The dragon dominates the view as it utters the words you still cannot understand. Again you feel the rush of power, the feeling of limits unshackling themselves from you. Of arcana greater than you could ever imagine igniting within your mind, as if you knew them all your life. As if you were born to know them, fated to understand every syllable of such fell and powerful magic.
You awaken with a startle.
Alyssa blinks her eyes open, slowly shaking off a dream. A dream of the dragon, leaving you dazed as you sit up on your bed in your quarters. It isn't the first time you've had this dream, an echo of what was that slips away like morning dew before the rising summer sun. Yet here you are, the first rays of dawn cresting through your windows, banishing the shadows of another night with a promise of warmth.
You frown.
A moment. A moment of something, slipping away. A forgotten dream? Something about shadows. Perhaps merely morning doggerel, the sad performance of a mind left fallow as you sleep. Yet here you are, awake and ready for another day.
This is purely a chance for you to set up, describe your living areas and all of that. If yo uhave something you want to do first thing, work it into the post and we'll roll with that. If you don't, you'll get a nudge forward since it's the first post and everyone deserves a push.
Alyssa sits up on the side of her bed and runs a hand through her hair with a frown and squint at the sun coming through the window. She should alter the tower so the blasted thing isn't shining straight in her face in the morning. Or move the bed. It'd be easy enough, considering it's mainly a mass of pillows piled atop a larger pillow. And the fact that she's a master wielder of telekinesis. With a sigh she stands and heads out to the balcony, a simple command word shifting her sleeping clothes into a red and blue sari combo with wave patterns. A few more words of magic clean, style, and fragrance herself and hair. A long braid today.
She looks over the Order and its islands for a few quiet minutes as she pulls a few pieces of fruit to her with her innate magic. Likely the only bit of quiet she'll have until lunch. Or dinner, depending on how many of the Order's novices have destroyed things overnight.
She knows Lorathana is likely waiting by her desk on the other side of the wall, but she can wait. Hopefully. At least until Lorathana's own work ethic gets the better of her.
The fruit is good - fresh oranges, apples and islefruit. You break your fast with it and begin to feel more awake and alert.
As you savor that, there is a double knock on the door before it opens. Lorathana walks in - rather short, black haired and slender. Well formed, one supposes, surely not lacking in male suitors. Curves in the right places, a face with delicate elven beauty and naturally graceful movements. She wears a dark blue dress, the scent the sea and coconuts clinging to her.
"Good morning, ma'am," Lorathana reports, bowing momentarily. "I have your morning report ready."
Alyssa rolls her eyes to herself. She knew it was coming. She probably listens at the door. No, maybe something more stealthy... A peephole somewhere? Alyssa pushes off the idea for later and goes to lounge in one of the hammock chairs on the balcony, motioning for Lorathana to follow.
"I think I'm going start putting a silence ward trap on that door. A few more minutes of waking up wouldn't be terrible. But yes, let's get this started. Who do I have to throw out of a window first today?"
"Several, ma'am," Lorathana replies crisply, standing at attention with her hands behind her back and together. "Firstly, novice Luras was found in the summoning circles without permission, and in the middle of a ritual to summon a succubus. Considering that Luras is...unfortunate in both looks and personality, we believe the most juvenile reason for this is applicable. He is currently under arrest in his rooms until this matter can be addressed in the morning."
A moment's pause, "There are no signs it is related to Malcanthet's recent entreaty, ma'am, as that thought crossed my mind. Of course, the diviners will be investigating."
Alyssa sighs.
"It's unlikely that he's the only one. Have the Masters set up detection and alarm wards. If anyone summons a devil or a demon, we need to know. Check Luras for outside influences. Something might be pulling at him. Malcanthet's brood are born corruptors. There's likely someone in the tower that's in their clutches. Or more than someone. Ugh, the whole desperate novices thing almost makes me want to open a brothel just to avoid headaches like this. After Luras is checked for influences, have him punished. And check his rooms, he's likely squirreled something else away. Next?"
"Yes, ma'am." Lorathana replies, pausing one moment. "Novice Jessi was found trying to sneak a potion from our stores. She successfully undid the main ward, but did not find the secondary alarms and those gave her away. It was a potion of haste and thus not of negligible value. She is currently enjoying the hospitality of our dungeon as she is investigated for theft. The fact that she managed to undo the main ward speaks of his talent as much as it condemns her integrity, ma'am."
Grunts.
"Well, dump her into the Abjurer's laps. We need to figure out what she was stealing it for. If she's a klepto, we need to get her into a program for scouting or exploration. More likely, she's in debt for something. Anyway, it's small enough that it's not worth my time. We have Masters for this. Next."
"Thirdly," Lorathana continues without missing a beat, "Novice Elias Suncloak - yes, related to the Milliard Suncloak who gave us a sizeable donation last year - got into a fairly serious spell duel. One that he lost, because his foe triumphed and left Elias in the infirmary. Normally beneath your notice ma'am, but his injuries were life threatening and there's the matter of his patronage. He claims the other dueler was notive Sanval, who he advocated be expelled for the assault."
"Was the duel done by regulations? We're there witnesses? Was it over an approved reason?"
"It was not - life threatening injuries, ma'am," Your secretary reports, "There were no witnesses and the reason is unclear."
"Punish them both. They violated the same rules. Make it clear to Elias that expulsion over an unauthorized duel will be for anyone who violated the rules. Lay out punishment for each violation. Sanval will be punished for the additional violation of lethal force. That should keep it from escalating further. Next."
"Onto the more troublesome things. Part of research room 14 is now lost to the Astral Plane. Researcher Armine and novice Jeten were studying color pool theory when Jeten attempted to activate a magic item that directs towards color pools...on the Astral Plane. In a room that was currently charged with Astral energies for study. I understand that explosion was magnificent, ma'am. Unfortunately, it displaced approximately one fifth of the room to the Astral Plane, leaving behind a gaping hole in its wake."
A pause, a moment's beat. "I'm told by Researcher Armine that he was certain it pointed to a color pool during the explosion, at least."
"Punch him in the face. Which tower? I hope it was on one of the islands for testing. Have one of the Masters try to recreate it and see if it's a viable spell. If it's a new type of teleportation, we can try to make use of it. Have our Carpenters and Mason's evaluate it and get a cost. Put the two to work for them. Limited magic assistance. I want physical labor. Next."
"That is all, ma'am," Lorathana says, "What is your agenda today so that I may prepare?"
"Check if any of the diviners got anything on their investigations. Check on the exploration groups. I'm sure by that time something else will have blown up."
Lorathana begins to speak but stops. For the door is thrown open, a young man entering. A page, dressed simply and gasping, "Ma'am! Ma'am! There's been a murder!" He leans forward, resting his hands on his knees. "Over on Starlight Island, in the Observatory!"
Alyssa lifts the boy into the air and floats him back out over the threshold. "Boy, you will not barge into my rooms."
She begins to slowly spin him the air. "What are you going on about a murder now?"
"Y-yes ma'am!" The page boy blurts out, flailing in the air. He spins to your command as Lorathana merely raises an eyebrow and looks at you. "R-Researcher Mickel was found m-murdered in his rooms this morning. H-h-h-his ch-chest was torn open, ma'am!"
Alyssa sighs.
"See, this is why I don't plan for past lunch around here. Lorathana, go find Leogeon. His note taking will be needed. Page, lead the way."
Alyssa puts the boy back down on his feet. "And if you ever burst into my rooms like that again, I'm going to use you to test my rooms are high enough to launch a body into the ocean from."
The young man's color is completely pale, "B-b-but he t-told me too, m-m-ma'am!" He blurts it out, quailing before you.
"Of course, ma'am," Lorathana agrees, "I'll have him meet you there."
"He told you to burst into my room without so much as a knock? First off, anyone who knows me will tell you that's a terrible idea. Secondly, who is 'he?' Thirdly, even if he did tell you to break into my room without warning, did no part of your brain warn you that it might be a poor life decision?"
Alyssa sighs. "Lorathana, get the practical use of magic instructors together for a meeting. Apparently I have to have them change the curriculum to include some damn common sense."
She turns back to the page and releases him. "Go tell this mysterious him that I'll be there shortly. I've got a few things to prepare and an already dead body won't be hurt by another few minutes. Lorathana, get the head of Necromancy down there. One of the diviners, too. A good one. An Abjurer, too. I'll be there shortly."
Going to give myself a few to do daily buffs here. I have my spells mostly prepped but haven't posted them because I have to play with metamagic adjustments.
All good, Iddy.
"Of course, ma'am," Lorathana remarks dryly.
"T-that is, I mean..." The young page stammers as...
Make an Intimidate check, please.
Don't have that skill, so Cha check it is
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 16 + 3, total 19[/blockquote]
"Um...um...I was just t-told and I was j-ju-just doing as told, ma'am!" He manages to blurt out, eyes wide and wider by the moment.
"Well I'm telling you to apply common sense next time. A wizard who can't think before acting fails as a wizard. Now go on back to your duties."
The young page runs off, full tilt. Once he's gone Lorathana sighs softly, "Distressing. At least the story will increase the respect others pay to you, ma'am."
Alyssa snorts. "It's not about about respect for me. It's about forethought, planning, and common sense. I've seen wizards waste magic for too many things and die for simple things they've over looked. The number of wizards that hire rogues to check for traps in ruins is ridiculous when they could just animate a boulder or corpse. That kind of thinking starts in every day tasks. And blindly following orders is just as bad. Worse when you don't bother to consider the intent of them at all."
She shakes her head. "Anyway, go to your tasks. I'll be there in a few minutes."
Next move then, Alyssa? Investigating the murder, I presume?
After buffing up, yeah. I'll just Dimension Door over.
A teleport later and you stand at the scene of the crime.
What's left of Researcher Mickel is splayed across is pillow-bed, chest torn open like a child would tear open a present-box. An empty cavity is all that remains - no sign of ribs, lungs, heart or other such things. Only a mess of blood and flesh, left behind. Mickel himself was a middle aged human, face locked in an expression of horror, sightless eyes staring at nothing. Blood is splattered around the bed.
Nearby is a man in full red robes, hood done up. This man is Regent Delaize, an elf who has long been part of the Guild. His gaze is on the murder scene, hands kept together and hidden in his heavy sleeves. He says nothing to acknowledge you, peering at the body in lieu of conversation.
Alyssa inspects it as well, hoping to glean from the damage if it was specific to a creature or ritual.
Have any ranks in Heal, first of all?
Nope! I'm a terrible Factotum. I need to go through and put like 1 rank into every skill so I can use Cunning Knowledge.
Okay, what knowledge skills do you have?
Okay, the following are buff spells that I reserved time to cast on self.
Elemental Body (Fire), CL 29, Duration 29 hours.
Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
Mind Blank, CL 29, Duration 24 hours.
The subject is protected from all devices and spells that detect, influence, or read emotions or thoughts. This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
Bibliotheca Arcana, CL 29, Duration 24 hours.
You gain a +15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained. This knowledge extends to knowledge of your own life. You you have perfect recall of your own memories for the duration of the spell. Effects that change your memories, such as modify memory or mindrape, are suppressed for the duration of the spell. You gain the ability to read and speak all languages during this time, as if affected by a comprehend languages and tongues spell. Finally, you may instantly absorb the information of any written material you touch, as if by a scholar's touch spell. For the duration of the spell, you have perfect recall of the material read in this manner.
Many Moments of Prescience (3 uses), CL 29, Duration 29 hours.
This spell is identical to moment of prescience, except you can use its effects once, plus an additional number of times equal to your caster level divided by 10. The insight bonus equals your caster level (maximum +30).
Epic Mage Armor, CL 29, Duration 29 hours.
This spell is identical to mage armor, except that it grants a +20 armor bonus to armor class.
