You rest, taking this chance to recover and mend yourself. You stir the next morning and have a bit of a slow morning, drowsing in bed an hour instead of getting up with the dawn. It's a luxury borne of victory, a chance to spend a little time with yourself. This is disrupted when there's a knock on your door. "Alyssa?" Ianvasah calls.
For my own reference:
1) New Node Things.
2) Words of Creation lesson. If that's not working out right now, then either Fleshknowers or start looking for the hidden room.
Alyssa shifts her clothes to be appropriate, but doesn't move from her lounging, "Come in "
Ianvasah enters, closing the door behind her. "You're up late this morning," she says, coming over to a nearby stack of cushions and sits.
"Yes. I've been work a lot. I've earned a lazy morning. What beings you here?"
"Ruminating," Ianvasah rests back, "It was...terrifying and enlightening to see the divine personally. To see them like that, not just commanding us or guiding us, but to see them more as they naturally are."
Alyssa grimaces, "Yes. Our power is cast, but theirs... They're on a level entirely separate, it seems. I could emulate some of what they do, but match it? Out last it? Considering those two aren't as powerful as Shar, I like our odds less and less. I'll have to get this One thing figured out fast."
A slight nod back. "And more...perfection. I see now that it's an ever going journey as Io shows us." Ianvasah admits, "It's what none of us can define because we don't have it, but-!"
A moment, a connection to Ianvasah. You feel it blossoming, bolstering and powerful.
Node update, go read.
Got it.
Alyssa smiles at Ianvasah, "Well, that confirms you realized something important to you. Please, continue your thought. I had one about your goal, but I want you to finish first."
"Oooh." Iavasah says, "Thank you." A bowing of her head before she goes on. Her cloak now has a faintly scaled look to it, you notice. "But that doesn't mean we can't search for perfection and try to obtain it."
Alyssa nods, "There are indeed less worthy ambitions. Tell me, have you thought on what might be your personal perfection?"
"I have," Ianvasah says, "I don't know what the answer is, but I have."
"I've some thought on possiblities. Your nature and emulation of dragons has led me to something. Have you heard of Steel Dragons?"
> roll 1d20+39 K:A
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=7]
"Hm." A pause, "Yes, they're dragons who usually live in humanoid and are rare," Ianvasah says, "I've heard of them a time or two."
Alyssa nods. "They are something I think you should study more deeply. Their life cycles might be of interest to you."
"What about them?" Ianvasah asks, "What about them is so wise? They sound more like men than anything else."
"Have you ever met a dragon that wasn't over proud of being what it was? And yet Io, the pinnacle of dragons created an entire breed that emulates other creatures. From the little I've found of them, other dragons hold them in high regard and their life long quests are closely guarded secrets. They emulate other beings and seamlessly mesh into society. Sound familiar?"
"Aye, I know," Ianvasah says at that, "Your point was made without being obvious."
"Well, perhaps it's something to ask Io about next time? Still, if there's a dragon out that that does the same thing that doppelgangers do, it's a path. If nothing else, you might pick up some tricks."
"Dragon or not, I doubt they're better than my kind," Ianvasah retorts, "We've good at blending in if we try at all. No, they're better because they have a far better starting position." Sitting up now as the sun's light slowly gets brighter, more and more coming after the dawn, "I have no doubt about that. Still, they may have insights or knowledge that would escape us, by them being dragons and us not."
Alyssa inclines her head, "Let me give you warning: going into any investigation with a preconceived notion will do nothing but cripple your discovery. Your kind has a... Poor reputation. Don't let that lead you astray."
Ianvasah's retort is cut off by a knocking on the door. "Alyssa, are you up yet?" Emily calls.
Alyssa rolls her eyes and grins lazily at Ianvasah, "One late morning and the demi-plane falls apart."
A bit louder she calls, "Come in."
Emily hip bumps the door open, carrying a tray laden with breakfast - looks like egg dishes on a glance. "Good morn-" she begins, "Oh, Ianvasah. I'd have brought more if I'd known you were here."
"I'm fully willing to share. I have magic that sustains me without food. Eating is something I enjoy."
Thus the tray is put down, "Well, I talked to my Moms," Emily begins.
"Oh? What about?"
"Well, about our current mission," Emily says, "She approved of what I was doing and our goals," Brightening at this and then drooping a bit, "Even if she did tell me to focus more on rescuing the slaves net time."
Ianvasah gets an omelet and tucks into it rather hungrily, a small bit of fried greens with it as well. Only after a few bites does she look up, "I don't think any of us were happy about that," she confesses. "Did she have useful council about what happened at the bank?"
"She suggested I do something riskier if it's needed to free slaves," Emily admits. "I talked to her some more and I think we could've made a stronger, more focused. I think the phrase is a spear thrust? A single spear thrust to punch through all defenses at once. So next time they have less of a chance to run away."
Alyssa nods. "I agree, we backed off. But my spells weren't punching through the way I expected. That changed after I regathered and refocused. I'm not a combat mage, exactly, but I'm getting there."
"We all have room to improve. I'm going to focus on my own magic soon," Emily admits, "I think I can bolster how I work - I need several adjustments, but I can do it. I know I can." She meets your gaze with her own smile, "We can do this."
"We can. Say, Seira's a Dragon Goddess, she might be able to find you a Steel Dragon to talk to."
