get replaced, like when you and I spoke." He shakes his head. "I suppose it might be triggered by me trying to think and focus on the memories."
"The truth you do not have, but the truth you may need," Cresiel says, turning his gaze up. "When I am lost, confused or simply need peace, I look towards the light of Chronias and meditate."
"That is strange," Elegy agrees, "It's like things are triggering them? Is this Hanna a planetar, it sounds like she is?"
"I wonder if it's something triggering them and I don't even realize it." Moore says. "Hanna is... yes." Moore nods. "She is. I don't think she has any connection to this, but it might have simply been that it was what my memory saw as the closest approximation."
"Maybe just resting and trying to clear my mind while I'm here is the best bet." Moore says.
Cresiel tucks into his meal, the larger solar going through the fish in short order. Once that's done, "Perhaps that is the truth you sought here. It is an internal problem, you must look inside, not outside."
"You're right. Ah, I hope you don't mind, then." He looks over to Elegy. He doesn't want to just start meditating while she's there if she had something to do.
"This is hardly the strangest thing that's happened to me here," Elegy retorts, "Go on."
Moore just grins at that and settles in to focus.
Light. Light Light Light.
Everywhere was Light, but that can't really be the case, can it?
He's got to find the source... where is this Light coming from?
Is it a block? Is it something else?
Make a Wis check.
[16:34] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5 Wis
[16:34] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+5 Wis --> [ 1d20=1 ]{6}
Nothing.
It's just a little too noisy. Elegy's breathing, the rustle of Cresiel's wings. You can't focus at all right now.
Well, that's easy enough to fix.
He opens his eyes and smiles. "Give me just a moment. Ah, please keep an eye on me though." With that, he flies a bit away from the others and lands back near the river to settle in again, however, this time, he casts Silence on himself so that no sounds are going to bother him.
Now, where was he...
Technically it's an ocean, though as it's part of the River Oceanus, river is technically correct. It's a lawful plane so being technically correct counts.
Wis check again.
I'm sure Primus would be proud. Or whatever his name is.
[16:46] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5 Wis
[16:46] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+5 Wis --> [ 1d20=19 ]{24}
Primus is Mechanus. If you're thinking of Chronias, that's Zaphkiel.
You meditate. Slowly the world around you slips away as you think, focus and reflect.
Light.
It all comes back to light, doesn't it?
Nah, just another very lawful place.
Moore takes a breath. In an out, in and out... if Light's there, then life is there too, right?
Air, water, earth, fire... all the things that make up the world. Light and Darkness are part of that too.
But why does it always come back to Light? Why is the Light so overpowering?
No answers present themselves, only the faint glow of the light from above against your closed eyes.
Moore slowly cracks an eye open to look up. He's not going to end up blinded again, is he?
This isn't a comet either, he hopes.
You look up to the light of Chronias, far away as a star.
Thump-thump.
Your heart pounds in your chest.
Thump-thump.
"I...I don't care!" Your own voice, though the words are unfamiliar to you. "Maybe...maybe if...maybe if there's some reason, any reason, it's good enough! I don't care what the destiny is, there has to be a better one than that!"
THUMP-THUMP.
Her voice. Hers. "Yes, and there's books still to be read. It's not over yet."
THUMP-THUMP.
Another voice. Hers. "Qupan or whoever, I won't stop. Not for this."
What? Who? Them?
Yes, them, of course.
They were his allies -- they stood with him against...
destiny?
Did they... have to change something? They had to leave, in order to...
Leave? They all got out. All of them got out, so are they...?
Moore takes a deep breath and continues to look. The answer has to be there -- the answer of why he ended up where he did. IT HAS TO BE THERE!
Make another Wisdom check.
[22:12] <Nephrite> ROLL 1d20+5
[22:12] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{8}
Something. Something, something, something.
It slips away with a small bit of knowledge: You need more of the light. Closer. You have to be closer.
Moore takes a breath and relaxes. So he has to climb the mountain? That will simply have to come in time...
Will it?
"Am I ready to climb up?" Moore murmurs to himself. "No... I still have too many things to do. If I go up, I may not be able to come back down." He shuts his eyes for a moment and then takes out Muirfinn's diary. "...As long as I have this weight on my shoulders..."
Another breath as he looks up at the light in the sky.
"But if that's the case, then why do I keep having these..." He shakes his head. "Please, show me... if I'm not ready yet... then at least show me why it keeps happening." It's certainly to himself and to his bubble of silence around him, but he lays back down and looks at the ocean river.
...water? Didn't something... come from the water once?
He closes his eyes again and just tries to take a few moments to himself.
Moore composes himself, catching his breath. A sea of light.
The memory plays in his mind, of defiance against...something or someone. He just can't remember. You chose a life of danger over a life of safety.
Yet you feel as if something is on the tip of your tongue, on the edge of your mind. Close but you can't quite grasp it. Veren. His name was Veren.
As he sits, he listens to the silence around him. If he was there... in all that Light, then... what was at the end of it all?
They all got out. They're all somewhere -- someday, when he's ready, he can find them again.
That has to be enough for now...
No. If the others escaped, why aren't they here?
He can't be satisfied with that. He opens his eyes again and looks at the book. "It's because of you, isn't it." Moore says, an anger rising in his voice.
"You're the reason this is happening, you're trying to somehow push me back there... all of this started because of you, didn't it?" Again, he talks to no one but himself.
Another breath. Another and another. The light was poisonous, wasn't it?
"If I'm going to find them again, to find my answers, I have to solve you first, don't I?" He shakes his head. "I can't think clearly until then. I'm being selfish."
He rises from his place and heads back towards Cresiel and Elegy.
You rise up and immediately feel a wave of vertigo hit you.
Make an immediate Will save.
[22:38] <Nephrite> ROLL 1d20+45
[22:38] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+45 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{52}
You feel dizzy, but it soon passes.
"You hold no power over me here." Moore says aloud. "Don't even try it."
He takes another breath. The bottom of the sea of light is a good place for you.
"Cresiel, Elegy, my apologies for keeping you waiting on me for so long." Moore says as he flies over to them.
Elegy is sitting with her legs together, half laying on the sand. Her eyes are closed but blink open immediately once you speak.
"Did you find the enlightenment you sought?" Cresiel asks.
"Yes and no." Moore says, sounding a bit dejected. "I need to go higher." He gestures up towards Chronias. "However, more pressing than that, I think I understand why I'm having my... let's call them episodes. That's the other thing I need to find while I'm here... a solution to that other issue." He looks to Cresiel for a moment before he smiles at Elegy. "I thank you very much for your food -- if you ever wish to visit Aurora, you are welcome to do so."
"You're welcome," Elegy says, 'You have a complicated life, don't you?"
"It seems that is the hand that fate has dealt me." Moore says with a smile. "If you are ever in need of anything, please do not hesitate to contact me if you are able. I will do whatever I can to help."
"Generous," Elegy says, as goodbyes are exchanged. Thus she goes off and...
Next move?
Time for some more wandering. If it affects anything, Moore's first order of business is to find out whether or not there's any way to "save" The Father, be it by sending his soul to Zaphkiel to be reborn one day or even to just try and fill him with something other than the hatred and malice and rejection he received from his progenitors to end his madness.
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Kowork rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=19 ]{19}
You wander for a little bit, until you come on a path leading up to the mountain proper. Cresiel takes a look at it, "We are drawn higher," he says, walking towards it.
Moore will fly along. "There's a spell that lets you see the land all around you for miles in an instant... I always had a theory that if I tried to use it here it just wouldn't work. What you seek to find around here has to be shown to you, you can't just... cut corners."
"Wisdom," Cresiel agrees, "Lunia is infinite. It is a sphere without end, distance matters little here. It is not the distance you cover but the path that you take, shortcuts are missing the point."
"Indeed. I think of the mountain itself as merely a symbol for being able to climb up -- the challenge and the merit of getting to the top. It also helps to think of it as rising above what you were before... I'm sure that was the intention when It was created." Moore says as they go along.
Just gonna follow the path on up then?
He sees no reason to do anything but.
You walk a time. It is a silent walk given to self reflection and consideration.
In time you come to an archway of stone, one that leads to a path going further up. "A passageway to Mercuria," Cresiel notes, "We are desired higher up."
"Someone must really want to tell me my idea is really good or really stupid." Moore says with a bit of a smile. Regardless, he will head through the archway and further up.
You step through. You find yourself in the gentle hills of Mercuria, golden light shed from the ground itself.
"A new layer can provide new insight," Cresiel remarks, "I would suggest meditating again."
Moore nods. Well, he -is- technically closer to the light now...
"Certainly, I'll try." He says, moving over to find a nice place to sit and get comfortable.
Wis check.
[22:06] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5 Moore really needs some better wis boosters
[22:06] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+5 Moore really needs some better wis boosters --> [ 1d20=18 ]{23}
You settle in and meditate again. Good dog. Good dog. Macaron?
You drift in the gentle embrace of your own mind, because you wouldn't accept it. You chose the path of danger and walked it until the end. You looked past the light. You refused to surrender. All of you fought on.
But why? He always was a good dog, wasn't he. But why was he with that foul-mouthed...
Why not just remember everything that happened?
And are his memories resurfacing because of That?
Is it safe?
No, safe doesn't matter -- is it the right thing to do? It has to be, doesn't it?
He continues to breathe, in and out, trying to stay focused.
He has to stay focused to solve this.
He has to.
You awaken from your meditation like that, resolve filling you. You have to keep going. But not here. No. Not here. Where you were before isn't Chronias. It is something else.
You have to prepare. You have to prepare.
Make another Wis check.
[22:26] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5 Moore really needs some better wis boosters v.2
[22:26] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+5 Moore really needs some better wis boosters v.2 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{16}
You remember one thing, clear as anything you've ever known: You left the light for a reason.
Moore nods, gripping the diary. He takes in a breath of Mercuria.
Of course, that's why he wound up Venya. That has to be it.
But... prepare?
He looks around at the glowing ground, then back at the book.
He looks up, then over to Cresiel. "I have one answer... or, at least, enough of an answer. I have only one question left."
"What is the answer?" Cresiel asks, "If you feel right sharing it."
"I left for a reason." Moore answers, with a look up at the top of the mountain. "That is enough to set my mind at ease about the matter. I need to prepare myself for the real truth someday, but that time will come naturally."
"Everything happens for a reason," Cresiel agrees, "Then when the time is right, be ready."
Moore nods. "I will. Now that I think about it, this may have been my answer to this problem also." He waves the book slightly. "However, in case it was not, do you mind walking with me for a time more?"
"Gladly so," Cresiel says.
Going to walk further?
Yes. He'll take signs of being led lower as that it's time for him to go back home, but he's hoping he can still find the answer about showing the Father more than despair and loneliness.
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Kowork rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=53 ]{53}
You wander the golden hills. In time, you come on a silent place. A small valley between tall hills, wherein lies a simple stone building. It's not big, perhaps the size of a typical bedroom. The stone is polished white and decorated with images. Seven trumpet archons kneel before the door that leads within, heads bowed in prayer.
"I really don't want to disturb this, but..." Moore murmurs to Cresiel as he slowly flies forward. He's guessing the door will open for him or something, but he tries to fly as quietly as he can to not be rude.
"If it is not yours, you will be stopped," Creisel warns.
Either way, he continues to fly towards the door.
As you approach, the seventh archon rises. He turns to you and says in a gentle, soft voice, "Do not disturb this one's rest. We pray for the day he will awaken from his promised rest and join us."
Moore smiles. "Of course, I understand." He responds in a quiet voice himself. "May I know the name of that which you all hold with such respect?"
"Salogan," The archon answers, "A mortal hero who wounded the aspect of Demogorgon moments away from claiming the world as his own, then who gave his body to Raziel's spirit to force the aspect back to the Abyss."
Moore blinks, then blinks again.
"The aspect of..." He looks down at the diary he has. "...I see. Would you mind if I spent just a bit of time here to contemplate something? I think that Celestia's wisdom has guided me here for an answer."
"You may," The archon says, then bows to Cresiel, "Sir."
"Continue," Cresiel says, "I am with him as an advisor, nothing more. Your work is important, do not neglect it."
"Sir," The trumpet archon agrees, before returning to prayer.
Moore moves over to sit more or less in front of the door and looks at the diary, then closes his eyes.
Inwardly, he tries to calm his mind.
Is it possible to save something so lost as Him? He was only shown hatred and despair his entire life in an endless cycle of horrors... surely, anyone would have fallen to the same.
What would you say, Salogan?
Wis again.
[23:09] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5 always with the wisdom
[23:09] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+5 always with the wisdom --> [ 1d20=10 ]{15}
You drift in your memories, losing yourself as you ponder.
You have a restful time, but no great wisdom avails itself to you.
Is this a sign that the wisdom lies elsewhere?
"May I ask," Moore says as he comes back to his senses. "What was the name of the world Salogan is from?"
You blink once your eyes open.
"Nalen," The archon replies.
Nope, that isn't where he thought at all.
"I take it, also, good archon, that the armaments he used to do this rest with him or with Lord Raziel now?" Moore asks, keeping his tone still quiet and respectful.
'Yes, they are to be reforged in Jovar," The archon says. "For when he awakens."
Moore nods. "Thank you, loyal archon." He flies over to Cresiel to speak quietly.
"I am certain there is a connection I am simply not seeing here... The connection is obvious, but... there seems to be something else." He sighs a bit.
"What is it you thought?" Cresiel asks back, keeping his voice low and guiding you a little away from the archons.
"Well, this Salogan person must've fought something very similar, if not exactly the same as That." Moore says. "I don't think I was meant to simply take his weapons, but perhaps I'm meant to find more history on him and what happened in Nalen... that might give me more insight." He takes a breath. "I feel like this is a situation where I can't see the forest for the trees."
"I read the Valgadda, W-ahem. Codex," Cresiel says, "He is a spawn of Demogorgon, but not the Prince of Demons. An aspect is an avatar of Demogorgon, not offspring. Do bear that in mind, the distinction is an important one in the matter of the powers."
Moore nods. "I see... well, no, I don't, but I understand what you mean." He smiles a bit. "But still, I know Celestia's light guided me here for a reason..." He rubs his chin. There has to be something... but what is it?
"Spend as much time as you need," Cresiel says, "Celestia's will shall be revealed when it is time."
Moore nods. He settles back in to meditate again, not taking up the archon's time again.
There has to be something... some obvious connection he's just blind to.
Another Wisdom check.
[11:22] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5
[11:22] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{18}
You drift.
How much would you give up to save others?
You drift in a sea of your own empty thoughts.
What would you give to defy destiny?
You remember how much you loved her. Your perfect princess, the rose of your life that you wooed in spite of everything.
