"Oghma's realm?"
You catch Kascha in the library, just settling in with a book and some parchment. She looks up as you explain the situation to her.
"I could go, certainly. I'm working on a spell but I'm not that time-pressed yet. Will it be an overlong trip?"
"Hopefully not. I'm going for the bigger crystal, so it'll mainly be a sight-seeing trip if you go. Unless something happens for you."
"I'll be ready," Kascha says, getting up quickly, hopping right up.
> roll 1d20+8
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=13]
"We can find all sorts of useful information there, though we are on a time limit."
Surraruthru nods and waits.
Okay, cool. Should get you going tomorrow once Cor posts a bit.
Soon enough Sylvie joins the two of you, "I'm ready. You have the crystals?"
Surraruthru shades his haversack a bit.
"And the gold for the new one. Anything else I should prepare before we leave?"
Two headshakes follow.
Ready on your end?
Yep. I'll post my buffs block when I get home.
Tapestry:
Elemental Body (fire) CL 28, 28 hour duration
You have the benefits of the attune form spell (page 17) with respect to the appropriate element. If you choose a water body, for example, you can breathe normally on waterdominant planes.
You are immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet.
Your creature type remains unchanged, so you are unaffected by spells that target elementals, but you gain the air, earth, fire, or water subtype depending on the elemental substance you chose.
Fire: Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
Grants you a +10 armor bonus to armor class and damage reduction 10/magic.
The target of this spell gains a +4 insight bonus to Strength.
The target of this spell gains a +4 insight bonus to Intelligence.
The target of this spell gains a +4 insight bonus to Dexterity.
The subject is protected from all devices and spells that detect, influence, or read emotions or thoughts. This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls.
+2 competence bonus on attack rolls.
Grants complete protection agianst: acid, cold, electricity, sonic
Epic Mage Armor CL 28, 24 hour duration
An invisible but tangible field of force surrounds the subject of epic mage armor, providing a +20 armor bonus to Armor Class. Unlike mundane armor, epic mage armor entails no armor check penalty, arcane spell failure chance, or speed reduction. Because epic mage armor is made of force, incorporeal creatures can't bypass it the way they do normal armor.
This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself. Once during the spell's duration, you may choose to use its effect. This spell grants you an insight bonus equal to your caster level (maximum +25) on any single attack roll, opposed ability or skill check, or saving throw. Alternatively, you can apply the insight bonus to your AC against a single attack (even if flat-footed). Activating the effect doesn't take an action; you can even activate it on another character's turn if needed. You must choose to use the moment of prescience before you make the roll it is to modify. Once used, the spell ends.[/i]
Quick check, what level of spell can you add to your tapestry now?
Um, 5 from base, +2 Imp. Tapestry feats (21&24), +3 Advanced Tapestry= 10, which is higher than I thought. I thought I could only go up to 9. If only I had one more bonus feat ;_;
Impressive. Alrighty then.
You appear in a gentle, wind-teased grove. Trees are around you, well tended and with fruits hanging. No - not a grove, an orchard. Trees bearing apples are all about you, dozens lying on the ground. A few errant elves with baskets slowly gather them, talking in Elven more than gathering.
Surraruthru eyes a few of the apples and then slowly turns to stare at Sylvie.
"Sylvie. I want some apples. Are there rules for them or something?"
"Surraruthru! If you want some, remember your manners and ask," Kascha says, waggling a finger. Then in Elven, "Excuse me, sirs!" Kascha walks over to the elves, "Are the apples free for all, and if not, may we please buy a few?"
Sylvie smirks a bit and adds quietly, "So does she tuck you into bed at night too, because seriously that reminded me of my mother trying to scold me."
"Not in this form, but I believe Elena was hinting that she might be interested in doing so when I take a humanoid form. I've yet to decide on a default one. I once took a male version of Lady Amryl that I believe she reacted favorably to."
"Well," Sylvie drawls, "I've read that all men want is a a woman like their mother who they can also have sex with."
Meanwhile the elves give Kascha a respectful look, "A few's fine," she says, "Just don't overdo it."
"Thank you!" Kascha smiles warmly, then turns and calls, "Go ahead, but keep it reasonable!"
"My mother was a Dragon and mischevious. Kascha is a Phoenix and... Not very mischevious. I fail to see your correlation."
Surraruthru turns back to the apples and takes a few. Storing two in his haversack and beginning to eat a third.
The apple's really good - fresh, juicy and tasty. Sylvie grabs one too and then another, tossing the second to Kascha. "Great," Sylvie says, "Now the good thing is that silver to gold, odds are that this is near a library and it's providing them food. So let's fly up and see if anything's nearby."
Surraruthru follows the advice and launches into the air to take a look at what's around.
It's mostly light forest and plains, but fairly nearby is a multistory building of stone. "There," Sylvie points down at it. "Stay here. Once I get our location, we can teleport on ahead and get this sorted out. I'm mainly making sure we're not in anywhere that's teleport blocked or otherwise warded, since some of the diversions can requires considerable intellectual effort to escape."
Surraruthru nods around the apple he's munching on.
Sylvie flies off, leaving you with Kascha. She turns to you in midair, a pause as you both eat. "Did you really not think of asking?" she says, "Those elves were right there."