Ianvasah considers here and nods, "Emily?"
"Oh, I can ask one of my Moms about that. Speaking of Mom Amaryl said she was happy for the effort and told me to keep going," Emily blossoms into a smile again, "I think they are, and will be even more if we do better next time, Alyssa."
It's at that moment that you feel it, a connection with Emily that resonates throughout you.
Node update.
Nice.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow. "Busy day. First Ianvasah and now you. We certainly seem to growing as a team."
"Speaking of that," Emily's smiling now even more, "How's Dolmaya settling in? I haven't had a chance to talk to her yet."
"Not sure. She's used to being solo, so I'm letting her make her space. We can give her a visit and find out."
"Oh, let's do that," Emily says, "Well, after breakfast."
Alyssa floats a fruit punch over to her and sips it, lounging through breakfast.
Good to move along to Dolmaya, then?
Yep
You find Dolmaya having set up in one of the currently empty classrooms. She's inspecting it, giving it a look over as you come in.
"How are you settling in, Dolmaya? Did you get everything you needed?"
"Well enough," With a casually amused look, "This room will do."
"Will do for what?" Emily asks, coming in after you. "Are you planning something?"
"Yes, let us in on the plan. We can help."
"Rather than repeating lessons when and if they are asked for," Dolmaya says, "A room full of proper equations and formulae would allow someone to study at their own pace and without occupying my time."
Alyssa nods. "I see... If we categorize by subject, we can place supplemental materials in order as well, so that all the study materials are in a single unit. It wouldn't work on a large scale, but in a setting like this, it'll streamline things. No running to fifty shelves, it's all in one place. A great idea."
"I thought so as well," Dolmaya agrees, "But you didn't come to talk about pedagogy, did you?"
"Just to help you get settled in. We outnumber the men now, so we should stick together and get to know each other."
"Women stick together," Dolmaya smiles a bit.
"Men," Ianvasah says, "There are many things they don't understand."
"Men have a clarity of vision in many things we do not." Dolmaya counters right back, "I rather like both of them - Bastian is civilized for one of his kind and Jarem's mind is quick enough."
"Agreed. But they can be altogether too stubborn about the wrong things. At the most inconvenient times."
"That reminds me of Uncle Donald," Emily speak sup, "He can be really stubborn on points."
"So they can. So can we," Dolmaya admits, "Spend a few centuries as a man and then revert, you'll find yourself far more understanding."
This gets Ianvasah to scoff, "I have spent time changed as a man, there's not much of value beyond foolishness."
"I wouldn't know, but that's an interesting point... Perhaps you should write a book. It would surely help."
"I have," Dolmaya says, "I'm afraid I'm not a talented writer, but the observations are all there." She goes to take a seat at one of the desks, "It takes a lot of time and spending it as a man, preferably from a simulated young age where you'd be treated like one. Childhood is the foundation and everything makes more sense that way."
"Oh?" Emily goes and joins her. "Did that help?"
"Mmm, yes," Dolmaya says, "In the end once you adjust and resocialize, you'll find you understand things much better."
Ianvasah stays standing, gaze cool as she adds, "It sounds like you lost yourself in a lie."
"A lie becomes true with enough magic," Dolmaya banters back. "Once it's true, does it matter from where it came? No."
"Interesting indeed. I think you and Ianvasah might have more to talk about than anyone realized. Perspective always helps."
The two exchange a long look and it's Dolmaya who speaks first, "We do," she says, "Now then, though! Less bickering and more getting to know one another!"
"Yes! Guest of honor first. Ask us questions Dolmaya."
"Emily," Dolmaya begins, "You've always known power?"
To this Emily blinks, "Well yes, I have," she admits, "I'm starting to understand how much, how a 9th level spell isn't easy for everyone else. My Moms and my blood made it so easy," she confesses, "All my Aunts and Uncles are strong as well, or they are deities."
"It's natural to you," Dolmaya says, "You wield power naturally, like you never truly struggled with cantrips and simple spells the way mortals did." Here she sits back, merely gesturing for Emily to lean forward, "You never even had to make so much effort as to lean forward to learn most magic."
"Well, there were the lessons, but I am a sorcerer and favored by my Moms," Emily's frowning now, "But it was so easy learning like that. One time I didn't manage wall of force right away when I advanced to it, but Aunt Alicia was there and pointed out how to do it better, and I had it the next casting. Then I sat in a starting lesson or two here and everyone worked harder for a magic missile than I did for an orb of acid."
Alyssa hums and jots a note down in her journal: Find a way to train Emily to struggle. Spell failure? Perhaps a new language for casting...
"I've found those born to power have a certain..." A moment's thought by Dolmaya, "Inhumanity about them."
"What?" Emily's face darkens, "I'm not inhuman!"
As Ianvasah watches, Dolmaya claps, "Very good, you aren't. You seem to be a sweet young woman...who came from an elite, spoiled background and doesn't understand how normal people work. You admitted that much by your own words. You also don't understand the common person, like a princess from a beautiful castle. Tell me, what of the naive princess in bardtales? How often is she the comedic or tragic figure because she doesn't understand something, or expects servants to fulfill her every whim?"
"What are you saying?" Emily says, slowly and carefully.
"I'm saying that you have gaps in your knowledge that can affect you more than you know," Dolmaya says, "Until it's too late."
