If you need any last minute adjustments to your sheets, say so now.
Sylica's light is bright, radiant. The realm's every moment is felt by Alicia Reynes as she stands on a balcony in the palace of Liberton, overseeing Mercia below. The sun shines high in the sky, showing a horizon where the Opal Mountain glows brightly. In this one moment all is right in Alicia's world, her eyes drifting shut as she loses herself in a thousand prayers, a hundred thanksgivings and a dozen births.
Syala's presence is unspoken, felt as she appears at your side. She looks on at the horizon, clad in radiance and light. A small smile shows on her face as she joins you, not disturbing the moments of tranquility.
Before you lies the bustling city of Mercia, large streets and broad plazas filled with the faithful, be them immortal or mortal. Celestials of all stripes fly in the skies above it, going to and fro, joined by golden, celestial birds. Below you look down, your sight able to see the merchants selling, the people going, the brave Felis Knights riding about in formation. Beyond that you can see planes and rivers, valleys and forests, mountains and sky.
Like this, Syala hums and...
Chance to intro yourself, as well as set an immediate goal if you have one. If you don't, you'll get an event since this is just the beginning. Entirely your choice how you want to handle things.
Alicia's eyes are closed, not that it makes much difference to what she can perceive but it helps her centre herself in a place of peace as she absorbs the prayers of those who've chosen to put their faith in her, the energy of this realm she's built into a bustling and vibrant home for those who'd stand against the worst evils Creation has to offer. For all her deific stature she looks close to how she did in her earlier years; no fluffy white wings in evidence here, just a tall and well built human looking woman with bronzed skin and dark sun-burnished hair worn loose down her shoulders. She's not garbed for war right now, but that could easily change, a somewhat snug long-sleeved tunic and leggings worn, both in black.
As Syala joins her she raises a hand to take her lovers', squeezing it slightly as her eyes open. "Benfal and Lifasa are both recovering well. The coup on Avernus is over, but it'll take time for Lixer to consolidate. There's an opportunity there for us, if we can take it."
She has little worry of eavesdroppers or lip-readers making out her conversation with her fellow goddess, the light and wind of Sylica both conspiring to ensure her words aren't for any others.
"There is," Syala's lips curl upward as she smiles, "Do you think we can challenge Lixer before he grows too comfortable with his mantle of Supreme Warlord of Avernus?" Her hand is strong in yours, smiling to match yours. "Or do you mean something less ambitious?"
"Only slightly so," she chuckles. "Zariel, Torm's highest angel who struck at him under the thrall of Daa-vid and was cast down into Hell for it before Torm himself went mad and fell to the Abyss. Seira and I long ago resolved to get to the bottom of that, but the Bronze Citadel is no easy target."
She turns her head towards Syala, "Now, though? All of Bel's defences are suspect, they'll be changed to stop any loyalists from taking advantage of their knowledge - or selling it to Lixer's enemies. And in their place new defences. Fiendish no doubt, but still untested. And Lixer is no Bel when it comes to cunning strategy."
Syala grins, "See, I knew there was a reason I liked you. Though I'd bet Lixer's put the house on defenses there, since it's a logical target now that Bel's out. We'll need to go in hard." Pausing to consider a moment, "Antenora would be a bad choice, as effective as she is there. Plus she's the key one to lead a rescue mission in case things go horribly wrong. Jessica would make much more sense."
After a moment's pause, "Let me go ask Sharess if she knows anything, gossip up the rest of Brightwater. Someone's probably made a rash try at it already, and that could mean valuable knowledge. You could do the same in Dweomerheart."
"Good idea," she nods. "The idea I had in general was a diversionary attack by me, while Seira infiltrated to actually get her out. Jessica could go with Seira's group while she might lend me Donald or Oraga or someone. We can play to our own strengths while still blending our forces for best effect."
"I'll see you soon, lover. Meet back here tomorrow?" Syala asks, dropping your hand and looking down over Mercia, then vanishes.
