Morniel is found in Aurora's library, studying a thick tome. His attention is fully on it as you approach, yet he murmurs softly, "Greetings, Moore. Do you need guidance today?"
"I have a... mm." He shakes his head. "I would like to hear your thoughts on how the rest of Hell will respond to Bel's violation of..." Moore clears his throat once. He takes a breath and decides to try something -- surely, he can manage this...? "The Competition."
He waits for a moment to make sure he didn't just ruin the fabric of reality or anything.
Morniel frowns, "I'm sorry, repeat that, please."
He nods. "The Competition. I... don't think the name is anathemic knowledge, but you never know." Moore says.
"No, I was merely woolgathering," Morniel confesses, "I have many things on my plate. You mentioned the Competition?" He sits back and closes his book, a glance at the page he's on before banishing it back to the shelves with a wave of his hand.
"Yes. I am curious on your thoughts of what Hell will do." Moore explains. "I think even Asmodeus himself would find it difficult to support Bel in this situation -- though, considering what will happen if Bel falls..." Moore leaves the rest to imagination.
"The answer is that no one's sure," Morniel admits at last, "Save for Lord of the Ninth himself. What little I've gleaned from sources suggests it's a political scandal for Hell's highest nobility, but nothing telling beyond that. It may be something that is tolerated if Bel triumphs, or will lead to his downfall. More importantly, he feels he had to take that risk and do that, which is even more telling."
"I realize this is distasteful and likely sounding down-right sacrilegious, but do you think we should try and set up a meeting with them to simply find out what their 'official' stance is?" Moore asks. "I know they could lie about it, but... I wonder if they actually would lie in a setting like Vlaakith's court."
Morniel clicks his tongue and slowly shakes his head. "Tempting, but if we desire that, we can find out indirectly. More importantly, they may not have an official stance fully delineated yet. Still, it's not hard to find and I have a few friends who will pass it onto me if when it becomes known."
Moore nods. "All right, please let me know if something of that nature is going to occur. I'd like to help if I can. On that subject, is there anyone else you'd like to petition for aid? I... honestly worry that asking for too much aid will put us in a position where the stakes will get raised too much."
"The stakes can't get much higher," Morniel remarks, pausing to rest his head in his hands. "A moment, please."
Moore does just that and gives him a moment!
It's more like several moments, but details.
"I think we will have allies enough now," he finally says, "What we may need is personal strength, for all our armies will be merely the background for when Aurora faces Taelfagn, Gathgorian or even Bel. For against them, armies will melt like ice before the sun."
Moore nods. "I understand. If there are any matters you'd like me involved in, please let me know." He says with a smile. "Otherwise, I'll just help out around here for right now. I will be going back to Celestia in 10 days time."
Next move then?
There really isn't anything on his immediate to-do list, so he can help out with projects around Aurora or what have you.
It's not long until you're pulled aside by Moonlight. "You're good at talking, right," she asks, the two of you in a little side room for the moment.
"Apparently." Moore says with a smile.
"Yeah, so yesterday I let Lathander down and got chastised, as well as an order to present myself once my duties in Aurora permit. I'm not sure how much trouble I'm in, but I could use some smooth talking points, because at worst, Lathander may be unhappy with me for letting Renbuu into Thalasia."
Moore smiles a little more and pats Moonlight on the shoulder. "Yes, I'd be happy to go. Can you give me about an hour to brush up the correct accords for this sort of thing? It might give me an edge if I can bring up a loophole or something."
"I'm thinking more lessons and pointers, I'm not leaving yet," Moonlight says, "Like," she smiles warmly, "Advice, that sort of thing. Help."
"Oh, you don't want an intermediary?" Moore says and then nods. "Sure, either way, yes, I can help with that."
"Yeah, I don't think the Dawnlord will be impressed if I bring someone to speak with me," Moonlight shakes her head, "It's not your fault, this is something I have to answer for myself. Could I have stopped Renbuu? No, but I could have found the courage to say something instead of going with his flow. I'll show that courage by going alone when it's time."
