We'll start OOC with this one. So what's your plan to sort out the politics and investigate Benfal and Elysium, Moore?
Yuth were interested in this as well, so feel free to chime in, Tryll. We'll work from there and I may potentially split you two up if there's multiple objectives to be done.
Moore would ask Morniel for advice first and foremost. He'd also do research on... what was it, Thalasia, since it seems like this sort of thing may have happened before.
Do we have any contacts within Elysium we're on good terms with? Upper-echelon diplomats or anything of that nature? To coincide with this, Moore also has the rapier (Shalm, forged in Elysiym) that he'd use to probably get in someone's good graces as he'd want to return it to them.
Okay.
Yuth, feel free to jump in whenever, I'll get Moore rolling for the moment.
Elysium is peace, love and warmth. You savor it as you walk outside of Aurora, Liber rejuvenated and restored before you. You know the people of Benfal are there, though that is not your destination. Instead it is the riverbank nearby. Morniel sits on a large rock there, watching the waters flow. He is wearing white linens trimmed with gold.
"Do you think these waters flow into the headwaters of the River Oceanus now?" Morniel asks as you approach. "The theological and planar implications are considerable."
Benfal is likely in a state of political chaos. They've been enslaved by Baator for (uh I don't actually remember how long?) and who knows what state the local government/kingdom/lord structure is like. We're gonna need to find people who either know how to lead or used to be in charge. While the plane got sorta-not-really absorbed into Elysium, it appears the assimilation wasn't total? Like if feels like Elysium, but it's not quite? That's the vibe I'm getting anyway.
Moore can't help but smile and shrug a bit at the question. "I'd have to get a view from much further out than I think I'm capable in order to answer that. I think, suffice it to say, the water probably has some of those properties in it now... and that is part of why I'm here." Moore says.
He clears his throat. "This wasn't supposed to happen- ah, not to say that I think this is necessarily a bad thing, but I don't think this is the result anyone really wanted. I think it's necessary to find out why this happened..." He takes a breath. "And not take 'you don't need to know that,' as nicely as someone might mean it, as an answer."
Okay then. That's a good thing to say and to bring up here, then, so by all means do so IC here.
"I know little of this, and what I do know suggests that we have seen what can only be called a miracle." Morniel says to Moore, "We need to speak to a deity who is on our side, one who may willing to do that."
"I would think that Lord Erathaol would be willing to share knowledge in this particular situation. We do not ask for it out of malice or for any other reason other than to better understand." Moore says. "Of course, if the wisdom of the Mountain suggests otherwise, I would of course defer to it if my attempt at visiting Xiranthador was politely declined."
"Yes. There are things mortals are not meant to know," Morniel says, "What say you, Tryll?"
"I do think we get a bit of leeway on this one. ...Besides, we're not really mortals, you know?" Moore says with a smile.
'Speaking of mortals, we also need to look into the political state of Benfal. The citizens of the plane have been through a great deal, and their governments are likely in chaos. Assisting them in settling into their new lives would not be an unwise thing. While their plane is now somewhat attached to Elysium, the people here are not used to it. They have gone from peaceful to I'm not sure how many years of infernal oppression. That takes a toll on the mortal soul. While Elysium may repair some of the damage in time, we would not be remiss in assisting where we can. We are not so callous as to save the day and then move on to let the average citizen deal with the fallout.'
Tryll's form is not necessarily visible, but Calleigh is making up for it by attempting to hurl a stone nearly as tall as she is into the river. In spite of her lack of success, she appears gleeful.
'We need to seek out local leadership and see if anything has survived the occupation. While it is now more likely that gods may be able to stomp around here now that the plane is connected to Elysium, I don't see any of them marching in right now to set up shop and keep things calm. Just because it's Elysium, doesn't mean there aren't problems.'
"Does Sylica want us possibly infringing on their affairs? I don't know what Alicia and Seira's connection to this place was or is currently... even so, you're right. We can't forget the normal citizens amidst all of this."
"I can answer some of that," Morniel says, "Servants of Sylica are in Liber to help. The old government is defunct, it did not survive Hell's occupation. Your thoughts are the same as Sylica's there. By all means, go and see," he gestures towards Liber.
'Sylica is involving itself in the day-to-day operations of the minor governments? ' Tryll's mental voice is surprised.
A splash from the river indicates that...Calleigh has upended herself into the water. "Awp!" Another splash. "I'm okay!"
"It may be due to the... unexpected events with the plane itself." Moore says. "Tryll, do you want to investigate the citizenry while I see if I can get any answers on the actual 'what the heck happened' part of things?"
"I agree," Morniel murmurs, "To all of that. Unexpected and yet logical when you think it through."
'We can do that. Feel free to join us if you hit a dead-end. I expect you will eventually. If it's something the gods did, it might not be knowledge they're willing to share.' Tryll agrees.
"We're good at unexpected logic!" Calleigh shouts from the river bank, covered in mud.
Moore laughs a bit. "Yes, I expect to be told a few times that this isn't something I need concern myself with. Memory loss, however insignificant, however... ...is something I take very personally."
"Good luck then," Morniel bids you.
So Tryll hitting the people and Moore going to the top?
Let's give it a whirl!
"Have fun beating your head against the gods'! It's not fun! I know." Calleigh says.
Let's roll.
Okay Yuth, you're off to your own topic.
Moore, how are you aiming to achieve your objectives here?
Well, he's going to try and Gate or Greater Plane Shift to Xiranthador for starters. Presuming Mount Celestia shunts him off to Lunia instead, he'll just go from there. He's going to take Shalm (that rapier) with him either way.
Gating from here then or using Aurora's gating feature? It may matter.
He'll just go from here.
The tides of Lunia lap at your feet as you appear on the beaches of Mount Celestia. It is peaceful here, a land in eternal sunrise. You feel tension leave you as you feel a strong sense of being home. It's where you belong, you feel it in your bones.
For once, he'd really hoped that he could just start in the middle. Or at least slightly higher than this, anyway.
"I'm not going back until I have an answer, you know." Moore says to no one in particular. With that, he takes a breath and starts flying towards the mountain itself. Past that, something will assuredly guide him in the right direction.
Roll 1d100-7, Moore.
[15:53] <Nephrite> roll 1d100-7
[15:53] <Rei-chan> Nephrite rolled : 1d100-7 --> [ 1d100=61 ]{54}
You begin to walk. A path is quickly found that leads up the mountain. A breeze blows as you go up, refreshing you. It looks peaceful enough as you climb up.
Spot.
Take 10 for 46
You walk on for a short time until you see a winding, narrow cliffside path. An arch of stone is above it and a single trumpet archon stands before it.
Moore raises a hand in greeting. "Good day, celestial. May I ask what's past this?" He asks, gesturing to the arch.,
"Passage to Mercuria," The trumpet archon speaks in a voice that is music, the sound of trumpets blasting. Yet you understand it perfectly. "If this is where your path takes you, travel with wisdom and a blessed soul."
Then he should've just started there!!
Moore nods. "Thank you. Have a blessed day yourself." He says as he flies through the arch.
Is that just a thing? He'll just have to ask when he gets there...
Your complaints, even mental, don't draw a comment.
You walk for a time, still on mountain paths. Narrow cliffs that let you go and fly along, making steady time up the mountain. After perhaps a half hour of walking, you come on a dwarf sitting on the road side. His legs dangle off the cliff as he whittles a bit of wood, whistling to himself.
Another dwarf? Huh.
Moore will fly over! "Good day, keeping yourself occupied?" He asks.
"Not at all," He says, not looking up from his whittling.
"Oh." Moore can't help but laugh a bit. "Waiting for someone and passing the time, then?"
"Delaying," The dwarf says, a little wood shaving falling away and down the mountain side.
"Well, where are you -supposed- to be going?" Moore asks. "Maybe we're headed to the same place."
"Lunia," He says, still not looking up. "It's down that way, but I don't feel like going there yet."
Moore nods. "Sometimes you have to take time for yourself. Well, perhaps I'll see you on my journey back around." Moore says before giving the Dwarf a wave and continuing on!
Make another Spot check.
46!
You wander for a time longer. Up the path, around the path and all along the cliffside. This cliff finally cuts inward and leads to a narrow gorge. In the back of the gorge is a small pool of water, still and tranquil. There is no algae or other pollutants contaminating it and it is perfectly transparent. It's about 10 feet in diameter and perhaps 20 feet deep.
The last time he found a pool of water in Celestia, it led him below... but wasn't it different that time?
Either way, Moore will fly over to the side of the pool of water and say a prayer to himself as thanks for the guidance. Now, is he supposed go just go into it, or...
"What was it I did the first time..." Moore asks himself as he rubs his chin. "Do I just dive in?"
The pool does not show your reflection in it. Instead, it shows the reflection of a ship. A light ship, sailing over the seas of light.
The journey over the seas, to see all of that strange lost realm.
A journey that seemed endless and yet...
Moore is silent for a while as he watches the water.
They didn't really have a lot of water, like regular there, did they?
He takes a breath. Slowly.
"Although I do want to know about that... my focus is on more recent events." Moore says, as if the water itself is listening to him.
You see images in the pool. Images of the past, coming back in crystal clarity.
Reading with Lucy, a new collection of books looted from a dungeon.
Spending with with Veren and that lizard of his, proud and happy as he was of it.
Pepo, stalking about as if he owned all the world as he wandered the streets of the harbor.
Jetina, telling you about her home as your ship travels the sea of light.
Port after port, stop after stop. The ship is always moving, sailing on and ahead.
...
Moore takes a deep breath.
Of course, those were their names, how could he have forgotten?
And they all got out.
Why couldn't he remember that until now? Will he just forget again after he leaves?
He takes another breath.
He continues to watch the pool... no, he continues to watch the past play itself out.
The pool soon shows your reflection, yet your mind lingers on the journeys you underwent before.
Moore wipes away some fluid near his eyes as he takes a breath again.
"Memories are precious things, which is why I can't sit idle when I still have some that I'm not allowed to see." He says, as if, again, the pool can hear him.
"I need to understand what happened... no, we all do. All of us who were there -- even the people themselves who were liberated." He takes another breath.
Xiranthador is under water, isn't it? maybe...
He'd look really stupid trying to swim to the bottom of a pond he can clearly see, and yet...
He takes a deep breath again and takes a dive into the pool to try and check the bottom.
Fort save.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+41 : 15 + 41, total 56[/blockquote]
The water is shockingly cold, but you endure it. It's a pool of cold water, yet as you sink down into it, you see the bottom is getting hazy.
Moore will continue to swim down and into the haziness!
How long can you hold your breath?
Forever, he has a necklace that provides air to breathe.
A good answer.
You're chilled to the bone when you reach the bottom - and then you're sitting on a chair in front of a roaring fire. You're also wrapped in a blanket and only damp instead of soaking wet. The chill rapidly leaves you as you look around. It's a simple kitchen with a hearthfire burning to provide you warmth.
Moore blinks. Oh, this is...?
"Hello?" Moore calls out as he starts to dry himself off a bit. This mountain sure can be strange sometimes...
A hound archon approaches. He wears pants and is bare chested, a black-furred head. He brings over a cup with something steaming within, "Spiced cider," He offers it to you, "You caught a chill when you swam down here."
"Oh, thank you. ...But where exactly is... here?" Moore asks as he takes the cider. "I know the mountain led me here, but it's still ... um... Well, I'm not quite used to its subtleties just yet."
"My house," The hound archon says, "You're in Mercuria, though underground."
"Well, there must be some reason I was directed here. I suppose I should explain." Moore says, clearing his throat after some more cider. "I came here originally to go to Xiranthador, because I need to understand something that recently happened -- a prime my allies helped liberate from Hell was raised into Elysium for some reason, perhaps as a result of some miracle. There are... ...a lot of questions about that, though, so I'm here seeking the wisdom of answers. Oh, my name is Moore, by the way."
"I don't know much about that," The hound archon admits, "Rouday," he introduces himself. "What questions do you have?"
"Well, I guess the first is why it happened at all." Moore says. "Going beyond that, why it seems to be some sort of secret. I understand the concept of anathemic knowledge, but even with that... this seems like an extreme circumstance. There's something else going on and it seems like no one wants to admit it, I guess..." He shakes his head. "Someone up there..." He gestures upwards. "Has to know what happened."
"I see. I don't know anything about that," He admits, "I work down here as a miner. Give me some ore to mine or dwarves to argue with and I could help you. But if you're going on up, I know a good path for it."
"Oh! Well, if you're ever interested in work for Aurora, we can always use more materials. Ah, if you're allowed to, anyway." Moore says with a smile. "But yes, if you'd be willing to show me the path, I would greatly appreciate it."
"What sort of ores do you need?" Rousay asks, nose twitching.
"Hmm, anything that makes high quality arms and armors." Moore says with a nod. "We're always needing to outfit our soldiers and generals alike, so having access to good quality material would be a boon for us."
The archon merely nods and says, "Follow me."
"Of course. ...Also, it's always seemed funny to me that this place has... I don't know, regular people doing jobs like mining." Moore says as he finishes drying himself off with some magic. "I mean, when you think of Mount Celestia, I think everyone just imagines the fields of angels and eternal life and not... you know, people actually living and working here."
"Bah! Who wants to sit around doing nothing all day? Not I," The hound archon says, looking back at you. The door out leads into a cavern tunnel, lit by light that comes from the walls themselves. "Sloth is a sin. Besides, I like mining."
"My sentiments exactly." Moore says with a nod as he follows. "Although what kind of ore can you actually mine here? It must be precious if it comes from Celestia itself."
"For military use, there's iron and aurorum, as well as adamantine and cold iron," The archon says.
Take 10 on whatever the appropriate K is for 34 on aurorum since I don't think I've heard of that one
"Oh, how interesting. I guess it makes sense there'd be multiple types." Moore says.
Aurorum's in the BoED. Just go ahead and check it out there.
"Yeah, you don't see just one type of metal," Rouday says, "There's veins of different metals all throughout the mountain."
Moore nods. "It's probably the same type of thing that happens in the Mineral plane. Can you easily traverse different planes? Er... sorry if that's an ignorant question."
"I can't. I'm not a trumpet or tome," The hound archon leads you down the long, well lit cavern, "I know of the idea of other realms, but I've never been to another."
"Well, if you're ever interested in visiting Aurora, please feel free to contact me." Moore says. "We could develop some sort of trading route for you."
A simple nod to acknowledge it and then you're lead on. After a time you come to a larger cavern, the walls here worked and carved out. Sitting about are great stacks of metal ingots - metallic gray iron, bright gold, polished silver, whitish platinum, gleaming indigo aurorum and many more.
"It is said only those who are righteous and come here without greed in their heart can take metals from this room. If your crusade is just and your motives for these metals are pure, you can take some with you. If they are not, you will pay the wages of sin."
"I would feel terrible just taking these without offering you something in return for them." Moore says as he rubs his chin. "But I'm not sure what would be appropriate."
Rousay throws his head back and barks out a rough laugh, "Pixie, if your cause and heart are righteous, then I need no other payment. I am no dragon, hoarding treasures and reveling in my greed."
"Even still, one good act deserves a follow-up performance." Moore says. "Then I'll make you a promise that the next time our paths cross, I will return this generosity." He says firmly. He'll fly over to one of the piles of gray iron and pick up an ingot to deposit into his Haversack.
Presuming he doesn't die or get turned into a toad or something, he will repeat this process a few more times.
Let's say 15 ingots of each? It's hard for me to tell how much is "too much" so feel free to make a gut check call on that.
Name the metals you're taking for clarity and the total number of ingots.
15 ingots each of the listed ones, iron, gold, silver, platinum, aurorum -- you said 'many more' so does that mean many more types of ingots? If so, 15 of those also. If the piles of ingots only contain something like 20 then this would change how many he's taking. He's really trying to avoid being selfish here, I feel like this is one of those scenarios where two Canadians are trying to get the other to go in a door first and get into an endless loop of 'after you'.
We'll just stick to the listed ones for the sake of simplicity. So 75 bars total. Metal's heavy, what's the weight limit on your pouch and do you have to carry that weight?
I have a Handy Haversack, so there's no problem there. You think I don't come prepared for egregious looting???
Well, a standard bar of gold weighs around 27 pounds and your haversack can carry up to 120 pounds, so yes, that is a concern. What's your strength score?
In that case he'll use Limited Wish to emulate Shrink Item to make everything fit. :D
Technically, shrink item only covers one item as a third level spell. However, you have a few more levels to play with so I'll assume some mass version is viable for you.
With a bit of magic you get all the ingots in there.
"Well, I don't appear to have been turned into anything strange, so that's good." Moore says with a smile. "Again, however, I do wish to return your kindness, so please allow me to do that at some point when you are in need of it."
"Very well," The archon allows, then leads you out, eyes on you. Once you step out of the room and nothing happens, "Good. I'd hate to have had to bury you," he says.
Moore laughs at that. "Yes, that'd have been rather awkward after all the song and dance, right?"
From here you're lead to a path out. It leads to a cliffside path that goes up - perhaps the one you were on, even.
"Celestia guide you higher," The hound archon says, offering you his hand.
Moore clasps his hands around Rousay and gives them a hearty shake. "Don't forget to contact me if you need anything." Moore says with a bow afterwards. "Thank you for your kindness." With that, it's time to resume his adventure upwards.
Roll 1d100-7.
[14:48] <Nephrite> roll 1d100-7 do I get a prize if the roll is a 77? Serith
[14:48] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 29 > [d100=36]
You walk a little ways and come on a familiar cliff with a familiar dwarf whittling wood there. He doesn't even look up at you, but he does say, "Back again?"
"I took a detour, apparently." Moore says with a shrug and a smile. "Do you mind telling me what your business, ah... "downstairs" is? Maybe the mountain is trying to tell me something, like usual."
"It usually is," The dwarf grunts, "I'm picking something that I need up."
"Would you care to be any more specific? Well, you know, I'll just tell you why I'm here then you can decide if it has anything to do with it." Moore says. He clears his throat. "I'm here to try and speak to someone, most likely Erathaol, about a plane that just ascended into Elysium."
"A new pickaxe," the dwarf says. His knife flicks over his whittling as he adds, "I don't really need the one down there, but I wanted a reason to take a journey. Your business sounds much more important than mine."