"I did, but I also wanted to continue poking fun at Sylvie from before. I mentioned I wanted her help as a guide to prevent misunderstandings, and then offered the possibility of casting Acid Rain here in response to one. Her and the new succubus, Lucy, had amusing reactions."
"Oh, Su-wait, a new succubus?" Kascha turns, a hand to her mouth, "Oh, is it another one of Talos's succubi?"
"I don't know. She was with Sylvie, but I didn't inquire deeply into her circumstances. Her name is Lucy, however."
"Oh, I hope it's nothing more dangerous than that." Kascha says, "Succubi can do so much damage with just words and their beauty, Surru. I've heard of entire kingdoms destroyed all because a succubus was able to whisper into the ears of a few nobles."
Kascha turns and looks out towards where Sylvie went, "Some of the worst enemies are the ones who win on the social battlefield. If this succubus makes trouble, promise me you'll look past her pretty face."
Surraruthru snorts.
"Unless she has some powerful magic helping her, I've no interest. I doubt mixing Succubus blood with my own would strengthen my children much."
"Exactly," Kascha cracks a smile at that, letting the conversation drop at that.
Chance to bring anything up since she's being quiet, or just move along until Sylvie gets back or something happens.
"So, Kascha... I caught Crystal polishing Hope's scales with some sort of cream. Do you know anything about it?"
"Hm? Oh, it was a polishing cream. I don't know what type from that, but they're like oils or creams for a woman's skin, only for dragon scales instead." Kascha smiles at that, "They're not terribly expensive once you find somewhere that makes them. They can make your scales shine and help heal cracks and chips quicker."
"Hmm... I'll have to find some. Maybe the Cauldron? I may need to apply some magic of my own to make it truly over the top..."
"We have it there. It's available in Brightwater, but it's usually marked up," Kascha explains, "I might have a jar of it in my chest, I try and carry useful things and some dragons like it. It can make the difference between one talking or not."
"Or it being considered sufficient tribute and avoiding violence. Now, what kind of magic could I impart to it... Perhaps something to give the scales a wisp of magic? Hmm... Maybe something that resembles a few ropes of spellfire?"
As you ponder that, Sylvie returns, "We're good," she says, "I'll teleport us, take my hands."
Surraruthru does so!
A few words of magic later and you're in front of a familiar library. "Stay here," Sylvie says, "I'll just bring someone out here to deal with this."
Surraruthru chuckles as Sylvie leaves and turns to Kascha.
"See how she's trying to keep me away from the library? Amusing."
Kascha sighs and her shoulders slump. "Well, I suppose she doesn't have the patience to deal with this." She slowly rubs her face with her hand.
Surraruthru rolls his eyes.
"Oh come on. I've done this what, three or four times? Compared to a normal faerie dragon, you've dealt with nothing. I've also not really done anything at all. I've also been far friendlier than a typical dragon. Take Baleruk for example."
Kascha sighs, "Your point is acknowledged and I concede," she says, smiling after that. "Sorry, I think I'm on edge because of everything that's happening. Everyone's so focused now."
"Quite. A little levity and a few jokes wouldn't hurt everyone. I suppose it's just the draconic inclination for combat that makes it hit and miss with most. Perhaps arranging a small festival or outing in the Cauldron or Brightwater for everyone would help. No one benefits from being grim and depressed before battle."
"That's a fine idea," Kascha says, "Do you have any ideas in particular about that? Just a good day outing to relax before the final battles?
"Not sure. Festivals are more of a non-dragon tradition. I can't really say what would be a good idea for it beyond plentiful food and drink. Perhaps save a full festival for after we've won?"
"Hmmm, well how about..."
A little bit of discussion passes. Sylvie soon returns with a short half elf with curly brown hair. He wears brown robes and constantly rubs his hands together. "So you need a larger memory crystal? Excellent, excellent," he says without preamble.
"I do. Why would that be excellent? Desire for profit?"
"Artistry! New creation! New knowledge! Yes yes, you see, creating more leads to learning more, and learning more is the point of everything, since knowledge is power!" The man keeps rubbing his hands together, "Tell me about your crystal."
"I need a bigger crystal so I can graft it into a tree for our people to pour their memories of our homeworld into. Once we gain ground there, we'll transplant it into a ley line nexus and let the planet's energy use the memories as a blueprint to repair itself."
"Wonderful, spectacular, just tell me how big you need it," he says, "Any custom magic or adjustments?"
Uh, we never really went over an actual numeric size for this, so I don't know how to judge it.
"What sort of adjustments or custom magic?"
"Well..."
Just hit me with what you want out of it again, so I have it fresh in my head for this.
Mainly just the memory -> restoration thing. The only other thing I can think of is working in a Circle of Spiritual Protection from the Spell Collection into it so that it continuously expands to eventually protect the whole world.
"Hmm. Yeah, yes, right, uh huh, I see how you could do it," The half elf replies, "Oh, and I'm Raithelos Wisington. I don't think I caught your name in all the excitement."
"Surraruthru, Arcane Dragon. My companion is Kascha, Dragon Wizard and Researcher."
"Wonderful, wonderful," The half elf says, taking Kascha's hand and shaking it vigorously. "Now your budget is how much again, because this is important."