Thanks to Bibliotheca Arcana, I have access to all knowledge skills, but these are the ones I have actual ranks in:
Knowledge: Arcana
Knowledge: Dungeoneering
Knowledge: Geography
Knowledge: Nature
Knowledge: The Planes
Knowledge: Religion
K:N check.
K:Nature!
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 9 + 57, total 66[/blockquote]
Hmm. Looking closely, you can tell that the wounds are like those made by claws. Bear claws in particular, if you don't miss your guess. A dire bear based on the size of them or similarly enhanced ursine, or perhaps simply an abnormally large bear.
Alyssa blinks at this.
"That's... Strange. The wound pattern looks like claws from a bear. Unusually large or a dire bear."
She begins looking around for other evidence of this. Fur or claw marks or the like.
Spot.
Regent Delaize merely adds, "My own conclusion," he says, soft-voiced. It carries despite the softness, projected well. "A summon gone wrong? The wrath of a Malarite who had a grudge against him? A summoned monster used to assassinate?"
You mean Perception? Pathfinder, remember.
> roll 1d20+42
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 57 > [d20=15]
Yes, you know what I mean.
You see no sign of claw marks or damage, save from bloodstains and similar such things.
"If it were an actual bear, I think it'd leave some sign. Fur, additional damage, something. The only thing damaged here is him. Polymorph, likely. Or an overly intelligent and calculating murderous bear summon."
A soft snort at the latter, "A spell to summon an intelligent bear assassin. No, I believe shape changing of some form is likely. The diviners have already been informed, since if this is from an external threat, this cannot go unpunished." A few beats and then he adds, "By your command, of course."
"Mmm... It'll have to be punished, but what form depends on the cause. I've also sent for the head of Necromancy. If he can communicate with Mickel's soul or figure out where it went, we might be able to commune with it and get a straight answer about who killed him. Which make this marvelously simple."
She sighs again. "Which means it'll be unlikely or blocked. In any case, how're you doing this fine and bloody morning? I assume you sent the page to me?"
"Mm-hm." A general agreement, "I came to collect dues from Mickel and found the door ajar. Unfortunate."
That's all he says as another enters. A half elf with asymmetrical features, the mark of chaos-blood to be sure, enters. He wears colorful red robes. Before you is Ule, head of Necromancy. He takes a long look at the scene before him, "Murder?" he asks briskly, going on over to the corpse.
"Indeed. See if you can find out where his spirit went. If we can contact it, we may get an easy answer."
She turns back to Delaize, "That page made me consider turning today into a double homicide day. He came into my room unannounced. The only defense he offered was 'but he told me so!'" she mimics the boy in a whiney voice then snorts.
"I've instructed Lorathana to gather the practical applications instructors. Seems like this lot of novices needs common sense forced on them."
As Ule works, Regent Delaize adds in a quiet voice, "The boy was shaken. Do not think too poorly of him, I doubt he has seen battle and taken a life. To see this is a test for callow youth. He has potential, I oversee some of his training. He is merely inexperienced."
"Mmm... He's yours to do with as you will. It's beyond petty for me to try to interfere on an individual level. I'll still have the instructors begin implementing stress training, then. It'll help in plenty of other ways. Regardless, the next one to burst into my rooms unannounced will be used as a javelin to see if I can make it to the sea from my balcony. Other than this mess, was there anything else you wanted to address? We're here and waiting on Ule. Might as well be efficient about it."
Delaize shakes his head, but it is not long regardless.
Ule finishes chanting a spell and frowns. "Impossible. Mickel's soul has been captured and bound. Likely it resides in an enchanted weapon or within a gemstone."
"Figures. Whatever container it is will be enchanted to defy scrying, most likely. Altered aura is also likely... I wonder..."
She turns to Delaize, "Do you know if Mickel followed a god? We might be able to commune with whoever it was. I'll bet they're displeased his soul was stolen from them and might give us a name. It's unlikely that whoever this was can't simply teleport away, but have the ports and portals locked down. I doubt the diviners will be able to scry anything here, but they or one of the Abjurers might be able to pick up on the spell used and track it down. I wonder why Mickel, though... It'll be a grudge or related to recent work..."
"Mickel paid homage to Oghma," Delaize says, still gazing at the body. "The entire House of Creation more broadly."
Ule meanwhile shakes his head, "Unlikely. Competency means our foe is already gone."
"Most likely, but they could try to be using mundane means. Teleports and plane shifts are harder to mask. They might be looking for a ship. It's a slim chance, but one that shouldn't be over looked. After all, it could also be an assassin with a magical item. Make it look like a mage, and slip out while we're questioning mages. It's a simple tactic, but one that could work. Ule, is there any trace of the soul capturing magic? Enough to identify if it was a cast spell or item?"
"None," Ule says. "Unusual. That magic leaves traces for a long time." His expression is unchanging, gaze focused intently on the body. "Magic concealment. Stealth."
"Which points to an assassin," Delaize agrees, "The actual killing was meant to be shocking. Poison or a simple dagger to the heart would suffice if death was merely the goal. This isn't merely a murder, it's a statement. None of you are safe from horror and you can't stop us."
Alyssa turns her back to Ule and steps closer to Delaize.
"I'm concerned that this may be related to the novice that tried to summon the succubus and Malcanthet. Might be a play to pressure us into the parlay. It looks like a bear, but the assassination style and the power to cover the magic involved... And capturing the soul? That's more than anything a normal assassin would do. That's toying with gods and driving for vengence."
"What novice did that?" Delaize murmurs quietly, stepping closer as well. "I had not heard that. What foolishness was that?"
"Luras. Didn't bother asking for a last name. Was Michel in any sort of relationship? If this was a summoned succubus..."
She looks back over to Ule and the body, studying it in thought...
What do I gotta do to check for a summoning spell? Detect magic? Spellcraft?
Detect magic first.
"Luras. Of course it would be." Delaize says ever so softly "The only thing less appealing than his face is his personality. The one thing he was ever granted was magical talent, and he paid for it dearly."
Then a faint grunt follows, "Mickel was not in a relationship, but ah, if he was, we would be looking for an incubus, not a succubus."
With a short word of magic, Alyssa casts Detect Magic, holding off on responding to Delaize."
There is no magic here, beyond what is expected.
"Well, I don't see any magic outside of the norm... Still, let's get a diviner in here. Let's get people to the ports. Do you need me here, Delaize?"
"No," Delaize says, "I do not."
Next move then?
Umm.... I dunno. I guess... Check on Red Knight thing. She's part of my biggest hole to patch in defenses. Her or the Githyank. Either Vlaakith or the treasure ship. 49% Vlaakith, 52% ship. Because ship and treasure.
I presume you'd e investigating this a little more first or waiting for info on it a bit, but that's certainly not binding.
Well yeah, but until I get results from the diviners and stuff, I don't have much to go on, unless I'm totally missing something.
Won't be long if you wanna wait, I suppose that wasn't said directly. My bad.
Ah, yeah, I sorta assumed it'd take a bit to do all the scrying and searching, so I figured I'd do something else while waiting. If that's the case, then yeah, I'd just take a seat somewhere and wait.
Within a half hour you have a preliminary report from Delaize.
"Basic divinations have failed," Delaize says quietly, hood still up. "They're beginning a more powerful divination, it should be concluded shortly. We have time to get there, if you wish to be there for it."
"Might as well. Where is Lorathana... I'll have to find her after this."
The Tower of Divination is nearby, where the diviners work. You stand and watch as High Diviner Leyral works - a bearded dwarf, face screwed in concentration as he sits and casts, surrounded by a circle of candles that blaze blue-silver as he channels magic.
> roll 1d20+18
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+13 fort
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=13]
"Oghma, I carve my name into knowledge! Erathaol, all the lights of heaven shall illuminate the way! Asmodeus, open forth what is hidden!" With a final chant the magic swirls and Leyral screams. He screams, thrashing and holding his face, high pitched.
Delaize moves forward in an instant, "Calm yourself!" He reaches into his clothes and pulls out a stopped metal vial, trying to get a hold of the thrashing dwarf.
Alyssa tries to use her telekinesis to hold the dwarf.
"Someone use mind blank on him! Or stasis!"
"Dnim eht laes!" Delaize chants, the thrashing of Leyral stopping. His hands fall away - his eyes are black and empty, blood gushing out of them. Purple light surrounds his pitch black, empty eyes, glowing.
Once still Delaize uncorks the vial and pours the contents down the dwarf's throat.
> roll 3d8+5
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 21 > [d8=6,6,4]
The bleeding slows somewhat, enough to go from gushing to a steady trickle.
Spellcraft to figure out WTF? And how bad his injuries are?
Spellcraft, certainly.
Heal check to diagnose the injuries beyond 'really fucking ugly'.
> roll 1d20+42 Spellcraft
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 45 > [d20=3]
Spending 1 inspiration for Cunning Knowledge. +20 to the check, total result is 65.
That's some nasty arcana. Someone took a counter measure against divination and made it offensive. That's probably beyond mortal magic and an a 10th+ level spell. Go divining, trip it and get smacked hard. That or its a deity up to no good, which is also possible and terrifying.
Make a follow up K:R check if you have ranks.
1 Inspiration for Cunning Knowledge:
> roll 1d20+42+20 K:R
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 70 > [d20=8]
Your blood chills, as if the breath of a yuki-onna was passing through your bloodstream.
A black circle surrounded by purple is a symbol of Shar, Goddess of Loss.
You've heard of Sharrans laying curses like that, where the eyes are destroyed and only Shar's symbol remains. Barring great magic indeed, Leyral will never see anything but Shar's unholy symbol again.
"Shit. Clear the room, now. No more divining into this until I give my permission. Get Leyral to the healers. Someone find me a goddamn cleric of Selune. The most powerful we can find, period. Delaize. Full Reagent council. Now."
"Right," Delaize vanishes in a few words of magic as...
Okay, out line your plans to deal with this CF.
Well, gonna get the cleric first. Hopefully he can break the curse on Leyral and hopefully commune with Selune about Shar getting involved here.
In the council meeting, need to tell them Shar is involved and discuss ways to counter her influence/reach here if possible, and what gods/forces we can align with to that end.
And then we need to figure out what the dead guy's connection to Shar was in the first place.
Okay. Roll 1d100 for me real quick.
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 86 > [d100=86]
It takes time to get the balding, middle aged man that is the quickest cleric of Selune. He chants over Leyral and shakes his head, "Shar's curse is strong on him. It will take a great miracle to save him."
"My eyes...my eyes..." Leyral chants again and again, sounding sick.
"Stay with him, do what you can. Knock him out if you have to. I'm going to the Council Hall."
With that, she Dimension Doors away to the hall!
The Council Hall is tense. Everyone waits for you, as you see a few faces as you come in.
Regent Delaize is there, hood still up and gaze far away, perhaps pondering.
Ule is there as well, in his capacity as a regent.
A tall, lanky woman is also here. Her hair is black and cut crudely short, a long scar down her left cheek. Regent Madala Hawkwine, a generalist sorcerer of not inconsiderable skill.
"Ah, Alyssa," Regent Madala greets, "I see your inspired leadership faces a challenge here." Her voice is friendly enough on the surface.
Uh, is this person actually friendly or not? Seems like something my character would know.
She isn't a fan, no.
"More important things, Madala. Far more important things. Is everyone here?" She says brushing past the snarky woman as she heads to her position in the hall.
"This is all we have on short notice," Delaize speaks up, "Many others are off adventuring. We're working on contacting them and seeing if we can get them back here, but it'll take time."
Alyssa nods.
