It's moments like this where Seira can feel everything.
Amaryl is curled against her, a reverie deep in your personal rooms in the Cauldron. She does not sleep, does not need to, but the two of you...drowse, perhaps, growing sated merely being together. Like this she is drunk on Amaryl, her mind left fallow to revel in all the going ons of her faithful. Prayers for love, prayers for bravery. Pleas for victory, pleas for wealth. Thanksgiving for hopes, thanksgiving for mercy. A child mimicking his parents, praying to you that his parents don't find out he took a copper from his parents bag, because he really, really needed it. Cries of those in pain, cries of those in the ecstasy of love.
All of it occupies Seira for a time as she simply enjoys her reverie.
The Cauldron above bustles to her senses, the terraces all full of residents, visitors and servants. Dragons fly above, joined by elementals and her celestial servants. Good are bought and sold, agreements made, treasure flowing - all in the direction to accomplish Seira's goals.
As she basks in this Amaryl smiles and gently squeezes your hand. "Sometimes, I think I can hear them," she murmurs. "Just outside of my hearing."
Go ahead and intro yourself, as well as go for any goal you want to establish first. If you don't, you'll get an event to move you along to something, since it just the first post.
"It's overwhelming," Seira muses, closing her eyes. "I don't know how Shar handles that level of resolution or the sheer volume of prayer." Rather than sound defeated, however, she is nothing of the sort. "I guess we'll have to match her with strength of numbers, so it's a good thing we'll have you there before long."
"I don't know how anyone does," Amaryl agrees quietly, "But they do. I wonder if they have avatars who focus on that alone?"
As you reflect on that, you feel a presence. A presence you know all too well - Waukeen's. It is at the border of the Cauldron, an avatar rather than her true form. The deific equivalent of knocking at the door before coming in.
"We have a guest," Seira tells Amaryl, sending an extension of her will over to meet Waukeen in person. Even as Seira prepares for the day, her avatar is doing her best to be a great hostess!
Does your avatar look like you or have you made any alterations?
Indistinguishable. A half-elf with golden dragon wings dressed in a replica of my traveling clothes.
The woman who stands at the border of the Cauldron is unremarkable. A merchant perhaps in traveling clothes, black haired and pleasant enough looking, but ultimately plain. Only a bit of jewelry, a walking stick along with her.
"Seira, dear," Waukeen's avatar smiles and comes forward, giving your avatar a hug. "How are you? How's Amaryl and everyone?"
"We're doing just fine," Seira responds, happily returning the hug. Upon letting go, she gestures towards the Cauldron-proper in clear invitation. "High on Aurora's success, as might be expected. Oh! And Amaryl seems close to her breakthrough, so that's one more bit of happy news!"
"Lovely news," Waukeen says, flying along ahead. You feel her weave magic around her through divine will, a cloak to make her seen and yet not remembered.
"This avatar is for when I don't wish to be known," she explains as you head in, "Being seen with you could complicate future matters. So! This investment looks to be paying marvelous dividends, so tell me all about it."
Seira has already planned to take an unconventional route where they aren't likely to be overseen, so that should suit Waukeen just fine.
"Which one?" she asks her erstwhile patron with a cheeky grin, even as her magic masks her words so they won't be overheard past the intended target. "The Cauldron is doing well, as can be expected. It's our foothold on Astral, and we maintain cordial relations with the our only neighbours, the Gith. More cordial than could be expected, really, since we're unofficially offering sanctuary for any of them that don't want to become Vlaakithfood. Our growth as a true trading hub could do with some help, but our research into elemental harmony is beyond anything else across the Planes. Then, we have me. I got to punch Bel in the face and he went away in tears! And I did it before it was cool! And Amaryl should join up sooner rather than later, like I was saying."
Waukeen laughs as she falls in with you, a bright sound like the tinkling of coins jangling together.
"Vlaakith has been rather accepting the last few decades. One wonders what scheme she's working on. Have you heard anything new there?" Waukeen asks, "Congratulations again on Bel. It's only a shame Lixer apparently finished the job rather than you. My, the planes are aflame with rumors about that. I've even heard he's here! You aren't secretly giving Bel sanctuary, are you?" A coy smile is on Waukeen's face as she says that, "It would be downright devilishly tricky of you."
"Nothing recent," Seira responds, shaking her head. "We didn't even cross paths in the recent Astral debacle. As for Bel? I sure as hell don't want to hold Avernus or rule over a bunch of devils, so finishing things would've been counterproductive. That said, there is one bit of unfinished business I have where I wouldn't have minded hosting him in exchange for his help." Since she has Waukeen's attention at that, Seira tells her, "It's the window of opportunity we've been waiting for to jailbreak Zariel and bring her home."
"Zariel, Torm's old follower?" Waukeen says, "Mmm, it is a gamble, but the risk and reward is in good favor for you," she remarks, "The return on success is high. Do you know how weak Lixer is right now?"
"He has to be at his most over-extended in a long time," Seira posits. "Between consolidating his gains, real and political, the uncertainty over Bel and the outcasts next door and the need to look after his old investments-- and we haven't even considered handling the nominal duties of keeping demons out of Avernus? There won't be a better time." Peering sideways at Waukeen, she asks, "Do you know anything that might help with our planning?"
"A few things," Waukeen smiles coyly, "But it's not for public ears. There's a baker here that makes lovely pretzel rolls, too. Let's get some and get somewhere more comfortable, Seira dear."
It'll take some serious magic to overcome Seira's protections and be overheard, but she doesn't mind acquiescing to the request.
"Sure, that sounds lovely!" she chirps.
Cool. Go ahead and set up where you take her, for the sake of world building and all that.
The pretzels at Waukeen's chosen place are indeed lovely, though as a local of the Cauldron Seira's harder to impress. No confections will surpass her gingerbread palace, after all!
They make their way through the bustling marketplace, nibbling on the pretzels, with Seira relying on the powers of the Veil while passing through a narrow alleyway to become just another half-elf that looks distantly related to her true self. Their path seems utterly random, until Seira pulls them into a hole in the wall place connecting the present terrace with one below it through a winding stairway. Seira takes the lead, passing through gently-glowing corals growing in the outer walls and flicks a nail against one to a cheerful ringing sound. The inner pillar around which the path winds is porous, and in the many alcoves are arrangements of raw fish, seafood, vegetables wrapped in sticky, cooked rice.
"We're alone here right now," Seira says, relying on her superior senses to ensure that. "Not many know about this place, since it wouldn't work so well if it were crowded. I seeded the realm with several, and then Sanzha thought it was interesting and it sort of snowballed from there."
"Food, always an amusing decoration," Waukeen, "It's lovely, Seira dear." She nibbles on her roll daintily before going on, "I've heard that Lixer's agents and merchants are quietly buying up the market on black oynx and other reagents related to necromancy. Hardly surprising on the surface, but I've normally seen few signs of him needing to pursue outside sources of them so vigorously. He's likely overextended his supplies somewhat and needs to restock swiftly."
"It's an infinite plane with infinite dead devils to raise," Seira agrees, licking her fingers clean. "Is there an opportunity to get smuggled in with one of the shipments? Perhaps accurate information about the defenses and layout from those who recently went through Lixer's new place?"
"If a person is capable of avoiding Lixer's searches and magical sweeps," Waukeen says, "He takes trade security seriously." A few more nibbles and her roll is gone, then she sits back on the air itself, ignoring gravity completely. "Foreign merchants aren't allowed inside. He pays a little extra for the slight, so few care."
"I could devise a spell. Maybe a thirteenth circle Veil that fools true seeing?"
A gesture at that, "A good way to start," Waukeen says, "Seira dear, keep on doing that, just make sure you're ready. Are you going to be doing this alone or with your friend Alicia?"
"Alicia's in," Seira responds. "More help is welcome, of course."
"Oh dearie, you are up to all sorts of mischief," Waukeen smiles, "I may send direct aid. When are you doing this?"
"We'll have a date as soon as I confer with Alicia. We're on the same side, but we don't have the same resources and contacts, after all. But it has to be soon, since Lixer's grasp on Avernus will only grow with time."
"Let me see who I have available," Waukeen says, "An avatar's out of the question for political reasons. A proxy's possible with the right setup, but both of my war-like proxies are previously engaged." She hums to herself, half closing her eyes as she thinks. "Some stealth is required, so that rules out the typical idea of throwing solars at the problem. Lovely servants, but so rarely subtle."