Moore rubs his chin. "I met a miner too... what in the world is going on today?" He asks, looking at the mountain and then squinting at it like he's trying to figure it out. "Maybe it's a hint that what I'm looking for is buried...?" He huffs as he ponders that.
"Dunno," The dwarf grunts as you rub your chin, "But I know one thing, famous dwarf wisdom. It's not the destination, it's the journey."
"Well, sir, as I said to the last person -- My name is Moore, I'm with Aurora. If you're ever looking for work with us or to trade with us, you're always welcome." Moore says with a bow.
"You do well up there," The dwarf says, returning fully to his whittling.
"Thanks. May the stone keep you safe." Moore says as he flies back along the path.
That was a dwarven saying, wasn't it? Crap, did he say it wrong?
If it's wrong, the dwarf doesn't comment on it. Instead you fly along and up. You don't come on the spring again - instead the path winds up and up, higher and higher. It looks to be getting rather steep, though nothing your wings can't take care of.
Well, if he's being shown a direct path, it wouldn't be wise to ignore it. He will follow it up!
You fly up. Up, up and up some more. Eventually the path levels out again, becoming like it was before - just a path going further up the mountain.
Does his gut and/or like a 45 on a K:R check tell him he probably went up another layer?
Well, no time like the present! He will stop to say a small prayer, thanking whoever is guiding him, before he continues on.
Doesn't look like it to him. Still feels Mercuria-y.
Strange... Did that mean he needed to go higher in a different part of the same place...?
Oh well, he'll just soldier on!
Roll 1d100-7, would you?
22:18] <Nephrite> roll 1d100-7 serith
[22:18] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 49 > [d100=56]
You wander for a time longer, until the path hooks inward. Following it for a time, you see it leads into a green, rolling valley. Stone buildings dot the terrain ahead while a fast moving river travels down the valley.
Where in the heck...?
Moore decides to try something - it probably won't work, but he'd like to at least know where he is!
So he casts Lay of the Land!
Presuming that doesn't tell him anything or doesn't work, would a K:L work here? He's mostly trying to figure out where this might be if anything.
It's all mountain for 50 miles for every direction, except a familiar cliff a couple of miles ahead, where a dwarf whittles wood.
K:L check, yes.
In that case, Take 10 for 49.
When this happens, it's usually a sign you aren't ready to move to the next layer. If it's the first time you've reached that high, it's simply a sign you need more time on this layer. If you've been to the next layer before, it's generally seen that there's a lesson or point you need to understand before that. The journey never ends and the Holy Mountain always teaches.
Hm, but Xiranthador is up a level, right? So that's out for the time being.
Well, he'll go and investigate the buildings, at least. Perhaps he'll find something!
As you approach, you see they are classical tombs - carved pillars, worked stone and everything. Standing in front of each door is a bear-like archon clad in full plate armor and carrying a sword that burns with fire. They stand watch before each tomb.
Oh, like the ones he found last time. Raziel's chosen, wasn't it?
He'll pass through the area and see if anything happens to catch his eye. This is supposed to be a learning experience, isn't it? So perhaps he just needs to be on the lookout for something.
Spot it up.
Why, that would be 46!
Lots of tombs and guardians over them. A few glance at you but make no aggressive move, content to keep their watch. There's perhaps three dozen tombs in all here, though none have names. They're big enough for several people each or for one person with lots of decorations and honors.
He's definitely here for some sort of reason... is it Raziel that he's supposed to find?
Or maybe the idea is that he's supposed to take a rest. Hm.
Maybe he's just overthinking all of this.
He takes a moment, shuts his eyes and spins randomly. He'll fly towards whatever tomb is in front of him (or away from the tombs if that happens, too!)
Trusting in fate, eh? Roll 1d100-14.
[14:26] <Nephrite> roll 1d100-14 serith
[14:26] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 81 > [d100=95]
You wander towards a tomb, the guardian's attention fully on you when you come within 60ft of it. "Traveler," The archon rumbles, a deep voice that overwhelms the silence of the valley. "I ask you to step - or fly as it may be - lightly, for the blessed dead rest here before embracing eternity."
Moore nods. "Are these others that Raziel has taken under his... ah... wings?" He clears his throat, not intending to make a joke. "I had visited a similar tomb on a previous visit -- may you share what lay inside this particular one?"
"These are not Raziel's," The warden archon's voice is gentle, "Domiel rules this layer. This soul's name is Edsen Wintergast. He is a former assassin who repented and entered into Domiel's service as a Slayer of Domiel. He fought evil bravely and with the zeal of the converted, until the day he laid down his life against an aboleth attacking a ship he was on. His life bought the ship time to escape, so that the innocents on board were not dragged to a watery grave. When his rest is complete, he will emerge and join us, his past sins washed away."
The archon gestures out with a sweep of his claw towards the other tombs, "Each tomb has a story, if you care to listen."
He needs to stop doubting himself and just open himself up to the wisdom he's being shown.
"Thank you, good archon." Moore says with a bow.
He flies back and considers for a moment.
Well, he's got plenty of time, so he may as well find out the various stories. Not everyone gets to come here, after all!
he'll just go clockwise to learn a bit about each person and/or group for now. He's pretty sure there's a reason he's here, he just has no idea what that reason is.
GI check.
Take 10 for 35
The first six are unremarkable. The seventh is identical on a look, but the story you get here isn't.
"This is the tomb of Jetina Jerara. She rests here on command of Lord Domiel. I am afraid I know nothing else of her story." The archon replies. "Save that she has earned this rest, and she will rise when the time is right."
...
.......
.................
It's... just a coincidence, right?
"...Nothing else at all?" Moore asks, repeating the archon.
"Nothing else. It is...unusual," The archon admits. "Lord Domiel or his servants tell us the story of those that rest here normally."
"...Tell me something, if you... know." Moore says, his voice shaking a bit all of a sudden. "When you awaken inside one of these tombs, do you come out as a celestial, or... is it possible that you could come out as you were before?"
"It depends. Some are allowed their mortal form, others are converted in some way. They may become full archons or angels. Alternately, they may become half bloods. It is the will of Lord Domiel and Celestia that determines it." The archon replies. "Are you unwell?"
Moore clears his throat and takes a deep breath. Slow down.
"I'm fine. Where do you tend to wake up after coming from one of these tombs? Does that depend on a variety of factors?" Moore asks.
"Right here," The archon says, "A mortal rests here, in body and in soul."
"So, when they awake, they would find themselves coming out of one of these tombs?" Moore clarifies. "Not, say, randomly waking up on a different level of the Mountain?"
"That's correct," The archon confirms.
He takes a breath in and out.
So he must've not been here, then... or was there an extenuating circumstance?
"I understand, thank you." Moore says with a nod.
Is it Domiel the mountain wants him to find?
He takes another breath as he continues on and away from the tombs.
Now he has another question he needs to find an answer to...
Going further in instead of back towards the mountain path?
Yes. Moore's guessing going -up- isn't going to get him anywhere today, so forward it is.
Roll 1d100-14.
[13:24] <Nephrite> roll 1d100-14
[13:24] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 32 > [d100=46]
This valley leads to more mountains, save for the stream that goes through the middle. One could follow that stream as it goes into the mountain, enough space to fly over it and follow it's underground course. Alternately, one could fly up the steep sides of the valley and proceed that way.
Moore opts to follow the stream!
The stream is fast moving and cold. The walls of the cavern emit faint light, which tints blue from the ice that quickly begins to coat the walls. Your breath fogs out in front of you as you go further in.
Any cold resistance or anything like that?
Not naturally. He could cast Planar Tolerance if that would help.
It does not in this case. Anything else?
If it gets intolerable he'll use Limited Wish to Endure Elements, as ridiculous as that is.
Cool. Fort save.
[14:04] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41 mettle
[14:04] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 53 > [d20=12]
Moore endures the cold as he flies along. The river goes on for a ways, at least a good half hour. You're thoroughly chilled when it leads into a larger cave. It ends in a lake and on the store of that lake is a large, fenced in building. It's plain and made from the same stone as the mountains. From your viewpoint, you can see dozens of draconic humanoids going through martial arts forms. You know that much from having seen people like the Master and Sylvie around Aurora.
Brrr! Moore rubs his shoulders as he flies down towards the building. They're probably not used to having guests, but hopefully his intrusion won't be seen as a problem.
Now why in the world did the Mountain send him here, he wonders...
Your approach is seen soon enough. The draconic creatures do not show any sign of stopping, though the one that leads them through the exercises does pause. This one is like the others, except with coppery scales with a greenish tint. He calls out in Celestial, "Hail and well met! Friend, what are you doing here? I don't recall a pixie ever seeking to learn these arts."
"Just following the path the Mountain has laid out for me today." Moore calls back in the same language as he flies closer. "My apologies for the interruption, I can wait until you are finished."
A nod to that, but he flies up nonetheless. He has wings of copper as well, "They've done this every morning for years now. They could finish it blind and deaf." He meets you halfway and says, "You feel you were drawn here? Interesting! Do you have any passion in studying martial arts? This is the Refuge of the Draconic Fist, one of many monastic orders that serves Bahamut."
"Well, I was following the river from some of Domiel's tombs... I actually originally came to go to Xiranthador, but, as you probably can guess, the Mountain had other plans." Moore gestures back the way he came.
"I'm not much for martial arts, but I can inspire others." Moore rubs his chin for a moment. "I'm sure the Mountain wanted me here for some reason, else I wouldn't have found it. Ah -- my name is Moore, I am with Aurora, if that means anything to you, good dragonborn."
"It doesn't, but news rarely reaches here. One of the virtues of this place is solitude and self reflection, visitors are rare. I am Master Vyth of the Rach." After that introduction he begins to leads you along towards the main building. "Do you feel a need for self reflection or solitude?"
"I didn't until you mentioned it." Moore says with a bit of a smile. "I learned a while ago to trust how the Mountain deigns to reveal its wisdom."
You're lead inside - austere, plain and to the point. To a simple room with a few pillows to sit on. "If you need a chance to rest or meditate, this is a good place for it."
"I will take you up on the offer, Master Vyth." Moore says as he flies over to lay down on one of the pillows. He's been at it for a while, so taking a few minutes to reflect on everything should be fine.
Wisdom check.
[15:17] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+6
[15:17] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=9]
You rest and feel a little better. Your mind drifts...
Baleruk. For some reason Baleruk comes to mind. Idle thoughts of the boastful wyrm, looming over his treasure hoard.
...Was he unaffected by what happened? Did he see this 'miracle' with his own eyes?
Is that the truth of it, then?
Moore takes a breath - in such a nice place, he may be able to find further answers.
He casts a Divination with a question on his mind, "Where can I go to purify the items Aurora has taken from the forces of evil?"
CL is 16 for this, I will deduct the 25g for it.
What all items do you have?
I had a feeling it would come to this.
The ones I know of are the following:
*Dogai Sword (he doesn't actually have this one with him but it's on the list)
*Hiwa's Toga
*Trahere Animam
*Willah's Dress
*Willah's Ring
*Yian's Ring
Paste the stats for them into here, it matters.
Not listing the sword since he doesn't have it with him
Hiwa's Toga: +9 armor bonus to armor class. It has additional powers relating to sex, which Tepen stonily refuses to go into. It radiates overwhelming evil and he councils it be destroyed at the soonest opportunity. With your leave he'll have it destroyed immediately.
Trahere Animam: This pentagram amulet radiates overwhelming evil. Tepen can't tell what it does, but he cautions no righteous person to touch it or wear it.
Willah's dress - This dress grants a +8 profane bonus to Charisma and a +1 bonus to a marshal's major auras.
EDIT: Removed the rings
Okay, quick question. How are you carrying or transporting Trahere Animam?
I would presume (and correct me if I am wrong) that Tepen would've put it in some sort of cool and awesome 'box for evil things' or something similar as I'm sure they had to handle it in some nature to look at it to begin with. If this is not the case and/or there is not a holdy box for evil things then he would have left it back at Aurora.
The answer you get is, 'Waters wash away tears.'
Is there any reasonable connection he could make with some famous well/water source in Celestia? Take 10 for 49 for K:P if relevant, otherwise Take 10 for 34 on K:L if it's more appropriate
The River Oceanus comes to mind, which mixes with the waters of the ocean around Celestia. There's a lot of healing springs up in Mertion as well, though you've never been that high up.
Also the river you just, y'know, followed to here. That comes to mind too.
But that one may not be special, smartypants!!!
Moore opens his eyes and nods. Well, that's tacit permission, at least...
He will fly back out and go over to the riverbank!
Is it flowing quickly, or just... flowing?
The river is fairly rapid. It has a fast and strong current. Also as you go out, you Master Vyth following you and catching up.
Moore turns and raises a hand in greeting. "Master." He says with a nod. "I was able to find some answers, thank you for your hospitality. I am also on a personal mission to try and restore some... tainted items to usefulness for our cause. I was guided to try water."
"Then say no more and do as you must. The few who come here as you did usually are following such needs," Vyth steps back.
Moore nods, although he's unsure how to handle that amulet... he'll deal with that in a minute.
He puts his bags down on the side and withdraws Hiwa's toga with a wrinkle of his nose and a frown and goes to look for an outcropping or a rock that he could lay it against and hold it there without chance of it slipping away.
This is easy enough to find.
Then he plunges the tunic into the water and holds it against the rock! Who knows what'll happen!
The item may even get destroyed, which would be really unfortunate but so it goes.
Roll 1d100.
[22:09] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[22:09] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 76 > [d100=76]
The waters of the river soak the toga. You !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Screams. She screams as you advance on her, reaching down...
A tiny speck of dirt leaves the pristine toga, crumbling away in the river.
"Kill her and you can live," Your brother laughs as the husband grabs the knife, swinging. Blood splatters on your toga...
Another little bit of dirt comes free of the toga.
Moore grunts -- he was prepared for this. He's seen worse, like what happened to Lief, or Lifasa in general.
He takes a deep breath and prepares for the worst.
Do you have mind blank up?
I did make sure to use the Readiness Arch before I left, yes!
Somehow you remain sane as sin after sin flashes through your mind. In your grasp the toga slowly dissolves, pristine cloth crumbling as countless specks of dirt come from it, each horror unraveling it further.
Moore will hold onto it until everything has been washed away!
You do so, the toga soon gone, dissolved to the last thread.
Post in loot that the toga's been destroyed.
That was probably just irredeemable in any conceivable way.
He shakes his head and casts quick spell before moving onto the next garment. If they all end up being destroyed it's probably better than them ever being used again.
He's casting Greater Improvisation and then he will dunk Willah's dress in the water.
Nothing happens physically.
You feel a sense of longing, regret and despair.
"Yeah, well, maybe you shouldn't have doomed your homeland like you did, you dingus." Moore says as he leaves the dress there.
"Maybe if you repent your sins someone from this Mountain will take pity on you and give you a chance someday to redeem yourself." He adds -- he's entirely talking at the dress right now and probably looks entirely insane.
Nothing more happens from your dress lecturing.
He'll hold it there a little longer before taking it out and drying it with Prestidigitation. He'll then check it to see if it's still a terrible piece of clothing.
Take 10 for 49 on spellcraft
Still repulsively evil, yep. Doesn't seem to have changed from that. Merely holding it is beginning to make your hands ache.
Some washing away that river did! Moore makes a face at the water and then blinks. "Ah, I think I understand. The original owner has to actually repent..." Moore says with a sigh as he folds it up and puts it
Ugh, that means the chances of that other thing aren't too great either... But he's here, he needs to try. Worst case is it just gets destroyed.
His intent next is to dump the horrible amulet into the water next to the rock so he doesn't have to touch it and so it won't go washing away downstream.
The amulet falls - and the waters of the river move around it, creating a perfectly dry zone as it falls onto the rock. Not a single droplet touches it.
"...Well I guess I've got my answer on whether we can do anything with it." Moore says as he scratches his head. "Now how the heck do I get it out of there..."
He tilts his head and scratches his cheek. Why can this sort of stuff never go the way he hopes? Alas.
That's a good question, but the pendant's still there.
"You know, for a mountain that teaches a lot, sometimes you can be awfully quiet." Moore says as he flies down. He sighs and just reaches down to grab it and put it back in the box. If he gets injured by it, he is right next to a river of holy water, after all.
Make a Fortitude save and a Will save, both with a -9 penalty.
[14:41] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41-9
[14:41] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 51 > [d20=19]
[14:41] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+47-9
[14:41] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 57 > [d20=19]
He has mettle if that matters here.
You are consumed.
Darkness envelopes you.
Your body wastes away and your mind collapses.
It is all around you.
You cannot -
Somehow you drop it onto the ground. Some blessed instinct reaches you at the last moment and you plunge into the waters. A panic as you swim away, submerging yourself in the icy waters. You swim away as the cold washing something hideous from you, bringing clarity of mind and terror.
Tepen's words echo in your mind,that no righteous soul touch Traham Animam. You believe you grasp a small bit of why.
He didn't really think he qualified as "righteous," but he supposes that's a lesson learned!
He'll push himself out of the water and take a few minutes to himself -- okay, touching it is a bad idea, but he can't just leave the damnable thing right -there-...
Perhaps asking for some intervention may not be a terrible idea. He'll fly back to the bank where he dropped it in and sit down and dry himself off with magic.
He takes a deep breath and casts Limited Wish, with the hopes of some sort of intervention to get rid of this thing.
Describe what you're trying in more detail and any possible spells it can mimic that could potentially help.
He's pretty much asking for an agent of Celestia to just either smite the thing into pieces or throw it into what amounts to a holy volcano. He's not terribly interested in specifics so much as just getting it destroyed.
As for similar spells, I suppose he could use it to cast Commune, since that's 5th level, he'd be willing to pay the cost for it as needed.
There's also Suppress Magic, which might work to at least let him pick it up.
He's really just trying to get someone's attention for some help, more than anything really specific, though.
EDIT: I forgot, Antimagic Field is Sorc 6, so that might work.
Artifacts are explicitly exempted from antimagic, so it wouldn't work.
Anything else to add before I go on?
Nothing from a cursory look, no.