"Okay. Well, there are a variety of ways to approach this." Moore explains. "The most direct is probably the best... yes, you were party to the group that brought Renbuu to Elysium -- but so what? Let's say you had tried to stop Renbuu, or whoever opened the gate... then what? Would Lathander have been happy if you were turned into a frog?"
"Of course not, and hopefully that will work," Moonlight says, "It may be a test of wisdom and that's the correct answer. I hope it is."
"I mean, you knew the risks." Moore says. "I think from your perspective, they were worth taking to avoid an even bigger disaster. Really, the responsibility lies more on Renbuu's shoulders, at least in my opinion. He's much more familiar with the rules for the divine than you would be."
Moore rubs his chin. "But you're not shirking your responsibilities with this. You're owning up to making a mistake. Let me ask you this -- if you could go back to the event, would you have done anything differently?"
"At least put up a token resistance and damn the risks," Moonlight said, "I should have, but we were all swept up in Renbuu's energy. I mean yeah, I might get ribbity after that, but I think it was the right thing to do."
"Then there you have it." Moore says with a gesture. "You learned from a mistake and have grown stronger for it. None could be expected to have a better resolution to this."
"I hope so. Lathander's fair, but..." She exhales, "I'm still facing what's essentially a disciplinary meeting. Lord Lathander, may it go well," she prays aloud.
"If you're tasked with a quest to repent for your mistakes, I'll help you out." Moore says with a smile. "I don't mind going with you if you just want some moral support."
"Thank you," Moonlight flashes you another smile, standing up a bit straighter. "Assuming it's not explicitly a task to do alone, I'll accept that help."
Moore nods. "You'll be fine. I have faith in you, so don't let doubts and worries drag you down."
"You have faith in me?" Moonlight asks, giving you a look. "Giving me your vote of confidence?"
"Why wouldn't I?" He asks as he folds his arms. "You have both skills and abilities that make you a very paragon of justice. Are you really forgetting the very faith that powers you in your doubts?"
Diplo to see how high and deep you stacked it.
Take 10 for 70
Moonlight blushes, "Ah....thanks," she manages again, not meeting your eyes.
"You need to remember who you're a paragon for." Moore says, slightly sternly. "Stand tall and proud like the sun itself. I'm sure if I thought long enough I could quote some Lathanderite doctrine to help you."
"Yeah...yeah. You're right," Moonlight nods and stands up, "I've got this. I just have to play it right and Lathander will understand."
"Just be honest with yourself and with Him." Moore says. "I'll be rooting for you."
A nod and Moonligh touches her fingers to her lips, then presses them to your cheek. She gives you a wink and goes off, leaving you alone with that.
Moore can't help but smile and shake his head. Well, that's one problem down, what else is there to do?
Time for fate to find him something to do!
Roll 1d100 and post it.
[14:52] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[14:52] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 32 > [d100=32]
You soon head out to the training grounds. Here you see Adrian and Cresiel dueling, surrounded by dozens of soldiers watching. As wood hits wood and the two go back and forth in a blur of speed and movement, you see Gold standing to the side, watching mutely. His face has a distinct frown on it.
Moore will fly over and quietly ask, "It doesn't look like you just want to join them... What's bothering you?"
Gold looks over at you, "I beg pardon?" he says, "Could you repeat that?"
Is that starting to rub off on everything he does?
He clears his throat and repeats, "I said, it doesn't look like you want to join them. What's bothering you?"
"Nothing tied to this," Gold says, as Adrian is forced back by one of Cresiel's hammer blows, moving to the defensive to counter. "Pondering a new magical item to create, my thoughts continue to return to it."
Moore smiles. "Fate smiles upon us, then. I have nothing to do, so please let me help. Maybe I can give you some inspiration." He turns to watch the fight nonetheless after that.
Gold merely turns away and towards the portal out, "Yes. I've spent too long batting this around in my mind, like a cat with a mouse. I need inspiration to push ahead. Come with me, Moore." He strides to the portal and though, big steps eating up ground fast.
