We'll start OOC. Paste your goals over to here real quick. Once done, roll 1d100.
Afina's gonna try putting her dragonmarrow in her potion of rejuvenation!
Potion of Rejuvenation: has the effect of a heal spell, except it heals 150 hit points when consumed and again the following two rounds at the beginning of the drinker's turn.
Dragonmarrow: This substance greatly enhances potions. Add it to a potion and you'll see some benefit for sure - in rare cases, it can even turn a potion into something more than a mere potion.
[19:40] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[19:40] <Serith> Ebiris roll for Serith < 25 > [d100=25]
When you put the dragonmarrow in, the potion sparks and hisses. Green foam rises up from it into the air, popping and spreading the smell of apples everywhere. The potion grows thicker, glowing lightly now and constantly sloshing on its own.
Well it smells nice! But what does it do, now? Afina studies it with detect magic to find out!
Taking 10 for 55 on spellcraft
Potion of Greater Rejuvenation
This potion has the effect of a heal spell, except that it heals 300 hit points when consumed and again the following seven rounds at the beginning of the drinker's turn.
That was well worth doing! Now Afina settles into the library after storing the potion away in her room, finally having time to read a certain book Jaela had acquired and wanted her to look at.
this (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103921.msg1086186.html#msg1086186) book (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103921.msg1086191.html#msg1086191) in particular
Make K:A and K:P checks, as well as a Craft: Weaponsmithing check.
[20:25] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+43 arcana
[20:25] <Serith> Ebiris roll for Serith < 63 > [d20=20]
[20:25] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+43 planes
[20:25] <Serith> Ebiris roll for Serith < 46 > [d20=3]
[20:25] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+53 weapons
[20:25] <Serith> Ebiris roll for Serith < 68 > [d20=15]
You...honestly aren't sure what this is. It's an incredibly complex process that touches on the soul, but it isn't destroying it. It's invoking several conflicting and strangely interlinked principals and ideals. It's all linked together in some sort of logic, but it's a bit beyond you. You more or less grasp parts of it, but not all and the overarching conclusion is incomprehensible to you.
However, you think you might be able to forge a weapon by using these principals. But without understanding them fully, if something goes wrong, you may be in trouble.
Afina didn't get where she is today by forging mysterious weapons using untested and unfamiliar principles dragged out of a demon library! She'll put it aside for now and maybe give it another look once she feels more confident in the principles involved.
So, what else to do... she did get that black diamond off of Tryll recently. Does it have any interesting properties useful in crafting or is it just pretty?
This: An full-sized ingot made of solid black diamond, carved perfectly.
Have any ranks in Appraise?
none
You examine it a bit. You aren't sure on value, but it's a little different from normal diamond. Almost more fluid, smooth. You know enough it's odd and that you could use an expert in gems or minerals here.
She knows one of those! Taking the diamond with her, she flies off to Baleruk's lair!
You find Baleruk lying on a great pile of gold coins. Bubbles is here, standing opposite him.
"Really?" Bubbles says, "That would be dreadfully pushy for this season, dearie. Though I do confess others are fonder of pink than I."
"You act as if I am a follower instead of a TRENDSETTER!" Baleruk thumps his tail on the ground, "I shall be painted pink and gold and all shall COPY ME!"
"Pink and gold is a nice combination," Afina agrees as she flies up, carrying her brick of black diamond in both hands. "Like a nice sunset."
"Ah, dearie," Bubbles smiles, "We were just talking about fashion. Would you like to join us?"
"I don't mind that," Afina agrees, flying up to settle in alongside Bubbles. "I also have an interesting gem I was wondering if Baleruk might have insights on. I'm not sure what to use it for."
"Show it to me," Baleruk immediately commands.
Afina holds up the perfectly carved ingot of black diamond towards the dragon in both hands.
> roll 1d20+37 Appraise
<Serith> Kokokokokokoko roll for Serith < 50 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+37 Craft: Jewelry
<Serith> Kokokokokokoko roll for Serith < 44 > [d20=7]
Baleruk eyes it and flicks it into the air with the barest gesture of his claws. He pops it right onto his tongue and into his mouth, several seconds of it being in there before he spits it out at your feet.
"IT IS DIAMOND THAT IS FORGABLE AND SHAPABLE WITHOUT MAGIC. WORTHWHILE YET IT INSULTS ME BY TASTING LIKE SAPPHIRES INSTEAD!" Baleruk roars this, making Bubbles hurry back.
"Y-yes, that's clearly unacceptable, sugar," Bubbles says, "Isn't it, Afina?"
"Yes, it's very disappointing," Afina agrees blandly, picking up her diamond. "I'll have to dispose of it properly, then."
Such as by giving it to Filbrez in exchange for a large sum of gold. Yes, that'll do.
"YES!" Baleruk thunders, "AFINA! I COMMAND YOU TO DISPOSE OF IT PROPERLY!"
"I have just the method in mind," she affirms her acknowledgement of the dragon's commandments. "Bubbles, I'll see you later?" she smiles at the nymph before fluttering off to convert the diamond into filthy lucre. Maybe she should upgrade her sword now or something.
Next move?
Debating purchases. Is this (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,101739.msg1029548.html#msg1029548) valid since it never made it into the houserules board?
Yes, I plan to completely revamp that one day and polish that into something better, but the essence is right.
Okay, I'll run the numbers on your loot post tonight, but it looks right offhand. That aside, what's your next move?
I'll go have a chat with Adrian and Gisfal about potentially doing a raid on Lifasa, see what our latest intelligence is from Makaril's side of things.
Simple enough to set up, and you even have time for lunch before it. That's the problem, really. You sit down for your meal, just in time for Balyss to come on over. "Afina," she greets, "I've been meaning to catch you."
"Well, take a seat," Afina asks, looking up just as a cherry pie drizzled with custard appears per her specifications to provide a tasty meal along with all the other magical benefits eating here brings. "What is it?"
"I've been meaning to check up on your diet, see if you've gained any weight," Balyss says, taking her seat.
