It's not hard to get Renbuu's attention. After all, he's making a spectacle in Aurora's courtyard. He takes a long look at you, "Ah, good afternoon, Miss Light. Splendid of you to come, though I was hoping for a more avant garde presentation. No, you really should step back and try that again with more chaos.
"I can do that, Mister Rainbow!" Lucy dreamily responds, all but thrusting the Rod of Wonder towards Renbuu.
Refresh me, is this a normal Rod of Wonder?
It's a bullshit rod of wonder using wild magic from a table you never shared. One of the rolls caused infatuation, another summoned creatures....
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 97 > [d100=97]
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 53 > [d100=53]
Renbuu takes one look at your rod and then it is in his hand. "No, no, no, this won't do! Too much light. It needs more!"
With a loud snap, Renbuu breaks the rod across his knee. He then smashes it together like artist's clay, slowly molding the pieces together. He's gone and then a moment later you hear Baleruk roar at the top of his lungs, then he's back with a shiny, prismatic scale. He smashes that into the fragments, molding and shaping.
Soon enough Renbuu has a small figurine of a dragon, perhaps a foot long and eight inches tall. "Now this? This is art!"
Figurine of Wondrous Power: Dragon. This figurine transforms into an adult black dragon on command. If slain in dragon form, it cannot be reused for one hour.
Refer to figurines of wondrous power for more details on how these work.
"It is very artful," Lucy dreamily agrees.
"Go now and show the world your dragon art," Renbuu commands, "Show them all!"
With a shrug, Lucy summons the dragon from the statue!
The black dragon appears as commanded, a roar as as it looms over you. Oh, it's a rather large black dragon alright, just what you expected to get.
The crowd watches and murmurs in surprise, several starting to retreat in face of the dragon before you.
"Please do not worry, he is tamed!" Lucy calls out, patting the dragon's tail without fiery retribution. "Would anyone like a ride? Miss Elena, perhaps you would like to partake?"
Elena pops in, wearing full plate and carrying a ghostly lance. "Sure!" She chirps, "It follows orders?"
"It will follow yours," Lucy assures Elena.
Even if she has to repeat them herself~
Yep, that's Elena riding a black dragon around Aurora's courtyard, laughing as people watch her and...
Do you wanna do much else here or good to move on, Lucy?
I want to drink my sorrows away with a sympathetic listener, preferably a mage.
You go to drink. By chance you run into Ebony as you go to get it, a look at you.
"Lucy, is all well?" Ebony asks. Her hood is up and her wings wrapped around her, a pause as you pass.
"Miss Ebony, listen to this!" Lucy says dejectedly. "Renbuu, chaos given form, took my wondrous rod of unexplored wild magic and turned it into a dragon! This is terrible! How is he in any way a chaotic paragon?!"
"Hm?" Ebony pauses and merely looks at you. "I believe I know what your problem is: You are attempting to wrest understanding from a slaad's action. Slaad are a force of nature. One cannot question them deeply, only endure them, dispatch them and move on."
"This is wrong! It is... don't people crusade against such injustice?! Miss Ebony, I fancy myself somewhat of an expert on chaos and this is not how chaos works! Why, unpredictable and beyond understanding is fine and good but he would not turn himself into an Inevitable!"
Lucy slumps after her tirade, taking a prolongued, sad sip of her drink.
"I must ask - are you not amnesiac? So where does your fine understanding of chaos come from?" Ebony asks as you drink.
"It is literally in my blood."
"Ah." Ebony smiles ever so faintly, "Then you disagree over what chaos is with Renbuu? Excellent. According to my own research and experiences, chaos cannot even agree with itself. All is well."
"Of course we disagree when Renbuu is wrong! You are with me, aren't you, Miss Ebony?"
"I don't think you can be wrong in chaos," Ebony remarks dryly, "After all, chaos cannot agree with itself. Right in chaos is in the eye of the beholder."
"Whereas right in law is universal, just ask any devil?" Lucy asks with a wry grin. "If nothing else, Miss Ebony," she proceeds afterwards, "you've shown me that wallowing in misery is not the way. Renbuu broke a priceless artifact to chaos in order to make a discount dragon for someone who doesn't even fight, and that's that. What do we do for fun around here?"
"I personally pray, read Saint Alicia's holy writings or spend time with Canderella and friends," Ebony says, "The enlisted have their own entertainments, often of a more ribald sort. Of course, it depends on what you find fun. The giants throw stones around and call it Galuh, they enjoy it greatly. Other opinions vary."
"They... throw stones. For fun," Lucy deadpans. After a few moments, she resolutely shakes her head. "How about cake, Miss Ebony? Would eating some count as something you find fun?"
"Perhaps," Ebony chuckles, the faintest hint of a smile as she regards you. "I have cake for you to eat, if you are hungry for it."
"I was thinking more of baking one for you, Miss Ebony, as a thank you for keeping me company."
Ebony chuckles, "You're welcome to, if you like. How shall we go about this?"
"Perhaps Miss Elena would be so kind as to tell us where I might borrow a kitchen and some ingredients?" Lucy voices, leaning towards Ebony in a conspiratorial manner and wgispering, "The secret ingredient is sugar."
"Of course," Ebony says after a barely notable pause. "There are many, she can direct us to one."
Do you have any ranks in a relevant skill?
Craft/Cakes +35 (30, Int+)
Cool, make a check there.
Taking 10, using the int aura for 15 more. Total of 60.
You make a cake. A beautiful, wonderful cake. A cake worthy of kings - no, of deities themselves. It surely approaches the platonic ideal of cake. In other words, it looks amazing by the time you're done.
"Here, Miss Ebony, please try a slice," Lucy offers, fretting over the arrangements. Her hair is bound into a braid and rolled up over her head, where it occasionally struggles against the baker's hat Lucy had appropriated. "You too, Miss Elena," she continues. "Shall I pour you a cup of tea as well?"