Now that she has an avatar Alicia can at least delegate to that rather than putting Marie in charge of everything in her stead when she's absent. Though she goes to fetch her familiar anyway, since she always enjoys a chance to visit Dweomerheart.
Said familiar is currently busy going over various items of paperwork in her own office and is delighted at the chance to get away for a bit. "Oh, that sounds great!" the tiny and delicately built woman with long radiantly purple hair and slender pointed ears pushing past those luminous tresses says, a little green dress worn on her doll-like body. "Just let me go tell Antenora we'll have to put off our lunch date. Why don't you go get Naeys as well, I bet he'll enjoy coming along?" she suggests, closing a thick leather binder bigger than she is with a resounding thump before her tiny little wings carry her into the air and the two briefly split up again, Alicia going to enlist Naeys while Marie manages her own business.
Naeys is found with Jessica, the two sitting in one of Liberton's gardens. They sit beneath an apple tree, slices of fresh apple on a plate between them.
"Now, when you call on the names, you must remember to always pronounce them properly. Most mishaps that happen to amateurs are from mispronunciations," Naeys lectures, a book on Jesscia's lap that they both read from. "As magic becomes more advanced, the need for this only intensifies. Certain spells may require a slightly greater inflection on part of the name or less of one, or a slightly variant alteration is called for due to the other names it is paired with."
Jessica nods along, "Oh! Sister," she looks up from her book, "I'm brushing up on my magical theory."
"Never hurts to stay up on that," Alicia says approvingly as she walks over. "Though calling on Names and formulas for spells is more outside of my own speciality," she leans over to look at their book. "Kascha goes in pretty heavily on that for her magic though, if I recall. Anyway, can I steal Naeys away from you for a bit?" she asks before turning to the archmage, "Marie and I are visiting Dweomerheart to get some current events and context for what's happened on Avernus, it'd be good to have you along as well."
Naeys rises and takes one final apple slice in hand. "Then I will come with you."
"Sure, but that means you'll need to watch the kids next week," Jessica says, "Especially Will. I haven't told you what he did last night, have I?"
"I'm not sure I want to know at this rate," Alicia says, a smile tugging at her lips when she considers her energetic nephews. "What happened?"
"Mother and Father were visiting," Jessica begins, "Over drinks after dinner, he comes flying down the stairs - literally flying - and shooting searing light at make believe shadows." Jessica lightly sighs, "I thought his twos were bad enough, but he's even worse at eight. He broke some pottery, knocked over a tapestry and almost set a rug on fire."
Naeys smiles at that, "As I said, all within reason for a child, though he needs to learn not to do that inside."
Searing light, the third circle spell? Alicia momentarily recalls the days when that was the height of mortal sorcery which only the most gifted or ancient could aspire to. "Well, so long as it's only the furniture he's shooting it's easily fixed. I'll make sure to tire him out with target practice next time he's in my care," she resolves. "Anyway Naeys, shall we? Marie should be just finishing up on her end."
Okay. How do you plan to visit Dweomerheart?
Presumably Alicia has facilities there for looking after her interests and hosting her whenever she visits the boss, so she'll Gate over that way and check in if there's anything come up that requires her attention. Then she'll go visit Mystra or an avatar to find out what she knows re Lixer's takeover, while Marie and Naeys look up gossip on Avernus's current situation and any recent events post coup.
Sure.
Alicia's facilities there are an embassy - a rolling estate tucked into the heart of Dweomerheart, a grand palace with servants both hers and Mystra's who see to her every command here. The teleportation room you appear in is decorated with images of the Felis Knights and celestials, all wrought in shining gold. Before you kneels a servant, a new one you don't know. A man, perhaps 20 but with a decidedly ageless look. He wears a well made velvet doublet and pants, all the color of purple Mystra favors.
"Goddess," he greets, "Welcome back to Dweomerheart. I am Stevan, I am at your command. Mystra will see you when you are ready, she awaits in her private library."