"I'll make it short and sweet. We've had a murder as you've all heard. Leyral tried to scry on it and was hit with a curse. Beyond mortal magic. It was Shar. A god is directly involved in a murder in our Order and it's fucking Shar. Our ability to defend against that level of magic is limited, but we need to do whatever we can. All of us need to focus on that. You have your specialties and your schools and followers. Use whatever you need, but we need some kind of defense against this kind of interference."
She shakes her head and slumps a bit.
"But before that, Leyral. The curse is persistent and has blinded him. The Selunite cleric on hand can't do much against it. I'm willing to compromise my spellcasting for the rest of day to cast Wish to break it. I'm powerful, but gods are gods. It's best if we cast it in conjunction. Not all of us need to, but some. We may need someone in reserve to use it to restore his eyes if we're successful. And... If there's further traps on the curse. That'll need to be investigated before we try anything else. Volunteers?
"Circle magic?" Ule asks, right to the point.
"I say we leave it to the gods. If they wish to smite Leyral, they can also heal him." Madala replies, brushing back a bit of black hair. "We would be better focusing on own defenses."
Before Delaize can add anything, there's a heavy knocking on the door to the room.
Alyssa locks eyes with Madala. "We do not abandon our own."
She turns to the door. "Enter!"
A page - a young woman this time, "M-ma'am," she says, "I bring news. Regent Ular is dead - he was slain in the Kingdom of Langersun. A-according to the wizard who went to investigate, it was a ritual sacrifice, ma'am."
Alyssa nods. "Thank you. Continue your duties."
She waits for the page to leave and the door to be closed before continuing. "Now it's not a coincidence. Shar, or those with her favor, are aiming to wipe us out. Leaving it to the gods won't let any of us get away unscathed. You're all competent, get your battlemages together and get a plan for defenses together. If a god is taking a swing at us, we need a way to swing back."
She stands fully upright and folds her arms. "The Red Knight made inquiries about me. I'm going to try to find her on Ysgard. Mount Celestia is having some kind of festival. One of us needs to go there and see about either gaining their alliance or at least information. A proxy diplomat won't do it fast enough. Madala, you and your sorcerers are probably some of the best adventurers we have. I want a team that can head into Ooze on short notice. Pull who you need to from the other towers if need be, but don't gut them from figuring out a defense plan. There's a Githyanki treasure ship somewhere there. We need it. Either for a war chest or trade for favor from Vlaakith. I've already got diviners trying to get the exact location. I want the ship and the treasure."
She looks at the other Regents for a moment. "We're the smallest fish in the biggest fight now. Do what you can, but don't expose yourselves for longer than you need to. A Regent is dead; no one is safe going alone. And one last thing; we need to figure out if Shar has followers here in the Order. Internal strife is something we can't afford right now. Anyone else have anything?"
Everyone listens carefully, and when done, "Fine," Madala says it all, "This is not a time for quarreling. I will see that a proper party is chosen for Ooze."
Ule quietly takes this all in and adds, "Alone? Going alone?"
"I'll take one other most likely. I'm going to Ysgard. Even if they manage to kill me, I'll be reborn on the dawn. And to be honest, outside of those here, anything able to kill me will go through anyone I take like paper, which means they'll either die first, or I'll be forced to fight around them. Unless anyone has suggestions?"
"I'll go," Delaize offers, still quiet. "Anything I can do here can be done by others."
Alyssa nods. "That's it then. Madala, let's get the conjurer's to clear space for you. We know roughly the size of the ship. Let's see if we can get a portal or teleport circle big enough for it out on their test island. If we can get enough of an array put together, you might be able to just land on it, mark it, and pull it back here before anyone knows you're there. Best case scenario. Now, back to Leyral. I'll lead the circle and head off to Ysgard once my Magic's stabilized. Who's going to join me?"
To be clear here, Delaize was volunteering to go with you and you said you only want one other person. Unless that changed?
Nope. I'm good with him. This is for using Wish to break the curse. I figure it's worth trying.
Okay, make a caster level check with Wish.
CL check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+29 : 1 + 29, total 30[/blockquote]
You throw all your magic at it, altering reality itself...and the curse remains, preserves. You do not break the curse.
Alyssa gets a sour look on her face. "It persists. Have some of the researchers start looking for clues on how to counter it. I'll be doing research on it in my rooms until my magic stabilizes."
Any prep for your trip?
Not that I can think of.
Okay, cool. How are you getting to Ysgard?
Plane Shift?
One teleport later, you stand on the slope of a glacier. Ice is all around you, mountains rising up screaming towards the sky in sharp, snow capped peaks. It's cold here, far below a great bay where crystal blue water laps around the glacier, a great fjord.
Delaize shivers and murmurs words of magic, his suffering ceasing instantly after.
"Now, lets see..."
Alyssa tries to identify where they are on Ysgard and to access lore through her spells to figure out the Red Knight's probable location... Or how to attract her attention.
K:P check, first of all.
K:P with Bibliotheca Arcana:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 16 + 57, total 73[/blockquote]
You're in Hammerskald Fjord. Noted for frigid waters, bitter cold and lots and lots of dire animals adapted to the cold. Some of the peaks hold aerial armies that war against each other in grand war games. It's not terribly notable otherwise, perhaps thankfully.
"Hmm... Hammerskald Fjord. Watch for dire animals. And flying people..."
Now she just has to figure out a way to get the Red Knight's attention...
"Now what?" Delaize asks, "Shall we teleport somewhere more agreeable?" He has his hood up, warding him against the cold.
Is there a portion of Ysgard that the Red Knight claims or has a castle or something in that I can roll for?
Warrior's Rest, she had holdings there in Tempus's divine realm. It's connected to Ysgard.
Would I know how to find her front door an knock, per se?
K:P again.
K:P/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 14 + 57, total 71[/blockquote]
Yes. There are several regions of Ysgards where battlefields lead to her divine realm. One merely needs to go there and pass on through to it. The ways are guarded, though, so expect to be confronted and questioned.
That's fine. Roll to figure out which one is closest?
Sure, but the closest is over two hundred miles away. It's the outer planes, teleport's as valid a means of moving as anything else.
Uh, I don't have that prepped, but I can fly. Maybe Delaize has it ready? So used to having boots of it from Surraruthru, I straight up didn't even consider it.
He can handle that, yes.
"We need to get to one of the battlefields that lead to her realm. Nearest is that way, a couple hundred miles. Care to teleport us there?"
A blink and you are elsewhere. A battlefield, swept by war and bloodshed. Broken armies lie here, forgotten by the march of time. The horizon is hazy and distant, the sound of battle-songs heard ahead. Amid all this stand ten guards, each wearing heavy armor with a black chesspiece knight engraved on it, weapons at the ready but not aimed at the two of you.
Any Knowledges for knowing the proper ceremony here?
K:P or K:Local(Warrior's Rest). Latter is easier.
> roll 1d20+57 K:P/Bibliotheca
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 67 > [d20=10]
As long as you go up, state who you are honestly and aren't an obvious enemy of the Red Knight's, you'll be fine. They're guards, after all.
Alyssa strides up to the guards and looks them in the eyes, squarely.
"I am Alyssa Songsteel, Regeant of the Arcane Order of Argasia, on Arythma. I received word from one of my agents that the Red Knight inquired about me. I would greet her, if possible."
The guards merely step aside with this weapons withdrawn. "Enter as you please, but know this - the brain is a weapon as any other, and all weapons are needed to triumph within."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, wondering if they have any idea about her skill set, but remains distinctly quiet on the matter.
"Thank you. May you find glory in your duty."
With that, she strides forward, Delaize in tow.
Delaize follows, "I've never been here, have you?" he asks, ever so softly.
"A battlefield? Yes. The Red Knight's domain? Not at all."
Ahead you step into an open field. A battlefield perhaps, but a neatly kept field. Grassy with only a few clouds in the sky, a picture of a pleasant place. Ahead is a castle, large and built of sturdy-looking gray stone. Roads are here, going off in various directions, including the castle. It's daytime, warm but not hot and altogether pleasant enough here.
Alyssa looks around the battlefield, inspecting the layout like she would a large adventurer's camp. Looking for defensive positions, pit falls, traps, and looking for where the heaviest fighting was done. She's sure something in the castle has her and Delaize spotted and ranged already, so she simply strides towards it, watching for ambush points, traps, and possible incoming attacks.
"Be ready, Delaize. This is every bit as much of a battlefield as it is a God's realm. I wouldn't be surprised if the echoes of battles played out here on their own, without the Red Knight's active attention. If they do, if anything does, you can expect it to be every bit as real and lethal as the battle it came from was."
Got any ranks in anything relevant to that, Alyssa?
I now have ranks in every skill barring Local and Perform, as those have tons of sub-skills or specific locale applications. So.. I guess... Engineering? Or whatever else you want, really.
Sure, go for that.
> roll 1d20+15+15 K:Engineering/Bibliotheca
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 42 > [d20=12]
There's little signs of all over. Ditches that can be made into trenches. Signs of fortifications, scars well hidden. The roads move just so to funnel forces that use them. Little hills, giving the defender the advantage. So on and so forth, all subtly done.
Note all of these as she goes; after all, there's nothing to do about it. Onwards to the castle!
The castle's gate is open, drawbridge down. The moat is clear and clean water - odd enough, honestly - and smells just fine. Two guards in the same armor as the previous ones stand there.
"Halt! This is Bishop Castle," they call, "Only those of the faithful of Red Knight may enter. Visitors, you do not appear to be pilgrims. What is your purpose here?"
"I am Alyssa Songsteel, Regeant of the Arcane Order of Argasia. The Red Knight made contact with one of my agents and inquired about me. If she has interest in me, I would meet the Red Knight myself. My purpose is to open dialogue and begin a relationship with the intent of alliance and sharing of information."
"Then you may enter and be given rooms, and can rest here three days or until the Red Knight chooses to visit you. If she does not, then she will not and you will leave," the guard says.
Alyssa nods. "As I am the head of an organization myself, there are things I need to tend to and decisions to be made. Could you provide Regeant Delaize here with some token of identification or communication that can be given to a messenger, if I need documents or the like brought back and forth? Or perhaps a way to return back here directly?"
Diplo check, they're essentially guards so this matters.
Spinding 1 Inspiration for Cunning Knowledge. Wanna pass this.
> roll 1d20+36+20 Diplo/Cunning Knowledge
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 73 > [d20=17]
The two share a look, "That is not unreasonable. We will pass it on to the Governor-General of Bishop Castle for that lies in his authority and his authority alone."
Alyssa nods and turns to Delaize, "You can either wait with me for until this Governor-General comes to talk to me or head back to the Order. I'm here safely either way, and while I trust the other Regents, another hand in the bucket line doesn't hurt."
Delaize considers a brief time before murmurs, "Allow me to aid you," he finally says, "I mislike something in the air here. I do not quite trust things here, I cannot say why."
Alyssa nods and motions the guards to lead them on. "Do you have a sending readied to let the others know of our absence?"
A curt nod is given in returns, "A scroll of it for emergencies."
"Mmm.... I don't think we need to resort to that just yet. I'll ready it after some rest."
She turns to the gurads leading her, "Will we be allowed to explore the grounds, or will be restricted to the rooms?"
"The grounds are yours for any public areas," The guard replies, leading you inside.
Going to do anything but follow along?
Just keep an eye out for anything interesting.
Spot check then.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+42 : 14 + 42, total 56[/blockquote]
I like the bold and italics there, really works for the dice check.
You travel. The Red Knight's sigil is everywhere, as well as the sigil of a chess bishop. Guards are in the right places and then some, no place left unmanned. The halls are built for the defender, thick and strong walls as well promising to be near impossible to breach. Just from what you see here, things look to be well run.
Your rooms are a pair of bedrooms that share a center sitting room and fireplace on the first floor, windows giving you a view of the courtyard.
So what are you going to do here?