You channel the power of a limited wish - but nothing happens. The pendant glows a faint, eye-searing red for a few seconds and then fades, as your wish fails to have an obvious effect.
Did that... do something?
Take 10 on Spellcraft for 49, guessing it is still horrible and awful.
The pendant is still both horrible and awful.
Moore makes a face and goes to find his new martial friend if he's wandered off. Maybe he has an idea.
Master Vyth is a little away, waiting for you. "Hm?" he asks, "Run that by me again?"
"Uh..." Moore clears his throat. "So this thing is called Traham...you know what it isn't that important. It's really evil and the water won't even touch it -- and I can't touch it either. Do you have... I don't know, maybe... Maybe something so that I can put it back in its box? Or... a suggestion on just breaking it? It's apparently some sort of devil artifact and so far my attempts at getting some assistance haven't worked."
"I can strike it without touching it. That could move it forward," Vyth considers, then smiles, "Yes, that should do. One of the lessons we learn is how to ring a bell without touching it."
Moore blinks and then nods a few times. "Yes, I think that would work. I can put it back in its box and then try and find someone to destroy it here or just take it back home."
"Then position for it," Vyth says, cracking his scaly knuckles.
Moore flies over and places the box on its side and holds it!
Master Vyth bows and takes a single swing form about 10ft away. The pendant is knocked forward, right into the box.
"Wow, that was really cool." Moore says as he shuts it. "Thank you for your assistance."
"You are welcome. If you have a few decades, you're welcome to stay and learn,' Vyth says.
Moore laughs at that. "I do, technically speaking, but I'm not ready to lay down and pick up martial arts just yet. Do you by any chance... ah, no, nevermind. I was going to ask if you knew someone who could destroy this, but I have a feeling if I follow the river I'll find what I'm looking for." Moore says and then bows. "Thank you again for your hospitality. If you ever would like me to repay your kindness or have wish of me, please don't hesitate to contact me."
"Be well and walk with wisdom," Master Vyte bows in return to you.
Next move?
Follow the river!
Roll 1d100-14.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100-14 : 24 - 14, total 10[/blockquote]
You fly on. The chill of the river quickly returns to you, the icy cavern around you leaving you numb. Nonetheless you fly on for about an hour, following this path.
Make a Fort save.
Better this chill than the other, awful one.
[13:32] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41
[13:32] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 49 > [d20=8]
You endure the cold and keep going another hour. You're chilled completely, hands numb and wings starting to line with frost. You endure and come to a n intersection of sorts. Here a smaller river feeds into this main river from the left side. You could go follow that or continue this one.
Make another Fort save.
(http://www.soulriders.net/SMFTest/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+41 : 6 + 41, total 47
Moore will opt to continue to following the river and not bother with the smaller one. Going backwards isn't his goal right now... but it sure is awfully cold...!
Note to self, get something to help with this sort of situation in the future.
You continue to endure. You're growing numb all over, your breath misting. Another hour of travel. You're no longer shivering, merely numb all over.
Another Fort.
[13:12] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41
[13:12] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 46 > [d20=5]
A little more time passes. It's getting hard to fly - your wings are starting to freeze up, numb and struggling to keep going. The icy waters below loom closer as you dip down, making you struggle to regain your flight.
Moore takes a breath and begins to hum a song to get his mind off of the intense cold. He's just going to have to keep going -- this is the type of trial he can motivate other people through, so he himself would be remiss if he gave up! Magic could surely solve this sort of problem ... but that's completely cheating out of what this trial should represent!
Inspire Heroics on himself for +6 morale bonus to saves and +6 AC that hopefully will not matter.
You endure.
You endure.
You endure.
It's so cold but you endure.
Make one more Fort save.
He has to keep going -- he has to! It's what Kamhoff would've forced him to do -- never give up!
[13:50] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41+6
[13:50] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 55 > [d20=8]
On and on. Further on. Until you at last see sunlight ahead, the iciness receding. You come out into the warmth of sunshine and the rolling hills ahead, dotted with little settlements and tombs. Whew, made it.
Does this appear to be the same place he left when he originally went to follow the river, just from the other side of it?
Somewhere different, probably farther along.
Moore takes a few minutes to get the feeling in his body back before he continues on towards the settlements. Perhaps he'll even catch Domiel or someone else visiting one!
Roll 1d100-21.
[14:22] <Nephrite> roll 1d100-21 is a negative number good in this scenario??
[14:22] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 53 > [d100=74]
Yes.
You wander a time longer. As you walk through these hills, you see something ahead. A six winged angel floats - a solar. He floats perhaps seven feet off the ground and is surrounded by a ring of six tome archons. They all chant in Celestial, words you know some of - the Words of Creation. Nothing is around them and yet they continue to chant.
Moore will stop a respectful distance away to listen! Perhaps he can add his voice to theirs? Although they do already have 7...
You listen and...
K:R check.
Take 10 for 52.
The words are asking for something? No, creating something. As you watch and listen, you see a tomb rise out of the ground, fully formed and created through words alone.
So do they just create the housing for the souls...?
He'll continue to listen in and watch the proceedings! Certainly, as always, there is wisdom to be gained here.
The tomb is complete - and light comes from above. A beam of light that hits everything and - it is done. As one the seven celestials vanish, leaving the tomb.
Moore blinks a few times. Did he miss something there? Huh.
He'll fly over to the tomb to see if has a name inscribed on it or anything at all.
As you approach, a figure rises up from the ground. Another bear-like archon, guarding the tomb door. "Traveler, this is a sacred tomb. In here rests a soul preparing for eternity."
"Another of Domiel's chosen?" Moore asks. "May I hear their story?"
"Peace, traveler. This story is not for your ears," The warden archon says, "For I hear another calling you," he points ahead, "Go. You are called."
Moore opens his mouth to say something, but the merely nods. "Thank you. Celestia's light guide you." Moore says as he continues on. Oh dear, has he overstayed his welcome?
You go along - and the hills soon lead to a single path leading into the mountains.
He has no choice but to continue straight ahead willingly!
The trail leads out to a cliffside path - and just ahead on it is a familiar dwarf. This time he finally looks up, "You again?" he says, pulling out a flask. He takes a nip from it and gestures, "C'mon over and have a seat."
"I have a feeling the metaphor for all of this went over my head." Moore says as he sits.
"Yeah, I had a hard time with getting out of Lunia the first time," The dwarf offers you his flask.
Moore waves a hand in declination.
"I mean, I've learned a great deal either way." Moore says. "So the trip certainly has been valuable. Was it you who was calling me, or is that further, uh..." Moore gestures along the path. "That way?"
"Wasn't me," The dwarf says, putting his flask away and going back to his whittling. "Must be someone thataway."
"You really should go get that pickaxe, you know." Moore says with a smile as he gets back to his feet. "The mountain's probably trying to tell you to get moving." He laughs a bit and with a wave decides to continue on.
"I'll go when it feels right, or until an archon throws a stone at my head," The dwarf grunts. "Good luck."
"I don't think they have Stone-throwing Archons." Moore calls out as he continues on.
Or maybe they do? They seem to have every other type covered.
Roll 1d100-21.
[21:18] <Nephrite> roll 1d100-21
[21:18] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 47 > [d100=68]
You wander up the path a time before coming to a long cliff that juts off the path, with the path continuing on ahead. On that cliff is a single gravestone, a man in full armor and helmet kneeling before it, hands clasped in prayer.
Moore will fly over but wait respectfully. For a while.
Hopefully this isn't a statue or something that looks like a real person.
The man is silent for a time. Perhaps 5 minutes before he speaks up and says, "Thank you. Many are too focused on what lies above to see what is in front of them." A man's voice, old and weathered, gruff. "It's my son's tombstone."
"He was truly something." Moore says, as if he's just completely sure of that. "You're an even better person for honoring his memory. May I ask his name, sir?"
"Ronyn," The old man says, not looking up from his vigil.
"I'll make it a point to come and say hello to him and tell him about my adventures so he isn't lonely whenever I'm passing by." Moore says with a smile.
"You're a good one," The old man turns around, a visible startle when he sees you. "A fairy? Here?" he says, voice stunned, almost faint.
"My voice didn't give it away?" Moore says with a small laugh. "I've been blessed to be... ah... hm. I'm not really sure what you'd call it. I guess I'm under Erathaol's wing? You're the first person I've met who actually seemed really surprised by it, though. I guess the archons are just used to whatever."
"The archons don't see your body, but your soul," The old man says, "My apologies, good sir." He reaches up and takes off his helmet - an old man with a droopy white mustache and beard, faced lined and wrinkled. "I am Malasgar."
"There is no need to apologize. My name is Moore, of Aurora." He says with a flourishing bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Malasgar."
"A kind soul and a gentleman," The knight says, "I see why you ended up here."
Moore laughs at that as well. "I think you're the first person I've met here who's normal. Uh..." He looks upwards. "No offense meant of course." He turns back to Malasgar. "Or at least that I don't have to try and decipher some deeper meaning from. I understand the Mountain is always teaching, but I really wish it'd be a little more direct with its wisdom sometimes."
"Sometimes you have to bash wisdom in until it sinks in." Malasgar says, a tired smile on his face as he slowly sits down on the cliffside. "Ronyn was like that. A natural paladin, called when he was barely past being a boy. He was brash and enthralling, a natural leader. Wisdom was never his blessing, charisma and force of will was."
"Subtlety is sometimes not my strong suit, either." Moore admits. "If you don't mind my asking, did he... ah... continue up the mountain, as it were?"
"No. He's...not here. It's a long story," Malasgar says, "I myself stay here, as I do not seem to be ready to proceed to Venya."
"Is he trapped?" Moore asks. "Ah... apologies, I don't mean to reopen wounds, but my comrades in Aurora are experts at this sort of thing."
"No. He is a thrall of Hell now," The old man bows his head, "All that is left is his dead husk, his soul trapped within. A plaything for a fiend." Age and sorrow wear at him, "I pray he will be saved one day, because I am too old to."
Moore smiles and flies over to be face-to-face. "Then for whatever it's worth to you, I make a promise on this day under the shining skies of Mount Celestia that I will find his soul and free it from Hell's grasp, one way or another. Like I said... Aurora is very good at devil extermination."
The old man looks on - and smiles, tears starting to fall. "Bless you. Others have tried, but know he is held by Leonar, Duke of Cania. Proceed with caution and wisdom."
"We recently got a soul back from Asmodeus himself." Moore says with a proud smile. "I think we can handle this guy. Come on, you don't need to go all the way up to Zaphkiel, but let's get you up to Venya. I'm on my way there anyway." Moore offers a small hand. "That is, of course, if you think you're ready."
"I'm not. Go." He pauses, taking off his gauntlets. "These look too big for you, but they'll fit. They may not be the best choice for a pixie, but they'll aid you or a friend."
Moore will take the gauntlets! "If you ever have need of me, feel free to reach out to us. The next time I see you I'm sure I'll have good news." He bows again. "Look to the future, don't dwell too much on the past." With that, he'll fly along and back up the path!
Loot post.
Roll 1d100-28.
[11:43] <Nephrite> roll 1d100-28
[11:43] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < -9 > [d100=19]
You wander a time, until you at last come to an archway of stone. A simple lantern archon floats before it, blocking the path's way.
"Hello!" Moore greets. He has no reason to ask any questions, since it's pretty obvious that this is the path to the next layer and his destination.
"Hi!" The lantern archon bobs in the air, "Welcome!"
"Thank you! This is my first time coming in through this way, do I need to, ah... do anything?" Moore asks.
"Uh uh! You can go, but be careful! I hear there's rockslides lately." The archon moves aside.
"I'll keep an eye out for them. Thank you!" Moore gives a wave before he passes through the arch and continues on -- albeit at a slower pace now as he watches above himself a little more keenly.
Spot.
Take 10 for 46
You can see the path ahead looks clear. No sign of rock falls.
Moore soldiers on! Maybe he'll find that wyrm's cave again so he can personally thank him for helping him out what feels like forever ago.
You go on a short ways until you see a bit of a recess, a building built into the side of the mountain. A simple sign hangs by it that reads, 'Inn'. It's a nice building, glass windows and clean, smooth stone. Looks brand new.
How much business could a store up here even get?
Moore shrugs and decides to fly in -- he's not in any real hurry.
You go in. Within is a simple enough tap room. A bar, tables, a fireplace. A setup you've seen many times. A few mortals are about, eating, drinking, talking or whatever else. As you step in, "Welcome, traveler. This inn is free to use. Take a room if you wish to rest, and food and drink will be provided if you sit at a table." The voice is masculine and warm, fatherly.
Moore opens his mouth to say something and then shuts it. What in the world?
"Ah, are you the... proprietor?" Moore asks around himself. "Is this a resting place for people on their journey up?"
"Yes," The voice says, "It is a place for any who need rest."
Moore shrugs to himself and flies over to a table! Maybe he can bring back a recipe or two.
You sit and the voice asks, "What would you like to eat?"
"What is the most popular?" Moore asks. "Or, if that's not been figured out, how about -your- favorite?"
"It will be out soon," The voice says.
A chance to look around, do something or simply wait.
Moore will take some time to at least identify the gauntlets he was given earlier!
Take 10 for 49 on spellcraft
Once that's done, he'll look around at the others who are currently there. It does seem odd that there are mortals here, doesn't it? They're all actually passed on... right? Or shouldn't they be?
The gauntlets are the following.
Knight's Gauntlets
These gauntlets grant a +2 enhancement bonus to Strength. When worn by a creature with levels in in the knight class, they are counted as five levels higher to determine the bonus from shield block as well as the morale bonus to attack rolls and Will saves from fighting challenge. A character without levels in knight gains no benefit from this, though they can still benefit from the Strength bonus.
Well that's nice for anyone who can use them!
The following people are around.
- A human in chain armor, reading a small book. He has a beard and mustache, both colored a coppery red.
- A robed man, tall and with his features hidden by a hood. You can't see much about him.
- A half elven woman with gold-tinted skin eating, wearing a simple and worn tunic as well as pants in a similar state.
- A dwarf inspecting his battle axe and with a horned helmet on the table next to him. He's bald, save for a close-cut brown beard.
Moore considers for a bit and decides to eat first before he bothers anyone.
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Space_Cat roll for Serith < 30 > [d100=30]
The food comes out: a small and seasoned pork cutlet, a small bowl of berries and a few slices of fresh bread. It's joined by a glass of milk.
This is the most popular thing? Really? Moore shrugs and will start to eat!
Between bites -- and without speaking with his mouth full of food, of course, Moore looks up.
"Was this your own desire to build?" He asks.
Oh wow. Oh WOW.
You have a berry first. It's incredible - almost as good as Aurora's food. It's less a berry and more a memory of the best berries you've ever had, nostalgia and taste warring on your tongue.
As you marvel at that, "Yes," The voice replies.
Moore can't help but look surprised at that. He has another one.
"Did you meet some chef during your time away from the mountain and found a fondness for cooking?" He asks with a smile. "Or perhaps found that food can ease a wounded soul?"
"To mortals, food is life. It is family, it is the bonds of sharing meals. It is nostalgia for what has passed before." The voice replies. "To reflect on what was, what can be again and what should be left behind: Is that not the purpose of Celestia?"
"That's a really interesting way of looking at it." Moore says with a nod. "I'll have to give some consideration the next time I make a meal to reflect on things. Uh..." Moore rubs his chin for a moment. "I'm not entirely sure how to ask this... are you part of this establishment, and... I mean that literally -- or... do you just want the food to be the focus, and you don't want people getting distracted?"
"I am but a humble servant. Please enjoy you meal," The voice replies, then goes silent.
So it's exactly what he thought, it's probably not an angel of any sort, just a magic building.
He'll eat and reflect, at least -- that's what he's supposed to do here anyway. He can just ask when he gets to Xiranthador about it.
Wisdom check.
[12:59] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+6
[12:59] <Rei-chan> Nephrite rolled : 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{11}
The meal passes uneventfully enough.
Go ahead, ball's in your court.
All the other patrons look like they're focusing pretty hard... ah, an opportunity like this rarely presents itself.
Moore tentatively flies over towards the robed individual and clears his throat. "Ah, good day -- am I interrupting?"
The figure looks up at you and - huh.
All you see is a blank, gray void. A voice within your mind. 'Your mind is shielded. I am thankful. Please do not be afraid, for I am under a daemon curse.'
Moore blinks, then nods a few times like he understands. He rubs his chin a few times. "I'm so sorry to hear that! I do know a few things about curses, but... well, if you're here, you're probably looking for something stronger than regular magic can fix, huh?" He says with a smile. "Besides, I've seen way weirder than this, trust me. But hey, if I can help you in any way while I'm here, I'd be happy to do so."
'You have my gratitude,' The man replies, 'But this curse can only be overcome through my own actions, for it was my own vainglory and pride that had me accept a daemonic contract.'
"Ahh, that kind." Moore nods a few times again. "Well, you're here, right? So you're at least taking the right steps. My name is Moore, by the way, I work with Aurora. If you're ever in need of anything, please don't hesitate to reach out, all right? Helping out people in need is always a good thing."
'Thank you,' The man replies, 'Be well on your journeys.' He turns back to his own thoughts, bowing his head.
What kind of curse is that?? Ah well.
He'll fly over the knight reading a book now and do the same -- clear his throat.
Since you wondered, you can make an K:P check.
Take 10 for 59 then!
Faceless evils, the curse of the yugoloths. Many could do this, but only those of true power could make it so hard to overcome. Names you dare not whisper, names of things that make you reflexively murmur the names of the holy, as if to ward away the daemons.
You know not which it is, but you know that this soul needs the aid of the Holy Mountain desperately.
Well, he's in the right place to get that sort of help.
He clears his throat again around the knight. "Ah, hello, I hope you don't mind an interruption in your reading."
The knight looks up, "Excuse me, I'm reading holy scripture. May this wait?"
"Ah, of course, my apologies." Moore says with an apologetic smile. "I'll come back."
Onto the dwarf!
The dwarf looks over. His voice is unusually soft, "Good day," he says, "May the wisdom of the Dwarffather guide all that you do. If you have a few minutes. I'd like to tell you more about Moradin."
"Sure, I've got the time." Moore says.