Ebony takes a slice and tries it. "This is fantastic," she says right away, savoring a second bite much slower. "This is only a hobby for you?"
"No thanks, ghostly," Elena pops in, smiles and vanishes, "Thanks, it's nice of you, though!"
"It just feels right," Lucy responds as she serves herself a slice as well. Savouring the first bite, she muses, "I must have spent a lot of time on this in the past I don't remember."
Ebony murmurs agreement and the two of you eat. After a little more of this, "Ah, were you aware that I made a pass at you?" she asks. "With a purpose rather than salacious ends in mind."
"I think I can be a bit obtuse about such things, Miss Ebony," Lucy admits.
A pause for more cake, Ebony's hood down as she smiles. "To be clear, I'm not interested in you, but I wished to express a point. Your race has a reputation, you understand, and Aurora is more straight-laced than that. Discretion is preferred. Not that you need to hide a genuine relationship, but flaunting such matters around what is beyond and proper can be a problem."
"Ah." Lucy makes a face, before leaning over to Ebony. "Would you mind if I were equally direct, Miss Ebony? That drive my race seems to have? I don't happen to share it, I'm afraid."
"Then you'll have no problems," Ebony says, "I gathered it may be the case."
"You have no idea how hard it is to be judged for your race's reputation," Lucy complains. "Especially with how deserved it is."
A faint laugh comes from Ebony, hidden by her hand over her mouth. "Canderella is the most exceptional succubus I've ever met, a dear friend and no longer held by evil's grasp. Yet....she is still a tart and a trollop. I congratulate you on liberating yourself from that and surpassing her."
Lucy doesn't really know Canderella except by distant reputation as an explorer, so she just makes a noncommittal noise. Then, changing the topic, she asks, "Miss Ebony, has Miss Canderella shared those circumstances with you, and not in confidence?"
"Those circumstances? Could you be more specific?" Ebony asks, finishing off her cake as she calms from her mith.
"The divorce from primal evil must have been a messy one, and I doubt it was as simple as following Talos. Since I can't remember either way, I must admit I got a bit curious here."
"As a matter of fact, it was that simple," Ebony says, "When Talos rose, some chose to go with him. She's nostalgic for her past, but her nature does not allow her to reclaim it. It's just not the same anymore."
Strange. Then again, in that situation, what wouldn't be?
"And has Miss Canderella shown any interest in exploring the other side of the spectrum?"
"Canderella is content where she is," Ebony says, voice a little softer. "I have tried, but she is set in her new ways."
"I suppose knowing your place in the greater scheme of things and liking is important," Lucy muses.
"Mmm." Ebony murmurs and rests back a moment, eyes closed. "Be cautious. Not all denizens of the Abyss approve of what you are done."
"I doubt there is a single one that does," Lucy says rather dryly.
"You have a remarkably good head on your shoulders," Ebony says, quite dryly. "Whenever did a succubus find common sense?"
"It's not that the race is entirely deprived of it, Miss Ebony!" Lucy protests. "In fact, studying the racial connection to evil might be worthwhile. Perhaps it acts as an addiction, or a powerful external influence overriding otherwise sensible instincts."
"That assumes it is consistent," Ebony says, considering. "It may not be, especially with how it manifests in devils versus demons."
"It probably is, if we treat all external connections to something primal as affecting in similar ways. In fact, this probably messes with the minds of elementals. It might be hard to stay rational when the first answer to every question is 'fire' or something along those lines."
"Mmm-hmm," Ebony says, "Simmer wrote a diary once about that. I think I still have it somewhere," she remarks, "Or a copy of it, would you like to see it?"
"Certainly!"
Ebony soon returns with a small diary. "She didn't get too far, only a few pages. I warn you, she's not much of a writer," Ebony hands you the book, taking her seat after.
Lucy accepts it gratefully and turns the page!
It reads as follows:
My name is Simmer and I'm a pyrodryad. I've never written anything like this before. I'm told that this means it won't be good, but Elder Magi Tepen insists. For the sake of knowledge, he says. I don't like it. What is a book to an open flame? It's tinder. Fire doesn't need to know. Fire knows everything it needs to from the moment it is sparked.
That's the point of this. Everyone else that isn't fire doesn't understand it. Fire is the root of all fire and and provides everything fire needs. Fire's the Elemental Plane of Fire. An uppercase Fire refers to that and lowercase refers to normal fire. It doesn't translate well from Ignan. The entire language is predicated on thousands of ways to refer to fire and related concepts.
Fire and creatures touched by Fire don't think like a dryad does. I should know since I used to be one. They don't think how a humanoid does. Outsiders and spirits have the same focus to what they are. Ask an angel about good and you'd get something similar to this. But most creatures don't. Mortals and other creatures don't have an overriding purpose. They don't have an absolute connection to an element or ethos.
This is also why outsiders deal with mortals better. Mortals naturally understand good and evil. At least I'm told that and it fits with what I've seen. They grasp law and chaos to a lesser degree. They don't have the same relation to elements. Express good to a mortal and they're equipped to deal with it. Express fire to a mortal and you get a burnt corpse.
Every creature of fire has a connection to Fire. At heart we are a burning inferno. Whatever form we wear is what we use to interact with Creation. I would be an ever-burning fire were this form disrupted. Most creatures of Fire cannot understand anything else. Creatures that are not of Fire are as alien to them as vice versa. I am better able to appreciate this because I was once not of Fire.
I am a fire. I am Fire. Fire is I. Where you see a forest? I see kindling. Where you see a roaring fireplace? I see a spot of sanity amid madness. Where you see a woman with a disfigured face from burns? I see a lady given true beauty. Where you see loss and ashes? I see purification and rebirth. My mind is not sane to anything that is not Fire. None of you are sane to me. That is what Fire tells me.