First, I'll rest/rememorize spells so I can inform the council of what's going on, then either wander around and inspect things/defenses for ideas on improvement for the Order, and wait for the Governor-General.
Any changes or just a spell refresh?
I'd change something out to do a sending or whatever spell I need to contact the other Regeants. At work so I can't really look it up or swap stuff.
That's fine, that's pretty minor. Roll 1d100 for me.
Dune Request:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 30, total 30[/blockquote]
You search about, looking around. Everything's well done, military. You're cutting through the courtyard again as a soldier comes up to you. Tall, thin, middle aged. He has a thin mustache and carries a spear, a small shield and red themed leathers.
"Ma'am," he greets you, "I've noticed you looking around. You're a guest, do you require a guide to show you around?"
Alyssa inspects the man, "I prefer to explore on my own, but if I come up with something specific I'm interested in, I'll be sure to ask. I'm guessing any guard can answer my questions, or should I have them contact you, Sir.... ?"
"Darrin," The soldier introduces himself. "Looking at how the experts do it, ma'am?"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow. "There's always more than one way to solve a problem. Different designs for castles and defenses, for example. No information is useless. I'm interested in how the Red Knight decided to do it."
"I am familiar with those, if you want me to elaborate," The soldier offers, smiling. "I can tell you quite a lot about the Red Knight."
"Perhaps after I look around, perhaps. I'll discovering questions as I go. Thank you for the offer."
"The right questions are key to winning," Darrin agrees, "I will be here, ma'am."
Alyssa nods to him and keeps going, inspecting varios aspects or the construction and layout, looking for answers to designs she can use for the Order, to include less pleasant things like sewage, food storage, and cargo transportation.
Have any relevant skills to all this?
K: Engineering, but only at +15. Boosted it earlier.
Roll it.
K: Engineering:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+15 : 11 + 15, total 26[/blockquote]
You get a handful of useful insights on the entire thing, feeling as if you learned something here.
Alyssa wanders to whatever training yard she can find to see if she can learn anything from how and if the soldiers work with mages.
Easily enough done. They're doing basic drills - cleric types helping and coordinating infantry. Looks fairly complex with various war-like spells being flung around.
Alyssa studies it, looking for Improvements on what she knows and read.
Any relevant skills?
No idea. What would they be? Also, just remembered that Bibliotheca gives +15 to Knowledge checks, meaning that last engineering one would be +15 higher.
Adjusted upward in notes. Okay.
Anything related to warfare, tactics or anything remotely like that.
Um... Going by the Pathfinder skill descriptions: History (wars, colonies, migrations, founding of cities). So I guess that? I dunno, there's not a specific skill listed for warfare/tactics.
Close enough. Check on it.
Good thing I spent Inspiration on it.
> roll 1d20+15+15+20 K:H/Bibliotheca/Inspiration
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 52 > [d20=2]
You pick up some good tips here, too. The strategy is remarkable enough and well executed, letting you learn more simply watching.
Alyssa makes plans to spend some time each of the next three days studying these drills before round her way to the kitchen. After all, she only had a bit of fruit before the day went to shit.
The kitchens are exactly as hectic as you would imagine. Amid cooking, swearing and plenty of heat, a middle aged woman comes on over to you. She was one brown haired, but is mostly gray now and wears a simple, paired down uniform. "Ah, one of our guests," she greets, "Meals are at 7 AM, noon and 6 PM sharp."
"Anything for snacks? I ran out here on only a few pieces of fruit."
"You want to eat in my kitchen off hours, you earn it," She points to a stack of dishes and mugs, "Shouldn't take you more than an hour to clean those."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and does some quick magical calculations...
What do you think on using prestidigitation and telekinesis to get it done?
Not long at all. Less than a minute with prestidigitation.
Alyssa leans against the door frame and casts some simple magic and shifting of dishes with her innate telekinesis, using them to clean the dishes.
Oddly the kitchen doesn't react to this, though the middle aged woman watches with a growing look of amusement. Within a minute they're all cleaned, a slow clapping from her. "Bravo. Innovation is the key, both on the battlefield and in other walks of life. Of course, what's innovation without the power to innovate?"
"You live in the realm of a god. I doubt that little cantrip surprises you."
"Wisdom," The woman's voice is now powerful, rich, commanding. It draws your attention like nothing else, making you look at the woman. In an instant she is more - a woman with black hair, long and loose, joined with crimson red armor. Her face bears a smile, strong and confident. "Well met, Alyssa."
Alyssa inspects her for a moment, then inclines her head in respect and difference.
"Lady Red Knight. I thank you for your hospitality. I assume you've been watching me?"
"I have. You can learn much about someone with how they treat those they see beneath them," The Red Knight says, none of the other workers here seeming to notice the two of you at all. In an instant you are elsewhere, a tower room with a large meal set on the table. Peaches drowning in rich cream, a large slice of delicately seasoned beef, little balls of soft, white cheese seasoned with herbs, peppers stuffed with a a cream and vegetable mixture and finally a bottle of wine.
"What host doesn't feed the hungry guest. Enjoy my hospitality, eat." The Red Knight says, going to look out the window.
Alyssa inclines her head again, taking some of the offered meats and cheeses.
"And what did you learn of me, Lady Knight?"
The food is amazing - the best you've had that isn't pure magic, and even this rivals it. The Red Knight has a golden goblet full of wine in hand, taking a long drink before replying, "That you're independent and want to do things yourself, rather than relying on others. That you're not so prideful as to consider mundane work beneath you. That you have the guts to ask me a question instead of being a bowing pile of fear. I like that." The Red Knight holds her goblet up in a moment of salute to you.
Alyssa returns the salute.
"I have had to... Come into leadership, so to speak. My days off scrubbing pots isn't so far behind me. At heart, I'm am explorer. As for the cowering, well... That was mostly an educated guess. Soldiers value courage and direct eye contact."
"Good soldiers too. There's far too many bad soldiers out there," The Red Knight remarks with a long, throaty chuckle after. "Let's get to brass tacks - I see potential in you, Alyssa. Tremendous potential, stoked to a burning inferno by your draconic patron." A pause, another long drink of wine. "Potential to learn, grow, become mighty indeed. But you need someone to help you, train you. A patron, a mentor and an ally."
Alyssa considers... "I... am not opposed to the opportunity. I am cautious of God beings, between the dragon who I haven't been able to discover anything about and the issue I'm here about."
"Consider it carefully," The Red Knight says, "As of now, you are highly desirable. Anyone who made you a servant would gain by it, powerful mortals such as yourself rarely last long without a patron. With a patron, it is a sign that if any other deity gets out of line, I will oppose them, as will my allies." Leaning forward a little bit, "I won't lie to you, you have a tremendous opportunity. You could offer your services and faith to almost anyone and they'd accept it, and with your power and loyal service, you'd have a prime spot in any afterlife when your mortal life ends. Assuming less savory parties don't kidnap you or worse first, like Shar."
At this the Red Knight merely looks to you, "Though she's just as likely to be hostile as to court you, as you have seen."
Alyssa leans back for a moment in thought.
"There's a few issues. First, I'm already a devotee of someone: Shaundakul. I mentioned before that I'm an explorer at heart, and the horizon and knowledge is what I'll always chase. Any mentorship from you will have to be... Approved, I suppose, by the old bearded one. I don't know much about the relationships between all you gods, but I can't imagine that the two of you are more than friendly to each other, despite essentially being neighbors.
Second is that I've already been approached by someone. Not that I plan to have any dealings with her, but Malcanthet has requested parlay, of all things. I'm sure whatever her offer is will come with a chain, a broken mind, and some weird sex torture.
Third is Shar. She's already committed murder inside my Order and I'm sure she had something to do with one of my Regents being sacrificed. And she's cursed one of my diviners. I have every intention of taking that pound of flesh out of her ass."
"We get along," The Red Knight waves a hand casually, "Shar, Shar, Shar. She does make problems for people. She also tends not to give up easily, you really have to uproot the entire faith to get rid of her in a situation, and even then, she'll send avengers afterwards."
"I'm sure it helps that Shaundakul oposses her. In any case, as I said, I wouldn't be opposed to it. You realm is tactics and thought, and a good wizard and explorer has knowledge and preparation as a primary focus. As long as Shaundakul has no issue with it, I personally don't either.
Excepting a discussion of expectations and services."
Do me a favor and list your metamagic feats?
Quicken Spell, Cooperative Spell, Chain Spell, Echoing Spell, Easy Metamagic: Quicken, and Improved Metamagic (Epic) x2.
"You have the tools to succeed," The Red Knight remarks, rather simply. "What would you want out of this, Alyssa?"
She sighs. "I'm young. It's been a hard lesson to learn, but I don't know enough about leadership. And the murders show me I don't know enough about defense to keep my Order secure. I lack soldiers. Tactics. Defenses. Resources. We're a community of Arcane researchers and ruin raiders, not a war fighting machine. I don't want us to be, either. That'd rip the soul out of us. We'd end up like Alcalde. We need allies and strength. Outright combat power won't ever work for us. The Evokers might be able to pull it off, but we're too small. It'd need to be done in planning. Making any battle happen in our favor, and out thinking whoever attacks. Litterally everything you're good at. We don't have the money for mercenaries. We don't have the population for an army. We don't have the space for battlegrounds."
"Exactly my own conclusion," The Red Knight agrees with a confident smile, "Hence why I'm making this offer. You need intelligence, strategy and tactics."
She nods again. "And besides the prestige of having an empowered mortal like me under your umbrella, what do you expect in return? No matter how magnanimous you might be, no God has ever offered a deal they didn't also benefit from."
"A handful of clerics to minister to the needs of your guild and preach my word," The Red Knight says, putting her goblet down. "Additionally, a personal companion for you, a cleric of no small skill who serves me personally."
Alyssa grunts. " The one going with me is easy enough to agree to. The other... I may be the first amongst equals, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to cut the others out entirely. I don't imagine they'd have much issue with it, outside of some possible conflict between worship. If they agree, you'll have to let your people know the Order is not a place for conflict between them and the members. Your cleric you plan to assign to me, though... They will understand I give the orders?"
A slight nod to that, "Yes, that's fine. Besides, if your regents complain, merely remind them of your slain regent."
"Indeed. I have another question... As I've said, we are not a combat force and have no one who can build, train, and command such a force. Would you have a suggestion for a commander?"
"My clergy are all trained soldiers and tacticians,' The Red Knight replies with a hint of a smile. Any of them could serve in that role, choose whichever one you feel is best."
Alyssa nods. "I'll consult with the Regents and get back to you, then."
"Return when you have decided," Red Knight says, "When you step from this room, you will be back home, along with the other wizard who came with you. Until then, enjoy the meal," she offers, smiling before being gone, just like that.
Alyssa nods and stands, heading out!
The moment you exit, you're back in your quarters, along with Delaize.
"...what?" Delaize murmurs, looking around.
"I met with the Red Knight. An interesting offer was made. One we must discuss. Let's go back to Ysgard."
Got another plane shift in you, Iddy, since you're back on the prime? Serious question.
I don't, but I wasn't planning on going back just yet, either. Wanted to see if I could find Shaundakul's realm first, since it's supposed to be connected to Ysgard.
Okay then, next move?
A knowledge check or something to find my way to Shaundakul's realm?
K:P, sure.
> roll 1d20+42+15 K:P/Bibliotheca Serith
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 66 > [d20=9]
It's the Gates of the Moon. You can enter it from Arborea or simply gate directly to it. It's Selune's divine realm, but Shaundakul also shares it with her.
Okay, I left a couple level 9 open slots so I can pull Gate from the Spellpool to make this happen. Delaize can come with or head back and prep/inform the council.
Your call there, Alyssa.
Eh, I don't really need him. Unless he's got a connection to either Selune or Shaundakul, he'll wind up just sitting somewhere again, probably.