"Really?" Afina gives Balyss a blandly unimpressed look back. "I eat twice a day, and I'm sure I haven't gained any weight."
"Then try three times per day," Balyss says, "That might fill you out if two meals isn't."
"Why are you so interested in seeing me fill out? I'm perfectly healthy, and happy with my shape," Afina insists, savagely cutting off a chunk of pie and stuffing it in her face, cheeks puffed out adorably as she chews and swallows.
Balyss starts to say something and stops. She stares at Afina and sighs, "You say something like that, cut that pie apart like it's a devil and then you look so cute it ruins the entire effect."
"Well I'm eating, that's all you want isn't it?" she insists, putting her fork down and dabbing at her lips with a napkin.
"Yeah, I guess it is. Selune," Balyss says it fondly, smiling by the end of it.
"Well there we go," Afina nods triumphantly. "Not that there's anything wrong with being all curvy," she gives Balyss's curves a look over, "But litheness is a hallmark of beauty for pixies. And being able to inspire confusion about which gender you are? That's an ideal for lots of fey. Elves as well, I think."
"Isn't that what magic's for?" Balyss says, "If you want to be mistaken for a man, change into one."
"You're completely missing the point," Afina huffs. "I could use a spell to look exactly like you as well if that actually meant anything." She shakes her head, long streamers on her hat trailing back and forth. "I don't actually want to be mistaken for a man, if I'm honest. That's why I always dress so flamboyantly. But it's a popular look in a lot of circles. An epitome of sylvan beauty, blurring the lines and inspiring mystery."
"I suppose." There's a long hesitation from Balyss, before she reaches out and gets a mug from the ether of the cafeteria's conjuration magic. Smells like apples, she has a big drink before going on. "Though if you ask me, women should be bustier than not. Nothing says female than two mounds."
Afina pauses to eat more of her pie while Balyss gets her thoughts in order. "Then you must have an extraordinarily healthy view of your own gender identity," she concludes.
"Not at all. I turn into a man at night and make love to several beautiful women," Balyss says it pleasantly deadpan, chasing it with another gulp of her drink. "Thanks, they're great." A pause of a few beats, "Do you get jealous about that with other women?"
"Not really. I've experimented with different shapes when I used the alter self spell in the past, and they always seemed more annoying than anything else. Also I heard they give you a sore back?" she shrugs, "I can admire how they look when framed properly, but I'm quite happy with my own self image, which is that of a svelte and delicate fairy."
"Only if they're big, you don't heal fast, aren't unnaturally tough and can't manage a simple healing cantrip," Balyss sips her drink slower now, giving you a little smile as she lowers the mug. "Magic's great. I could never do like Adrian or Finnegan does."
"It would be scary to live without magic," Afina agrees, having another bite of her pie. "Without it being a svelte and delicate fairy definitely has its downsides."
"Unthinkable," Balyss smiles a little bit, "I'd have been dead in a year without it. Combat's so much harder without it, so much deadlier."
"Fireballs and enchanted swords tip it back the other way, but it's being able to quickly heal afterwards regardless that really makes the difference," Afina posits, gesturing with her fork after eating another chunk of pie.
'Yes," Balyss agrees, "We need more people to dedicate themselves to the healing arts. In Balmuria, it's seen as a noble occupation, but I've heard in other realms it's seen less so."
"That's probably the sort of thing you pay more attention to as a healer yourself," Afina says, pushing away her plate and letting it vanish after having the last piece of her pie. "I know it only makes sense to be nice to whoever's hands you put your health in, but I don't really notice how healers are seen in various cultures."
"It's interesting and I've been studying it. The Primes have a ton of variance in it," Balyss perks up, "Let alone the outer planes. For example, in Hell, healers are provided but it's seen as a weakness and a sign of failure to use them too oftne - unless you're high enough rank, at which point you have your own personal physician."
Well that makes sense to Afina, if you constantly need to get healed clearly you need to work on your defences. "How are the healers themselves viewed?"
"As being another minion," Balyss says, "They have their own military ranks, just like any other devil involved in the Blood War. It's not seen as noble or base, but instead as yet another function to be filled."
Sounds about right. "So where are healers most exalted and where are they most disdained, then?"
"Elysium, probably," Balyss says, "Though it's well revered in all the Heavens. It's most disdained in some parts of Limbo and the Abyss - just weakness rather than strength."
No great revelations there. "About how I'd expect it to look," she agrees, nodding as she stands up off her chair and then flutters into the air. "Anyway, I need to go see to a staff meeting, I'll see you later."
Adrian isn't too hard to get in touch with, nor is Gisfal. Once there, "Yeah?" Adrian says, "What do you need?"
Go ahead.
"I'm considering a small scale raid on Lifasa," Afina answers, settling into her customary chair in the war room. "Like when we killed that anathaemic dragon or rescued Ellese. Do you two know if we've had any recent updates from Makaril's forces?"
"Yeah," Adrian says, "They're gathering forcing and preparing for an assault. They haven't decided where yet, but they feel they have a chance."
"That's good to hear," she agrees, leaning over the table and tapping it as the illusory display brings up a big map of Lifasa, divided into the traitors' various territories (which in the case of Yian and Willah's areas are satisfyingly greyed out) along with showing various cities, fortresses, strategic points, all the things people need to know when running a war. "If we can take further pressure off to aid that, so much the better. Have they had any recent troubles?" she asks while also looking over sites on the map near the sea where Makaril's resistance has retreated under.
"Nothing beyond the usual at the moment after some pressure," Adrian says. "I'd suggest meeting with him directly and getting it from him."
"Let me try a sending spell then," she says, mentally composing a message within her word budget before using a limited wish to send it to Makaril.
"Afina here, interested in coordinating raids on Lifasa with you. Available to meet at your convenience. Limited wish used so need hour to stabilise magic."
Little did the innocent DM know that the rainbow pixie's latest eldritch horror is the art of posting when not at the computer. Terrifying.
The reply is right away. "Elysium, the same place as before, in a little over an hour."