My heritage as a dryad allows me to see past this. I accept that what Fire tells me is right but it is not wholly accurate. Were I born a pyrodryad I would be reckoned mad by Fire. I am insane by any reckoning. I am an anomaly that is no longer part of the fey Cycle. I am a freak that will not fully accept all of Fire. This allows me to deal with things that are not Fire better than other creatures of Fire.
This makes me valuable to the archomentals. My loyalty would be highly prized by Imix or Zaaman Rul. My ability to understand things that are not Fire is in high demand. Elementals and creatures that only know Fire are poor diplomats outside of Fire. The greatest of Fire understand the limitations of our minds. I hope you do now.
"I feel very conflicted over this record," Lucy muses, trying to find the best way to put what she thinks to words. "It vindicates my hypothesis, yet it is also incredibly discouraging to read. Especially the part about a burnt face, that gave me shivers. I do wonder if the same process Miss Simmer alludes to having undergone could occur in reverse, under controlled circumstances. Yet there is no chance of it happening, since no being of Fire would ever consent to the procedure. I suppose infusing the opposing essence would be the way to go to achieve a measure of balance?"
"I was until recently mortal," Ebony says, "If I may, allow me to add my perspective."
"Please do, Miss Ebony."
"None of us tied to ethos or an element are sane, at least by mortal reckoning," Ebony says, "We are too pure, all but the rarest mortals can't withstand this. However, we become adept at becoming relatable, as Simmer is. I believe that says it all succinctly - sanity from a mortal perspective is just that, not a commentary on anything beyond mortality."
"I wonder about that. Mortals all seem insane to me from a certain perspective, given that they don't comprehend eternity. Thus, any sort of short-term gain short of acquiring immortality should be measured against their fate in the afterlife, yet no mortal really does that."
"Mortals don't understand. I think....I had to speculate, that they're meant to be like that." Ebony sits back now, eyes closed. She is still, "Mortal life is to choose eternity, yet they do not understand eternity. Perhaps that is why, so that they make a choice true to themselves, rather than what they imagine they would desire."
"That doesn't seem very fair, given what I know of how outsiders and powers operate on Primes," Lucy insists. "Nevermind that truly free choice is an illusion, there is a great disparity between the various lures. I wouldn't call being cajoled during a moment of weakness to be a choice made true to yourself."
Through all of that, what Ebony gets is one part. "What do you mean by truly free choice?"
"I'm talking about the arguments of nature and nurture. Mortals are freed from the chains of the former, unlike us or elementals. But who teaches them values while they are at an important developmental stage is very much left to chance, and is not of their own choice. The same is true for their socioeconomic status or the type of kingdom they end up being born into. And that's before you add various extra-planar agents and similar influences into the mix."
"Certainly," Ebony says, "But in the end...we have the choice, we have to make those choices. I know this well, for I once walked the same road as Hell. Were what you said true, I would have never had the chance to turn away and repent."
"Mmm, not really," Lucy muses, shaking her head. "You had a choice, as people have choices. But that is not the same as making a choice free of outside influence. Is a weighted choice like that really free? Miss Ebony, if I might ask, were you shown this other way by someone, or did you come onto it entirely of your own volition? And what of your previous choices?"
"Of course it is. Even in the darkest valley, we have the choice to look to the sky for the dawn." Ebony meets your gaze, "The sins of others do not rob us of our freedom. No matter how we are hurt or manipulated, so long as we are not unduly influenced by magic, our choices are our own."
"I think you're rather ignoring the impact a mortal's parents and upbringing have on them, Miss Ebony," Lucy politely disagrees. "It is an academic discussion, true, but I don't like the way it absolves such caretakers of most related responsibility. After all, if it doesn't matter where choosing in a way we consider right is concerned, why even bother to try?"
"It does not. Their sins and mistakes are still their own. It merely does not absolve the blame from those making those choices, either," Ebony says.
"My dearest Ebony, you are conflating responsibility and sin, I'm afraid. I hold the opinion that mortal societies have many imperatives that while largely considered born of morality actually form the very basis of said societies. Without them, society itself on a Prime cannot exist. If we take the approach, objectively true as it is, that every man and woman ostensibly in society are actually individuals with their separate sins and successes, their own falls and heavenly rewards, then that very mortal society itself is undermined."
Lucy coughs into hastily-produced handkerchief. "In my opinion, of course, Miss Ebony. Now, if you'd allow me to return us to the matter of choice? I truly do believe that magic is not the only way to invalidate an apparently free choice, or at the very least to draw much meaning from it. Consider, if you will, the choice you have at a typical crossroads on the way of life. A path leads left, and a path leads right. Both look exactly the same, and you lack a map or any tools or means to assist in your choice. True, this choice, a four-way one to go either way, stop there or return, is a free one. But does it hold any true meaning?"
"To have meaning it would have to hold moral weight," Ebony says, "Not all choices are morally relevant. It matters little to righteousness if I have bread or apples for lunch." She sits back in silence for a little bit, "The choice may be important even if made blind, and a wise man would pray for guidance, but ultimately I see no moral weight to it."
"So free choice as you see it only exists in a moral context?" Lucy muses. She nods slowly to herself, before asking Ebony, "What of fiendish choices, then? Given a choice to choose between which of two people lives or dies, two strangers one of whom a mortal could save while dooming the other. A choice where the two are elsewhere with said fiend, a devil who promises to spare the one chosen but insists he will kill both if our hypothetical mortal doesn't make that choice -- or makes the choice of inaction, I suppose. Are all the pantheons of good united in what the right choice would be, here? And even if so--" Lucy gives Ebony an apologetic look, "--I'm afraid I'm not the right authority to answer that question categorically, but even if that is so, would all these Deities of Good treat the mortal who made the wrong choice due to this immense pressure or for the right reasons the same way? Would they punish him the same?"
"No, only that a meaningful choice has to have a moral aspect," Ebony retorts.
Before this can go on, Elena pops in. "Oh hi," she says, "Can I borrow you for a few minutes, Lucy?"
