You begin to wander Aurora when Elena appears next to you, "Oh Moore," she greets you.
"Hello!" Moore greets her. "Hey, after this Lifasa stuff is done, remind me that I need to talk to you about a few things."
"Okay. Like what?" Elena asks, tilting her head a bit.
"Don't worry about it for right now. What can I do for you?" He asks.
"Oh, Finnegan requested your help training some troops. Your encouragement could make or break them in time for Lifasa."
"Oh, okay." Moore nods. "Besides that, how's everything else been? I feel like I've been gone forever."
"Preparing," Elena says, "Everyone's gearing up for the last battles for Lifasa."
Moore nods. "All right. We'll catch up afterwards." He smiles and offers a bow. "Take care of yourself."
With that, Moore flies off to find the training ground!
Finnegan's off training a goodly sized troupe of warriors. He stops and comes over, "How good are you at helping them learn and perform?" he asks, right to the point.
"It is my specialty." Moore answers in the same vein.
"Then let's get to it," Finnegan says, and...
What do you have here to aid them?
If it's just skills in general, then he can do the following:
+8 morale to skill checks (1 bardic music use)
+12 competence to any dexterity-based check (marshal aura)
+5 untyped bonus to skill checks to up to 5 individuals (1 bardic music use)
He technically has Share Talents and that's another +2 but if we're talking multiple people here that probably wouldn't work (note to self, make a Mass Share Talents spell)
He can also hit DC80 Perform (Oratory) checks to motivate people also, this surpasses the Inspire Fanaticism DC but could potentially be useful here.
Cool. What are the durations on all of those?
Inspire Competence lasts for 2 minutes and Song of Fortune is the same, up to 2 minutes. He can cast Greater Lingering Chorus to make them both last 27 rounds (kind of irrelevant), the effects themselves last for 1 minute after people stop hearing them.
Can you manage them continuously?
Not both at the same time. He'll just use Greater Lingering Chorus to get them both up, though.
Okay. Assume those and also make your perform check.
He'll take 10 for 105
Soon enough you're sweaty and worked up, but the group looks smooth as butter. They're all working together, nailing every move under your guidance. When Finnegan at last dismisses them, he turns to you and says, "Good work, that helped them."
A little prestidigitation helps clean up the smelliness and... sweatiness. ...The everything, really.
Moore just nods and offers a smile. "I'm happy to help if any more troops need motivation. I think during the last battle -- in Benfal, anyway -- helping motivate a large portion of our ground troops gave us more of an edge than the devils realized. I don't mind doing that again, especially since I have some tools that can help to affect larger areas."
"Oh?" Finnegan says, "How large an area?"
"Five-hundred feet." Moore answers. "I've been considering a stronger version to cover even more area, but that's been a sufficient size thus far."
"In all directions?" Finnegan says, "Or only in one direction?"
"All around." Moore explains. "I don't know how well it works if you involve things like buildings and that sort of thing, but I think you could hear it inside them as if someone were making loud proclamations outside."
"Useful, I'll see if I can come up with something good for that," Finnegan cracks a smile, "Thanks for the help."
"Sure." Moore nods. "I can lead a squad... someday, but I'd rather trust my own role as support to better augment the others for Lifasa." He says. "Let me know if there's anything else you need."
"Not unless you grow several feet taller and change into a woman," Finnegan says, "How's your woman, by the way?"
"She's doing fine, as far as I'm aware." Moore answers. "It seems like everyone's having epiphanies and meetings with their divine links these days, so it wouldn't surprise if me if she's going on a similar sojourn."
"As far as you're aware?" Finnegan laughs, "A good answer, but one that usually means your woman is going to yell at you when you see them next. Usually means you aren't spending enough time with them."
"I will go check on her." Moore promises, with a bit of a roll of his eyes.
Finnegan smiles, a long and quirky smile. "Warrior heroes attract the ladies," he remarks. "Trust me, I know. Save yourself the headache."
"Yes, yes, please tell me all about the Queen you're involved in. Ugh, King Moore, can you even imagine that...?" He shakes his head. He really does need to ask King Oberon sometime about it...
Wtih that, he gives a wave and a tip of an invisible hat to Finnegan before he flies off to The Court.
Roll and post 1d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 63, total 63[/blockquote]
You find the Court is busy, but Queen Ilsenine is not seeing to it. Lady Skye is tending to affairs, and with a quick question, "Her Majesty is reviewing troops with Crystal."
Hmm, maybe he should wait? ...No, maybe he can offer something.
He heads off to find them!
You find Crystal and Queen Ilsenine overseeing rows of pixie soldiers, looking them over and slowly fluttering along. They're doing it in the courtyard, a section of set aside for them, mounts and other support staff.