The last house nearest the river in Restinghome. She remembers it, though at the time she disliked the river due to her pyrofey status. Shouldn't be so bad now.
"He's agreed to meet me in Elysium in an hour. Do either of you two want to come along?"
phones are pretty great these days.
"I'll come," Adrian says.
Ready to move along?
yep
The walk, the river and even the house are much the same as last time. Not much has changed there.
Makaril is within, he greets you with a simple nod of his head. "How goes the war to liberate Lifasa?"
"We recently took part in the liberation of Benflal, a similarly devil-blighted world. Though a success it highlighted how badly we need to increase our numbers to have a chance of retaking Lifasa. I am hopeful this will soon lead to a larger contribution from our friends in Sylica, though," Afina explains.
"We also recently captured Willah as well, so the devil armies won't benefit from her 'encouragement'. How how things on your end?"
"Yes," Makaril says, "They have been difficult. Our secrecy holds and we gather what we can, but the devils are increasing pressure. Intelligence intercepts suggest that with Aurora so strongly established, that the current directive is to eliminate us so they can fully focus on Aurora. Nonetheless, we're preparing a strike."
"We'd like to help," Afina says. "We can arrange for raids on other targets as diversions, or to alleviate the pressure on your redoubt. Potentially even a full assault on one of the other traitors depending on the timing."
"There may be a traitor who is vulnerable, but..." Makaril pauses.
"But?" Adrian crosses his arms, "If you're not taking this shot, it's a hell of a complication."
"There's rumors that Duke Malphas is coming to inspect Lifasa and the Hellfire Engines for unknown reasons." Makaril says, "We cannot confirm it any further and it may well be a trap, and beyond our strength to strike at, regardless. If he does, it would doubtless involve Harkin and his Hellfire Engines."
"If he's hosting a Duke wouldn't that make Harkin a harder target?" Afina asks. "We'd have not just his own forces to contend with, but whatever retinue Malphas brings along."
"Harkin would not be the only target," Makaril says. "If we can defeat Malphas and eliminate him, then Bel's position is greatly weakened."
"We'll interrogate Yian and Willah for more specifics on Harkin's defences and forces, though their information won't be as current," Afina says, considering it. "What do you know of Malphas's visit in specific? Do you have a firm time or location?"
"Two days from now at Bleakcrest Fortress," Makaril replies.
"We'll interrogate our prisoners and do some bindings to gather more information, then," Afina says, reaching up to brush a glittering strand of hair behind her ear. "If we're able to commit to an assault I'll let you know by Sending within twenty four hours."
Makaril nods to that, "Is there anything else to discuss?"
"No," she gets up. "Thank you for seeing us, Makaril. Good fortune in the battles ahead," she says before heading outside and opening a Gate back to Aurora. "Since we're still in the process of integrating this demiplane, I don't think we can use Aurora directly in an assault," she says to Adrian, "But I'll speak to our prisoners and then we can determine how feasible a smaller scale raid might be."
"That assumes it's not a trap," Adrian says, "Even odds it's bait."
"Bait for Makaril perhaps, but not for us," Afina points out. "Still dangerous of course, but you don't use a rabbit snare to catch a wolf."
"Unless it's destined for us to be there," Adrian scowls, "The worst part of this war is that."
"I'll ask Jaela for the final go-ahead on whether we commit or not," Afina says. "So long as she's holding that spear she can't be predicted by destiny. Actually it might be a good idea for us to start running a lot of our high level decisions through her that way."
Elena pops in, "Speaking of, she's out in Sylica right now, personal business. So it'll have to wait."
"I can sending her if needed," Afina says. "Anyway, I'll go to the dungeons and speak to our captives," she flies off to start with Willah, since she hasn't been out of contact for nearly as long as Yian.
Okay, summarize what you're info-digging for.
Harkin's forces and defences, who's most likely to come to his aid, specifics about Bleakcrest Fotress
Did it come up before in any interrogation with her?
Here's what she divulged so far:
Quote
"Harkin is a paladin of tyranny and serves Bel. He is a leader of troops and a warrior dedicated to the destruction of everything that opposes Hell. He has overseen hellfire engines being created and other such things. He sees to much of the military action the traitors do. True devils respect him the most of any of the traitors, he is a born leader. His weaknesses are a disinterest in his foes, because he sincerely believes Hell will triumph."
You find Willah sitting on her cell, unresponsive. Her gaze is far away as Vul'lath follows you, not responding in the least to your presence.
"Signs of depression and withdrawal," Sage Vul'lath notes coolly "Good. She will be less resistant to the magic."
Was Willah one of those nymphs that only flourished in a crowd, that forever defined herself by the enchanted reflection in the eyes of her of paramours rather than creating an identity for herself? Or is she just sad that she doesn't have a horde of pretty fallen angels to boss around anymore? Afina's curiosity on the matter is purely academic, regardless. "Probe her thoughts, then," she asks, fluttering alongside the wizened githyanki. "Find out what she knows of Bleakcrest Fortress and Harkin's defensive arrangements."
Vul'lath makes a strange symbol with his hand and utters twisting words of draconic. "It's done. She's not even resisting the spell," Vul'lath says, "Excellent."
"She knows that she hates it being such a stereotypical evil name," Vul'lath chuckles dryly, "The work of a boring mind. He has considerable defenses but she's not intimately aware of them. Hellfire Engines, though they're often away or held back of fear of you," His lips curl up into what could be a smile.
Fear of her? Harkin rather overestimates her then, since her anti-golem capabilities are fairly limited. Though since those aren't immune to magic she can do more with them than she can with a lot of other golem types. She does roll her eyes at Willah's commentary on the Bleakcrest name, though.
"This from the woman that renamed the Gloaming Wood as Nymphburn? What about his defensive pacts, what aid will he call on if pressed?"
"He will call on devils and aides," Vul'lath says. "They have been ordered not to summon one another in such a situation."
"Who are Harkin's most powerful aides and devil supporters, then? What are their capabilities?"