Take 10 for 59 on P if Moradin is relevant there, or 62 if R is relevant. Maybe Moore can impress the guy and fill in some gaps!
K:R is.
Moradin is the head of the dwarven pantheon. He's said to be the father of the dwarven race and an ally of Celestia. His divine realm, Erackinor, is deep within the hills of Solania, the Fourth Heaven. The armories there are said to be second to none, perhaps save to the armories of Jovar. Though you also know that both armories cooperate, so the question is largely moot, as the best celestial smiths and the best dwarven smiths work together. Your high level of knowledge also lets you know that Moradin is friends with Sealtiel, the 6th of the Hebdomad and lord of Jovar.
In a more mortal sense, the Dwarffather oversees crafting, forging of all kinds, stone work, law, good and the dwarven race. As a greater deity, is tremendously powerful and his clergy is numerous.
Well that explains all the dwarves he keeps running across!
Moore settles in to a chair to listen to what the other one has to say first, it'd be rude to just cut him off!
"Did you know that in the beginning, Moradin forged the Prime Material?" The dwarf asks, "That all of you fey sprung from the sparks of his hammer as he worked the world into its form?"
Would I know if that was actually a true statement or not? I mean, that sounds pretty 'yeah ooooooooookay sure buddy' to me!
K:R again.
You fool! I'll take 10 for 62 again!/i]
The stories about the beginning vary considerably from faith to faith. What's known is this:
1.There are differing accounts of the beginning of Creation. Different faiths have different myths.
2. Divination and magic to see Creation's formative days fail.
3. The deities and powers that were around for it aren't talking.
So this isn't unusual to hear.
"That is one interpretation." Moore says with a nod. "I'm sure Queen Titania would have you believe something else." He adds with a smile.
'Then let me correct what she's said," The dwarf smiles readily, "What has she taught you?"
"Ah, well I don't have any faith to Her Majesty, actually." Moore says. "I know that's probably a bit odd, isn't it? I actually follow Lord Erathaol -- so I'm familiar with a lot of the different mythos that differing faiths have. Ultimately, does it make that much of a difference who did what in the start of time? We're all so far past that that it seems like it makes more sense to look forward, doesn't it?"
Make a Diplo check there, -10 penalty.
Take 10 for 58, factoring in the -10.
The dwarf grunts, "Lots of people think wrong, that's all. But you're right, the present's more important." He puts down his weapon and looks to, "Gil Mountain-Arms," he introduces himself, "Son of Gurl Mountain-Arms. I head higher up to seek the wisdom of the Dwarffather."
"Ah, to Solania and then Erackinor?" Moore asks as he smiles at the introduction. "Moore -- ah... just Moore. I work with Aurora. May I ask what you're seeking wisdom on? I'm here doing much the same -- ah, but I suppose most people up this far probably are."
"My people have found a new metal," The dwarf replies, "One we cannot forge ourselves. My pilgrimage will take me Moradin, who can forge anything."
"Oh, wow! Do you mind if I take a look at it, if you have any with you? I understand if you want to keep it a 'trade secret,' though." Moore says with a smile. "But I might be able to help you with some other ideas on it."
"It is for dwarves," Gil says firmly, "It is not proper to share it until Moradin has spoken."
"Of course. Well, we have some legendary crafters in Aurora, so if he deems it allowed to be shared with other like-minded folk, then please let us know." Moore says with a smile. "We're always trying to make better tools to deal with devils and Hell in general. Maybe I should take a trip to Erackinor sometime myself and see if anyone would be interested in working with us."
A mere nod at that from the dwarf, "I wish you well then."
"Good luck on your journey up." Moore says as he flies back and away. Is that knight done with his holy text yet? He looks over in his direction.
He's still reading.
He will try the other one -- the half-elven woman, then. "Ah, excuse me, do you mind some company?" He asks.
"Not at all," She says, a smile. "A forest spirit here? You're as far away from home as I am."
"Haha, interesting times we live in, yes?" Moore says with a flourishing bow. "Moore, of Aurora." He keeps telling people that, but no one ever seems to comment on it, maybe he needs to add some more fluff... "I'm on my way to Xiranthador -- ah, well, that's my intended destination anyway." He shrugs with a smile. "We'll see where the Mountain wishes me to go."
"Ella," She introduces herself, "Heading towards Solania. Xiran...dathor?" A stumble over the word, "That's a big library, isn't it?"
"Yes, that's quite right!" Moore says with a nod. "I'm looking for some information on something, where better to find it?" He asks rhetorically. "What do you hope to find in Solania, if... ah, that isn't prying too much?"
"A religious retreat. I follow Pistis Sophia," The elf explains, and with a gentle smile, "She teaches that material things are unneeded - even clothes." A delicate cough into her hand, "It is extremely difficult to live a material-free life in other places, so I will begin to try it there."
Moore smiles and nods. "I understand, that can be a real challenge. I suppose you could always try magic, but I suppose that defeats the, ah... moral of that particular path." He chuckles at that. "I know someone in Aurora who has vows like that -- ah, not quite to that extreme, but both of poverty and silence, so I understand the strong sense of morals you must have to want to pursue such a task, I have great respect for someone who can."
"Thank you," Ella says, "Speaking of it, I have tarried long enough. I must be off." She rises, "Solania awaits."
"Of course. If you ever wish to visit Aurora, please feel free to do so." Moore says and waves Ella off.
One final check on that knight...!
Still reading.
Rushing along didn't get him anywhere before, so he settles back in to wait for a little while.
He'll wait what he assumes is an hour or so and see if he finishes.
> roll 1d100
<Rei-chan> Space_Cat rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=85 ]{85}
No such luck - he's absorbed.
Ah well, no harm done. He's had time to relax and eat, so he picks himself up and heads for the door.
"Thank you for the meal. I hope I can stop by again." He will say before departing and continuing on.
Now that you're on the right level, plans?
Well, his goal is still Xiranthador, but he knows better than to try and get there directly. He'll just continue on forward and see what the mountain wants to show him.
The path soon leads you to a small stream, where the path ends. The stream burbles along as far as the eye can see, deeper into Venya.
"You really should consider signposts." Moore says to no one in particular as he turns to follow the stream.
> roll 1d100
<Rei-chan> Space_Cat rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=96 ]{96}
> roll 1d100 subtable times
<Rei-chan> Space_Cat rolled : 1d100 subtable times --> [ 1d100=21 ]{21}
You soon see the stream widen to being a real river. You follow it for an hour or two, until you come on an angel. A deva of some kind, perhaps a movanic or monadic deva. A male, clad in a loincloth and watching the waters while fishing. He raises a hand in greeting as you approach.
"It's always quite a sight to see a celestial doing something rather mundane." Moore says with a smile as he approaches. Wait, do devas even need to eat in the first place...?
"Moore, of Aurora. Biting today?"
"Not today," He smiles back to you, "I suppose the lesson one hast to learn is sometimes it's not what you seek, but the experiences on the way. Perhaps what you seek can't be obtained, or you aren't equipped to get them."
He then pats the ground next to him, "Take a load off, rest."
Moore flies over and takes a seat. "Oh, I've been around that road a few times. I'm starting to understand the method in which the Mountain shares its wisdom, if nothing else. I'd say it's strange that you're not getting any fish today, but perhaps fate wanted you to do be here for some passerby. Ah, but trying to analyze that sort of thing will lead to nothing but madness."
"It takes wisdom," The angel says, voice knowing and calm. It's relaxing to listen to him. "Wisdom is that one cannot strive endlessly, even with a body that does not tire. The mind and soul crave succor. Thus I fish."
Moore laughs. "Mortals would call that a hobby, you know."
"So do I," The angel laughs and pulls his line in, before tossing it out another time. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am known by many names, but my title with suffice. I am the Authority of Wisdom," he introduces himself, "One of the Seven Authorities that serve Venya. Tell me, do you understand what lesson you have begun to learn this time?"
"Oh, good, I had started to worry that once you got up here you lost all concept of normal things!" Moore says with a smile. "Oh, goodness -- my apologies for approaching in such a casual manner, I'm sure there's some kind of protocol I was supposed to follow." He clears his throat to sound more regal for a moment. "Moore, of Aurora. It's an honor -- though I'm sure you knew who I am anyway." He shrugs again with a smile. "Anyway... to answer the question -- it seems to be that you can't force something, even if you want to." He takes a breath at this and looks over at the river.
"There are times where you just have to go at a casual pace and take a look at everything around you before you're prepared to make a decision about something. Of course, there are times where a sense of urgency is important -- but in a case like the one I'm searching for, I'm asking for a favor, right? Basically I know that what I want isn't something easily obtained, so I need to be able to understand the truths that are hidden from normal sight by taking time to see them. ...I still don't understand the part about the lake leading to that guy's house, though, admittedly." Moore says.
The Authority merely laughs a little more about your first comments, letting them go. "You're close. You're right, some things you can't force and some quests are doomed to failure, because they seek something impossible. Cantasa Alexandria is impossible for you. It's not your quest. If you walk with wisdom and understanding, the journey may grant you boons in place of it, but you will not gain your goal personally."
A pause as he reels in a fine, silvery fish. He deftly unhooks it and taps it, its struggles ending. "Is it not the journey that's important instead of the destination?"
"It's hard to overcome that when you're used to instant gratification." Moore says with a smile. "That's the kind of thing you have to learn here. Taking the time out to just wander gave me a lot more than I would've had if I just went to the end of why I was here. The journey gives you the experience, the destination tests that experience, something like that?"
"Yes, something dwarves understand naturally," The Authority of Wisdom says, casting out for another fish. "I could tell you the truth of Cantasa Alexandria, but you would forget it as you heard it. It is not meant for any but the divine. She is..." Huh, did he say something? You blink. "As you see."
"I do understand that part, at least. You probably know how I got to Venya in the first place, don't you?" Moore asks -- it's obviously not really a question but a statement. "I'm not going to get the answer for that by just asking you, I'm probably still not 'prepared' for that truth." He turns back to look at the lake again.
"I can remember their names now, though. So I can hold them in my heart as I continue on my own journey. Let me ask you something, though, is the truth about Benfal so... mm. No, I think I get it. The people of Benfal don't need to be burdened with the truth of the miracle, they probably couldn't understand it even if someone told them. That doesn't mean the truth is obscured -- just that... it's like a book with a lot of puzzles. You have to get through all the puzzles to get to the end. Something like that?"
"It's not wrong," The Authority says, looking up, "We all strive to find the answer to the greatest riddle of them all, which waits for us above. Would you like some advice?"
"I try and not turn down advise from authorities on the subject." Moore says with an expression that quickly sours. "You've probably heard that one a few million times."
"I stopped counting," The Authority says, "It's part of the job."
"I'll try and come up with a better one for next time." Moore says with a grin. "But I'm glad to see you have a sense of humor. Maybe that's all the wisdom, though." He chuckles and then clears his throat. "Anyway, yes, any advice you have would be welcome. Thank you for being willing to share it."
"The best advice I can give you is this: Understand that not every struggle is yours and not every quest is yours to complete. Sometimes it is another's journey." The Authority of Wisdom says, pulling in a second silvery fish. Fast as you can follow he plucks it off the line and puts it with the first, where it goes still.
"I understand. Just like The Father, unfortunately." Moore says with a small frown. It soon passes as he takes a breath. "Should I infer from the fact that I'm at least this far that the quest I'm on has some merit?"
The Authority chuckles, reaching out to muss your hair, "Everything we do has merit, so long as our eyes and feet head ever upward. Even it does not lead us to the goal we sought." Then his expression becomes more serious. "Do you understand?"
"Yes. But I'm sure you equally understand that sometimes if Dad won't give you what you want, you go ask Mom instead, right?" Moore says with a smile that spreads into a grin. "Yes, I understand. I appreciate you guiding me here."
"Go, you have the answer to what to do next. He's waiting for someone, some things cannot be denied, no matter what our beliefs are." The Authority's smile is kind, "Would you like me to send you home now?"
"I was hoping to say Hello while I was here, but... I can do that next time, huh?" Moore smiles. "Actually, I do have a favor. Can you destroy this?" Moore takes out the box with the horrible and awful demonic artifact. "I was really hoping to do something good with it, but I guess some things can't be redeemed."
Which one? Be specific.
Sorry. Trae whatever it is, the amulet artifact.
The one from the Nessian?
Yes, the one he tried to dunk in the river.
Devilish or diabolical artifact. The difference matters, since demons are CE.
The Authority gently takes the box, "This is a burden no mortal should carry," he agrees, "Thank you. Understand we are not here to take every cursed thing off from you, but you are correct in this instance. This abomination will be destroyed or sealed."
Trahere Animam: This pentagram amulet radiates overwhelming evil. Tepen can't tell what it does, but he cautions no righteous person to touch it or wear it.
For reference
"I apologize for the burden." Moore says with a bow. "Thank you for this, I hope I can see you again the next time. I'm ready to go back now."
"Be wise, Moore. Jetina will want to see you when the time is right."
With those words you find yourself back before the gates of Aurora, standing in Benfal and just outside.
Moore smiles as he heads back inside, casting a few spells since he has a feeling this isn't going to be an easy task.
Greater Improvisation and Divine Insight for reference.
With that, he heads to Baleruk's lair.
Baleruk is sitting on his pile of coins. "Moore." He greets you without a roar, without any of his usual noise. "Leave. I have no desire to talk."
"That's too bad, because I do. It's about Benfal." Moore says as calmly and non-hostile as he can.
Diplo check.
Take 10 for 81, using 13 of my magical luck pool points, I have 62 points left for reference.
Baleruk is silent - he doesn't breathe on you so that has to be a good sign.
"I'll cut right to the heart of the matter. You saw what happened and it's bothering you. Am I close?" Moore asks.
Baleruk speaks...didn't he? You swore he said something. The dragon eyes you in distaste before his head comes forward, close enough for a single eyeball to completely take up his field of view.
Again he said something, right? You think he did yet you don't remember. Again. Again. Again. Again.
"What use is it? Your mind cannot comprehend it." Baleruk says.
"Then we simply have to find a way so that it can." Moore says with a small smile. "There are books out there that write this sort of thing down in a way that other people can read. So this really shouldn't be any exception. Or are you just giving up?" He adds at the end.
Would it be reasonable for him to think this is anathemic knowledge or something like that?
Yes, Aurora's ran into it a few times.
"Worthless," Baleruk says, "You dabble in the affairs of the divine. It will not end well for you. You cannot deal with perfection."
"I'm sure if the holy mountain wanted me to just give up it wouldn't have pointed me back to you." Moore says. "Like I said earlier, are you just going to give up and let this knowledge defeat you? That's not what I thought would ever undo your majesty."
Make a Diplo check there.
Take 10 for 81 again, I am down to 49 points.
Baleruk is silent. "Bring me Sylvie," Baleruk commands. "Now."
"You could just... ...fine." Moore says as he goes outside of the lair. "Elena? Can you please have Sylvie come to Baleruk's lair?"
"Okay," Elena winks in, says that, and vanishes. Easy enough.
Moore will wait!
Sylvie flies up soon enough and calls as she reaches you, "You called? What is it?"
"Baleruk saw what happened to Benfal. I think the plan is going to be to use 21 so that we can see the truth about it, since it appears to be some pretty heavy anathemic knowledge as it stands." Moore explains.
Sylvie's expression instantly closes off. "It won't work." Her tone's fairly flat, though not hostile. "Moore, do you know that 21 lets me see the sins of everyone I see?"
"I was unaware of that." Moore says with an apologetic smile. "I might be wrong on what his plan is, because he'd probably know that wouldn't work then. But either way, whatever the plan is is worth a shot, I think."
Sylvie merely nods and flies on in.
"Do you see a lot of light when you look at me?" Moore asks as they fly along.
"Yes," Sylvie says plainly, flying in. Baleruk turns to her and the two are silent for a time.
"She's perfect, you know," Sylvie breaks the silence. "She's the only one I've ever seen that's like that."
"I know." Baleruk's words are solemn, silence spreading. "You remember?"
"Some," Sylvie answers laconically. As the silence stretches on, "How did you know?"
"Your eyes are awake," Baleruk says, sitting back and keeping his distance for once.
A small sound of agreement, "I'm not supposed to, but 21's beyond even perfection."
Moore clears his throat. "Sorry, for the less divinely-empowered?"
"I remember some of her," Sylvie says, "21's influence. She's perfect. She's the only creature I've seen that's beyond sin."
Baleruk turns to you, "Don't interrupt. I'll explain once it's done."
Moore folds his arms and waits, then!
"What do you think?" Baleruk asks, after another silence springs up and stretches out.
"It's not my choice, but I'd trust her with anything. If that's the path we have to take for Lifasa, we're in good hands." Sylvie crosses her arms as well, "If we choose another path, then so be it."
Baleruk exhales deeply, flames escaping his nostrils along with jets of ice, but does not comment. Or did he. Did he say something? You aren't sure.
Sylvie smiles - sadly. "I'm terrified. I..." She shakes her head, "It's too late now. I'm committed. Thank you for caring. If I do that, I won't come back."
"It may be better than the alternative," Baleruk says.
"I know." Sylvie looks to you and says, "Did you hear all of that?"
"Uhh... I mean, I heard parts?" Moore says. "It sounds like I heard a story with all the pronouns removed and I feel like I'm missing a few chapters."
"In short, what happened to Benfal is an option for Lifasa if we triumph but the damage is too great," Baleruk rumbles. "Which by itself nothing new if your brain is awake, the evidence is outside."
"Well, that's great, I guess, but that still doesn't answer what actually happened." Moore says. What was the point of this exercise?
"But," Sylvie goes on, "Only a deity can request it. As for what happened, what are you looking for there?"
Moore looks like he's having a really difficult time holding back some excessively bottled up bewilderment.
"Who did what and why it happened. I think I've already answered the why with your conversation -- The soul of the Prime... or whatever it is, was so corrupted by the devils and their chicanery that it was just going to more or less crumble, yeah? So Seira and Alicia invoked the power of... Whoever Is Too Holy To Speak Of Please Go Away to save it which is what brought it to Elysium. Do I have that mostly correct?" He asks, then continues on anyway. "It wasn't supposed to happen, but it had to happen to save the world. Is that right?"