"100,000 gold at the moment."
"That will do," He nods, "Though the more the better, if you have more to spend."
"What would more gold actually provide? Money is a precious thing to a dragon."
"More power, more reliability, more magic," Raithelos rattles off, "Tell me, can you afford to skimp on a world crystal?"
Surraruthru eyes the salesman, suspecting there's a bit more to it than just increasing the power.
"That's an excellent sales tactic. However, I have little time to get this done. Have you heard that Bel himself walks a prime? This is an attempt to counter the damage he's done. Would not the knowledge and research of how to heal a prime of the damage an entity like Bel causes not be worth a vast sum on its own?"
That's worth a Diplo check.
> roll 1d20+39 Diplo
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 49 > [d20=10]
"You'll give me all the research and data you get on it?" The half elf immediately asks.
"With the caveat that you make it available for reference after you've processed it. It'd do no good for you to be the only one who had access while other primes suffer wounds. If it leads you to a way to protect or fix primes from those types of wounds, I expect the method you develop to be open to all."
"That's a hell of a deal, but fine," The half elf says, sticking his hand out.
Surraruthru stares at the curious humanoid gesture but places a claw in the offered hand.
It's an awkward hand-claw shake, but you manage it. He's vigorous, pumping your claw up and down. "Splendid! I can have it ready in...mmm....how fast do you need it?"
"Today, preferably. Realistically as soon as you possibly can. I still need to integrate it into my ritual and then start the memory imprints from as many people as possible. The more time, the more people, the stronger it will be."
"Three days at the fastest, and I'll need another 15,000 to hire helpers on the quick," he says, "Six to eight days otherwise."
Surraruthru looks pained as he pulls out the additional gold.
"Make it fast and do not lose quality."
Sylvie glances at you, "Oh, you do have the money? Good. I didn't want to have to pick that up unless I had to."
The gold is all taken, "Then three days. Come back then, around this time. I'll Sending you if it takes longer or shorter than expected."
Post the expense.
Loot posted.
"Thank you, I'll return then. Kascha? Sylvie? Any knowledge you'd like to look into while we're here?"
"I'd love to, but not now," Sylvie says, "We need to get back to Aurora."
"We don't have time to chase that," Kascha agrees, "Once we've won, you can take me back here, Surraruthru."
Surraruthru nods.
"Kascha, I plan to visit the Cauldron next and contact Lady Amryl and Seira, then the Gates of the Moon if you'd like to come."
"Of course," Kascha smiles.
Next move then?
The Cauldron.
Okay. Plan there in detail?
I can gate there if Sylvie can get back to Aurora on her own. While there I mainly want to check in and see if Seira has anything she wants me to do or things that can help, and about the Golem; originally Yuth and I wanted to ask for help getting the cash for the golem, but since Moore hooked us up with the adamantine, we need less with that except for having another diety helping. I can't imagine she's not interested considering Bel, but she doesn't exactly have a direct representative she can talk through like Selune and the other gods did.
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 68 > [d100=68]
The trip to the Cauldron? Uneventful. Kascha has enough rank to smooth over any problems getting an audience, and soon enough you're meeting with Lady Amaryl. She smiles warmly as you come in, "Surraruthru. Greetings, how is your magic? Your new spells named after Seira meet with approval."
Surraruthru chuckles.
"I thought they might. She has no clergy in Aurora, something you should look into perhaps, so I figured something on the books in her name would be an easy way to please her. My magic is coming into its own more and more. I've developed a new ability. It hasn't fully come into its own yet, but I had a bubble of power that consumed a Spell Turning spell so it's a matter of time."
"Excellent," Lady Amaryl says, "But to cleave to the point as we are aware of your limited time, why have you come visit?"
"A few reasons. The various other gods who are invested in Aurora all had representatives to speak through after Bel walked Lifasa. Seira lacks clergy in Aurora, so I'm here to see if she had anything to relay. Secondly, I understand she has ties to Waukeen. Tryll and I have come up with a plan to construct an adamantine golem resembling a Terrasque. Originally we were going to entreat for monies to purchase the adamantine for the golem, but another of our companions, Moore, has already acquired that. As such, I'm simply going to inquire whether or not she would like a hand in the project."
"We're aware of what Bel did," Amaryl says, "We are preparing to send more troops as well, as what Bel did cannot go unchallenged." Here Amaryl gives you a look, "What I am to say next does not leave this room."
Surraruthru nods.
"On my name."
"There are rules that the divine follows, a grand game and competition for souls. The Competition, as we call it," Amaryl begins, voice clear, commanding. It's easy to listen to, be drawn in. "A deity who too flagrantly breaks the rules draws all our ire, because breaking those rules tends to be needlessly self destructive. A deity who comes to the Prime, not just an avatar, will wound it beyond measure. Bel gambled much to win Lifasa in a single stroke, or at least to cripple your Crusade. He failed and has drawn a response. We do not go challenge him directly, for the battle would be catastrophic and draw the rest of Hell into it."
A pause here as Kascha listens, in the right places nodding.
"However," Amaryl goes on, "Bel has escalated. We will escalate in turn. To drive a Lord of the Nine to that desperation? You have done well, even if it is events in total and not Aurora alone. So we will ensure Aurora is more than supplied, we all will. All deities have a vested interest in ensuring The Competition's rules remain inviolate, otherwise we lose much and gain little. You will find aid coming faster than before, with less limitations and caveats."