"Several," Vul'lath says, "Several cornugon who are also unholy paladins," Vul'lath says, "Erinyes sorcerers of natural talent and power. A diabolical speaker dedicated to Hell's agenda and priesthood. All are ordered to be on standby for his summons, in case of Aurora attack. Not to mention whatever other soldiers are nearby."
Honestly nothing that sounds terribly threatening, though Gathgorian showing up would of course be the real danger. The other thing to get would be geographical information, though just as Afina's local knowledge was vital during the attack on Soulsworn Gorge or whatever overly edgy name Willah had given the place, perhaps they have someone here familiar with the place. "Ask her what Bleakcrest Fortress was before Lifasa fell?"
"Oh, now this is interesting," Vul'lath says, ":It's in the middle of an artificial lake on an artificial island," he says, "Though it's not terribly far from the ocean."
Afina's own geographical knowledge of Lifasa outside of her home isn't the best. "Is this an artificial lake that was made after the invasion or before?" she asks.
"After," Vul'laths ays, "I should be able to pin it down with a map and a few spells, I'll handle it."
"Thank you, I think we have enough from her," Afina nods. "We'll find out where it is, get some information from people who lived there before, then see about making a decision."
Okay, next move?
While Vul'lath does his side of things I'll check through all out other prisoners to see if any of them have ever visited Bleakcrest Fortress in person, see if we can get some specifics about its layout that way.
> roll 1d100 luck check
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 luck check --> [ 1d100=5 ]{5}
Luck is with you. A prisoner from has, Vul'lath scanning them, "This one's promising, he served there," Vul'lath says, as the barbazu glares ahead hatefully, but does not move or otherwise react.
"That simplifies matters," Afina says. She could use planar binding to abduct someone that's there now, but that could tip Harkin off. "Have him draw a map - or pull the layout from his mind to draw yourself if that's simpler. Dignitaries quarters, guard posts, escape tunnels, spellwork. Don't worry about specific guards, I don't expect that to be current but the structure shouldn't have changed much."
"It will take time," Vul'lath warns. "Elena, I need two of my acolytes," he commands, "Whichever do are being the last productive right now. Use your judgment."
"Sure!" Elena pops in, wearing a copy of Vul'lath's robes, then vanishes with a wave.
"We still have the better part of a day before we commit," Afina says, not too bothered by time pressure since any attack will be of small scale by necessity and thus easier to organise than mustering all of Aurora into battle. "But if we do the more knowledge we have the better."
Anything else while you wait on Jaela?
More waiting on Vul'lath than Jaela since I can just sending her for the go/no go, but yeah I'm just gonna hang around Aurora for the rest of the day.
We'll clear out a few misc things real quick while I do prep.
You have a little bit of time and drop by your room to unwind a bit. You find 27 sitting on your bed, waiting. "Afina," He greets you when you come in. "I have a request."
"You're not usually so direct, 27," Afina says, going to hover over him. "What do you want?"
"Take Hanna and I with you," 27 says.
"We might not actually be going, I'm going to use Jaela to blank destiny and divinations around it," Afina says. "But the last time you wanted me to stick close to Hanna I ended up letting her out of my sight right when she would've been helpful, so I'll accept your recommendation."
"Thank you," 27 says, getting up and heading out of the room. "....be careful, Afina."
"I will," she promises, watching him go before she goes to sit on the windowsill and watch over the courtyard for a while.
Like this you watch and let your mind wander. A brief reverie, disturbed by a knock on your door.
"Come in," she calls, turning towards the door without getting up.
Crystal stumbles in, hair a mess and armor disarrayed. She half flies and half falls to your bed, plopping face down on it.
"Busy day?" Afina asks dryly, swivelling off the windowsill to dangle her legs on the inside of her quarters. "I'm actually impressed you managed to knock."
"Yes....yes, you could say that," Crystal sits up, eyes completely dilated. "Training all day and then Gren...what is his name, Gren of a name I can't remember had an accident with a new variety of the thrice damned fey nip or dream or whatever concoction he has bandied together, and I was the accursed soul that was right there, so everything's been just fine and busy and I can taste the plants in the air, Afina, all of them at once, they taste like purple and sugary sunshine."
She's still pretty coherent all things considered! "Here," she flutters over to the bed and starts unlatching Crystal's armour off of her, "Let me help you out of that, I think you just need to sleep for a while."
"Yes, yes, that would be for the best, but why do you smell and taste like 27, since you don't normally I don't believe, no matter how valorous or not you are, which bothers me quite a lot and I think it should bother you as well, shouldn't it?"
It's easy enough to take off Crystal's armor, at least.
"27 was in here earlier, though I don't see why it should bother me. He's got a pleasantly earthy smell for a slaad," Afina says, trying not to get too wrapped up in deciphering Crystal's insensate ramblings as she carefully puts the armour on the floor beside her bed.
"Oh, that's good, he's good for you, you should steal him from Hanna and have a nice little lair together and he'd do the farming while you keep the house and the forge, you'd be so cute together," Crystal rambles, flopping back onto the bed. "Meow."
"That sounds awfully domestic. Should we have a spare Crystal-room for when you come to visit?" she asks amusedly, sitting on her nightstand while Crystal embarrasses herself.
"Oh yes, I wouldn't mind being 27's mistress, or even yours, since I'm so lonely," Crystal sniffles a bit, mood dropping like a rock. "Duty this, duty that, no time for romance, even the Queen's finding time and I'm still alone, I'm going to be eternally unloved and green."
"Oh Crystal, all that time trying to push me towards romance and you never offered yourself? If I wasn't such a good friend I'm sure I'd take advantage of you right now," Afina commiserates, reaching across to pat her fellow pixie's hand. "I did see you looking very cosy with a coure in the baths a little while ago, though..."
"Bah," Crystal says, before flopping back. She begins to loudly snore, out like a light.
That's for the best. Afina folds the blanket over Crystal before she gets up and flutters out of her now occupied room. She'll go check on orders at the forges or something.
This goes well enough - and then Elena pops in by you, dressed up like Crystal. "Hi," she says, "Sage Vul'lath wants you in the library."