"More or less," Sylvie says, "Shouldn't you have known all of that already from logical deduction? I thought it was obvious and not worth saying," Sylvie remarks. "I thought you were aiming at deeper knowledge than that."
"Yeah, I've been trying for however long it's been and we're still at the same impasse where apparently I'm not holy enough or don't have enough whatever-it-is to hear what even happened." Moore says, sounding a bit irritated. "I would certainly like the know the actual truth and all the facts about this, but apparently it's not mine to know, so what am I supposed to do?"
"I told you before. It's for the divine to know," Baleruk rumbles, "For good reason, for it's something even I am not unscathed from seeing. Then....if you cannot, I will," Baleruk says. "For Lifasa."
"That answer isn't good enough." Moore says firmly. "I understand there are certain secrets in Creation that must be kept for the safety of others -- this isn't one of them. This is being obfuscated for no reason other than... what, because some people simply don't think we 'mere' individuals can handle it? Tepen asked me to investigate this so I'm investigating. I don't think anyone here is going to be satisfied with the answer 'you can't possibly comprehend what happened, go away'."
He takes a deep, slow breath after that. 'not every struggle is yours, and not every quest is yours to complete'. He opens his eyes and looks at Baleruk. "Regardless of what you say, some things cannot be denied, despite our beliefs. That is the wisdom I was taught as I looked for the answers here -- there is a way through this."
Baleruk merely looks at you, "I like your spirit, it reminds me of my first disciple," he rumbles, "I'll try and tell you it again."
"How about this." Moore clears his throat.
To be clear here, he's going to try and just start by saying the name. "Cantasa Alexandria" since he didn't seem to suffer any ill effects from at least hearing the name before.
Yes, saying the name is fine. Even that sometimes slips from creatures, but it's not like the rest of it.
"Okay, so we've established that I can at least hear and say that part." Moore says, then he rubs his chin. "What happens if you say the opposite? Like, let's say that 'Cantasa Alexandria opened a door' is the forbidden phrase for some reason. What if you say 'Cantasa Alexadria closed a door' -- does that work? Are there actual rules to this...?" Moore bits his bottom lip at that. ARE there rules?
"If you hit it, you won't know since you'll forget," Baleruk rumbles even more, "I've tried telling you repeatedly and it goes in one ear and out the other."
"It's devious since it's a self sustaining secret. You don't even know you figured it out since you forget it immediately," Sylvie remarks, "That's probably why some of our conversation sounded so weird to you."
"Ahh, so even if you stumble upon it... hmm." He rubs his chin and thinks. "If it's written down, does it just... vanish? Or can no one read it?" There has to be some sort of loophole... Wait, wait... "Oh! So, remember that... uh... prime world that Is No More? They got around that somehow, right? Or, rather, somehow it could still be talked about, you just always had to say the full title. But I'm not sure if that's exactly the same thing..."
Are there any K checks or a general Int check to try and figure out if there might be some ways around it in general?
"Valgadda, which is no more," Sylvie repeats, "I remember it. It's not, it's...I'm not sure what it is? An echo of a compulsion? Something. It means something, but it's not anathemic knowledge."
"Let me try," Baleruk says, "I DEMAND PARCHMENT AND INK!"
"I'll go get some." Moore says.
He will indeed go get some -- plenty of it, just in case.
Easy enough. You come back with it and Baleruk writes away. "Read this," Baleruk says.
Moore will look at it and try to read it!
There's no writing on the page. You saw Baleruk write, you know he wrote and yet nothing.
"There is nothing to see. The ink fades." Baleruk growls, "Annoying." A puff of flame vaporizes the paper, as he starts to write words of draconic in the stone floor of his lair.
"Maybe we're thinking too laterally." Moore says. "How about instead of words you just paint a picture? I mean, anyone can look at a picture and interpret it in their own way, right?"
"YES!" Baleruk calls, "THIS IS ART!" He pulls an eisel and paint out and starts at it, painting furiously with one claw.
Sylvie steps back, leaning on a pile of gold and watching. "I'm rooting for you to find a work around on this," she says. "I have an idea if all else fails, too."
"I still don't understand -why- this is hidden. Is it even that big a deal?" Moore says as they wait. "Or is it because someone did something that's frowned upon by the Lords and Ladies at the top?"
Baleruk speaks. Nothing. He carves. Nothing, just blank stone. You bilk. Again and again. Finally...
"It's not what she did here. It's something else," Baleruk says, watching you intently. "Do you recall that? Say something if you did."
"Not what she did? What do you mean?" Moore asks. "Oh! I know right before I heard... a bell, I think? And some fragments of something that sounded like they might be maybe a song, or ... something like that. I don't know if that helps."
"Yes," Baleruk says, "You recall that much from it. What else do you remember?"
"First there was the bell sound... then a blur. Then... Then... ..." He takes a breath and tries to focus. "Then if all must... ...something. Be destroyed? ..." He shakes his head. "Glory everlasting... because of what happened, right?" He takes another breath. "In the sky above... this... is the part about raising it, isn't it?" He takes another breath. "Forty nine beautiful... ...angels? It has to be... seven by seven is 49."
He huffs once. "I think I remember hearing something in a report about a voice saying something about a bell."
"That may be as close as you're able to come," Sylvie points out, rather gently. "Do you think you're getting somewhere?"
"I think everyone heard something different. Or maybe bits and pieces of it." Moore says. "Let me ask you this, Sylvie -- without 21, would you be satisfied at this point?"
"No," Sylvie admits, "You're not going to stop either, are you?"
"A few months ago, I woke up in Venya." Moore explains. "I had no idea how I had gotten there and came to the realization that I had lost countless... I don't even know how many memories. I have been slowly but surely recovering them and I'm starting to understand what must've transpired to have me arrive where I did. Suffice it to say, I have a... a thing about not being able to remember something. Call it a grudge or whatever you want, but I simply can't let this go, my conscience won't let me."
Silence follows for a brief time, until, "What will you do if it ends up being a mistake. Some knowledge is hidden for a good reason." Sylvie says.
"Then I'll trust that my friends will find a way to come rescue me from whatever madness has overtaken me." Moore says with a smile. "Can there be any other answer?"
That gets Sylvie to go quiet. "Suit yourself," She says. "There's a book about Cantasa Alexandria, the book itself can be read even if you'll forget about it in a week's time. It's the only known account of her that's not anathemic knowledge. That would help, but perhaps not as much as you hope, because you remember a little of her already."
"I'll give it a try." Moore says. "Thanks, Sylvie." He turns to Baleruk. "If I had a suggestion for you, it'd be to maybe try and paint or make some art that just contain bits of the story. Perhaps it's a situation where the whole thing is the problem, not the individual parts."
Plan from here is to collect all the varying sources of "the words" that everyone heard before the [REDACTED]. Then he'll go to find this book!
GI check.
Take 10 for 65
Okay. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to go to all the Benfal threads and gather what was posted there when Cantasa Alexandria appeared. We'll do this OOC at first so we're both on the same page with precisely what Moore knows IC.
Moore/Jaela
...then if all must...
...glory everlasting...
...in the sky above...
...forty nine beautiful...
Surru:
...then if all must...
...glory everlasting...
...in the sky above...
...forty nine beautiful...
Tryll:
...at last...
...life shall not be...
...open wide, oh...
...come forth, H....
Afina did not get one.
Thanks.
You get fragments. Just snippets of things recalled, the faintest things. Forty nine...something. A beautiful...something. Someone, a name. Memories of light. Not that light. The impression that life will not be...something. Something opening, perhaps.
Just fragments, tiny bits of a whole with many pieces missing.
Moore will jot all the notes he has down and then start on finding the book -- there may be more hints in there.
How are you going to try and find it?
I thought it was just in our library. Is that not the case?
EDIT: If not, Moore will ask Tepen about it.
Okay.
You find what may be the book - firmly tucked away by itself, a roll of parchment attached. In Elder Magi Tepen's handwriting, you read the following:
This book contains anathemic knowledge. While successfully recorded within the book, the contents are forgotten within 7 days and attempts to preserve or copy the knowledge all fail. Additionally, evidence suggests that attempting to bypass this causes the knowledge to be lost faster. As of this writing I am not sure what is within, as I have forgotten since the last time I read it.
It does not appear to be harmful, but we cannot ascertain this. Read at your own risk.
Moore will take the book and then go to find a good place to read it, putting Cloud Dancer's Mask on just in case to be protected from anything mental.
The book is a plain journal, old and battered. You open it and find the pages yellowed with age. The writing is fortunately clear and easy to read, being Common without much in the way of local variance to slow down your progress.
Eternal Joy
This book is a journal recorded by Rogen Palethos, a wanderer who came to Elysium through a portal. It describes his journey through the blessed paradise and his marvels at the beauty of it all. The entries become more joyous as he succumbs to the call of Elysium, a slow and graceful decline as he finally surrenders to it. While notable for being a long and well written first hand source of Elysium's transformative properties, the main value of this book lies in the description of a being called Cantasa Alexandria.
Normally, knowledge about Cantasa Alexandria is anathemic knowledge, which is knowledge that cannot be remembered and cannot be recorded. This journal is unique in that a description of her remains unaffected by this. A direct passage from the book is included below.
"Glory the maiden of the GATE stood before me, the SEVEN-fold ONE farther than the eye's sight, glory FORTY-NINE wings each singing the music of joy, Cantasa Alexandria spoke in FORTY-NINE voices and glory said: Oh, turn aside the wicked and glory everlasting, tomorrow and hereafter and for ALL TIME AND FOREVER."
While this knowledge is successfully recorded, those that read it forget what they have read within 7 days. Attempts to record or preserve this knowledge beyond the book uniformly fail.
So what is it about this that can be successfully recorded...?
All right, then.
Moore will start to take the bits and pieces he has to try and put something together. It's entirely possible that each line doesn't go in order, or are part of the same line... but let's see...
...at last... something? The gate can be opened?
...life shall not be... something? Bound? Chained?
...then if all must... be reborn?
"Oh, turn aside the wicked and glory everlasting, tomorrow and hereafter for all time and forever"
...in the sky above... the plane? Does this line go one of the other ones?
...forty nine beautiful... voices?
...open wide, oh... Gates to Elysium?
...come forth, H.... ...note, look up anything that starts with H related to Elysium.
His next step is to see if there's anything else in the book that mentions anything that starts with 'H' and any other lines similar to the 'song'
No luck there, unfortunately. No sign of anything about songs or a notable name that starts with H.
Well, then he will do research on Elysium itself -- maybe there's a gate there that starts with that letter? That seems to be the most promising lead so far.
K:P check with the library bonus.
Take 10 for a whopping 102 If the library bonus isn't untyped then it's 87 since he's using luck and insight bonuses there.
Make a Will save.
[22:34] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+47
[22:34] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 67 > [d20=20]
Just for fun: The DC for this was 100 on the Knowledge check and a natural 20 on the saving throw.
You read.
Hours pass like nothing. You read, read and read some more.
You don't remember what you read. No. It isn't important. You read, more and more and more and more. There is a pattern, a reason, something. The books speak to you. Aurora sings to you.
"I watched Medi study, just like this." Elena is sitting next to you, a small smile as she looks to you. She seems content, at ease, wearing a simple gown. "He never gave up. Aurora never gives up. I've...never been fully happy with this, but Aurora is worthy of Medi's legacy."
You feel close to something. You ignore Elena for a reason you can't elaborate and you keep reading. Your mind shudders. Mind blank crumbles as if paper before the flame, incinerated in a millisecond.
FORGET.
You do not.
How you will never know. A moment is all you need to last and somehow you do it. An eternity encased in less than a heart's beat, before Aurora itself shimmers like the sun reflected off armor.
"Medi fought the problem of anathemic knowledge. He never quite defeated it, but he found a workaround through Aurora itself. Through me. Something I forgot about until now, something meant for him and him alone. The only way to defeat it is so that the person who holds it has completely forgotten they know it. Anathemic knowledge can deflect anathemic knowledge, at least if done properly. When this moment has passed, we'll both forget this and the knowledge will sleep within me, safe and sound."
Elena takes your hand in both of hers. Her touch is warm. "It's keyed to someone with his level of scholarly skill and his unbreakable will, facing something that has to be forgotten but has to be remembered, like Cantasa Alexandria. So long as he desired to know in spite of anathemic knowledge, he would come on this again and again, slowly building a knowledge base. His goal was to one day overcome anathemic knowledge and harvest it, but he never had a chance to finish this project."
She'd have loved this deep search. She really would've -- him too, cursing up a storm about this sort of thing.
He remembered. ...He remembered?!
How -- ... wait... how long was he... ...
"But... if that's the case, then... Elena, did you see...?" Moore asks the half-formed question, but he needs not ask the entire thing, does he?
"Wait, how will I.... How will I remember to ask you?" Moore asks again.
He doesn't want to forget again... not like before, and not like before that... and before... He won't forget!
"That's the beauty of it. It was designed by Medi for Medi," Elena says, "So long as you don't give up and have the skill, you'll eventually stumble on this again. In time others in Aurora may do so as well." She flashes you a smile, "Our time isn't unlimited. Tell me what you've learned that's tied to anathemic knowledge."
Moore takes a breath and starts to recount the knowledge he's found so far about Cantasa Alexandria and the gate -- ...The gate of Elysium? Yes, yes, that has to be it.
"We have a little time left. Ask me questions, if only to briefly sate your curiosity. Medi gathered and managed to preserve a fair deal of anathemic knowledge with me." Elena says.
Moore takes a breath. Should be selfish...?
"I... there's so much..." Moore stammers. "I... ...the world of light. Did he... does he know what it is? The oceans of light." He asks.
"No." Elena says, "Whatever happened to you, I believe it was after Medi's time. I suspect recently on a planar time scale."
He nods. "So it must be... a new creation, then. Or something so well hidden..." He shakes his head. There is time for that knowledge later. "What do you think... what do you think happened with Benfal? Cantasa Alexandria opened some gate, right? But... why do you think that's so significant that it became anathemic knowledge?"
"Cantasa Alexandria's gate was opened slightly and for a second. The Empyrean Gate, where Good itself lives, one of the Three Holy of Holies. Until the battle between good and evil is finished, it cannot be opened fully. A moment of it being opened is sufficient to redeem an entire world. It is joined by Chronias and what lies within the Womb of Arborea. Were an evil soul to find this knowledge and exploit it, they could harm Good itself and Creation through that. The High-One bid it stricken from all memories and called a seraph from within to protect the gate. Her name is Cantasa Alexandria."
"Open wide, Empyrean Gate... Come forth, Holy of Holies..." Moore murmurs to himself. "...Yes, that explains it all, doesn't it?" Moore takes another breath, as if he were breathing the air of Aurora for the first time.
"I know I won't remember, so ... let me thank you now." Moore says softly. "I... ...I have to get stronger, somehow. Jaela, Afina, Surraruthru, Tryll... they're all so strong. I have to find a way to help them more... I have to find a way to defeat Taelfagn. I... ...I know we won't remember this, but I hope maybe the next time, if we have more time, we can focus on that." He says with a smile. "I feel so bad for you, Elena... you bear a heavy burden."
"Yes, good deities are allowed to call on Cantasa Alexandria when a world is damaged but they are triumphant. It is a last resort to save worlds by transporting them to Elysium. I believe Semyaza attempted to destroy Benfal in spite but could not overcome that." Elena says, smiling brightly, "You will be, and I'm fine, because I know that -"
Huh.
You blink.
Ugh.
You're getting nowhere with this. Maybe another day, but you're hungry, drained and tired. All you want to do is get a meal and some time with your eyes firmly shut.
...Is he having fits again like that time he collapsed?
Why did that happen, anyway? H... ...??... ugh.
Moore will put the book on Fantasia Alleyway or whatever it is back where he found it and go get something good and hearty to eat... maybe beef stew, that sounds like a good idea.
Next move?
He'll report his findings (at least the summarization of his notes (assuming those are not gone entirely) to Tepen and tell him he will continue to look into it but he's taking a break on it for now. The summary is more or less 'I think Cantasa Alexadria opened a gate to Elysium and then stuff happened' -- again, presuming all his notes from before anything happened are still there. Also that Baleruk knows the truth and it's probably fine to leave it at that for now.
After that, the first thing on his list is to start gathering resources on the Aurora propaganda machine. He was concerned that barely anyone in Celestia had ever heard of Aurora, so he wants to start trying to do something to fix that.
Ideally, it'd basically just be something like a newsletter from Aurora -- I imagine getting magical paper that animates or something isn't outside of the realm of possibility here, there would most likely just be some sort of cost associated with it.
Elder Magi Tepen listens to your report.
"Anathemic knowledge? In this case you may be right," Tepen admits, "We end up stonewalled whenever we come across it," he admits. "You're about right, if only because it's fruitless to pursue something that can't be held and understood."
"I'm sure there's a way around it somehow." Moore says, rubbing at one of his eyes. "I think for right now just the knowledge that Cantasa Alexandria was even involved in this should tell us that something major happened."
"Which is self evident," Tepen agrees, "Go get some rest, you look tired."
"It's strange, I don't... know where the time went." Moore says offhandedly as he flies off.
Get some nice food and then a nap before he moves on to the propaganda machine.
You go to your bed - and find one problem. 27's sitting on your bed, messily chewing on a large drumstick. He stops when you come in and intently stares at you.
"Oh, hello 27." Moore says as he stifles a yawn. "What can I do for you?"
27 gives you a look of profound pity before going off, leaving his half eating meal on your bed.
Moore scratches his head and glances at the meal.
It's a half eaten turkey leg, all drooled on and nasty.
Bedding issues aside, describe your next move.
Do you want to deal with the animal companion stuff now or hold off on it?
Now's fine. What did you decide on?
I was still thinking something celestial, so I guess like a celestial bear or something along those lines. I wasn't sure if that math I had posted a few days ago was even close to being right, so this may be a pretty major undertaking!
Well, it's a class feature so you don't need to 'work' at it. Just choose something off the various options.
I meant because I'm bad at math. If possible, I'd like to go with a celestial dire bear, then.
Link me to the math?