You step through the portal and stand in a valley. A valley at night, covered in a luminous fog with the full moon shining bright above. White flowers dot the valley all over, glittering pollen occasionally released from one, raining down over everything nearby.
It is cool without being cold, bringing to mind an autumn evening.
Alyssa takes a moment to enjoy the view; these things are part of why she began exploring. As she watches the pollen fall, she gets an idea for a spell, "Hmm... I'll need to consult with a diviner and illusionist. If I can get a spell made to project a memory... Maybe Shadow Conjuration... Partially real..." She files the idea away for later work before she focuses on orienting herself and moving towards the realm's entrance.
K:P check.
> roll 1d20+42+15 K:P/Bibliotheca Serith
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 61 > [d20=4]
You believe you recall a trick in the Gates of the Moon - to come closer to the center, fly in the direction of the moon. To leave it, fly in the opposite direction. So if you want to get to the entrance of the Gates of the Moon, you would be best served to fly away from the moon.
Alyssa does so!
Roll and post 1d100.
> roll 1d100 Dune Request
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 1 > [d100=1]
You wander a pleasurable few hours, passing through a valley that never seems to end. In time you come to something - a cottage, nestled a mid the endless white flower blooms. It sits there, the only land mark in the immediate area.
Alyssa studies the area carefully, trying to learn as much as she can and identify any potential hazards before quietly approaching, listening for any sounds that might give her a clue as to what this place is.
Spot check.
> roll 1d20+42 Perception
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 49 > [d20=7]
You think you can hear faint singing from within the cottage. Sounds like a man's voice.
Alyssa moves forward slowly, making sure to pay attention to herself as she knows there's magic in some songs and doesn't want to be influenced by it.
It's a fairly simple song, you catch the end. Something about the moon. You're not fairly close to the cottage.
Alyssa moves forward quietly. While not overly suspicious due to being in the Garden of the Moon, she's certainly aware that the realms of gods aren't always safe to move through.
You're not standing in front of the front door of the cottage. The singing has stopped.
Ball is in your court.
Alyssa continues to approach, understanding well that she's likely been discovered, but if she has, no point in turning back...
She heads for the door of the cottage.
You're there. It's a simple door made of wood, nothing remotely fancy about it.
Alyssa figures what the hell and knocks.
"Coming!" The voice calls. Masculine, fairly strong, relaxed. The man who opens it is older - perhaps 50, and with a faint pointiness to his ears. He's wearing comfortable, well made colors colored silver and purple - tunic and hose, along with good boots.
"Traveler, hm? Are you coming into this realm or trying to leave it?"
Do I recognize him?
Nope.
"Coming in. I'm searching for the entrance to Shaundakul's realm. I am Alyssa Songsteel. Who might you be, and where is this? I seem to have missed my mark."
"The Wanderer? He's around here somewhere," The man says, waving a hand, "Though he's seldom in one place for long."
"Unsurprising. The horizon always calls. I noticed you avoided answering me about who you are."
"I am Gustav," The man says, "Are you always so suspicious, Alyssa Songsteel?" His expression is calm enough, not changing.
"To a point, yes. It's kept me alive and out of traps more than once. Could you direct me to the entrance to Shaundakul's realm?"
"Fool girl, this IS Shandakul's realm." Gesturing about, "Aye, Selune may rule here, but it is where he calls home as well."
Alyssa has her suspicions about this man and decides it'd be wiser not to challenge a resident of a god's realm over a minor insult like being called a fool. "I knew they were in the same realm, but I wasn't sure how separate they were... I know it's somewhat impertinent to simply show up and seek out a god, but, well... I follow Shaundakul and I'm being drawn into the attention of more gods than I'd like. I'd like to speak to him if you could possibly help me find him?"
Gustav rubs his chin, "Wander then," he gestures, "Follow word of him. That's how I hear it works, I've never met him myself. Met a few of his clergy, it's about the journey to find him or some such."
"Mmm... Well, thank you Gustav. Beware, though, as you live in Shaundakul's realm. Shar is making moves. At the very least, she's covered murders in my Order and cursed a diviner when we looked into it. I doubt she'd make moves as directly as trying something here, but... Beware. Who knows what she can arrange."
Gustav throws his head back and laughs. "True, true. Shar has long warred with Selune. Yet the moon above is still beautiful and bright, is it not? So long as it is, I have no worries."
"She's committed murder in my house. I have both worry and fury. In any case, however, I'll be on my way. Thank you for answering my questions."
"Good fortune to your trip, Alyssa Songsteel," The man says, then reaches just out of sight, behind the door. "Take this." It is a dagger, sheathed in good leather and bands of steel. "I give it to travelers here for the sake of vengeance or who need to protect themselves. You fit both."
Alyssa bows her head and accepts it.
"Thank you for the gift. I will keep it for both use and as memory of our meeting."
Appraisal or the like to figure out if it's neato?
Sure, go for it.
Cunning Knowledge saves my ass since I roll like crap.
> roll 1d20+42+20 Appraise/Inspiration
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 66 > [d20=4]
It's a magical dagger, you can detect magic around it. Unsheathing it, you see it's made of solid silver and enchanted.
Loot post incoming.
Do I need to use Identify on it?
No, Spellcraft was sufficient. See loot.
Alyssa gives the man a wave as she heads out, letting her exploring instinct guide her.
Any particular direction or just going to see what happens randomly?
He said wander, so wander I will.
Alrighty, roll and post 1d100. Higher the better here, FYI.
> roll 1d100 wish I could spend inspiration
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 63 > [d100=63]
You wander the seemingly infinite valley, lost for...you aren't sure how long. Time seems to slip away from you under the eternal full moon. Eventually, you find yourself following a path out of the valley, up a steep slope rising up the side of the valley. It goes towards a cave entrance above you, large enough to easily head into.
Alyssa checks the area for signs of traffic or animals or creatures.
Make a Survival check.
> roll 1d20+42+20 Survival/Inspiration
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 70 > [d20=8]
There's the occasional animal tracks - deer, rabbits and similar creatures. There's also signs of footsteps, perhaps a week or so old.
Alyssa heads inside, sticking to shadows and needing this exploration to take her mind off of Shar and murder.
For reference, make a Stealth check.
> roll 1d20+51 Stealth
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 53 > [d20=2]
You creep into the cave. It is fairly unremarkable at first, a simple cavern going deeper into the ground. Yet you soon see something ahead - a small campfire, currently out. A backpack, a bed roll, a few iron pots. Several animal pelts - rabbits, dears, foxes and so forth - adorn the walls. A few barrels are to the side, closed. The cave continues on past this, no one seemingly here.
Alyssa finds a nook and sits quietly, inspecting the area. She suspects that whoever's camp this is, is either watching her or is searching for her just like she is.
It's reasonably pleasant enough on a glance - though you note one odd thing. There's both subtle signs of footprints and animal claws here, both fresh.
'Hmmm... Likely a Ranger or Druid, then...' she thinks to herself. Neither of those tend to be overtly hostile to people, so she'll explore the cave some more, leaving the camp alone.
Perception.
> roll 1d20+42 Perception
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 51 > [d20=9]
Ahead is a slightly narrower path, with some rocky outcroppings. In particular, you catch a faint hint of gray fur poking out from behind one of them.
Alyssa approaches a bit more slowly and waits until she can fully see what it is.
As you come closer the figure comes out - !!!
A half man thing, half furry and with wolfish features. It glares at you with baleful eyes as...
K:A.
K:A + Tale Keeper:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+47 : 2 + 47, total 49[/blockquote]
It's a werewolf, alright. Big, furry, bitey. Watch out for not getting turned.
The creature gazes at you and finally says, "Peace. Selune's realm allows me to control the beast within, not be dominated by it."
"That's... Good. I figured this for a Ranger or Druid's camp. Not a werewolf's."
A grunt from that, "Good," he says, "I live here because it lets me control the beast and not become a mindless monster."
"Hmm... Have you considered trying to have something made that absorbs the moonlight here to reproduce the effect? Even if it needs to be recharged, it could let you roam more."
"Dunno, don't know any mages and don't have much coin," The werewolf snarls. It begins to go back to the camp, "I can hunt and be myself here, best someone like me can hope for with this damned curse."
"Hmm... I'm Alyssa. What's your name?"
That gets a funny look, "Saint Alicia?" he asks back, suddenly staring at you.
This is bound to happen with two namealikes in the game.
Stares at the werewolf flatly.
"Alyssa Songsteel."
"Ah, a similar name." The werewolf says, reaching his den and sitting before the empty campfire. "You have a look like it has happened before."
"Not very often, no. You've yet to give me your name, by the way."
"Albert," The werewolf says, resting a moment here. "...but this is about as good as I'll have it. Good as I deserve, if you have to know. Got blood on my hands from the beast inside of me. Here it's quiet, it isn't able to kill. That's why I'm here. Why are you here, Alyssa?"
"Shaundakul. I wouldn't mind talking to one of Selune's people, either. Shaundakul's a wanderer, and I'm hoping wandering myself will bring me to him."
A grunt follows that the werewolf gets up, getting some dried meat. He offers you a handful as he sits back down. "Heard of him, never met him. Know a few passer bys who have. Best place to find him is the East Moon Tower. It's an inn of some sort," Albert says. "That's where most people say they've met him here."
"Thank you, Albert. Could you point me in the right direction?"
"Think it's moonwards. Follow that and find a stream. Follow it as it flows into bigger streams and eventually the river Luna. It's on the banks there somewhere," Albert replies after a big bite of dried meat. "If you reach the ocean, you've gone too far."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow. "Thank you for that. I'll tell you what, Albert. If I come across something in my research about storing moonlight, I'll come back and let you know."
"Sure. Bring something to drink, too," he adds, "I'm tired of spring water."
Alyssa chuckles. "Sure, Albert."
She turns and heads off to find this inn!
Roll and post 1d100.
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 72 > [d100=72]
You follow the stream, making good time. The moonlit night seems eternal, unchanging. The light of the moon shows the way, casting everything in a silvery glow. All is radiant under the full moon, nothing changing.
"Do you know why? It's because each flower is one of Selune's tears," A woman's voice intones as you follow the river. "Shed from the pain of her wounds from battling Shar." The flowers all around you seen bright as ever, the voice coming from behind you, ahead of you, to your sides, above, below. A soft voice, gentle, almost like the sated and sweet tones a woman uses with their man as pillow talk.
Alyssa looks around, taking in the scenery with a new appreciation for a moment.
"Shar seems to bleed many, sad though it is. Wasted life, wasted potential. She seems to have put herself at odds with me for no good reason than I have power."
You don't see anyone around and yet the voice continues. "You have been chosen to shed your own tears. Seek the Prophecy of Primus and understand why Shar must be stopped. He chose you to aid in this monumental task. Be blessed, but know that this blessing is one that will claim many of your tears before it is finished." Amen.
Alyssa files the name of the prophecy away for later research.
"I don't suppose you'd have a way of breaking one of Shar's curses? She blinded and cursed one of my diviners. I plan to make her pay for that, but I don't want the man to suffer more than he needs to."
"Seek the power of creation," The voice says, "For if Shar is entropy and destruction, she is opposed by the act of creation."
Alyssa closes her eyes and tries to control her frustration. Gods. Why does it always have to be enigmatic and complex?
"Thank you for the guidance. If possible, I would like us to work together in the future, though I may be under the tutelage of the Red Knight soon."
"I will be watching, waiting for you. For one day we shall meet, far away from Selune's fields of flowers." The voice murmurs, and then speaks no more.
Alyssa runs the encounter through her magically enhanced knowledge of lore, trying to identify who she might have spoken to.
K:R and/or K:P.