Moore follows along!
Soon you head to Aurora's forges. "Inspire me," Gold says, going to an open one. "Help me work on this."
Moore nods. He casts some spells and then gets to his inspiration!
Song of Fortune for +6, Inspire Competence for +8, Share Talents for +2. He's also going to cast Greater Improvosation for himself if he needs to help out manually.
What bonus types are those?
Competence is Morale and the other two are untyped.
> roll 1d20+50
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 61 > [d20=11]
Feel free to aid another, if you like.
Take 10 for 50 on aiding.
Gold works for some time, creating objects out of thin air and manipulating them with magic. It's well over an hour until he stops. "...promise," he finally mutters, "Yes, yes, I think this can be made. It can be done."
"Can I ask what it is?" Moore asks, answering his own question.
"Oh. It's something to increase a dragon's breath," Gold explains, "A difficult realm of study, but I believe I've made a breakthrough today. It will make the breath much more powerful and without delaying its regeneration."
"Oh, that's quite handy." Moore agrees. "The market is probably rather narrow, though..." Moore says with a bit of a laugh. "Wouldn't most dragons be too proud to use something like that? Or is it simply for your personal use?"
"Personal use," Gold says, "True dragons use little to no trinkets, it's a sign of weakness. But one in ioun stone form, perhaps..." he murmurs, trailing off. "Ioun stones are acceptable."
Moore can't help but start laughing. "It must be tough to follow the unwritten dragon rules. Well, if you want any help making it, I'm happy to offer my services."
"Thank you," Gold says, "I may, but not today. I need to research and gather funds before I can embark on making it."
"If you decide to go somewhere dangerous for funds, I'll tag along." Moore says. "I think the message I've received from On High so far is to just try and take care of improvements for myself for now."
"I may," Gold says, "I may not. I will tell you if I do."
"Of course." Moore offers him a bow. "Please let me know if you need anything else."
"I will," Gold says.
Still at the helping people thing?
He doesn't have any grand quests to fulfill! Actually! He does want to ask Filbrez something.
He'd like to find out if he can procure an anatomical chart of a pit fiend for the crazy lich guy from a while back. But other than that nothing is on his radar.
Okay, make a quick Spot check as you go.
Take 10 for 61
Filbrez is in his office, going over a scroll of parchment and drinking a glass of water. He glances up as you enter, "That elf of yours is relatively competent," he says by way of introduction. "I'm not finding any errors in her math and her writing's legible."
Moore smiles a little, then nods. "I'm glad to hear it, Filbrez. Who knew you were so easy to impress?" It's clear he's joking -- at least a little.
You get a long, unamused look. "If you're hoping to impress me by making me lose count of my math, you're succeeding admirably."
Moore simply grins and clears his throat after a small laugh. "Haha, I'm sorry. I actually am here in search of something. I need to procure an anatomical chart of a pit fiend. Long story, as I'm sure you'd expect." He says.
"Quite," Filbrez says, scribbling a few more numbers before putting aside his work. "I'll forego asking why and simply tell you I'd want at least 5000 gold. Unless you care to cut open one of the captive pit fiends we have."
Moore nods. "Do you need it up front?" He opts to simply not even acknowledge the other method.
"Naturally," Filbrez says, entirely dryly.
He nods and gives him 5000 gold!
Post the expense in loot.
done
"Check back in a few days," Filbrez says, "It will take time to get it. These things can be bought, but only if you know exactly how or if you can call on some favors."
"Thanks Filbrez. If you need anything let me know." He nods and then heads out!
Back to helping people!
As you go out, you spot something. A familiar sea elf is watching you from behind a shelf, blushing visibly. That and sea elf skin stands out outside of water.
"Oh, hey! I see you're doing well." Moore says. "I'm glad."
The reaction is simple: She blushes even more and hurries away, quickly out of sight.
He'll simply leave her to it then -- no need to put the poor girl on the spot.