Alicia always feels a bit strange seeing a new servant in places like this since she wonders if they might be devilish infiltrators or the like. But any good infiltrator would surely impersonate an already trusted member of staff, and she has to have some faith in Mystra's vetting. "Thank you, Stevan," she nods her head. She's armed and armoured now, gleaming breastplate over her chest and double-bladed sword resting diagonally over her back. It's not a threat or anything, she just never leaves Sylica without - can't tell when trouble will intercept her after all, or if she's called away to deal with a crisis elsewhere that doesn't allow time for a trip back to arm herself.
"What brought you to serve here?" she asks Stevan before going anywhere, just wanting to learn a little about him so she'll have some details in her head next time they meet.
"In my mortal life, I was a hedge wizard with little talent for magic, but a great deal of talent for running the temple properly," Stevan explains as he falls in step behind you, letting you lead the way as you see fit. "Mystra rewarded me after death, saying that my dedication was just as important as the scarce magic she gifted me with. In life, I often envied those with greater magical talent. Now I am content in my duties, for I understand they were truly important."
"Administration's important," Marie pipes up supportively from where she flutters along next to Alicia. "And I'm not just saying that because Antenora gets all funny about it," she giggles airily. "Though that's cute too."
"What my familiar means," Alicia says dryly, "Is that she can relate, since I often have her help with scheduling and administration back in Sylica. I'm glad I can entrust the running of this place to someone so serious-minded though," she turns and nods towards Stevan. "We'll let you know if we have any further needs," she says, dismissing him before they go to see Mystra herself.
"Ah, Lady Marielle," Stevan gives her a respectful nod, dipping down and almost going into a bow. "Yes, my lady." He departs and...
Going right to Mystra then?
Yeah, we'll actually stick together. Talk to the boss lady then we can go incognito for getting gossip afterwards.
> roll 1d100 see if you run into anything interesting en route
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 27 > [d100=27]
Mystra awaits you the three of you. Her private library is a cozy, intimate place - a small room with bookshelves over every inch of wall, chairs around a low table and a fire place. Blankets are folded up, ready to be used, and each chair is deeply stuffed, the sort you feel like you can drown in. It's faintly lit, enough to cast plenty of shadows and make the light of the fire all the more dominating.
Here Mystra sits in the form of a mere human woman, reading a slender tome held in one hand, bound in brown leather. "My champion," Mystra rises and comes forth, offering you her hand. She is clad in robes spun of silver fire and magic itself, radiant and impossible, and yet from brushing against them previously, you know them to be as soft as the finest silks.
Marie hangs back a little with Naeys while Alicia clasps Mystra's hand in her gauntleted one. She feels a little overdressed, but she didn't make it this far by being cavalier about her safety and ability to respond to sudden battles in her vicinity. "You do me credit, Mother of All Magic," she greets, leaning a bit more on formality after being addressed so. "Thank you for giving me your time, I've come to prevail on your knowledge again, Mystra."
Mystra's hand is warm, her grip firm. As you hold it a moment you see it all, all of magic roaring into Mystra. A sight you have seen and been before, yet no less an awe inspiring one. "I always have time for you," she says, a faint smile softening her face.
"Naeys, you have served Alicia well. Thank you." Mystra then addresses him.
Naeys bows low and then kneels, "I only do my duty, and it is a light duty indeed, for I derive great joy in it."
"Rise, rise," Mystra commands. "Marielle, you are well." With still that faint smile, "Are you and Antenora considering children yet?"
She takes some pride in being less overwhelming than the first time she was shown that, but even so it still shows the vast gulf that has to be crossed to reach Mystra's level. A level she'll need to surpass if she's to defeat Shar.
"Oh!" Marie grins a bit deliriously at her love life being worth her goddess's personal interest. "We've talked about it but we've decided to wait for now. Probably, sometimes it's tempting not to wait after all!" she says, smoothing down her dress as she bobs in the air behind Alicia.