"I don't know," Seira muses, grinning at her. "An avatar could be a bold political statement~"
"Too bold," Waukeen shakes her head, "You could probably talk Sulia dear into it, she's rather cross with Lixer right now. Some of his minions raided an order of knights that serve her, it was only stopped because one of her proxies just happened to be visiting the area."
"I'll look into it," Seira promises. "And once we have a date in mind, we could look into the routes we could take based on Lixer's scheduled onyx trade. That should be long enough to find a decently sneaky proxy, too. Does that sound right?"
"Sounds about right," Waukeen agrees. "Now let's talk about something more fun - trade routes. Since Vlaakith is being so agreeable right now, I'm thinking I can have more merchants try their luck with them. Naturally, the Cauldron is a natural midway point before reaching any Gith settlement."
"Perhaps we could streamline the process of arrival to the Cauldron?" Seira proposes. "Nothing like my Balmurian portal network, but one from your realm in Brightwater to a cavern by the Cauldron's marketplace? It would be near the entrance to Astral, while also a handy stop to pick up local specialties and imports straight from the portals we have to the elemental realms." Seira makes a mental note to see about expanding those beyond the main four inner planes. "And perhaps I could reach out to Vlaakith. If she sends their own traders back alongside that route, we'll benefit in the long run since it'd tie her interests to its success. Not to mention, the Gith can provide general security for Astral whereas we can only patrol it along predefined routes at present."
"Be careful about getting too entangled with her," Waukeen points out, "She's being good for now, but she can strike sharply and savagely when her interests dictate it." Then she claps her hands together, "But a direct portal could be such fun! A small toll of course for the non faithful, but nothing to dissuade them. We could both make easy money on that."
"That goes without saying," Seira readily agrees. "As for Vlaakith, I think her self-interest would motivate her. We've coexisted for decades, and the recent events on Astral showed that she'd prefer to be considered as the main power on the plane. If she decided to pick a fight with the underdog, said underdog might just punch her in the face. It's a lose-lose situation for her, isn't it?"
"The problem is that she might bite that hand that punches her off," Waukeen says, "She may not be divine, but she is not a foe to be taken lightly. I fought her once, you know," Waukeen goes on, conjuring another pretzel bread and nibbling away. "She held her own. She was able to manage magic in anti magic, as well as hold my own assaults and spells at bay. She also doesn't advertise that fact, as I had no idea she could ignore anti magic until I fought her. Be careful with her."
"There's a reason I would like to see her gone but she's remained my neighbor all this time," Seira agrees with a helpless shrug. "But I think outside of a very direct insult she won't go off on emotion, and there are huge risks with picking a fight with me. The Gith are impressive, but their ships won't do well against the Cauldron and they'll be fighting on my turf if they were to invade. Not to mention that direct opposition to Vlaakith would draw powerful Gith to my banner. Aurora's proven that quite well, and I had reports of what Vlaakith did when confronted with that fact directly, which was nothing."
"You seem to have the right of it. Good," Waukeen agrees, then claps her hands together again, "So the portals are agreed then?"
"Certainly! And perhaps we can also put one from your temple in Balmuria to the same location in Brightwater? That way the city will always be two portals away."
"I like it. Send me a message when you're ready and we can do the portals together," Waukeen says, "So! How are the children?"
Seira snorts. "They've got Amaryl's drive so their training her been nothing short of phenomenal. But just as she needed time to find her path-- well, I think they've got that from her as well?" She shrugs. "Parenting's hard. I want them to discover a cause they're passionate about, but until they do neither really fits in around here. Maybe I should send Emily off as the envoy to Vlaakith? Throw her off the deep end, but real close by so I can step in as needed?"
"Oh, I agree. Once they're adults, toss them in and let them swim." Waukeen says, "I've had a few children - all non deific - and that's really the best thing. It's like how adventurers learn by being thrown into adventures. There's no substitute for that." Giggling into her hand, "They usually complain a lot less and it does wonders if they're spoiled at all. Makes them grow up."
"I know, right?! I've already stopped an invasion when I was Xera's age!" Seira exclaims, throwing her arms up. "And I celebrated the next birthday by knocking over an Abyssal lord! I actually had something to protect, true, and it's not like I'll leave the Cauldron defenseless to give them that drive, but I didn't need it to explore beyond the known lands. Maybe they don't have that wanderlust because we provided too much to them?"
She grins all of a sudden. "Then again, maybe what they need to do is see me campaign properly again? Hey, should I recall Xera from Celestia for that?"
"Well, it's worth considering, but..."
Anything else for this conversation? I just wanted to give you a chance to talk about the kids a bit.
If not, what's your next move?
I'll invite her to visit the palace, meet Amaryl and Emily, try some imported wine from Fire.
As for a next move, I'd like to follow up on Donald's report. We discussed Amaryl's attempts to contact the Seldarine, so if those were successful I'd like to talk to her. If not, I'll contact Alicia first via message to coordinate, and then by porting over to her doorstep discreetly.
Okay. Just so I'm clear what you mean from that, link me to the part in question? A paste works too.
here (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104132.msg1109604.html#msg1109604)
You find Amaryl with Kascha, the two in one of Amaryl's sitting rooms, cozy and warm. They're sharing tea, talking away quietly. "...and then Morniel just looked at them all and I swear he wanted to sigh, but he never - oh Seira!" Kascha perks up. "Hi!"
We'll at least touch on this IC since it probably needs to be discussed between you two anyway.
Making her way over, Seira pulls up a chair for herself next to the pair. "Every girl likes to stop all conversation as she walks into a room, but you can keep going," she tells Kascha with a grin.
"Oh Seira!" Kascha brightens up, "I was just telling an Aurora story!"
Meanwhile, you sense it. A prayer stands out amid the many. A warrior, a simple village protector who reveres you, as his foster father did. He stands alone in the village square, pike at the ready. A mere man against a massive black draogn, lazily swooping down lower and lower.
"Oh Seira help me," The man silently prays as his knees knock together, "Please, please, please let this buy enough time for everyone to get away." You feel his intent - the villagers, hurrying away through an old tunnel that connects the mayor's house to a nearby mine.
A translucent triangular shield with a golden dragon emblazoned upon it materializes behind her worshipper like an otherworldly aura, matching his opponent in size. The dragon is animated in flight, and she doesn't doubt the sight is as mysterious as it is miraculous.
Seira promptly ruins the effect as her voice speaks from her banner, saying in Draconic, "You have my attention."
"Do share," she tells Kascha with a grin, as her attention can be infinitely split through practice and magic both. "I've been waiting to hear more about your experiences with the Aurora Crusade."
---- lines are just for clarity here.
The black dragon pulls up abruptly at the image, spitting acid that sizzles on the ground. The warrior falls to his knees in relief and shock that you feel clearly, "I am Galarolousos the Black! None defy me! NONE!"
---
Meanwhile, Kascha gets up and goes to get you some tea and...
> roll 1d20+8
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{26}
She nimbly serves you, then sits back down. "Did you want to hear about any part in particular? I was just finishing up a story."
Amaryl cocks her head to the side, focusing on you intently.
Seira smiles at Amaryl, telepathically reassuring her that she's handling something.
"My name is Seira Aryn, so now we have been properly introduced," Seira responds to the other dragon, using the lull to see the larger area. "What seems to be the problem? I want to see whether it could be resolved without coming in person."
Voice of the Dragon as my standard. Also, I think this is Intimidation, so taking 10 for 63.
"I want to hear everything, but most of all I'd like to hear two stories," Seira muses, sipping her served tea. "One which relates to your favorite moment during the campaign, and another about the time you learned your most important lesson while part of the Crusade."
Galarolousos the Black's eyes widen at your proclamation and he immediately utters powerful words of magic, vanishing away. Teleport - someone wanted out of there and they wanted out of there NOW. Almost as if he was scared.
---
As you say that and Kascha hums a moment, you sense Alicia at the edge of the Cauldron.
"Well, my favorite moment? Helping Muirfinn defeat Athux. It was a long, hard journey but we succeeded in slaying him, just barely. It was like a fairytale and even had a happy ending." Kascha smiles at the memory, "So often we fight minions or symptoms, rarely the true evils behind something. To fight one and to slay it felt amazing. When we killed it, we felt the entire layer of the Abyss shake in pain from it. It made me feel like we made a real difference."