As you head out, Elena appears next to you. She's dressed up like a princess, fancy dress and all. "Hiiii," she says, "Are you still helping everyone out, Moore?"
"Hi Elena. Yeah, at the moment I'm not on any grand expedition to meet my patron deity like everyone else seems to be today." He answers.
"Great. Could you me a favor oh crap, we have new guests," Elena's expression turns from cheerful to shocked in a moment, "That's a lot of eladrin!" She then winks away, gone.
Well, it looks like someone's back. He'll just keep going for now, Elena can always find him later.
Off you go and...
Roll 1d100 again.
[22:30] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[22:30] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 82 > [d100=82]
You barely get far before Elena pops back in, "Hey Moore," she says, "We have a ton of eladrin coming in, we need all hands in to help process them."
"I'm not really sure what you'd like me to do, but sure, I can help." Moore agrees.
Quick question, do you have any skills tied to administration or organizing people?
Nothing official, but I can do any skill check if we need something like Profession (Secretary). I guess he could also use the epic Diplomacy to get people to listen to him.
Make the Profession check.
Take 10 for 45, then.
You are quickly busy enough that you have little time to think. Sorting troops out takes time indeed. You work diligently, helping everyone get it sorted out. Soon enough it's much later, into the evening. You're tired after all of it, but the day's work is done.
A chance to do anything in the evening or winding down. Afina will be in the same boat shortly.
I can't think of anything specific unless someone catches him.
You find someone waiting for you in front of your room. Lady Skye awaits there, "Moore," she greets you on your arrival, "I bear tidings from Her Majesty."
"Lady Skye." Moore greets her with a small bow. "What news do you bring?"
"Her Majesty bids you to read this," She produces a sealed envelope, "Once you have read it, destroy the letter."
Moore will take it and nod. "Very well. Am I to do so with you present, or...?"
"I am not to be. Good evening," Lady Skye says, fluttering off.
Moore nods as she leaves and goes into his room to read the letter!
It reads as follows.
Moore, I met with Queen Titania today. Our Crusade has her continued support in both of her roles.
Continue to be strong for Aurora. I will be secluded for a time, meditating on the truths Her Majesty chose to reveal to me. I will see you at the conclusion of that. Until that time, I will labor to be the Queen Lifasa deserves.
Moore nods to the letter and then proceeds to destroy it as per his instructions.
Amusingly enough he doesn't have anything low level so he'll use Lucent Lance for some serious overkill for a letter.
Ouch. Okay, pausing you for the same reason as in Afina's thread.
You rest. Drift.
You've done well to make it this far.
Your bed is warm, your blankets warmer. One could forget about all the world beyond them and simply luxuriate in one of the most basic pleasures there is.
It is not yet time to rest. Not until Lifasa is safe.
Wisdom: The reward for success is more opportunities to succeed.
Knowledge: See Sarem Dizal on Smoke. The devils infest that place and prosecute profane research into the nature of smoke, poison and gases.
Reward: Every soul that does not die choking on poisonous vapors.
Prepare for tomorrow.
It's a restless sleep... or is it?
Ugh, why does he always feel like he doesn't get enough sleep?
No, he can remember his dreams now -- he's tried so hard to not forget anything anymore. He won't forget.
He will remember.
He turns over to look up at the ceiling -- ... is this what Balyss feels like most days? He's just going to have to get used to it, somehow.
Somehow.
You continue to try and rest. You cannot drop off, sleep defies you. Restlessness stirs within you, legs aching.
Prepare.
You make it sound so easy...
He sits up and rubs at his eyes.
"Hey Elena?" He calls out as he sits up and waits for her to show up. "Do we have any official contacts with Smoke? ...Uh, the plane, not the.. anything else."
He rubs at his eyes and shakes his head. Well, if you can't sleep, the best thing to do is get up and do something until you feel tired.
Elena pops in after about ten seconds, "Sorry, super busy still," she says, wearing a simple dress without any frills. "No, we've never dealt with them much that I know, Morniel probably has a few. He knows people everywhere."