Surraruthru nods.
"I see. That's heartening to hear, even if I can't exactly pass it on. Something you mentioned, the wounds Bel caused on Lifasa. I'm taking steps to mitigate, if not heal it, and to prevent what happened with Benfal having to be done again. I'm confident in the theory and spell work, and I have a number of Aurora's top mages helping. Baleruk is helping with raw power as well, but I'm concerned that my plan may not be fast enough, depending on what Bel and the devils do. Is there anything else I can do to ensure the memory tree works as, and when, we need it to?"
"Explain it to me," Amaryl says.
You don't have to go into full details, just a handwave is fine, if you choose to tell her.
"It's going to copy the memories of Lifasa as it was before the invasion from as many survivors as we can. We then implant the tree with all its memories into a ley line nexus on Lifasa. The hope is that the planet's natural energy will use the memories as a template for restoring itself."
"I believe it is sound, though it will depend on what condition Lifasa is in," Amaryl says after you explain it all, "Much as food and rest can heal a man, but someone too close to death's door may still succumb."
This gets Kascha to close her eyes, "I was worried about that myself, but we have contingencies. So there's merit in striking sooner than later?"
"Hm. Is there anything we can do? Perhaps... Some sort of ritual placed on other ley lines to make it more effective? I may be a dragon but restoring a planet is a bit outside of my normal daily activities."
"Free Lifasa fast and effectively," Amaryl says, "Before the damage gets any worse. Prevention is worth a great deal of cure."
Surraruthru nods.
"Two other things. First, should I survive and we succeed, I'm interested in creating a demi-plane of my own. I would appreciate a list of suggested defenses and things to make it... handy. Selune also offered me a trip to the Gates of the Moon. Any suggestions for before I head there?"
"Be wise," Amaryl says, "Selune is rarely direct and thinks to challenge your mind. As for the demiplane, yes. Kascha will get information on that soon."
"Thank you. Then unless Seira or you have anything for me, that covers the important things."
Surraruthru then leans in conspiring-like, "On a personal note, you wouldn't happen to know where to get the best dragon scale polish, would you? I saw Hope getting it used on him and I can't help but to want better."
"There's a little shop here, it's called Haveleck's. Try there," Amaryl says with a slight giggle into her hand.
"Thank you. If there's nothing from you or Seira then, my business is concluded."
"For now, no," Amaryl agrees, "We will be in contact through Kascha."
Next move?
Shop for scale polish then prep and going to the Gates of the Moon. Check in at Aurora and see if anyone needs dragon help with stuff before I fully take off for the Gates.
Scale polish is without incident. Buy as much as you like. A jar of the good stuff (3 application's worth) is worth 10 gold. Tell me how many you're getting and post the expense in loo.
1000 gp worth. 300 applications.
Okay. Aurora's clear. Who is going with you to the Gates of the Moon?
Not really sure who wants to go. Kascha if she's interested, but she said she has her own projects. Balyss since she's the Selunite?
Dunno about anyone else.
Did Balyss say if she was coming for this or not?
She did: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103983.msg1097251.html#msg1097251
My time is mostly open if there's anything that needs to get done. The generals can assignment stuff to get things done faster if they want. Other than that, money for Knowledge Crystal and a Ring of Wizardry XI and training the hydras.
Okay, how do you plan to get money for those purchases?
I honestly have no idea. Treasure hunting or something. I was going to check into rumors and stuff after I went to the Gate.
"Treasure?"
Your search for leads takes you to Tannin, who is kicking back and watching soldiers train in the courtyard. He shoots you a rainbow-eyed look and goes on, "Yeah, I have possible treasure hoards. Trick is surviving them as always. How big a haul are you looking for?"
"I desire a custom ioun stone and a Ring of Wizardry XI. For more Superb Dispels. And to pad my hoard."
"You can get those that powerful?" Tannin remarks, rubbing his chin, "Well anyway, so there I was. Creeping through the drunk part of Brightwater, or maybe I was just drunk. Then I realized it wasn't Brightwater and I knew I'd had too much to drink. It was some nice, out of the way play in the Beastlands. You could tell because of all the animals outside. Anyway, so there I was, wondering what I'd had to drink and where I could get more when I fall flat on my face, like my body remembered I was still drunk."
A beat after that, "While I was getting up close and personal with Miss Floor, some hunters get talking. Branches of the River Oceanus that are almost choked with free gold in the Beastlands, untouched because of the fearsome defenders there. Go there with a bit of time and knowledge and you can pull away sackful after sackful. Of course, you have to stop things that would make a dire wolf look cute and cuddly, plus whatever other particular entities call that slice of the Heavens home. Sound like something you'd pursue?"
"Perhaps. I recently went to the Beastlands with a Druid guide named Pearwood. Apparently the Guardians in place for very good reasons. Would taking this gold damage the Beastlands? I may be a dragon and greedy by nature, but I'm also a faerie dragon. I prefer not to destroy nature if possible."
"Not a clue," Tannin admits, watching as dwarves and celestials clash, axe against mace. "You'd have to ask the the library group about that one."