Mystra merely leads you all in at that, offering chairs to the four of you. "Good, Marielle. Be happy with her." After that and a moment to settle in, the faintest bit of Mystra's will conjuring rich breads and cheeses worthy of an emperor's lunch before you, joined with water clear and cold, the Mother of All Magic speaks again.
"You seek information on Lixer and his new reign over Avernus." Mystra says, not a question at all.
She's still in her armour but Alicia at least puts her sword away in her portable hole so it doesn't get in the way when she sits down. "Yes," she confirms, holding a glass of cool water in her hands over her lap while Marie assembles a sandwich for herself. "Seira and I have wanted to free Zariel and get to the truth of what happened between her and Torm for some time. Now presents a unique opportunity."
"It is indeed a unique chance," Mystra says, forgoing food and drink. "But I know that Lixer has wrought mighty magic, as have others hidden from my sight. I know he is prepared for an assault there, and that a few that have tried have failed utterly - mortals, ambitious and foolish mortals, but still mortals. Moreover, I believe it possible that Bel has escaped, but it is not certain. I know a great magic to open a planar rift was cast at the end of their battle, but I do not know if anyone passed through it before it was closed. This blindness is the work of the Lord of the Ninth, who ever-jealously guards what is his."
Naeys has water as well, "A unique danger as well - let is not be said that the Lord of the Ninth does not watch his children. I had hoped you would know more of that in particular, Lady of Magic. Should Asmodeus be a looming threat, our task becomes far more difficult."
"Not even I know all Asmodeus does, or even much of it," Mystra admits, "He cannot touch the Weave, but he is capable of hiding himself and his from my gaze." Her expression is calm, tiny rivulets of spellfire running along her body and clothing at points before sinking into her body. "From experience and habit, he certainly watches and cannot be discounted, but nor is he an absolute barrier."
"Well, the idea is to threaten Lixer more than slay him outright. Press him enough to open a path to Zariel but not so much that Asmodeus is compelled to intervene - he doesn't bother himself over every battle on Avernus after all," Alicia says, giving the basics of their plan.
"Still though, Bel might have escaped? It wouldn't surprise me if Hell still had use for him even deposed. That's something to be wary of in the future."
"It is a plan that may indeed work," Mystra confirms, "Go with my blessing, but be cautious."
Mystra's expression darkens on your later words, "There is evidence that he may have, as well as magic that suggests certain hellish agents are making sure that rumor spreads." The Mother of All Magic's expression grows cooler, "Two such agents tried in my very divine realm, revealing their corruption to devilish paymasters. Divinations on Bel fail - be it because he is imprisoned or because another protects him from being found in his newfound freedom, I know not."
"Troubling," Naeys murmurs, "Merely the possibility of it is cause for alarm, especially when the truth is illusive."
As Alicia has a drink of water Marie looks up from her tiny-sized but still thickly packed sandwich and speaks up, "I bet it's one of those long cons. Bel's masquerading as Lixer's top lieutenant or something and it's cover for some other purge or scheme. Something needlessly convoluted like that."
"Would certainly ruin things for my plan if that was the case," Alicia says, a bit perturbed. "Those other attacks that have already happened, do we know how far they got and what stopped them?" she asks Mystra.
"It may be so," Naeys says, and then with a warmer smile, "I see we should have brought Antenora. Though you've learned from her if you pointed that out so clearly, Marie."
Mystra merely considers, a pause, "It may be so," she echos Naeys, "I cannot imagine a devil giving up Lordship lightly and yet, if anyone could set it up, it would be Asmodeus. If Bel is not a prisoner and this is all a plot, then reasoning where he is would be the key to it all. He would need something to make up for the loss of true divinity from his Lordship, not to mention the sacrifice of prestige. Eons of work are gone, his name's prestige shattered."