"That's that," Seira muses in Common, her banner replaced with a real-sized image of her, albeit still translucent. "What's the background for this occurrence?"
Remote Viewing gives me anything interesting here?
Her Avatar flashes over to meet Alicia face to face, while Seira's true self tells Kascha, "That feeling is something you never forget. Ah, but how does Muirfinn fare? It was a fate worse than death."
The man turns - Richard, you remember his name is - and bows deeply, "M-milady Seira," he greets, leaning on his pike. "The dragon came today and demanded tribute from our village, or he would take it from us. We went to discuss it and then he came back, demanding it now. I-I was buying time for everyone to get away."
It's lightly forested around here and hilly, mountains on the horizon. A fairly typical mining village on a glance.
----
Alicia and Jessica are at the edge of the Cauldron when Seira's avatar appears before them. "Hi, Seira," Jessica smiles, holding up a picnic basket. "We come bearing gifts."
---
"He's healing mentally," Kascha says, "He's working with Vivantha to advance Ilmater's will as thanks for saving him." Shaking her head, "He wasn't the same after his captivity, I think it shook him badly. I imagine he must have terrible nightmares."
"Hello Seira," Alicia greets after Jessica, treating the avatar just as she would the real thing (assuming she can even tell the difference). "Can we come in? There's lots to talk about."
You can. Deities generally have a sense of this, especially ones who know each other well.
"I remember it happening similarly in Balmuria," Seira's image reminisces. "We decided to fight the killed him when he returned. Just as my friends and I had our advantages, so I'd like to be yours. What are your plans for the future?"
---
"I can sympathize," Seira says, reaching over to lay her hand over Kascha's. Her thoughts drift to Kesse briefly, but she refuses to allow herself end up trapped in the past. "Do you want to do more for your friend? If it doesn't interfere with our military operations, I can provide you with the means."
---
"You're always welcome here," Seira's avatar responds to Alicia and Jessica with a wide grin. "And I'm not just saying this because you beat me to it. I've been meaning to stop by, but I suppose I'll have to contend with being a host." She starts leading the pair through the Cauldron, and unlike with Waukeen there is no need to take the stealthier route.
Alicia smiles at that, following Seira deeper into the Cauldron. "The timing's good," she says. "Also well done on handling Bel back on Lifasa."
"Yes, it was, wasn't it?" Even though Seira can barely remember the act due to the very real threat of death and humiliating failure, that's something she apparently did. And who wouldn't be proud of punching a Lord of the First in the face and kicking him off world? "Your actions on Benfal inspired me~"
"To protect my home here, milady!" Richard says, staying up and resting heavily on his pike.
---
"I might," Kascha admits, "But I'm not sure. I should talk to Surru about as well as Tepen, they'd know." As Amaryl continues to intently watch you, "It's...he has Vivantha. I don't want to interfere in their relationship, and I think they're getting really close with depending on each other so much."
---
"Well done indeed," Jessica seconds, "That must have been a tremendous battle to see."
"Nice to save both those worlds so close to each other, even if Benfal had to go to extreme measures. Still, there's more work to be done," Alicia says, keeping scant on the details until they're settled in somewhere comfy to talk and plot properly.
Going to take Alicia on over somewhere, Seira?
"That's a worthy goal," Seira agrees. "Are there other threats against it? And how do you plan to go about it?"
---
Seira grins at Kascha, pulling back into her chair. "Got it. I'll look for a suitable male caretaker you could introduce to Vivantha, then."
She snaps her fingers. "Meanwhile, could I trouble you for some more tea? Alicia and her sister are coming over."
---
"I couldn't have done it without Amaryl," Seira demurs. "And you're right, Alicia. There always is."
I'm taking us to my palace through the scenic route, where my avatar will stay at the door after leading Alicia and Jessica to me, Amaryl and Kascha.
"By being strong, strong enough to protect them!" Richard stays, managing to stand now.
---
"Sure," Kascha gets up for that and...
> roll 1d20+8
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{28}
...neatly pours a few more glasses of tea, a flourish as ioun stones fly around her head.
"It's a man. A young man," Amaryl murmurs. "I can almost hear his voice."
I'll merge Alicia into here shortly.
"Then that is what you will do," Seira's image agrees. "That is what you will be, Richard. I cannot always be here, but I won't need to, not if you are there to pick up the slack."
Her powers enchant the pike, allowing it to give off a gentle golden glow.
In a month's time, I will check in with you again. Practice with your weapon. Train hard. After I evaluate your efforts, I will send you something to help you get started on your chosen path."
Pike +1, glowing.
"Yes, milady!" Richard eyes his pike with open, mouthhanging awe and kneels to you. As this happens...
---
Meanwhile, Kascha starts to speak but looks up as the door opens. Alicia and Jessica enter and...
Go ahead, you two.
"Hello again Seira," Alicia says a little bit dryly as she's handed off from avatar to deity. "Amaryl, Kascha, it's good to see you both. Glad to be back at the Cauldron?" she asks the latter as she comes in.
Amaryl is utterly focused on Seira, "So close..." she murmurs, then blinks. "Pah."
Kascha smiles even more, "Alicia! Thank you, it is nice to be back. I had to make sure Surru's lair was all cleaned up and his hoard was in good order, but I'm back now!"
"Quite the pint-sized powerhouse that wyrmling," Alicia says, recalling Ebony's reports about Surraruthru. "Maybe he'll do well having to pick up after himself for a little while?"
Jessica giggles into her hand, "Kascha, are you two going to make it official? He should start calling you mother at this rate."
Kascha reddens rather rapidly at that, "JESSICA! And he's very busy and learning so many powerful magics, he just forgets sometimes, so I do it."
"I stand for Knowledge and War," Seira cautions Richard. "Don't focus so much on one that you neglect the other entirely." There is no need to suggest cultivating hope. If the situation didn't somehow lend itself to it, being a protector will lead to taking care of that.
Her image fades away at that, though Seira still keeps her eye on things discreetly, in case the dragon is particularly foolish.
---
Seira merely gives a shrug and a smile to Amaryl. There will be other chances, and she has an idea she could try then.
"Please, have a seat," Seira invites her guests. "How about some tea? Kascha brewed it~"
"Thank you, tea would be lovely," Alicia says as she takes a seat. "We've brought bread from Roald's bakery but it'd be a waste to eat ourselves. Please, take it to give to any of yours going out on missions who'll need a little extra," she offers as they get comfortable.
Everyone settles in and...
Ball is in your court, you two, go ahead.
"Lovely seems to be the order of the day," Seira agrees, proposing to Alicia with a grin, "How about we swap gossip before continuing that conversation from earlier?"
Alicia doesn't mind that since they don't get the chance to socialise as much as they used to. "I had an offer from Mystra when I visited Dweomerheart earlier, to move Sylica over to Elysium when Syala and I grow stronger. I like Ysgard, but it feels like it makes sense to position ourselves there in the future," she gives her first piece of new gossip. "Syala says she was offered a spot in Brightwater as well, but she agrees Elysium is a more natural fit. Both of them offering like that..." she smiles amusedly and sips at her tea, "It reminds me of when Marie used to get all defensive about Celestia trying to poach me."
"Oh!" Amaryl gasps into her hand, "That's a lovely offer, Alicia."
"I remember that," Jessica smiles at the memories, "Marie would get all huffy and worked up over it. Then Antenora would say something and those two would be quarreling."
Seira nods eagerly. "We've got a standing offer from Waukeen to move to Brightwater, but I'm partial to Astral, myself." She shrugs, before asking Amaryl, "How about the Seldarine, Darling? Did they bring this up at some point?" And, in fact, she's curious whether Amaryl got an answer from them while trying to contact the elven pantheon.
"I think Elysium would be a great fit for you if you did choose to leave Ysgard behind," she muses. "Speaking of Marie, did she get an offer herself?"
"Marie? No, she's still stuck as my familiar. When I do release her she's sure to have banked up a few promotions but neither of us are quite ready for that just yet. Still though, I think her and Antenora are holding off on starting their family on account of it, so... well, as good a familiar as she is, I can't hold onto her forever," Alicia says, shaking her head.
"I've talked to them, but they're entirely focused on something they're doing. I wasn't able to get details," Amaryl says, "They say it's something private. They were kind about it, but it's members of the Seladrine only. Right now, we aren't members of the Seladrine."