Alyssa nods, "Think on the times you were confused or took issue at how I dealt with something. Often your arguments boiled down to 'but that's wrong' and no deeper understanding. You've gotten better, but I've had to work based on combat tactics for you to be willing to accept it, to a degree."
"It's how you learn," Dolmaya goes on, standing now, "You do, you learn. I wished to learn what a man thinks? I spent centuries as a man. A princess wishes to learn more about normal life? They life a normal life and learn. You'll still learn it fast, I have no doubt, but you need to learn."
Emily hms, "Well, there's nothing wrong with learning and knowledge."
"... I think, perhaps, Bastian might be the best for this. Though that might be too much, too fast. Jarem can show you the life of the lowest soldier. That might be an appropriate start."
"If it helps," Emily says, "Mom's always taught me there's more to learn and more to grow."
Alyssa nods. "That will serve well. Go on, Dolmaya."
"Think about that," Dolmaya says, then to you, "Alyssa, how do you like fighting?"
"I'm not a primary combatant. I rose in power through field research, so I'm more of a jack of all trades. I know I have the power to become a direct combatant, and I'm learning to become that, but... I'm a transmuter and that sort of thing is the realm of Evocation, which I'm helpless with. As of now... I say I focus on defensive spells and skirmish support. Mid to long range spells and Life-Drinker for close. Offensively, I lean more towards weakening and softening things for those who can hit harder, like Emily.
There's much new magic I have to develop in transmutation to make up the difference, and I have change the way I approach direct combat, I think."
"What are you doing wrong?" Is the natural question back.
"I've been thinking on that. I'm using too many of my high level spells for defensive spells to cover everyone. We're going to have to share the load, so to speak. I went into our last fight having cast something around 20 spells for everyone."
"Share the load so everyone can fight better," Dolmaya agrees, "What spells do you need going out for a worthy battle?"
"Energy immunity for one. One or two of those Dragon Princess spells would be great."
"Those are good," Ianvasah says, "What other spells? What about planar protections or mental protections?"
"Those are important," Emily says, "Also spells like greater heroism, but I can help with that."
Alyssa nods. "I am immune to most planar effects. Mind Blank is easy for me to put on everyone."
"Anything else? Mage armor?" Emily suggests.
Alyssa waves that off, "Easy for me."
"Well, who can manage what?" Emily asks, "We should make a list, Alyssa."
Alyssa nods. "I'll make a list and people can take over what they want."
Got that list handy, by any chance?
Any of this stuff:Long Duration:Everyone:Create Magic Tattoo: +1 Spellcaster Level, CL 32, Duration: 24 Hours.Create Magic Tattoo: Spell Resistance 20, CL 29, Duration: 24 Hours.Spell resistance equal to 10 + 1 per three caster levels.
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls.
+5 armor bonus to armor/shield.
enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls of +5
This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
This spell is identical to mage armor, except that it grants a +20 armor bonus to armor class.
Improved Initiative.Spiderskin, CL 33, Duration: 330 minutes.+5 ehnacnce to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
Any creature that hits with a handheld or natural weapon takes 1d8 points of slashing and piercing.
+6 insight bonus on initiative checks. If flanked, opponents gain no bonus on attack rolls.
Self +11 gain a telepathic bond that functions on the same plane and across planes.
Turn 1d4+6 spell levels of spells and spell-like abilities.[/i]
Use your caster level plus your casting ability in place of base attack bonus and dexterity modifier when you make ranged touch attack rolls with a spell you cast.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
Weapon deals an extra 1d8 points of damage to living creatures, heals user for equal amount.
Okay, cross post that in nagging so I can work on it later.
Done. Obviously the long duration ones are the best to split up, but whatever gets covered is fine.
As you talk that all out, all of you...
Go ahead, ball's in your court here to continue to move onto something else, as you please.
"I have a question for you, Dolmaya. Why was there a vault in a fiend owned bank with your name on it?"
"A gambit that didn't finish," Dolmaya explains, "Events conspired to keep me busy at key times."
"Well, if you have anything like that in the works, we might help, depending on the details. In any case, what shall we do now? We've a bit of down time. Shall we take the boys out to Brightwater?"
With a growing smile at that, "Jarem was talking about equipping everyone, a worthy cause," Dolmaya agrees.
"Oh, we could go," Emily seconds, "That would be worthwhile. Do you have anything in mind?"
"Well, I would have liked to get some gold for that armor. We're tight on funds. Know anyone who could help? Didn't you mother mention something about helping with it?"
"Oh yes," Emily says, "We could take care of that first?
Alyssa nods. "It's worth over 400,000 gold. That'll go a long way. If you want to arrange it, we could get Jarem's input on what he thinks everyone is lacking. I'm sure he's been thinking on it."
"I'll go visit," Emily says, "Why don't you all wait on that for shopping?"
Alyssa nods. "That's fine. Give your parents my greetings."
Next move in the meantime? This won't take long with Seira I reckon, just going to drop in and deal with it.
See if the family wants to go with us. Shopping in a God's realm might appeal.
You find Father's home but no one else. He's looking out the window, lost in his own thoughts, seemingly.
"Papa! How're things after the move? I'm sorry it's happened a few times now."
Your Father is startled from his reverie, "Ah! Alyssa," he turns, "We're doing fine. Your mother and sister are off having a picnic."
"And what were you so lost in thought over?"