I...I don't care! Maybe...maybe if...maybe if there's some reason, any reason, it's good enough! I don't care what the destiny is, there has to be a better one than that!
Salogan's memories. You feel his love for his wife, his respect for others. His compassion for those who rose from nothing, just like him. His knowledge that there was something better and that he wouldn't let anyone take it away from him.
"Even if...even if all that waits is an empty tomb, I'll still do it!" Your voice.
Too late. The gate was open and HE came through. His aspect. His thoughts in your mind, his sorrow at knowing he would never see his princess again in this life as he charged the aspect.
You awaken with a start.
He takes in a sharp breath and opens his eyes.
"I still don't understand..." He murmurs with a look down at the diary.
"What are you trying to tell me? Is it as simple as standing up and fighting?" He asks, no one in particular.
"Maybe... ..." He looks at the diary again. He takes another breath.
He looks over to Cresiel. "I think I understand now. I think the wisdom is that you can do anything, no matter who you are or where you're from, as long as you keep hope in your heart."
"Faith," Cresiel says a single word as he offers you a hand up. "When you face the deepest darkness, what endures but faith?"
Moore smiles, moving to his feet. "Yes. Faith that the path that I've chosen..."
He looks up to the light in the sky. "Faith that somehow, this is the right path. Now I just have to find the wisdom to put it into place."
"It is interesting you found it in Mercuria. This is the realm of the honored dead," One of Cresiel's six wings points out to the horizon, "It is where the brave are entombed to rest after the sacrifices they made in life. To find an answer here suggests your fate may require a steep price."
"I think... no matter what, it will cost us." Moore says. "Facing Him, regardless of the plan... anyone must be prepared to pay that cost. I think that my path -- the one that I think is the best, will deliver more good to Creation ultimately."
Cresiel merely nods. "Do you wish to continue on?"
"I will continue until Celestia determines it is time for me to return." He nods. "There may be yet something I have not considered."
> roll 1d100
<Rei-chan> Kowork rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=41 ]{41}
You wander for a time until you get hungry. You rest and have a short meal, starting to feel the fatigue of your trip. You can't help but yawn as you finish off your meal, sleepiness encroaching.
Moore yawns again. "Ah... I think I'll take a small rest before we continue on again..." He says as he moves to get comfortable and lay down.
What a nice place to be able to rest.
You soon fall dead asleep, gone to the world. If you dream, you don't remember a single one.
You stir to the feeling of wetness against your feet.
Wetness...? Did they move Aurora back to Water?
...Wait... ...wait, what?!
His grogginess slowly starts to fade as he sits up... what, wait, why are his feet wet...?
The waves of Lunia lap against your feet. You lie just at the wave line, in the warm and damp sands.
"Ah, of course." Moore nods. "I understand, it's time to go home." He looks around for Cresiel, or perhaps he's the one who brought him here?
Cresiel is nearby. "It is time," Cresiel says, "You have been shown what you needed, the wisdom you need is within that. If it is not obvious, then meditate and pray on it so that you will understand it in due time."
"No, I think I understand." Moore smiles. "The path I walk will be difficult, but worth it. Thank you for helping to guide me."
Returning to Aurora? If so, what next?
Yes. He's got some stuff for Mirajane and Sylvie, and I think Mirajane's back, so he'll go look for her.
Mirajane's found training. She's using a practice spear and going at a wooden dummy pretty good, repeating her strikes. She pauses only to nod to you as you step through the portal, then goes back to her training.
Well, she surely knows why he's here, right? Either way, he'll wait for her to finish.
Mirajane's at it awhile, another half hour before she finishes. She's pristine despite it all, not a drop of sweat or hair out of place. She tosses her wooden spear aside, a clatter that blends in with the noises of other people training. "Yes?"
"I'm surprised, you usually know things before anyone's had a chance to say them. Am I a special case?" He asks with a wide smile.
"I need to speak to you about this matter." Moore says, holding up Muirfinn's diary.
"I'm trying not to do that so much," Mirjane says, falling in step with you. Or walking while you fly, anyway. "The Father." It's not a question, but a simple statement of fact.
"I don't mind if you do." Moore says. "But as a follower of Erathaol, that's probably to be expected, right?" He smiles a little more, before he looks serious. "Yes. I... I have a theory. Something that I'd like to do as we prepare to face Him. Would you hear me out and advise if it's a foolish path?"
"Go on," Mirajane pauses before the portal, "But let's talk about this somewhere private." She goes through, leading you into the war room. It's currently empty.
Moore flies through with her.
"I think that just fighting Him isn't enough. Winning against Him in a battle won't really give us a victory." Moore explains.
"As a spawn of something as hateful and awful as what He came from... I think it's important that we also have something on our side that He couldn't possibly use -- love, and the positive emotions that go along with it." He holds a hand up to stop the inevitable look and question of whether his sanity is already gone.
"My theory is this -- as a creature that was spawned from the worst the Abyss has to offer, He has never witnessed love, He cannot understand it, because He is filled with hatred, malice and insanity. It's my belief that if he really want to rid Creation of Him in our confrontation, we must best Him not only in combat, but also by somehow filling the void that was wrenched from him by his progenitors." Moore explains.
"I realize it sounds... foolish, perhaps, but I simply do not believe that He can merely be defeated by sword and magic alone."
"That may be true," Mirajane says, and then gently adds, "That's why I say you smite him with 21 until there's nothing left. If that fails, how do you propose to do what you say?"
"It might come to the divine intervention of someone like Sune." Moore admits. "However, since I don't think I can just conjure than from nothing, I was going to go to Her realm and more or less try and find it... or something like that. When we fought Sehanine Moonbow, we were gifted with a drop of her blood -- I feel like we can find something similar, but instead of granting power, it simply has the pure, unfettered compassion and joy within it."
"If you can have that, it's a good idea as any," Mirajane says, "I would imagine it would deeply hurt him."
Moore nods. "I'm not stupid, I don't think just throwing positive emotions at Him is going to turn him into a A Real Human Being or something... but I think the more things like this that we have -- outside of magic and steel... I think we can send His soul somewhere other than back to the Abyss."
"There's one problem with an assumption there. The Valgadda Codex, which is no more, said The Father is cast out of the outer planes altogether. I'm not sure where his soul would go if we destroy his body." Mirajane says.
"Well, you don't have to follow everything destiny's written, right?" Moore responds with a beaming smile. "I think if we can get what I'd like from Sune's realm, we may be able to somehow get His soul sent to her, to be loved forever... or something like that. I don't really know what her faith does with the afterlife."
"Things that my mother things I'm not ready for," Mirajane cracks a slight smile, "If you can get Sune to take him."
Moore nods. "Then it sounds as if my next goal is to go... uh... ..." He rubs his chin. "To the library because I have absolutely no idea where to even go. Actually, Mirajane, I have a question for you..." There's some trepidation and hesitation, but he takes in a breath. " ...When you look at me, do you see light? I... ...mm." He bites his bottom lip. "You've probably seen it since I came here, right? Or something like that?"
"No, not like that," Mirajane says, "You're not like mother who constantly shines because of the magic she uses."
"What is it like? I mean... it's probably hard to explain, but I'm curious." Moore says, sounding less hesitant. "I found some answers in Celestia about it, so... I'm trying to face it, rather than just ignore it."
"I can cast the spell she uses for that, if you'd like to see directly," Mirajane offers. "It's equivalent to a daylight spell."
Moore smiles. "I've seen it when we were defending Aurora a few weeks ago. Maybe when the matter with Him is dealt with I'll have you tell me everything you can see around me and my own light. inb the meantime, would you like to go with me on this adventure once I figure out where "there" is?"
"Yes," Mirajane says, "I could use more training and practice." With a grimace, "Mother and Grandmother showed me I have a lot to learn, even with the skills I've been gifted with."
Moore smiles. "Well, if you get bored, I'll be in the library." With that, he heads off!
Topic of research: Sune and whatever her realm is called, presuming she has one. The basic tenets and rules of going there -- he's more or less been going to Celestia whenever, but he's pretty sure the rules for Sune will be different. Also, if anyone in Aurora is a Sune... ite? Sune...y? I have no idea. He'll ask them too.
Sunite. Make an K:R check with the library bonus.
Take 10 for 80 in that case.
Sune, also known as Lady Firehair, is the deity of love, lovers, passion and beauty. She tends to have followers who chase beauty and are hedonists, the line between her and Sharess can blur at times in that regard. In fact, Sharess serves Sune.
Sune lives in Brightwater. Her quarter of it is known as Heartfire Quarter, a place of greaty beauty and revelry. Anyone can enter, though those with a lover, seeking love (not mere physical pleasure) and those who have made an effort to appear as attractive as possible are welcomed in particular.
No one in Aurora serves Sune in particular, though Ithea does serve Sharess. As it's the feline side of Sharess, it's not terribly relevant.
That's not nearly as exciting as he'd hoped, but being direct is never a bad thing.
Hmm, he does sort of have a... ...Moore coughs loudly and sinks a bit in his chair as he thinks about it, blushing, eliciting a few looks from others, assuredly.
He can use magic to look charming and regal if nothing else. That, and if he runs into a pickle, he'll just ask Sunstone.
With that, he goes back to find Mirajane again.
You do indeed get a few looks - including one from Sage Vul'lath, who glowers at you. "Quiet in the library," he intones, each word emphasized.
He really should just do this invisible next time. He nods meekly to them and will leave!
You find Mirajane outside, flying leisurely around Aurora. She turns and slowly drifts back as you approach, "You could just ask her, you know." she opens with.
His cheeks flare up. "Yes, well, I could do a lot of things. I'm trying to let her have her own space while I sort all of this nonsense out. She was recently burdened with the matter of Lief and our trip to Yggdrasil, so I'd rather not involve her in this if I can."
Mirajane hums, "Is being with people you care about ever a burden?"
Moore lets out a long, possibly melodramatic sigh. "Mirajane, you know what knowledge of Him can do to people. I don't want her to be subjected to it."
"You talk about love, but you refuse to use it and draw strength from it."
Mirajane shakes her head, matching your sigh.
Moore makes a face that can only be described as a pout. "Fine, fine." He says. "Elena? Where is Queen Illsenine right now?"
Amid Mirajane triumphant look, Elena appears. "Hi. She's in the court right now."
"I'm only doing this because I know if I don't I'll be in more trouble." He says. "I'll be back." He uses some magic to make sure his clothes aren't wrinked and straightens his hair and he heads to the Aurora Court!
"Good luck," Mirajane says as you go off. It's a short trip to Aurora's court - and it's full of life today. Fey are all about, dancing, talking and celebrating. Right now a dozen pixies are doing some sort of aerial dance, singing a lively tune in Sylvan. They're only okay at it but they're putting a lot of spirit into it.
Moore will glance around. That's weird, what's the celebration for this time?
"Excuse me," He'll ask anyone who happens to be nearby. "What's going on?"
It's a satyr, grinning, "Don't know, Her Majesty just told us to celebrate, so we're celebrating."
Moore raises an eyebrow. "I see. Thank you."
That's odd... He goes to find Illsenine, then.
She's on her throne as she often is during court. Lady Skye flutters nearby, moving to intercept, "Do you have business with Her Majesty?"
Moore nods to Skye. "I do, yes. What's the occasion?" He asks, gesturing around.
"Is life not occasion enough?" Lady Skye remarks dryly, "Her Majesty wishes to celebrate,"
Is he the only one who finds that odd?
"I see. Well, I do have some... important business to discuss with her, if she isn't too busy." Moore says.
Lady Skye wordlessly flutters aside.
Moore will fly over and land in front of Illsenine, kneeling and looking down as per proper protocol.
"Your Majesty." Moore says, humbly.
"Rise, Moore," Queen Ilsenine smiles slightly, "You have our attention."
Behind you the dancing goes on, though you can see Lady Skye lingering in the corner of your vision.
"Your Majesty." Moore rises. "If time permits, I am off to Brightwater to beseech from Sune or her proxies a boon to aid us in a matter important to Aurora and I would be humbled if you would accompany me."
Lady Skye's fluttering goes slightly erratic as she goes out of your field of view. Queen Ilsenine blushes - not a lot but it's noticeable. "Ah, ah, ah...The two of us?" After a moment she nods, "Yes."
Moore nods sharply, keeping up appearances is important here.
"Please let Elena know when it is time for me to return." Moore says. "I can imagine you are busy with this celebration."
"You will be promptly informed," Queen Ilsenine declares.
Moore nods. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
He bows again, then retreats a bit and goes to mingle. He never really did that before, so he might as well do so now.
Aiming for anything in particular or just a random mingle?
Nothing in particular other than being nice to people he's never met and hearing how things are doing with morale on the fey side of things.
Make a GI check then.
Take 10 for 47
You chat around - and soon find yourself surrounded by a quartet of female pixies.
"Oh, so this is Moore?" The first says, a blonde.
"Yep!" The second, a redhead, nods decisively, "I hear he's a ladykiller!"
The third, a brunette, giggles into her hand, "Oh my! I hear you've been working with General Afina!"
The last, a pixie with purple hair, matches that giggle. "That's amazing. She's the best. I heard she can turn scraps into magical weapons, and that he can talk the pants off an angel!"
All four giggle, then they say together, "It's nice to meet you, Moore!"
Moore raises a glass of juice to the pixies. "Yes, that's me. General Afina and I have done a bit of work together, it's always a pleasure to work with her on projects." He says. "As for that talking part -- well, something I pride myself on is motivational speaking. So if you hear of any malaise or otherwise morale issues around Aurora, please, let me know."
"We're doing better now," The brunette says, "General Afina, General Crystal and Queen Ilsenine have done so well!"
"Yep!" The blonde smiles, "And how Moore, too! Do you have a rank, Moore?"
"Oh, he will," The redhead smirks, "Everyone can see how Her Majesty looks at - ow!"
The redhead is silenced by the purple haired pixie, who elbows the blonde in her side. "Be respectful!"
It's probably best that he at least face that one head on.
"I do not expect, nor would I allow, any special treatment, regardless of any relationship I happen to have with any member of this Court. It would be disrespectful to all those who have served it and have suffered with Lifasa's falling." Moore says, a tone of serious nature coming into this voice.
"However, I do hope to at some point find a formal role within the Court in due time." He says with a smile. "I think the role of diplomatic envoy may work, myself."
Make a diplo check there, it's relevant.
[14:31] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+61 go big or go home
[14:31] <Rei-chan> Nephrite rolled : 1d20+61 go big or go home --> [ 1d20=16 ]{77}
The pixie's eyes go wide and they quickly nod to everything you say. The blonde blushes and murmurs, "Ooooooooooh!"
