Thus, Moore returns to Hope's Landing. On a glance nothing is awry as he arrives and...
Ball is 100% in your court here, go for it.
"There's nothing to do but wait for right now." Moore says. "I'm going to go back to my room for the time being, but if anything else happens, let me know. Please keep me posted on Kaja as well, okay?"
Plan is just to go back to his room to wait for developments, he imagines someone will contact him eventually.
You return to your room to rest and wait. You find Wood is asleep on your bed, looking up as you come in. He yawns slowly as you do, giving you a long, canine gaze.
"Is this your way of saying that I can't rest on my laurels?" Moore asks with a smile.
Wood's answer is to yawn again and then dispense sage wisdom, "Woof."
"You know, I can understand dog." Moore says with a finger held up. "Even in this state."
With that, he turns and heads back out -- he may as well take a stroll around and see what he comes across.
You quickly come across Kaja. He rests in one of the meeting rooms, on a comfortable chair and eyes closed. HE's gently snoozing in the light of Chronias, Xandra kneeling before him, head bowed in prayer.
Moore lingers for a few moments to watch!
After several moments, "Kaja recovers," Xandra rises, "How are you, Moore?"
"Alive." Moore says. "Lord Illmater was kind enough I relieve some of my burdens, it the lingering power of Orcus will take something stronger."
"I understand. Now what?" Xandra asks, starting to walk away, leaving Kaja to sleep.
"We wait." Moore says. "Lord Erathaol will reach out with his opinion on how to proceed."
"I pray it will be soon," Xandra admits, "Do you know what will be needed of us?"
He nods. "If another path doesn't open, we will have to destroy an artifact of Orcus. In doing so, someone will have to bear the brunt of that artifact's awful power while doing so."
A pause before he continues, "I'm not sure how I'd be able to destroy something like that in my current state but... I am confident we will find the hope needed to do so."
Computer issues, if you were wondering about the delay.
"It may be so," Erathaol speaks in a soft voice, "Though you may have options yet."
Xandra turns and kneels, Erathaol sitting next to Kaja, staff resting against him.
Moore offers a full bow as well. "Lord Erathaol." He greets him.
"Your desire to save knowledge from the hands of demons is commendable," Erathaol greets, "Though less so when what hastens you on is the arrival of a Demon Prince."
He can do naught but nod.
"It was my own oversight that led to the trouble anyway." A shake of his head. "More trials to overcome."
"Do not make that mistake again," Erathaol agrees, "Saving knowledge is important, saving yourself is more important." After that and a moment to perhaps let it sink in, "Only a deity with dominion over healing can hope to overthrow Orcus's curse," Erathaol explains. "To get the attention of one is not impossible, but there is no guarantee they will help you or succeed."
Moore nods. "Are there any you would suggest I petition?"
"Lathander is the most obvious," Erathaol says, "If mercurial."
Moore nods. "I'm used to his... laxidazical ways." A nod after that. "I will ask him. Xandra, would you accompany me?"
"Of course," Xandra replies instantly.
He can't manage a greater plane shift, but his flute will work just fine!
opening a gate to... uh... Lathanderville. House of Nature? Whatever it is.
The warmth of the sun chases away any chill, at least for the moment. You're standing on the shore of a lake, the sun shining bright. It's pristine and beautiful here. Mountains can be seen in the distance, but before you is a grassy plain, nothing awry at all. It's a gorgeous day without any doubt, warm but not hot under the light of the sun.
Someone with his malediction isn't going to escape Lathander. For now he will simply proceed forward - he will find what he seeks eventually.
Give me a Perception check, would you?
Take 10 for 47.
There's a soft thump behind you.
"She's not an enemy," Xandra says, already turning.
"Thank you." Moore says as he turns around.
Is it Moonlight???
It is. She's in full armor and gear, arms crossed and weapon hanging at her side. "It's called a sending, Moore." Her expression is one part annoyance, one part irritation and about twenty parts pure, unadulterated bitchiness. "Since I could be, oh I don't know, anywhere but being courted by a gorgeous warrior when you come by? Since anything Aurora related comes straight to me on a silver platter."
Xandra clears her throat, "Be that as it is, this time you are not caught sunbathing."
Moore offers a beaming smile, despite the horrible curse he's currently afflicted by.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience." He says honestly. "I'm actually not with Aurora currently... I've come seeking Lord Lathander's aid in ridding myself of a curse. I know, I know." He sighs laboriously. "It's a very 'modern adventurer' thing, isn't it?"
He clears his throat and puts a serious expression on. "I've been cursed by Orcus, and Lord Illmater was unable to remove it."
Give me a Diplo check just for the chutzpah there.
Well, thankfully, he can still manage these decently well. Take 10 for 65.
You get a long glare likely capable of piercing a dragon's scales. It's only leavened by Xandra getting one after that, giving you a moment of blessed relief. Then Moonlight blows out a breath, "Fine," she says, "Then you'll want an audience with him?"
"Please." Moore says, offering a deep bow.
"He'll be here when he's here, then," Moonlight goes to sit by the lakeshore, on a large boulder tucked away on one side. Large enough for her to hop on and sit, glancing over to you. "Or if he wants us somewhere, he'll let us know one way or another."
"Thank you." He says as he goes to take a spot on the boulder. "How have you been?"
"You first," Moonlight banters back, "What did you to get cursed by Orcus, let alone walk away to tell about it?" Looking over at you, "That's a dubious distinction."
"I currently work for... well, work isn't quite the right word, but I am aligned with Celestia. I went to Foggard, in the Deep Ethereal looking for something." Moore explains. "It seems like Lixer and Orcus were fighting there for some reason. I got... caught up in it and we ran into either an avatar of or the actual Orcus, who was not impressed with our being there."
"We're blessed to be alive," Xandra says, averting her eyes upward. "As well as fortunate in many other ways."
"So..." Holding up a hand, Moonlight says, "You just somehow happened to blunder in a fight between two powers?"
"That's about the long and short of it, yes." Moore says with a nod. "I know. At least it wasn't Tryll who found himself there."
Moonlight stares at you and then Xandra, who nods slightly at some unspoken question.
"And yet you're alive and here to ask. Is Ilsenine secretly an avatar of Tymora?" Moonlight turns her gaze back to you.
A small shrug with a smile afterwards. "I wonder that myself sometimes. I really should go visit her -- ah, Tymora, I mean, but Illsenine too of course."
"We are blessed from above," Xandra speaks up, "Fortune favors us because a higher power does, as it does all those who follow the path to Chronias."
Moonlight blows out a breath, "It's still unbelievable."
I don't think Ilsenine came all this way.
"You saw Lifasa's liberation, is it really?" He asks with a small smile.
I have no idea why I keep doing that sort of mix up.
The look you get in return is as flat as the grasslands all around you.
"I've learned a lot of things since then." Moore says. "The foremost of which is to always have hope for things. This is no different."
A long exhale follows, Moonlight bowing her head. "Still. Orcus!"
"I know. I still don't know what he wanted there." Moore says. "But for now, my goal is to get rid of thus.... blight."
"Orcus is fat and lazy! You got him when he's motivated enough to go elsewhere AND enough to curse you?" Moonlight shakes her head. "Orcus!"
"That is his accursed name," Xandra says, "Do not speak it so freely."
"That's a fantastical story, even for you," Moonlight looks up now, "At least he was bashing in Lixer's face?"
"They were indeed fighting each other for some reason." Moore agrees. "The particulars are beyond me currently."
A breath in. "I intend to find out, though. Someday."
"Tell me when you find out, please," Moonlight asks. After a few moments of silence, "Oh, I ran into Adrian and Misalea not long ago. They were here to consult with a sage and we caught up."
"Hmm. Vampires again?" Moore asks. "I heard Aurora ran into some issues with then some time ago."
"I don't think it was vampires," Moonlight admits, "They were doing something for Selune. They preferred not to talk of it beyond generalities."
"I should visit Balyss sometime." Moore says. "Maybe after the war."
"I heard she's doing well. She's serving as an ambassador, isn't she?" Moonlight asks.
"I haven't spoken to her since Lifasa." Moore says. "So much to do and so little time to do it in."
"It's in Brightwater," Moonlight gossips on, "In Rapture in particular, which is Sharess's quarter." Shaking her head, "She doesn't seem the type to..." she holds her hands up and slowly parts two fingers, "So I'm surprised at that. Selune must have her own reasons."
"It sounds like it's a cultural exchange." Moore says with a grin.