You approach at your own pace and...
Ball is in your court.
For some reason he thought they were reviewing how the troops were going to be used!
Oh well, this is fine too. He'll simply wait on the sidelines for the time being!
If you are noticed, Ilsenine does not tip her hand. She instead keeps it up, checking over soldiers. It's a fairly quiet and official affair. When it's done, Ilsenine stands before them, "I am proud to see you ready to free Lifasa. Soon! We all know that our victory is nearly at hand. Only one last set of battles and sacrifices and then victory is ours."
Moore stays quiet but will offer a clap whenever is appropriate.
It's soon after, speech finished. As this finishes Ilsenine flutters away and Crystal goes to command the troops. She glances at you and nods slightly, a faint gesture to follow.
Moore will dutifully follow!
Once out of sight of them and heading back into Aurora, "Soon," she murmurs. "The end of this long nightmare is nearly on us."
Moore nods. "Yes, Your Majesty, I agree. How are you doing?" He asks, seemingly out of the blue.
"Fighting,' Ilsenine says, "To be ready for this final push. I can rest once Lifasa is free."
"Is that a missive from the Queen?" Moore asks, with a small smile.
To be clear he's talking about Titania.
"No. It is my missive," Queen Ilsenine replies sternly, "I can see the end in sight, we all can."
"Of course." Moore nods. "What do you think you'll do afterwards? I... expect a lot of people will leave Aurora, truthfully."
"Rule on Lifasa and support Aurora, if they choose to continue fighting. My main responsibility is to Lifasa, but I think some will not be able to let go." Ilsenine sighs very softly and in a quiet voice, "I applaud them, but I wish for them to be with us, not fighting or in an early grave. Yet let them go forth and break Hell's power whenever they find it."
Moore nods. "Well, I think the liberation will bring new allies anyway... probably new requests of us, too." He offers a small shrug at that. "But no sense in worrying about what tomorrow will bring when you have to get through today. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Ilsenine's face lightens, a smile held back yet still evident. "Yes. I may be some time with other duties, I intend to confer with Afina amid other concerns. The court ever requires entertainment, would you perform for them?"
"Yes, I'll brighten their spirits." Moore says with a nod.
"Thank you." Ilsenine leans in and gives you a little peck on the cheek, "Give them a performance they won't forget."
He offers a flourish and bow. "Of course, Your Majesty."
With that, he heads off to the Court... hmm, this will take some preparation, but it should be doable...
Plan?
Question: Can Sculpt Sound be used to make the sounds of his harp sound like the sound of an orchestra?
Looks like it.
Allllllllllllllllllllllllllllrighty then.
Moore will fly into the Court to find Lady Skye and ask her to let everyone know that there will be a performance in the court in approximately thirty minutes.
Plan will be to use Major Image to give myself an appropriate stage to play on and then... well, you know, he'll play!
Well, he'll cast some preparatory spells first because he's a cheater, but beyond that...
Go for it.
Moore will create a suitable stage for himself, a wooden floor with an orchestra pit in front of him. He himself will simply be flying with his harp, but appearances are important.
"I know many people are wondering about their future. Many people don't know what will happen tomorrow." He offers a smile. "I hope this performance can give you some support, be it spiritual or otherwise. Please try and enjoy yourselves and keep this song in your hearts."
A bright halo manifests around Moore as he begins his performance. His fingers move across the harp and yet, the music, the melody that begins to flow is undoubtedly one of an entire orchestra -- music supported by piano, violin, drums... somehow or another, all of that is played.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+108 : 10 + 108, total 118[/blockquote]
Quick check, what booster spells are you using?
Divine Insight, Greater Improvisation, Righteous Halo and Surge of Hope.
You perform. In moments the court is in your thrall, watching with rapt expressions of shock and enjoyment. They are in your power, listening to every word as...
Go ahead and play it up as you please.
"I can't speak to how everyone feels about this upcoming fight." Moore says as he continues to play. "Nor would I try to. I simply want everyone to know that we're all one family -- we're all part of Aurora. Aurora will still be here when Lifasa is freed -- do not worry about whether you want to stay on Lifasa or continue with Aurora, simply do what you know is right. You'll know, when the time comes, what to do."
His words are punctuated by a loud press of several piano keys, as if to wake everyone up from their reverie.
"Worry not about the mysteries of tomorrow and live in the present. Enjoy the time you have here before we go to war." Moore says. Drums, horns, a bell rings.
"Do not fall into despair, no matter what. Do not worry about things you cannot control. Keep your spirits high. You are your own future." Moore says as his fingers finally leave the harp -- the orchestra fading into a sublime silence.