"Eternity," he says it a little shortly, but stops. "This isn't somewhere I thought I'd see alive."
"Which means... There are things you wanted to see but gave up on. Papa, that doesn't matter anymore. You and Mom... I want you to make a list of things you wanted to do and see. We'll work on it. You two, Alihana, and me."
"It's not that," Walt replies, "People don't just visit the afterlife while they still breathe, Alyssa. Well...normal people don't."
"Normal people don't rise from poverty to be a Lord's personal blacksmith either. How many other smiths do you know that never made it past their own front door? You climbed the heights with what you had. Because of that, I climbed higher from there. Now it's my turn to give you a hand up."
Alyssa grins at him, "Enjoy it."
With an amused look, "Alyssa, right now, I'd just be satisfied if you got me lunch," he teases right back. "But I'm proud of you, no matter how much you make me think long thoughts."
"Well, easier to think without all the noise of hammering. Speaking of, I want you to work with Jarem and see what he needs for the rest of the soldiers. Once you do, let me know what facilities you want. And I mean want. It's time for you to have your own big dreams."
A pensive nod at that, "We'll have room to grow here for that," he agrees. "What sort of size and output are you thinking of? How many blacksmiths, how much expected material to be produced?"
Alyssa pokes him in the side, "That's your job to figure out," she sing-songs.
"But leave room to grow."
"That much?" Walt says, "Then I'll have to aim high, Alyssa. I hope you have the money for it."
"You worked to make my dreams come true. My turn. You let me worry about it. I think I'll have Mom and Alihana do the same for a seamstress shop. I think it's about time our family has it's own sigil, and uniforms."
"Really? Like a sigil, like a noble motto?" Walt considers this, "Like what?"
"Skill. Knowledge. Searching beyond our reach. Achievement. Those, I think, will be the basis. A motto... I'll work on. A sigil, I have some sketches, but Mom will ha e a better eye. It's our family, so your input is more than welcome."
"Reaching beyond?" Walt suggests, "Isn't that what you've done?"
Alyssa smiles, "Yes. That is an excellent core. Perhaps mom and Alihana will be able to polish it some. Reach beyond. Yes, a good core. How about we find mom and sister? With any luck we can get a start on lists for you and Mom. I have a trip planned."
"Oh, these old bones can go that far," Walt says, getting up.
"I can fix that, you know. For both of you."
"I feel far better after Jarem's magic," Father admits, "But do you have your own mending magic?"
"I can make you younger. By a... Not insignificant number of years."
A stop at that, "You can even do that now?"
Edit: Hi, this is the new secret slaad post. Quote this over in nagging and win a prize.
"I can. I have been able to for a while now. I offered it at the beginning when I brought you all to the Order, but I didn't want to go into details. I wasn't sure it was something you'd be interested in... Or believe. I think we're past that, and all three of you have opportunities more firmly than you did before. I wasn't joking when I said I wanted you to dream big. All of us can have the time to accomplish it. I think we're rather well paired up for great things, actually. You and I, the forgers of magical armor and weapons. Alihana and mom the creators of fantastic clothing. And once Alihana advances in her studies enough, she'll be the magic in their shop."
"I don't see any reason to say no," Father says slowly, "More stuff form fanciful tales, is it?"
"It's your tale, too, now. Let's go find them!"
You find the rest of your family outside of the school, having a quiet picnic amid the green grasses by one of the man dusty roads. It's quiet right now, the two snacking and chatting quietly. It's also sunny, warm, beautiful. Just a perfect day on a look.
Alyssa flops down next to them.
"So! I have a fortunate interruption for you two."
She holds up three fingers, "I have three opportunities for you. Interested?"
"Sister," Alihana says after having a little bite of fried and battered meat. "What opportunities?"
Mom looks your way, "Alyssa," she says, giving you a hug. "Are you well?"
"I'm perfectly fine. The first opportunity... Shopping! I'm planning a trip to a place named Brightwater. It's one of the biggest trade cities in the planes. Interested?"
That gets easy nods all around, "That would be great," A perk up from Alihana right away.
"The second... I think it's time Alihana and mom start working together to build a seamstress shop. Papa and I work well in the forge; we can make the armor and weapons. The two of you could make the clothes, shoes, pouches, and whatever else. The Songsteel family one stop adventure shop!"
A warm chuckle from your mother, "We have the space now. So much space here, an entire building!"
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 19 + 46, total 65[/blockquote]
As you walk, you hear footsteps coming down the road.
Alyssa perks up and looks for who's coming.
Travelers. A man and a woman, a young couple. An older dwarf, walking along. A pixie fluttering along. More and more and more.
Alyssa looks a bit confused... How did they get into the demi-plane? Surely her hosts wouldn't have allowed anyone dangerous in, could they?
"Hello? Might I ask who you are?"
The man and woman says, "I'm Stephar and this is Anna," he says, "We're looking for Alyssa?"
"That would be me. I'm assuming you were sent here to meet me by our hosts? It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances, but whatever are you doing here?"
"We were called here," Anna says with a smile, "When we sought employment, a priest of Shaundakul said we'd find it here if we took to the roads and walked to here."
"I... see. I'll trust in his wisdom, and welcome fellow chasers of the horizon. What kind of employment were you looking for?"