"Maybe one of the other Lords could be on the outs," Marie suggests, basking in having her opinions taken seriously. "Like, say, Baalzebul? Give Lixer some help setting up on Avernus and have an experienced hand ready to step in if someone else wavers?"
"Hmm," Alicia hums at that prospect. "He did help us when we attacked Avernus to root out Agares, and his interest in Sylica is obvious. Though I still haven't seen much of Triel there. Returning him to righteousness would be a coup..." she shakes her head, "Focus on Zariel for now. If nothing else, Lixer got his nose bloodied over the Lifasa affair too, and the entire scheme was the brainchild of Taelfagn. Responsibility lies with more than Bel, even if he's being used as the scapegoat."
"Hell's politics are ever murky, as Asmodeus takes pains to prevent us from seeing too deeply," Mystra remarks with a hint of annoyance, "I find it tiresome, as he weaponizes it so deftly. Doubt is as much a weapon in his hand as his Ruby Rod. I approve of the Aurora for shining light on some of it."
"Then Zariel," Naeys concurs, "If we cannot outreason the mysteries of Hell, then we must go forward instead."
"Yes. Firstly, a great unholiness has been bestowed over the entire fortress. The living dead will be vastly more powerful there as well as all but immune to life energy, so turning will avail you little." Mystra says. "They will heal fast and will rise again, unless slain with holy weapons or sacred magic." Mystra concurs, "A trifling aspect for us, but beware of it."
Alicia nods that. She's particularly adept at killing the undead after all, though it does prompt her to wonder, "Not that it would help us at all, but I'm curious how things will play out the next time Orcus gets one of his armies in deep enough to attack the Bronze Citadel," she wonders.
"Is it even still the Bronze Citadel or did he rename it?" Marie asks. "I read Ebony's reports, the devils renamed tons of stuff on Lifasa, it really upset Aurora's generals apparently. Probably called... the Bone Citadel now, right?"
"I have not heard, but it is likely," Mystra agrees, eyes closing one moment. "Ah. Savras says it is now named Noir Jardin."
Naeys keeps silent a few moments as he digests that, "I would presume they've worked out a contingency for that, or Hell is more foolish than I expect."
"Lixer's minions have ways and means, necromantic spells to harm the undead greatly," Mystra concurs, "They are prepared, but it will be a different tenor of battle there than under Bel."
Alicia and Marie both share a knowing glance at that predictable name change. "Things are different when like fights like," the former says afterwards. "But demons and devils have been fighting for long enough to know all the ways and means of ending one another."
"That they have," Mystra concurs, and then smiles. "You have been fighting them far less and are not far behind. Alicia - do you understand how exceptional your mortal life was, now that you see so many that are not so remarkable? There are so many mortals I adore, that I wish to prosper, and yet reach a limit. They may fall into death, discouragement or simply not proceed further. Yet you never fell into any of those. You mastered yourself and the world around you."
A pause as Mystra takes a glass of water and raises it to you, as if in salute. "Do you understand why I planned so for you, as you lived up to each and every hope I had? Now I only hope that you triumph over Lixer ahead. I await news of another victory."
Alicia looks a bit conflicted over that. If not for her husband and son dying - to what she knows were the machinations of Shar, her life would have been pretty unexceptional as well. "I think of myself as a warning," she says, expression firming into resolve, "Of not creating your own enemies and sowing the seeds of your own ruin. I hope Shar understands that lesson in detail one day."
A mere nod at that, a drink of water following.
"She will. One day," Mystra vows. "In addition to the unhallowing, there are the normal wards. Anti scrying and severed astral links, so teleportation is impossible within save by Lixer and probably Asmodeus."
"That's expected," Alicia says of the anti-scrying/teleportation setup. "How far did the other attackers get and what ultimately stopped them, do you know?"
Marie is quiet for now, eating her sandwich!