"Excellent, thank you Elena," Afina says, putting down the belt she'd been enchanting. "How is Crystal by the way?"
"She's fine, sleeping it off," Elena says.
"For the best," Afina agrees. "You wear it well, though," she compliments Elena as she flies off to the library.
"Thanks!" Elena beams as you go off. Sage Vul'lath and Elder Magi Tepen are there, having a quiet conversation as you enter.
"It's foolish," Vul'lath says, "The risks are unacceptable."
"Vul'lath, you called for me?" Afina asks as she flutters up between the wizards.
"I did," Sage Vul'lath says, "For something far better than this foolishness. Afina, here," Sage Vul'lath passes you a scroll, "Here is the information we have, as well as a rough map of the outer ring of defenses."
"Thanks," Afina takes the scroll but doesn't unfurl it yet as she looks to Tepen and then back at Vul'lath. "So what risks were you talking about?"
"Tepen's talking about a way to channel positive energy directly, but with a cutoff that prevents it going over the limit for anyone. Stupidity, as the slightest mistake can be fatal." Sage Vul'lath grunts.
"The benefits cannot be denied," Elder Magi Tepen counters. "If it can be tamed."
"Excuse my ignorance, but how is that any different than conjuring positive energy as with any healing spell?" Afina asks.
"Well, " Elder Magi Tepen clears his throat, "It's actually quite complicated. Are you aware of the Third Law of Positive Energy Transference? Succinctly, this states that while positive energy is infinite, the ability of magic and the body to hold it or transfer it is invariably limited. When faced with that, we must either conclude that the several theories regarding the nature of the Weave may be essentially impossible to prove beyond a theoretical level, or that we must instead affirm that creatures adapted to positive energy have instead reached a zenith where they have overcome this and managed infinite transference and storage."
A pause to clear his throat. "Ahem. Now my theories lean towards the latter, insofar that if we can both produce a font of positive energy with sufficient throughput as well as solving and mimicking the properties of natives of the Positive Energy Plane, we can overcome the inherent limits of spell workings and manage a much more direct and potent form of healing. Of course, both practicality and various realities with fine spellwork and the difficulties of every creature having differing resistances and capacity for positive energy immensely complicates this, as it may be that the solution has to be individualized rather than generalized."
At this point Tepen pauses and takes a sip from a nearby glass of water. "Now to obtain such a precise and yet adaptive spell work on an individual level calls into question various theories of the soul and how that interacts with the body, for the soul is the seat of individuality, even if we are dealing with the body for our aim. Indeed, the soul's very immunity to positive energy is both a boon and a bane, because while it cannot be harmed but it, it cannot help or be helped by it. So the utility of the soul in this matter is limited-"
"Ahem," Sage Vul'lath cuts in. "Suffice to say that it is complicated. There is a reason that temporary and false life, such as from a false life spell, is a rare branch of magic."
"The devils are quite creative when it comes to finding ways of inflicting hurt that normal spells can't mend," Afina comments. "Risky or not, finding a panacea to their worst efforts does sound a valuable effort, if it could be generalised. If you have to spend a lot of effort customising it for every individual casting then it's not much better than having to get all the other specific remedies we usually have to rely on. The soul contamination inflicted by the likes of Auril and Lixer is the real sticking point, but like you said the soul is immune to positive energy, so we can't find a solution there, can we?"
"If," Elder Magi Tepen agrees. "Are you familiar with Arcanist's Grimoire, edition Firanza or the works of Legan the Mad?"
Rolling arcana?
[17:55] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+39 Afina's pretty well read
[17:55] <Serith> Ebiris roll for Serith < 46 > [d20=7]
Afina recalls the Arcanist's Grimoire is a fairly well known and foundational guide to magical theory. It's popular on the planes and less known on the primes. Various editions have editing and changes by the author in question. You haven't read edition Firanza, but you recall it's authored by an eladrin.
The works of Legan the Mad are in the library. You tried them once in passing, but it's a madman's screed. There's certainly knowledge of many things in there, but you found it not worth the effort to read.
"I tried reading Legan's work, but it was worse than conversing with 27 when he first joined us," Afina shakes her head. "If you found any wisdom in them you've greater insight than I."
Sage Vul'lath laughs sourly. "The three of us - Myself, Tepen and Sylvie - spend a quiet week detangling it with solid effort and magic. If that damned fool hadn't lost his mind probing into the nature of life and death, he'd have been one of its greatest scholars. His insights, at least when they don't veer into madness, are remarkable."
"It does seem to be an unfortunate trend that so much great wisdom is locked behind the incomprehensible, whether the ravings of madmen or the obtuse puzzles of prophets," Afina agrees. "The Arcanist's Grimoire is a straightforward enough read, but it's also basic, no great mysteries revealed beyond fundamentals obvious to any mage with a bit of experience."
"There's a reason I've studied codebreaking," Elder Magi Tepen says with a smile. "Often, wisdom must be clutched from the jaws of a great mystery, only yielding to those that can fight. Many minds are not strong enough to withstand the mysteries of Creation, even if they are smart enough to unravel some of them.""
"Well keep your own mind strong," Afina bids. "No great secret is worth losing you over, Tepen."
"My sanity is intact," Tepen matches that with a smile, "None of us have gone mad from secrets yet, though perhaps Aurora has been fortunate. Then again, the immortal mind seems far better equipped for this."
"Maybe 27 catches it all for us?" she wonders, a momentary whimsy. "Anyway, I better have a look at this material," she holds up the scroll. "Thanks again for gathering it for me, Vul'lath," she says, flying off to her room so she can go over the layout of Bleakcrest and plan how it might be infiltrated.
The outer setup is a patron perimeter around the fortress, out to a range of 5 miles. Barbazu and hamatula scouts patrol, while the skies are patrolled by a detachment of nightmare riding narzugons. They stay in contact through telepathic relays, while commanders (as well as a few selected random common soldiers chosen and unknown to anyone but watch commander, in case of subversion or attack) are connected through a telepathic bond spell.