"Is he awa...nevermind. Can you tell me where he is?" Moore realizes how silly his question is about to be. "Let me know if you need help, too" He says with a tired smile.
He'll pull himself out of bed to get dressed and stifle a yawn.
"I'm fine," Elena says, "He's in the command room, he's alone and I'll tell him you're coming." She pops away, only to reappear a few moments later, "Oh, and if you could pick him up a snack from the cafeteria, he'd be grateful."
Moore nods and will grab... ...hmm. What would he want?
Well, Lucy seemed to like the cake, so he'll get a slice of some sort of cake with chocolate and take it with him.
Morniel is there, writing away as you come in. "Please, enter," he looks up, "You needed me?"
Moore will set the small plate down first nearby.
"I need to go to Smoke tomorrow and... deal with some things. I was wondering if you knew of any contacts we have there. If not, I can just try and divine some more specific directions." He explains to take a small beat. "Ah... I was given a name if that helps narrow things down any: Sarem Dizal, if that rings any bells? I hadn't checked the library yet to see if they were a notable figure."
"Thank you," Morniel takes the plate and has a bite before anything else. He listens afterwards.
> roll 1d20+54
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+54 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{67}
"I know some from Smoke, but do not know that place," Morniel says. "Or name, I assumed it was a place."
Moore snaps his fingers. "You're right, it is a place, not a person. Apparently it's a lot like the place on Earth that we found where the devils had a base."
"I do not, but I can ask," Morniel says, "It may also be a new location or base, if you suspect it to be such. The name may mean nothing because it's too new to be known."
Moore nods. "I will check the library as well and let you know what I discover. It seems Someone," at this he makes a gesture up above his head, "Doesn't want me to get too and get more sleep than I need." He laughs a little at that.
"There's time to rest in Paradise," Morniel says with his own smile, "Draw on magic to resolve your sleepiness short term, if you must."
"It's fine. Somehow or another I'm used to this. I'll see you soon. Thanks, Morniel." He offers a bow and heads to the library!
His intent is to research Sarem Dizal and see if he can find anything out ahead of going there directly.
K:P check with library bonus.
Take 10 for 94
You find nothing. After a few hours, you're even more tired and you're pretty sure there's no leads here. It's just not a term you can find anything on.
Huh. Well then, it's time to do some more direct research -- by praying to the right people!
He'll pull himself up and sluggishly go to the Temple to Mount Celestia for some knowledge.
The idea is to cast divination, as in the spell. I will post the gold cost once I get done with all of these.
First question: "Can I gate to Sarem Dizal?"
The answer you get is: No.
Next question!
"How can we get to Sarem Dizal?"
I forgot to mention his chances are 88%.
Your answer is this: Follow the Choking Path.
Take 10 for 79, does he know what that is?
You've heard of it, it's a road that runs through Smoke. It's the main travel and trade passage, with a few safe spots with towns where the miasma isn't overwhelming. It has lots of branches and side tracks, as well as local dangers.
It's known that the natives of Smoke tend to guard and monitor it to their own ends. However, the more remote stretches are mostly left to their own devices, to better and for worse.
Really, as long as you have magic to breathe or don't need to breath, it's not the worst path. Dangerous but there's more dangerous unless you get unlucky. Of course, that goes out the window in the remote stretches.
Hmm. Well, if that's all they can do then that's all they can do.
With that knowledge safe and sound he will go back to bed. Hmm, who would be helpful there... people who can see through illusions, maybe?
Ah well, he'll deal with it in the morning... unless he still can't get to sleep...
Sleep comes this time, washing you away into slumber's restful grasp.
Let me pause you for now.
Moving to day 86. Plans for it, Moore?
He'll ask around if anyone has any experience with Smoke first. If not, then at least people who can get around the, uh... miasma problem. Anyone with True Seeing would help too, but he has his glasses so he can cover that if need be.
Okay, cool. New topic incoming.