"I think it would cheapen the very nature of the Court for something like that to happen, don't you agree?" He asks, taking a sip of his juice. "I do think we need to reach out to other Courts around, but that can be said of Aurora in general. It's something I'm working on -- call it a long term project." He adds with a bit of a grin.
Nods all around, quick and fervent.
"Oh absolutely," The purple haired one smiles, "Isn't that right, Prim?"
"Right," The brunette flutters around and around you, "You're busy, just like the generals. Always working with the big folk and all the spirits."
"I can't see how you do it," The blonde gripes, "They aren't part of nature. They're so unnatural. They're not part of the world like we are. Especially the spirits."
Moore smiles. "All things have a place in Creation, even if we don't understand them. I think I have a unique perspective due to my connection with Celestia instead of Arborea."
"Oh, Celestia! Sir Morniel's from there too!" The purple haired one bobbles in the air, "He's really nice and talks to us sometimes."
Moore nods. "Yes, I'm trying to take some of his work off his plate. I think for a long time Aurora in general has tried to get by just on our name and actions alone... which, while meritorious, doesn't showcase our various strengths and what we offer. If any of you happen to hear of anything -- such as any groups that you all think might be of benefit to our cause, please don't hesitate to let me know."
"Okay!" All four say that at exactly the same time.
Moore smiles. "Thank you, ladies." He tips his hat to them and moves on to continue to mingle.
We can skip along if you want.
Alrighty then. Next on your agenda?
As it stands now, he'll just wait for Illsenine.
Once court winds down, you meet with Ilsenine in the now empty court. She's ready and prepared, meeting you with a slight, almost invisible smile. "It is time?"
"If you're ready to go, Your Majesty." Moore says. "I had originally intended to go with Mirajane, but... ah, well, I think it is more suitable for us to go by ourselves on this particular venture." He smiles at that. "Although I know not what to expect exactly."
Queen Ilsenine matches that smile. "Nor do we, but the reputation of that place is well known to us."
"It isn't quite as... um... hedonistic as the cat portion of town, is it?" Moore asks a bit hesitantly as he starts to head towards the gates of Aurora.
Queen Ilsenine shakes her head, "From what Crystal informed us- informed myself of, no."
Moore nods. "All right, good. It wouldn't do to take a guest somewhere like that."
Plan is to just Gate to Brightwater (Moore can handle this) and head to Sune's part of town and to her temple.
> roll 1d100
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=74 ]{74}
You teleport into Waukeen's quarter. It's all brightness, money and activity. Ilsenine's eyes roam, taking every detail in. "So much going on. No serenity, no quiet of the wilds. It's all gone."
"I don't know if I'd say there's no serenity -- some people oddly enough find peace in this sort of thing, in haggling and buying and selling -- it's like their own home." Moore says as he heads in the direction they need to go. "I suppose it depends on your perspective. I'm sure there's a park or something here, but I bet even that doesn't feel quite right."
"It won't. Not in a city," Ilsenine agrees, "Humans don't understand nature like we do."
"Maybe we should try and bring back a little bit of Arborea to Aurora." Moore muses. "I think it'd look nice."
Quiet agreement as you walk along. You soon come to a bridge over a river, where Sune's quarter should reside. No one stands guard over it, at least visibly.
Moore glances around, gives a brief shrug and continues on. "I know the basic tenets of how to get an audience, I think we fit the bill nicely."
You begin to cross the bridge and your progress stops cold. All fades away except for Moore and a single question is wordlessly proposed to you: What would you do for those that you love?
Well, that's easy enough, he doesn't even need to think about it.
Anything. Whatever it takes, whatever is required, no matter what the cost is. He has to do whatever is in his power to protect that which he loves. Didn't he say this same thing once? A long time ago?
Question I have to ask: Is Moore telling the full truth?
There is one caveat to it -- he won't betray someone for another. other than that, yes.
So noted.
You stand on the other side with Ilsenine.
Ahead of you is a maze of buildings, well lit and with broad streets. The air here is sweet and pure, like that of the forest. Everything seems soft, pleasant, wonderful. The streets are paved and lead you further within.
"I wonder if you have to do that every time you cross the bridge." Moore muses with a smile as he continues forward. Sune's temple itself has to be in the very center of all of this, surely. Or at least the most obvious building. "I wonder what else goes on around here... I'm not sure I could ever want to live somewhere that judges you so much on outward beauty. Some of the most beautiful people I've met have been the most awful."
"Oh?" Queen Ilsenine asks quietly as you walk, sounding curious.
"I met a very charming elf woman once, a long time ago. She was having trouble getting people to listen to her, despite her beauty. I happened to be passing through at the time and tried to help her by offering some pointers and some motivation on how to get people to to be more agreeable to you." Moore explains.
"Well, it turns out that the beauty all came from magical makeup that just made her look beautiful and charming. The problem was her personality was just... abhorrent. She was arrogant and completely self-absorbed and petty. It didn't take me very long to figure out the reason why she couldn't get anyone to listen to her is she spent the entire time just berating them if they didn't do what she wanted. So it ended up being a learning experience for me to not judge a book by its cover, really."
A soft sound of acknowledgement, "I see. As the sages say, there is more to a book than its cover?"
"Yes, exactly. I met a very charming orc once, too. Despite being outwardly rather unseemly, they had a passion for writing. It doesn't matter what you look like if you're writing or telling a story, you know? These sorts of things are common, I think... I mean, in so far as it really requires getting to know someone, both inside and out." Moore says as he looks around, whistling. "I suppose when you're this close to Sune, you really have to make sure you play the part."
"From what I understand, Sune cares more about the cover than the book," Ilsenine retorts. As you go ahead you can begin to see people. Creatures of all types, all of them notably pretty. Not an ugly face to be found, or even an average one.
"It certainly seems that way." Moore agrees. "That seems so strange to me, though. Love blossoms between all sorts of people... I wonder how you reconcile that." He shakes his head. "I suppose that's more of a theological question for Sunites."
"Perhaps not all love is equal?" Ilsenine venture, considering it as she follows you.
"I suppose there are different types." Moore agrees. "But shouldn't true love that lasts for years between two, say, scarred individuals be just as cherished as the same thing between two beautiful ones? Who can value love like that? ...Oh, well." He stops himself. "I suppose the deity who presides over it has that authority." He smiles a little at answering his own question. "Still, though... It's hard for me to understand."
As you ruminate on that...
Your destination and goal?
We're heading for Sune's temple for an audience. Whatever happens on the way we will simply have to deal with.
> roll 1d100+7 Rei
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d100+7 Rei --> [ 1d100=3 ]{10}
You head to Sune's temple. Of course, there's one problem. You have no idea where it is.
Gather information check to fix that.
Oh come on, it's probably the biggest and most beautiful temple-looking thing! It probably takes up the entire district!
Either way, Take 10 for 47
You're essentially correct. A few questions point out a few things.
1. All of this quarter is consecrated to Sune.
2. There's several temples to Sune here.
3. Sune herself appears where she wants, when she wants, for how long she wants.
In that case, they'll go to whichever they find first and wing it, since there's not much else to do.
> roll 1d100
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=96 ]{96}
> roll 1d100 subtables
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d100 subtables --> [ 1d100=26 ]{26}
You begin to head there - only to turn a corner and find a crowd blocking the street ahead. There's some sort of commotion ahead.
Moore blinks, then flies up over the crowd to see what's going on!
You fly up, Ilsenine following.
At the front you can see a gilded carriage. A wheel has broken and a pair of well dressed men are seeing to fixing it. It's attracted a crowd - in part because it blocks a good chunk of the road and partly for reasons you can't discern.
Curious. Moore will just watch for the time being but will try and get a look at who might be in the carriage, if possible!
It has little windows, but they're colored and hide who is within. You can't tell from here.
Well, then he'll just wait and watch for now! If tempers start to flare, he can intervene.
"I had a carriage like that," Ilsenine remarks quietly to you, "On Lifasa. A gift from another court looking to curry my favor."
"Hm... I wonder who it is... I doubt it's Sune herself, but... then again, it's entirely possible, I suppose, considering." Moore reasons. "Did you use it much?" He turns to her, a small grin forming.
"Only to make an impression," Ilsenine admits, "I've always preferred to fly, moreso now."
Moore smiles, then looks a bit more serious for a moment. "It must be difficult -- the weight of royalty. You bear it well, but... ...may I make an admission?"
Ilsenine nods quietly as you hover over the scene, seeing the wheel fixed and the carriage traveling off. The crowd gives a little cheer and parts for it.
"I don't know that I'd be able to keep up with it." He says with a turn to look at the crowd parting. "I'm good at motivating people, but I'm not sure that I have the regal requirements."
"Being a royal is all about appearances. Most provide the rest themselves," Queen Ilsenine remarks quietly.
Moore smiles and laughs a little. "Ah, a play within a play. What an interesting way of looking at it. Ah, but let us continue our own scene, shall we?" He smiles and continues to fly along.
With that the two of you go on.
> roll 1d100-2
<Serith> Sunshine_Ko roll for Serith < 36 > [d100=38]
Flying above head level mitigates most distractions. You soon come to a temple, an elegant building of marble and pillars. It has a roof of heatless flames that dance in the sunlight. People come and go from it regularly, often couples arm in arm.
"I wonder how many marriages they see here every day." Moore says as he starts to head down. "I'm not entirely sure what we're looking for, but I know we'll know it when we find it."
"Yes," Queen Ilsenine agrees thoughtfully as you land. The front is open space, leading into the proper building. Here are soft couches where people sit and talk, or alternately snuggle. The smell of oils and incense fill the air. Courre eladrin and little cherubs fly about, bringing treats to those who rest here.
Well, someone has to be in charge around here... right? Moore decides to simply head forward for now.
The warm buzz of conversation.
The scent of oil and sweet smoke.
The heat of bodies and the coolness of shadows.
You walk forward, a main entrance ahead, doors wide open. But as you do, a cute little cherub flies up. A male one, wearing a toga and fluttering in the air. "Hi! Can I help you?"
Moore smiles. "Hello. My name is Moore, of Aurora. This is Her Majesty, Queen Illsenine of the Lifasan Aurora Court." Moore says, keeping his language very to-the-point but hopefully charming. "I realize this is a bit of an imposition, but we have a matter of great importance that we need to speak to Sune about. I understand that She will generally appear where and when she wants, but if there's any way we have to put in a request or something for an audience, I would appreciate it."
"Oh my!" The cherub does a loop-de-loop in the air, gasping. "You want to see Lady Firehair?! Oh my, this is really important! Stay here, stay here! I need a superior!"
"Oh, thank you very much." Moore says with a smile.
The cherub flies off in a tizzy, quickly coming back with an elven man with hair like flame. He has a quiver and a bow of arrows and is dressed in soft, comfortable clothes of red silk.
K:P here, Moore.
Take 10 for 47.
The creature is a firre eladrin. They're powerful archers and warriors for chaotic good. This one likely serves Sune. I can go into more details if you like, but they're likely extraneous to this encounter. Unless you attack him.
Moore bows respectfully. "Greetings, Herald of Lady Firehair. My name is Moore, of Aurora. This is Her Majesty, Queen Illsenine of the Lifasa Aurora Court. We seek an audience with Sune, or at least the closest we can get if she is unavailable. We have a matter of great importance to speak to her of." Moore says.
With a nod the cherub is dismissed, flying off. He gives both of you a level look, "One does not simply request to meet with Lady Firehair!"
Yes, well, it's a little late for that, isn't it? Or is he trying to say that it simply isn't possible at all?
"Very well. What must we do in order to gain her attention so that we could speak with her?" Moore asks.
"That's what many wish to know. Lady Firehair is ever capricious and follows only her heart." The firre eladrin says. He gestures about, "Be pleasing to her or somehow do something worth her attention."
Moore rubs his chin and looks over at Illsenine. "I can think of a lot of ideas, but perhaps I should defer to Your Majesty on this." He smiles at that. "I am certain you've had more experience pleasing capricious individuals."
Queen Ilsenine falls silent as she considers, "May I presume that Lady Sune is interested in the thing she represents?"
"You may," The firre eladrin replies.
"I would hear your ideas, Moore," Queen Ilsenine says after that.
Moore clears his throat, coughs into his fist, clears his throat again and then smooths out his outfit.
"If She is interested in outward beauty, I believe I can manage something to that effect for some time that may draw us some attention." Moore says. He clears his throat again. He's doing an awfully terrible job of hiding the redness in his cheeks.
"Oh?" Queen Ilsenine smiles - a faint, passing thing, but it lightens her up greatly. "Do tell."
He takes a breath and seems to steady himself. "Well, I think both you and myself are rather naturally charming, wouldn't you say, Your Majesty?" Moore asks, a large smile formed on his face. "I've never tried using it before, but I think I could manage a spell to make us positively radiant for a while -- that would probably catch Her attention."
"Do so. We'll start there," Queen Ilsenine commands.
Moore's going to use Limited Wish to emulate part of Righteous Aura, specifically the 'casts Daylight and sacred bonus to Charisma' parts, the 'totally awesome explosion' part he doesn't need. The idea would be to use it on both of them, but if he can only use it on himself then he'll do that. I'm not sure if it would bump the sacred charisma bonus up to like +6 or more though, your call on that one.
That's a homebrew spell, right? What level is it?
Righteous Fury is actually a Spell Compendium spell. It's Paladin 4.
You said righteous aura before. Okay, is righteous fury the name of it then?
No, I messed up. Righteous Aura is the name of the spell.
I'm going to rule this is outside of the abilities of limited wish for the following reasons.
1. It's a paladin 4 spell and that's it. There's some unique paladin spells (especially levels 3-4) that are stronger than the spell level would suggest.
2. Adding multitarget to the spell is worth a level adjustment at least. Perhaps more than one since it's a paladin only spell meant only for high level paladins.
3. It's a sacred bonus to an ability score at hour/level duration. That's rare and expensive.
It can only duplicate up to 5th level divine spells, and these various notes would make what you're proposing past the bounds of a 5th level divine spell.
Can it just cast Righteous Aura then? That should surely be within the written description of the spell. If not that, then how about just the sacred bonus to Charisma for some amount of time?
Righteous aura as written's fine. Expanding it's just beyond the scope of limited wish in this case.
Then we'll just go with that. Illsenine can do the same thing if she wishes. :)
She's fine for the moment. Okay then, going to do anything else or just hope that does it?
Also, what's that put your Charisma at?
37, or +13.
He's going to pretty much go around the quarter with Illsenine for an hour or two and see if he attracts any attention by just being so radiant and beautiful.
Raw Charisma check then.
[14:08] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+13 pure moxie
[14:08] <Rei-chan> Nephrite rolled : 1d20+13 pure moxie --> [ 1d20=11 ]{24}
You get plenty of looks and attention, but no Sune from above during your wanderings.