"I heard she got along well with Ithea. Maybe it's that?" Moonlight finally cracks a smile of her own. "I'll drop in the next time I'm in Brightwater."
"Me too." Moore agrees. "Any interesting crusades to share as of late?"
"Well..."
d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 77, total 77[/blockquote]
lol
It's not long until...huh. You hear a whistling sound from above.
Moore looks up!
Huh. Is that a falling star or comet? A big, burning sphere is heading down in your general direction. Three of them, actually.
"Should I be worried?" Moore asks as he gestures up.
Moonlight looks up, "No, those won't impact down," she says, sounding unconcerned. "Your wish is about to be granted."
"He certainly knows how to make an entrance." He says, as he watches.
The comets stop a mere 200ft up, a figure visible on each one, but shrouded by heat and flame. From one a familiar figure leaps off - Lathander lands in a perfect standing position, dusting himself off. He waves upward as the three meteorites and two riders depart, off and away.
"That was fun," he says warmly, "Moore of Aurora, I always have some attention for heroes of your caliber."
"It's actually of Celestia, right now." Moore says as he stands to bow properly.
"Duke Moore of Celestia, servant of Lord Erathaol of the Hebdomad. Lord Lathander, I am here to humbly request aid in ridding myself of a curse bestowed upon me by Orcus." Moore says, keeping his head down slightly after bowing.
"Lord Lathander," Xandra rises and bows to him, "We thank you for meeting us."
Meanwhile Moonlight kneels, head bowed.
"I can see that," Lathander marvels, whistling, "That sounds like a good story."
"I can promise that I will regale you with the details once I'm back to my normal self." Moore says. "My ability to do things has been a bit... impeded since then."
"You'll owe me a favor," Lathander says, "That's usually a quest of service of some kind." He peers at you, "Normally I'd have you do it before I do it, but I won't send you out in that sort of condition, liable to get killed."
"A favor it is." Moore agrees. "I mean, I'd have done it anyway if you ever asked!"
"Then we'll see if I can dislodge this. Close your eyes," Lathander commands.
Moore does as requested!
Then all the world is light, the sunrise seen through your eyelids as...!!!
> roll 1d20+16
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+18
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=16]
Yet in the end the feeling does not leave you, even as the light slowly fades away.
Moore stays like that in case he's trying again! Who knows!
Unfortunately rank checks can't be retried unless the ranks on either side change.
"I'm sorry," Lathander finally says, "The old goat's hate dies hard."
"That's okay." Moore says, as he opens his eyes. "I'll still owe you. Is there anything else you can think of to try for this?"
"Destroying an artifact tied to Orcus may help," Lathander says after some consideration.
"We've been advised about that already," Xandra says heavily, "Thank you." A beat, "Are there any archangels tied to healing that could help?"
"It may come to that." Moore says.
A pause after that. "Actually... I... may have an idea." He murmurs. "I think a visit to Arborea may be in order."
"Arborea? Does Faerinaal have dominion over healing?" Moonlight asks.
"No." Moore says. "I was going to visit Queen Morwel. It's just a hunch, but... I AM a pixie, so she may be able to help. Unless you think otherwise.@
"If you can get Queen Morwel to help you, yes. But you'll need someone with dominion over healing," Lathander says, "Nothing less can get rid of Orcus's curses."
Moore nods. "Beyond Raziel, I don't know of anyone else that falls into that category."
He rubs his chin for a moment. "Out of curiosity, are deities able to, ah... hm. I'm not sure how to phrase this -- pool their efforts?"
"In this manner of thing, not meaningfully," Lathander admits, "It's deity against deity. Also, Moonlight is right. Faerinaal may be able to help if he's willing, he has dominion over healing."
"Thank you for your generosity, Morninglord," Moonlight stays in her kneel all the wile.
"Aurora's soldiers earned it. It's a brighter morning with Taelfagn gone." Lathander waves it off, "Now get going, Moonlight. I talked to your date, he suddenly is able to stay a few more days."
This gets Moonlight to look up in shock, "I-"
"You're going to be late for your date to resume if you don't go," Lathander cuts off with a growing smile. Waving a hand, Moonlight vanishes in a soft pop of displaced air.
"I admit, it doesn't sit right for me to just gallivant around trying to get this removed." Moore says with a frown. He takes in a deep breath after that. "Nonetheless, I won't give up -- this is the sort of thing I sing for."
He shifts his posture to straighten up. "Was there something you wished to discuss without Moonlight present?" He asks.
"Informally, it happens every now and again. No one wants someone to die to a curse from Orcus," Lathander admits, "You end up calling in all the favors you have or getting a raft of new ones owed to do it." Then smiling brightly, "It's all for a good cause. We all don't agree on everything, but we agree that Orcus is terrible and we'll oppose him whenever he rouses himself. Now...oh, that's a good idea," Lathander snaps his fingers.
A split second later, you're in a thick, heavy forest. A place you've been and know well: Arborea.
Moore says a prayer in thanks to Lathander first and foremost, with a mention to feel free to call in his favor any time he's gotten this curse removed.
I remember the last time we were here was way back in B3 and we had to go through the rigmarole of getting various doors and things opened to go deeper down. Do I have a sense of if we're already 'deep down' now?
Also, is Xandra there?
Xandra is besides you.
Well, where do you intend to go in Arborea, first of all?
I suppose if he's Morwel's consort, we probably need to get to the Court of Stars itself.
In that case, you'd know that it's a matter of wandering until you find a door to the court. This could take ten seconds or who knows how long. It's all in the hands of fate and whimsy.
Moore gestures for Xandra to follow and picks an entirely random direction to go in.
[21:28] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[21:28] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 19 > [d100=19]
I am just guessing one of these was going to be called for.
As you begin to go, "Are you holding up well," Xandra asks, matching your speed and walking besides you.
"Lord Illmater was kind enough to burden my fatigue." Moore says. "So for all intents and purposes, I have all my mental clarity... in a sense." He sighs a bit after that. "It's like having a whole host of things right on the tip of your tongue."
"Like you're a pale ghost of yourself?" Xandra asks as you go.
"Something like that." Moore says. "It's like... having selective amnesia."
A grumble and a sigh after that. "And I do NOT forget things anymore."
"Then be strong, we will see this in the the past soon enough," Xandra promises you.
"Don't worry, I may be a bit addled in my old age, but I still have some ideas if this doesn't work out." Moore says with a smile as he continues to fly along.
You wander an hour, taking in the forest. It's here you come to a stairway built into a massive oak tree, simply sitting there as if a stairway up a tree is entirely normal.
"Well, we're being invited somewhere." Moore says. He heads up the stairs!
Happy incoming 12000th post, by the way.
Up...up...up...up...into the forest, into the canopy and...!
Sunlight. You stand amid the tree tops. B efore you is a town, floors and decks of wood laid down to connect buildings in the tree tops. It stretches on in all directions. The buildings are painted a riot of colors, everything bright with color and sunshine. Here are elves, eladrin, fey and a hodge podge of other things, all going about in the familiar bustle of a city. Above it griffons fly with riders, joined by various winged creatures as well. The occasional building of clouds, crystal and fantasy hover in the sky above, blatantly ignoring gravity.
Take 10 for 65 on KP, do I have any idea where this is?
It looks like Skytown - you recall it being a planar hub, with portals to the Astral and a few other planes here. Traders often use it to venture into Arborea, or towards Arvandor or the Court of Stars.
It's basically a free city with minimal rule, so long as you aren't a complete ass. There's no formal mayor or anything like that, it's pretty frontier-esque.
"This looks like a place called Skytown. I think we can probably find a way to at the Court of Stars here." He says with a glance around.
may as well take a look around and see where we end up!
"We may," Xandra agrees, "We may not. At the least, we can find a little rest and a meal, if you need one."
Moore nods and proceeds forward!
d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 15, total 15[/blockquote]
Blame negative level tallying for the delay. It's not just Moore who has them right now. Scary!
You wander a little bit - and soon enough? "Archon!" A loud man calls from the side, a human with no nose, waving a wine bottle he takes a pull from. "You there!"
Xandra stops at this, turning and nodding slightly to him.
"Yes?" she says, approaching. He's coming from the side of a building, smiling warmly.
"Have a drink!" The human declares, "All archons should celebrate more. Heard the great news," the man says, pulling Xandra into a loose hug. "Congratulations!"
"Oh? What news is that, pray tell?" He asks.
"The light's shining bright, my friend," he calls to you as Xandra bears it with a slight smile. "Shining on dooooown on us! Shining on doooown bright!"