"Of course, Miss Elena!" Lucy readily responds, giving Ebony an apologetic look. "If you don't mind? We do have eternity~"
Once done, you head outside. "Elder Magi Tepen wanted to talk to you," Elena says. "He has a few questions about your interest in the library."
"Most certainly! I'm on my way, Miss Elena!"
You find Elder Magi Tepen sitting in the library, a few pages standing silently nearby.
"Ah, Miss Lucy," he greets you, gesturing at the table he sits at. "Have a seat."
Lucy does so before asking, "You wished to see me, Elder Magi? What can I do for you?"
"I've heard you're interested in being a librarian," Tepen says, "I don't doubt your ability to sort the books, though Aurora largely does so with magic. However, I would like to test your knowledge. In what fields are you knowledgeable?"
"That would be every field," Lucy answers respectfully, with a quiet pride underneath. "While the basic sorting is done with magic in this wondrous library, sometimes people search for references or recommendations. Other time, they could surely use a second pair of eyes with research. I can do all that and more!"
"Well then, why don't you demonstrate?" Tepen says.
"By all means," Lucy genially agrees, keeping her enthusiasm at bay. "You are no doubt familiar with planar geography, so let us explore the nature of the Silver Sea." She already knows where the Gwinnan collection is, and so it is a simple matter to return with the first volume to their table. "As I'm quite certain, you have read this volume before many times! Yet have you ever wondered about the inter-tribal relationships of the githyanki taking residence on Astral?" She provides a dreadfully thin booklet as further reference material. "No book is ever complete on its own, I strongly believe, and our search for knowledge should keep that in mind!"
This is where Tepen is asked to make a Knowledge check on the matter of the Speakers of Void and their relationships with other githyanki tribes, with the library bonus and with an extra +15 bonus from yours truly.
"You should talk to Sage Vul'lath," Tepen smiles a bit, but his smile fades. "A few moments, please, Aurora business." His smile slips away completely, focused on something, hands held together tensely.
Lucy remains attentive and ready to serve!
Tepen's expression slowly mars with a deepening frown. He finally speaks, "It seems Moore is in considerable trouble." he finally says, rising. "Excuse me. We'll continue this another time, my apologies."
"Please allow me to assist you, Elder Magi!"
Quick Diplo check.
Take 10 for 70.
"It won't be exciting, I'm coordinating, but as you like," Tepen says after a split-second. "Follow me.'
"I will provide any aid that I am," Lucy assures Tepen.
+15 to Int-based checks/skills aura active on all NPCs around me~
Through a portal and Tepen is to the command room. He sits and closes his eyes, ""If you have anything to further quicken my mind, I would appreciate it," he says, "I am managing several telepathic conversations at once."
Lucy taps her lips in thought, before reaching out to touch Tepen as she casts Greater Heroism over the two of them, her mind already boosted by Arcane Spellsurge.
"First, the ever-present spell to sharpen all aspects, including one's mind. I do have abilities to alleviate such matters, but they're largely personal." She tilts her head. "I suppose I could scan your thoughts and help you keep track of several conversations via telepathy? I can certainly handle multiple conversations at the same time."
K:A 64 and Spellcraft 62 in case there is a spell to help that I haven't thought of, something like Amea's Mental Partition but non-Personal.
Nothing comes to mind. You could potentially brute force a lesser version with Wish.
I imagined as such.
Cool. Going to or am I good to reply?
Waiting on your reply, naturally.
"Thank you, but no," Tepen says, "Please standby then, allow me to work." With a momentarily wry smile, "I did warn you this would be boring. If you want action, join the front lines."
"This is perfectly fine," Lucy responds with a bright, answering smile. "In fact, please give me a few moments to devise a quick spell to assist!"
And she finds a convenient bulkhead to lean against where she wouldn't get into anyone's way before slipping into meditation. Drawing a Wish from Spellpool would just have to do. It would be a crude solution to such a problem, but there regretfully isn't any time for more. Perhaps she should also devise a more efficient method for coordinating mental conversations for those who never trained for such before? She'll float the idea to the Elder Magi once this crisis has blown over.
It will take me two rounds to figure out the wording and draw on Spellpool, so let me know when I can cast.
Go ahead and go for it, you're pausing a few after this in case it matters, though.
"I'm ready!" Lucy chirps, the spell drawn successfully from Spellpool and the proper formula prepared in her own quickened mind.
Reaching out for Tepen once she has his permission, she chants, "My mind to your mind, my thoughts to your thoughts," as she seeks to emulate the great sage Amea and sharpen the Elder Magi's thought processes by letting him run off her own mind. As per his request, she wouldn't join the conversation but even if the Wish only manages a doubled capacity for conversation and a heightened concentration for Tepen it would be a net benefit!
Seeking to only give Tepen increased 'mental partitions' for telepathy and a concentration bonus on the Amea model, but not quite spell concentration. Hopefully it would give Int +1 and Concentration +20, but even reduced numbers would work.
Tepen nods after the spell, "Thank you," he replies, and then a period of silence. "Damnation. Something is blocking our communications."
"What might it be?" Lucy wonders, trying not to sag tiredly in public and failing. "A spell to divert conversations, or an interdiction?"
10 for K:A 60. +15 to Tepen's check, if he wants to figure out how to beat this.
"Interdiction," he says, "It's greatly muffling it, but seems far more powerful than typical interdiction. I'm not sure the precise spell, it's probably a unique spell a particular devil came up with."
"In that case, why not overpower it?" Lucy suggests. "Channel a Wish into strengthening your connection and countering this block. If there ever was a time when doing so was safe, it is surely now."
"It's a last resort," Tepen admits, "But I fear it may be needed now. I..."
Quick Diplo check.
"Fortune, Elder Magi," Lucy says with uncharacteristic graveness, "favors the bold."
Taking ten for 70.
"...very well," Tepen says, as a blast of air pushes you back, "Mystra, Mother of Magic, untangle this weave to prevent anything tragic!"