"Hm." Moore sighs a bit. "I was really hoping that might work... I suppose we'll have to do something more... overt."
"Oh?" Ilsenine asks as you step down a side street, away from crowds and people for a few moments.
Moore shakes his head. "The more I think about it, the less I'm willing to do it. So we'll just have to do it the right and proper way." He holds a hand out to Illsenine at that. "Let's just look around some more, but... enjoy each other's company, also."
Queen Ilsenine smiles and takes your hand. "Yes, let's just...enjoy this."
Just going to wander and see what happens?
That's the plan.
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=92 ]{92}
You wander hand in hand, soon coming on a side street that leads into a garden maze. It is hedges woven with roses of all colors, Ilsenine lingering by it. "Moore, let's explore this," she says, reaching up to touch a yellow rose, tracing her tiny finger along the petals.
Moore smiles and nods. "All right. Let's see, what's the standard way of navigating a maze... something like... you keep your right hand on the wall at all times, if I remember correctly. I think that way you can always be sure you're not retracing anything. Of course, if there's magic and illusions involved things become a bit more of a challenge..." He shrugs at that. "But let's go with that for now, shall we?"
Speaking of illusions, do you have any unusual means of perception beyond darkvision, Moore?
That would be a negatory, besides a +1 to reflex saves on traps. He can CAST True Seeing but that'd ruin the maze, assuredly.
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=5 ]{5}
The two of you walk the rose maze for a time, a few turns taking you to an archway of woven rose bushes braided into an arch, somehow supporting themselves. A rainbow of colors, and past it you see a dead end. There is but a single marble fountain there, waters burbling from the top into several increasingly large levels, until it reaches the bottom, which does not spill over.
"Aw, this is nice." Moore says, admiring the architecture. "Very peaceful and relaxing."
Ilsenine leads you to the fountain, watching it and going to sit in the grass before it - and slowly resting against you, closing her eyes. "Before the fall, I had a fountain like this," she says. "I miss it so."
"We've all lost something, haven't we?" Moore says quietly as he watches the water from the grass. "What will you do when Lifasa is liberated, You--... Illsenine? Perhaps it is too early to ask that question... but I find having ideas about the future helps to give us clarity on how to proceed in the present."
"Repair and restore my court," she says, "With those from Aurora's court that will follow me. I intend to make the high court of the world, one full of noble knights and defenders, so that Lifasa will never be threatened again."
Ilsenine breathes slowly, her wings still as she rests. "A place safe to every native of Lifasa and a safe place for Aurora to come and rest. For I know the Crusade will not end when Lifasa is freed. It will only end until Aurora or Hell breaks completely."
Moore nods, giving Illsenine's hand a squeeze. "It will. Let me ask you another question, if I may -- what of the traitors? If they repent, for whatever reason... what do you wish to see happen to them? I know at the end of the day it may not be up to us, but... regardless. I suppose from my perspective... I want everyone to one day see the wisdom to be able to forgive themselves and make amends."
"They die," Ilsenine's voice is soft but cold, "No amount of groveling will wash the blood from their hands. Let them beg for forgiveness as they burn forever." She opens her eyes and moves off you, "Ask Elder Magi Tepen of his struggles before we restored him. Ask Ellese of how she was treated. Bring up Elrisa to the Graceful Blow and what the devils did to her."
Moore nods and gives her hand another squeeze. "I understand. Just thinking about what the devils did to Lief -- and I didn't even know him... it makes my blood boil. But at the same time, getting revenge, or thinking of punishing them the same way..." He shakes his head. "We must simply succeed in these tasks laid out before us. That is the only recourse."
"We can't fail," Ilsenine says, turning and watching the fountain flow.
How long do you aim to stay here?
Let's say half and hour to an hour, unless Ilsenine decides to leave earlier than that.
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Sunshine_Ko roll for Serith < 80 > [d100=80]
You begin to doze like this, as does Ilsenine. It's comfortable and her head finds your shoulder again. It's warm, peaceful and quiet. Her breathing slows and becomes regular as you begin to drift away...
Until the sound of heavy footsteps disturb you, bringing you to a startled wakefulness.
Mm, what a nice, quiet... guwaahh!
Moore jerks a bit, moving to still support Ilsenine as he turns to look towards the sound to see what it is!
"Hey guys," A loud voice calls, "Found something over here," He calls back. Definitely a man's voice. Indeed, a man in plate armor, tall and big and red faced.
Queen Ilsenine stirs as well, frowning. "You there," she declares, fluttering into the air, "You have disturbed my rest."
"Can we help you with something?" Moore asks, rising up and moving slightly ahead of Ilsenine.
"Oh hey, yeah," he says, completely ignoring Ilsenine. "We're from Foster and Elvesen," he greets, "We're commissioned to make maps of all the quarters of Brightwater. You know this maze well? We'll pay for information."
Ilsenine doesn't move in the least, but...
Silent, stilled charm monster. No tipoffs it's happening so he needs to make Will.
> roll 1d20+9 vs 26
<Serith> Sunshine_Ko roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=20]
Go ahead and react, Moore. Ilsenine's spell was essentially undetectable, so react to his words.
He opens his mouth to say something. Wait, can't you just do that with magic?? Why would you even need a map? Either way...
"Doesn't it defeat the purpose of a maze to have a map of it?" He counters. "I mean, there has to be some charm and mystique hidden away in a place like Brightwater."
"Sure, if you're boring," The man rolls his eyes, "But customers pay for any edge they can get."
Another silent, still spell.
> roll 1d20+9 vs 26
<Serith> Sunshine_Ko roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=14]
"Ahem," Queen Ilsenine clears her throat, "You should leave this mystery alone - and apologize. You disturbed us," Her voice is cool, unfriendly but controlled.
The big man's expression instantly changes to regret, "Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to disturb you!"
Moore turns and looks at Ilsenine then back at the man. "It's fine. But I'm afraid I don't know much more about the maze than you do, so you're on your own with that."
"Yes, so please go and keep it down," Ilsenine commands.
"Yes, of course," The man ducks his head and hurries off, calling back quietly, "Sorry to bother you!"
"You know, Your Majesty, you don't technically have any authority here." Moore says as he turns to her. He's still smiling, despite saying that.
"One only needs common indignation to deal with that sort," Queen Ilsenine says, coolly, "He would had far more than a chastisement had he done that in my court. Are they not annoying when they do that, trampling on a natural and peaceful seclusion?"
"What, people in general?" Moore says, still smiling. "This does seem like a rather public maze, to be fair to them." He chuckles at that. "Either way, I think I know how we can garner some attention I'm a bit more comfortable with, if you'd care to join me again." He offers his hand out.
"I would like that," Ilsenine's expression softens, "What do you have in mind?"
"I'm rather good at the art of music, I must confess. I harken back to the time when we were searching for Yggdrasil and I brought that eladrin from my performance. I think I know just the thing to get Sune's attention."
Ilsenine smiles, "I do so enjoy a good performance."
Okay, what's the scheme here?
Take 10 on K:R for recalling any songs to or about Sune or even about love in general, then he's going to magic up himself (Divine Insight, Improvisation, Song of Fortune) to perform with his harp near one of Sune's temples and take 10 for 80 on the Perform (String Instruments) check. If he needs to do multiple performances he can just recast the spells after each one. If he needs to he can also add in Oratory, but we'll go with String for now.
How many ranks do you have in Perform (String Instruments), Moore?
27
How long do those spells last, respectively?
Divine Insight - 1/h per level, Improvisation 1/r per level and Song of Fortune is just 'continues as long as you hear the music'. So Improvisation is 24 rounds and Divine Insight is like 15 hours.
You play with all your heart. You sing love songs and perform, rapidly gathering a crowd. One that grows as you go through song after song, Ilsenine watching as you do. Coins rapidly begin stacking up, tribute and tips for your performance. You must have a few hundred strong as you go on and more are crowding in.
You can take this gold or not, it's up to you. It's the result for a DC 80 Perform check.
> roll 60d6
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 193 > [60d6=193]
After your fourth? Fifth? Something like that. Anyway, after that song and all the clapping and cheering dies down, a woman cuts through the crowd. No one opposes her, a woman with short blonde hair and all around beautiful. She wears a silky black dress, gold jewelry and several necklaces of a triangle made of three six pointed stars.
and turns around, "Thank you everyone! The performance is now done, so give Moore a round of applause!" A storm of applause follow, then everyone disperses without the slightest resistance or hesitation.
"Sorry to break things up, but you got my attention. I'm Faera, servant of Lliira. This isn't her quarter, but she heard your performance and she's most impressed. She'd like to invite you to come over to today's party and join on in. The Joybringer always appreciates a good bard."
Take 10 for 50 on K:R for Lliira? I mean, it's probably obvious, but...
Also, he'll take the gold for now but will donate it shortly.
Moore smiles and waves to all the people. "Far be it from me to turn down such an offer, in that case." He says with a small bow.
Lliira is the lesser deity of dance, joy and celebrations. I can go into more detail if you need it OOC, if you already know I won't bother.
"Great!" Faera snaps her fingers, "Hold on tight, we'll take a shortcut."
I don't really, so anything you want to provide is great.
Moore blinks, then collects his things and goes to take Illsenine's hand again.
Lliira is alla bout joy and celebration. She is a party given form, effortless and joyous revelry over life itself. She's also a big patron or bards and the arts and is a part of Brightwater.
See here for more: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103072.msg1054613.html#msg1054613
Ilsenine takes hers as well, Faera smiling. "Aw," she offers her hands out to both of you, "Hold on now, lovebirds."
Moore will take the offered hand!
There's a jolt of movement and now you're now in a city square. Lanterns and lights hang from everywhere. The sound of song and dance fill your ears. All around you is celebration big and small. Dancing groups, musical bands playing, tables were people feast and drink, little corners where couples watch it all and lose themselves in each other. It's a riot of colors, noise and things happening everywhere. Faera sidesteps and moves you all out of the way if a big, barrel chested man carrying a keg. "More drinks, over here!" he calls.
"Goodness. I'd ask if it's always like this, but I'm guessing it must be." Moore says with a look around. "I suppose sometimes you have to let go and have a good time."
"Yep! Now go find a crowd and perform your heart out! Do well and you'll get all sorts of good attention here," she says, "Go on."
Whaa? But aren't all these other people... well, that's fine. If he caught some attention before, he can certain replicate it. This might be fate showing him a different path.
Taking 10 for K:L for 32 for some local songs that are popular, then he'll go through the whole song and dance (hah, get it???) and combine some string and oratory performances. He'll take 10 on both and use Divine Insight, Improvisation and Song of Fortune again for 80 on the Oratory and 53 on the String Instruments. I realized from last time that the harp's +15 to String Instruments is Insight so I didn't even need Divine Insight before, but oh well!
Aiming for any particular place to perform or people to aim for?
He'll look for an area that doesn't already have people singing and performing in it. He's not -that- rude! But other than that no.
Spot check.
Take 10 for 44
You move about the huge square and find a group partying, but without any music. It's a mix of all sorts, drinking and laughing with each other.
In that case, he'll go ahead and perform here with the earlier rolls. Ilsenine can catch or participate as she wishes.
Catch?
watch
Ah typos, the ever-enemy.
Ilsenine sits back to watch, the performance beginning. Your oratory quickly draws a growing silence around as others are sucked into it. Over time the parties begin to slow as you weave your stories, more people coming over to listen. At last, as you finish yet another tale, your throat dry from hours of speaking, you realize it is silent. The celebrations all around have stopped in favor of listening.
Then clapping. A single woman clapping, gleefully running up. She has black hair, trailing behind her. She has a huge grin on her face and is barefoot, moving with inhuman grace. Then - !!!
Will save.
[22:10] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+45
[22:10] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 53 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+26 Ilsenine
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 32 > [d20=6]
Ilsenine's Will save.
Her presence is overwhelming. You drown in her. She looms over you like a mountain. It's like trying to breath while entombed in stone. Everything about her floods you like a tsunami, as everyone around you kneels, even Queen Ilsenine - but you do not. Somehow you withstand this pressure, a force that makes you want to do nothing more than worship the being before you.
She laughs. It is the most wonderful sound you have ever heard.
"Bravo! Bravo!" She comes to a stop before you, "It's been years since someone managed to pause the Great Revel with a performance like that!" Her voice is bright, child-like. There's something girlish about her, something that fills you with hope. You know in your bones everything will be alright now. You struggle to do anything but stare at her, your mouth barely moving. But you're able to speak, move, see, think.
"You should join me, I need more servants like you. Oh, but where are my manners," she giggles, "I'm Lliira. What a pixie, what a performance! Let alone the fact that you have Erathaol's mark on you. What HAVE you been up to?"
You made the save to resist Lliira's divine aura, so you can function.
Another meeting with another deity in person? Wow, the stories he'll tell...
There's a great hesitance before Moore's able to regain control of all his faculties, but he at least gives a flourishing bow as befits the congratulations of his performance.
"Our Lady of Joy, I'm humbled to be in your presence. I am still unsure of proper decorum when it comes to meeting deities... I'm afraid I was rather blunt with Sir Erathaol when I met him." Moore says with a beaming smile. Even though he's still in awe, he can't help but continue to smile.
"It's a long story, Lady Lliira, but I would trust that you could know if you so desired? Or perhaps you'd simply like me to regale you with an explanation?" He shakes his head. "Still, you humble me with such compliments. I profess I've never garnered this much attention with just my songs before... I can certainly see how people become your followers -- the feeling is exhilarating."
"Oh, that's lovely." Lliira waves a hand, all your performance enhancing spells gone. "Tell it to me with your words and your heart - and not your magic." Her smile is wide, "Let me see you how you are. Give me your explanation."
Not going to roll dispel checks, she can't fail them so no point.
"As you say." Moore says. He takes a breath. "It all began when I woke up in Venya..."
[22:41] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+38 Perform (Oratory)
[22:41] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 57 > [d20=19]
Basically rolling to see how well he tells the story.
Moore goes through all the details of his journey through Venya, the celestial he met who made him food, the kind Golden dragon... getting to Aurora for the first time, all of his meetings with everyone. He leaves out no details, as if it's important for him to have committed all of these memories perfectly -- like he doesn't want to forget anything again. All of his adventures are there, from his original and initial embarrassment with Ilsenine's court to talking with her privately at the party. The diplomacy of Mineral, the fight in the Styx (which he somehow remembers), the trip to Yggdrassil... even what he can recall about The Light. It's all there.
"...Which brought us to Brightwater. I was originally searching for Lady Sune for this task, but fate has intervened and shown me a path different than what I expected. I would humbly request aid with the task that has fallen to me and the warriors of Aurora, Lady Lliira. I am not so naive as to believe I can simply ask for this aid, however -- I am willing, able, and ready to do whatever it must take." He says, smiling still as he finishes his story.