"You can't?" Kascha murmurs, "But can't divinities have any type of familiar they want? Why not let her promote and keep her as a familiar?" Taking out a thick tome and checking it, writing a few notes inside as she does, "I think that would work from the lore I've read."
"That's partially true Kascha - I can actually make anyone I like a familiar in addition to Marie, but it's limited by distance. I use it as a temporary measure for empowering servants sometimes, it doesn't really count in the same way even if the mechanisms and benefits are similar." She smiles invitingly, "Do you want to try being my familiar for a little while? I can see how a ghaele compares to a courre, and you can get some research data."
"Um...um..." Kascha turns even redder and eeps out, "But isn't that Antenora's job?!"
Alicia chuckles and takes a long sip of her tea to give Kascha a moment after that. "I have tried it with Antenora, she seemed to enjoy herself," she says on that note. Though for Alicia having an empathic link towards both Marie and Antenora at the same time when they're around each other gets a bit distracting.
"I..a....that..." Kascha sputters as Jessica begins to laugh, "That so perverted!" she blurts out, pointing at Alicia. Her entire face is beet red, flushed and eyes wide.
Amaryl tilts her head to the side, "...Seira, are we having the same conversation as Kascha?"
"Alicia seems to be teasing her," Seira responds, as if Kascha weren't in the room with them, "though I can certainly see why. She's very adorable, isn't she?"
"I don't know what Kascha thinks I do with my familiar, but I should probably worry for my reputation," Alicia says innocently, holding her teacup over her mouth.
"You can't pull that act on me," Seira tells her with a snort. "Nor on anyone who actually met your familiar, for that matter."
Kascha sputters and goes silent, flaming red.
"She has a point, sister," Jessica says, still chortling to herself. "Marie is...Marie."
"Yes but don't lump me in with her," Alicia says with a little bit of pique, lowering her teacup. "Anyway, that's just an expression of my divinity, being able to temporarily grant others the same benefits as I give Marie for being my familiar. I think because she's such an intrinsic part of my story, at least when I started getting really famous, it just makes sense. It's a useful talent though, and not nearly so tawdry as Kascha implies." She could just leave it there, but... "I do try it with Syala sometimes, though. The empathic bond makes things interesting."
"Speaking of interesting experiences, I've been trying to decide on a proxy for years," Seira muses. "Literally, as it happens. I just handle things in person if I need to, so it didn't happen at first and then it just felt awkward to approach Donald or you, Kascha, and ask, 'Hey, want to be a divine proxy and get fabulous proxy powers?' How do you do it, Alicia?"
Amaryl hums at that, "Really?" She smiles a bit, "Well, Seira and I are usually in telepathic contact and..." A blush follows, demure.
"Ah! What about business! Avernus! Bel! Lixeerrrrr!" Kascha blurts out.
"I do it on rotation," Alicia answers on more serious topics. "Jessica got to be my proxy recently so she could visit Balmuria and check in on things there," she gestures at her sister. "Since I can only have one I just hold it in reserve and then give it to someone who needs to visit a prime so they can do so without causing disruption. Once I can make more I might pick some to have the role permanently, but it's floating for now."
Seira nods thoughtfully at the answer. Then, to spare Kascha from further embarrassment, she says, "Alright. To business, then. I'll start with what I know. Donald successfully visited Avernus, so we know a bit about the conditions there. And Waukeen paid me a visit earlier, so we know Lixer is buying onyx in massive quantities and paying extra to keep the merchants from getting too close. This should be enough to chart a path for us, and possibly sneak into Lixer's place for Zariel, on top of letting us know Lixer seems over-extended at the moment, but won't be for much longer."
She pauses to take a sip from her tea, before continuing. "Waukeen will offer assistance. She doesn't want to send an avatar, so I asked for aid in infiltration and stealth. She did, however, suggest that Sulia would be willing to go all in with us. You know her best, so what do you think, Alicia?"
Alicia puts her teacup down now as she focuses on the matter at hand. "Sulia is a good catch, Syala mentioned Lixer's forces had overextended themselves onto a world she has interests in and only got stopped because one of her proxies was close at hand, I don't think she's pleased with him at all. As for what else I've learned? The Bronze Citadel - Noir Jardin now, by the way, is cloaked in unholy power that protects the undead from positive energy, bolsters their power, and revives them if they fall. Also fallen demons on Avernus have been rising as spirits that fight for the devils. And no one quite knows just what became of Bel - Marie suggested this might all be a con job and Bel's still there in the shadows helping Lixer rule publicly until something else happens. We'll know more on that if and when we find Zariel, I suspect."
She pauses to drink her tea a bit, "I was thinking we'd keep this fairly straightforward. Lixer's defences are going to be untested, and he can't rely on Bel's when every devil that fled the coup is going to be selling knowledge for a chance of survival. In essence I'll attack Avernus to draw Lixer out and keep him busy, while you infiltrate his castle and get Zariel out. Jessica's skills would help a lot on that side of it."
"...I see one flaw in the logic," Amaryl finally speaks up. "Are we certain Zariel is still underneath Noir Jardin?" She puts her teacup down, "Why wouldn't Lixer move her if he's going to be seen as vulnerable?"
"Donald will be an asset for you there," Seira agrees. "Waukeen's proxy to round out my team, perhaps, and Sulia to join your own? And come to think of it, this might be the right situation to bring my avatar along with me...."
At Amaryl's question, Seira shrugs. "We don't have absolute proof she was ever there. However, it would make sense that the plane's past rulers would be kept imprisoned close by, which suggests the seat of power. Since Lixer and Bel's movements are occluded even for more established deities like Waukeen, we don't have any way of telling without going to take a look for ourselves. Do you disagree?"
"We may have to face Lixer's proxies," Amaryl points out, "As well as his avatars. I doubt we'll see the real thing, with how Aurora reported his behavior." She sits back and exhales, "I..." she pauses a moment, hesitates before pushing on. "Do we have secondary objectives if Zariel isn't there, beyond throwing twigs in Lixer's face?"
"I don't think Lixer is really a coward," Kascha's quieter when she speaks up now, still blushing a bit. "Um, a lot of Aurora's command thinks he's one, but..." Trailing off on that, pausing for a bit more tea, smiling now, "I remember some of my lessons before I died. Wizards aren't meant to be on the front line when they can help it." Quickly blushing again and clearing her throat, "Present company excepted, of course. He's not going to give us the chance because he understands he's not a brawny warrior or a beautiful duelist. We shouldn't count on meeting him, but I think it's a tactical choice rather than a personal failing."
Gently smiling now, Amaryl pats Kascha's hand and holds it with both of hers a moment, "I didn't say he's a coward, but your point about understanding his motives is well taken. The wise trees sway with the wind, rather than facing it head on."
"So he'll pelt us with necromantic and evil spells through avatars instead," Jessica says, "If he chooses to get involved, he'll have a mobility advantage we can't beat. He'll be able to teleport, we won't." Exhaling once and resting back in her chair, wings wrapping around herself like a warm cloak, "I think you're right and we'll have to sneak in, do the job head on. Try not to resort to open combat and being detected until we have to. Let's remember this should be at least in part a stealth mission, unless we want to take on a few armies."
"I can only see three benefits, here," Seira comments. "Breaking Zariel free is the main one. Then, we get to make him look weak, which should cause more instability in Avernus and might well get Zguujaj moving on it once more. Finally, we could gain the advantage of learning more about what happened with Bel. The thing is, if we don't act to try and find Zariel now, we might as well give up. A better opportunity won't come knocking, and I don't see a way of improving our chances."
"You're right, of course," Kascha agrees, "But Amaryl's point bothers me. Why wouldn't Lixer move a high priority target. He has a home on Nessus? If I were him, I'd move her there and let a hundred Nessians guard her." Sitting back, watching her ioun stone move around her head like a comet and its many trailing lesser comets, "I hate to think we've already failed our main objective."
"The only thing worse than devils are the mind games they provoke," Jessica says, rather firmly. "Have a secondary goal or two if all else fails, but don't let those mental contortions stop you."
"That's broken logic," Seira disagrees, shaking her head. "Who cares if he has a summer home elsewhere? The Nine Hells purport to be a rigid dictatorship with the Lord of the Ninth as the undisputed top. Nessus is certainly defended better than the other layers. So by that reasoning, shouldn't Hell have all its high-value prisoners at Nessus? And yet, we know this isn't true. So what makes Lixer the exception? I guarantee you that Daddy doesn't love Lixer any more than he cares for the other Lords, and Lixer knows that."