"Hm. I'll check into it. I may pass on that count, but we'll see what research and discussion turns up. Thank you, Tannin."
"Yeah, come on back, I collect these lately. Every war needs money," Tannin says.
Surraruthru nods and heads towards the library to discuss with other brains!
Go ahead and make a K:P check (or K:L(Beastlands) if superior) with the library bonus.
> roll 1d20+42+15 K:P/Library
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 61 > [d20=4]
You do some research. There's indeed gold deposits in the Beastlands and reports of free gold in the rivers isn't unheard of. The sparsely populated nature of the plane and the inhabitants make exploiting it a rare and expensive thing. There's frankly much safer ways to get gold in the Heavens, so it's mostly a curiosity. However, scholars note that there's probably a big harvest potential with it. Since it's so rarely tapped, there's lots waiting if someone can exploit it. That's speculated to fuel the occasional effort to do so, which tend to fail sooner or later, usually sooner.
Surraruthru decides that this is a viable route, but the time crunch hurts the potential of it... Back-burner for now. Instead, Surrraurthru heads back to Tannin for any other leads.
Tannin's out in Elysium by this point, munching on grapes and watching the clouds. "Back for more?" He asks, not looking over at you, but watching clouds slowly pass by.
"Indeed. Some brief research leads me to believe that while the gold is plentiful, the Beastlands are a massive place and finding non-destructive ways of getting the gold would require a significant time investment. I certainly plan to retrieve the gold at some point, but I don't want to get stuck investing too much time in it right now since we've got a deadline. Any other leads?"
"Yeah. So one day I was chasing down some information in Dweomerheart. So you know that's where all of Mystra's servants go when they cast their final spell and go kaput. Anyway, I hear there's dungeons there. The sort of things used for testing all sorts of arcanery, and that if you know the right people, can go in there to 'test' them, and if you survive, come out with the treasure you take." Tannin remarks, "Keyword is the survive part."
"Hmm.. That certainly appeals to me... A dungeon specifically built to test magic. I almost can't let such a challenge stand... Very well, this one is very likely. Research first, of course. Thank you again, Tannin. Would you be interested in going?"
"Nah, my role in this is going o be getting information, not spending money or fighting," Tannin remarks, "Get some people who can do more with it."
"Thank you again, then."
With that, Surraruthru heads off to the library to do research on these dungeons and make preparations.
K:P check, add the library bonus.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+42 : 7 + 42, total 49[/blockquote]
Messed up on my phone above. Add +15 library bonus for a total of 64.
You find a few references to them. It sounds legitimate, but the trick is knowing the right people and then surviving once you get access. They're vastly varied, as you'd expect from the handiwork of wizards, so there's little advice to give beyond now how to deal with magic.
Anything on who the right people to know are? Clerics of Mystra or something?
Mystra's servants and clergy are the way to go, though it'll probably take some digging.
Surraruthru decides to consult with some of the other mages and see if anyone else wants to go before he gets too deep into the investigation.
Not sure who'd be a good candidate for this, honestly. Most everyone does magic to some degree.
That's a really good question. Any preferences?
Uh, Sylvie... Kascha would find it interesting I suppose. Vivantha since Lillends live in that weird labyrinth/dungeon place. Balyss maybe? Dunno if she's interested, but we need a healer type. Dana? I dunno, someone tanky? That gives us me for buffing/blasting,
Kascha for Blasting/Utility, Vivantha for buffs, a tank/dps, and a healer/dps. I'm open to suggestions?
Vivantha's busy with Muirfinn stuff. Kascha's available. Balyss is not due to responsibilities here. Dana's available.
Hanna, then?
So okay then: Kascha, Dana, Hanna?
And Canderella in place of Sylvie.
Canderella, Kascha, Hanna and Dana. Okay, that's more NPCs than I want to manage, so you'll either need to run a few of them in combat or get a volunteer to help out. Any takers?
I could probably manage Kascha or Candy.
Canderella sounds good, you can manage her in combat. Any other takers?
I can run Kascha.
Okay, so those spoiler blocks are on you two, have them ready in your next posts. I'll have Dana's and Hanna's in my next post.
Any prep of note beyond the mission readiness arch?
I'll be doing my usual buffs. Don't I still have to do research on who to contact first, though? I didn't come up with names or anything.
Candy Block, will add in Dragon buffs later
HP: 331/331+13
Active Spells: Mind Blank (CL15), Fortunate Fate (CL13), Planar Tolerance (CL7), Greater Mage Armor (CL5), Heroes Feast (CL20)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 60ft, fly 80ft (average)
Armor Class: 62 (+4 dex, +20 natural, +1 dodge, +4 deflection, +16 charisma, +7 armor)
That's a fair point, Surru. Go ahead with that.
Surraruthru continues his investigation in the library, looking for references to either very powerful followers of Mystra or her more well-known temples that have clergy of sufficient rank to know about these dungeons.
As you work, Tepen comes up to you. "I may be able to help," he says, "You're still on those Dweomerheart matters?"
"I am. Searching for a person to contact to get access to the dungeons. You know someone?"
"I may," Tepen says, "I can write you a letter of reference to help."
"Anything that will help. Thank you, Tepen."