"I'm a hedge wizard," Stephar says, "Anna is a seamstress." Meanwhile more are coming - more and more by the minute, more roads ahead having people walk down them.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow at the incoming figures... "Well... this.. is becoming complex. Interesting."
Turning to the newcomers, "I don't mean to be rude, but this seems like it'll need a bit of organizing. If you'll accompany me to the main tower, we can... start to meet everyone."
So basically going to gather people and get them together?
Yeah, and get Jarem, Bastian, Ianvasah, and Dolmaya help sort through everyone.
As you head in, you find Bastian waiting for you. He's leaning against the doorframe, watching as he says, "There they are," he remarks.
"So you knew about this? The first ones I spoke to said Shaundakul guided them here. How many are there? Help me sort through this, since you knew about it."
"Enough," Bastian says, "I don't have an exact number, but enough for you to grow, expand and more importantly, do things. The seeds of industry - a kingdom if you want it." Rising and dusting himself off, "One here, two there, a small group from another place. The refugees of the road, those Shaundakul knows well."
"Hm. Much like the Order. I like it. Still, we need to get these people organized and figure out who does what and at what level. Let's get the others and get to work. I suppose the shopping trip will have to wait."
"It should be plenty to build with, and almost all will have useful talents," Bastian says, "Don't worry about food - that should be coming too, until we're up and running." Falling in step with you, "They're a mix of everything, so you won't need as much food as you'd think, anyway."
"Still, let's section off areas for farming growth. If we're self sustaining, that's fewer shipment and fewer chances for infiltration or attack. We'll need some sort of hirarchy, as much as I hate bureaucracy, to keep things somewhat smooth. You and Jarem will need to evaluate for soldiers and if anyone can help with a spy network. Let's get started."
Thus you get together and...
Okay, go ahead and outline what you want to do here.
Figure out who is skilled at what and get them in a groups, then getting them situated in to living and work spaces. Basically listing them like X, Y, Z are blacksmiths, A,B,C are farmers, ect.
Then some level of production capacity, I suppose.
Sure. Gimme a quick d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 64, total 64[/blockquote]
It's busy, hectic even - but effort begins to sort it out. Soon enough you're on your towertop office, looking down as the building is being expanded, more building starting to spring up around it in the first stages of construction.
So, I don't entirely know how demi-planes work, but can't I just will new structures up? Or is that a deity thing?
Deity thing.
Alyssa smiles a bit. "Well, at least once they're settled, we can begin real improvements. But first..."
Alyssa closes her eyes and focuses her mind and spirit, offering a prayer to Shaundakul, 'Wanderer, thank you for your guidance and support in helping me grow beyond myself. I will treasure this new journey.'
You can smell the scent of the sun baked roads, taste the dust in the air. Like this you give thanks and...
Realm post will be tonight. Meanwhile, next move? I assume this eats up some time but is primarily offscreen material.
Finish the talk with the family and then prep for the shopping trip.
Thus you get your family together in the evening and...
Go ahead, ball is in your court.
"So, did you think on the seamstress shop? There's at least one pixie to help."
"An entire shop of our own," Mother says slowly, "I never thought we'd own that much, Alyssa."
Alyssa smiles, "You can. It'll be yours and Alihana's. One day, she'll be able to enchant it herself. If you're both interested, that is."
"Of course we are," Alihana says, "Sister, this really is too good to be true, so why would we say no?"
"No reason to," Mother agrees, "Especially with so many people here now."
Alyssa nods. "Good! That brings me to the next point. Setting up a shop and Alihana's studies will take time. I've mentioned it to Papa, but... I can give you back a... Significant number of years and youth."
"Alyssa..." Mother murmurs, a hand to her mouth.
Meanwhile, Alihana just considers, "How many, sister?"
Alyssa looks at them seriously.
"About 100. I can only do it once. But there are other ways to extend a life."
Stunned silence follows this, all three staring at you. "A century?" Father finally says, "Just like that?"
"Not quite as easy as all that. It takes two weeks to cast the spell, but it is essentially a single spell. I can do it for pretty much everyone at once."
"Sister," Alihana finally says, "What limits do you even have?"
"That's a good question that I don't have much of an answer to except to say this: I witnessed the fallout of two God's fighting and I doubt I could do more than endure a single testing strike.
But I'm going to push and push until I can or I find my limit."
"Then we'll accept," Mother says, "There's hardly a choice when fairy tale offers are given to you."
Alyssa nods, "I'll discuss it with the others and make preparations then."
Okay, this looks to be winding down. Since after a 3 day weekend, next move?
Did Cor finish with the armor stuff? If so then we'll have some extra money for shopping. If not then I've got a small follow up with Jarem for the Wizards Grace thing.
Yes, see loot.
Awesome. I'll hold on to the jewels for now, would they happen to have any special properties now?
The 400k will get split 6 ways ( one for each PC except Dolmaya since she wasn't there and o e for the troops) so that's 66,666.66 each.
On to a shipping trip, but I want to do a thing with Walt and Jarem IC first about the Smith shop.
Go post about loot in loot, please.
Getting Father and Jarem together in your towertop office is easy enough and...
Go ahead.
"So, we've got two things to discuss. First, with our new people and expansion, we need a full production blacksmith and ferrier shop. I want you two to figure out what all we need to support it and our soldiers. Jarem has more experience, or might have a soldier, who knows army smithing."