"It is worthy of celebration for sure!" Moore says. "Thanks for your hospitality!" He adds.
He makes a head motion to Xandra that they should keep moving.
It's not hard to get away from him, Xandra smiling despite it. "The light of Chronias reaches far. Just like every good deed and brave act, Moore."
"I know. You'd think people would know I'm not with Aurora anymore, though!" He says with a small laugh afterwards. "I guess I haven't made enough waves as a Celestian Duke yet."
"Stories take time to spread," Xandra says, "But they live a very long time."
A nod as he continues through the town. "Things become legends for a reason."
With a hint of a smile, "And you're a legend now, Moore. Part of Aurora's legend and soon to be part of so much more, as word of what you do spreads."
"Now to make this curse it's own legend so I don't have to worry about it anymore." He affirms.
A smile at that as you go on. You take in the city, going past a squat building, just a single stumpy story poking out above the wooden floor.
Yet the doors to this orange and green building are open, and from within you can hear the sounds of music - lyre and drums, mixed in with some flute work. It's not bad on a listen.
"I'm not in much condition to really judge this sort of music." Moore admits as he flies towards the building. "Nonetheless, we may as well take a break."
Xandra follows as you head inside. Here is a tavern where a few assorted people drink and talk, eat and relax. Of note is there's a stage that has a band on it - an elf who is playing the flute, a towering, black haired ogre plucking at the lyre, a scowling catfolk playing the drums and a gold tinted aasimar just breaking into song.
"Down went the devils, down and down and down.
All to take over Lifasa and all its towns."
The beginnings of a song, his voice solid if not exceptional.
Moore looks over at Xandra and then back, then he folds his arms and listens in.
Xandra smiles more at this, gesturing ahead. "See?" she asks.
Meanwhile the music picks up as...
"Down down down went the devils all day long.
Then here comes Aurora to tell them that they were wrong.
Down down down went the devils to take it all.
Then here comes Aurora to make 'em seem small."
It goes on in that vein for a little while, starting to name names and deeds.
"Down down down went the devils all day long.
Moore was there to sing them a deadly song."
Chuckling lightly, "I suppose your songs are deadly, from a certain point of view." Xandra remarks quietly to you, leaning in and not raising her voice at all.
"I mean, they're technically right." Moore agrees quietly. "It's missing a bit of... oomph, though."
"They may be singing about legends, but they are not legendary themselves," Xandra agrees back. "Yet they are in the right place with their hearts."
Moore nods and will listen in until they're done!
The song goes on - rather average if well enough sung all told, some applause afterwards.
Moore gives a round of applause himself as he stands to quietly leave afterwards!
You step out - and into the world of dreams. You float in a sea of stars, warm as if surrounded by blankets.
You drift, eyes shutting of their own will. You feel safe and protected.
Moore knows an invitation when he feels one... or would, if he wasn't already half asleep... and... snoring.
You drift amid the warm clouds of your dreams, all right and worries left behind.
It's pleasant, a reverie that stretches on of its own will and without limitation.
Yet you find a thought pressing into your mind: Why?
A dream where he pulls himself away from this curse.
A dream where he is able to overcome the vileness of Orcus.
A dream where he shines with a brilliant light that lets all around him know there will always be Hope.
With that thought you drift in your dreams, drifting along.
"She thinks highly of Aurora." A man's voice, jovial and yet commanding, drawing you in. You lie on a small boat, barely more than a canoe, a blanket laid beneath you as you stare up at the night sky.
Mm... is he still asleep? ...Does it matter?
Moore slowly sits up. "There were many fey who call Lifasa home." A smile after that. "Who still call it home now."
Before you is an endless see of placid water, sparkling like the stars in the sky above.
"This is an age of great heroes. The Crimson Guard saved the children of Androlynne and then Aurora rose to such heights." The man's voice is gently amused. "An age of turmoil, above and beyond what is normal, where fey who simply call a realm home can be defended by champions of myth and legend."
"It seems unprecedented." Moore agrees. "I still get an occasional surprised look for working with Celestia."
"Now...we would help anyone who came to us under your curse. Even an agent of evil, though we would require them to atone and repent first. Mercy and the hope of rising above what you are is integral to Good." The man continues from behind you. "Redemption is open to anyone who is willing to seek it. What has Celestia taught you of things like this, Moore?"
"That there is always hope for those who seek it." Moore answers and moves to turn around. "That the only truly perfect and complete things realize themselves and move on to what awaits in Chronias. The most important thing that I think I've learned is that if one has a will to get better — to save themselves, there is always a path for them."
The figure before you is an eladrin, pale purple hair kept long yet not hiding his long ears. He is well trimmed, an athelet's form clad in an open chested tunic of pale blue and matching pants.
"Celestia has a saying - no one can walk the holy mountain but yourself," The eladrin agrees, "We prefer this one - only you can improve your soul."
"Ultimately it's all about improving who you are." Moore agrees. "I think there's always a common path in that for those who pursue good ideals."
A flash of a smile, "You've grown, Moore. Good. Yet how did you get cursed by Orcus?"
"In a rush to get out safely, I neglected to ensure all of my allies were with me. I went back to save one and in doing so was found by him." Moore says.
"Beastly," The eladrin agrees, "Utterly beastly."
"The fact that I'm even here to talk about it is impressive enough." A breath in and out. "I still have a lot of growing to do."
As you talk...
> roll 1d20+13
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{19}
> roll 1d20+20 +4 strata not Moore's week with this
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+20 strata not Moore's week with this --> [ 1d20=1 ]{21}
Kobot's flat trolling you. Before you ask, you can't auto fail rank checks - and deities are exempt from that sort of thing anyway.
A warmth settles over you, slowly going and slowly passing.
"You're alive," Faerinaal declares, "But Orcus refuses to let go of you. Few legendary heroes are so lucky as to let a demon forget about them once they have a grasp."
it is getting a bit tiresome, yes
Moore nods. "I know. But I won't give up." He says. "I have a few ideas still. Sometimes you need to fight fire with fire. Is there anything you would personally like to see me do once I'm in a state to do it as repayment for your effort?"
"Yes," The eladrin agrees, "When you're well. Don't worry - just dream, I'll see you again. My love rules all dreams, no matter how far away."
Moore nods. "Thank you. Is it in your power to send me to Ysgard? Preferably as close to the World Serpent as you may be allowed." Moore says, then he smiles just a small bit. "I don't know if this plan of mine will work, but I have to try."
"It's not close at all," he allows, "Jormugandr does not allow just anyone into his lair."
"Then I will just have to impress him." Moore says with a smile. "I don't mind a bit of spelunking."
In an instant you feel cold, blinking your eyes open. IT's much colder now, you can tell that much.
Moore looks around for a cave or something similar!
You're sitting in an ice-choked cave, Xandra lying next to you. As she rises you can see it's a small little dead end, a passage leading out of this and turning to the side, meandering. The walls are smoothly grooved, glimpsed beneath a thick but transparent layer of ice.
"Have a nice dream?" Moore asks as he moves to fly up.
Looking about, "Yes, but this begs the obvious question."
"He wasn't able to undo it. So I'm trying a more direct route — we're going to plead our case — my case — to the Works Serpent." Moore explains as if that answers everything.
Works? Autocorrect gone mad, I presume?
"I see." Xandra says, "You believe Jormugandr can remove the curse?"
Indeed.
"I... well, there were some people in Aurora who approached him about his poisons." Moore explains. "When we saw Moonlight, it reminded me that she worked with ravages before, which could work on specifically evil things. I figure, maybe I'm approaching this entire thing the wrong way -- if divine will can't get rid of it, then maybe something rumored to be able to harm even divine beings would work." A small shrug with a smile afterwards.
"I thought it was worth a shot, since so far I'm zero for three on actual divine help." He says.
"It's worth trying, if we can manage it," Xandra says, "Where exactly are we?"
"Well, in Ysgard... somewhere." Moore says. He heads towards the one pathway that's available. "I asked to be brought as close to Jormungandr as possible."
I'm going to misspell that name forever, probably.
Jormugandr. It helps a ton to do a full stat block on him, you learn the name through sheer repetition. Well, at least the spelling this game uses, anyway.
Xandra begins to follow, glancing at the walls. "A bored out tunnel, probably by some sort of great worm...or serpent." She concludes, "Like the children or grandchildren of Jormugandr."
The passage continues ahead and turns, going down perhaps 150ft. At the end if a stopper - for a massive, grey-brown serpent clogs the tunnel entirely, head facing the party. It is covered with scales, some seeming slightly off, not that you have time to study it. You've met a creature like this before. Before you is a child of Jormugandr.