Surraruthru
HP: 359/359
AC: 38+4 (Deflection)
Touch AC: 22, Flat Footed: 37, SR: 37, CMB: 31, CMD: 47
Init: +13, Touch Atk: 33
Active:
Passive: True Seeing, Detect Magic
Moderate School Esoterica: If you are subject to a spell that has a partial or half effect on a successful save, you suffer no adverse effect if you successfully save.
HP: 305/305
AC: 51
Touch AC: 43, Flat Footed: 37, SR: 38, CMB: 31, CMD: 57
Init: +12, Touch Atk: 26
Active:
Passive:
Spoiler blocks.
[spoiler]
Dana
HP: 392+16/392
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL15), Fortunate Fate (CL13), Planar Tolerance (CL7), Greater Mage Armor (CL5), Heroes Feast (CL20)
Bonuses: +1 morale attack rolls and will saves, immunity to fear and poison
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
Hanna
HP: 396+15/396
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL15), Fortunate Fate (CL13), Planar Tolerance (CL7), Greater Mage Armor (CL5), Heroes Feast (CL20)
Bonuses: +1 morale attack rolls and will saves, immunity to fear and poison
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
Tepen quickly writes a letter, "Seek Wilhelm Seven-Star, he owns the Seven-Star Salon, where mages of culture meet to discuss ideas and current events. Show him this letter and he should help you."
[spoiler]
Dana
HP: 392+16/392
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL15), Fortunate Fate (CL13), Planar Tolerance (CL7), Greater Mage Armor (CL5), Heroes Feast (CL20)
Bonuses: +1 morale attack rolls and will saves, immunity to fear and poison
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
Hanna
HP: 396+15/396
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL15), Fortunate Fate (CL13), Planar Tolerance (CL7), Greater Mage Armor (CL5), Heroes Feast (CL20)
Bonuses: +1 morale attack rolls and will saves, immunity to fear and poison
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
[/quote]
Any Knowledge checks to recognize the name or where it might be?
K:P or K:L (Dweomerheart).
> roll 1d20+42 K:P
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 56 > [d20=14]
Wilhelm Seven-Star is a formerly mortal mage of good standing in Dweomerheart. He has relatively little dealings with the outside world save for selling things on occasion and his salon. He's mildly notable for it, as Mystra has graced it with a visit to debate magic.
So does that mean Surraruthru knows how to get to Dweomerheart now?
Uh, yes. Your K:P would more than provide that. It's a divine realm within Elysium that's a portal away.
Alrighty, cause I had no idea where this guy was or anything. Is Tepen still here, or did he vanish? Tapestry spells below, spell list updated.Tapestry:
Elemental Body (fire) CL 28, 28 hour durationYou have the benefits of the attune form spell with respect to the appropriate element. If you choose a water body, for example, you can breathe normally on waterdominant planes.
You are immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet.
Your creature type remains unchanged, so you are unaffected by spells that target elementals, but you gain the air, earth, fire, or water subtype depending on the elemental substance you chose.
Fire: Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
Grants you a +10 armor bonus to armor class and damage reduction 10/magic.
The target of this spell gains a +4 insight bonus to Strength.
The target of this spell gains a +4 insight bonus to Intelligence.
The target of this spell gains a +4 insight bonus to Dexterity.
The target of this spell gains a +4 insight bonus to Constitution.
The target of this spell gains a +4 insight bonus to Charisma.
You gain a +15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained. This knowledge extends to knowledge of your own life. You you have perfect recall of your own memories for the duration of the spell. Effects that change your memories, such as modify memory or mindrape, are suppressed for the duration of the spell. You gain the ability to read and speak all languages during this time, as if affected by a comprehend languages and tongues spell. Finally, you may instantly absorb the information of any written material you touch, as if by a scholar's touch spell. For the duration of the spell, you have perfect recall of the material read in this manner.
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls.
+2 competence bonus on attack rolls.
Grants complete protection agianst: acid, cold, electricity, sonic
Self:
Epic Mage Armor CL 28, 24 hour durationAn invisible but tangible field of force surrounds the subject of epic mage armor, providing a +20 armor bonus to Armor Class. Unlike mundane armor, epic mage armor entails no armor check penalty, arcane spell failure chance, or speed reduction. Because epic mage armor is made of force, incorporeal creatures can't bypass it the way they do normal armor.
Tepen's still here if you want to ask him anything.