"Daddy also doesn't want Lixer to fail," Kascha says, "But...Empress Sulia will be going as well, you mentioned?"
"Unfortunately a lot of what we have to work on is supposition," Alicia admits. "But the geomantic setup for containing Zariel and drawing out her power for Avernus isn't something they can easily move without sacrificing the power she offers, which I don't think Lixer would want. Not to mention... it makes him look weak, doesn't it? Noir Jardin is his brand new seat of power, his statement of stepping onto the big stage. Would his pride let him shelter his important things elsewhere and give Glasya more to mock him over?"
"That's another good point. Can he even afford to move Zariel to begin with?"
"Ego matters," Amaryl agrees, "When will we be striking, precisely?"
"As soon as we can go have a chat with Sulia and secure her aid, I figure? I'll need time to consider new stealth spells, so I'm fine with going tomorrow."
"The sooner the better," Alicia nods her head, finishing her tea and putting it down. "Do you want to go visit Sulia and invite her together?" she asks Seira.
"I'd like that," Seira agrees. "The spell research is all theoretical, so I don't need my lab for that."
Okay, so off to see Sulia?
Okay, assuming so, what needs to be done before you begin the assault. Additionally, who will participate?
I'm not really sure whether we should go big army or small strike team to be honest, as far as the diversion goes. I'm leaning small strike team because armies aren't that great.
Anyway, from Sylica it'll be Alicia and Latha on the diversion, because we wreck undead hardcore. And Jessica on the infiltration team because she's super-sneaky.
What's the rule on deities going into other deities divine realms by the way? Can they automatically sense us/bar us?
I concur with small strike force, and I want to only bring Donald from my team when we go on the assault. Added to Eb's question, how do most deities handle such things? Attack with their true selves and avatars both?
It's generally detected - see how Seira noticed Waukeen and Alicia in her realm. How a deity reacts is up to them, it varies depending on how they like to do things. Parley isn't uncommon.
It's not impossible to bar a deity from a realm, but it's impossible in Avernus. The nature of the plane and the whole Blood War's ruined any chance of that. Plus that didn't slow down Zquujaj, bear in mind, so merely being detected is not automatically critical.
Strike Force: Alicia, Latha
Stealth: Jessica
Not Clear: Seira, Donald
???: Sulia.
Seira will lead Team Stealth, Donald will go stab things with Alicia and Latha. What is Sulia best suited for? I'm also hoping Waukeen sends a stealthy proxy or favored servant my way, possibly with decent merchant papers so we make it partway unnoticed.
If I come with my avatar and send it along with Alicia, would Lixer know there's another me stealthing around?
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103072.msg1055425.html#msg1055425
Take a gander.
I'm also hoping Waukeen sends a stealthy proxy or favored servant my way, possibly with decent merchant papers so we make it partway unnoticed.
If I come with my avatar and send it along with Alicia, would Lixer know there's another me stealthing around?
He'd know, yes.
Off to recruit Sulia?
Sure. Going to her quarter in Brightwater?
Seems like the polite thing to do.
Yes.
Does knowing there's another god around tell you where they are specifically? Having a simulacrum Seira or someone disguised as her could be handy.
When they enter. It doesn't update real time, though a deity's various extended senses often help there. Doing anything that would provoke an opposed rank check from the deity in question sends up a proverbial flare, letting them know where you are.
Cool, lets go to Brightwater then.
Empress Sulia's quarter is broad streets and fancy villas, seemingly never ending. All is pleasant as you appear at the border and pass in, no resistance at all. Instead, a pegasus drawn carriage appears from above, descending down to where the two of you are.
The door opens and a man in fancy livery steps out, older and refined. His hair is slicked back and he bows deeply to the two of you, "Empress Sulia presents this, shall you wish to travel in style here, Your Majesties."
"We're much obliged for her hospitality," Alicia says, climbing aboard and making herself comfortable.
"Yes, thank you," Seira agrees, following suit.
The inside is plush and pleasant, the air cool. Drinks and snacks are on a table within as the door is closed behind you. "Where do you wish to be taken?" he asks, as he goes around to drive the carriage.
"We would like to meet with Empress Sulia wherever is convenient for her," Alicia asks, helping herself to a refreshing cool drink.
"Yes, milady," The driver responds to that.
It is a long, comfortable flight. Cool fruit juices are provided as you fly. Looking out as you get closer, you are descending towards a tall villa, the roof smoothed over and with a seating ensemble there. Large umbrellas cover tables and chairs, that sort of thing.
Seira tries a local snack, always on the lookout for more sweets to decorate her home with.
Thus you descend down. Amid these chairs of blown glass and wrought iron sits Empress Sulia. She is fanned by a servant, sipping a glass of iced juice and reading a slender book. It is just warm enough here that the fanning surely feels wonderful.
"Seira! Alicia!" Empress Sulia smiles, "Welcome. Have a seat, I'm just finishing with some pesky aboleths."
"Hello Sulia," Alicia greets as she leaves the carriage, going over to claim a seat. "Syala was actually telling me about that, Daun yes?" she asks. "I heard the new Lord of Avernus stuck his nose in and nearly messed things up as well."
"I believe I heard something about that as well," Seira muses, taking the offered seat.
Sulia comes up and gives Alicia a hug, kissing her cheeks and then doing the same to Seira. She sits after as a single servant waits nearby to be called on, should you desire anything. "It was dreadful," Empress Sulia shakes her head. "Mephisto's the devil with any progress in the world, and we have an understanding that we leave each other alone, because the aboleths there are the overwhelming threat. They bow to Demogorgon, and neither of us want him dominating a world."
A thin smile passes Sulia's face, "Mephisto is at least a devil of good breeding and manners. He understands what is done without being said. It seems Lixer needs a refresher. He nearly cost me a legion of knights that are the only force saving a country from aboleth domination." Her book vanishes as she sits prim and proper, posture good. "Waukeen assures me it was an honest mistake, but the damage is done. Had dear Rickys not been there, they would have been decimated."
"He's overextended and trying to grasp as much as he can before he's stopped," Seira notes.
"He needs to be stopped," Sulia agrees, "Firmly, darlings. Firmly." She frowns, "Thousands would have fallen under the aboleth yoke had he succeeded. I care not why it was a mistake or how unlikely it was, it cannot be tolerated. I have instructed my agents and faithful on other worlds to strike out at any growing cults that he has."
Alicia of course returns Sulia's affectionate gesture before she sits and listens to Sulia's tale. "I'd say it's dangerous to give any devil too much credit, but we did have to rely on some help from Baalzebul after our crusade to kill Agares way back - we all have to understand the risks and rewards of these deals... but Lixer, yes. He's in a delicate situation right now, and I think deserves some pushback. Not to mention Seira and I have long wanted to remove Bel's predecessor from Hell, and hopefully learn more about how Torm ended up the way he did. Are you interested in joining us for this endeavour?"
"On Avernus itself? Tell me more," Sulia encourages you, "Tell me more."
"The idea is that there is a reason Zariel had been confined to Bel's seat of power, as well as a reason why Lixer claimed it for his own instead of making one from scratch. We believe Zariel is still there, and breaking her out would be a serious enough loss to send Lixer reeling while at the same time possible due to the situation at hand. After all, he's making mistakes and fighting on numerous fronts, while we know that he's burning through his wealth faster than it can come."
"Bel kept Zariel chained far beneath the Bronze Citadel, drawing on her power to bolster himself. We've no reason to believe that's changed, even if Lixer's renamed it Noir Jardin now," Alicia begins. "And with Lixer fresh in his role, overextended, and unable to rely on Bel's defences which are compromised by those who fled the coup? There's never been a better time to get her out of there. The basic plan then is a big flashy attack to draw out Lixer and his heavy defences, tie up any reinforcements, and give time for Seira and a few others suited for stealth to sneak into Noir Jardin and break Zariel out."
"My, that sounds like a lovely afternoon," Empress Sulia smiles, "A lovely bit of entertainment, don't you think?"
"I feel strongly enough about this to go all in," Seira notes with an answering smile. "The aftermath should prove entertaining, however."
"Then I do believe I am in," Empress Sulia concurs, "When is it, I must make preparations."