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,101729.msg1090126.html#msg1090126
Raw you can take one like that, but I'd allow the celestial template in exchange for bumping it up to the next tier. More realistically, take the feat that does it or look to gain it later. It's a minor enough upgrade that it's not a big deal if you pick up in gameplay.
Okay. I can probably take the feat for it then at our next level up, so we can just proceed with a regular dire bear for now if you'd like. As long as the other math was at least close, anyway.
Yes, work up the stat block and get that done.
Before I go any further (since this ends up being the same since I didn't need to change much from the original, is the statblock correct? Obviously there are feats and things to worry about afterwards but I want to make sure the base is correct.Dire Bear
Size/Type: Large Beast
Hit Dice: 12d8+51 (105 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 17 (-1 size, +1 Dex, +7 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple: +9/+23
Attack: Claw +19 melee (2d4+10)
Full Attack: 2 claws +19 melee (2d4+10) and bite +13 melee (2d8+5)
So since I'm 25, I look at this with 13 LA, so I add the following:
+8 Bonus HD
+8 Natural Armor
+4 Str/Dex
5 bonus tricks (this is probably unnecessary due to the intelligence of a celestial creature?)
Link, Share Spells, Devotion, Evasion, Multiattack.
The HD are 1d8, so let's just use the average for now and call that 4x8 = 48
I feel like I'm really missing something key here, but I'm going to keep going with this anyway.
I believe that ends up being:
Hit Dice: 20d8+51 (I think I did this wrong) 153 HP
Initiative: +3
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Abilities: Str 35, Dex 17, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10
Armor Class: 27 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +13 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 24
Base Attack/Grapple: +15/+31
Attack: Claw +27 melee (2d4+12)
Full Attack: 2 claws +27 melee (2d4+12) and bite +21 melee (2d8+7)
That's fine, keep going. I'll review it at the end.
In that case, I believe I've got it.Hit Dice: 20d8+51 (153) (this has not been recalculated)
Initiative: +3
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Abilities: Str 36, Dex 17, Con 20, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10
Armor Class: 27 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +13 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 24
Base Attack/Grapple: +16/+32
Attack: Claw +28 melee (2d4+13)
Full Attack: 2 claws +28 melee (2d4+13) and bite +22 melee (2d8+8)
Saves: 17/13/13
Skills: Listen +18, Spot +18, Swim +21
Feats: Alertness, Endurance, Run, Toughness, Weapon Focus (claw), blank, blank
Animal Companion Abilities: Link, Share Spells, Evasion, Devotion, Multiattack
So, before anything else, it would appear according to the SRD that dire animals get Good saves in all categories, so I should increase its saves by... 4, if I'm not crazy.
With it also gaining 8 HD it gains the 15 and 18 feats. I also note that a dire bear has toughness as a feat naturally, so I think its HP ends up higher than I have it regardless.
It also gains 2 more stat points, one will go into Con for 20 and then one into STR for 36. This would further boost its HP.
I believe the skills are right.
I'm not exactly sure how you calculate HP for monsters, so I've left that along.
Go ahead and roll the hit dice. Remember max hit points at 1st level.
Hit points should be 20d8+100+20 (assuming you keep toughness).
I'd recommend retraining alertness, endurance and run. Toughness and weapon focus (claw) are debatable.
A level 20 character with all good saves (ala a monk) has 12/12/12 for base save bonus. Including stat modifiers, we're looking at 17/15/13. Doesn't factor if you have anything else going on that boosts it.
Why is BAB 16? Level 20 BAB for a 3/4ths BAB character is 15. After all, it's just level*.75. In this case 20*.75 is 15 on the dot.
Remember to convert to CMB/CMD and use the appropriate modifiers.
Everyone gets the +4/level skill points, even animals. So it'll have more skills. As it's an animal of limited intelligence, these should be skills suited to it - hide, move silently, listen, spot, survival, swim, climb. Those sort of things. An animal gets 2 skill points per level and it has a -4 Intelligence modifier, so it gets 2 skill points per level. That's two fully ran skills or more spread out as you desire.
I'm not sure how I came up with 16 for BAB, since I went from 12 -> 20 so I think I just added one extra somehow. Either that or I was trying to just level it with 3/4ths BAB from 12? I'm not sure.
40 skill points, huh? Okay. Can It gave points in spellcraft so I could take the Mage Slayer and then Pierce Magical Protection? If this is something you'd want to wait on until I got the Exalted Companion feat or something that would be fine.
I'd rule no. It's like a Knowledge skill, just too complicated for a standard animal. Waiting until you possibly get it celestial would be fine.
Otherwise, how goes this?
Slowly, because I've never dealt with this before. Can it take Improved Unarmed Strike?
If it meets the prerequisites, yes.
There are none! Which I find odd! But so it goes.
Okay, so here's the plan:
Feats: Alertness, Endurance, Run, Toughness, Weapon Focus (claw), blank, blank
Alertness replaced with Improved Unarmed Strike (no pre-req so doing this at level 1 should be fine)
Endurance replaced with Combat Reflexes (again no pre-reqs here)
Run replaced with Hold the Line (This requires BAB +2 which I'd imagine it has at level 6)
Toughness stays, don't want him dying!
Weapon Focus probably stays too to give it a bonus (is that even factored in to the base sheet? I don't think it is...)
Improved Grapple taken at 15 to give it even further bonuses to grappling (this might be redundant with Improved Grab?)
Finally, since it has Improved Unarmed Strike, can I add Improved Natural attack?
Looks fine. You can add improved natural attack to a natural weapon.
How would IUS work with it? Would it let the bear get a normal unarmed strike in and then follow it with its other natural attacks? (i.e. I am reverse-engineering a kung-fu bear sort of)
Yes, in theory. In reality is is really pushing the cognitive ability of an animal. I'd rule it would take a trick or two to sort out.
I really don't mind holding off on actually putting this into play until our next level up. It might make more narrative sense to go with a celestial animal, which then avoids a lot of the "ehhhhh I dunno if that makes sense..." issues and then it's more than just 'wow where did this animal come from all of a sudden'. We've got most of the work done at this point anyway.
Okay, hold onto it then. Next todo?
Since it came up, Moore is going to help Sylvie with the prismatic wall stuff. If you want to actually do that IC we can, otherwise we can just say he spends a few days helping.
That's all OOC stuff, though we'll have a short scene there.
Woof. Hours of helping and spellcasting leave you drained. Sylvie wipes her brow when it's done, a simple spell cleansing her. "Enough of that for today," she says.
"At least it's different than book-diving for hours." Moore offers. "Though I'm pretty sure I could go another while without seeing anymore colors."
Before Sylvie can reply, "HEY!" Balyss calls, waving and approaching. "Are you finally done making rainbows?"
That gets Sylvie to perk up a bit, "Yeah, for today. What's up?"
"I'm here for Moore," Balyss says, "Moore, I need your body!"
Moore opens his mouth to say something, then closes it.
...Then he opens his mouth again and then closes it a second time.
A third time comes around and something in the back of his mind spurs him along. "I have so many questions." Is what he manages to get out.
Sylvie looks around, "Oh good, Ilsenine's not around. You want to try that again, in a way that's not going to provoke trouble?"
Balyss smiles, "Well, more accurately, both Afina and I need your body," Balyss has a cute little smirk on her face, "Can you help both of us?"
"That only raises even more questions!" Moore exclaims.
He lets out a breath. "Sylvie, you're the best witness for this since no one can claim you're fibbing. If something happens to me, I was innocent, okay?" He turns back to Balyss. "Yes, of course I'll help with whatever you need."
"Are you kidding? I'm not going to miss this, I'll watch," Sylvie says, starting to chuckle.
"It's not like that," Balyss says, coming over and ruffling your hair. "I've been trying Afina to eat heartier meals, develop some more. Most pixies aren't anything remotely like her or so strong, so I want to give you a physical, see if your baselines have changed. It might be useful."
"Oh, sure." Moore nods.
That -sounds- simple enough...
> roll 1d20+42 (+5 healer's vision)
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+42 (+5 healer's vision) --> [ 1d20=16 ]{58}
What follows is an hour of being checked, poked, prodded, studied and analyzed. It's quiet during this, Balyss making observations and Sylvie taking notes.
"Strong, responsive reflexes," Balyss says, "No signs of defects or damages. His hearing's slightly better than Afina's, I think, at least naturally."
Sylvie scribbles away, "Uh huh. Anything related or useful? Not everyone's born with the same ears."
"Mm." Balyss works further, eyes glowing and red veins latticed over her gaze. "Afina's built slight by pixie standards, and they aren't in the running for being thick or well built in any case. I'd say Moore's closer to the average. Moore, how much do you eat per day?"
"Uh..." Moore thinks. "I'm not sure how to answer that, I guess the average amount? Sometimes I do forget and eat a little later."
"Hmm..." Balyss says, checking a few more things. "Alright, that should be enough. Thanks," she says, "Need any healing while I'm working on you?"
"No, I think I'm all right in that regard." Moore says.
Okay then, next move?
Let's start the Aurora Propaganda Machine. From earlier:
After that, the first thing on his list is to start gathering resources on the Aurora propaganda machine. He was concerned that barely anyone in Celestia had ever heard of Aurora, so he wants to start trying to do something to fix that.
Ideally, it'd basically just be something like a newsletter from Aurora -- I imagine getting magical paper that animates or something isn't outside of the realm of possibility here, there would most likely just be some sort of cost associated with it.
Okay then, let's start with resources. What do you need here?
Some sort of cheap magical paper that isn't an issue if people throw away (maybe it just dissolves or something after some amount of time?)
He wants something that can be easily distributed to their allies and doesn't cost a fortune to produce, but this sort of ties in with the first one.
I think it's too much to try and create something that can be "updated" by itself unless it was some sort of 'billboard' like thing, that might work in Aurora but not outside.
He might actually refer to Brightwater on this since he'd imagine there's some sort of "news" there... but if Aurora has that ability within itself he'd start there.
I hope that answers the question.
Okay, and were are you going to seek the expertise to bring this all together?
He'll ask the shopkeepers since they have to have some sort of familiarity with spreading news of things.
Filbrez takes a little time out of his schedule, escorting you to a little office in the back of his ship, "Bulletins and news, eh?" he asks.
"I think it's good for morale." Moore explains. "But I also think it's good for potential new recruits, to hear about our exploits. I think it also might be useful for day-to-day activities here... there's... mm." Moore rubs his chin. "When I first came here, I didn't know anything from anything about Aurora. I think it'd be good to help new people get accustomed to where things are and get involved more easily, too."
"Before any of that," Filbrez holds up his hand, stopping you. "How much paper are you looking to use per day, week and month? What quality of paper? For that matter, what quality of ink?"
"Hmm... a simple cantrip can be used to actually copy the text, so I don't think ink would be needed at all." Moore explains. "As for how much paper... hmm... I would say probably at least 1,000 sheets? I'd want to try and fit the news onto one sheet if possible... I suppose magic could help there, if it was necessary."
"A sheet per day? Month?" Filbrez asks, "You're right, hedge mages can make a good living scribing with magic. It's how some firms in Brightwater, Dis and some mortal cities do it."
"It would be a monthly endeavor to publish the news from us I think." Moore offers. "Much more than that and I think it becomes... overbearing."
"Alright, one thousand copies per month? Where are you spreading them?" Filbrez asks next.
"For the start, I think within Brightwater. I'm sure there's a permit or something I need... oh, I need to find out if they finished that contract, too..." Moore shakes his head quickly. "Most likely Brightwater and any of our other allies or neutral parties who wouldn't mind us spreading the information, but the trial run will be there."
"I have a friend who could do it," Filbrez says, "I've been asking around since the last time this sort of thing came up. All together he'd do it for a rate of 2 gold per paper, with a minimum of 1,000 sheets per week."
"Hmm... so we're looking at a cost of 2,000 gold per week? I think that's an acceptable cost." Moore says with a nod. "Oh, if it's out of Brightwater, I can use the writ to fund it for a month and see what it gets us... and if we want to keep going after that then we can make the decision." He says. "Ah, but I suppose I'm getting ahead of myself, I should probably ask for approval first, huh?"
"Let me know if you get it and we'll go with it," Filbrez says.
"All right." Moore nods.
He'll go ask Morniel and Gisfal (if they're around) if either of them have any objections to the idea.
I'm gonna pull rank and go OOC here one sec. This has been discussed OOC before, so let me put this up: Are people up for this and the cost from OOC discussions?
I feel like I'd need to confirm, but I'm pretty sure people were for us having more of a stake in the world outside of what we do.
Okay. To nagging.
Okay, newspaper is sorting out for now. Keep it on your todo but we'll come back to it in a few days once OOC things are moving.
Next on your agenda?
Next is to check on the contract for selling ravages and all that jazz.
Refresh me on the details there and how far you got with it?
Here is the top of the page for the relevant topic: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103892.525.html But it was constructing a contract to make sure investors couldn't just usurp the business and other things of that nature.
The contract's done if you're ready to get people to sign it, yes. Are you?
Yes, I think that's fine -- we'll start with just Filbrez first and then see where we're at.
Another meeting with Filbrez, "Oh, is that contract ready?" he asks.
"It feels like forever ago when it was finished." Moore says. "I think to start I'll use part of the writ from Brightwater itself to fund it and have you added as well because of your expertise. Does that sound fair? ...Ah, I suppose it doesn't matter if it sounds fair, you can read the contract yourself."
Refresh me on the conditions and stipulations?
I really don't know the specifics, here's what was stated in the thread:
"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."
"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."
so it looks like it was basically a starter contract with investment options and then clauses for growth. I should also note I never paid for the actual contract itself so I should probably do that also. I think it was quoted as 1000 gold but I'd guess there's more there for the finer points of it.
EDIT: There was also non-compete packages with high-levels of security so it was going to require blood to sign.
"Everything seems in order," Filbrez says as he reads it. "Non-compete was a good idea."
Moore nods. "While I understand we have the means to track down anyone who decides to try and betray our faith, I'd really rather not have to."
"Then let's get this going," Filbrez says, getting to signing.
Okay, how are you going to go about this?
Get Moonlight (and maybe Filbrez, if he wants), go to Brightwater and find whomever it is we need to talk to about getting a good location.
Okay, Moonlight's along. Go ahead and make a GI check.
Take 10 for 63
Also dur, I forgot. What's your price range for the a location?
He's willing to go a bit high, say 5 - 10,000? He's confident if they make a big splash it'll drum up a lot of business for the future to fund it.
You ask around and get the following options:
A small stall on Prosperity Avenue. It's basic, not a lot of room but the location's top notch. 3,500 gold.
A large stall on the outskirts of Gold Street. It has all the space you could need but the location's middling, plus you're next to a leather-seller that smells a bit funny. 2,800 gold.
A small stall on Riches Lane. Notable for being a tad bigger than the other small stall, plus it's close to a restaurant that smells amazing. 2,000 gold.
A medium stall on the city outskirts. Cheapest but the worst location, not much foot traffic. 500 gold.
Thanks, I had fits finding those.
You find the information easily enough, leaving you the question of which lead to pursue.
Low space (really isn't an issue) high location. If you're asking to pick from one of those 4 then the one on Prosperity Avenue.
Easy enough to track down. The owner is in the shop, which is empty right now. It is a large green-scaled creature, flesh like stone and with three clawed arms. Three legs keep it up as multiple eyes dotted over its body look at you.
"You want the shop?" It asks, in a vaguely masculine voice that sounds like gravel rustling.
"If it isn't too much trouble." Moore says with a smile.
K:P for 59 just because he's not been introduced to this race as he recalls.
> roll 1d20+34 Moonlight's rolling K:P here
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 54 > [d20=20]
"Also, how did a xorn end up here?" Moonlight asks.
The shop itself is small - not a ton of space, all empty right now and with a single room in the back for storage. You can see it's all in good shape and the floor is solid stone. The xorn's steps still shake the entire building, making the ground vibrate.
"The price is 3,500 coins into an account of my choosing. Do you want it still?"
Moore will take 10 for 59 also.
"Those terms are fine." Moore says. There's no point in squabbling over where it's going.
The creature is an elder xorn, a native of the Earth. Odd things, especially to see one off of Earth. Not unheard of, just odd. They're noted as having all around vision, the ability to glide through earth like an earth elemental. They also eat metals and minerals and can't eat meat, so they rarely have trouble with fleshy creatures.
"Done," The xorn goes into the back, coming back with a contract. "Sign."
Moore will give it a once-over just to make sure it's not some sort of terrible devious plot for his soul!!!
Take 10 for... I dunno, contract law? Would that fall under a Knowledge? 35 in more or less all Knowledge checks that he doesn't have.
Profession: Lawyer would help, as would a similar skill.
In that case Take 10 for 29
The contract looks in order. There are a few notes of interesting, however. Pared down from legal jargon, they are:
1. You're stuck with the floor as is. If you can't earth glide to reach the basement, it's up to you to live with that or pay for the renovations to reach it.
2. You're on your own if any xorn come by and are angry.
"People mess up your basement before?" Moore asks as he signs. He can handle angry Xorn -- that's easy enough.
"Annoyances," The xorn says, signing as well. "Good luck."
Post the expense in loot.
Done.
Moore will basically play promoter here and try and drum up business by flying around and calling attention to the stall and singing the praises of ravages. Of course he'd be careful not to infringe on any Brightwater laws here!
Sure. Make a Diplo check here to see how it goes.
Take 10 for 96 with some magic involved.
Wow. With that level of self promotion and time, you soon have a steady stream of people interested in your shop. It's decidedly a good effort to prime people and get them ready - hard work, talking to many people and including some inevitable rejections, but by and large you succeed.
Okay, you've primed it up and I presume you'll have Moonlight selling?
Yep, at his point it's her product. If she needs help "selling" her selling Moore will help out.
Oh yes, quick refresher, what was Moonlight's budget?
I'm not sure how to answer that -- do you mean how much Filbrez put in plus whatever we're putting in? If so I think his was 10,000 and Moore has a lot more now, so let's say he'll put forth 25000 of the writ to make it 35000 unless Moonlight wants to add more
Cool.
Moonlight slumps over her counter, the shop by and large cleaned ou ton a glance. "Whew," she says, "What did you do out there? I was slammed for hours!"