"That's not hard to get specialists for, and I can drop word to a few names and get volunteers," Jarem says, "The won't be top of the line, but hungry masters who serve below grand masters and the like, those who know the craft but aren't good enough to be fully decorated officers and commanders yet. Blacksmithing's a bottleneck for us, as we get a lot of them because the faith encourages them and focuses on them - every strategist needs a good logistical flow."
Father's sitting down and listening, "Besides that, we'll need hands as well as places for apprentices to learn."
Alyssa nods, "I have hopes I can make contact and, eventually, a deal with that Earth Elemental cult I read about. If I can, they'll be able to supply us and help."
"Earth elemental smiths are excellent, if you can get one that's learned enough and is smart enough to be directable," Jarem says, "It's less common than you'd hope, but the good ones are worthy paying for. Several of our armies keep such elementals on retainer and it's proven useful. You see, most earth elemental smiths don't even use fire, but work directly with the metal." Jarem brings his hands together and stretches them apart slowly, "It's like pulling stretchy candy into a particular shape."
"That's a trick I'd like to learn."
"It takes being an elemental," Jarem says, then grimaces, "Of course there's more to it because then you have to get them to remote the impurities in the metal and properly adjust it, and most elementals don't like doing it."
Alyssa nods. "Something to think on. Now to the second point. I've offered to extend the lives of my family. By roughly 100 years. I'm offering the same to you and Emily and the others, though I doubt you need it. But, it presents an opportunity to reward some of those that have been with us. Do you ha e any among your followers that are deserving? I plan to offer Delize the chance as well."
"I don't," Jarem says, "Even if I get to die of old age, I'm already going to get an immortal body and keep my memories." With a bit of a smile there, "No need for me. For the others...mmm, no, not right now, but I'll keep an eye open and think about it."
"Well, the spell will take two weeks to cast. The sooner I start the better."
"Then go on," Jarem says, "I'll not hand it out lightly."
Alyssa nods. "If anyone does distinguish themselves before I start, let me know. Otherwise we'll proceed once the blacksmith and seamstress shop is sorted. Thank you, Father. Find a parcel of land you like and get that list done. Once you and Mom are satisfied with your preparations, we'll go shopping."
Okay, onto shopping then? If so, what do you want to do here?
Getting the stuff for the shops, taking the family, general shopping/RP. One of Jarem's things is gearing everyone so this is working towards that.
Okay, everyone has a good hunk of change. Most of this is OOC bait to keep you moving, so I'll do that this evening. In the meantime?
Gimme a d100 real quick, see if anything happens in Brightwater.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 31, total 31[/blockquote]
As you all shop, it's Emily that comes up to you, "Oh Alyssa, come with me a minute."
Alyssa waves the others to contuinue and goes with Emily.
Once away, "Mom also fixed up a few other things, but gave me quests to purify them - including your ring," Emily explains, "Once we're stable, I'll need to go away awhile to do those quests."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "Am I not invited to purify my own equipment?'
"Well, I think Mom had me in mind for them," Alyssa admits, "But well..."
"Hm. Well, if you clear it with her, I'm happy to help. It is my ring, after all. Though I think it's about time I find a personal signet, also."
"Okay," Emily says, "What sort of signet?"
"I've been working on something, but it needs refining, I think."
With a simple Prestidigitation spell, Alyssa forms the rough illusion of an eye beyond a horizon.
Go ahead and describe it a little more with color as well? Details matter here.
I did that really basic and rough mock up of it. I tweaked it real quick, but here it is (couldn't get the insert image thing to work):https://imgur.com/EGnfEbF (https://imgur.com/EGnfEbF)
Emily eyes it, "I'd suggest a little less...well....overlord watching you at all times," Emily finally says, hesitantly.
"Ah. I suppose I can see that. I meant it more to be more representative of knowledge beyond the horizon... Perhaps just the horizon with a path to it?"
"A path is good, a horizon is good, an eye can be good," Emily says, "Mix it up something like that."
"Hm.. Well, what about two birds in flight instead of an eye? Symbols of freedom?"
"Oh, I like that," Emily perks up, "That's very inspiring and also shows flight and freedom." Clapping her hands together, "I really like that one."
Alyssa nods, "Then once you get that ring purified, we'll modify it to that and it'll be officially be my signet. Now I need a sigil expanding on the signet and a motto. Then I can take the final step and establish myself as royalty in the new realm. I figure it's about time I complete that step, since I was practically crowned by the Order before we left."
"Oh," a hand to her mouth, "You've decided to be a Queen, Alyssa? Well, you certainly do rule your realm, there's no question of that."
"Well, seems to be thing to do, among Gods, demi-gods, and Empresses. Keep it quiet for now, though. Until I have everything ready, who knows what might happen. Let's head back to the others. But if you have any ideas for a motto, and outside perspective might inspire."
"I will," Emily promises, going along.
Anything else to do here, Alyssa?
Nope, just general shopping. Or not pending the Nine Stars thing and needing to save money. I do want to put cash towards the two shops for the family regardless. This was mainly an RP thing for them, so if it's running dry or whatever, you can move us along if you want.
Sure, how much cash do you want to put aside for the family?
Honestly, it's whatever it needs. I can't imagine it'll insane, but if it's over... Say... 35k I might ask for some toss in from others.