"Tomorrow, which should give us just enough time to make all the arrangements. Does that suit you, Sulia?"
"It does," Empress Sulia smiles and...
Okay gimme a plan and teams here.
Assault team: Alicia, Latha, Donald, Sulia
Infiltration team: Seira, Jessica, Waukeen/Proxy(?)
I'm not sure if Seira has some plan of getting in with an onyx shipment or just straight up sneaking in, but either when when she's making her move the assault team gates onto Avernus near Noir Jardin and pushes inwards as loudly and destructively as they can, wrecking up the place and keeping attention on them until the infiltration team's gotten Zariel out and left.
Alright, we'll iron out any bumps Monday. Do any of you have any other prep for this?
That's right. The sneaking plan depends on Waukeen, so if she has a way to get us in such as taking the place of some of the merchants delivering all the way to Noir Jardin that works. If not we'll still be able to use what she knows of guard routes and schedules from all the merchants that she can oversee and try to sneak in that way.
More specifically, Team Stealth will be buffed with a bunch of stealth and disguise-boosting spells, mass death ward and anything our NPCs would suggest given what we know of Avernus and Lixer.
Yeah we can basically alter reality any buffs we need. Also Latha and Sulia are both epic divine casters so should have tons of anti-undead stuff to work with.
Also, might be worth it to send just my avatar after Zariel and have my real self with Alicia, if Lixer can't tell where I am, just that I'm there. Is Sulia sending an avatar or coming herself?
Herself.
Okay, gimme a final teams run down and where you all are meeting to work this out.
The sneaking plan depends on Waukeen, so if she has a way to get us in such as taking the place of some of the merchants delivering all the way to Noir Jardin that works. If not we'll still be able to use what she knows of guard routes and schedules from all the merchants that she can oversee and try to sneak in that way.
That copy-pasted, are you giving me free reign to come up with something that Waukeen can reasonably provide us?
No, I just wanted to make sure we were all on the same page.
The next morning Alicia, Seira and Elle are sharing breakfast. A simple meal of fresh bread and salted ham, with a few sides of soft cheese to go with it.
Elle herself is middle aged and yet draconic, bearing any years with an unnatural vigor. A faint tinge here, a hint of scales there, a slight shift to the shape of her jaw. Nothing serious despite the power she has channeled, magic molding her. "I can keep the Cauldron under control while you all are attacking Avernus," she says.
At the same time, Alicia hears Syala's voice in her mind. 'Good luck today. Come back victorious and I'll show you the rewards I have planned for you. If all else fails, give the devils a few hits for me.'
A moment later, Seira hears, 'Ah, Seira!' Waukeen sounds in your mind, 'My agent will be at the Cauldron shortly, within two hours. He is a tall, thin mercane named Elegy. He'll inform you more of things once he gets there. Do be careful - I hear Nessus is miserable this time of year and the profit margins are worse, plus the neighbors are absolutely terrible.'
'There'll be lots of hits for sure, I'll see you soon,' Alicia sends back to Syala as she eats the food on offer here at the Cauldron.
'All true!' Seira cheerfully agrees. 'I'll be sure not to spend too long there.'
"Appreciated," she says out loud, unwilling to let melancholy sink and take hold. Amaryl will probably be beside herself from worry, but the same would hold for Elle as well. "You know, maybe you and Amaryl could think of what we'll actually do with Zariel once we succeed? That's this pesky part of the planning we just skipped."
"Even if her fall was precipitated by the God King's power, she still served as a Lord of Hell," Alicia says. "Still, devils understand debts, we can hold that over her in the short term, and hopefully find some way to rekindle the spark of goodness in her heart. If we can't do that much we won't have a chance with Torm after all."
"It can't be hard to treat her better than Bel and Lixer must, and all devils regret what they are deep down," Seira agrees. "Must be even worse for Fallen. I was just talking about logistics-- ah, speaking of." She snaps her fingers, granting the powers of her proxy for the first time since her ascension, and Donald gains them while in the shower.
"So anyway," Seira continues, "Waukeen's agent will be here in a couple hours, and he should have all the information we might need to plan our approach."
"Good luck and good fortune to you," Elle says, "I'll take that time to go check the shops." She rises, "I need to talk to Hellman as well on how his nightmares are. Last I talked to him, he said they were getting worse."
"That sounds ominous," Alicia says when Elle drops that info. "Are they natural, or is some magic behind it?"
"Refresh me on that?" Seira likewise requests.
"They're the dreams he's had ever since Sylian bewitched his body to restore itself and regenerate," Elle reminds you, "They've gotten worse lately. The dreams aren't magical or are more likely suppressed somehow - antimagic doesn't stop them, either. Nightmares he can't ever quite remember, of strange and alien things. His words, not mine. Things that shouldn't be."
"Let's go over it from the top," Seira requests. "There's time until Elegy arrives, anyway."
"Alright," Elle agrees, "Shortly after you two founded your divine realms, Oberuth began to regenerate..."
Flashback log posting. This was a fairly interesting and important conversation, so pasting it verbatim.
> That gets Oberuth to grunt, "I'm not in trouble...besides the trouble of getting here. Elle's other reason is that I'd find the means to strengthen myself in Ysgard." He turns to look out over the fjord, "I've had dreams, dreams I think you need to know about...no, I know you do. I know that as much as that they make me shudder every night when I awaken from them."
<Alicia> "Go on," Alicia prods cautiously, walking over to stand next to him overlooking the chill waters.
> "I'm standing in Balmuria when I look up. I see the sky, the stars, Selune, Lathander...then the misty realms of the ethereal, like I'm racing ahead." He pauses to reflect on this, "Then the Silver Sea, then...everything. The Heavens and the Hells, and all between, but I don't stop. I keep going until I see emptiness. It's white, and...empty. It's the only word I've been able to figure to describe it. It's nothing. It's nothing and has a presence. Then..."
<Seira> "Entropy?" Seira asks, hoping she's wrong in how she understood this dream.
* Alicia knows exactly what Hellman is talking about. "No. The Far Realm," she says for Seira, recognizing it from the disastrous teleport that sent her and Latha there.
> "Yes. How I know that....?" Oberuth spreads his hands as he looks out, "I just do. Then...screaming space. Everything that you could imagine is twisted into...I can't describe it. I feel my mind break. It's...I very literally feel it shatter. Yet I feel a hand pulling my awareness out of terrified madness and making me look further. Then I realize that this isn't a place, but creatures. A court. A court in waiting." Licking his lips as his voice becomes strained, "The rule is three. Each of them have three meanings, only one that we can comprehend. They sing a story...the echo of three. Three. There we three, and one broke apart into three more. Always three. It's a holy word to them. Then...past them. A place, a thing. I can't speak of it. It is endless. It's...it's watching. Not me, it doesn't see me. In one bloated hand it holds a sphere. In that sphere I see everything, from the highest realms, to the Hells, to Balmuria. It's watching."
<Alicia> "The Endless Chaos," Alicia murmurs. But why would Hellman be having dreams of it? Is the Arbiter trying to send them a message through him? Why?
> "In it's shadow is where my eyes go next. This is something I can understand, a walking corpse. It's face is twisted into a deathsmile, a bony finger beckoning for my attention. I scream and I scream, but I look. Damn it, I look! He whispers to me, sweetly as a lover. "Grow strong. I am his gift to Creation, the one past the number. Because it must always be three. That no matter our differences, we must triumph."
* Seira can guess at who this is with a far better accuracy, but remains silent, waiting for Hellman to continue.
> "I watch and watch...and I wake up every time. Every time...I walk to the kitchen, draw a cutting knife, and impale into my brains through my right eye. The pain is what breaks the trance. Pain...but the dagger falls out. Only a trick of blood, the wound heals almost immediately."
<Seira> "Cutting yourself is bad!" Seira exclaims.
* Alicia ... isn't sure how to respond to that. "So you're supposed to by Sylian's gift? Or the other's?" She can hardly bring herself to say Ao, although she's unsure it matters.
> "Sylian's." Oberuth says, with a grim little smile. "I've tried several means of things and nothing lethal sticks. The damage regenerates away." He continues to look out over the waves, "The last time I had the dream, he said something else. "A long struggle is ahead for all of us." As the wind blows his cloak about, "That no matter our differences, he will aid all of us so that Creation can be safe and that we have an ally even in madness."