"Ah, a daring intruder," he calls, "Yaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" It rapidly begins to slither down the iced over tunnel, barreling headlong towards the party.
It's Ysgard, which means caution? What caution? Init.
[21:41] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+11 Moore
[21:41] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+11 Moore --> [ 1d20=19 ]{30}
[21:41] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+21 Xandra
[21:41] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+21 Xandra --> [ 1d20=19 ]{40}
> roll 1d20+6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{23}
Init is Xandra (40) > Moore (30) > Child of Jormugandr (23)
Go.
Xandra will hold for a moment.
"Please, stop!" Moore calls out. "I know it sounds ridiculous, but we're not here to fight -- I need to speak to Jormugandr!"
The child of Jormugandr comes to a skidding, sliding halt. It stares, "You...don't want to fight?" it asks, beady snake eyes focused on you. "That's the strangest thing I've ever heard."
"I know, it's hard to believe, isn't it?" Moore says. "I'm not really in much of a condition to fight anyway, so even if we did, it wouldn't be interesting enough for you, I think. I'm hoping the World Serpent can help me with the affliction I'm carrying."
"Well..." A trail offa s he stares, "We...talk, right?" he says, "That's what a parley is? Father only sees people who gain access and battle their way to him. That's how it's done."
Moore rubs his chin for a moment. "Would it help if I gave an oath as a Duke of Celestia that I'd come back to honor a fight when I was back in my normal shape?" He asks. "I could explain to you why I want to talk to him, if you'd like."
Give me a Diplo check here.
He can at least still do these decently, so Take 10 for 65.
"I...why not?" he finally says, "You can pass." With that slithers backwards and away, around another bend and out of sight.
Free act.
"I have a feeling it isn't going to be that easy the entire way." Moore says. He decides to head forward and not follow after the child, since it probably isn't going down anyway.
"We can get lucky once, but not the entire way," Xandra agrees. "Stay behind me if combat ensues, don't risk yourself like this."
You're up, Moore. DM nagging in case you missed this.
thanks. Between being sick and the time change I thought I had said something.
Moore fishes around in his bag and takes a moment to tie a handkerchief to a flute to fashion a white flag.
"It may not get us out of things but hopefully shows our intentions aren't hostile." He says as he proceeds along.
Sick AND time change? That's cruel and unusual punishment. If you need downtime say so, I completely understand.
Xandra quirks a smile upwards at that, "Or attacked for cowardice, but I shall look on the bright side of the mountain."
You follow the passage, the Child of Jormugandr long gone, skidding and sliding away. It widens a little more and leads along and along a time, then sloping upward. It goes for a time until it levels out, a V bend here going right back down. But in this little space a dwarf sits before a small little fire, a single log shedding a warm flame. He's clad in full armor but with his helmet off, scarlet red hair long and unkempt, beard the same. A five-headed flail sits nearby, each head wickedly spiked.
Glancing back, he grins a sharp smile and is up on his feet in an instant - only to stop as he grabs his flail.
"By Jormugandr's dangling fang, you can't wave a flag of surrender before you even fight! This is Ysgard, not Elysium!" He gawks at you and Xandra, "A pixie?! A pixie, here?"
"I swear, every time." He says with a look to Xandra, then back to the dwarf. "Greetings to you, warrior of Ysgard. I wave not a flag of surrender but of peace, as I have no hostile intent here. I seek Jormugandr's aid to remove a curse laid upon me by Orcus. I have no ability to fight in my current state, so I would offer you no enjoyment in a fight."
Here the dwarf gives you a new look and...
Taking 10 on Sense Motive for ???
...whistles low. "The old Goat himself? Nevermind! No wonder you're here." Smiling at that, "You must be a mighty pixie warrior. Are you perhaps Lady Honeydip, savior of Androlynne, or General Afina of Aurora? I've heard of both of those fearsome warriors lately."
Xandra merely clears her throat rather quickly at that, hand hiding her mouth. "Ah, you are assuming the wrong gender."
"Ah." The dwarf says, "Pixies and fey," Shaking his head, "Then....Moore of Aurora?"
Moore blinks and then bursts out laughing for a good few moments.
"Goodness, if they ever heard that you'd have done that..." a smaller chuckle as he wipes a tear if laughter from his eye. "Afina would surely kill us both. But yes, sir, I am indeed Moore, now of Celestia — and I know, that asks even more questions."
A warm smile after that, "I admit it's a bit embarrassing to meet someone who knows a more grand legend of myself than I currently have available to me."
"Moore the Bard, who sung so well a pit fiend slew himself in sorrow," The dwarf laughs, "Moore of Aurora, who personally spat in the eye of Lixer. Moore, the second beloved of the pixie queen."
"I'll tell you that one of those things isn't true, but which one I'll leave up to you." A smile and nod after that.
"Do you mind if I ask about you? You're clearly traveled, but must have your own reasons to be in these caves, Sir...?" He trails off, to hopefully lead to an introduction!
"Andor," Is the answer you get, "I travel here, I fight here. Best fighting in Ysgard - the Children of Jormugandr are always up to a fight, along with anyone else around." A tight, vicious smile at that, "It's paradise."
"If you'd ever like to join the forces of Hope's Landing, my personal fortress in Mercuria, we are always looking for those who would face the forces of evil." Moore responds. "Do you know the way further in by any chance?"
"You're on the right path. Keep on going," he jerks a thumb forward. ""Egil's territory is that way."
Moore nods. "Thank you."
With that he continues on!
As you go, "Hold on," he calls, "There's a lot of branching paths. Only go down paths marked with no ice around the connection. It's how he marks his territory."
"I owe you a good fight!" Moore calls back as he goes on with the new information in mind!
Sure enough, branching paths lead on. Yet you immediately notice some are iced over and some have a thin break in the air at where the new tunnel starts.
Moore will follow the instructions given and go down the path without ice on it!
if there are multiple then whichever has the least? Ice if possible to tell.
Sure thing.
You wander the tunnels a time - until at last coming to one that plunges straight down, down deeper than you can see. It's a straight drop, Xandra kneeling before the edge and peering down. "I can't see a bottom," she says. "And I can feel that this goes on quite a ways, and that it will not be entirely safe. Be prepared."
question, what mechanical effect do the negative levels have on bardic music? I know I lost my casting but I don't think it says anything about actually losing class features.
It affects things if you need to make a roll or a calculation.
thats what I thought. Ok, so it sounds like I can still do all the bardic music things, but that's tough to do via the phone so I'll get it prepped for tonight.
Sure, we're close to session end anyway. Rest up if you need to, don't overdo it when sick.
Since Moore has all his songs, Xandra and himself will get the following:
(Inspire Courage, Heroics, Greatness, Destined Strike, Song of Life)
+30 bonus to attack
+24 bonus to damage
+Improved Crit Feat, add +13 to threat confirm
+12 to saves and AC
+Fast Healing 11
All of these do nonlethal damage, but Moore's just going to wait it out via the Fast Healing before they go in.
EDIT: and of course I forgot the temp HP.
[20:10] <Nephrite> roll 8d10 HP
[20:10] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d10=8,9,5,1,5,10,9,9]
So Xandra gets 72+56 = 128 temp
Moore gets 64+56 = 120 on the nose.
So noted. I haven't made a block here yet, but I will if I need to. Keep those handy in case I do.
Done and done. Now...
Ball's in your court.
"Let's go." Moore says. "Thankfully, my magical items still work even with all this nonsense, so I can see as well as you do. ...Well, I mean... relatively speaking." A shake of his head as he begins to fly down!
Xandra follows - and in moments, a sudden wave of blue light shines down from above, a pale blue light.
Moore looks over at Xandra as they go.
He will take 10 on K:A for 55, or Spellcraft for 42 if appropriate.
It's a thick, viscous blue liquid, starting to drip and drip...before starting to ooze down at once, slow a moment and then faster and faster, drippings raining down.
Moore can tell this is frozen lava. It's exactly what it sounds like - rock so hyper frozen and magically potent that it melts down. It's one of the lovely little bits of fun Ysgard has for visitors. Suffice to say, it's as deadly as lava but freezes you instead of burns you. Additionally, body parts that come in contact have a tendency to shatter more than anything else, which is predictably unpleasant and requires regeneration.
"...Great." Moore murmurs. "We'll just have to do our best to avoid it as much as we can, since I'm pretty sure I'd end up very dead if I try and make a wall of force with Words right now."