K:Planes/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 6 + 57, total 63[/blockquote]
K: Religion/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 10 + 57, total 67[/blockquote]
The voice and being mysterious? That's very Selune and it is the Gates of the Moon. However, Selune isn't said to talk about herself in the third person like she did here, so that doesn't fit. It's not impossible she just chose to for whatever reason, but it suggests it may be someone different. A powerful servant perhaps, or another deity? Nothing quite fits here.
Alyssa settles on it being an allied diety... Forn now. Perhaps more than just Shaundakul makes their residence in the Gates of the Moon... But that doesn't rule out some sort of trechery. In any case, she wanders again, figuring one last shot before returning to the Order.
I know this is coming, so to speed things up:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 63, total 63[/blockquote]
You walk along. "Hoophf," A grunt as a hale and hearty middle aged man walks next to you, gray hair and beard bushy. "I thought you might show up, spreading your wings. Now I don't just show up for anyone, Alyssa, but you're special." He's in traveling clothes and carries a walking stick with him, using it as he goes along.
I mean, I'm assuming this is Shaundakul, but any checks for it?
K:R.
K:R
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 15 + 57, total 72[/blockquote]
It does look like one of his preferred forms and avatars, yes.
Alyssa bows her head to the god, but doesn't break her stide.
"Lord Shaundakul. Thank you for letting me travel with you. I have questions and conundrums."
"Speak," Shaundakul says, "I have questions for you as well, Alyssa. But go first," he bids.
"The most immediate one, then: do I take the Red Knight's offer? I'm still unsure what she truly gains out of a deal with me, other than having a tether on me."
"The Red Knight works to take any gambit she can and make it to her advantage," Shaundakul says, "For you see, she knows any plan as they are made. Fortunately, she treats those she deals with fairly and justly." Walking steadily, just fast enough to keep you moving at a good clip, "She asked me, I gave her permission. We both want to know what happened to you."
Alyssa nods. "Very well, then. I suppose this changes things. No more the scholar-explorer. Now... I don't know. Explorer-General? Scholar-General? I see my days of searching ruins and chasing horizons dwindling."
"A cruel fate," Shaundakul agrees, peering ahead to the horizon before looking at you. "May I see your memories of what happened to you, Alyssa?"
Alyssa shifts a bit uncomfortably, but nods.
It feels like nothing more than a momentary daydream, thinking about indistinctly. Shaundakul is silent after that, striding along and staring at the horizon. His face is neutral until he finally says, "It seems your destiny is even more interesting than I imagined."
"I don't suppose you're willing to enlighten me beyond saying it'll be quite the journey?" she quirks a smile at the old god.
A warm smile at that, the Rider of the Winds nodding. "I will, because the journey you will begin from this will be a long one indeed. That is no mortal dragon you saw, no matter what airs it put on or what you believe. The dragon in your memories is identical to a form of Io, the long lost Father of All Dragons. He has been gone a long, long, long time, though dead or forever asleep. He did something I thought impossible, even for us. Your advancement...there are reasons we do not simply make our chosen ones great heroes like he did for you. It is beyond even our powers to elevate so fast and so far, advancement has to come from your own efforts."
Alyssa's eyes widen and she suddenly feels like she was caught in her father's forge as a child again.
"...Io?" she whispers... Then slumps.
"No wonder Malcanthet and Shar are moving about me. It's a wonder it's only them. I can't imagine that they, you, and the Red Knight are the only ones watching me... By the Hells, they're not. Though... This attention... I wonder if I could use it to have them keep each other in check and busy for a while..."
She takes a moment to consider... "I... Wonder..."
She focuses on the energy of Shaundakul and tries to compare it to whatever scraps of the power used to advance herself remain.
Spellcraft.
> roll 1d20+42 Spellcraft
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 52 > [d20=10]
You aren't sure, and have a distinct feeling you're out of your depth.
Alyssa grunts in dissatisfaction.
"I had wondered if Io had planted some sort of... Seed of divinity or the like in me. Something feeding into my potential directly, but the power of divinity is beyond my knowledge. In any case, you said you had questions as well, Lord Shaundakul? Ask. A question for a question, traded fairly."
"Can you think of any reason why you would be blessed with this?" Shaundakul asks you.
Alyssa looks baffled. "None. I've asked myself that question many times. All I can think of is that it was a reward for making it through that labyrinth. Maybe that was some sort of test? But if so, why weren't the rest of the group so rewarded? Perhaps some sort of... crucible? Maybe... Since it was a forgotten and lost incarnation, it did it autonomously? Maybe it implanted its power in me to keep from completely being lost? There's so much I don't know about divinity that I can't really narrow the possibilities down; I don't even know or understand what the possibilities are."
"Then I know a destination of your next journey," Shaundakul says, "Search to understand divinity, and perhaps in that you will find answers."
Alyssa nods. "That will be a difficult path. Perhaps in Oghma's Library..." she trails off, making mental notes before shaking her head and turning back to the old man.
"Earlier, in my search for you, I came upon a field of moonlight and flowers. A... power spoke to me. At first I thought it Selune herself, but it spoke of Selune, and in the third person. I imagine there are many eyes on me, but the possibilities in this realm must be limited. She said we'd meet outside of Selune's field of flowers. Ideas?"
"It could be many, some of Selune's servants enjoy pranks and mysterious guidance," Shaundakul says, "Whomever it was meant you no harm - that is the nature of this place, unless you are allied with their enemies."
Alyssa nods, waiting for the next question.
No question. Instead, "Take the Red Knight's offer if you desire to, so long as you hold the journey in your heart."
"Speaking of the Red Knight, one of her conditions is allowing her clerics to spread her faith. You are an... Old diety, but your following is small. Regardless of what may come, following you has led me to where I am. How can I help spread your following?"
Shaundakul chuckles at this, gesturing ahead to the stream side path you follow. "My faith is found in dusty roads, old trails and forgotten paths. In every new road, adventuring party and wistful traveler my name can be found. Go to these places, place where wanderers pass, and build shrines to me. Places where the winds blow and the world lies ahead of you, if you simply put one foot in front of the other and go meet it."
Alyssa nods. "What of Malcanthet? What defense should I have against her? Should I even entertain this parlay?"
"Do you like your soul where it is?" Shaundakul says dryly, "The problem with Malcanthet is that your soul gets a case of wanderlust once you fall for her, and the final destination is usually the Abyss."
"I thought as much. I'm just not sure if ignoring her is the best option, or what to do to make her lose interest in me. Joining a God is as likely make her want to corrupt me more as it is to make her lose interest."
"That's a tough one," Shaundakul admits, "You can play her for time, hope she gives up for awhile," he finally suggests, "Tease her but don't give her anything. She may respect the approach, if nothing else."
Alyssa grimaces. "A tough game that she's a master of. I'll consider it. A mountain of worries making my feet drag on the path." She sighs heavily.
"I don't suppose you could direct some of the traders that follow you to the Order? We have need of many things."
"Oh, they'll come," Shaundakul says, then looks up, "But here, our paths take us in different directions. Travel onward, Alyssa, whatever destiny has been chosen for you. I know not what it is, nor what Io may be planning, or if it was even Io. But...whatever it is, I have no doubt it will be an amazing journey. I'll be watching."
Alyssa bows to him.
"I hope my journey and discoveries make you proud, Traveler. Thank you for your guidance."
Thus the two of you part and...
Next move?
Back to the Order to discuss the Red Knight's offer.
Thus you gather up the regents. It's the same as before, as...
Go ahead and set yourself up with how you want to open this.
"Alright everyone, we've got some decisions to make. I've met with both Shaundakul and the Red Knight. The attention I've garnered, and by extension, the Order has as well won't be going away any time soon. It seems my rise to power is even more unique than even I thought, and various deities ranging from the Heavens to the Abyss are all interested. They know the Order is precious to me and, obviously, are willing to exploit it."
With that, she sits down in her high-backed chair and waits for the others to work through this on their own.
Of all of them, Regent Madala is the first to digest that and speak. "What you're saying is that as a person of interest to them, you're both a blessing and a liability to the Order?"
Regent Ule ponders this a few moments, "Yes and no." He says that and nothing else, sitting back in his chair.
With a glance over at Ule, "If you mean that she is and isn't, I take that as agreement with me."
"Yet in the greatest opportunity is the greatest danger, and in the greatest danger the greatest opportunity," Delaize remarks quietly.
"Madala, you're not entirely wrong. My presence here has gained the attention of powers that have no scruples. Before you jump at the chance to try to unseat me, however, realize that not only is the attention the Order has come under will not go away if I do, but that I'm also the only one in the Order who has a chance of being powerful enough to fight against that attention and the only one who has a chance of gaining alliances with gods."
She pauses for Madala to respond, but as soon as she sees her open her mouth, she leans forward and continues, "For example. Today alone I've been granted audiences with two gods. One of which made an offer of alliance and protection. The Red Knight flat out told me that nearly every power would be eager to have my allegiance. While yes, this will put us at odds with more deities, consider this. With the right alliances, what do we stand to gain?"
"We choose who we become a pawn of." Delaize speaks up very quietly, "Alyssa, I'm not attacking you, but we'd be foolish to imagine we won't become parts of the game between all the powers. So we choose who would benefit us the most and be something we can live with, one that will not overwhelm our order. Mystra is an obvious choice."
Alyssa nods. "I stated to the Red Knight that I knew she would be getting more out of this than she let on, but she didn't take the bait. Mystra is an obvious choice, yes. We have to be careful and consider our weaknesses, however. Right now, we don't lack in magical prowess, but in numbers and combat ability. Even our more adventurous members are more researchers and archeologists than battlemages, and our actual battlemages practice against each other, largely. We're vulnerable in ways I don't even fully know yet. We lack physical soldiers, we lack real physical defenses, we lack tactics and experience, we lack resources, we lack many things."
She sighs and finishes, "And we have no idea how much any of the deities we ally with will tolerate our allying with other deities. Gods are jealous. Shaundakul is a prime example. He's one of their own and a very old god, but he overlaps with some others, and they jealously restrict his expansion into those areas. We must be careful and act with much consideration."
"Sorry I'm late, had a dragon to put down," The man that enters has a loud, powerful voice. Bearded, human, perhaps 40. Regent Yorel strides in and takes a seat, "So what's this about the black bitch attacking our order?"
"...at least you're not dead," Delaize finally says, "Ular is, ritual sacrifice. Mickel too, both by Shar. An open declaration of hostilities."
"Yes, and don't forget Leyral's curse. Shar's blinded him. I've met with Shaundakul and the Red Knight. She's offered alliance and tutelage. We're discussing alliances." Alyssa waves the man to his seat, pulling it out for him with a minor effort of her telekinesis.
"So what do you meant to do," he asks, you flat out. "You're the commanding voice here, so speak."
Regent Madala adds, a little softer this time, "Choices must be made. The Red Knight is not an intolerable once if we must."
"Honestly, I think the Red Knight is the right move. For now. She can provide us with knowledge on defenses, tactics, and soldiers. All things we'd have to offer allegiance to another to gain anyway. I propose to structure her forces with ours to serve as group leaders and trainers. We can have her people serve as our shields and blades, but we need to keep an eye on the ratio. We can provide our own soldiers to a limited degree: summons and our necromancers can call undead. We can get some constructs in the works, as well. I have an idea for expanding the use and power of the Evacuation Rune spell to use to redeploy forces to each other. But any effectiveness from anything we come up with will be dependent on how well trained and how deep our understanding of combat tactics is. There's another benefit to allying with her: tactics and plans are her domain. If anyone makes a plan to attack us, she might become aware of it."
"I'm ultimately against it," Delaize finally says, "But I bow to the need of it." He sits back, "Take that for what you will."
Ule shakes his head, "I abstain."