They'd say start at 10k - that's a ton of money and assuming the demiplane manages any sort of economy, that should help take care of the rest.
10k each or total? If it's total, I'll toss another 5k on it to make it tops.
15k total then. Post the expense in loot.
Done.
Soon enough you're back home and from there...
That's pure OOC bait to figure out the stones and those are gonna be expensive, so not a lot to do there otherwise. Next move?
Try to contact Shaundakul about the gates and the comms thing.
Cool, cool. How are you contacting him?
Same pious way. A prayer and wandering towards the horizon.
d100 for me?
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 36, total 36[/blockquote]
You walk on the roads towards the horizon. Your demiplane slips aside and your path takes you up a mountainous path. Here fields of glowing white flowers illuminate the way, joined by the radiant glow of the stars and full moon. Higher and higher the path winds, and below you can see this mountain rises out of a still, dark ocean that reflects the moonlight and becomes a sea of ethereal silver from it.
Alyssa smiles at the view as she slows to a meandering pace to take it, knowing she'll be able to relive the view through her memory spell.
"It rather looks like a field of flowers, in a way..."
As there are literal fields of glowing white flowers, that is a logical conclusion to draw.
You slow down, taking in the view. The moon above shines bright and true - the shadows retreat on this night, not facing the moonlight.
You can hear the laughter of children from above, further up the path.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and strolls on, following the sound.
Atop this mountain is flatland, flowers spread all about. The air glitters with glowing pollen, and amid it all sits a gazebo. You can see the faintest image of children playing around it, fading away as...
Perception.
Perception/Terrain Bonus:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+49 : 3 + 49, total 52[/blockquote]
The fading images are of yourself and your siblings, a moment's memory flaring as you see them.
Alyssa let's out a hum, enjoying the memory and watching it play out.
Just flickers now, little fading bits that are too indistinct to draw anything from.
Yet you find yourself smiling afterwards.
Quick check, what languages do you speak? Matters.
Common, Draconic, Celestial, Abyssal, Elven, Sylvan, Halfling, Infernal, Dwarven, Aquan, Auran, Ignan, Terran. But I'd have Bibliotheca running as a standard daily buff which gives all languages.
On the wind is the gusting sighs of Auran, which speak as follows, "In the wind I can be found, for the wind always travels towards the next adventure. It never ceases moving, even in the stuffiest lull."
Alyssa considers and takes to the air, closing her eyes and letting the hood of her cloak down, letting the wind move her hair and feeling the current of it and flying along with it.
You fly on the wind, flying above the mountain. You are carried over the sea as you have a sense of being watched, of being traveled with. Someone is near you, a simple feeling of someone being there and listening.
Alyssa opens her eyes and surveys the area, taking in where her wanderings lead her.
You are over the ocean, flying amid the moonlight. No one is around you and you don't see land in any direction.
"Back at the ocean, hm? Perhaps to suggest an unexplored realm?"
Alyssa takes a moment to study the horizon of the ocean, meditating on the thought of exploring underwater.
You meditate that on a time, all while you have that sense of someone being there and listening.
Alyssa begins praying to Shaundakul in her meditation. More of a reverent conversation, really.
'My Lord Shaundakul, I seek your wisdom and helping hand. I feel my move into your realm was the right thing to do, but I also hold concerns about leaving Arythma to fend for itself. I do not hold the power to be able to mask communication with the Order from the likes of Shar, and I worry about Malcanthet being vengeful over my snubbing her. I ask for guidance on how to accomplish this.'
On the wind the same voice is heard again, "Beware both, but Malcanthet can be stopped easier. Neutralize her first and find peace with her, one way or another."
Alyssa gives a mental nod. A decision made.
'But how do I shield my communication with the Order? Is there even a way to do so?'
"What is spoken aloud can be overheard, what is written can be read. The dictates of the mind, while not inviolate, are far harder to intercept," The voice whispers on the winds.
'So, telepathic communication. My last important question: would you object to our building a gate system at the entry of the realm?'
Here a warm laugh travels in the wind, "Alyssa, return and walk a path normally, and you will understand."
Alyssa let's herself drop to the surface of the the ocean with a grin and uses her flight to mimic walking across it.
The feeling of someone listening is gone, as you walk across the waters or close to it.
Alyssa heads back!
I can wander or plane shift, up to you if you want to move this on or do some more random stuff.
Getting back isn't hard - you turn back and you're there, on the dusty paths leading to your home.
Alyssa takes the time to walk, considering...
'Interesting. A unique property of the plane, a step takes you where you're meant to be?'
Going to investigate this at all?
Sure, it's worth understanding.
How are you going to investigate, then?
Focus on a location and take a blind step to start off with. After that, I straight up don't have any ideas.
What location?
Umm... I'd say.. The Fleshknowers for the hell of it, but I think Jarem and the others would throw a hissy fit if it worked and I went solo, so I guess at least mention it to them.
Getting to Jarem proves to be wise, "Right, but don't go alone," he says, "I'll go with you. We're just testing this. These Fleshknowers, what plane are they on?"
"Earth, somewhere. I don't know, and that's part of the experiment. I think it may work best at the entrance to the demi-plane."
"Alright, we'll try this," Jarem says, "I can get us back after."
Go ahead.
"Alright, here we go..."
Alyssa closes her eyes and focuses on what she knows of the Fleshknowers from the journal and takes a step of faith forward.