"Not far in. The first pressed the first layer before being overwhelmed. The second and third scarcely made it farther. Skilled mortals, but still not skilled enough to hide from Lixer's many eyes." Mystra replies. "Mundane forces - devils, necrolytes and the undead. Vampires and liches supplement the front line as well."
"I see," Alicia says, drinking more water before putting the glass down. "In the end a lot of it will come down to improvisation and taking advantage of opportunities. We'll make ourselves inconspicuous and then try seeing what other gossip has filtered to Dweomerheart, since it's much more a hub than Sylica. Is there anything else you can tell us?"
"Not on that, but there is another matter," Mystra says. "In time, I have no doubt you will rise in the divine hierarchy, and eventually become a lesser power. When that time grows closer, there is an open invitation for you to move Sylica to Elysium. In behalf of myself, all of Dweomerheart as well as the House of Nature and the arch angels of Elysium, know that you are welcome here."
"Ysgard has been good to us, but Elysium would be more appropriate," Alicia says after a momentary consideration. "Syala would like it as well, I think." Being by the House of Nature suits her interests anyway. "Thank you, Mystra. When the time comes we'll be glad of it."
"To the future," Mystra concurs, raising her glass once more.
Anything else to add here? If not, next move?
We're good for this bit.
After departing Mystra's library they return to Alicia's embassy only briefly, before adopting a few changes. Alicia takes the guise of a pale-skinned elf with a slender body and platinum blonde hair in a braid down her back, her armour exchanged for dark robes contrasting her colour. Marie also goes for the elf look, shapeshifting herself to humanoid proportions and giving herself bright red hair in a messy bob, dressed up like a roguish sort in light armour. With Naeys also adopting an incognito appearance they can play the adventuring party stereotype and teleport elsewhere in Dweomerheart before scouting out rumours and tales on Avernus's new state.
Will take 10 for 76 on diplomacy/gather info (using alter reality to throw in divine insight and greater heroism for +15 insight/+4 morale to the check). If Marie and Naeys aid we can hit DC 80.
I mean I doubt even with that we'll get more than we got straight from Mystra, but it might still get some extra context or hints.
Okay. Roll and post 1d100 real quick, in case you run into any shenanigans by pure luck.
[18:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[18:49] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=87 ]{87}
Naeys joins you and appears as a slender male elf, in light leathers and with a spell pouch belt joining the blade at his waist. Like this...
- You hear Avernus is now dark. Or green. Or the fireballs have stopped. Demons rise to fight over demons as undead demons. Or maybe just mind control? But it's greener now. But maybe there's black fireballs of pure unlife! Sam heard it from Weyeth who heard it from Miscobar who heard it from his cousin, who insists it's true!
- More stable whispers speak of ghostly spirits tearing apart any enemies of devil kind on Avernus.
- For whatever reason, Hellcats seem utterly unbothered by any of the undead there.
- There is one thing - Lixer's gathering ingredients for necromancy and paying good money for it. Quietly, paying more for silence sometimes.
Content enough with what they've heard, Alicia's party soon teleports back to her embassy and resumes their natural guises. "Well now we have a better idea what we're up against. Lets go home and see what Syala's learned," she says, Gating them back to Sylica.
You have the rest of the day until she gets back, she was gonna keep to that unless you send her a message to hurry up. If you do say so, if not, do you have anything you want to do with the time?
I assumed GIing took some time. No major plans while waiting.
The next day you meet Syala on the same balcony. She appears in a shimmer of light, stepping forward. "That was fun," She says, "Sharess wanted to hunt. How'd you do?"
"Caught some rumours, simple things about the fireballs being gone, fallen demons rising as undead on the battlefields," Alicia begins, turning to Syala. "Mystra was more detailed. A few raids have already been tried but none that got in deep, the Bronze Citadel - sorry, Noir Jardin it's called now," she says the new name in an unimpressed tone, "Aside from the usual defences you'd expect it's full of magic to bolster the undead, warding them from positive energy and causing them to reanimate even when slain."