"Great," Xandra echos, as it begins to ooze and fall faster and faster, picking up speed. "Ahem. I believe the watchword is to run."
"You noticed too, huh? Let's let gravity take care of the running for us, we can always avoid hitting the ground when we see it coming." He offers.
Idea is that it's hopefully (maybe not?) easier to run from the lava by falling rather than flying down.
Xandra nods and...
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
You're falling! You're both plunging down, going faster and faster as you descend, beginning to leave the frozen lava behind, leaving it as a pale glow in the distance. You can yet see it, speeding up slowly but steadily.
However, that's not the real concern. 200ft below in the icy tunnel you can see it. An iced over brown creature, six insectoid legs as it runs up the side of the tunnel at a dead spring, coming your way. It has clittering mandibles and is somewhat bigger than Hanna. Antennae twitch atop its head as it rushes on, coming for the two of you.
Init. It seems Ysgard won't go down without a fight.
[21:47] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+11 Moore
[21:47] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d20=1]
[21:47] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+21 Xandra
[21:47] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+10
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=17]
Init is ????(27) > Xandra (26) > Moore (12)
Moore...lost init? What is this strange bullshit?
You can also make K:A if you'd like to identify this.
The creature scurries up 60ft closer, 140ft close now and rears up. A glob of brownish, foul liquid comes out, aimed right at Xandra.
Ref, Xandra. It's acid damage if she immunes that.
Cresiel does, Xandra doesn't, but she immunes lightning... which ... ...I don't... think has ever come up. Huh.
I actually didn't even know they both immuned different things. Teehee.
[21:52] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+35+12 Xandra ref
[21:52] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=19]
Moore will take 10 on K:A for 55.
The creature before you is an ankheg, perhaps one touched by cold itself and transformed by it. However, it's moving far faster than one should - there are no weaklings in Ysgard, so this is likely far stronger than the average ankheg.
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/ankheg.htm For reference.
> roll 10d8 Xandra halves this
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d8=1,3,3,7,3,1,2,5,6,1]
Go ahead and go, repaste those bardic music bonuses, please.
Acid splatters on Xandra, a raised arm taking the worst of it. It hisses by little more, able to endure it as...
Xandra and Moore, go.
[spoiler]
Xandra
HP: 538/538 (16 pending acid damage)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
+30 bonus to attack
+24 bonus to damage
+Improved Crit Feat, add +13 to threat confirm
+12 to saves and AC
+Fast Healing 11
So Xandra gets 72+56 = 128 temp HP.
Moore huffs once. "It's times like this that I really need... oh, right!" He blurts out as he strums a chord on his harp, releasing a blast of sonic magic at the monster!
[22:06] <Nephrite> roll 10d6 sonic damage
[22:06] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d6=2,3,3,2,5,5,4,1,4,3]
I believe the DC is 22 (Items are 10+spell level+minimum ability score mod to cast, right?) Fort so it will likely save, but if it fails it's stunned for 1 round.
Even if it does save though it's deafened for
[22:10] <Nephrite> roll 4d6
[22:10] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d6=3,6,4,3]
8 rounds if it saves.
> roll 1d20+26
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=6]
As you continue to plummet you strum your harp, a blast of sonic power bursting around the ankheg. It barely even slows it, a ripple around it as...
Xandra.
[spoiler]
+30 bonus to attack
+24 bonus to damage
+Improved Crit Feat, add +13 to threat confirm
+12 to saves and AC
+Fast Healing 11
Xandra
HP: 538+112/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
I guess if it isn't obvious, Moore and Xandra are 'using' their Move actions on falling.
Xandra hurls a lance of energy at the ankheg!
[22:29] <Nephrite> roll 1d20 touch
[22:29] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 > [d20=9]
[22:29] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+32 SR if needed
[22:29] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=12]
[22:33] <Nephrite> roll 30d6
[22:33] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d6=1,6,4,1,3,4,6,3,2,1,1,2,5,6,3,2,4,5,3,4,5,5,5,6,3,1,1,2,3,1]
[22:35] <Nephrite> roll 6d6 sunburst
[22:35] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 18 > [d6=2,4,2,1,3,6]
It's allowed a reflex save, DC 35 against the damage. Also DC 35 fort to save against dazzled if it's evil, but I doubt it is.
I assumed, yes.
> roll 1d20+23
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=18]
The blast of instant sunshine explodes around the ankheg, a violent burst that washes over all of you. Yet the ankheg is badly blistered by it, falling with you, knocked off his perch. He's tumbling end over end, as the blue glow from above gets a little stronger again.
With a loud screech, the insectoid creature tries to grab onto the wall, tries to get its grip back.
> roll 1d20+38
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=5]
It does, falling for several moments but managing ot latch onto the icy surface as...
Go you two.
"Let's see if it still follows us, that may have taught it we're not easy prey!" Moore calls out.
Let's fall for a round and see if it tries to give chase. Clearly we're going to double-move fall here???????
Thus the two of you fall - and right past it, the thing clinging to the wall and not following you at all. Whew. You're still going as Xandra calls, "Look up!"
Free act.
"I'd rather not, but fine!" Is the response as he does.
The frozen lava's speeding up, matching your speed and perhaps slightly surpassing it. The center of the great mass parts - and within you seed a brownish-gray snake-like head, a serpentine tongue flicking out in the air. Another Child of Jormugandr calls, "Finally, someone who can move and fight. Keep going or you'll freeze alive!"
"We're working on it!" Moore calls back. "...Wait, are you riding it?!"
"You're damn right I am," The serpent calls back, voice a jovial, battle-lusted shout that echos after, as you plummet further and further down.
"I hope your father is as good natured as you areeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" Moore shouts as he continues to tumble and fall.
Down and down you tumble as the light slowly begins to catch up, blue radiance shining down. The Child of Jormugandr's laughter echos amid the tunnel as you fall - !!! Ahead 200ft and closing is a dead end bottom. About 20ft before that is a tunnel to the side at a perfect 90 degree angle.
At the dead end bottom you note various things are scattered - weapons and armor, equipment, coins, that manner of thing.
"I learned my lesson about being greedy!" Moore shouts to Xandra. "Aim for the opening — but I bet we're going to be followed!"
intent will be to try and fly into the passage and keep going!
Acrobatics check, both of you.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+16 : 8 + 16, total 24[/blockquote]moore
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+41 : 7 + 41, total 48[/blockquote]Xandra
Xandra is able to make the turn smoothly, a kick of her wings propelling her head, no longer falling but flying. Moore does the same but misaims, his left shoulder grazing hard against the side of the passage, a jarring pain.
> roll 10d6 half of terminal velocity between turning bleeding off some speed plus it only being a graze Rei-chan
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 10d6 half of terminal velocity between turning bleeding off some speed plus it only being a graze Rei-chan --> [ 10d6=32 ]{32}
Penuche gave you 33 damage instead, so that was the right choice. Anyway, DR does apply to this.
23 then, takes his temp hp to 97.
"Don't stop!" He shouts as he tries to right himself and keep moving!
Since you're not falling now, movement speeds? Just base speed is fine.
Moore 60, Xandra 90
Xandra leads the way, flying on with all haste. Cold air buffets you as you rush on, blowing back your hair with the wind. Onward and farther, hurrying town the burrowed-out tunnel. Then you see it - stalagmites and stalactites. They rise up from the ceiling and floor, iced over and blocking the way. You think you could try and weave through them, but it'll be tricky. At least you're sure your small size will help.
"Don't rush too fast!" He shouts. "Go through them at a measured pace!"
He flies forward but takes it a bit slower to be more careful.
Cutting speed to 40 to try and avoid slamming into anything. Xandra cheats so she can do whatever..
How does Xandra cheat? Serious question, am I missing a relevant ability?
just her natural tendencies to have visions of the future.
Acrobatics check, +4 bonus for slowing down.
oh I'm dumb, the dex aura helps with this. Durrr, blame my still being a little ill!!
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 15 + 33, total 48[/blockquote]
Yeah, I'm below the weather today too, I feel you.
Give Xandra a check as well?
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+54 : 17 + 54, total 71[/blockquote]
Between the slower speed and raw motivation, the two of you weave through the stalagmites and stalactites without hitting any, as they are consumed behind you. But as you come out from them? 100ft ahead is another ankheg, clinging to the ceiling. Just past it is a tunnel going straight up, and beyond it a flat dead end.
Suffice to say, you have a problem.
Init.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+11 : 6 + 11, total 17[/blockquote]Moore
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+21 : 20 + 21, total 41[/blockquote]Xandra
> roll 1d20+10
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=16]
Init is Xandra (41) > Ankheg (26) > Moore (17)
Xandra opens.