> roll 1d20+28 Tepen CL
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 33 > [d20=5]
Tepen stands there after for several long seconds, focusing.
Lucy offers her full support by being quiet and staying at his side!
Finally he says, "They're back on Elysium, but with losses." Tepen rises, color draining. "Are you familiar with Nessian Pit Fiends?"
Lucy makes a face. "Not intimately, as they are a reclusive lot. But of course, who isn't? Elevated pit fiends from Nessus, which gives them the name, they prefer to strike with their claws and other extremities while shunning more conventional weapons, and supplement that attack routine with their foul innate magic. Particular favorites include Meteor Swarm, which is such a terribly-designed spell, and Hellball, which is reasonably nasty. They prefer to seek close combat despite their other skills, are tough, fast, and train to be the match of... hmm, I haven't had much time for my impressions, but they are the match of an Aurora officer one on one, I would estimate?"
'Yes, and they were sent en masse, by the dozens," Elder Magi Tepen's face is grave. "We were fortunate it was not worse."
"How could it be worse?" Lucy asks curiously.
"Three people came back," Tepen says, plainly. "We could have lost more."
"How many did we lose?" Lucy asks, now concerned.
"Jetin-ah, a moment,' Tepen frowns, 'I am attending to matters.'
Lucy nods her understanding. Patience is something she has in spades, so long as it doesn't keep her from exciting magical discoveries.
A long and longer pause, Tepen frowning more and more. "Things have changed. The grand caliphs of the djinn are going to punish Westwind for breaking the pacts about wishes to the Whirlwind Throne. I need you to go to the library, tell Vul'lath and the two of you dig up anything you can find on it as fast as possible."
"Oh, certainly," Lucy agrees. "I shall be on my way, then."
Okay, so you have a choice here.
1. Go for speed over accuracy. Inflicts a penalty to the Knowledge check but you get it done faster.
2. Go for accuracy over speed. No penalty to the Knowledge check but it takes longer.
Your call on your approach here, since you're on a time limit.
Lucy advocates accuracy over speed. If they cut corners, they might not understand all the implications of what they find. After all, the point is to find a suitable legal defense or precedent, and the devil is in the details~
Okay, make a Knowledge: Planes check here for now, see if you can dig anything up. Good luck.
Lucy supports Vul'lath in making that check! Vul'lath's Knowledge/Planes is +81. With Biblioteca Arcana it's +96, with Lucy's aura it's +111, with the Library bonus it's +126. Vul'lath takes 10 for 136. If Lucy and Elena are allowed to aid him mundanely for +2 each, it'd be a round 140.
Bibliotheca Arcana already factors into Vul'lath's stat block. What sort of bonus is your aura?
I see. I didn't realize it from his sheet. But no worries, Library is untyped and my aura is circumstance, so it doesn't hit the insight and competence he already has.
In any case, he'd take ten for 121, or 125 if Elena and Lucy are allowed to aid mundanely.
What it boils down to is this: The grand caliphs and the Whirlwind Throne have loose guidelines to punish djinn who break the rules about wishes. Legally they could get off with very little, however, that never happens. The cultural stigma around it in djinn society is enormous, to the point you can't find any record of anyone getting off remotely lightly for doing it. Demotion is the absolutely least penalty, and it's rarely only demotion.
It's seen as an abuse of your noble station, a failure to the Whirlwind Throne and altogether a sign of wretched failure. Additionally, for a grand caliph to do it is even worse, because they're supposed to be both powerful enough not to need to and wise enough to know better. So long as Westwind batters against that cultural expectation, you're pretty sure Westwind's boned. It takes a lot to challenge that sort of deeply held conviction.
The only light is that if it is seen fit, the Whirlwind Throne can pardon the offense. This hasn't ever happened for this sort of crime, but it is permissible.
Lucy carefully relays that to Tepen along with her apology at not being of more use, as well as a recommendation to consider going all in and raising the stakes enough for the Whirlwind Throne to get personally involved.
'Thank you,' Tepen says, 'I will relay that.'
Eventually it's done.
'They're back,' Tepen announces, 'With Westwind. I will advise you once more is known. Thank you, Lucy.'
'I'm happy to be of service, Elder Magi,' Lucy responds. Once more, a library changed someone's life for the better!
This has wound down. Next move?
A return to my original plan! I'm gonna meet all the mages.
Simmer, Mirima, Mirajane, Tannin, Stille, Mei, Bubbles, Ilsenine, Gold! In that order if possible.
You stumble on Mei first - literally. You come out of the library's portal and almost run into Mei, only a last minute stop preventing the two of you from smacking into each other hard.
"Oh! Hello!"
Mei smiles slightly and does not reply.
"Strange as it might sound, is this a language barrier?" Lucy decides to ask. The sentence should sound complicated enough that she'd only get a response if she's understood.
Mei shakes her head then taps her throat twice.
'Oh, my apologies,' Lucy says in Mei's mind. 'Is this better, then? Just think back to me.'
Mei nods once, sharply, but does not reply to your telepathy. She instead taps her throat twice again and then points upward, then brings her hands together, as if in prayer.
Lucy scratches her cheek. 'That's unfortunate,' she notes. So they should probably want to stay to simpler subjects. 'Do you like cake?'
Mei smiles slightly and nods, but then shakes her head, then points upwards.
Lucy stares up.
Most amazingly, you see ceiling. It's a rather nice ceiling, but it's still just a ceiling.
Mei shakes her head, pauses several seconds and repeats it. She smiles, nods, shakes her head and then points upward. This time she bows her head as if in prayer, hands held together in supplication. After a few moments of that she taps her throat thrice.
"Your god doesn't let you eat cake even though you like it?" Lucy guesses. "Is it a trial? A spiritual journey of purification? I would never be able to make that sacrifice...."
Mei shakes her head and points at herself.