<Seira> "Aww, he is the nicest lich I've ever heard of," Seira deadpans.
> "A lich's mercy," Oberuth's own voice is deadpan as well. "....seems my luck always leads me deeper into the insanity and magic, doesn't it?"
<Seira> "Don't forget the planes."
<Alicia> At least that clarifies his goals, for they'd been inscrutable to Alicia thus far. Still, the pattern fits, so she thinks she can trust it. "All who exist labour under the threat of entropy." She shares a glance with Seira. "I think there is much we need to tell you, Hellman..."
<Seira> "I hoped there would be no need to burden you with this, Hellman," Seira says with true regret, nodding at Alicia. "But events do seem to be forcing our hand in the matter."
> "I know." He says that with a plain, tired smile. He offers his hand out to both of them, "It never ends. We fight and we fight and we fight, and there's always another struggle ahead. And...somehow, I don't mind. It reminds me of why I'mstaying in Balmuria and that I want to make a better tomorrow."
<Seira> "I'm always in for that," Seira agrees, her mood changing rapidly at his words. She takes his hand. "You know just the right thing to say!"
<Alicia> "It's a long and lonely struggle ahead for us," Alicia clasps her hand over Seira's and Hellman's, her own demeanour sollemn, never having wanted such a terrible responsibility. "But the stakes have never been higher."
> "It reminds me of leading just a few men on raids, back in the liberation war." Oberuth says, "Lonely, hard work with all the world against you. But together..." He looks to each of them in turn, "To victory."
<Alicia> "Victory," Alicia echoes that single word, although in a pinch she'll settle for survival.
* Seira smiles, looking ahead towards the bright future she is certain of! "Victory, and a better world to all."
"...and in time, the dreams have become more indistinct, but still bothering him. His aging's completely stopped as well - he uses magic to look older for his rare appearances anymore, but he's vigorous as a man in his early prime." Elle continues. "He's held up under the nightmares well, but I worry if they're getting worse. We know precious little about what Sylian's done, but I still haven't found anything that deals lethal harm to him. Elements, force, negative energy, positive energy - nothing sticks. Oracles and divinations don't help, either."
"If they've been at the same level for so long, any change is probably portentous," Alicia says. "Sylian might be on the move."
"Hey, Seira!"
Before anyone else can reply, the door is thrown open. Donald is there, dripping wet and wearing a pair of short, knee length breeches, leaving his ankles and knees bare. He's wearing nothing else, upper body ripped and scale-covered in places.
As he drips soapy bathwater over the floor, "What gives with this all of a sudden?"
Elle takes a moment to enjoy the gaze, "Dear," she says slowly, "You're dripping water everywhere."
"At least dry yourself off if you're not going to get dressed before coming in, Donald," Alicia asks mildly.
"At least you're showing why I married you," Elle smiles agreeably, giving Alicia a mildly teasing look. "Do you agree, Alicia?"
Donald blushes a bit and crosses his arms, magic drying him and cleaning up the water on the floor in an instant. "Done. The question stands, Seira."
"From one person who's significant other always goes around undressed to another, I understand," Alicia smiles back at Elle.
"HEY! I'm not like Syala!" Donald protests, reddening even more.
Elle smiles lazily, "Well, you're imitating her. In fact..." A spark of magic appears on her finger, "How about you go all the way in that imitation?"
A moment later, Donald is gone, beating a quick and hasty retreat.
This gets a soft laugh from Elle, "I like it when he races to me when he thinks something's happened, even if he's in the bath. Less so when he does it to other people."
Seira maintains her innocent guise until Donald's left, whereas she's free to laugh to her heart's content! And a small fist pump would not go amiss at a job well done.
Shaking her head with a warm smile, "Still though, where were we before the interruption?"
"Talking about how everyone's on the move, now," Seira muses, still grinning in amusement. "How about inviting Oberuth over for a few days? Maybe a change of scenery will shift something loose."
"I'll invite him," Elle agrees, "I'll be back in an hour or so. If you need any spell work before then, the gnome's in and shouldn't be too busy."
"Thanks," Seira responds, having already worked out the correct pattern of spellwork for her approach to this coming battle.
Soon enough - a little over two hours, actually - there is a knock in the private room you and Alicia share. "Hey Seira," Donald calls, "Waukeen's person is here."
"Dressed, I hope?"
The door opens without further fanfare. Besides Donald is a tall mercane, wearing rich, expensive looking robes and a fancy silken mantle. His eyes take in the room in an instant as he smiles, "Seira Aryn! I've heard such things about you."
"Hello, Elegy," Seira greets him with an answering smile. "Please come in." She waves him and Donald over. "Would you like some refreshments?" Even without the accompanying gesture, the assortment of drinks and fruit is easy to spot, grapes of all shapes and colors dominating the display.
A drink is gotten as he joins all of you, "Alicia Reynes as well. So the two of you need to sneak into the Bronze Citadel?"
"I'm sneaking, Alicia is thinking of a straightforward attack," Seira corrects him. "After all, Lixer will know we're there the moment we set foot on Avernus."
"I'm not much for sneaking," Alicia admits, shaking her head. "But I can provide a significant distraction."
"Alright, that's manageable," Elegy says, "I have paperwork here that will identify us as legitimate traders from the Consortium. Those should work, since the Consortium's been doing a lot of business with Lixer since he ascended. Of course, you have to be able to pass as mercane or servants, so that part's on all of you." A long sip of his drink, a pause to hold it up to the light and enjoy the color.
Meanwhile Donald gets some fruit and munches, sitting to the side and watching.
"A local flavor or imported?" he asks, before having another drink. "Regardless, the fact that the Consortium's surprisingly pro-Lixer will make this part easier. It's so much that there's a run on black onyx right now. If you're sitting on reserves of it you can make a tidy profit with almost any mercane house of any note."
"I prepared for the need to disguise ourselves," Seira agrees, glancing between Alicia and Elegy as she asks, "Does Jessica have a talent in that area? And if not, would she be able to pass for a human servant?"
At the question, she grins. "Imported. I feel it's our strength at present, and our own specialties are still in the making."
"Jessica's better at passing unseen than pretending to be someone else, and the wings make passing for human difficult. Not impossible, but magic and nondetection still only go so far..." Alicia answers.
"Magic, nondetection and staying quiet in the back while tending to the onyx while we take the lead?" Seira muses. "Better than coloring her wings."
"Well, that's really up to you all. A few points to remember. As I mentioned, the mercane are high on Lixer. My own relations with the Consortium are strained." Waving a hand, "But I've heard some of the top houses are hawkish and bullish on trading with Lixer. So most mercane of any standing are speaking nice of Avernus and Hell right now, unless they're bitter enemies of them. Gold blinds even the wisest mercane, remember."
"Unfortunate, on the one hand. But on the other, it is how we have an in, all the way to his doorstep," Seira says, choosing to see the glass half full. "Our success will likely bring about a change in the Consortium's opinion, too. Shall we go into the details?"
"Of course," Elegy waves you onward, "This should be a good plan, I hope."
"We're talking about a group of four of us," Seira elaborates on her side of things. "Two of me, yourself and Alicia's sister. Alicia herself will be striking with an elite force around that time to divert Lixer's attention and troops, and we'll be able to coordinate the initial strike, at least. How do you expect the guards will react to an attack upon Avernus? Business as usual, distracted or vigilant? That would affect the rest of the planning."
Elegy rubs his chin with a bony hand and long, almost skeletal fingers. "Professionally. Hellish soldiers of that training virtually never panic. They'll most likely detain us for the duration, for our 'safety'. Not that we'll have much choice in the matter, it's not a request. With how many mercane are coming through, we may get a little extra leeway, or maybe a tiny bit more if the Consortium's more in bed with Lixer than I imagine." He hums a moment, "Oh and by the way, I'm selling copies of the Consortium's official report on the coup. You didn't get it for me and it can be yours for 5,000 gold coins. It's interesting reading, I assure you."
"Sold, first of all," Seira responds, having her priorities straight. A gesture turns the untouched fruit bowl into a delicate sculpture, the grapes tiny gems of all kinds. "Would this do, or do you prefer the literal coins?"
I can make items up to 4,500gp, though I do have some cash and Alicia's also there so I figure we're covered.
The expense is no great thing for y'all, correct.
"That'll do, that'll do," Elegy passes over a slender tome, "Interviews are first, then analysis and conclusions. Start with the first one."