Behind you the blue light glows brighter - a glance back shows the buffeting waves of cold you feel are about 100ft away and closing in fast.
Xandra moves forward, towards the tunnel going up, and points a finger at the ceiling near the ankheg!
[21:16] <Nephrite> roll 1d20
[21:16] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 8 > [d20=8]
Xandra's aiming a disintegration at the ceiling, hoping to just completely get rid of it and more or less cause the ankheg to fall and go boom. Or at least just fall, whatever works.
Sure enough, the ceiling collapses and down the ankheg plummets down, hitting to the ground hard and...
> roll 4d6
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d6=2,3,5,2]
Struggling to get up, doing so as - there! The way's clear, at least for the moment.
Go.
Moore takes the opportunity given to fly towards the tunnel going up!
Double move to be clear, so 60+60
Xandra doing the same on her turn?
Yes. If this thing can fly, let's see it fly.
Up you go! Flying at full speed as fast as you can, ascending high and...
Maneuverability? Impacts how fast you rise.
Both are good! like... literally.
Okay, so noted.
Thus both of you ascend up, slower on the rise than the fall or wing. Up and up and up this tunnel goes - andb ehind you the lava makes a perfect 90 degree turn and starts flowing up, the child of Jormugandr peering out of it, cackling all the while, "Run, run!" he calls. He's catch up, only 100ft away and closing, and with no end or turns in sight ahead, at least right now.
"That's just cheating!" Moore shouts. "Xandra, you're faster, I'm going to catch a ride!"
Moore flies to grab ahold of Xandra in a way that won't affect her wings.
"Just keep going, I can buy us a small amount of time if we have absolutely no other options." He says.
"Do what you can," Xandra agrees, flying on. Up and up and up - 80ft behind you now, now 70ft. He's closing in, cackling all the while. Waves of cold buffet you from below, the frozen lava boiling and roiling as it rises and rises and rises yet more, seemingly unstoppable.
Moore whispers to Xandra as they continue along. "I don't think he actually is going to try and hurt us with it, but we may as well play along."
Not doing anything fancy just yet.
Xandra nods - and then her eyes widen. 60ft and suddenly it happens. A great freezing rope of frozen lava flies up like a shot arrow, going right for Xandra.
> roll 1d20+32 touch AC
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=8]
What's Xandra's touch AC with everything factored in?
"Not today!" Moore shouts.
it's 37, but Moore has a 1/day immediate action he can use to give someone +5 on any attack/AC/save/whatever, so he's using that here because I'm not dealing with that shit right now. >:(
So that puts her at 42 for the sake of this.
It's going right at Xandra - but your call is just enough. Her wings kick just enough to avoid it, the shot missing as she soars up. THERE! Another 90 degree turn and a dead end past it - the turn is 200ft away and the dead end is 210ft away.
"Thank you. Haste!" she cries, "For speed."
Oh god could he have cast that this entire time???? I thought he lost all his spells :(
Moore casts it immediately!
Well, he lost the 30 highest level spells per day/spell slots each set of casting he has. If this leaves enough to cast haste, he can.
Yes. I thought he was casting as a bard at level 2... you can see the confusion. Aaaaaaa.
Anyway yes he has the ability to cast Haste, so Xandra and himself gain +30 movement speed.
The burst of speed is just enough. Xandra jets up and goes for the turn, momentarily out speeding the child of Jormugandr, a second blast missing as frigid winds whip you, the iced over tunnel a blur as...
Acrobatics.
Assuming just her since Moore is holding on.
[22:26] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41+13
[22:26] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=13]
A perfect turn lets Xandra lose no speed at all, kicking off a wall and zipping on. Here the tunnel stretches on - but as it does, cracks and gaps burst open. Flows of frozen lava begin to ooze out ahead, faster and faster, starting to gather. They currently start 50ft away and stretch on about to about 250ft away.
"A real chase! I'll start trying now," The child calls back, "No one's ever escaped me when I try!"
"Hold on, hold on! Time out!" Moore shouts, turning around and making a T with his hands. "Time out! Can you at least promise if we do manage to keep up and escape you, you'll show us to your father?"
Xandra keeps flying, closer as the child just laughs, "Talk if you survive! Do the impossible and then talk all you want," the child of Jormugandr calls back, forked tongue flicking in the air and hissing afterwards.
"HOLD ON!" Xandra cries as she reaches the lava, as the frozen lava begins to lash up and speed up, going from an ooze to a gush.
Ref save for Xandra.
[22:39] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+35+12 Xandra
[22:39] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=9]
Moore will use his Time Stop boots as a swift if things look to be really bad, as an fyi.
Yet Xandra is just fast enough to avoid the first several bursts, weaving amid and around them before they can go. Halfway through - and at the end the lava rapidly forms into a glowing blue head, matching the head of the Child of Jormugandr. It leers and grins wickedly, maw opening wide and currently 100ft away. It's expanding rapidly, quickly starting to block the entire path forward, as behind you is the Child of Jormugandr itself. 100ft away and speeding up, trying to match Xandra's hasted speed. Blue light flickers everywhere, casting the icy passage in its radiance.
"Keep going!" Moore whispers. "If it looks like you won't make it, I've got a trick!"
Plan will be to give Xandra an extra move action first if she needs it to get through, and Boots if that doesn't work.
Xandra jets ahead - and the maw is closing - no way she makes it now. Not without help.
So a move action gets her 120 feet, would that be enough? If so, then GO!!!!!!!!
Yet your words somehow reach Xandra. She finds another burst of speed, diving through the maw before it snaps shut, avoiding it as more lava gathers. Safe by an breath if that, all haste driving Xandra along. She dares to look back for one moment, as the Child of Jormugandr's laughter echos from behind. On and on the passage goes ahead, no end in sight.
Ahead, more plumes of frozen lava erupt, like starbursts of the purest, palest blue. Dozens and dozens of tiny child of Jormugandr heads form in mid air, taking to the air and flying towards the two of you - as suddenly the child speeds up, closing to 80ft and then 70ft in the blink of an eye.
I spent a lot of time checking to see if Moore has any more tricks here.
It does not look like he does.
"Three... two..."
He's going to wait until the heads either get a little closer or make some sort of attack, and then he's going to activate his boots.
How close is a little closer?
Let's say 50 ft.
As you fly the mouths close in on you and...
Perception.
Moore will 10 for 47, Xandra 71.
You can also see a glint of light ahead in the distance. Is something bright coming this way?
"Now what?!" Moore shouts. "Fine, then!"
Using Boots! We get two rounds of Time Stop... hopefully!
At that the Child of Jormugandr cries, "Never!" and spews a ball of frozen blue death at you.
He was holding an action to act if you did something like that. He's played this game before.
> roll 1d20+32 touch AC
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=8]
Touch AC?
Moore is 59, Xandra 37
Yet Moore is able to twist out of the way, avoiding the blast and...time stops, or at least you go so fast as to make it close enough for your needs.
Round 1
Can Xandra charge or whatever the mechanic is for a full round run for 4x movement?
Yes, you can run while flying.
then let's do that. 480 feet, where does it get us?
The two of you fly ahead and on - and ahead you see it more. A final rise from where light comes - a great, gleaming cavern is ahead, far vaster than this tunnel. Ice mountains rise up from the ground, shining with their own inner light, glimpses of things caught within.
"What's your gut tell you about which way to go?" Moore asks.
"To where there's space to dodge, ahead," Xandra gets out as she soars along. "Out of these accursed tunnels."
Moore nods. "Forward then, we still have a moment!"
round 2 is 480 more movement!
Thus you break out and free. Into a vast chamber - here great mountains of ice rise up, hundreds feet tall, towards a ceiling you can't see, for mist forms after about 300ft. Paths through the mountains are about, as well as plenty of space to fly. Light comes from within those mountains - for within are various creatures of evil, fiends and other such things. You glimpse a barbazu, a hezrou, a shadowed ultroloth, a rampaging orc, a looming dragon and so many more.
For the bare moment at least, you have a chance to act and...
Go ahead.
"These.... kind of resemble Celestia, don't tgey?" He asks. He shakes his head quickly. "We don't have time to admire this, I'm sure he isn't going to call us the victors in getting away from him just yet. There, lets go between the mountains." Moore points ahead.
Sorry, had a small RL problem.
"Move and hide," Xandra agrees, "Let's go."
Are you going along with that? If you are, make a Stealth check. If not say something else to her.