Everyone else seems...dazed. Not in there, for lack of a better world. Inattentive. Lliira is not, she gives you her full attention. At the end she claps, "Bravo! Well told and told from the heart! That's better than a hundred stories bolstered by magic, don't you think? Now I can help you, but I ask you this: That you pursue your oratory to the limit."
I'm going to address this OOC since it's not something that can be adequately explained IC. This focus she asks of you will force you to take epic skill focus (perform: oratory) at the soonest opportunity. You do not need to retrain a previous feat, but the next feat that becomes available must take that feat (unless it's a bonus feat that cannot select it).
Moore smiles. "That's a small price to pay. Today is a day that I learned how strong words are... I always knew about their ability to motivate people, but just being here -- seeing all of this, and even being in your presence like this... it's shown me that motivation can be so much more." He nods several times. "I would be happy to."
Overwhelming. Joy like being buried engulfs you, as Lliira claps and cheers, "That's wonderful! One of my servants can help you. Off you go!" You're there one moment and the next you're not.
It's like a piece of you is gone. The sheer joy you were enveloped in is now little but a wonderful memory. You're lying next to Ilsenine in a comfortable bed, the pixie queen very slowly blinking. "...how...did we get here? What happened?"
Moore smiles, then just starts laughing.
"Under normal circumstances, I'd say you wouldn't believe me. Apparently my song caught Lliira's attention. We had a very nice talk and she agreed to help us, as long as I continue my own studies of oratory work. At least, I'm pretty sure that's what happened... being in the presence of a deity is always so overwhelming."
He looks around.
"Er... as for how we got here... I think she handled that part, too." He admits. "You can, um... omit this particular part of the story to Lady Skye, I think." He says with a blush.
"Ah." Queen Ilsenine matches your blush. "...did anything happen?"
"Ah, no." Moore shakes his head. "I think everyone else was just overwhelmed by her divine presence... or something like that. I decided the easiest way to make her understand was to simply tell her why I was there, so I did. She said one of her servants would help us, but I'm not... really sure what that means either." He looks around again. "Where -are- we, anyway...?"
You're...in the sky. Your pixie sized bed sits atop a cloud, one that stretches quite a long ways. The sky is bright and blue all around you. "Ho hum, hum ho, pixies come and pixies go." A woman's voice says, light and whimsical. She is dressed in royal finery and wears a smiling green and white mask, swirls of green curling amid the white surface of the mask. It hides her face and features completely.
"High and low, low and high, pixies come and then say bye-bye."
The woman bows after that, "I am but a humble servant of the Our Lady of Joy, known as Cloud Dancer."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Cloud Dancer." Moore says as he moves to fly up above the bed. "I'm Moore, of Aurora. This is Her Majesty, Queen Ilsenine of Aurora's Lifasa Court." He gives a light bow. "What is it you -- or perhaps She, would have us do together?"
Queen Ilsenine flutters out of bed as well. "Ahem. I am pleased to meet you," she says.
"What is to be done, what is to be won?" Cloud Dancer muses, "Ah! I see it! The glutton is your enemy true!"
Moore nods. "Yes, that's correct. I was searching for His antithesis since a battle with him seems to be looming on the horizon. It was my hope, originally, to have someone such as Sune be willing to intervene when He was defeated so that his soul could not be kept by the likes of Asmoedeus or even Pale Night. However, whatever aid Lady Lliira is willing to offer us will be most welcome -- I fear no amount will be enough."
"I know much, I once fought an abomination such as he, and I saw The Father as he brought an entire world to madness." Cloud Dancer drifts over to you, a breeze carrying her over like a leaf. She loops about in the air, before ending up standing right before you. "Worry not, for none can take the soul of an abomination like that. The curse he lives under will not be so easily perverted."
Moore nods. "All right. I had really hoped to somehow save Him -- I know, it sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? But I think about the people who suffer because they know no other way..." He takes a breath. "But... I think that's a matter left to Zaphkiel, now. It isn't something I should worry about. Right now, we simply need to save Creation from Him."
"Child, child," Cloud Dancer laughs, a warm thing that yet pales to the new memory of Lliira's joy. "Redemption is a wonderful thing, but it must begin in there," She pokes your chest, "Salvation without repentance is pearls before swine. Can you reach The Father's withered soul, Moore?"
"The power of words can reach anyone." Moore says with some sort of lingering, steadfast determination.
"Then find the words to reach his soul," Cloud Dancer remarks, spinning backwards like a top. "Joyous day, joyous day, where all becomes clear as the sun's rays."
Well it's easy enough to say that...
"I fear that I've already encroached too much on Celestia's wisdom when it comes to this sort of thing... However, that's the only place I can think of for this sort of thing. I admit, I'm not as familiar with all the planes as I ought to be, so maybe some research back in Aurora would do some good." He lets out a long breath. He really hates reading... "Lady Cloud Dancer, I will send you news when the time has come to finally face The Father. If between now and then you can aid us and Aurora somehow, or of Lady Lliira can offer us anything, we would be grateful as He is not the only threat to creation that we face."
"There is more," Cloud Dancer stops, sitting on the air and drifting towards the two of you onc emore. "The Father is an abomination against all that is right...and he is an abomination, a type of cursed creature that is broken divinity, malformed and suffering under an eternal misery. Know that a curse in many ways defines an abomination."
"So, if we truly wanted to stop this, we'd have to somehow break the curse... but... this is obviously not a typical 'just wave a hand and fix it' type of curse." Moore says. "We know what spawned him --" Moore takes out the diary. "So it seems that before anything else, breaking the curse... well, it doesn't really stop Him from being an abomination, but it's almost like they're both sides of the same thing."
"You know of his curse? Oh, joyous day," Cloud Dancer says, "May I be blessed and read this book to find the way?"
Moore blinks. "Of course. I... well, I mean, you know about him already, so you know that even knowing of him is dangerous... Just make sure you take any protections you need before you look." With that said, he'll offer the diary over.
Cloud Dancer reads the diary. She is silent throughout and passes it back after. "Lliira, have mercy on that Ogmites' poor soul," she whispers, bowing her head in prayer, "The spawn of those two? My heart quails and I know now why he is so powerful."
Moore nods with a small frown. "He did a truly noble thing. Does this give you any insight on what we can do?" Moore asks -- despite it being a question, for some reason his voice is still filled with hope .
"Find the words to reach him. If that fails, kill him," Cloud Dancer says, "Do not let there be more feasts, or mortals of another world will be reduced to cattle."
Well, that's direct enough.
"All right. Then I will see if I can find the words. When the time comes, whatever aid you can give us would be appreciated." Moore says. "Beyond this, though, we have other challenges... Aurora is always hard pressed to find allies. Can you perhaps suggest any that I should pursue?"
"Here," Cloud Dancer takes off her mask. Beneath it is...another mask, made of plain cloth. She passes it to you. "Take this with you, it will aid you."
Moore can't help but let out a small laugh. "You'll have to teach us how you do that sometime." He smiles at Ilsenine as he accepts the mask. "Thank you. I hope I can continue to be an ally to Lady Lliira going forward."
"Be well," Cloud Dancer says, "Do what you must, save or kill him, but do not let the Father rise again. Please."
"I will come back to Brightwater to tell the tale." Moore promises. "It's the least I can do. Please send for me if you have any need for my services, or wish anything from Aurora."
Done here?
Done here. Let's go back to Aurora and find out what this mask does.
Okay, to the loot thread. We'll sort that out there.
What's next, Moore?
Moore's going to go find 27.
You find 27 atop Aurora. Hanna's sitting there, 27 resting in her lap and whimpering. Hanna's eyes are stuck rolled up, but she's gently patting him. She takes a single glance at Moore and says, "Not a word about this."
"Of course." Moore agrees. "I take it you two have come to terms, then. Sorry to disturb, I'm looking for some information I think he might be able to help me with."
Hanna sighs, long and loud, "I couldn't help but accept it when he apologized so earnestly. Anyway, go on."
"Are the words I'm looking for something that will come from me, or can I find them somewhere else?" He looks at 27.
27 gives you an unrelenting look, staring at you silently.
Just as you're about to give up with that, he says, "The end is only Afina's beginning. Tannin's blade is already wet with the blood of one member of Aurora. To send him to where he belongs, he must be accepted by one of them."
Moore folds his arms in thought. "I should've known it would be a puzzle like this... Wait, but one of who? Someone who was betrayed? Sorry, I think you lost me..."
"The maestro is waiting for Ithea. 21 is the key to everything. 21 can destroy the Child of Lifasa, Abigor and even Bel. 21 is a battle for a soul." 27 gaze burns into you as the slaad continues, "I warned you not to come back. If you do not know me, you will be made to know me."
Moore continues to look confused, but then perks up a little bit and looks a bit mortified for a brief moment. "I..." He takes a breath. He shakes his head. "That's a matter for another time, after this is all said and done. 27, are the words that I need in 21?"
27 rests against Hanna and continues on. "What is worse than an abandoned child? I beg of you to take this." 27 coughs and hacks, spitting up a small stone. It's smooth and circular, polished. It's a dark green color. "Taelfagn moves to stop the Queen."
Moore lets out a long sigh, then he flies down to pick up the stone. "The harder the question I ask of you, the harder it is for you to answer, isn't it..." He flies down to pat 27 on the head. "I'm sorry. I'll find the answers. You know how to find me if you need to impart anything else."
Mark the stone with a loot post.
27 goes silent as Hanna shakes her head, "The one about 21's a repeat," she says, "He said it back when the Child of Lifasa and Abigor were alive."
"Who's the Child of Lifasa?" Moore asks.
"It's a long story," Hanna says, "It's not a happy one, and it involves Queen Ilsenine. Sit down," Hanna pats the roof next to her.
Moore sits down as instructed. "Considering the circumstances there..." He nods, solemnly.
"Early in our Crusade, we found out that the devils were preparing something. 27 spoke of a Child of Lifasa, a creature that would rule over the bodies of anyone from Lifasa. We investigated and in time we found out it was a child to be born. On that day all of Lifasa's resistance would end and all the creatures of Lifasa would become slaves to Hell." Hanna's fist balls up and she rests it on her knee, taking a deep breath after.
"We found out that one native of Lifasa had been taken to Gathgorian. For reasons unknown to us, the Duke of Destiny decreed that Gathgorian would impregnate a fey of Lifasa and the Child of Lifasa would be born of that. More of his destiny manipulation tripe." Hanna meets your gaze, "The fey was Queen Ilsenine. I know not how they did it, the size alone...but...it happened. The Child of Destiny was growing within her. The only clue we had on how to stop it was that 21 could destroy it, could destroy even an iron clad destiny. We found 21 and discovered Ilsenine was held in Gathgorian's home fortress in Avernus."
Hanna takes a breath, petting 21 absently. "We raided Avernus to rescue Ilsenine. 99 cornugons protected Gathgorian's fortress and we fought a near suicidal distraction battle while Afina snuck into save Ilsenine. Gathgorian was not there, but even then we suffered and had losses that day. But...I will spare you the details, but we did. Afina rescued Ilsenine. That was when Gathgorian arrived."
A look out to Aurora, "We had no choice but to flee, but that's not the important part. Ilsenine was horribly...bloated...with the Child within her. Even unborn it tried to dominate us as we fled. Somehow we made it past the warded area and retreated to Aurora. That's when the Child stirred even more. It began to enthrall the natives of Lifasa until 27 came out. He repeated his prophecy about 21 and we finally called Sylvie, who used 21 to obliterate the Child of Lifasa."
By the end of that, Hanna's voice is dry, dispassionate, in contrast to her white knuckle and the harsh set of her jaw. "We disrupted Taelfagn's endgame by destroying the Child. Lifasa will not surrender its will to Baator, not with the Child no more. Yet that was only the end of the beginning, for we have waged many battles since then."
Moore looks aghast several times, but settles into a small frown. "From the way he puts it... It sounds like Taelfagn isn't quite done yet. But... regardless... why is he so insistent that Tannin is a traitor, you think?"
"He's been hung up on Tannin for ages now," Hanna admits, "We have no idea why. Everything we've looked into bears out that Tannin's on our side."
Moore rubs his chin. "I mean, I'm not familiar with enough magic or divine power that can trick that many divinations, but... I wonder if it's simply something in him comes out that way." Moore taps his chin. "As if somehow from his perspective, he sees 'betray' but that's... mm. It's hard to put into words. Either way..." Moore takes a deep breath, then simply smiles.
"It sounds like I have some research to do. I don't think Sylvie is back yet... oh." Moore seems to catch himself, then he takes out Muirfinn's diary and flips a few pages. "You seemed to have some insight on this before, do you know much about the Glasae Queen, by any chance?"
Hanna checks out the page, "Nothing more than what's in here. Some fey seem to know more, but they aren't talking."
Moore nods, then flips another page then points out the note in the margin. "Vaaliel sounds like a divine name to me, but it's not one I'm at all familiar with. Ring any bells by any chance?"
Link me to that page?
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103889.0.html Entry 9
"Not offhand, but I'll look into it," Hanna says.
Moore nods. "Thank you. Please don't hesitate to let me know if there's anything I can help with and... ah, don't worry -- I never saw you." He says with a smile.
Okay, next move?
He'll check out the stone for magic or try and identify it (not like the spell unless that's necessary) since it seems important.
The stone is not magical.
Then he'll get Filbrez to appraise it! Not necessary for value but just what it is. Unless there's another stone expert around.
It's easy enough for Filbrez to take a look at it. He comes back out after a few minutes, "Moore," Filbrez says coolly, "Are you familiar with sedimentary rocks?"
"A little." Moore answers. "I mean, it's so different depending on where you go, but usually the basic principles are the same."
"The basic principal is that sediments are deposited together and become a new type of stone, yes. I'm curious, what do you think is in the stomach of a slaad?" The mercane asks.
Moore considers this for a moment. "I'd think anything, really... Far too many possibilities to ever actually quantify with a number."
Filbrez begins listing off, "In no particular order: shale, granite, sardonyx, ash wood, oak wood, a wood that magic couldn't identify, several hairs from Hanna, apples, cooked chicken, raven feathers, corn, tin, ivory, more oak wood that's somehow meaningfully different enough to be listed separately by magic, tyrannosaurus bones, a hair from Afina, sand and finally diamond."
Afterwards Filbrez takes a breath, his voice cool before and cool now. "That's all that's within that stone. As for value I have no idea whatsoever."
Moore scratches his head. "He said that he wanted me to take it. Clearly it has some significance that I can't quite see... I have a feeling the components of it are somehow significant... well, maybe not the apples and cooked chicken, but..." He shakes his head. "I guess I'll just have to think about it as I do research and see if I have an epiphany."