"I have a knack for talking to people." Moore says apologetically.
"Was it worth the time and investment?" He asks. "I mean... financially as well as your own time."
"Yeah, we doubled our initial investment," Moonlight says, "It's all in the back," She keeps her head firmly down on the glass, "Go take a look."
"Wow!" Moore says with shock as he goes to look. "I wasn't expecting that at all. How do you want to proceed with this going forward -- ah, if you're interested, anyway."
"I can't run it every day unless I retire and become a shopkeeper," Moonlight says, "Besides, I'm sure demand will die down once we're more commonly known. I think we got lucky today."
"I don't know, it might go in the other direction." Moore says with a smile. "How about this -- ..." He trails off then snaps his fingers. "I know. I can find a reliable shop here and come up with something to basically be a buyer's place for us." He says. "That way I can just come here every so often and pick up the orders and you can fill them. That way you can do it when you've got free time ...and we can probably charge extra for short notice requirements. How's that sound?"
"Sure, sure," Moonlight says. "That sounds fine."
Plans from here?
He'll work with Filbrez to find a good contact in Brightwater they can just as a stand-in for them. He'll promote it again and so on and so forth and set it up so they can take orders from folks and just keep up with it from there.
Okay, Filbrez can take care of that from there. What's next on your agenda?
I'll deal with the accounting of the 70,000 gold in loot on that note.
Moore's going to make a trip back to Lliira's section to try and find Cloud Dancer.
> roll 1d100 subtables right off
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 50 > [d100=50]
Make a quick Spot check.
Take 10 for 46. He's also wearing the mask.
You wander a little while - it's all celebrations and fun, but no sign of Cloud Dancer. As you ruminate on it, "You there!" A jovial voice declares.
Huh, strange. Moore will take the mask off for now and look over towards the voice.
The busy streets are full of celebration, but you see the figure's in an alley nearby. Mostly hidden in shadows, but you can see it smiling. "You there. I mean you no harm, and I get the feeling you're perfect for this."
Moore will fly over and put the mask back on!
"That's usually the beginning to a prank..." Moore says with a hint of amusement.
It's a human - perhaps middle aged and with laugh lines visible on his face. Graying brown hair, wrinkles and an easygoing look. He's wearing a simple but sturdy tunic and pants, a traveler's garb.
"I'm Jonn and I recruit for the Fiery Odds Casino. You have...it. The look we're looking for, a happy go lucky pixie ready to make an impact and win big! You can have a free voucher for 100 gold coins worth of bets if you agree to go there and have some fun."
Huh, a casino. Didn't 27... ...?
Moore nods. "Sure, I can do that." He agrees.
"Great," The man says, going to a side door into a building. "Come in here, I have a little office. I'll write up the voucher."
It isn't like something bad can happen to him in Brightwater... can it?
He can handle it, whatever. Moore will follow this "John" character!
Make a CL check on Cloud Dancer's mask?
[21:58] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+30
[21:58] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 34 > [d20=4]
It's a small room with no other door in. An old table with inkpot and quill is in here. The man sits and starts to write, "What's your name?" he asks.
Can I do a K:L on Brightwater to make a judgement call to guess at if this is legit or not? If so, take 10 for 44.
Huh, one odd thing about it. While it could be legit - getting people in the door has these sort of things happen - you've never heard of the Fiery Odds Casino.
"Let me ask you something first, just my own curiosity, you understand." Moore says with a smile. "How long has this casino been in Brightwater? Actually, is it even -in- Brightwater? Fiery Odds makes it sound... mm... elemental, you know?"
"It's brand new," Jonn says, scribbling away. "Opened last week. It's in here, way down at the end of Happiness Walk."
"All right. I'm Moore, of Aurora." He says.
"Great," He writes it up and passes it to you, "Good luck at the tables."
Moore takes it!
Next move then?
It'd be rude to not at least go and investigate the place! But he wants to try and find Cloud Dancer first.
Cool. GI again.
Take 10 for 50!
You wander -
You wander -
You wander into the sky.
You aren't quite sure how you found this place. You stand on the clouds, far above Brightwater, as the sun warms you to the core.
Far ahead you see the Cloud Dancer, sitting before the gates of a palace of wind and vapors.
What? When did he... ...? ...Is this that anathemic crap again?
He shakes his head and will fly forward, taking the mask off as he does so.
Cloud Dancer smiles waits patiently.
Moore clears his throat. "I have come for two reasons -- one, to report on what has transpired since I was here last and two to ask for a favor." Moore says.
"The Father is no longer under Aurora's... control, I suppose you could say." Moore explains. He will go into what details he knows of the arbitration for Muirfinn and the trade made with the book.
This is presuming that this information wasn't asked to be kept especially secret. If it is please let me know and I will amend this.
"Since you gave me this boon under the auspice of assistance with that creature, I deemed it to be only fair that I explain what has happened thus far. Thus, my request -- I would ask that you allow me to continue to borrow it, for I feel it can continue to be an aid in our battle against Hell and its minions. Why, it was quite helpful during our assault on Benfal, if you would wish you hear of that."
Up to you on that, Moore.
I don't see any reason to keep it hidden from (what Moore guesses) is an agent/proxy/something of a deity we're on good terms with, so he'll explain whatever information was documented on the arbitration.
"Tragedy!" Cloud Dancer gasps, "To what lengths will you go, knowing you will court ruin high and low! You gave that creature to the Lord of the Ninth, so that he may doubtless harvest souls with it like a scythe?"
"I wasn't part of the arbitration, so I can't say exactly." Moore says. "However, we deemed it was an opportunity to retrieve a comrade who had fallen into His clutches." He explains. "In addition, the arbitration was very clear on the point that Hell must destroy The Father and they were not allowed to do anything but that. We may still have the exact agreement back home, but... ah, I suppose it doesn't matter."
He clears his throat. "It's unfortunate, especially because I... am not entirely convinced that saving one person was worth the trade. However, knowing that my friends in Aurora would even go to such lengths as to treat with the Nine Hells themselves to rescue a friend... it gives me hope. To be able to delve so deeply into an abyss as black as night to try and rescue a soul... I can think of no greater way to honor someone."
"I have seen it too many times, those who deal with Hell become complicit in their crimes," Cloud Dancer's voice is stricken, "I beg of you to tread with wisdom."
"I understand your concern." Moore says. "That is why I came here, to allow you and Lliira to pass your own judgement. I made a promise to her that I still intend to keep... I have not attained that level of mastery to present myself to Her yet -- even still, If you wish to reconsider your support for us, that is your right."
"That I must," Cloud Dancer says, "I fear what bounty Asmodeus will reap, yet I know it was a price too steep. I must think."
"I will await your response." Moore says.
He may as well go get lucky at a casino for the time being.
Any particular one and how much are you going to gamble?
He's going to go try and find Fiery Odds. He's also going to look at the voucher he got to see if it's... you know, real.
It looks real enough to you, at least on a causal glance.
Got a relevant Knowledge skill there?
I have every Knowledge skill, technically speaking. K: Profession (Casino Rules)? If so it'd be 10 for 29
That would be a Profession skill, but close enough.
It looks authentic enough to you.
Time to find the casino, then!
It's a casino with a flame motif. Cheery music comes from nowhere within, full of people laughing and gambling. Glitz is everywhere, gold and red decorations. A steady buzz of conversation mixes with the heady scent of booze. Creatures of all kinds are here, testing their luck.
Luck, right.
Well, he's got 100 gold to work with (he really has more, but let's not lose it all) so he just flies around until something catches his eye. For the time being he'll also put the mask back on -- it may be the last time he gets to use it, after all.
Roll 1d100.
[14:54] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[14:54] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 76 > [d100=76]
What an unexciting number.
Your luck is poor. You soon lose the 100 gold from the voucher.
Ah well, so it goes. He still came and looked around like he promised. He may as well go back out and meander and see if Cloud Dancer comes to a decision today.
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 38 > [d100=38]
You soon get a Sending from Cloud Dancer. 'Would you please stay here until tomorrow?'
Far be it from him to deny such a request after everything. 'I am happy to do so.'
Going to do anything or just get a room and rest?
He's going to meander some more. He never did get an actual tour or anything of Brightwater, so he wants to spend some time looking around at the actual different quadrants or whatever they have it set up as.
For clarity's sake, you can just give a brief rundown / tour of the place, you don't have to go into specifics unless he runs into something.
> roll 1d100
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=30 ]{30}
It's a fairly uneventful night - you do some shopping, wander the shadows of Rapture, see the sights of Heartfire and finish up with some poetry in Empress Sulia's quarter. The next day dawns with a note resting on the table besides your inn bed.
Moore will have a look at the note!
It reads, "Please come outside when you are ready."
That's easy enough! Moore will go outside with the mask in his hands.
In the blink of an eye, you stand amid the clouds once more. Cloud Dancer is there, her mask in her hands instead of yours. "Thank you," she bows to Moore, "The curtain on the Father's play closes, I pray it evil's triumph is not exposed."
"If such a day comes to pass, then rest assured it will fall on us to handle it." Moore says. "Ah... I touched it up a little bit, I hope you don't mind."
Refresh me on what you did to it?
I added the Third Eye Clarity Effect from MIC to it.
"Clearer vision," Cloud Dancer says, "Your graciousness is worthy of you."
Moore can't help but look slightly embarrassed at that. "I'm going to have to have my own version of it crafted when I get back, a strong spell like that helped a great deal on my travels. You have my thanks for lending it to me. I hope, regardless of the current situation, you and Lady Lliira do not regret any assistance you have rendered to us."
"We do not," Cloud Dancer says, "Go with wisdom, and may your path be a happy one."
Moore offers a bow before he heads back down. He's going to go visit the Silverbrow Consortium now and see how they're doing.
Technically speaking, this sort of absolves him of his promise to Lliira since they aren't actually offering him any more direct support, but as an OOC note he's still going to keep his word to her (in terms of taking an epic feat for Oratory).
So noted.
The Silverbrow Consortium is as it was last time. Ruby comes forth to greet you as you approach the reception, "Mr. Moore," she greets, "What is your business here today?"
"Lady Ruby." Moore offers a bow. "I simply wished to come and see if there was anything Aurora could do for the Consortium today. After our recent victory in Benfal, we have a bit of leeway with projects."
"At the moment, Mister Sisatar is busy with delicate negotiations and is unavailable," Ruby replies, "For now, we must respectfully and regretfully decline your offer, though we will be in touch in the future."
"I understand." Moore smiles and bows again. "Please feel free to reach out when our services are needed."
Looks like it's back to Aurora. He'll spend some time relaxing (maybe check on the Court of Aurora?) but his next big ticket thing will be to check in on Mineral since he hasn't heard anything from them in a while.
When you return, you find Elena appears once you walk in. "Hi. Ebony's looking for you."
Moore nods. "All right, thanks Elena." He stops for a minute and gives Elena a look, like he's about to say something... then shakes his head.
He'll go find Ebony!
Ebony's found in Canderella's room. They're talking quietly and pause as you come in. "Hello there," Ebony greets, hood down. "How was your trip?"
"It went about as well as I expected it to go." Moore admits. "I knew they weren't going to like what I had to report, though I had hoped they'd be willing to still provide us active aid -- but so it goes." Moore offers a small shrug as he looks over at Candy. "Are you feeling better after, uh... you know... ...all of... everything?"
"I'm mostly over it. Mom over there won't let me get up yet," Canderella shoots a mock glare over at Ebony.
Ebony smiles demurely and merely says, "It's for the best that you wait until you've fully recovered."
"Yeah, dying and... well, you know, all that other stuff tends to leave more marks than you realize." Moore says with some amount of authority.
"Anyway, what can I do for you?" He asks with a turn towards Ebony.
"I'm bored out of my mind," Canderella says, "I need more people to talk to. Stay for awhile?"
"Haha, sure." Moore says as he flies over. "You're relieved of duty if you want to be, Ebony."
Ebony stands and pulls up her hood, leaving without comment.
"She's grumpy because we've been spending so much time together lately," Canderella says. "We both need a little break from each other."
Moore laughs at that. "I'd think there are a lot of fundamental and ideological differences you can't get past. Did she tell you about what actually happened during the operation on Benfal?"
"Some," Canderella sits up, blankets covering her. "Why don't you tell me in your own words?"
"All right." Moore clears his throat.
"I don't know a lot of the details that happened with the twins, but from my understanding..."
Thus, a long and rather rosy explanation of the various tribulations they ran into will ensue. He'll stop his recounting around the time of the white-skinned creature he ran into with Adrian. "Any idea what that might've been? I've never seen a white-skinned devil before... maybe it was a demon?" He shrugs a little bit as he takes a moment to pause.
For what it's worth he'll take 10 on a Perform (Oratory) here for 65. He wants to keep her at least moderately entertained.
Canderella looks properly entertained, smiling as you weave your tale. That turns into laughter as your suggestion, "A demon? Moore, are you suggestion a demon would be working with devils? No self respecting demon would do that! They'd rather die in battle before that happens."
"Couldn't someone say the same of a succubus working for the same cause angels and other celestials were striving for?" Moore counters with a smile.
"You're not familiar with the Blood War, are you?" Canderella asks, "I'm not sure if you're lucky or cursed."
"I'm not intimately familiar, but I understand the basic concepts." Moore says with a small shrug. "I just think it's a possibility -- I mean, stranger things have happened, right? Well, maybe not. Either way, if he wasn't a demon then I'm still not sure what he might've been. Creepy, either way."
"Creepy is right. I don't know what it was," Canderella admits, "Something's plaything, maybe."
"I doubt Taelfagn was the only Duke who was trying to move chesspieces there." Moore says. "Anyway, where was I... Well, we'd mostly wrapped up things on our end before... uh..." He takes a breath. "I'm not exactly sure how to describe it, but you know how Benfal's in Elysium now, yeah? Well, I think we all witnessed it." He gestures to the side, dismissively.
"Can't remember it, of course, but we all heard some words... I think it was a song, actually. Or, maybe, more correctly, the Words of Creation used as a song. Anyway, some lady named Cantasa Alexandria opened a gate or something, probably a gate to Elysium, then brought Benfal up through it. Uh... the way I describe it fails to send home the impact of the whole thing, I'm sure... Alas, I don't have the power to break reality ad a demonstration for you."
"I've heard already," Canderella chuckles warmly, "Ebony waxed poetic about it for some time."
"Haha, I'm sure to her it was a euphoric experience." He chuckles at that. "Hey, Candy, what does Talos have to say about forgiveness and redemption?"
"Heh, heh," Canderella chuckles, "The new regime? Those who betray you are struck down with the wrath of storms, but those that repent are given a chance to earn abeyance from being punished. These days it's positively sparkling. Oh, in the good old days, a heretic was lucky if they were struck down dead right off. Lightning and thunder can do such things to a body without causing death."
"I've been giving a lot of thought to the traitors from Lifasa." Moore explains. "I have to wonder if some of them regret their decisions, or... if they just regret having failed in the eyes of their Hellish masters, you know?"
"It's easy to regret when your back is to the wall, or lie like you are," Canderella says, "They're devils. If the situation was different, they'd gladly toss you into a pit to burn for all eternity. Don't go soft on them, Moore. They'll take advantage of that."
"No, no, I understand what you mean. I just mean that... I think, at their core..." He takes a breath. "I met Lady Lliira a few weeks ago. The unbridled joy and hope I felt when I was in her presence... it got me to think that no one is really beyond redemption. That's all." He smiles at that and clears his throat. "At the same time, you have to want it, you know? At least, that's what I think."
"That's the trick, isn't it? Making such a creature want it," Canderella says, "The answer to that's one of the big ones. I know most celestials would do anything for such an answer."
"It all depends on the individual." Moore says. "Maybe I'm too... hopeful? We'll see, I suppose. But I'm not from Lifasa, so I really shouldn't go spouting off my opinions on what should be done there."
"Yes, especially to your dear Queenie," Canderella smirks, "My my, how are things going there? Whispers and gossip surely haven't forgotten the two of you, but I've been indisposed."
"Ah... she has her duties, I have mine. I suppose I should go see her after this." Moore admits. "I don't want to cause her trouble."
"You are, without any doubt, a man." Canderella rolls her eyes, "You don't cause a woman who likes you trouble by spending time with her. Well, except the family type of trouble, but that's only a problem if you mind being marched to the altar once she starts to show."
"Ah... that's..." Moore clears his throat. "That's not something that's going to be in the immediate future. Regardless, yes, I understand your point. I'll go see her -- but she wasn't the one with her soul trapped or whatever it is that happened. I think she'll understand if I keep you company a little while longer."
Canderella smiles and tsks, "Careful, she might get the wrong idea if she years you saying sweet things like that to me. Please don't make me have throw lightning at Ilsenine."
"Elena can be the witness that I meant it in the most platonic way possible." Moore says with a smile. "Besides, aren't you interested in a certain gold dragon?"
"I'm interested in many things," Canderella replies, "Though I will be checking in on Gold once I'm out of bed."
"You could just say you're dating, you know." Moore says with a grin. "Or is it ~taboo~."
"We haven't gone that far yet," Canderella retorts, "Besides, I'm toying to try and date Hanna, just to see how Hanna and Jaela react. Of course, the problem with that is that I see axe in my future if I do."
Moore decides to leave out that the two have a common bond for the time being.
"Let me know how that one works out. Uh... well, you know, if you don't end up banished from Aurora or something." He says.
A laugh follows that, "I'm sure I'll be fine. Hanna's soft once you get past her urge to viciously murder evil."
"She's a mother at heart." Moore says with a grin. "As much as she probably is tired of being one, especially to 27."
"I'm waiting for the day 27 tries calling Jaela his sister and hoping I'm there," Canderella laughs, "That will be amazing."
"I've come to the conclusion that 27 actually knows all the truths of Creation, he just can't actually speak any of them in terms any of us understand." Moore says with a laugh himself. "Well, something like that, anyway."
"You're saying that the slaad have ultimate wisdom?" Canderella says, laughing some more.
"No, just him." Moore says with a smile. "I try and not dwell too much on it -- knowing everything is up to Erathaol, It'd be a little overwhelimg for me."