The ground around Bleakcrest is rocky, cliffy and difficulty. Falls are common and likely points for climbers to ascend are watched by erinyes archers. There's a few stagnant, salt water lakes around too, fed by geographically anomalous connections to the ocean.
Those lakes look like good ingress points, with plenty of cover available via rocks after that. What sort of aquatic defences are in place?
The active defenses are minimal. The lakes are all poisoned so that a creature who tries to swim in will not live long once out. It's particularly foul, as they use rancid devil waste as the contaminant.
Afina knows well that outsiders don't need to eat, and thus waste is optional. This sinks her opinion of devilkind a bit lower.
What about the keep itself, how's it laid out in regards to things like golem manufactories or vip quarters and things of import to an assassin or saboteur?
Your information is unfortunately much patchier there. It's laid out fairly linearly, with the golem bays and manufacture centers in the west wing somewhere.
Well, devil psychology helped her find Willah at her fortress without even knowing the layout, so there's ways. What about spellwork? Is there dimensional interdiction over the fortress? Its surroundings?
Yes, with two exceptions: Right at the front door and in an inner sanctum. Both are known traps that will overwhelm any foolish enough to use them in an instant.
Afina hums as she considers this all, sparing a glance at Crystal's slumbering form. Sneaking in and wreaking havoc from the inside seems the best route to her, but neither 27 nor Hanna are particularly stealthy individuals. But for a frontal assault she'd probably want a bit more than just those two backing her up.
What she'll do is wait and see if Jaela comes back. If she hasn't by the time they get close to the twenty four hour mark she'll use a sending to ask her if the mission should proceed or not (to take advantage of her destiny defeating spear), but ideally she'd like to have Jaela present on the mission so if she shows up and can be asked in person it smoothes things out a lot more.
"Yes," 27 agrees from right behind you.
"Don't do that!" Afina hisses from the corner of the room against the ceiling where she'd flattened herself after briefly stopping time by sheer reflex.
"... How did you do that?"
Maybe 27 is suited for stealth missions after all.
27 smiles and hops up onto the dresser you were sleeping on, curling up as if to sleep.
"Learned from anarch," he finally says, then sighs. "I miss Ithea."
"I do as well," Afina agrees, flying down to perch on the post of her headstand. "I hope she comes back soon."
"I'm worried about Jaela," 27 goes on.
"Immediate or long term worry? Do you want to go look for her now?" Afina asks, perking up.
"Long term," 27 says. "I'm getting bad omens about her, but she'll misunderstand like last time."
"Doesn't that goldenfire spear make any omens about her naturally suspect anyway, though?" Afina asks.
"It's different," 27 says quietly.
"Hmm," Afina hums as she considers that, idly bouncing her heel against the bedpost beneath her. "Divination isn't my expertise, so I don't have any useful advice. We'll just have to keep our eyes on her."
27 closes his eyes, but adds, "Will you like me when I change again?"
"Depends what you change into. But you've been nice about all my changes, so I'll try and be considerate," Afina offers with a slight smile.
Like this 27 falls asleep, leaving you be once more.
Anything else to do?
Just killing time until Jaela gets back. Or doesn't.
Can go chat up Hanna about assaulting castles, get her perspective while we wait.
Hanna's in the baths, soaking and with eyes closed. Nonetheless as you flutter in, "Afina," she greets you. No one else is in here right now.
"Good hearing," Afina compliments for being identified unseen like that, having gotten undressed in the changing room outside so she can slip into the water, not even causing a ripple as she submerges herself up to the neck a few feet from the much larger planetar. "I'm thinking of launching a raid on Lifasa the day after tomorrow. 27 suggested you and he would have to be present, and I want to add Jaela when she gets back from her current trip. Wanted to go over plans with you now, though."
"Go on," Hanna says, "The four of us...mmm, we should be able to handle most problems."
"It's one of the traitor Harkin's redoubts, Castle Bleakcrest," Afina begins. "We have intelligence from Makaril that he's going to be hosting Duke Malphas in two day's time. They're both golem specialists so it fits, though we don't know exactly what's being discussed or collaborated on. If it were just me I'd infiltrate the place, but as a group we'd be more suited to a frontal assault. From interrogations we've learned..." she goes on to detail what they got from Willah and that devil who used to be stationed at the castle.
'It feels like a trap,' Hanna finally says, "I don't like it. It's too pat, too tempting."
"Makaril had that impression as well," Afina agrees. "Although a trap for his forces wouldn't necessarily be the best fit for us, it is a concern. I was planning on getting Jaela to give the final decision on whether to commit or not while holding her goldenfire spear, since that'd thwart divinations or destiny's machinations on the subject. But even without that just normal planning would be enough for them to prepare a trap. Hmm. We could turn it around on them, strike elsewhere?" she wonders. "I want to attack somewhere on Lifasa, this was only chosen at Makaril's suggestion. There are plenty of other targets, though."
"We could, but this is also only one trap," Hanna says, "Hell has more than enough forces to not be wholly invested in one scheme. Did 27 say if it was a trap or not?"
"He only said that I should bring you and him. I didn't even ask, to be honest. 27 tells what 27 wants, pushing doesn't seem to get anywhere usually," Afina says with a little shrug. "We can't assume everything's going to be an impossible trap, but when one's dangled so obviously before us it might be wiser to turn our noses up. What I'll do is decline this one, then when Jaela comes back we can properly choose from the traitors and their various strongholds while she's invisible to destiny, launch an attack on our own terms that way."
"I'm in for whatever you need,' Hanna says, "I'm sure Jaela's up to smashing more devils, too."
"I'll go let Makaril know our decision on this one. Thanks for giving me your thoughts, Hanna," Afina lifts out of the water and flutters off to dry herself, getting dressed and then using a limited wish to contact Makaril via an emulated Sending.
'Afina here. Bleakcrest too likely a trap for us to commit. Will select from other targets and provide further details closer to attack for coordination.'
'Understood. Good hunting,' Makaril sends.
Okay, that done I really am just waiting for Jaela.