"You do that," Filbrez says with a sigh, "Please bring me something better to appraise next time. Gold and gems are always good."
Moore laughs at that. "I'll let you know if I happen to run across an abandoned castle full of lost gold and riches. The best I can do right now is this mask, though." He says as he withdraws Cloud Dancer's Mask. "I'm not sure you could really put a price on it, though."
Woof, I'm not sure where to go from here. I guess go to the library and research Vaaliel.
You go to the library. Once you do, Elena pops up, "Hi!" she says, "You're looking for information on Vaaliel?"
"Yes, that's right." Moore nods. "Have you heard of... him? Her?"
"Sylvie knew something about him, I think it's in Muirfinn's diary," Elena says, "Did he write much about it?"
Moore shakes his head. "Yes, that's where I heard the name from originally, I was hoping to do some research and see if their name came up anywhere -- it sounds like a divinity of some nature, so I was going to check Celestia-related books if we had any."
"Good luck then," Elena says, "Call me if you need anything."
He'll look a little weird, but wearing Cloud Dancer's mask gives him a nostalgic feeling of joy and hope, so he dons that, rolls up his sleeves and gets to work.
Scholar's Touch, Divine Insight, Comprehend Languages, Lore of the Gods (realize this doesn't stack with Divine Insight, but in case he needs more than one check he'll have this as a backup) and then he'll try for basically any books that detail the upper echelons of Mount Celestia, since he's guessing Vaaliel is an archon or something of that nature.
K:P check.
Take 10 for 63, 78 if the library bonus is factored in, 73 if Divine Insight doesn't help and he needs to use the continual bonus from Lore of the Gods
Belierin.
You don't find much, but legends say that Vaaliel resides in Belierin, the third layer of Elysium.
Little is known of him or her. An obscure figured tied to the soul, or perhaps tied to the legends of what is held in Belierin.
It's like trying to find water in a desert. The knowledge of Vaaliel just isn't there. It should be but it isn't.
Well, that's at least something to go on. He's not going to go anywhere until Sylvie gets back, he thinks. Something about all of this screams 'you need 21' to him.
He's a bit stuck in terms of momentum forward for the time being on this, so he's going to wait for Sylvie. In the meantime, he'll go see Moonlight to talk about ravages.
Fair enough.
A quick Elena-check reveals Moonlight's in her room. You go and knock, and Moonlight calls, "Come in!" A little breathless and harried, no less.
Moore opens the door! He does take the mask off as he arrives, though.
Moonlight's running around the room, a boot in one hand. She's chasing a little cockroach, growling as she tries to smash it. "Hold on! Blast the damn thing if you can!"
Moore blinks. "Ah... I don't really have anything that would work on that."
He's kind of shocked that she's having this much trouble, really.
> roll 1d20+26 (-4 improvised weapon)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+26 (-4 improvised weapon) --> [ 1d20=19 ]{45}
Amazingly, Moonlight keeps up just as it reaches the wall and SMASH! One smack is followed by a few more. "Got it," Moonlight exhales, growling. "I hate bugs." She turns to you, "Could you be a big, strong man and get rid of the remains of it for me?" She then goes over to a box in the corner, "Came out of this, just opened it. It's supposed to be some components, but I think I'll need to write them off." She grimaces and cautiously peeks inside, "Don't see any more."
"Oh... yeah, sure." Moore says. "Components for what? Your ravages?"
'Yeah, that and poisons. Some of the base ingredients are the same for some anyway," Moonlight sighs and closes the box tightly, "I know the guy who sold it to me, I'll get it fixed tomorrow. These ingredients have to be pure and uncontaminated."
Moore nods. "Actually, that's why I'm here. Do you have any interest in trying to sell your poisons and ravages in Brightwater?"
"Yes, I helped with that before," Moonlight says, going to her closet. Her room's still in the process of being decorated, fairly simple so far. She has a bit of Lathanderite iconography about, as well as a map of a continent you don't recognize offhand. She goes into the closet, which you see is full of boxes. She pulls one out, "The mint in here looks to be in perfect condition," she says, "You wouldn't think mint would be useful in poisons, but a few ravages use them."
"That is surprising." Moore agrees. "Helped with? You worked with someone else before coming here then, I take it?"
"No, there was another recent effort I chipped in for," Moonlight says, "Hadn't heard?"
"Well, I talked with Emerelda a bit, if that's what you mean." Moore says. "I have a writ from Brightwater that still has a decent enough amount and I recently impressed the Lliira section, so I think I could get us a fantastic spot if I tried."
"Oh. I'm in," Moonlight says, "Selling ravages is fine, they're usually used for a good cause. I'd rather not sell poisons."
"I'd think that anyone in Brightwater is probably at least moderately on the side of good, but if you want, I can certainly help to facilitate that we won't allow for them to be used for evil purposes." Moore says. "I'm waiting for Sylvie to get back, and from the sounds of it, it'll be a while, so would you like to go investigate and see if we can find a good spot? Oh, after I dispose of your bug friend, anyway."
"Give me a few minutes," Moonlight hops onto her bed, "Do you know much about ravages?"
"A little bit, but I just think of them as super poisons." Moore says.
"There's more to it than that. Ask yourself, what allows them to harm fiends and the restless dead?" Moonlight asks, closing her closet and coming on over to you.
"I'd imagine some sort of holy power, right?" He answers.
"Yeah, that's about it in general. For instance, mint is associated with purity and freshening. Mint's not poisonous by itself barring large doses of certain types, it's used for those aspects and to help spiritually prepare the poisons." Moonlight lectures, pacing slowly as she explains. She rests a hand on her chin, "Do you know how to cook? It's like adding something to a recipe to thicken or hold it together, but spiritually."
Moore nods. "That makes complete sense. So they're almost like purified poisons -- I think I understand." He nods again. "Are you at all looking to improve the craft?"
"Sort of," Moonlight says, "There's more to it. A ravage has to be blessed when it's finished, sponsored by a higher power. See, you can teach someone to make a ravage, but if they aren't in the good books with Lathander or another holy deity, it's not going to work. It's why fiends don't make them, even though it's a dirty little secret that they value ravages for assassinating other fiends."
"Huh. I suppose that makes perfect sense." Moore nods. "Well, I'm sure we could fine someone in Celestia who knows more about it, if you ever wanted to look there."
"Nah," Moonlight says, not stopping her pacing, "I prefer working with angels, and while there's some there, it's not the same. See, law over emphasizes the rituals in ravagesmithing. You'll spend a few hours calling on precisely the right names, making sure the seven magic circles are geometrically perfect and all that. Then you flip over to chaos and it's the reverse. They make it up as they go along. It's almost formless and that's no help, you need some structure to it."
She waggles her finger at you as she continues to go back and forth, "Elysium's the best place to get ravages from. Well no, the House of Nature is, but Elysium's right next door and really good too."
Moore laughs. "Fair enough, I'm sure I can make some good impressions on Elysium's denizens."
"Oh yes, I know some. Ravagesmithing's a good way to make friends. Most angels have a passing familiarity with them or learn how to make them personally, so most everyone's trained or been trained by someone who knows another, and they sell to another five, and oh hey, they know another ravagesmith and they'll introduce you. Really, it means you know a lot of people by name and know who makes the good ones. I'm pretty good but not in the best. There's angels that have been doing it for millions of years, sometimes working on a single type of ravage, pushing it beyond the limits."
Moonlight's still pacing as she continues on, "Really, those are the ones you really need to get to learn from. They do so much of the impossible work and you can benefit from it. Like Rising Star, he's an ancient astral deva who's been working on mercy's breath for longer than anyone really cares to think about. He's found ways to purify it 77 times over in preparation, each purification increasing the spiritual potency. He taught me a lot of that. Heck, he teaches anyone who is good enough, so long as they're morally upright and willing to learn."
Moore leans back, rubbing his chin a bit. "Perhaps some time we can see if we can bring one of them into Aurora's fold to help us with that sort of thing. Outfitting our ground troops with ravages would go a long way into helping us in victory over Hell."
"That's a good idea, the hard part is getting them to leave Elysium. The plane doesn't trap residents, but ones who have been there that long can barely conceive of leaving. Most residents who are capable travel out occasionally as a matter of course. It only happens if you don't leave in like a hundred thousand years or so, but at that point you're as much a part of Elysium as anything else there. Not that it's bad, since Elysium is paradise, but removing them from it's tricky. It's probably better to appeal to them in person."
Moonlight pauses and turns to look at you, "You'd be good at that. Most are wise but have lost mortal perspective on things. They usually feel they've been given some great task by Good itself to devote themselves to. Perfect this ravage even further, making it every day for eons. Things like that, so wholly dedicated and attuned to a task that they lose sight of mortal existences. Really, they're like the stage hands if normal angels are the actors. They do all the work behind the scenes, important things even, but most people never see or think about them."
Moore grins at that. "You have to remind people that parts even on the sides are important, but can be more important when you're providing something tangible to the rest that the audience can more easily take part of." He nods after that. "Yes, it's exactly like you say, some people get so caught up in things that they lose sight of everything around them. I've seen it a lot, but you're right, on planes like that, it's probably much more common, because why would you leave perfection?"
"Oh yeah, it happens to mortals who visit and stay. The lucky ones are random mortals who got tossed here by planar mishap. They learn and change to the plain and soon become residents. Even the evil ones grow and change. Sometimes you realize your life's over and you're done with it all. Done fighting, done with the race. You can rest and for some that's all they've ever wanted, deep in their hearts."
Moonlight smiles, "You know how most mortals lose their memories after death and rebirth? I don't know about the ones that go elsewhere, but the ones that go to Elysium want that more than anything else. They want peace, they want a chance to rest and put it all behind them. Mortal life's really hard unless you're born lucky, and even then it has tough parts. It's not many who can continue on and say they want more, they want to keep fighting."
"Mm..." Moore frowns just a small bit. "I can understand that, but memories are what make people... people, you know? I mean, if you take someone, remove all their memories... there's no guarantee they'll end up being the same person." He takes a breath. "I understand what you mean, though, and you're right -- it's good to be able to rest if that's what you're ready to do. But hey, that's why there are people like us that will keep going, right?"
"Yeah, like me too," Moonlight says, "That's the funny thing. You'd think it's scary, and to most mortals it is. Afterwards...you realize there wasn't anything to fear. Those who truly need or want their memories will get them back, and they invariably accept and appreciate what happened to them. It's heaven, Moore. Things happen and they happen to your betterment. Think of it more as a chance to be yourself, without every little pain and regret from your life. A chance to be you in your purest form."
"Trust me, I already went through... something like that." He shakes his head with a smile. He did go through something like that... right? He must've. He did. He escaped -- no. He left of his own, free will.
"But hey, we've kind of lost track of what I originally came in here for... actually, speaking of, where do you even get the supplies? Is there room for improvement on that, you think?" He asks. "I seem to be doing a lot of talking lately, so finding new avenues for things is up my alley -- that was sort of a pun, but I didn't mean for it to be."
"Friends," Moonlight says, "I know lots of people in Elysium and the House of Nature - really I can just requisition things there, and it's not like there's a scarcity of anything we need because it's paradise. Anyway, I also know people in Brightwater, but what planar traveler doesn't?"
Moore nods in agreement. "Indeed. So before we even go there, what do you think fair prices are for what you do and how invested do you want to be in this? I see this two ways -- we go personally every time and sell it in the same or similar spots every time so people get to know our faces and know the product. Or we find someone with a good, established reputation already and sell it through them. The first way obviously saves us some money and might garner even more for us, but takes more of our time to go regularly. What do you think?"
"How serious are you about this long term?" Moonlight asks right back.
"I think funding for Aurora has been lackluster at best." Moore answers. "I intend to work on it until the problem is resolved for the foreseeable future. So probably a long while since I don't see Hell as giving up anytime soon."
"A frontman would make it easier, especially if it's someone we can trust. That's the important part," Moonlight says, "Who hasn't heard bardtales about a merchant ripping off unsuspecting folk for all they have?"
Moore nods. "We also don't want it to tarnish Aurora's reputation. Rather, we'd want it to reinforce it, and perhaps even garner us new allies. Hm... Filbrez probably knows someone in Brightwater we can deal with who'd not charge us too much for the service. Let's start with that and see where it leads us."
"That's an idea, and I can ask my contacts as well," Moonlight says, "Have you contacted anyone else there yet?"
Moore shakes his head. "I've had some dealings with the Silverbrow Consortium," He stops and rubs his chin. "I should go talk to them when we're there, I haven't heard anything from them after I petitioned with them some time ago. Beyond that, I do have a good rapport with Sunstone there as well. Anyone who saw my performance in Lliira's quarter probably remembers me too, so I think we have a few different leads."
"Yeah, so let's get going," Moonlight says, "You're going to ask for my help, right?"
"I can't very well sell your ravages without it, now can I?" Moore says with a laugh.
He'll be a good person and clean up the cockroach and then go talk to Filbrez with his good friend Moonlight.
You find Filbrez is quite busy. Outside of his shop, no less. He and Vel are engaged in a staring contest, with Emerelda and Grenalous watching nearby. Along with a flock of people, "I don't care, the book sale was legitimate," Filbrez shoots off, "I'm not giving you a cut of the profits!"
Oh dear.
Moore flies over towards the two. "I'm sorry, what's going on here?"
Inwardly, it doesn't really matter, as long as he can smooth over the emotions here.
Vel grunts and crosses his arms, giving Filbrez a stony look. The half mercane whirls and stomps off at your intercession, retreating from his store.
"Bruised egos," Emerelda calls, "Bickering over books, Moore."
"We're all friends here." Moore says. "There's no need to let something like this get between the both of you, it sends a bad message to the patrons of either store and sets a bad precedent going forward." He adds, voice suddenly coming in with a bit of authority. "I'll have the same discussion with Filbrez, but I hope you can find a way past this that doesn't let ill feelings linger, Vel."
Go ahead and make Diplomacy since you're being all interventionist pixie.
Take 10 for 71
Filbrez agrees with a quiet murmur of, "Yes, yes, the show's over." he says, the crowd starting to disperse.
"Now then, Moore, do you have business for me?"
It seems I got confused as to who left and who was still there, but so it goes.
"Yes, as I told you a bit ago, I'd like to set up selling Moonlight's ravages in Brightwater. We think the best thing to do would be to find someone to sell them on our behalf, but we'd drum up the business ourselves. Do you know anyone reputable there who won't charge us two ogre heads worth of coins for the privileged to sell our wares and won't take too much off the top for themselves? I have a feeling we can't get both 'reputable' and 'not stingy' in the same one, but you never know."
"I can do that, but let me know what your budget is and how permanent a setup you're looking for," Filbrez says.