"Noir Jarden?" Syala makes a face. Her lights fade as she conjures a comfortable chair, sitting. "I heard the Abattoir, but the source was unreliable. I think I liked that more than Noir Jarden. It has all the charm and intimidation of a dead rat."
"I'm sure Lixer has lots of familiarity with dead rats," Alicia says dryly, sitting herself on the armrest of Syala's chair. "Turn up anything interesting in Brightwater?"
Syala rests her head against your hip, smiling at that. "Empress Sulia had a few bits - she says hi by the way - about Lixer trying to take some of her knights as hostages, probably for sacrificing. The plot was foiled because one of Sulia's proxies happened to be in the area."
"Lucky timing for them. How is Sulia anyway?" she asks, smiling herself.
"Upset. She had an informal truce with the devils on that world - mostly Mephisto's stoics and spellcaster - because both have bigger problems to deal with. It ruined an attack they were planning against an aboleth empire native to that world." Syala shakes her head slightly, bumping against your hip. "Knowing Hell, it was probably unintentional, because Mephisto's stoics are fighting against the same aboleth empire."
"Strange bedfellows," Alicia murmurs. "Also a case of Lixer blundering around as he expands into a set of responsibilities he's not ready for. Gives me some hope for our attack on him."
"Yeah, the aboleths control that entire world's oceans, as well as several land empires of collaborators and slaves," Syala says, "I'll be redirecting a few of mine that way to help." Sitting up now and looking out, "The world's name Daun and evil has the edge there, all because of that aboleth empire. They worship Demogorgon, so the devils have even less love of them than usual."
"Might be worth putting more attention to now that Benfal and Lifasa are in the clear," Alicia says, nodding a little as she raises her hand and runs her fingers through Syala's pristine white hair. "But back to Lixer?"
Syala's hair is soft, gentle and yet firmly in place, a few messy spikes in it. "Speaking of ,we should send our avatars to Lifasa soon, do some more work there," she adds. "But back to Lixer. The other thing I heard is that fallen demons are rising as some sort of ghosts or spirits. Information's sketchier there," she confesses, "But normally spirits don't work like that. That's worrying, especially if it's automatic. If any of our friends were to fall on Avernus and the magic's a worst case situation, we could have a huge problem."
"Wide scale consecration or magic like spawn screen might be necessary," Alicia agrees. "I heard similar rumours but nothing concrete on that, Mystra didn't mention it either. I'd need to study the magic more in person to know more."
"It could be Lixer changing Avernus, which....mmm. There's still so much for us to learn, isn't there?" Syala remarks, "I remember when just wrestling you was enough. Now I have to learn every and anything. Like ways to call on Cantasa Alexandria to save an entire world." Her smile is warm despite that, turning to look up to you and meet your eyes. "I've been thinking about seriously expanding Sylica's size. We have the ability to create whatever we want now."
"It's not needed just yet, but if our faiths bear fruit on Benfal and Lifasa we'll have to if we don't want to be too crowded," Alicia says, looking out over her realm as it stretches off beyond where mortal eyes can see but still finite to her perspective. "Speaking of, Mystra invited us to move to Elysium when we reach the next stage of divinity. The House of Nature and the Arch Angels of Elysium would welcome us as well."
"Did they?" Syala's lips twitch up into a bigger smile, "I have a standing invitation for us to join Brightwater if we like, or become an associated realm. Choices, choices, and still not one I can punch in the face. I'd prefer Brightwater, but I do think Elysium makes more sense with what we're doing."
"Nestled comfortably in the middle?" she asks, ruffling her fingers into Syala's hair. "Yes, it only makes sense. Anyway, we're getting off track. Did you hear much from Sharess?"
"It can be fun being comfortable in the middle," Syala smirks a little bit, "You should try it sometime." A gentle nudge to your ribs and then she goes on. Or would, but you feel Sylica resonate. The power of the realm flows through the both of you and Syala as...