Okay, odds are she won't be done for the next few days, so do you wanna Sending this?
Nah, since I want her involved in the planning/choosing targets and you can't really do that over sending. I'll just bum around Aurora as the resident general in the meantime.
Thus Afina settles in to be the general on duty. It's not long at all, you're barely out of the bath for 10 minutes when Elena blinks in. "Afina, could you return to the bath? Canderella chanced on Hanna there and it's getting tense and possibly violent."
"I thought those two were getting along better lately?" Afina says with a piqued expression as she halts her flight around the courtyard, pulling a one eighty as she heads back to the baths at a rapid clip.
> roll 1d100
<Rei-chan> Koaway rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=18 ]{18}
You find them in the baths, both standing up. They're close and giving each other long looks.
This time Afina is fully dressed when she flutters into the baths, it's not as if she intends to get wet. "Ladies. Is there a problem?" she asks crisply.
Both turn to you right away.
"No, no problem," Canderella say slightly, "Hanna and I were merely having a discussion."
"Yes, a discussion," Hanna agrees, arms crossed.
Afina looks between both of them for a tense moment before nodding. "I'm glad to hear it. Enjoy your bath." And then she flies away again!
"Yes," Hanna says as you fly off, distantly heard. "Now let me axe you a question, Canderella..."
"No axes! Don't make me come back in there!" Afina shouts back towards the bath.
"My my," Canderella laughs, calling back to you, "We can make this a three way thing if you like, Afina."
Fine, she's got to back in there after all. "Is that the only way to keep the peace around here?" she asks, fluttering back in to float over the bath with a pouty look.
"This isn't worth it," Hanna says, "I'm done." She goes off out of the bath, shaking her head.
Canderella smiles serenely, "I'd say that worked rather well."
As Hanna goes out, Sylvie ducks out past her, coming in and going into the water - on the far side away from all of this, slipping in without a comment to the current going-ons.
"What were you two even fighting about this time?" Afina asks as Hanna departs, giving Sylvie a nod in greeting.
Sylvie returns it as she slips into the warm waters for a soak.
"We weren't even arguing. More like verbal sparring," Canderella says, "Oh, just the usual anyway. That and I made a pass at her." Canderella smiles and taps a finger to her lips, "That might have contributed to it."
"Elena was sure it was going to get violent. You need to brush up on your seduction if that's the reaction your passes get," she remarks with a roll of her eyes.
"Hanna's just a violent maniac," Canderella banters right back.
"Just try to go the rest of the day without being axed," Afina asks, banking off to fly away out of the tumultuous baths.
"Sorry," Elena appears once you're out of the baths, "At least it's defused now?"
"Better safe than sorry, can never really tell with Hanna," Afina says, not holding it against Elena. This better not turn out like it did with Annalise, though!
"In related news, Baleruk wants to see you," Elena says, "He hasn't asked for you, but I know him well enough to tell when he's going in that direction."
"I'll go visit, then," she nods. "Thanks for letting me know, Elena." With that she reorients her flight path upwards towards the dragon's lair.
Baleruk is in his lair, pacing frantically. "Afina!" he roars when you enter, "Your timing is worthy of your rainbow hues!"
"A pixie knows when she is needed," she says with a small smile, fluttering up. "Is there something you need my help with, Baleruk?"
"Yes," Baleruk says, "I desire ART! BEAUTY! LET THERE BE ART MADE HERE NOW! THE ART OF THE HEART, BRING FORTH BUBBLES AND MAKE A SCULPTURE OF HER!"
"I... can do that. I'll go fetch her and some tools and you can provide the materials?" she asks. She can't go fabricating anything since she recently cast limited wish, and really that would be too quick for the sort of diversion Baleruk clearly craves anyway.
"DO SO!" Baleruk commands, sweeping a wing out, "YES, BRING HER AND CREATE..." He leans into you, snout nearly smashing into you, "Art. Create art, disciple."
"It will be wonderful art, yes," Afina promises, eyes widening a little at the close snout proximity but she manages a nod before flying off, first grabbing some sculpting tools from the lab (not something she uses much because fabricate spells are so much better) before going to find Bubbles with help from Elena.
Bubbles is in her room, humming away as she sews a shirt. "Hello, sweety," she says as you enter, focus on the shirt. "Elena said you had a dragon problem?"
"Hello," Afina flies in and hovers over the back of Bubbles' shoulder to look at the shirt. "He's in an inspirational mood, wants to see me sculpt something beautiful. Think you'd make a suitable model, wouldn't you?"
It's an aqua blue tunic, cut rather alluringly and for a man's body. It's meant to show off as much as anything.
"Sculpting? Dearie, that sounds like a riveting pasttime," she smiles, putting the shirt down. "Let's."
"Good," Afina flutters back so Bubbles can get up. "Lets go. I'm not just going to fabricate it with magic so we can make an afternoon of this."
You return to Baleruk easily enough. Baleruk merely looks at Bubbles and says, "Make it so!"
Craft: Sculpting check.
Afina spends a moment posing Bubbles appropriately before getting to it. "Face off towards that slaad statue. Good, point your left foot towards Baleruk and hold your arm out like you're beckoning someone over. Head back a little? And smile!" she flutters around, capturing the nymph from all angles in her chosen pose. "Alright, you can relax a little. I'll give you more directions so I can focus on each part individually, no need to hold that pose for hours," she nods as she goes towards the big marble boulder and sets to work with hammer and chisel.
[18:16] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+39 sculpting
[18:16] <Serith> Ebiris roll for Serith < 46 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+10 Baleruk
<Serith> Koaway roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=15]
Baleruk watches, but every so often makes an observation. A suggestion, as well as once pointing out a small, unintended flaw.
Baleruk aids for a total of 48.
The sculpture comes out rather well all in all, you think. It's lifelike and exceptionally well done - excellent work. Yet still a far cry from your best, little mistakes and poor choices subtly marring it, at least to your practiced eye.
Baleruk meanwhile leans in and examines it closely, eye mere inches from the statue.