The cheers that follow are deafening, the audience surely hearing your every word and taking them to heart. From the smiles and happiness on the various fey's faces, one can imagine your words have reached home indeed.
Moore gives everyone a deep bow. "Once Lifasa is freed, I promise you'll all get to hear a song about its freedom."
"Moore! Moore! Moore!" Then, amid the voice, you hear one call, "Prince Consort Moore!"
More? Or... Mo--...
Oh, here we go...
Moore holds a hand up with a smile. "There's time for all of that later. For now, focus on today and not on tomorrow."
He -really- does need to talk to Oberon someday...
Make a quick Diplo check there.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+94 : 1 + 94, total 95[/blockquote]
For whatever reason, that seems to quell that sentiment, but a few knowing looks are given to you nonetheless.
Moore will just give them a charming smile and let them go back to their merriment.
"Hey Elena? Is Balyss busy right now?" Moore asks.
Elena pops in, dressed up like a miking maid. "Hi. She's free at the moment."
"Thank you. Please let her know I'm coming. It's probably a formality, but..." He grins and will head out!
"Sure thing, princey," Elena calls as you go.
A long, drawn out sigh accompanies him as he flies off.
Elena's laugh follows you, light and carefree. Thus you head to find Balyss. She's in Selune's chapel, talking quietly to Adrian.
Moore will take a seat in a pew and wait until she's done!
I'm going to very briefly pause you due to events with Balyss in another threat. If you wanna retcon the last post or two of going to see her and choose something else, feel free.
In that case, he's going to go find Ebony!
You find Ebony with the phase spiders, watching them spin and seemingly lost in her own thoughts. At the least, she doesn't react to you approaching.
Moore will politely clear his throat.
"Moore?" Ebony looks over to you, hood draw and features shadowed. "I'm sorry, I was reflecting."
"It's fine." He answers with a smile. "Do you have a few minutes? I wanted to talk about our... esteemed guests from Hell."
"Go on," Ebony invites. "Speak as you like."
"I don't fully know your backstory," Moore admits, but continues along nonetheless, "But wanted to hear what you'd say if any of them wanted to seek redemption. Don't get me wrong... you can't just say you're really sorry about something like this... but as I've gone to and fro from Celestia, I've always been left with the same sense -- that nothing is final unless you let it be such."
"You are correct. Nothing is final if one truly desires to atone." Ebony says, "There is always hope, no matter how dim the light is and how deep the shadows are. Do you have someone in mind?"
"Mm. I haven't spoken to any of them at length." Moore admits. "I was just thinking ahead of the battle that if any of them started the process, which... again, I realize isn't something that will probably be done before our fight there is... I thought it might weaken all of Hell's contingencies on Lifasa." He says. "I also don't know if any of them are even truly repentant, but I do have the spell that allows for one to atone and I know it can't simply be fooled with lies."
"That is the key. If none of them repent, all of it is meaningless," Ebony says, slowly pushing back her hood to regard you. "True, heartfelt repentance is the key that opens the door, none other will do."
Moore nods. "Would you mind accompanying me to go visit them? Ah, I suppose if there's nothing preventing us..." He looks off to the side. "Elena? Are there any regulations on visitation for the traitors?"
"Only with reason, and I usually keep an eye on any visitors," Elena says, "If in doubt, ask a General."
Moore nods. "I think we're safe to at least have a conversation with them." Moore says. "I suppose we should start with the most recent... I believe that's... Velasca, I think?"
"Hmm..." Elena says slowly, "Talk to Jaela about that one," she says. "She dealt with it."
Moore shrugs. "Okay. Where is she?" He pauses for a moment. "Or, better yet, if you just want to ask her, that's fine too. Just ask if it's all right if we speak to them, I guess."
"I will," Elena says, popping out.
"Yes, but you can't promise her anything," Moore gets his answer a few moments later, "No promises at all."
"You can tell her I understand. I'll have a report to her afterwards." Moore says.
"Good luck," Elena says, winking away.
"Shall we?" He offers. He will fly to wherever it is Velasca is staying, although he casts a few spells before heading in.
Divine Insight, Surge of Hope are being refreshed.
Was that to Ebony or Elena?
Both, I suppose.
Ebony merely rises, "As you like," she says.
Elena vanishes without comment, off to somewhere else in Aurora.
Time to see a witch! ...Pit fiend? Hm. Whatever it is that Velasca is, anyway.
It's not terribly obvious, but there are guards in front of Velasca's portal. They don't move to stop you, though one says - an astral deva, unblinking and untiring, "Good luck getting information out of her, sir."
Moore nods and will enter!