"The higher the secrets you find, the harder your life is," Canderella remarks, sitting up and licking her lips. She waves her hand, a bit of magic floating over a glass of water to her hand. She drinks and then goes on. "The old saying that knowledge is power is so true, so I'm hearing you saying that 27 is nearly all powerful."
"I don't think it's entirely an untrue statement." Moore says. "What if it turned out that 27 was an avatar of Ao or something? I mean, don't get me wrong, that'd be a terrifying thing to actually be true, but... in theory we don't have anything to prove it -isn't- the case. Ah, I guess I'm just saying I'm open to the possibility."
Canderella flicks a bit of water, hitting you on the forehead. "Don't be daft."
"Hey!" Moore shouts as he wipes it off. "A little superstition is healthy."
"Right.So when you aren't pondering the mysteries of 27, what do you do?" Canderella asks.
"I find myself helping out here and there with things around Aurora. I guess I've also found a niche as another ambassador for Aurora, which I enjoy. I think we, as a group, have tried to forge ahead on our own a little too much, so getting buy-in and help from allies leads to us being able to accomplish a lot more."
"How noble of you," Canderella says, "Is that where you were this time?"
"Hah, right. It's just a pixie meddling in affairs of people like normal. As for where I was... kind of. I went to Brightwater to check on a few things. I had something loaned to me from one of Lliira's agents, so I wanted to see if they wanted it back. Sadly, they did, but so it goes. Oh, did you know there's a casino there called Fiery Odds? Seems like a nice place if you're into that sort of thing." Moore chuckles. "I'm probably going to go check in with Lord Crystalle at Mineral later, too."
"You should tell Simmer, she'd approve," Canderella replies. "About the casino, that is."
"Haha, she would, wouldn't she? I'll have to pass that on when I see her next time." Moore says. "While you're recovering, is there any meddling you'd like for me to do on your behalf?"
"Tell Mirima to keep at it, she'll know what I mean," Canderella says, yawning after. "I can't wait until my energy's returned. I'm tired again already."
"Do you want to suck my blood?" Moore asks, then he starts laughing. "Sorry, that sort of joke probably stops being funny after the third or fourth time some poor mortal confuses you for something else. I think Mirima's actually out with Jaela on... something. I'll let her know when she gets back. Can I get you anything to eat from the snack bar?"
"Don't let the original members of Aurora hear you make that joke," Canderella says, "Yes, something sweet."
Moore nods a few times. "Got it. I'll be back." He smiles and heads off to go get her something from the cafeteria.
What are you going to get?
A small plate of dried fruit sounds good.
Easy enough to get and return with. Canderella promptly tucks into it. "Really though, you should go spend some time with Ilsenine. Don't let her slip away from you."
"I'll let you know if Pixie Prince Eduwardo, her lost lover from Lifasa makes an appearance." Moore says. "Can I get you anything else for the time being?"
"I'm fine," Canderella says, "Go get her."
Moore offers her a bow before he heads to the Aurora Court. He does straighten his hair in a mirror on the way.
The court is busy enough. The fey of Aurora are chatting about, Queen Ilsenine looking them over. Misalea is here as well, mingling with some nymphs. You also spot Lady Skye by the throne, talking quietly to Her Majesty.
It'd be rude to interrupt, so he goes to mingle himself for the time being while keeping an eye on Her Majesty.
This doesn't last long. Lady Skye quickly comes over as you begin to mingle, amid the sounds of laughter and chatting, "Her Majesty wishes to inquire about your visit today."
"I wish to report to her on the results of the assault on Benfal." Moore replies. There's no need to complicate things more than that for right now...
"Should this be a public or private report?" Lady Skye asks.
"It is likely better to be private, and Her Majesty can disseminate the information as She deems afterwards." Moore replies.
"This way."
Lady Skye leads you back to Ilsenine's sitting room. A single female pixie, clad in a maid's uniform, flutters about and dusts.
"Ellie," Lady Skye says, "Her Majesty will need this room forthwith."
Moore just follows along and will wait for the time being!
Ellie quickly finishes her dusting while Lady Skye leaves. She lingers by you with big, emerald-green eyes. "Oh! Sir Moore," she giggles, "Oh my! Oh dear!"
"I'm not sure I'm so important that I need Sir appended to my name yet." Moore says with a chuckle.
"You're Queenie's beau," The pixie giggles again, "You're like a General Afina or a General Crystal, really important! I bet you even hang out with them when you aren't killing devils!"
"You could hang out with any of them if you wanted to, you know. They're not nearly as unapproachable as you probably think." Moore explains. "Besides, Afina and Jaela have earned their titles -- I'm just good at talking."
A scandalized giggle follows, "Oh, I bet you're good at using your mouth!"
"I really walked right into that one, didn't I?" He says with a sigh.
"Yeppers!" Ellie says with a little waggle of her finger, "I hope you're good at that for Queenie's sake! She's so serious, she needs to have some fun!"
"I endeavor to help her be herself, rather than the Queen of the Lifasan Court." Moore says with some honesty.
Ellie laughs and goes off with a little wave, and just in time. Ilsenine enters just after she leaves, the Queen coming over to you, "Moore," she says, "I am heartened to see you well."
"Your Majesty." Moore says as he bows and then kneels as is proper. "Please, forgive me. I told you when we spoke for one of the first times that if you wanted to be yourself, rather than Queen, I would try and help you. I've been remiss the past few days in not keeping that promise. I continually find myself at odds with how I should behave to save you effort and reduce the whispers you have to deal with, yet I never once actually asked you. So allow me to apologize for not treating you like... Illsenine and too much like Queen." Moore says with an apologetic smile.
"It's something I will rectify going forward."
Make a Diplomacy check here to see how high and deep you pile it.
10 for 65!
Full disclosure: That was 100% the right tack to take here. Normally that wouldn't require a social check, but in this case I wanna see how well you sold it.
"Oh..." Queen Ilsenine has a blushing, stricken look for a moment, but it's quickly pushed aside. She goes from softly murmuring oh to a calmer, "Thank you, Moore. We-ah. I am grateful for your attention." Her cheeks are still red.
"I'm sorry, really. I think too much of the stories of the pauper who romances someone of royal blood and how it makes them look weak to consider them." Moore says as he looks like he's relaxing a bit more as he stands up.
"I need to keep in mind that if that were a problem, you're more than capable of handling it. Aurora is a rather unique situation all things considered and... truth be told, I think I've earned my spot in its ranks, as well as within the Court, so if anyone has a problem with me... they can take up with me." He clears his throat after that. "Anyway, now that I've ruined the mood a little, would you like to hear the report on Benfal?"
"Please," Queen Ilsenine smiles, "I am ready to hear your report."
Moore clears his throat and will retell the story of his adventures with Adrian, including meeting the assassin and the devil... whatever it was. His antics of supporting the troops from hundreds of feet away!
Take 10 for 65 again here.
"I've left this part out of most of my explanations, but... Let me ask you something, Your Ma...ahem, Illsenine. Were you present in Benfal at all? Did you hear or see what happened right before it was uplifted?" Moore asks.
"I am aware," Queen Ilsenine says, "I did play some small role in matters. You speak of those moments that were lost?"
"Yes." Moore nods. "Tepen asked me to investigate it. I went on a trip to Celestia... I actually got to Venya for my first time, uh... for real, anyway. I met the Authority of Wisdom there -- nice guy, actually knows how to tell a joke, I was really surprised. Anyway..." He takes a breath.
"I was researching Cantasa Alexandria. I... think. I told you about my own memory loss... right? Well, I... think this is similar. I... can't remember looking up anything about her in the library... but... Well, let me put it this way -- I'm pretty meticulous about not forgetting things nowadays... I'm pretty sure I forgot something about all of this. It... bothers me that... ah..." He takes a breath. "I'm sure there's something I've forgotten. I'm just not sure if now is the time to really focus on it and worry about it."
"It is most vexing and displeasing," Queen Ilsenine agrees, "No matter how I think on it, I cannot recall. I would give much to have this overturned, though I fear it cannot be so easily done. I know the magic of the mind, this is no trivial feat."
"I think anathemic knowledge is something worth investigating... but I don't think it's something I should devote all my waking hours to." Moore says with a smile. "I think as I have free time, I'll do a bit of searching here and there... maybe it gets easier. At any rate, I was going to go to Mineral on a diplomatic trip, would you care to accompany me? It's uh... well, on the one hand it's pretty to look at, just... probably not the most ideal place for a date."
"I would like that," Queen Ilsenine says.
Moore nods. "We can leave as soon as you're ready."
Ilsenine smiles, fluttering up and speaking in warm, welcoming tones. "Yes, we can leave soon."
Taking anyone else? Also, any prep before you go?
Why ruin a perfectly good date with a third wheel? Moore will hit up the arch just in case.
Okay, where in Mineral are you aiming for?
As close to Crystalle's palace as Greater Plane Shift will allow.
You appear in splendor and radiance. A steady, glassy click-clacking fills your ears as you stand before a lake of gemstones. A rainbow potpourri of gems, raining down from a steady moving waterfall of them. They fall hundreds of feet before hitting the lake, many of them shattering into tiny shards. A thin cloud of gem dust hovers all about here, as light comes from the walls of rock and precious metals.
"You... kind of have to get used to this sort of thing." Moore says with a gesture at the lake. "It's actually a really interesting... mm... perspective, I guess. The natives here all see this stuff as perfectly normal and I think, to them, as common as water or dirt to us. Even so, I've made it a... conscious decision not to touch anything here. I think they appreciate it." He looks around a bit to try and get his bearings. "I've not been to this part before, but generally speaking, we'll get guided to where we need to go if we get too lost."
Ilsenine watches the waterfall of gems, not replying as gem after gem falls. "Beautiful..." she murmurs, rapt.
There's a few passages leading deeper into Mineral's caves, but you don't immediately recognize any of them.
He has a spell that can get them where they need to go in a jiffy, so he isn't terribly worried.
"I've never really dwelled on the... ah... "How" side of things here." Moore admits as he goes to take Illsenine's hand. "We could follow the river as it was back to its source, if you'd like."
Ilsenine takes your hand and watches, "I'd like that," she murmurs, "Oh, to give Aurora all the treasures here."
Moore smiles as he starts to fly up and over the "river," such as it is.
"I think the natives here have a very negative view of anyone not of this plane." Moore says as they go along. "I'm sure they have to deal with people with greed in their hearts on a regular basis coming through to plunder what they see as easy targets. One could argue, 'what good is all of this to be confined here,' but I think even Waukeen would agree that the wealth here isn't the type to be squandered for gold -- it's monetary value is irrelevant, since it belongs to people who see it all as just part of their home and nothing more."
"It is magnificent," Ilsenine murmurs, "All the treasures of the earth, freely lying about and manifest. How many lie in eternal rest here, victims of their own greed?"
"Or who got turned into something." Moore comments with a sour face. "Ugh, I'll never look at an opal the same way again. It's interesting, just... the very difference. To them, to the people of Mineral, this is all so mundane and boring. I have to wonder if something like a plant or a tree would give them the same sense of awe as we have looking at the riches we perceive."
"If so, I would think the mercane would have already pounced on that," Ilsenine says quietly, "Never have I met such a rapacious group."
As you fly up, you see the river of gems continues ahead for some time.
"They know what they're good at, I suppose." Moore laughs as he continues to fly along with the river. Hmm, should he just cast Lay of the Land...? Maybe in a bit. "One might say the same for us, though -- fey get a ... mostly deserved reputation, I think."
Ilsenine smiles and slows, "We have...I mean, I have no complaint with Filbrez, he has served Aurora loyally. Other mercane are another story." Then Ilsenine looks out, "It has been a long time since I engaged in merriment or pranking. A....long time," Ilsenine trails off, with a soft sigh.
"How exactly did you come to be Queen, anyway?" Moore asks. "I... feel rather ashamed I'm just now asking that question, admittedly."
Ilsenine finds a rock nearby and perches on it. "My mother was a Queen of her own court. Like mother, like daughter."
Moore stops as well, considering for a moment before he asks, "Did you want to be Queen?"
"Yes," Ilsenine says, "I enjoyed it greatly before the fall of Lifasa." She smiles a little bit, "Afina was my trouble solver - my assassin, to be forthright. When I needed her to take care of one little thing, she would. Little else of my court remains to remind me of better days."
Moore nods. "Well, when Lifasa is restored, you can decide how you want to proceed. I'd be fine if you wanted a break, though. Although... well. I think it's okay if you take a break now and then to be yourself, you know? Like now, for example." Moore says with a gesture at the river. "I don't understand the finer points of the stresses you have to endure, I'm just saying you don't have to endure them by yourself."
No answer, Ilsenine bowing her head. "I won't know until Lifasa is restored. I can't be the same Queen as I was before. I no longer have the will to see my own trimmed, to see sorrow in my court and the endless petty warfares of social standing. I want a court of happiness and life, a court of the highest summer."
"I understand." Moore says. He does, at least a little bit. "Despite what happened, I think the situation has allowed you to grow more than you thought you could before. I'll do whatever I can to support you and the Court, Ilsenine. I know that puts the cart before the horse, as it were... I think, though, our journey to Yggdrasil helped show all of us the way forward. Even as I am -- a part of Celestia, I'm sure there's a spot for me as a liason between them, between the chaos and order."
This gets a rosy blush from Ilsenine, "As long as you're with me, I..."
Moore smiles and nods and gives her hand a squeeze. "Let's see where this river comes from -- can you really even call it a river, though?" He laughs.
"Yes," Ilsenine squeezes your hand up and takes to the air.
Make a Spot check.
Take 10 for 46
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Kobrb roll for Serith < 92 > [d100=92]
> roll 1d100 subtables
<Serith> Kobrb roll for Serith < 74 > [d100=74]
You travel for a short time, hand in hand. Soon enough you come to a rather large stone cottage sitting by the riverbank. It's classically made, down to smoke coming from the chimney.
"Huh." Moore shrugs at Ilsenine and flies towards it with the intent to knock on the door!
Taking 10 for 49 on any ambient magic that may be in the area or on the house. It's kind of suspicious since it's... you know, a stone cottage and not a ruby cottage.
Spellcraft?
durrrr yes
There's strong abjuration around the house. It's protections against teleportation.
Huh. Doesn't want sudden visitors?
Moore will knock on the door -- well, as best he can if it's made of stone, anyway.
You knock on the door and it cracks open slightly from it, but nothing else. No reply from the knock.
"People who leave their doors open usually invite visitors." Moore says as he nudges the door open to get a better look inside. "Hello?" He raises his voice. "Is anyone home?"
"How curious," Ilsenine remarks as you nudge it open. It's a small room with a mat and a few pairs of boots in the corner. Another door leads you deeper inside.
Moore opens his mouth and then rubs his chin. "We can't teleport out of here, but I'm pretty sure if we run into a problem it's something we can handle without a lot of trouble." He says as he flies in to go knock on the other door.
Take 10 for 49 on spellcraft again in case there's anything else weird going on.
There's no unusual or new magic here.
This door isn't so easily opened and there's no response to your knocking.
Moore will try to open the door to see if it's locked. He's not going to start breaking down doors here, but this is kind of weird to find.
It is indeed locked.
"This seems odd, doesn't it? An open front door, a locked door inside, a chimney with smoke coming out of it..." Moore looks around -- is there a fire?
It's a pretty small room. A few boots, a small stone bench built into the wall, an empty few hooks in the wall for coats or the like.
...
This can't be one of those kinds of places, can it?
Take 10 on a search check for 34. He's looking for something like a secret switch and that sort of thing.
You find a switch on the wall, hidden beneath the bench.
"Moore, what are you doing?" Ilsenine asks.
Moore just smiles. "Being an adventurer." He hits the switch as he says that and gestures. "I think this is one of those... mm. You know, I don't know what it is, but it's very suspicious, so I think it's some sort of wizard's puzzle... or something."
"What part of this is a puzzle?" Ilsenine asks, "Is there anything under there?"
"Oh, right." He hits the switch.
The door swings open. Within is a strange, swirling portal within, rather than a passage deeper within.
"That is totally not even remotely normal!" Moore says. "What the heck is even going on with this house?!"
Moore makes a showing up rolling his sleeves up as he casts a few spells to try and figure out what in the world this is and where it goes.
Take 10 for 77 on spellcraft, using Divine Insight and Improvisation.
It's an extraplanar portal. You aren't precisely sure where it goes, but by the odd and erratic energy flows, you'd guess somewhere chaotic.
Moore breathes out through his nose.
"Why is there a portal to Limbo in a stone house in the midd.. .. .. you know what that really isn't the sort of question that's ever going to have a good answer." Moore says. He turns to Ilsenine. "Feel up for some more adventure?"
"This seems remarkably dangerous," Ilsenine says, "An unknown portal taking you to who knows where?"
"Well, you do have a point with that." Moore admits. "Actually, let me see here..." He rubs his chin and casts another spell!
Using limited wish to emulate Analyze portal. He wants to know where it goes and what that place looks like!
Analyze portal doesn't tell you precisely, but you have levels to burn with limited wish so that'll gap the difference.
The portal takes you to Limbo and the area around it is constantly changing chaos-stuff, swirling and churning.
"Why is there a portal to Limbo in a stone house in the middle of Mineral!?" Moore just shouts as he sighs. He shakes his head. "I'm sorry, this sort of thing kind of... seems to just happen to me, for some reason."
"I'll come back and deal with this another time." Moore says with a huff. "We were having a nice date and I'm not going to let some slaad ruin it." He takes a deep breath and goes to take Ilsenine's hand and go back outside and back to the river of gems. That was much nicer.
Listen check.
Take 10 for 59
You hear a faint rustling and then skidding behind you as you turn to go out.
"I don't have time for you right now. I'll come back later, so don't move the house." Moore calls out behind him as he continues along.
Did you look back?
Sure.
You look back just in time to see ghostly hands darting out, grabbing you.
Prevents the two of you from being flatfooted.
> roll 1d20+32 vs Moore
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 41 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+32 vs Ilsenine
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 46 > [d20=14]
Vs touch AC. Hit or miss?
Touch is 35, so it hits.
Before either of you can react, you're grabbed by the hands and pulled into the portal. Reality swirls around you and - !!!!
Congratulations, you're going to a new thread.