"Well of course you were able to make that sacrifice. But don't worry! I'll eat enough for your share too!"
Another headshake, then Mei reaches out, takes your hands and pushes them together into the same supplication as she did earlier, then points to you and then upwards.
"Are you... suggesting that I pray?"
Mei smiles brightly and nods.
"But I'm a wizard?"
Mei merely meets your gaze at that, then points up once more.
'Hello? Does anyone hear me?' Lucy wonders telepathically, trying to follow the advice of the scary dogmatic person.
Roll 1d1000, since why not?
[22:52] <@Luiza> roll 1d1000
[22:52] <Serith> Luiza roll for Serith < 184 > [d1000=184]
Perhaps predictably, the prayers of a succubus get no reply.
"It didn't work," Lucy reports, drooping in disappointment.
Mei smiles and takes your hand, starting to pull you along with her.
This whole thing is much scarier while in a demiplane which shields from dimensional travel, Lucy muses. Still, she follows, having all the time in the world!
Mei takes you to a little corner of the courtyard. It's dusty here, no one immediately nearby. It's as quiet as Aurora ever gets here, Mei holding your hand as she kneels, pulling you down with her. She points at herself, then brings her hands together and bows her head, then looks up, points at herself and then you, then goes back to that position.
Lucy mirrors said position, looking clueless in the extreme.
Mei bows her head as if in prayer, going still.
It is quiet here if nothing else, a lull-space in Aurora's otherwise hectic nature.
Lucy meditates on what she has done to deserve this.
That's a good question, but no answer comes to you. Is knowledge the goal or merely a side effect of your passion?
Since that failed, Lucy decides to pray to whatever deity this strange woman is following. Maybe that way lies understanding.
What are you praying about?
How do we communicate? What does she want?!
Wis check.
[20:10] <@Luiza> roll 1d20+2 not actually very wise
[20:10] <Rei-chan> Luiza rolled : 1d20+2 not actually very wise --> [ 1d20=4 ]{6}
Nothing really happens for a time, until you hear someone approaching. "Mei," Priest calls, "Ah, you have a new friend?"
Oh, someone here speaks! "Hello!" Lucy chirps. "My name is Lucy. It is a pleasure to meet you! I've been told I have a passion for acquiring knowledge." She tilts her head, asking, " Do you think there is a difference between seeking it as its own goal or pursuing it as a stepping stone for enlightenment?"
"I think what matters is what you use the knowledge for," Priest says, offering you his hand.
Lucy shakes it, nodding. "I get that. I just want to learn everything, so I don't usually think about the philosophical aspects of the pursuit of knowledge much."
"Well, why do you want to learn everything?" Priest asks back after the handshake. "To what purpose do you devour knowledge?"
"It feels right?" Lucy answers with a question of her own, shrugging lightly. "Why do you... heal, I presume?"
"It is the right thing to do," Priest says, "It is my calling, my purpose and my duty."
"I sort of feel the same way," Lucy muses, "except without a moral imperative. But knowledge does call for me!"
She sneaks a glance at the now-named Mei as she speaks.
Mei is still in prayer, head bowed.
"Mei is devout in her prayers," Priest says quietly, "Let us not disturb her any further," he says, starting to walk away.
Nodding, Lucy follows with a wave at the strange but nice and silent girl.
Soon enough you've left Mei behind. "Even amid those rare few of your kind who choose a better way, I have not seen any great interest in piety," Priest observes.
"Don't you think it's kind of mutual-- ah, I'm sorry, I never caught your name?"
"Priest," Priest replies as you walk back towards busier parts of the courtyard.
"Right. So then, Mister Priest, do you understand why someone like me might feel unwelcome in certain situations? I don't think I had much say in how I came to be, and yet it seems like the first thing anyone would say to me. If their race defines all celestials, why is there so much distinctiveness between them? So why would mine matter before all else?"
"I would dissent on a few points," Priests says, "Unless you were spontaneously created as a succubus - and I cannot rule that out as it does happen - you lived a mortal life that lead you to the Abyss. That would indicate you had your way on how you came to be." Priest keeps a steady pace up, talking as you walk the courtyard, coming close and passing by a detachment of elven troops practicing archery. "The second is a mixed bun inevitable bag. I say it joyfully, as a succubus who has become more is a good thing, one less thrall for the Abyss and everything vile it represents. Others say it with wariness, for they have been scarred by fiends of all stripes. Succubi are notorious, for better and for worse."
"That's a good point," Lucy muses. "Of course I don't know what happened and have no real interest in finding out, so I suppose it shall have to remain a mystery?" She gestures about herself vaguely. "Still, again, a good point. However, why would I be drawn to priesthood? I would inevitably be surrounded by people who would look down on me for my potential past life's sins or view me with distrust. Essentially, I would not be wanted."
Priest smiles slightly at this, "A first impression is to be overcome. How many have we met poorly and ultimately become friends with? How many of ourselves have proven ourselves with hidden depths? Appeal earnestly and love and wisdom, and you will find them in the fullness of time."
"I know enough about me to tell that wisdom's not exactly one of my strength," Lucy admits. "No more than the average person."
Priest leads you into the temple of the Triune, the air fresh with the scent of plants. "Then forge a personal relationship with a suitable deity and petition to be chosen by them, favored above others. Such magics suit the charismatic soul well. With that will come sufficient wisdom."
"Not going to suggest your own?" Lucy asks in genuine curiosity.
"If it is the Triune's will, you will find her here," Priest says, "If it is not...not."
"Makes sense," Lucy agrees. "I'll keep an ear out for any subtle divine wills?"
Priest smiles faintly. "If the Triune wishes to act to bring you to her, then you will hear it with your ears open and heart ready. Perhaps she will if you were an elf in your mortal life, for there may yet be hope for you if you've thrown off the Abyss."
Lucy shrugs noncommittally.
Time for the next mage!
Refresh me on the list?
A return to my original plan! I'm gonna meet all the mages.