"I think we're going to go all in." Moore says with a look to Moonlight. "I'd like this to be a venture with long-term gains in mind for Aurora, because I think we could drum up a lot of business and allies if we give it our all. I personally only have about 5000 gold to my name, but I still have a writ from Brightwater with 38,000 left on it, so we can go far with that if needed."
Filbrez hums, "Fortunately, this may be a venture I'll become a silent partner in. Perhaps to the tune of...10,000 gold?"
"What do you want out of this for your investment, then?" Moore asks. There's no incredulity in his voice, just curiosity.
"A healthy return, of course," Filbrez says, "I'm buying equity and expect a fair return based on the percentage of funds I provide to start the business."
Moore nods. "All right. I mean, worst case scenario, I know where you live, after all." He grins at that. "All right, so you'll chip in 10,000. I can use the writ as needed as well and we'll figure out where to go from there. So who do you suggest we start with?"
"Before that," Filbrez cuts in, "Will there be any other investors?"
Moore takes a breath and rubs his chin. "I think if we get too many people involved it's going to be complicated. So I would say probably not for right now, unless you have an opinion to the contrary."
"It really depends," Filbrez says, "If you get a good contract drawn up and specify them as limited partners who have no input, it's not a problem. If you don't or write it so they can meddle, much more so. It also depends on having the sort who will respect the contract, or having a magical one made that enforces conditions."
"I think the only people I really want to be able to have a say in this are myself and Moonlight. Well, opinions are always good, of course." He adds with a smile at Filbrez. "For now, it's probably best to just take your investment and whatever else we need from my gold and the writ and start with that. We can always modify things later if we need to, but I think this is a strong enough starting position. If this ends up being really popular, then it might even be easier to get buy-ins from people."
"Right," Filbrez says, "Then first of all, get a contract done and get it done right. Something magically binding, so even if something goes wrong, you're covered. Get it witnessed and validated by Waukeen's clergy there, they do it for a nominal fee and will arbitrate in case of breach of contract."
"But shouldn't we figure out the logistics of where we're going to be selling and who will be selling it before we worry about a contract?" He asks. "It feels like I'm missing a step here, I guess."
"Oh no, you just leave that part of the contract undone in a way it can be integrated in later smoothly and without impacting the investments angle," Filbrez says, "You're creating a trading company and shop, even through a third party. Imagine it like it's your new child. You need to provide for it and that's providing for it. You can give them all the nice and fancy things later, once the essentials are taken care of."
Filbrez folds his hands together, "Contracts are the lifeblood of commerce. Without agreements and law, dishonesty is even more common. A proper contract eliminates loopholes, established exactly what every party is responsible for and can do and ensures a healthy company free of interference and drama."
Moore nods. "I get the basic idea, if nothing else. All right, I'll go to Brightwater and get the basics sorted out."
"Go visit Xanar IV and Raseiel," Filbrez says, "They specialize in contracts. Tell them that Filbrez sent you and mention Aurora. Make sure they understand the gravity and importance of this account. Take someone to be backup with you."
Moonlight nods along, "Right, all the boring stuff. You mean someone so they won't try to smooth talk Moore at once, right?"
"Well...it's only prudent. They do good work, but they're an archon and Inevitable working together in Brightwater. Why take chances?" Filbrez says, "That's one of my mottoes."
Moore laughs. "I'll even wear the mask so they can't see anything on my face or read my mind." He nods to Filbrez then to Moonlight. "Ready to go on a fun talking adventure?"
"Am I?" Moonlight says with a hint of sarcasm, "It's not tearing apart vampires, crushing the skulls of cornugons or smiting heretics. But well, not every adventure's like that. I'm ready."
Plans?
Grab the mission readiness arch to be safe, don the Mask and Gate to Brightwater, then go look for the contract folks Filbrez suggested.
Make sure to keep up on the condition of the mask with rhyming.
Xanar IV and Raseiel's office is a small but rich building in Brightwater. All columns and marble, with gold accents just to remind you where you are. Inside is a comfortable sitting room, no doors inside (except to your eyes, which can see four doors hidden by illusions, one right next to the other). A smiling young woman stands just inside, a human but not a human. Your mask shows she is a snake with a female human's head.
"This is the office of Xanar IV and Raseiel, sir and ma'am."
It just wouldn't do to tip his hand so early, would it? He can always use that later.
Moore bows deeply to the not-human-human. "I am Moore, and this is Moonlight, we are both of Aurora. Perhaps you've heard of us? Filbrez sent us to have a contract created. I hope this won't be any fuss." Behind the mask, Moore realizes he really ought to have practiced with it a bit before he came out here, but he'll simply have to make the best of it.
Moonlight waves, "I'm also with Lathander, name's Moonlight." She strolls right on it, taking a look around.
The not-woman smiles and inclines her head, "Miser Filbrez contacted us, you're expected." She snaps her fingers, the leftmost door appearing. "Please go in, you'll be directed along."
"He must not trust us, Moonlight." Moore says with a merry laugh as he flies to and through the door.
"Or he was nice enough to make our trip easier," Moonlight whistles as you go along. The door opens to a wide, rich hallway decorated with carpets and paintings. Little waterfalls run along the wall, not splashing at all as glass is layered over them. Doors are on both side of the wall, and a little mote of light appears and goes to the third door on the right, bobbing up and down in front of it.
"He clearly wants this to go well... though, for him or for us, I wonder." Moore says. "Hopefully we'll make sure to stay afloat with whatever they throw at us and not go under."
He flies towards the door with the light on it!
The door opens as you approach. Inside is a well appointed office, all richly polished wood and knick knacks. The figure behind the desk is a creature made of silver and gold, humanoid and wearing a purple toga with gold thread. He rises and smiles, voice smooth and urbane, "Xanar IV, specializing in contracts, pacts and bindings." On seeing you he merely nods, "I'd offer to shake your hand, but..." he spreads his metal hands out.
Moore offers a bow. "I understand the sentiment regardless. I am Moore, this is Moonlight. It would seem you know why we're here, but let us make our position clear." He clears his throat. "I had never heard of magical contracts before, can you tell me a bit more about them and how exactly they enforce anything?"
"With geases, curses and magic," Xanas IV replies smoothly, "We have an entire line of custom build geases to enforce compliance and ensure all parties maintain their contractual obligations. For example, let's take our spymaster package. In this case, if any signatory violates the terms of the contract, they can be freely scryed through it, as well as clairaudience and clairvoyance effects if those are preferred. Additionally, the location of the signatory will be known to the other signatories. This is best for contracts where a signatory may attempt abscond, such as when a great deal of material valuables are involved."
Moore nods. "Ah, I think I understand. Well, since it seems Filbrez has announced us, how do you suggest we proceed? Or do you need more information before you have advice we can heed?"
"I know the basics. Let me ask you a series of questions instead. First of all, how much security and power in your contracts do you need? How powerful are the signatories going to be?"
Moore considers this for a moment. "Since we can't be sure how successful of a venture this is going to be as of yet, I would err on the side of caution and say a great deal. We may be working with unknown entities during this, so having protection from that would be ideal."
"That cna be done," he goes on, "In that case, we'd likely want a contract sealed with blood. A drop from each signatory powerfully binds them to the contract, making escape extremely unlikely. Now, it must be understood that even the best contract can be nullified. We go to every effort to ensure our contracts are binding, but nothing is impossible. Blood is the strongest sort of contractual binding, save for a soul binding. A soul binding is...sub optimal in most other categories and presents challenges, so I recommend blood."
Moore nods. "Very well, that makes sense."
"Now then, what sort of penalties and precautions do you want in place in case of breach of contract?" Xanas IV asks, "I reckon we have something that'll work for whatever your needs are."
Moore considers this for a moment. "Something that would prevent them from doing business with devils or our enemies, I think would be sufficient."
"So the non-compete package," Xanas says, "Now do understand the practical limitations of this. We can prevent them from knowingly working with devils, but we can't stop them past a certain point in the chain. If they don't know the merchant who buys from the distributor goes straight to Hell, there's not much that can be done. This helps open breaches of contract, but it's wise to select your clientele smartly to further mitigate this risk."
Moonlight's gazing off at nothing at all, nodding every once in awhile.
Moore nods. "Yes, I think that's fine. Realistically we won't be working with anyone untoward anyway, but this gives us legitimacy and can be used in our favor to sway."
"Alright," Xanas IV folds his hands together, "Any other special conditions that need to be added?"
Moore considers again for a moment. "No, I think that's sufficient."
"A proper contract will cost 1,000 gold," Xanas IV says, "Expect a few hundred more in fees if you have any signings witnessed by Waukeen's clergy."
Moore nods. "That's fine. Oh, I suppose we should add in a bit about rates for anyone who puts an investment into this particular plan. Is there a common amount or rate that is used? I wouldn't want to pass myself off as a con man." He nods again afterwards. "I'd like anyone who invests to get a set return but not to have any real say in how we proceed with the business, but their opinions are always welcome."
"Generally speaking, I suggest selling equity. However much gold buys a percentage of the company and they get a matching share of the profits, or however you want to sort out pay outs. Now, to maintain control, you need to keep 51% or more of equity. That leaves you 49% to sell, though doing so will reduce your profits longer term for temporary gain. I'd suggest having language in the contract that allows you to potentially buy out investors by purchasing the equity back. It'll have to be at a considerable profit to them, so do bear that in mind."
Moonlight blinks back to awareness, smothering a yawn. "Oh, like shares of a company?"
"That's another name for the same concept," Xanas IV agrees, waving a metallic hand. "Shares, equity, partial ownership. In this case I understand you're looking for silent partners rather than working partners."
Moore nods. "There's room to grow in that front, regarding partnership. Right now, we just don't want it so complicated that it makes our heads whip. There's always amendments that can be made later. Whatever is deemed fair in Brightwater would be fine here, perhaps 125% of the initial investment?"
"That can be done," Xanas IV says, "It depends on how much the company's worth as well. If you invested 1000 gold coins to a company now worth a hundred times that, 1250 gold isn't going to fly. There's a whole field that deals with this, it's very complicated, but the short version is that I'd suggestion that with a clause for arbitration to handle growth. We provide that service as part of the contract package, or you can hire a Waukeenite to do it."
"You all come highly recommended, so that will be fine." Moore nods.
"I think that's everything," Xanas rises and offers you his hand, "The exact cost will depend once we fully work out the contract. I understand Aurora's money is good, so we're not worried about collecting payment at this time. Oh, and try and shake this time."
Moore nods and will give Xanas as firm a handshake as a pixie can manage to an Inevitable.
"Thank you. Oh, I do have one question, if you don't mind... what's up with your secretary? Is playing the part important to keeping everything merry?" He asks. He tries to sound as respectful as he can and not to sound rude for calling it out.
"It saves headaches. Bessy's a wonderful girl, sweet as sugar. Most nagas aren't, so it's easier for her to appear like a human. Closer to the norm, you see, and norms are important." Xanas says.
Moore nods again. "I understand. It's been a pleasure to meet you and I thank you for the time. If there's anything Aurora can do in the future for you or your business, we'd be happy to assist. I wouldn't want us to have an opportunity missed."
Next move?
Go check in with the Silverbrow Consortium and see if they have any leads or anything meaningful.
Okay, are you dropping by Aurora first or going to do it on the same visit?
Same visit.
Your return to the Silverbrow Consortium leads you to the same restaurant and garden as before. Moonlight makes a show of looking around, studying it all as you wait. "Nice place," she says, "How'd you get an in with them?"
"I was following up on some relationships that Aurora had previously established." Moore explains. "I think it's important for Aurora to continue to strengthen its bonds. We can't just spend all of our time being a big fish in a little pond."
"Yeah, there's always bigger ponds," Moonlight says, "At least with the planes. Who did it in the first place?"
"My understanding is that Muirfinn had some relationship with this place, but I don't know the exact extent." Moore answers. "I'm hoping to foster stronger relationships with them -- I won't relent."
Man, this really does start to get tough after a while, Moore thinks to himself. But he might as well leave it on for now.
"Yeah," Moonlight says, "I think that came up last time, I'd forgotten. Speaking of, they'd better have that cake again." She takes her seat, settling in.
Shortly after, Ruby comes in. "Welcome back," she greets you, coming to sit. A snap of her fingers has an unseen servant appear, "Nothing for myself, but my guests may want something," she says.
As Moonlight cheerfully orders the same chocolate cream cake as before, "Has your Crusade been well?"
"I'll take whatever the most popular berry juice is, please." Moore says.
"It continues, as always. I wanted to stop in and see if there had been any developments since last time. If I did not at least come and see how things were doing, it would be a crime."
"Understandable. A wise man watches his investments," Ruby says, as the servant scurries away. She withdraws a folded slip of paper, "There is someone who wishes to meet with Aurora."
"I would presume there are some conditions." Moore says, folding his hands neatly.
"We would like you to write a letter of introduction for Mister Sisatar to Crystalle. As discussed before, we are interested in that and this is a first step. This may require a personal touch if a letter of introduction is not sufficient." Ruby replies, as your drink and Moonlight's cake is brought over. As Moonlight contentedly settles into her meal, "Are these terms acceptable?"
"Yes, that would be fine." Moore says with a nod. "Before that, I'd like to get a better idea of who I'm introducing -- that isn't to say this is a judge of his character, just that I can't very well do him justice without knowing more -- it'd make me a terrible meriter."
"Mister Sisatar happens to have an opening in today's schedule," Ruby says smoothly, "In about a half hour's time."
Moore inclines his head and then sips his juice. "How wonderful. Moonlight, you're not obligated to join if you'd rather decline, I realize this isn't exactly your preferred design."
"I'm going along, so why not?" Moonlight says, "Besides, I can't sit here and eat cake the entire time."
"Well, you -could-." Moore says with a laugh. "All right, then. We'll meet with Mister Sisatar in his den."
"Then if you excuse me," Ruby rises.
Anything to do or just wait?
We'll wait.
You are soon taken by Ruby, who takes you along and reality shifts. You now stand in a long, narrow hall. Both walls are alive with murals, ones that are re-enacting dragon battles. You can see wyrms clashing in the air, wyrmlings grappling over a bag of gold. A brass dragon standing against a legion of barbazu is another, then a chromatic dragon facing against an eye tyrant. Far ahead is a door, Ruby leading the way.
Moore simply continues to fly along. "I am sensing a bit of a theme." He says with a smile.
"Mister Sisatar enjoys the arts and the draconic struggle," Ruby says as you approach the door, "Are you ready?"
Moore nods. "Yes."
It's impolite to keep wearing the mask, but he has a feeling it might be necessary.