[spoiler]
Dana
HP: 392+16/392
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL15), Fortunate Fate (CL13), Planar Tolerance (CL7), Greater Mage Armor (CL5), Heroes Feast (CL20), Elemental Body (CL28), Surraruthru's Stupendous Dragonskin (CL28), Strength of the Dragon Princess (CL28), Mind of the Dragon Princess (CL28), Agility of the Dragon Princess (CL28), Endurance of the Dragon Princess (CL28), Beauty of the Dragon Princess (CL28), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL28), Create Magic Tattoo (CL24), Create Magic Tattoo (CL24), Energy Immunityx4 (CL26)
Bonuses: +1 morale attack rolls and will saves, immunity to fear and poison, immunity to elemental damage, +4 insight to all stats but Wisdom, +1 luck attack rolls, +2 competence attack rolls,
Negative Conditions:
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
Hanna
HP: 396+15/396
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL15), Fortunate Fate (CL13), Planar Tolerance (CL7), Greater Mage Armor (CL5), Heroes Feast (CL20), Elemental Body (CL28), Surraruthru's Stupendous Dragonskin (CL28), Strength of the Dragon Princess (CL28), Mind of the Dragon Princess (CL28), Agility of the Dragon Princess (CL28), Endurance of the Dragon Princess (CL28), Beauty of the Dragon Princess (CL28), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL28), Create Magic Tattoo (CL24), Create Magic Tattoo (CL24), Energy Immunityx4 (CL26)
Bonuses: +1 morale attack rolls and will saves, immunity to fear and poison, immunity to elemental damage, +4 insight to all stats but Wisdom, +1 luck attack rolls, +2 competence attack rolls,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
You gain a +15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained. This knowledge extends to knowledge of your own life. You you have perfect recall of your own memories for the duration of the spell. Effects that change your memories, such as modify memory or mindrape, are suppressed for the duration of the spell. You gain the ability to read and speak all languages during this time, as if affected by a comprehend languages and tongues spell. Finally, you may instantly absorb the information of any written material you touch, as if by a scholar's touch spell. For the duration of the spell, you have perfect recall of the material read in this manner.
"Tepen, would you suggest a... gift or offering of some type? Are there any formalities or rituals? Wizards love their rituals."
Surraruthru
HP: 413/413 (359 base)
AC: 52+4 (Deflection)
Touch AC: 24, Flat Footed: 57, SR: 37, CMB: 33, CMD: 51
Init: +12, Touch Atk: 38
Active: Mind Blank (CL15), Fortunate Fate (CL13), Planar Tolerance (CL7), Greater Mage Armor (CL5), Heroes Feast (CL20), Elemental Body: Fire (CL28), Surraruthru's Stupendous Dragonskin (CL28), Strength/Mind/Agility/Endurance/Beauty of the Dragon Princess (CL28), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL28), Create Magic Tattoo (CL24), Create Magic Tattoo (CL24), Energy Immunity: Acid/Cold/Electricity/Sonic (CL26), Epic Mage Armor (CL28)
Passive: True Seeing, Detect Magic, +15 to knowledge checks
Moderate School Esoterica: If you are subject to a spell that has a partial or half effect on a successful save, you suffer no adverse effect if you successfully save.
HP: 359/359 (305 base)
AC: 63
Touch AC: 47, Flat Footed: 57, SR: 38, CMB: 33, CMD: 61
Init: +14, Touch Atk: 31
Active: Mind Blank (CL15), Fortunate Fate (CL13), Planar Tolerance (CL7), Greater Mage Armor (CL5), Heroes Feast (CL20), Elemental Body: Fire (CL28), Surraruthru's Stupendous Dragonskin (CL28), Strength/Mind/Agility/Endurance/Beauty of the Dragon Princess (CL28), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL28), Create Magic Tattoo (CL24), Create Magic Tattoo (CL24), Energy Immunity: Acid/Cold/Electricity/Sonic (CL26)
Passive: +15 to knowledge checks
"A good debate will do for him," Tepen says, "He can be bombastic, but stand your ground and defend yourself." He sits back now that it's done, "Windy, pompous and altogether opinionated, but it doesn't mean he's right and he knows that."
"So pretend he's Baleruk, got it. Thank you for your help, Tepen."
That's pretty much it for me if you want to move on and get everyone together.
Getting everyone together's easy enough, but there's one question: Do you want to cram this into today and possibly run over and lose time tomorrow resting, or start fresh tomorrow morning?
Your call here, it won't delay you OOC.
Probably best to start in the morning then. If there's still time, I'll probably just use it to shine scales and visit the hydras. I'll be casting the same buffs the next day, so stat blocks and stuff won't change.
Okay. In that case...
As you head out with that done, you glance outside of Aurora. Huh, a rainbow colored slaad is dominating things outside, drawing and painting food into reality or some such sorcery. Elena stands just inside the gate, watching intensely, as does a crowd of others.
Surraruthru quietly strides over to Elena and takes a seat next to her before speaking.
"Even though the magic that binds you to this place is rather unique, I'm sure we could find a way to create an avatar body for you so that you can participate in things like that. It might not be one suited for combat, but there's certainly a way to do it with enough effort."
"Thanks, but I'm fine," Elena says, "Don't worry about it." She turns to flash you a momentary smile as the crowd murmurs at the spectacle before them.
Surraruthru grunts.
"Even if one is meant to serve others, their dreams as still worthy of being pursued. I believe you do more than enough for everyone here to have things for yourself as well. Though I honestly don't know why you'd want to be a part of... That."
Surraruthru stares at the spectacle of slaad insanity with a look of great exhaustion.
"Who says I do?" Elena laughs a little bit, "I'm keeping watch, just in case."
"You looked rather forlorn, but then again, humanoid gestures are always odd. In any case, whatever those slaad are doing is sure to end in a mess and confusion. I'll be no part of it if I can help it. I'm going to check in on the hydras. Enjoy the... show."
"Good luck and keep an ear open in case things go wrong," Elena says, "Just in case." She turns back to watching the spectacle outside, whistling low, "Did he just do that with a paintbrush?"