"Not quite happy with the dimples," Afina says, waving Bubbles over so she can have a close look at her recreation. "Went in a bit too deep with them." She wouldn't want to show this one off, but it's nice to work on the fundamentals now and then rather than doing everything with the aid of magical reinforcement. Helps a pixie see where she needs to improve more.
"I agree," Baleruk rumbles, "Thus I will take THIS ART INTO MY BODY!"
"...eh?" Bubbles murmurs, "Darling, it looks great, but what is Baleruk going on about?"
"I think he's going to eat it," Afina says, drifting back to hover beside Bubbles.
Afina proves right, for Baleruk consumes the statue in one bite. He crunches it and swallows, "To improve you need more color," Baleruk opines.
"Do you have any recommendations on where to find more colour?" Afina asks, unruffled in the wake of this unsurprising development. Anyway, she's always keen to expand her prismatic horizons!
"YES!" Baleruk roars, rearing back, "Seek RENBUU! He will paint you and grant you more colors!"
"You think he would?" Afina asks, the tails of her hat whipping behind her from the force of that roar even as she remains stationary and unphased. "He did show his approval after we helped you become prismatic, but I thought that was a one time thing."
"He is...difficult to predict, but one must try until approves," Baleruk says, rather solemnly. "Art is never a smooth road."
"True, true," Afina agrees, rubbing her chin. "When I have some free time next a trip to Limbo might be in order."
"Hi, sorry to interrupt," Elena appears, "Queen Ilsenine would like to see you at court, Afina. Informally, court's not in session right this moment."
"There's always something. Thanks for being a good model, even if the work didn't end up the way you imagined," she says to Bubbles, leaning in to give her a quick but appreciative kiss. "I'll see you both later," she bids farewell to nymph and dragon before flying off to attend her sovereign.
Easy enough. Ilsenine is sitting on her throne, Moore nearby. Before her are several chests filled with coins. "Afina," Queen Ilsenine greets, a bit disheveled but otherwise intact. "Moore and I found ourselves pressed into a particular slaad's dungeon entertainment. I have come from this considerably richer."
"Congratulations, your Majesty," Afina says, bowing before the throne. A Queen shouldn't be poor, after all.
For his part, Moore stays quiet. No need to add extra unsavory details!
"Take it," Queen Ilsenine commands, "Aurora needs more golems, does it not? It's a little over 80,000 gold coins."
That's a nice unexpected windfall! "I could make one or perhaps two powerful constructs with that amount, or a larger amount of weaker ones to bulk out our forces. Have you any preference on how I use this, your Majesty?" she asks for Ilsenine's input since she's the one bankrolling it.
Oh!
Moore reaches into his bags at that. "I completely forgot about it, but on one of my trips to Celestia I came back with some bars of metals. I have 15 bars each of iron, gold, silver, platinum and aurorum. I'm not really sure how useful the gold and silver would be in your creations, but if you'd like to use any of them you're welcome to do so. Or we could just sell them and use the money to fund something."
"I've heard aurorum's useful for making weapons that rebuild themselves after damage, though I've never actually worked with it or had anyone request anything made of it," Afina admits. "Liquidating it for funds might be for the best."
Moore nods. "Easily enough done. You'd probably need a lot more aurorum to make a construct out of it anyway."
"Use them wisely," Ilsenine agrees, "How much are the bars worth, should it come to that?"
Take 10 for 34 on appraise for a quick and dirty approximation!
Paste what you have on them from loot?
15 bars of iron
15 bars of gold
15 bars of silver
15 bars of platinum
15 bars of aurorum
That's all I have.
Iron: 25 gold each.
Silver: 125 gold each.
Gold: 500 gold each.
Platinum: 1,000 gold each.
Aurorum: 1,200 gold each.
"If we sold all 15 of each, it'd come to about 43,000 gold, give or take." Moore says after some mental calculation.
"It is Afina's choice," Ilsenine says, "Use them for whichever you feel will do better for Aurora."
"Are you donating all of that sum for me to make things with, Moore?" Afina asks, since that's a lot of money.
"Oh, yeah." He nods and waves a hand like it isn't a big deal. "Considering everything going on, we should keep investing into Aurora's future."
"Then I happen to have an excellent idea for what to make," she casts a few floating disc spells to transfer the valuables onto a more portable format for her. "You will see the fruits of my endeavours soon, your Majesty, Moore," she bows to them both before vacating to the workshop.
And now I'm going off to do golem chargen for a bit!
Do the houseruled mithral golems (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103072.msg1057977.html#msg1057977) still cost 250,000gp as per the SRD versions?
Do me some homework: What are the prices of other golems you've made and how do they stack up to mithral golems?
Ironwyrm golem is 225,000gp.
Slightly stronger, slightly lower AC, more attacks but they're individually less good and don't come with stun effects. More hd, lower damage reduction. Doesn't have all the cool freedom of movement/alacrity stuff but has a breath weapon. Much slower and can't fly. Does have old school complete magic immunity rather than just functionally infinite SR.
It's definitely competitive with the mithral golem, though I'd say the mithral golem edges it out a tad so the prices seem appropriate to my eye if we start from the assumption that the ironwyrm is fairly priced.
Slaughterstone behemoth is 170,000gp.
Slightly weaker, slightly lower AC, more attacks which are fairly competitive with the mithral golem's routine. Daze on hit rather than stun, 4 slams vs 3 for slightly less damage on each. Less hd and less damage reduction. Good trample routine and battlefield control via knocking people around it prone when it moves, compared to the barrier negating and haste stuff of the mithral golem. Extremely slow and lacking mobility, though it does have that fun tunnel fighting ability. Only has fairly low spell resistance rather than magic immunity, and a few low energy resistances to make up for it.
It's really good, but clearly a tier below the mithral golem, and again I think the pricing reflects that.
We'll go with 250,000 for now, see how that balances. Paste all this into loot.
Likewise, paste the info about the ingots into loot, Moore. Post when your end of it is done.
done
Okay, you're moving to a new topic since this is Afina's. That's coming momentarily.