You find Velasca there, watching the flames of her fire place. She makes no reaction to your entrance, as if entranced.
Moore clears his throat.
"Velasca, correct?" Moore calls out. Once he has some modicum of her attention, he will continue. "My name is Moore. This is Ebony." He nods in Ebony's direction. "I'd be surprised if you'd heard of me but would suspect her name was probably cursed out somewhere along the lines. I'd like to speak to you about a few things ...ah, to be clear, I don't wish to ask you further information about where your fellows are hiding out, nor am I here to promise you anything to get out of your arrangement." He says, as if laying ground rules.
"Then what do you want?" Velasca says, to the point.
"You made a choice, some time ago, to throw your world into the depths of Hell for a promise of power." Moore says, stating an obvious fact. "I would presume you regret this decision... but I want to know if you have any regret because you've lost, or you have regret because you realize you fell?"
Ebony stays back during all of this, merely listening.
"Hell is weak. I realizethat now, far too late. I thought Hell gave me the power to rule, to make my own destiny. I was wrong." Velasca says, not turning from the fires.
"Then what is it you plan to do with the rest of your life? Do you intend to wallow in your regret, or do something with it?" Moore asks. It isn't even so much a question -- his voice seems to have a lick of authority in it.
Diplo that.
Take 10 for 106. Expending Divine Insight here.
"I don't know. I have but a century," Velasca ruminates softly.
"As I said, I can't promise you anything." Moore reminds her. "Even so, I want you to consider this for a moment: You have an opportunity to lift yourself up from Hell's clutches and atone for your sins. To find a way to unshackle yourself and find a new path of wisdom. Don't you think that's a better course for yourself than living in fear for the next hundred years?"
"Even if one accepts it, others won't, "Velasca says, "What's the point when the fate is the same?"
"That's what they taught you to think, isn't it?" He asks, a small frown on his face. "They taught you that even if you ever did manage to go outside their boundaries, that you were just tied to another fate and that you had no control over yourself. I'm sorry." He shakes his head. "That was a lie. Hell tells many of them, through either obfuscation or omission. Your life -- your own fate is up to you. You control where your destiny leads you. No one can take that from you anymore."
Gimme another Diplo check.
Take 10 for 91 this time.
"Then how do I save myself from one avenger or another? If not Afina, another will come for me," Velasca says, plainly.
"Well, most of us rely on our allies in times of need." Moore says. "It isn't considered a weakness for people with similar beliefs to band together. It's... worked out rather well, I think." Moore gestures around.
"Of course, not everyone has a mobile demi-plane, I realize. Anyway, I'll turn that question around on you: How do you think Antenora managed?" He asks, plainly in response.
"Alicia," Velasca growls, "Not everyone has a neophyte goddess to save them."
"Who do you think is going to be the one who lifts you up from the depths?" Moore asks. "You asked how you protect yourself? Think about it -- you protect yourself because you'll have faith and freedom. You can think for yourself and challenge your beliefs without living in fear of repercussions. It may not be Alicia -- it might be Ilmater. It might even be Raziel, who knows? The point is, you won't have to worry about 'protecting' yourself from anything. If Hell decides to come after you... well, you know what? If they come after you in a thousand years, I bet you Aurora will still be around. Wouldn't that be a rather amusing excursion for some up-and-coming devil assassin?"
"Hell is not the ones I'm worried about, the weaklings," Velasca spits, "Even if Raziel gives me mercy, Ilmater or Selune will not. For everyone one I silence, ten others will be ready to strike me down."
"That isn't how atonement works, Velasca." Moore says, a small smile creeping onto his face. "When you repent for your actions, you aren't going to be punished forever by other deities because of the crimes you committed. Now... that doesn't mean they're just going to forgive and forget, either, so you WILL have to answer for those crimes... but it isn't in a way I think you're familiar with."
"What is to stop a single avenger?" Velasca says, rather sourly. "It hardly matters which side I'm on if I die."
"Moore," Ebony speaks up, "Forgiveness is not about escaping punishment. That's not what atonement and salvation are about at all. I don't think she understands that."
"I'm not sure how to teach you what forgiveness is..." Moore says, then he takes a breath. "Velasca, let me try and explain, though I understand indoctrination is probably the root cause here... not everyone swears vengeance and hatred on those who wrong them. Of course, you have people who are misguided... in times like that, you try and make them understand. Everything isn't as black and white, truly. I mean, we're here and talking, right?"
Velasca is silent after all of that, no immediate reply.
Moore just smiles. "I know it's a lot to think about, having Creation called into question. Just think about it, okay? We'll come back to talk more." He turns and nods to Ebony, as if that's their cue.
Locking this in preparation for Gar-Malleos.