Madala gives you a long look, "Will you listen to us even if we council against this?"
Alyssa nods. "I said as much to the Red Knight: I may be first among equals, but you are my equals. The only caveat to that is that we need an alliance of some kind, I believe. Shar has done murder twice. Cursed Leyral. Malcanthet wishes parlay. They are the first, but by no means will they be the last. I am powerful, and may one day be able to defend us against some, but not all, and not today. Of note, the Red Knight did have conditions. A group of her clerics here to serve our needs and preach her word; though I did tell her I refuse to allow any sort of conflict between them and anyone else. And one of her clerics to serve me personally."
"Then do it. We'll kick them out by their red asses if we must," Yorel says, "Do you want to wait for the rest of the regents to present themselves?"
Alyssa considers. "I think sendings will be enough? Do you all agree?"
General agreement to that as ...
Next move?
Hmm... I guess rest then return to the Red Knight to accept and figure out where to house her people, then get a group to investigate Ular's murder to figure out what the ritual did, then off to Ooze for treasure ship.
You rest. It is a deep and dreamless sleep, one that leaves you feeling awakened and invigorated. A step forward, a beginning. Prepare.
You awaken to a knocking on your door, sharp and insistent.
Alyssa sits up, making sure her night clothes are decent and calls, "Who is it?"
A young man's voice, "Page Willary," he calls, "I have news for you, ma'am."
Alyssa stands and shifts her clothes into her full regalia, and moves to the antechamber area of her rooms.
"You may enter, Page."
The page is young, a teenager who quickly bows to you. "M'lady," he resumes, "The Order of the Red has arrived, and has a message for you. Ahem." Clearing his throat he takes out a ribbon-wrapped scroll and hands it to you.
I mean to ask before, but how fine is my control with my SLA telekinesis? Like, can I open this scroll for example, or is it just general moving of things?
That's fine, it's pretty much flavor anyway. Feel free.
Alyssa uses her telekinesis to float the scroll in front of her, opening it with her magic and looking over it.
"How many of the Red Order arrived, Page Willary?"
"Over a hundred for now, including support staff and camp followers," Page Willary responds, "Including several clerics of war who are already collaborating with our defensive specialists. Er...er...or so I heard."
"Mmm..."
She absently makes an approving sound as she reads the scroll.
"I send them once your desire to accept was clear. They'll help stiffen your forces up. You'll have to feed them in time, though they come with supply for a few weeks."
So the scroll reads, no signature on it, as if it needed one.
She rolls it up and considers the time. "Page, have the Red Order arrange for a representative to meet with the Regent Council later in the morning. Dismissed."
Cool. Next move then?
Kill time until the meeting. Intro this Red Order leader to the Regents and ask about this cleic that's supposed to serve me.
You're 30 minutes into going over things and preparing for the meeting when there's a knock on the door.
"Enter," she says absently, focusing on her notes.
This one didn't highlight, whoops.
The man that enters has a strong, square jaw. That's what you notice first. He's wearing a simple breastplate colored red and carries a sword sheathed at his side. He has brown hair kept short and a few scars on his face.
"Alyssa," he greets you, bowing.
Alyssa responds with a nod. "For the sake of propriety and ritual, in the Council Chambers, please use our titles. Would you please introduce yourself to the present Regents, give a report on your forces and their state, and what you understand your mission to be, please?"
To be clear here, I thought you were still prepping, not in front of the other regents yet?
Oh! I thought this guy was the rep I asked for to meet the Regents. Whoops! Ignore that last one.
She turns to face the man fully and nods to him. "Hello. Are you the one meant to serve me directly?"
"I am." He comes over and offers his hand out to you - calloused and rough, a deep scar going from just below his middle finger to down his palm and up the underside of his arm. "Jarem Aruwood, servant of the Mistress of Strategy."
Takes the hand and gives it a firm squeeze, keeping her gaze level on the man.
"It's good to make your acquaintance. To make sure we both understand each other here, how about you tell me what you think your job here is."
She waves to a chair pushed against the wall, to keep the room open, and pulls it towards the man to sit, doing likewise for herself but with a much plusher chair of wicker and fine linen and cotton, along with a small table of fruits and cooled juice for the both of them.
It's strange. The moment you take his hand, you feel...something. Almost like a connection, a thing resonating within your bones like a moment's fantasy.
Jarem has a firm grip, but pauses a moment then finishes it. "Likewise." He takes a bit of fruit and eats it before going on, "First and foremost, seeing as you don't all end up as sacrifices to the Lady of Loss."
Alyssa purses her lips. "Yes. That one. She'll be a thorn for sure. What else? What are your specialties, skills, and knowledge bases? What orders were you given?"
"I'm warrior priest, first and foremost," Jarem replies, "Both magic and the blade, or virtually any other weapon I can get my hands on."
"Hm, that's good. Vaguely similar to my style. We'll have to spar sometime. I'm not as well versed in weapons as you, so I'll be able to learn a bit there. Some of our mages might make use of some education from you as well. I'll admit to you that weapons are somewhat new to me and I don't have the... hardiness... of a trained warrior."
She pauses to give the man a chance to interject while she takes a drink of pineapple juice.
"I'm quite hard and hardy," Jarem replies with a drink from his own glass, "It takes effort and time to build that up. If you're serious about it, practice every morning. Grand gestures don't do it, but gallons of sweat and piles of time do."
She nods. "Good advice, but I'm unsure how much it would help me. I don't wield weapons by hand. It might help to understand what motions work best, however. Though... It's always wise to build your constitution. Perhaps some regular exercise would help. Perhaps I'll take up swimming again. It's been a long while. I'll consider it; I expect my schedule will be filling rapidly soon."
She shakes her head in exasperation. "For your part, what do you expect of me? Soldiering life is quite different from what I've done. I suspect you have certain expectations for the ones you follow and those whose command you are placed under."
Finishing his juice off, "Simply? There's two type of people in an army - people who have their shit together and those who don't. Have your shit together. Learn what you need to learn, do what you need to do and don't pass off things to other people. A common soldier who does that is a drain, but a manageable one. A leader who does that gets people killed."
Your node has been updated for Jarem. Post that you've read it in your next post.
Alyssa nods. "Sensible enough, and similar to what I've found to be true in my leadership of the Order. What have you been told of the situation here, and why the Red Knight has made this arrangement? Other than Shar's involvement, of course."
Node update read.
Jarem sits comfortably, but at attention. Not slouching, meeting your gaze. "I'm up to date on everything you should know," he says, "While my underlings should be getting me a briefing soon as well. I'm aware of the offer she made you, as well as the unusual means and gains of your power."
Alyssa nods. "That'll make things faster. My unusual rise to power has put myself and my Order into a spotlight we're underprepared for. We're not a combat force, we're a research co-operative more than anything else. We have people who work on battle magic, of course, but we don't exactly go join wars. We're green, so to speak. That said, we're all intelligent and we learn fast. I've tried to limit the reliance of our people on pure magical solutions to things, but as we're not a military style organization, my ability to enforce that is limited."
She sighs again, "I'll be frank with you. I lack in a lot of places. I'm new to leadership. I'm not a combat mage; I'm a specialist and an explorer. I have some good weapons, but I doubt they're at the level of power needed to combat large threats. The order here isn't built to be a fortress; it's spread out across multiple islands on top of the architecture not being designed for war. This is an island so resupply and reinforcement is strangled. The area we have to work with is limited, which means the number of people we can house is limited. I have ideas for some solutions, and I'd like to go over them with you."
I'm semi-considering doing an Upgrade type system like you did with Aurora, if you're willing/interested in it. This might be a good place to start it, if you're willing.
"Go on," Jeram says, gesturing and then getting more fruit. "Tell me what you have in mind."
Go on as you please with things and we'll work from there.
"First, the issue of space and housing. I'm considering having some permanent enchantment circles for extra-dimensional spaces put in place for your people and any others that might show up. Something like the Magnificent Mansion spell, if you're familiar with it. I'd like your input on where to place them for the best deployment options. I'm also considering modifying the Evacuation Rune spell. Place it in strategic places around the Order and its islands. It's not quite as good as a Teleportation Circle, but it's more streamlined and easier to place. I believe it could be modified and empowered to allow small groups to move at once, instead of individuals. I'd also like to know if one of your people specializes in fortifications, or if you could get one here. I'd like the order evaluated for defensive improvements. I'm thinking layered defensive circles and spells that could be activated when needed."
She shifts a bit uncomfortably at this point. "To be honest, we could probably make the fortifications permanent easily enough, but... As I've stated, we're researchers, not soldiers. I'd like to keep this as low impact on daily life as possible for my people. Great walls would certainly work better, but it's not what we'd like to be inside of. And as for resupply... Hmm... I may need to get a cadre of druids in here..."
She absently pulls a notebook and ink to her and starts making notes and magical calculations, "If I modify the layout of a Mage's Mansion spell... Combine a Daylight spell... We could make a greenhouse of sorts... Pull in some farmers from the mainlands..." she trails off, making a few last notes before closing the book and turning back to Jarem. "I apologize, back to the subject at hand: resupply. I'd like a list of what we'd need for supplies and typical issues with storage. We might be able to make some functional fixes to those issues. As you use magic and blade together, I'd also like to have an evaluation of equipment and the sorts of steps you'd suggest to get us up to snuff, so to speak."
Jarem nods at the right places, listening and sitting back. When you're done, "First, let's look at geographic realities," he says, rubbing his chin. "Do you have a map?"
I think it's reasonable that I do.
Alyssa nods and floats it from it's place on one of her bookshelves to him.
Okay, how many islands and how close together are they?
One for each school of magic and then the main one we're currently on. And we never specified. I guess... I dunno, within view of each other, arrayed in a half moon behind/past/around the main one?
So more like a chain of islands, close together? LIke one of those Pacific Island archipelagos?
Yeah. The Galapagos of Magic.
"Hmmmm...." Jeram hums, "You'll need naval forces and aerial forces, too," he murmurs to himself, "Do you have either of those?"
Alyssa shakes her head. "Those that can cast Fly in one form or another. Water breathing for the ocean. Nothing else, nothing dedicated. Summons perhaps."
"Alright. Are you familiar with ships and shipping at all? Aerial combat? Mounted aerial warriors? Sky ships? Floating Islands? How about raising islands? Making land bridges with such a spell is possible, too." Jeram considers, rubbing his chin as he peers down at the map. "You don't have much of a population to work with here, either, do you?"
"Very limited population. As for the rest, our library has treatise on most of it, but researchers rarely have reason to put any of it into real practice. We have trading ships, but nothing more. I have a team working on, hopefully, recovering a Githyanki Treasure Ship. That said, I was considering returning it to Queen Vlaakith in return for beginning an alliance."
"Have you contacted her about it yet?" Jeram asks, "If she knows you know and you show it around later, she'll take it as an insult, so that would limit our options."
"Not yet. No real chance so far. I've ordered a deligation assembled, but we're not had a chance to do more. I doubt the team going after the ship has even left yet."
"Good. Tell them not to go. We can make a decision once the ship has been recovered," Jeram says, "It might be more valuable than an overture to a foreign, extraplanar power with her own agenda." A nod to himself as he takes your hand in his, pointing to the center island. "If it's a full, intact Githyanki ship and it has flight capacity beyond the Astral, keeping it would allow further development of your own aerial fleet, or even a combined fleet that can sail and fly as needed."
Alyssa nods. "I had considered that as well. Though, I had thought perhaps an alliance might ha e resulted in a trade of technique to make the ship and emergency access to a larger fleet."
Taking your hand and tracing lines from the center island all about, "It makes sense, and undersea capacity is even possible. Expensive, but possible." Letting go of your hand and straightening up, "Now normally defending needs less manpower than attacking, but powerful mortals and immortals can change that balance. Still, some sort of soldier force would be desirable." Considering, "If you can learn that spell to raise islands, raise a few and attract settlers. It's a long term option that'll turn you into a proper kingdom, but it'll work."