"Any idea what Kascha is currently doing?"
"She's busy in her room, don't disturb her," Elena doesn't look away, focusing on the scene. Now Calleigh's getting bothered after Jaela was given a paintbrush. Huh.
Surraruthru grunts. Now who will apply the polish?
In that case, Surraruthru turns and heads towards the Cryohydras.
You find the cyrohydras in their den, devouring a rather large meal. It looks to be heaps and heaps of caught fish, the great beasts eating them with all heads. Hundreds of fish are being eaten every few moments, an absolute massacre if you're a fish.
"Enjoying the meal? You know it tastes much better if it's cooked. At least, if it's cooked the right way."
Your commentary is generally lost in a whole lot of feeding, unsurprisingly. A few give you looks, and one does speak up, "How much better?"
"Significantly. Though it also takes significantly more time to be ready to eat. And is, in general, much harder to do. Especially in the quantities you all need. Though worth it. I'll look into a solution for you all... Perhaps a variation of the unseen servant? Hmm..."
"As long as we don't get burned, that hurts," One says, as they continue their fishy feast.
Surraruthru nods.
"I'm sure you've noticed that things have become hectic lately. The world we're trying to save, Lifasa, is dying. We have a limited amount of time to save it. One of Hell's deities has walked on the surface. This has caused the world to start dying and the Gods to move against Hell in force. Things are going to become very dangerous soon."
That finally slows down the feeding frenzy. Hydras spare heads and look towards you, a familiar feminine voice saying, "So it's going to be a lot of war and killing soon?"
Looks are exchanged by all of them, Frost adding, "Lots of violence and lots of blood."
"Yes. A great deal. Apocalyptic most likely. I tell you this now because of all the residents of Aurora, you're the newest. The youngest. You deserve the right to decide if you want to be involved. You're likely the first and only conscious Cryohydras. It'd be a shame for your group to die."
Before anyone can speak up, Frost smoothly interjects, "We need to think about it. We knew something big was coming, but it's that big?"
"It is. This is a fight of armies, worlds, and Gods now. Far beyond what most are ready for. You still have weeks or months to decide, unless we move sooner. In any case, I will be busy so having time to visit with you all may become scarce. Is there anything you all are still interested in? Or want to learn?"
"More magic," Frost says, "Stories about the Dragon Princess, Kascha tells us about her."
Surraruthru settles in to tell the Cryohydras about some of Seira's adventures, using his magic to illustrate the stories with extra effects and the occasional illusion via Prestidigitation.
Cool. This may be relevant, so have any related skills?
Uh, what would be related skills?
Charisma based skills or something related to speaking, storytelling or the like.
Nope, not really.
Charisma check then.
> roll 1d20+9+2 Cha/Spell Bonus
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=14]
+2 is from Dragon Princess spell.
Your words are heeded and listened to, a spellbound audience to your story. The magic surely helps, but you spend some time working with the hydras and teaching them about Seira.
Anything else you wanna do with them?
Eh, not really. Only other thing until I leave for the dungeon is the scale polish. If you want to advance me, go for it.
The good thing is that Kascha's done with whatever she was doing by the time you get back. You sit in her room as she takes out a bottle of scale polish. "So you want to look as majestic as possible? That's the word we use, rather than pretty or beautiful. A fair few dragons find that insulting."
"Indeed. I did not even know such a thing as scale polish existed."
"Surraruthru," Kascha giggles, "Are you aware of how many types of make up and cosmetics women have, let alone the spells to make one prettier or maintain their beauty? Those that care about physical beauty care about it deeply, man or woman."
Surraruthru shrugs a bit nonchalantly. "I'm a forest dragon. I haven't really paid attention to those types of things until recently."
"Now you do," Kascha says, "Now come over here and I'll rub the polish into your scales."
Surraruthru strides over and lays down, getting comfortable.
Soon enough polish is rubbed into your scales. You feel...good. It's pleasant, warm, like being curled up in your den. Kascha works away and...
Go ahead and describe your new shininess.
Surraruthru sits up and inspects himself, taking in the way the polish seems to let his scales fain a more mirrored look. They now catch light much better and the colorful prismatic properties of the scales are enhanced, making the colors as he shifts sharper and brighter.
"Hm. I quite like this. Draws far more attention. Doesn't quite match a prismatic dragon, but still, very nice."
He looks at Kascha, "Thank you. What do you think?"
"It's majestic and shiny," Kascha claps several times, "You impress me just as much as Baleruk like that, if in a different way."
Surraruthru chuckles. "Oh, he'll hate that. On a different note, do you know Renbuu is here?"
"I'm aware," Kascha says, "I'm staying well in here, I like my colors the way they are. He isn't bad, but I'm sure the others are more than tied up with him, right?"
"Indeed. I want no part of him if I can help it. Unfortunately, I have a nagging worry he's decided to... acquaint himself with Aurora's more notable people. The other slaad here in Aurora has gone out of his way to visit me a few times."
"Then good luck," Kascha says, "Don't worry, we'll be fine in here."
Don't have much left with this if you want to pause me for advancement or something else.
I think Yuth may have been interested in the arcane dungeon.
That's fine, moving people along once Tryll finishes in another post or two.