Moore turns invisible, the ultimate form of hiding! ... but just in case Children of Jormugandr can see through that....
actually he doesn't have stealth so hopefully invisibility works!!!
Xandra takes 10 for 51
Thus the two of you hurry in and deeper. Behind you can hear a voice call, "A hunt, eh? Then run and hide until I find you!"
using permanent image to create a bunch of fake Moores and Xandras that will all speak ... well his CL is 2 so he's going to make a bunch of Extremely Small ones hidden in the snow of these mountains! Gotta be creative here! Also the idea is the sound will be coming from Not Where They Are.
The small images still resound with a loud voice— "Fine, but when you give up, you take us to your father! We've more than earned that right at this point!"
Moore for his part follows Xandra's lead!
As Xandra keeps quietly moving, ducking around paths and hurrying, feet just barely above the ground?
"Ahahahahahaa," The Child of Jormugandr laughs, "What does a little pixie like you have need to see my gigantic father over?"
Moore gestures to answer with Sculpt Sound!
again just a diversion!
The sound that follows is his answer in his own voice: "To try and rid me of a curse placed upon me by Orcus."
Give me a Diplomacy check.
Take 10 for 65
"You're strong! Why are you hiding from me? Come out and face me, what's a single death on Ysgard?" Is the answer you get, the Child of Jormugandr flying directly overhead, a massively long serpent coated thickly in frozen lava. Well over 100ft long, going on and on and on.
"You stay here." Moore says. He goes to fly out, dropping his invisibility on the way.
"The rules as I understood them were to avoid being caught." He says honestly. "I appreciate your admission of strength, but cursed as I I'm not much of a challenge for anyone- that's why it's been so important to get to Him."
The Child of Jormugandr stops and slowly turns around, coming closer and closer. "You can avoid me and yet you're cursed to be weak?!" It declares, "What manner of hero are you?!"
Moore laughs quietly. "I had some help as you'll recall. A comrade of mine is here to help me. It's not so different from you using the frozen lava." He explains.
"My name is Moore. I worked with Aurora before, and Celestia now. Aurora is where I heard about the type of strength your father has, and since so far I've been unsuccessful in getting this curse removed, it made sense to try another way." He explains.
He pauses, then snaps his fingers. " If you really want a fight, if you'll help me find him, once I get this removed I'll fight you until you're content. That's a hero's promise."
Give me a second Diplo check, +1 bonus. He's listening and considering big time but torn.
Take 10 for 79 (forgot a booster last time...)
"A hero's promise?" The Child of Jormugandr declares, "Get on."
Does that mean he wants him to continue on like... keep talking or like... leave.
As you hesitate, the Child declares, "Get on! The lava won't freeze either of you. I can carry an archon and a pixie."
"Thank you." Moore says as he flies to get on and then calls out. "I'd say no one will believe us, Xandra, but somehow we've seen stranger."
Xandra flies on - and sure enough, not a speck of the frozen lava is even remotely chilly to you now. "My thanks," Xandra agrees.
"There's only one thing to do now - make sure you don't fall off," The Child of Jormugandr says, grinning. "If you manage that, I may even tell you my name." Then like a bolt of lightning, he's off. FAST. FAST FAST FAST FAST FAST. Far faster than any of you move running with haste aiding you, a blaze of speed that leaves you hanging on for dear life, the great serpent weaving amid the mountains of ice with unnatural alacrity.
"I'll do my best!" Moore promises him!
He indeed, will do his best to keep a hold on!
Strength check.
That's going to end up being a hilariously negative number for Moore.
Do you really need to know how negative?
[21:42] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+8 Xandra
[21:42] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d20=2]
Well, what happens when massive speed hits you and you aren't moving? You usually end up moving with it. You barely have a chance to react before you're off flying, and only a moment later you slam into the side of a wall rather harshly.
> roll 20d6 owwies
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d6=4,1,4,2,4,5,2,4,3,1,3,3,1,5,1,2,5,5,6,3]
The temporary HP saves the day again! Brings it to 33 left.
"This is not me at my most graceful." Moore says as he peels himself off yet another wall.
Xandra is nearby, the two of you in another tunnel again. Must've missed that with moving far faster than anything should.
Meanwhile the Child does a 180 - how is a mystery, as space doesn't seem to allow it but somehow it does - and approaches back. A big, smug grin is on its face, "I said to hold on, right?"
Shaking her head clear of rock dust and ice fragments, "You did. Intent and reality so often differ, I find."
"Yes, but you should treat the infirm a little more gently." Moore says with a beaming smile. He moves to get back on. "I'll do my best to hold on, but my grip is pretty much shot right now."
Huh.
A band of frozen lava wraps around your middle, like rope tying you down. One goes for Xandra as well.
"...Only because you impressed me," the Child of Jormugandr declares. "You have a warrior's soul, little pixie."
"I can only say I keep my debts paid." Moore answers seriously.
d100 for me, would you?
[21:59] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[21:59] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d100=43]
You go on and on - long minutes turning into more. Through tunnels and caverns, all seen so fast that you can barely even comprehend them. Tunnels getting larger and larger as you go, larger yet. Yet the main thing you feel is the wind, whipping against you almost razor sharp.
When at last the Child of Jormugandr stops, reality seems to be all out of focus. You shake your head clear and see - you are in a burrow tunnel so vast as to march an army through. No ice here, just hard stone. Ahead a single figure blocks the way - a six winged solar stands his ground, an ancient, weathered and used halberd in hand. He is armored head to toe, armor in the same worn condition as he is. He is perhaps ten feet tall, dwarfed by the Child - and yet his mere presence stops the Child of Jormugandr cold.
Reality is out of focus. Ahead a single figure blocks the way - a six winged solar stands his ground, an ancient, weathered and used halberd in hand. He is armored head to toe, armor in the same worn condition as he is. He is perhaps ten feet tall, dwarfed by the Child - and yet his mere presence stops the Child of Jormugandr cold.
Your are dizzy and everything's indistinct. Ahead a single figure blocks the way - a six winged solar stands his ground, an ancient, weathered and used halberd in hand. He is armored head to toe, armor in the same worn condition as he is. He is perhaps ten feet tall, dwarfed by the Child - and yet his mere presence stops the Child of Jormugandr cold.
The solar that stands before you -
Ahead a single figure blocks the way - a six winged solar stands his ground, an ancient, weathered and used halberd in hand. He is armored head to toe, armor in the same worn condition as he is. He is perhaps ten feet tall, dwarfed by the Child - and yet his mere presence stops the Child of Jormugandr cold.
Ahead a single figure blocks the way - a six winged solar stands his ground, an ancient, weathered and used halberd in hand. He is armored head to toe, armor in the same worn condition as he is. He is perhaps ten feet tall, dwarfed by the Child - and yet his mere presence stops the Child of Jormugandr cold.
Ahead a single figure blocks the way - a six winged solar stands his ground, an ancient, weathered and used halberd in hand. He is armored head to toe, armor in the same worn condition as he is. He is perhaps ten feet tall, dwarfed by the Child - and yet his mere presence stops the Child of Jormugandr cold.
What...what is this? W-
The solar that stands before you raises his hal-
Ahead a single figure blocks the way - a six winged solar stands his ground, an ancient, weathered and used halberd in hand and raised in your direction. He is armored head to toe, armor in the same worn condition as he is. He is perhaps ten feet tall, dwarfed by the Child - and yet his mere presence stops the Child of Jormugandr cold.
Something's slipping through your mind, you realize. Like each few moments of reality refuses to remain? Things are wrong, disconnected.
Ahead a single figure blocks the way - a six winged solar stands his ground, an ancient, weathered and used halberd in hand and raised in your direction. He is armored head to toe, armor in the same worn condition as he is. He is perhaps ten feet tall, dwarfed by the Child - and yet his mere presence stops the Child of Jormugandr cold.
Before I make any sort of post here, is Moore even aware of Chronomancy as a concept in the world, or time-related things of that nature? Obviously he wouldn't know like, ABOUT Chronomancy spells and what have you.
Yes, Aurora did deal with Grandfather Time. I assume you'd at least be aware of the idea of it.
"I... don't have much to deal with this." Moore says.
Has he already said that? Yet?
Will he have said that in the future? Oh dear, now he's going to start thinking in the wrong tenses.
"Are you trapped here!?" Moore shouts.
Again. He's asked that, hasn't he? Surely. No, this is his first time.
Right?
You ride on.
The ride continues - for a moment you have a passing memory. Did you stop? No. You haven't stopped. Just a passing fancy, perhaps?