Alyssa sits back and considers. "... A kingdom... Is beyond what we wanted. The Mageocracy has left a bad taste in many mouths, and many of the people we have here have fled from them. It will be something to consider, but must also be discussed."
"Consider it, it's another option," Jarem says, "You'll have to start making choices like that soon, decide how you're going to go forward."
She sighs. "It seems like we're getting pushed further and further away from what we want to be."
She pauses considering, "I wonder... Raising an island ma not be a wise choice. Causes havock, displacing that much water and moving that much Earth. Perhaps a modification on the natural way... If we can scout out how deep it is around here, we my be able to summon enough lava to do it without disrupting the ocean floor. The Mage's Mansion idea could work to simulate different climates, allowing the growth of exotic foods, perhaps even raising of animals. The would make us a leader in exotic luxury goods..."
She opens the notebook and begins writing again.
"Jarem, what would you say the most immediate need for us is?"
"Keeping it together in case Shar attacks again. I'm surprised she hasn't pressed her first attack," Jarem says, "Unless she's working on things that you would be distracted from with this."
"At the moment there's no way to know or anything to do about it. All I can do is the best I can with what I have and work to improve next time. If there's nothing else, then we need to get ready for the council meeting. They'll want to know your numbers and needs, and I'm sure there's a few preparing snide comments. Politics. Bleh."
A nod and from there...
Anything else until that meeting?
Not outside of having the delegation stopped, I don't think. If I still can.
You can if you want.
That, then.
Thus the regents gather. In addition to the ones already here, a few more have made it in.
Regent Elaire is tall, prim and promper. She has her hands folded in front of her, hood up and covering her face.
Regent Mackone is here, a rather plump man with a keen gaze and short cut red hair. He hums to himself, tapping his fingers on the table as he waits.
Thus you enter and...
Set yourself up.
Alyssa pulls her chair out and stands before it. "Do we have any others showing up last minute? Any word from anyone else?"
As if on cue, a young page comes in. "Regents! Lady Alyssa," he comes in, "I bring a message about regent Ivy."
Ule glances at him and merely nods a bit.
"She's dead, ma'am, of an apparent stopped heart." The page reports.
"Thank you, Page. Excuse yourself."
Waiting for the Page to leave, she then turns to the others, "That's it. That's three of us dead. It's time to recall all the Regents."
Regent Delaize nods, "I'll see to it right away. We've already been encouraging everyone to come back that we can reach, but I think sterner measures are needed. Excuse me." He hurries out at that.
Once gone, "Dreadful and dreadful yet more," Mackone shakes his head. "Death comes too soon, too soon. But perhaps it was a weakness, I have seen the healthy die of such things on rare occasions. Another task for the diviners."
"Sadly, we can't rely on the diviners for this. Not yet. Shar has undoubtedly left traps like she did with Leyral. I've gotten a hint on something for that, from Selune's realm. We need to focus on the power of creation. I have some ideas of my own. Regardless, we need to now investigate Ular's and Ivy's deaths. We can't use diviners, but we can do what we can to copy the scenes and get the bodies back here. Our new allies can help the groups we send out for that. They're the primary reason I've called everyone here."
"I believe that's my cue," Jarem steps forward, "Jarem Aruwood, priest of the Red Knight. Shar's declared war on all of you, so we're here to help with that, since war's what we do."
Regent Elaire frowns, "Brutish war, peasants dying by the hundreds while champions fight, girded by magic and supernatural natures. A mass sacrifice to the vanities of heroes." Her expression is cool at that.
Jarem smiles right back, "My lady," he begins, "I have no intentions of building a sacrificial army. Every life in an army is precious, and any losses beyond the unavoidable speak poorly of a commander." He meets her eyes, "I'll be glad to go into it, if you like."
Alyssa interrupts for a moment, "Elaire. I agree. Completely. I want to keep this as much in-house as we can and leave our laborers out of it as much as possible. Unfortunately, with Ivy's death, there can be no doubt. This war is coming, with or without our participation. I have ideas to try and keep as many of our people safe as we can, but I'm one person. If we work together, we can be far more effective. Jarem here can help us with defenses and tactics. Things we sorely lack."
Elaire looks away, letting it go.
Yorel shakes his head, "They're right, and more importantly, we have to do what we have to do. Look, we can navel gaze and make statement that show which of us are nobles who were gifted the ability to study magic freely and which of us earned it the hard way-" Boy does that get a glare from Elaire and a disapproving look from Ule, "-But we need this help unless you want to be a sacrifice for Shar."
Alyssa gives Yorel a sharp look. "What we need even less is in-fighting over starting points none of us had control over."
She gives a considering and softer look to Elaire, "Elaire, I would like to make use of your concern and compassion. Your sense of duty. I want you to help me design safety precautions and defenses for our people who can't fight."
"Very well," Elaire says, "I'll get started on that after this."
Delaize returns at this, taking his seat and speaking quietly. "We're working, but at least a few are in realms beyond this one, ones that can interfere with communications. I also took the liberty of asking them to bring any useful beasts, men at arms or similar things they wish to contribute. With any fortune we will gain a few extra, powerful defenders."
"Thank you, Delaize. Elaire, we'll have to talk. I have some ideas of my own. Before that, however, Jarem, please give us a report on your forces. Numbers, abilities, and where you think we need to start."
"We have 50 trained warriors of varying skill sets and 50 again of support staff - cooks, quartermasters, blacksmiths, squires and so on and so forth. We've brought two weeks of food to alleviate any immediate strain on your larders, and magic can help provide basic food near indefinitely, though multiple food sources are essential, as a starving army is a dead army." Jarem rises as he talks, pacing slowly. "Additionally we have 5 celestial hounds that provide tracking and poison-sniffing services, and 3 celestial hawks that are trained to be reconnaissance units."
A pause for that to sink in as Ule says, "Reinforcements?"
"Entirely possible," Jarem concurs, "But fundamentally, we're here to help you, not fight your war single handedly for you. The Red Knight aids those the most who aid themselves." Gesturing to a window, where tropical sunshine filters in, "It's meant to be a core, a skeleton that you can build an army around, whatever you end up needing. Between divine magic, laying of hands and a goodly supply of potions, healing will not be a concern for some time."
"I've had some ideas on what direction to take us, but... I want this to be a council decision. I'd like for each of you to come up with at least a couple ideas. Either for defenses, combat forces, supplies, or information. We can pool ideas and select the best ones and build from there. Jarem here has ideas of his own and can give advice on things. We need to start on these soon. Before we get too deep into that, however, the supply situation. Jarem has suggested to me to raise new land for colonization. I'm not sure we're ready to go that far, so I had an interim idea. Modify Mage's Mansion and utilize Daylight spells to serve as greenhouses, barracks, and supply warehouses. A permanent circle placed strategically with controlled access. If we decide to go this way, we'll have to find some farmers and a Druid or three probably wouldn't hurt either. Opinions?"
Delaize frowns slightly, "How would we modify a Mage's Mansion? It sounds like you want a permanent demiplane, and one does not simply casually create such a thing. That's the realm of divinity."
"Do go on," Madala concurs, "I want to hear this as well."
"It'll take a bit of reworking of the spell, but if we look at the structure of other extra-dimensional spaces, I think we can make it happen. For example, the Portable Hole or a Bag of Holding. Essentially, we'd be expanding the spell to encompass the same functionality and permanency, but hidden behind the access portal, or simply making a few massive versions of them. In that case, the Portable Hole would be the best option to expand. A demiplane is probably where we'll end up, eventually, but I think we currently lack the resources for it. And I don't want to attract the additional attention just yet. I've yet to start any real research into it, but I think we can use the magical structure of those as a framework for it, and making it from something that has a physical structure might allow us to anchor it more easily. If we can get it working and retain the ability to keep it portable, it might also serve as an escape option for our people. Pile in, close up, and have some of our mages flee to a safer location. Spells to generate air, water, and light would be simple to have function inside of the space and would allow sustainment. Climate controls, as well, which might open the door to exotic farming or creature sustainment, possibly leading to a new export of exotic and luxury goods."
Murmuring all around at that, but nothing decisive.
A chance to move things along or wrap things up as you like, or otherwise take control.
"We've also got to decide what to do about Malcanthet. We don't want to ally with her, obviously, but I don't think we're ready to have Shar and her coming after us just yet. I say I meet with her representative, on our terms only, and mention we can't spare any real time to discuss things while Shar is off murdering our people. That might hold her off enough for us to get our feet under us."
Murmurs around the table until Madala speaks up, "Prudent enough, all considered."
Elaire merely nods slightly at these words, not commenting directly.
Ule grunts but adds, "Acceptable."
"Do we really have a choice?" Delaize says, "Delaying and deflecting is the only reasonable strategy we have right now."
"Of course we do. This is just probably the wisest. Does anyone else have anything to bring up before we move on?"
Murmurs but no replies to that.
Go ahead.
"Okay, the next thing. We have a lot of areas that need improvements. I'd like volunteers to head up those areas. Defenses, Supplies, and so on. Everyone here is on this council for a reason. You have your specialties, I have mine. No one person can think of everything or come up with every idea or track every project, so we need to make this work as quickly and efficiently as possible. Jarem, I expect you to make yourself available to anyone here in case they want your opinion or advice. We need eyes and perspectives if we want to play catch up. Think on it. If anyone has an idea they'd like to see handed out, I want a proposal. Nothing needs to be ultra-detailed, but we need an idea for implementation and expectation of cost and time."
She sits down and leans back in her chair, "Also, we need to do a head count. The murder of the Regents is bad, but the loss of Mickel means they're not targeting only us. If they're whittling away at our lower members, then they're cutting us off at the ankles. They're our people and hopefully one day, they'll all be viable Regent candidates. As much as I don't want open seats for them, I don't want them cut short of their potential."
"A census?" Yorel says, "I'll take care of that. Easily enough done once we pull everyone in."
Nods and murmurs as Jarem rubs his chin and adds in, "That would help us as well."
Alyssa glances at Jarem. "For? Making some sort of unit break down?"
"That and understanding precisely what we have to work with and defend,' Jarem agrees, "Knowledge is power, as the old saying goes."
Alyssa looks at Jarem, locking eyes with him as she speaks, "... a foreign, extraplanar power with their own agenda," she quotes him.
"Jarem, we know you are our allies and the Red Knight's allegiance and favor is true. I tell you this not to alienate or cast doubt on you, but for the sake of clarity and being forthright in the future. Expect that not everyone will be welcoming to you and your people and that requests to have your involvement restricted will have to be considered seriously. My personal feelings on the matter have weight but are not the only ones concerned. In this specific case, however, I believe including you in the information is wise."
Jarem smiles slightly and nods back at your words, "Right," he says, letting it go at that.
Alyssa nods and turns back to the others, "Let's get this done."
I'm pretty much done here unless any of the other Regents have anything.
Cool, next move?
Well, send a team to get the bodies back. Research the extra-dimensional space thing. Figure out Leyral's Curse/Power of Creation. Treasure Ship thing. Any of that is fine. Outside of that... Dunno, honestly.
Let's go with the Treasure Ship, since frankly, you could use a combat opening now to learn on. Go ahead and paste all you know about the treasure ship?
Quote from: Anastasia on April 27, 2018, 03:09:51 PM
We also have information of a lost treasure in Ooze. Details are scarce, but a treasure ship of the Githyanki was lost after a planar mishap, and according to our information, was lost in the vicinity of the Drowning Mountain, a landmark within Ooze. We consider there to be good odds that the treasure is still there and unplundered, as few care to venture into Ooze.