Simmer, Mirima, Mirajane, Tannin, Stille, Mei, Bubbles, Ilsenine, Gold! In that order if possible.
Finding Simmer is easy - she's by Aurora's gate, in full battle gear and waiting with Mirajane, the two quietly talking and waiting.
Go ahead and make your approach.
"Hello, Miss Simmer!" Lucy greets her, approaching. "I hope I'm not interrupting an important military matter?"
"Yeah, you are," Simmer says, "We're on alert in case we're needed."
"Then I shall not distract you," Lucy responds. "If at all possible, could we perhaps meet afterwards to discuss fire magics?" She smiles at the other woman, then. "And with you as well, Miss Mirajane?"
She doesn't stay to bother them afterwards, seeking out Mirima after.
Mirima is found in the first floor garden of the Graceful Blow. She is alone there, sitting amid nature and seemingly rapt in meditation.
Go ahead.
Lucy approaches her, asking, "Is this a bad time?"
"Yes," Mirima says as she estands and then opens her eyes, rising up in one flawlessly graceful motion. "But if you seek beauty and grace, then it is only right to be here."
"I'm interested in the approach that meshes meshes grace with fighting ability, marrying both to skill with magic," Lucy muses. "I've dabbled a bit myself, but the underlying philosophy escapes me. Would you be willing to offer me some pointers, Miss Mirima?"
"Yes," Mirima answers in her rich, compelling voice. "How familiar are you with swords? Do you have any talent in dancing, gymnastics, leaping or other graceful arts? I presume you have more than sufficient sorcererous power to handle that part of it. Canderella has taken lessons as well and done quite well with them."
"I can use swords or dodge gracefully," Lucy responds, trying to put her relevant skills in the offered terms. "Gymnastics, not so much. And while I do have a minor gift for dancing, I tend to focus on becoming a better lecturer. As for the magic, yes, I am quite knowledgeable about that subject, Miss Mirima." Pausing briefly, she asks, "How should I go about seeing whether this approach is for me?"
"Take a few lessons with me," Mirima says, "Learn, express yourself, see if this your soul calls out for this grace."
"Alright," Lucy readily agrees.
"Then we will begin immediately," Mirima says, "Come with me."
While she had hoped for a more intellectual discussion, Lucy knows quite well that some things are only learned through doing!
Are you interested in this class at all, Lucy, or is this just an RP thing?
It's mostly RP. I'm interested in friendship with Mirima and the Graceful Blow!
Soon enough it's sword practice with Mirima, going through the paces...
Go ahead and set yourself up.
Lucy is wielding a massive black sword half her height. The way her stance compensates for its weight suggests she won't be making any swift lunges any time soon, yet the sword's sheer bulk is enough to partially shield her from the inevitable retaliation.
"I prefer a fighting style that is a combination of the defensive and the ranged," she admits to Mirima. "Although I won't be using the latter, since I've yet to find a way to keep those attacks safe."
Mirima watches you practice, each swing analyzed. "How so do you mean?" Mirima asks, "From counter attacks?"
Picking out a suitable target, Lucy throws the greatsword with far more strength than she has a right to! "Like this," she responds, as the blade returns to her hand and she staggers at the weight before finding her balance.
whirling blade!
"Aaah, a worthy spell," Mirima says, "A popular one in the Graceful Blow."
"I'm glad you think so, Miss Mirima!"
"Of course, you must dedicate yourself to proceed further in our training," Mirima says, "It's intensive and not for half measures. The occasional practice will help, but learning more, how to blend magic and blade together into an apparent defense, is difficult."
"I actually find myself fascinated with the ultimate art of your style, Miss Mirima," Lucy admits. "Might I be so bold as to request a demonstration?"
Let's get this going again. Lucy's the one who gets paused when I need to, but let's not let her wait too long.
"As you wish," Mirima says, "You've heard of it before?"
"More like I've read of it, Miss Mirima," Lucy responds. "Hence my excitement of being able to see it in person, given your generosity!"
"Really?" Now Mirima looks interested, resting a moment. "What have you read of it?"
"That much like the mighty magics of Wish, phantoms gain real shapes at the direction of the practitioner," Lucy responds, smiling in anticipation. "Far beyond any magic Illusion can often bring to bear, and it is one of my hobbies, as it happens, so I'm doubly interested!"
"Then watch!" Mirima splits into many, converging on a single dummy. So many of her strike as one, over and over, relentlessly assaulting the training dummy from all angles. It's a storm of swords, a flurry of them that strikes dozens of times at once.
"Extraordinary!"
Mirima sheathes her blade and bows deeply, "Yes, yes it is. Was it as good as you hoped for?"
Lucy gives Mirima a flat stare, before breaking out into a grin. She claps, saying, "Above and beyond anything I've seen before! Surely, your power is the keystone of Illusion!"
"I'm sure any of the ladies here will be glad to teach you if you take it seriously, and it will be good for the both of you," Mirima smirks just a little bit.
"I don't know if I can throw myself fully at anything that isn't the pure pursuit of magic," Lucy says, voice laced with deep regret.
"A pity," Mirima says, "You are not without talent, and your heart aches for such passion and grace, does it not?" She gestures with her arm, a sweeping motion, "Does your heart not yearn for this?"
"A little bit," Lucy agrees. "Though if I'm honest with myself, it's more along the way of a hobby. I don't get lost in practice for hours on end like what happens with a good book, Miss Mirima."
"It sounds like your passions lie with the written word," Mirima admits, "A pity."
"I would be more than happy to return the favor and provide an interesting book for you to lose yourself in, Miss Mirima, if you are ever in the mood," Lucy says, having thought through several responses but dismissed them all for the possibility of carrying innuendo. At least offering a book should be fine!
"Very well," Mirima says, a hint of a smile, "A good book, it's been some time since I've read a good book."
"We could take a look through the library, if you're free?"