A blink, another.
He must've intervened to help them.
Wait, intervened in what?
A shake of his head.
A breath in and out -- man, is it always this cold?
And thus Moore forgets again, the knowledge slipping between his fingers like it has before.
Why, for a moment, does Elena come to mind?
No matter.
At last the ride stops. It is one of these massive tunnels, big enough to admit a thousand men walking side by side and tall enough to fit a mountain within.
"Go on ahead, you'll find him there," The Child says, the bands of frozen lava receding from you.
"I'll earn your name." Moore promises and then bows with a nod of his head. "Thank you."
He turns, takes a breath and begins flying towards the tunnel!
Xandra follows, then pauses and looks back. She lingers a few moments, silent.
"Me too." Moore says, for some reason, as he continues on.
Thus you walk on, further and further and further yet.
Perception.
Take 10 for 47 for Moore, 71 for Xandra.
As you walk, Xandra stops and turns to the wall. In a soft voice, "Look." she turns and points. Before your eyes, you notice the wall is beginning to move. A ripple of brown gray stone, vaster than all of Aurora, moves.
"Ah..." Moore nods and turns. "We're not just in a cave, He also just dwarfs us that much." He says.
Before your eyes the Jormugandr emerges, an entire wall longer than you can see coming alive. He moves and circles, so vast you cannot see his end even with your perception. It is a thing as a dragon is to a dwarf, so much larger that words are impossible. You could surely fit all of Aurora and its demiplane atop his head and have room for a few castles, the entire thing staying far back and yet casting a nearly black shadow over the two of you.
"You reek of Orcus," the figure says, a voice that brings a gust of wind, the World Serpent watching you with eyes larger than a dozen giants, great pools of pure golden green. "You reek of death and false life."
"My name is Moore, Duke of Songs of Lifasa, formerly of Aurora and Duke of Hope's Landing of Celestia." He brings himself low with a bow.
"I had the misfortune to run into Orcus during an attempt to investigate something. I have been aided by many in an attempt to rid myself of this curse. I come to you, in hopes you will be willing to purge this from me. I have no doubt that this is no trifle to ask of you." A pause as he simply lets the weight of his request hang in the air.
"How would I purge this?" The World Serpent asks, regarding both of you.
"A curse is not so different from a poison in my eyes." Moore says. "I was hoping that you might simply be able to erode it or even eradicate it. I do not fear dying in your presence, especially since I realize part of this may necessitate a rebirth with the power afforded by you and Ysgard."
He clears his throat. "Only healing can overcome Orcus, and what place better embodies that ideal than here?"
"I have no knowledge of if this will work or not," Jormugandr says. "Are you still willing?"
"It is for a good cause," Xandra steps well aside, "But please, I have no need to be subjected to this."
Moore nods. "Every action starts with the hope of something." He says. "Thank you."
Jormugandr leans back - and breathes over you, a wave of gas that immediately...!!!
Fort save. This is an epic poison, so adjust your save accordingly for that. Basically any magical boosts don't apply, including magic items and magical stat boosters.
Do you REALLY need one???
Actually I will just say he willingly doesn't try to resist. The whole point is to hopefully get poisoned or somehow just obliterate the curse anyway.
To be fair, you could roll a 20. Hence needing to ask. Failing to resist is entirely possible.
> roll 1d10 Con first part of damage
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d10=4]
Immediately Moore feels dizzy. His entire world spins and spins as he tries to hold on, tries to do anything. Then...
Secondary damage in 1 round instead of 1 minute, thanks to the fast poison epic feat.
> roll 4d10 secondary, continues until a save is made or until dead
> roll 4d10 secondary, continues until a save is made or until dead
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d10=8,4,7,1]
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d10=2,1,10,10]
Yeah, that does the job.
Then everything is burning agony, your body splitting apart, blood pouring out, everything going wrong at once before you are overwhelmed and...
> roll 1d20+61
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=7]
It's dark. You're in agony and it's dark. You're surrounded by the thickest darkness, suffocating you, choking the life out of you, making it impossible to breathe. Your chest burns, demanding air.
He can't give in to this.
He can't lose to this darkness.
He has to fight.
He has hope.
He always has hope.
He just has to hold on.
Can't...breathe...
Air...you need...air...
Then he'll just have to try and open his mouth and breathe!
The darkness is suffocating. You don't breathe in anything at all here. You need air desperately, each moment harder and harder.
Then... he will just have to try and move. Move up ... anywhere... move!
You attempt to move upward - and slowly move. But it's moving too slow, your lungs screaming for air now. The darkness clings to you, holds to you tightly. It refuses to let go, like an oily embrace.
No, no, no. He can't stop and go down!
He has to... keep...
...
Light!
If up isn't the right way then he has to find his direction! Find the way out of the darkness... damn the air, find a source of light out!
Charisma check, +3 bonus.
still negative level penalty?
Correct.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20-1 : 1 - 1, total 0[/blockquote]
But it's impossible like this. You can't breathe. You can't do anything. You're dying, you're choking.
Through eyes drifting shut, you struggle to breathe and see someone above you, choking the life out of you. The tremendously fat and foul Orcus looms above you, a ghostly image ripping the life from you, not willing to let go.
He won't die like this...!
He musters his strength, the strength of his friends, his allies, his loved ones, all around him... he has to fight back with every fiber he has left...
To never give up hope, even like this!!
Charisma check again, same bonus as before. Good luck.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20-1 : 3 - 1, total 2[/blockquote]
i give up
The slightest hint of air, a tiny gasp as you get the tiniest amount out. It's something, a moment as the ghostly figure shines. Through squinted eyes you can see the figure is turning ghostlier and ghostlier, less and less solid, even as it chokes you away.
He..
Has to...
Keep fighting!
Even in the darkest times, he won't give up! He continues to struggle, to try and break free of the curse, of this horrible stain!
For Jetina, who he met again.
For Xandra, who he must've known before.
For Cresiel, who would bear this pain for him.
For Kaja, who would ridicule him for losing to this.
For Ilsenine.
For Lifasa.
For Hope!
Charisma, same as before. Make the third time a charm.
You know what they say about threes, remember.
i believe it's 'trouble comes in threes'
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20-1 : 1 - 1, total 0[/blockquote]
Trouble does, it seems.
Choking.
Dying.
Cold.
You awaken in pain all over, your body aching, your body throbbing. Everything -hurts-.
He just lays there for now. Ouch.
That didn't work at all, did it? Ouch.
No, he's ... still alive. Or... was he reb— ouch.
Just... just lay there for now.
You're lying in a bed. The ceiling above is the same ceiling as before. A bed sitting in the middle of a burrow hole, Xandra standing watch. When your eyes open she exhales audibly, "Moore," she says, "How are you? Can you speak?"
He will certainly try to say hello!
Ouch.
Your voice works, if barely.
"Thank the holy mountain," Xandra exhales, "Orcus tried to take your soul. I believe it only failed because of the presence of the World Serpent. You were right - it burned away the poison and the curse within you. But..."
He gestures, as if he expected to hear some bad news.
"The curse was wrapped around your soul. That means the poison reached there to destroy it," Xandra speaks gently, "The poison of the Jormugandr is perhaps the strongest poison in Creation. Yet Orcus's power would not let go without a fight. As it was put, you were stuck in the middle between them."
"Am I stuck here?" Moore quietly asks. He makes a gesture and a facial expression to indicate "or is it worse"
Roll 1d6, would you?
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 4, total 4[/blockquote]
Now 1d4.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d4 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
"No," Xandra says, "But your mind and health were scarred by both the poison and the curse. I don't know if you'll ever regain full ability there, not from such a combination." She rests a hand on your shoulder, "But in the holy mountain we will find what you need, worry not."
You lose 1 point of Constitution and 3 points of Intelligence. The negative levels are now gone, as is the profane penalty from Orcus.
My condolences on everything regarding this and those set of rolls.
'Limping Return' indeed.
I have Opinions about all of this, yes.
"If there's a place that exists," Moore says, a raspy thing barely above a whisper. "That can help put me fully right again, it's there. I knew this wasn't without risk, and I would rather have lost a bit of myself to my own idea, than to have lost all of myself to Orcus."
A smile as he lays back down.
"For now, I think I need a nap."
"You'll rest well, I promise," Xandra says, brushing back your hair and scooping you up. "Let's go home."
"Lots to do." Moore agrees. Ouch.
"...I'll have to see Pistis Sophia when I...feel better." He murmurs.
Okay, good work. You've made it to level 33. Go ahead and begin your level ups.