The first one is this entry: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104100.msg1109446/topicseen.html#msg1109446
"No fireballs, wasting sickness," Seira murmurs, nodding to herself as she reads before glancing back up at Elegy. "Professional or not, there must be an even larger paranoia with the remaining devils after all that decimation and betrayal. Perhaps enough that they could be tricked into thinking it's the old guard attacking until Lixer sends out personal commands?"
There might be a proper analysis at the end, but she loses nothing by asking Elegy own opinion on top of the Consortium's official one.
Elegy waves a hand back and forth, "You'd think but devils are trained to obey and serve," he points out, "We might get lucky there but I wouldn't count on it. Especially if a bad review means you get replaced by a skeleton or become one. Though speaking of, I'd like to know how he's doing that. A lot of people would."
"Logically, by draining Bel or Zariel, perhaps both," Seira reasons, continuing her perusal of the tome.
You read further, eventually another interview catching your attention.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104100.msg1109447/topicseen.html#msg1109447
"I don't think I could pass myself off as an attacking devil for very long," Alicia says of Seira's thought for them pretending to be the old guard.
"What an unpleasant world," Seira murmurs. "I really should do more there. But nevermind that, does there seem to be any significance to green hellfire? Is it similar conceptually to goldenfire, which is like fire except better?" Seira demonstrates, taking a moment to admire the flames. "Best fire, really." Shaking her head, she continues with, "It might also be like silver fire, which is really not fire at all but spellfire and ridiculously potent and versatile, at that. Or it could maybe just be a thematic choice like some wizards make? I don't suppose we have any idea, here?"
Seira makes a mental note to ensure they're immune before disease and not just poison, just in case.
"Then keep it simple," Elegy advises. "Don't over complicate the plan if you can't pull off a complex plan."
Can we make an arcana or religion check for the green hellfire?
Sure, K:A.
[16:50] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+43+15 alter realitying a divine insight for it
[16:50] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+43+15 alter realitying a divine insight for it --> [ 1d20=1 ]{59}
Taking 10 for 73 (also divine insight)
Green's an odd color for hellfire. It's more the color of Baatorian Greensteel, something mined primarily in Avernus. Still, it might be tied to necromancy, there's been reports of that. The powers of death and unlife, an unholy cast to those flames.
"Simple seems best, thus far," Seira agrees, deciding to stay away from necromantic flames if she can help it. Instead, she reads on!
The rest of the reports a fairly simple. Notable is one from an Eligaas, completely unremarkable and who provides a bit of information about how his forces were couped, before he chose to flee Hell rather than rallying to Bel's side. He was formerly a general in Bel's armies, but seems to have chose to cut and run.
In other words, an entirely sanitized version of Eligaas's story is put there. Nothing after his unit was attacked.
So no maybe-Zariel?
No mention of it, no.
"Antenora's got a fan," Seira notes, putting the tome down. "All's pretty much as we expected. Just one thing. Elegy, what are your strengths and weaknesses in a fight?"
"I try not to," Elegy says, rather blandly. "I'm a fair hand with a pair of daggers and hitting the enemy where it counts. Pretty good at avoiding spells and breath weapons, too. Fireballs, cones of cold, none of it can touch me."
"What about a magical education? Should there be a fight, determining the location of Zariel's prison through her bindings or undoing them would free me to focus on the battle itself."
Also, KA 73 for which spell can immune disease, and whether Miracle would work for us for a per minute basis at least there.
"No talent at it, I'm purely a scrapper," Elegy admits, "It's how I ended up where I am - I'm rotten at the traditional mercane pursuit of wizardry."
Yeah, you could work out a spell to immune disease, I'm sure there's one out there. Miracles would be fine for it.
"You've trained on your ability to survive battles when they occur and gained a healthy appreciation for the dangers of combat spells," Seira muses. "That's plenty smart." She glances over at Alicia. "I believe we're as ready as we can be?"
"Assuming Donald's dressed now," Alicia agrees. "Lets go fetch Jessica and Latha, then?"
Okay, go ahead and set yourselves up for this. I'll start new topics for it as needed after, along with spoiler blocks there. Include mention of everyone who is going to participate and on which team.
Okay, we'll gather the party and set up on the astral.
Diversion: Alicia, Latha, Donald, Sulia
Infiltration: Seira, Jessica, Elegy, (+SeiraAvatar?)
We'll contact Sulia to arrange a meeting, and then we're good.
Team Subterfuge: Elegy will be leading Seira Prime, Seira Avatar and Jessica as a mercane group with an onyx shipment. We'll use mundane disguise, illusion and abjuration to thwart divinations including true seeing so no one catches us without bullshit perceptions. Elegy will take the lead as the genuine mercane, and Seira Prime will bullshit as needed to support this. Jessica will probably get her wings dyed. :/
I will provide us all with the following load out:
Never surprised or flat-footed (Foresight)
See through everything within 120ft (True Seeing)
Immunity to death effects, energy drain and negative energy/negative levels (Mass Death Ward)
Immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast)
Immunity to disease (Miracle)
Gain 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
Immunity to dazzled and blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
Energy Res 30 (all)
1d4+6 spell levels are turned on original caster/spells that have you as a targets/not melee touch spells (Spell Turning)
Casts Heal on you if you are killed/taken to -30 or below (Fortunate Fate)
Interplanar Telepathic Bond (Miracle)
+15 insight to any single skill check (Divine Insight)
+25 to stealth (competence, circumstance, racial)
+20 to disguise (untyped)
+10 insight bonus to Perception (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
+10 insight to all knowledge checks (Lore of the Gods)
+4 morale to all skill checks (Greater Heroism)
+4 competence bonus to Escape Artist (Shadow Form)
+4 untyped to init (Sign)
+2 insight to AC and Reflex (Foresight)
+5 sacred to AC and Reflex if you have and are using a shield (Shield of Warding)
+5 racial to natural armor (Spiderskin)
+4 morale on attack and immunity to fear and 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
+2 morale to damage/ability checks (Good Hope)
+5 morale to saving throws (Conviction)
Of course, people are free to refuse any/all spells here if they wish to cast them on their own, don't need them or just plain don't like them.
We'll be leaving first, and Alicia's team will head out once we give the signal upon either being let in by the guards, or being stopped by them.
Everyone is gathered, waiting in a blank spot in the Astral.
Donald and Latha are having a quiet conversation, both prepared and ready to go.
Empress Sulia and Jessica are the same, chatting quietly as Elegy watches, arms crossed and a pair of daggers at the ready.
Go ahead and get this rolling, then topics as needed.
Make Disguise checks for everyone relevant, Seira, would you?
Seira looks like a mercane distantly related to Elegy, while her avatar instead decided to accept her place as the universal servant and disguises herself as the younger sister of Jessica's erinyes guise.
[20:24] <@Seira> roll 1d20+43+20+4+15 disguise, SeiraPrime
[20:24] <Kobot> Seira rolled 1d20+43+20+4+15 disguise, SeiraPrime --> [ 1d20=12 ]{94}
[20:24] <@Seira> roll 1d20+42+20+4+15 disguise, minime
[20:24] <Kobot> Seira rolled 1d20+42+20+4+15 disguise, minime --> [ 1d20=13 ]{94}
[20:26] <@Seira> roll 1d20+5+20+4+15+2+2 disguise, Jessica, both Seiras aiding with mudane means
[20:26] <Kobot> Seira rolled 1d20+5+20+4+15+2+2 disguise, Jessica, both Seiras aiding with mudane means --> [ 1d20=12 ]{60}
Quick sanity question: Are you going as one group or making two different entries?
Team Stealth is one group. Two mercane to make the sale and two servants/workers to handle the merchandize.
Two different entries, since I don't think they'll be able to get in with their 'everything's cool we're just normal traders' approach during an attack. Distraction team basically goes in once infiltration team's gotten past initial contact.
Okay. I presume infiltration team will send word for distraction team when that's ready?
Don't need an answer unless I'm wrong, going to start new topics now.
Yep. We're tied with telepathy.
Oh, and now that I think about it, can Alicia Mind Blank Jessica? I can cast Nondetection on her, but I didn't prep enough castings of Mind Blank.
Sure thing.
CL 31 extended for free.
My spells for everyone have CL32 for ease of use. The exception is Nondetection, which is CL34 via Spell Enhancer.