"Tonight," Mirima says, "I need to train the-"
Elena pops in, "Hi Mirima, thought you might like to know that Jaela's back and exhausted, she's resting in her room."
This gets Mirima to nod crisply, "I see. Thank you." Turning back to you, "I believe I'll need to cut this short. I'll talk to you about the library later."
"Of course, Miss Mirima!" Lucy responds, not keeping Mirima from her business. Besides, after that bout of exercise she's ready to network with fellow mages once more!
Who is up next?
In order! Mirajane, Tannin, Stille, Bubbles, Ilsenine, Gold
Mirajane isn't hard to find - she's in the courtyard, striding along. As you approach her she turns to you, "I have a few minutes," she says warmly enough.
"How wonderful!" Lucy exclaims, approaching with a smile. "Did Miss Elena tell you that I wanted to meet with you, Miss Mirajane?"
"I merely knew," Mirajane doesn't slow down, "This will need to be a bit brief, I am busy since mother's resting and I'm doing some of her duties for her."
"Perhaps I could be of some assistance, then?" Lucy proposes. "It sounds fair to donate some of my time as I'm seeking to borrow yours, Miss Mirajane."
"Thank you, but that's not appropriate for this situation," Mirajane gives you a look, lips pursing together. "Still, you like magic very much. It is your calling."
"Oh yes! Is it that obvious? Well, I'm approaching every mage of considerable skill, so I suppose it must be...."
Mirajane pauses her walk. "I am a seer," she says, "I see before it happens."
"Do you see when would be the best time for us to discuss your precious gift?" Lucy asks her, going with the flow. "And also, who on my has has time to chat about magic with me right now?"
"Gold and in a few days," Mirajane says, "Gold's in the cafeteria eating right now."
"Thank you, Miss Mirajane! I won't bother you any longer, so please look me up when the time is right!"
The cafeteria it is.
You find Gold at the cafeteria, just rising as you enter. He looks to be done with his meal, going towards a portal.
"Ah, you're right where Miss Mirajane said you would be, Mister Gold!" Lucy exclaims, approaching. "Would you be willing to spare a few minutes of your busy schedule? My name is Lucy, and I'm trying to get to know the resident mages of reknown a bit better."
Gold glances at you, "Alright. If you're here there's more to you than meets the eye."
"Glorious!" Lucy claps. "Where were you headed before, Mister Gold?"
"Nowhere important," Gold replies, "The library will suffice instead."
"That's my favorite place!" Lucy readily agrees, leading the way through the portal. "Do you use it to study the arcane arts, Mister Gold? For recreational purposes? Or something else entirely?"
"I am a natural wizard by nature, rather than a studied one," Gold says as you head in, lowering his voice. "Nonetheless, knowledge is power."
"If only more people had this outlook," Lucy says wistfully.
"Then the libraries would be uncomfortably crowded," Gold says as he leads you to a table, taking a seat after you pulling your seat out for you.
Lucy thanks him with a smile, settling down. "So!" she gets right to the chase. "What sort of power does a natural wizard seek in a library?"
"Arcana and planar lore are popular," Gold says, "Aurora's library is the best I have ever encountered, at least ones I have unfettered access to."
"Oh yes!" Lucy agrees, the subject quite close to her heart. "Even without Miss Elena's invaluable support, the legendary Sage Vul'lath is often here to provide his, ah, sage advice! But the best part," she continues, leaning slightly over the table while her hair anchors her and her chair for stability, "is all the reference books! Pick a subject, any subject, and the Aurora library has material to cover not just it but a slew of related matters! It might make the pursuit of knowledge slower than finding and then perusing a summary, but the wealth and depth of knowledge is beyond compare!"
"Yes, the depth is remarkable. You could spend lifetimes researching here," Gold says, "Aurora collects new books as well, so the lore expands every day. As a matter of fact, I am going out soon to procure some more books and lore sources."
"You don't say? Where from, if I might ask, Mister Gold?"
"A private dealer, a friend I know," Gold says, sitting back, "He owes me them."
"Would you like some company, Mister Gold? I'm always eager to meet fresh suppliers of knowledge, and if I could be of service in some small part to the ventures of Aurora's officers, all the better!"
"Yes, tomorrow, before Aurora's offensive start in earnest," Gold says. "It is a holy place, one where your kind rarely tread. Is that a problem for you?"
"It is a rare moment when I have problems with anyone," Lucy assures him.
Gold lets that one lie. Instead he says, "Alright."
"Do you have any instructions for me, while we're there?"
"Mind your manners," Gold says, leaning forward, "Be respectful."
"Most certainly, Mister Gold!"
Okay, anything else to chat with him about?
It's okay, I can talk to him while we're away
Next move then?
I'll go with Gold!
Any prep for that or just going as is?
As is.
You meet Gold at Aurora's gates, "Come," he says with barely a word, going to the gate controller and briefly using his magic on it.
Dressed as normal?
Lucy is dressed normally in her long, flowing skirt and a long-sleeved shirt in pastel colors, a darker vest over it. She doesn't have her sack or greatsword along, bringing only a wizard's staff with her while the head of her figurine pokes out of an inner pocket in her vest.
"Of course!" she chirps, coming over.
Gold pauses, "Also, is that a magical staff?" he asks, eyeing your wizard's staff.
"Maaaaaybe?"
Gold pauses and gives you a long look, face set into a frown of disapproval.
"What is the problem, Mister Gold?" Lucy asks, blinking in surprise.
"Is it magic or not?" Gold asks back.
"It's a Spellstaff," Lucy responds with a pout at Gold ruining the mystique.
"That should be fine then," Gold says.
Refresh me what that does?
It's a spell that charges another spell into a staff for one-time use. Basically, a scroll in staff form.
Quick update: I haven't had the energy for Lucy lately, so I'm pausing this. She'll move onto something different when I do. Sorry Cor, but the main game comes first. If things recover well on my end, hopefully later in the week or next week. We'll see.