Congratulation, you accomplished your first node goal. This was is admittedly a softball - a lot of the early ones are for everyone - as a demonstration.
Syala: Good, Loyal, Romantic Love. ("Beautiful, but she still has much to learn. We both do.") - You addressed this and made steps for the future.
Syala: Ability Boost (+1 Intelligence for Syala OR Alicia).
Purely OOC choice: Who gets it?
Don't expect to see stat boosts too often here, this one was a demo freebie.
They're both at odd int but Alicia's is lower and she can benefit to her duskblade spells as well as skills, so I'll take it!
Node updated. Go read it and post back once you have. I'm gonna do this anytime node goals are hit, to make sure people are cognizant of the coinages.
"Oh, did you feel that?" Alicia asks, blinking and straightening up. "Well... can we take that as a vote from Sylica?" she wonders, surveying her realm. "Do you remember the trials when we took this place? It feels so right, but we mustn't forget it wasn't always ours. What sort of will does the plane itself experience?"
Syala stays still several moments longer, "A place that always challenges us," Syala remarks slowly, "Not a place for us to sit on our divine rears and gloat. That's what I think."
"Well said!" Alicia says, pleased as she scoots off the side of the chair and lowers herself down to a more convenient height to lean in and plant her lips onto Syala's in a quick but fervent kiss. "We can't ever stand still, we must always keep moving and growing. The stakes are too high to do anything less," she sums up her agreement, straightening again afterwards.
After the kiss Syala pulls back, "That they are," she concurs, "To the future."
Next move?
I'll take Jessica out to go visit the Cauldron and catch up with Seira/make plans
Okay, that's tomorrow then. There may be some IC chatter first if Seira needs time, she probably will. I'll set that up tonight or in the morning. Or maybe you just crash a conversation they're having, whatever. Post back to this with an ok, so I know it needs to be updated next time.
That works for me.
Jessica is found at Roald's bakery, in a simple peasant dress and apron. She works away, pleasantly whistling as Roald works the ovens. She's kneading dough, all her focus on it. In the front of the shop, bread is put out to be taken by any who are hungry, as well as pies, rolls and other such baked goods.
Go ahead and intro how you're approaching this.
Alicia snags a pork pie on the way in, taking a bite and making a pleased sound as she swallows it. "Mmm, good as always," she says. "Jessica, Roald," she greets them properly, going around the counter to where they are at the back, unarmoured right now. "Where's Wil, not off causing trouble is she?" she enquires after her nephew before finishing the pie.
You get looks from the customers, of course, but not that it stops them.
"Alicia," Roald calls from the ovens, "How are you? He's off at some lessons today, learning his nature lore and arcane lore."
Jessica dusts her hands off, wiping them on her apron. "How was Dweomerheart?"
"I'm good, thanks Roald," she says before to her sister, "It was nice. Mystra's invited us to move Sylica to Elysium later once Syala and I grow more as deities." None of the customers can actually hear what Alicia's saying of course. "I got more information about what's going on on Avernus. Can I steal you away from Roald for a trip to the Cauldron, sister? I'm going to be making some plans with Seira and they lend to your skills."
Roald hums at that and goes to an enclosed, glass covered rack of bread and other such things in the back.
Meanwhile, Jessica's attention focuses on you. "Of course. Tell me when."
"Do either of you need healing bread or anything useful," Roald calls back, using a key to unlock the glass case.
"We shouldn't need any for the Cauldron, but make up a package anyway? Can give it to Seira for her use, she always likes getting presents," Alicia says, smiling at Roald, then back to Jessica. "Say in two hours? It'll give you time to finish baking for the rush here and get ready for travelling."
Roald nods at that and...
Any prep before your trip?
Nope, will just gate on over with a basket of nice bread and good wishes!
Loot post. Okay. I'm going to move you over to Seira's current thread in a few. For now I'm going to lock this one.