Ruby opens the door for you. Ahead is a spacious office. The floors are polished, smooth stone. It's a rich white color with veins of purple running throughout it. There is an imposing desk and no other furniture, a massive thing seemingly made from a single block of wood. But you can barely see that. You can barely focus on that. The entire back wall is a window. You can see you are on the highest level of the Silverbrow Consortium. Above the sky glitters gold. In it you see tens...no, hundreds...no...thousands! Tens of thousands! Thousands of thousands! Countless images of wealth. Each one sears a story into your mind for a split second, yet is washed away to the last by the next. A man who inherits from his cousin. A woman who wins a lotter and obtains great wealth. Another who has in invention that brings about a new age of bronze, making him fantastically wealthy. The barrage is massive.
To the side a composed, slightly wet voice narrates, "All the fortune fit for Brightwater. From Tymora's hand good fortune comes, opening the path to Waukeen's treasury."
It's a really good thing Moore already had the fortitude to go to Mineral and not be tempted by these sorts of things. ...But really, is that entire house made of gold, there? Wow.
Moore clears his throat and turns his attention. "It must take some time to not be overwhelmed by it, it seems."
The creature that speaks is garbed in purple. He is humanoid-esque, his body garbed in rich royal purple cape, tunic and pants. His skin is a slightly darker shade of purple and scaled. Yet the scales have an oddly wet look to them, moving fluidly when he moves. His arms are crossed as he looks to you. Atop his head rests a circlet of silver with a large purple gemstone set between his eyes.
"Few get to see this, only those in Waukeen's favor." Sisatar says.
Make a CL level check on the mask's true seeing.
[14:25] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+30 CL
[14:25] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+30 CL --> [ 1d20=12 ]{42}
Above Sisatar is the image of a great big dragon of purple amethyst, looming over the entire office.
Moore gestures slightly at the image, then gives Sisatar a proper bow and switches over to Draconic for a moment. "You have our thanks for seeing us, Mister Sisatar, this is Moonlight of Lathander, and my name is Moore. Would you prefer that I speak to you, or..." He inclines his head again slightly up. "I would not want to be a boor."
...Huh, it even works with foreign languages, that's interesting.
Moonlight strolls on in and matches your bow.
"Perceptive," he remarks blandly. "It doesn't matter. You have my attention, what is it you need?"
"Lady Ruby has expressed your request." Moore states simply. "I would like to understand it better and know you better first of all, so that I can impart your finer wishes to Lord Crystalle."
OOC I've been pronouncing it Crys-tall but if that isn't how it's pronounced I'll redo the rhyme.
It's pronounced like crystal.
"Understandable," Sisatar grants, a seat rising from the ground opposite his desk. A nice seat just your size, then another for Moonlight. He blinks and then is sitting in his own chair, gone from place to place in a split second. "Anyone who is anyone investigates any investment or endorsement they make, since your name is the most valuable thing you have. Such is the way of Brightwater."
Eh, it's close enough!
Moore will take a seat. "You have my thanks, then, for the understanding. Have you reached out to Mineral before?" There's some hesitation, then he simply takes the mask off. "It's a powerful tool, but I think this meeting deserves a face-to-face -- ah, I apologize, I am usually the sort to lay things out in the fairest sense. Actions speak louder, and all that." Moore smiles.
Sisatar waves it aside, "I've met people in full helmets, a mask is nothing." He flashes a smile, full of sharp looking teeth. "I have, but without a contact, it's futile. Mineral is extremely insular."
"Consider it a sign of the honesty Aurora works with, then." Moore says with a not-as-sharp-looking smile. "Very well. As you may know, Mineral isn't... they don't quite think the same way as others do. Material wealth to them doesn't seem to mean anything, I think -- now, this is pure supposition, but in my dealings with them, I think they function purely on the aesthetic nature of gems and minerals. With that in mind, what do you hope to gain out of a meeting with them?"
"Contacts and information." Sisatar says, "Merely because normal wealth is of no use to them does not mean there is nothing that is valuable to them. With time and negotiations, an accord can be reached that benefits both sides. Besides the fantastical wealth there, there are other things of value within Mineral."
Moore nods. "That's can be done. Is there anything specific that you'd like me to bring up?"
"A general letter of introduction's fine," Sisatar says, "I need something to get a claw in the door."
Moore smiles at that and nods. "All right. Consider it done. Should I speak with Miss Ruby about the individual interested in Aurora for further details?"
"Yes," Sisatar says, "She's waiting for you out there. She'll trade you that for your letter."
Moore nods. "Very well then. Mister Sisatar, if you need anything else, please don't hesitate to contact me directly or through Aurora."
He'll bow again and then head out!
From there Ruby takes you to a quiet room to compose your letter.
Just a brief outline of it is fine.
Very straight-forward and to the point, basically Moore introducing the Silverbrow Consortium (and by extension its leader) as an ally of Aurora who's helped them in the past. He'll go on to say that Mister Sisatar clearly has funds and backing that allow him to not be tempted by the typical wealth that many succumb to in Mineral. Moore would basically say something along the lines of Crystalle can benefit by allying himself with Silverbrow since they have resources beyond material wealth that Moore understands Crystalle and his followers are much more interested in.
The letter takes you a half hour. Moonlight kicks back and naps while you do, rising when you finish it. Once you pass it over to Ruby, "Thank you for your business." You're handed the an envelope. "The information is written there."
"Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything else." Moore says as he looks at the note with Moonlight.
The information is as follows:
QuoteLaughing Laura.
Female spirit (former half elf) servant of Lliira.
"Oh," Moonlight butts in after you read the beginning, "Another favored mortal." After a moment you're able to resume reading, Moonlight's commentary aside.
Quote
Age: 6,000 (approximate)
Height: 5'4
Weight: 100 pounds
Hair Color: Green
Eye Color: Green
Distinguishing Characteristics: Small tattoo of a lyre over her left eye.
Biography: A healer of considerable skill, Laughing Laura was promoted for rescuing several of Lliira's servants from efreet slavery. She is a capable jack of many trades who focuses on relieving suffering so life can be fully lived. She serves Lliira's interests by spreading the faith through word and deed. Known to have had an unhappy childhood that drove her to Lliira's faith.
Has shown interest in Aurora during a contact meeting. She will be at the Prancing Pegasus Inn and Tavern all week. Ask the barkeep for her.
"Hmm." Moonlight finishes as you do, "Solid lead. Lliira's folk are great for morale, they know how to have a good time."
"I'm curious why she didn't just approach us directly. Maybe it's harder to get in touch with Aurora than I thought." Moore shrugs either way. "Miss Ruby, thank you. Please let me know if you need anything further."
He'll put the mask back on and he'll go find the Prancing Pegasus Inn and Tavern. Take 10 on GI for 32 if it matters.
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=90 ]{90}
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=43 ]{43}
You ask around a little bit and find your destination. The Prancing Pegasus is a rather nice building, full of people coming and going. There's a communal tavern where you find the barkeep - a rather short human mans it, short enough to be almost dwarven.
Your mask lets you see the image of a female half elf with green hair and a lyre tatto-oh wait a minute, you know who that is. Anyway, clearly this is a case of the man being the result of magic, and that Laughing Laura is the barkeep. "Hi," he says, "House special is our own homebrewed ale, 1 gold coin per mug."
Moore smiles. "Hello. My name is Moore, and this is Moonlight, of Lathander. We're from Aurora, sorry for the fuss. We were hoping to speak to Laughing Laura." He clears his throat. "She seems busy tending to patrons at the moment, but do you think she could spare some time for us?"
He figures he may as well be honest in this situation to save her some time.
True to her name, she laughs. It's a rough, manly sound. "Perceptive as an eye tyrant! Hmmm," she peers at both of you, "You're newer members? You don't have the right hair to be Crystal or Afina, and you're the wrong body type to be Dana."
Moore just starts laughing as well. "I'm not sure whether Dana would be mad or happy to be compared to you, Moonlight. Yes, we're newer, I've been there for a few months. She came to us recently, just when the time was right."
"Anyway," Laughing Laura says, "It looks like Aurora could use some cheering up. Is that true?"
"Morale is something we're always dealing with, since our fight never ends." Moore responds. "I think you and I can work on a lot of projects together, I'm big on motivation myself. If you'd be willing to join us, I'd be happy to vouch for you -- this isn't something I want to leave on a shelf."
"Great," Laughing Laura says, grinning. "Can you prove to me that you're good at it? Give me a good, motivational speech."
"You know, I'm surprised you haven't heard of the story I told Lliira herself not a few days ago." Moore says. He takes the mask off at this to look her--- well, now it's a him, but whatever, in the eye. "I was here with someone important to me, looking for aid in a quest we're on. Well, the performance I gave was so good, it brought Lady Lliira right to me! It was exhilarating to in her presence, I've never felt so much joy and happiness well up in my heart. We spoke for a while -- I suppose the length of time is irrelevant to someone like Her, but I gave her my story... where it began, where it is now. Why, and I won't bore you with all the details, but i woke up in Venya a few months ago..."
[14:48] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+27+11+15 give a cool speech
[14:49] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+27+11+15 give a cool speech --> [ 1d20=15 ]{68}
He's going to basically summarize the events that led him to Aurora after that. This is a Perform(Oratory) check to be clear.
You get full attention, and by the end of it Laughing Lliira is clapping and cheering, "Oh, that's great," she says, "Just great! I'm in. I'm not much for combat, but I know just how to cheer up anyone, plus I can patch up any injuries you get."
Moore smiles and nods. "I'm glad to see that my meeting with her is already attracting some attention. I'm in the same boat as you are, I make other people better." He turns to Moonlight. "Say, I've probably bored you to tears with this adventure so far, so where do you want to go? I bet you Laughing Laura and I would make it interesting. You have some terrible evil castle or something you've been wanting to smash?"
Laura hops over the bar, spinning and turning back to her natural form. She's a rather pretty half elf with Lliira's holy symbol hanging on a necklace.
"Not right now," Moonlight says, "It's better than napping all day, which I was going to do as it is."
"Besides, I want to see Aurora and get set up!" Laughing Laura says, "Say, do you have shops there?"
Moore grins at Moonlight and nods. "Well, if you get some sort of divine mission to go somewhere, let me know. I want to return the favor." He turns to Laura and nods a few times. "We do, in fact. All sorts." Moore answers. "We were actually here to set up a bit of a branch of our own."
"Oh, that's nice," Laura says, "Brightwater's always a bit too mercantile for me, at least this part is. Money this, money that."
"Yes, I agree. I've been fostering relationships for Aurora not purely based on financial backing." He nods. "Anyway, I'll show you the way."
I think they're done here since I presume the contract stuff won't be done for a while and they'll notify us.
Sure, moving you along.
You return to Aurora to find things tense. The courtyard's full of soldiers training, more at the ready. "Hi," Elena says when you appear, "All officers are to rest and prepare."
"Oh, a ghost!" Laura gasps, hand to her holy symbol, "You must be Elena! Do you want me to put you to rest?"
"What's going on?" Moonlight says, "An attack?"
Elena's dressed fairly normally, just a simple dress today. "No, nothing like that. We got a message from Baator. Also, nice to meet you and I'm fine, thanks."
"What kind of message?" Moore asks with a frown. "I mean, it can't be good, whatever it is...Also yes, Elena, this is Laughing Laura. Laura, Elena, in the... uh... ...non-flesh."
"It's about Muirfinn," Elena says and lower her voice, "The fact it happened is common knowledge since the entrance was splashy. But the details aren't public yet."
Hm, didn't Jaela mention something...? He shakes his head.
"All right. Moonlight, would you mind taking care of Laura for a bit? I'm going to go see if I can find out what's going on."
Where are you going then?
Might as well go to the War Room first and see if anyone's there.
There is. Cresiel is there, as is Adrian. Both are looking your way when you enter.
"Moore," Adrian says, "What is it?"
"I just heard the news." Moore says. "Is there anything I should know to prepare?"
"Nothing now," Adrian says, "Just stick around in case we need you. We're mainly waiting on the rest of the generals to get back. There's no sign an attack's imminent, but the troops are drilling just in case. Keep their minds off what happened."
Cresiel adds, "The messenger for the devils made a showy entrance outside of Aurora."
"Ah, all right." He nods.
In that case, he'll go find Laura and put their motivational skills to good use!
You find Laura at the shops already. She's talking to Emerelda inside her shop, some of which you hear as you approach, "...and if you keep making them, they'll come and buy them. You just have to hang in there and tough it out."
"Already making the rounds, I see." Moore says as he flies up.
"Yes, I am," Laura says as Emerelda smiles. "I'm thinking of opening up a shop to sell this - inspiration and motivation, that is."
"Oh, that's a fantastic idea. I'd be happy to help with that." Moore nods a few times. "Enriching lives through motivation is how I spent a lot of time."
"Good. So let's go grab a shop," Laura whistles as she starts to walk along, waving back to Emerelda.
"Don't we need a... plan?" Moore asks as he flies along. "Or... something?"
"Bah, plans are for Inevitables. I can make it up as we go along. How about a summery motif like a seashore?" Laura turns to you as she walks, "Something uplifting."
"Well, sure, but some plans are important too!" He laughs a little bit and then taps his chin. "We could probably just enchant it so we could change the imagery whenever we wanted. Something like a Permanent Image spell, except that you could change whatever details you wanted. It might be a little expensive, but I think it'd be worth it for what you're considering."
"Great idea," Laura says, "I'll just have to figure out rates now: How much money does Aurora usually have to spend on this sort of thing?"
"Um... we do have quite a bit in the fund, but you'd probably have to get it approved. I can find out how much it'd cost and chip in some, I bet." Moore says with a nod. "Actually, how exactly would this even work? It doesn't feel right to charge people for motivation, but... well, I suppose the payment is them doing better at whatever it is..."
"Oh, not that," Laura says, "I mean for services rendered."
"Oh, um..." Moore blinks and then shrugs. "I honestly don't know. It's never come up before. I'd imagine everyone here has something, at least, because the shops and the bars run without any issue."
"I'll aim for moderate prices then," Laura says, "You're a good motivator too. You can help out."
"I don't know, shouldn't this sort of thing be free? Spreading joy and happiness?" Moore asks. "Well, I guess we can have a range of options..."
"Oh yes, but more battle-readiness things," Laura explains, "Things I can do with the right spells and components, to bolster more than beyond some good words."
"Oh! Like long-lasting... I see." Moore nods. "I'll have to learn from you, then. I can do a few things like that, but my music only lasts a short while... it's something I'm trying to work on."
"Yes, you see..."
A shop entry for her will be added to the Aurora topic shortly. What's next on your agenda in the meantime?
Meantime is just going to keep everyone's spirits up since everything is pretty tense. He'll see if he can help out with anything in the meantime.
Let me pause you until session start then. I won't be doing much posting until then anyway, just one more round most likely. So I'll get you rolling in 2ish hours in a new thread.