Suddenly, the air is musty and you feel pressure all around you, pressing down on you.
You know that feeling.
The feeling of the heavy gravity in the Elemental Plane of Earth.
Alyssa opens her eyes and looks around.
"Well isn't that fascinating. How absolutely wonderful."
Alyssa taps the small symbol of Shaundakul she keeps pinned inside her cloak with a feeling of warmth and reverence.
"Highly useful," Jarem agrees as you stand in a narrow cave, a path leading deeper into the stone passages ahead of you. "Assuming it's precise, we'll save effort getting places and need less magic to do so."
Alyssa nods. "I think there might be an element of interpretation in it. Less 'take me where I want to go' and more 'take me where I should be' with consideration for where you want to go. Still, a good thing. Now, let's see if we can't find these Fleshknowers. Do you speak Terran?"
Jarem shakes his head, "No, and I don't have a language spell prepared. Let's commit to this tomorrow, readied for it in case things go wrong. We can return."
Alyssa nods.
"Let's see if the demi-plane will pull us back. I think it will considering our new residents."
Alyssa repeats the step of faith with her new home in mind!
Unfortunately, nothing happens to that.
"Well, can't have everything, I suppose. Let's get back and make some preparations. We might even try to summon an Elemental or two to see if we can get more information before we try to meet them."
Okay then, what sort of prep are we looking at here?
I don't plan to do much beyond my normal prep. Beyond that, a bit of research and maybe summon an elemental or few for some questions.
Sure, summon away. Describe where you're doing it and how and we'll get to it.
Alright, I'm assuming that the older/bigger an elemental is the more they are likely to know, so if I'm wrong let me know.
Alyssa finds an out of the way area behind the twoer to summon the elemental.
Summon monster X, CL 33.
Using to summon 1d3 Elder Earth Elementals.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 2, total 2[/blockquote]
Thus behind the tower they appear, a pair of elementals forming and materializing to your commands. They loom above you as...
Go ahead.
Alyssa addresses them as formally and politely she knows how in Terran, "Greetings children of Earth. I called you to ask questions and gain the knowledge and deep wisdom of the stones."
Both turn and stare at you, awaiting your command.
"Earth," One says, eloquently. "Earth is good."
Alyssa nods, "The Earth is good, wise, and knowledgeable. There is a group among your Earth brothers known as the Fleshknowers. I would ask to know the long memory the Earth has of them."
One is silent, but the other says, "Fleshknowers are strange. They are of Earth but study what is not of Earth."
"This is strange, and I am interested in why. Perhaps they can help me understand Earth better. Perhaps they can help me bring others to know Earth as well."
"Earth is good," The elemental agrees at that.
"Where can I find them?"
"Earth," Is the answer you get, "On Earth."
"Can you take me to them."
"I return to Earth soon. Go to Earth. Call others. Call stronger in Earth." The elemental says. "Call greater, call monolith of Earth."
"I will Earth brother. Return to Earth's Embrace."
And like that they are gone, the spell ended.
Alyssa heads to find Jarem and the others.
Easy enough and...
Plan here, then?
Whoever wants to go and find a way to speak Terran. Get there, do a summoning and then follow and talk.
Sure. List out normal prep, I'll get things prepped for spoiler blocks tonight.
Of note: someone needs to do a Mass Energy Immunity: Fire. We also never finalized splitting some of these buffs up.Long Duration:Everyone:Create Magic Tattoo: +1 Spellcaster Level, CL 32, Duration: 24 Hours.Create Magic Tattoo: Spell Resistance 20, CL 31, Duration: 24 Hours.Spell resistance equal to 10 + 1 per three caster levels.
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls.
+5 armor bonus to armor/shield. (+2 via Mind over Matter: Total bonus +7)
enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls of +5
This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
This spell is identical to mage armor, except that it grants a +20 armor bonus to armor class. (+2 bonus via Mind over Matter: Total bonus +22)
You have the benefits of the attune form spell (page 17) with respect to the appropriate element.
You are immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet.
Fire: Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained. Perfect recall of memory and anything heard/read. Speak all languages.
Improved Initiative.Magic Circle Against Evil, CL 32, Duration: 320 minutes.+2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistace bonus to saves. Immunity to possess or exercise mental control (charm/complusion). Natural weapons recoil.
+5 ehnacnce to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
HP: 281/281
AC: 57.
Spells Active: Magic Vestment (CL21), Create Magic Tattoo (SR/Spellcaster Level/Attack) (CL29/25/21), Elemental Body: Fire (CL30), Mind Blank (CL30), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL30), Energy Immunity: Cold/Acid/Electricy/Sonic (CL32), Epic Mage Armor (CL30)
Bonuses: SR 20 (CMT), +1 Caster Level (CMT), +1 Luck Attack (CMT), +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge checks (BA), +20 Armor Bonus (EMA), +7 Armor Bonus/Shield (MV)
Negative Conditions:
Jarem'll cover that. Okay then. Jarem and Dolmaya will go, Emily's a little busy and so is Ianvasah and Bastian. Ready to get going?
Sounds good.
Jarem readies his armor one last time as the three of you head towards the dusty roads. Past the beginning of buildings, of the people here being industrious. Dolmaya watches them as she goes past and says, "There's something magical about watching the start of a new city. New buildings, new people, new hopes. Nothing yet ground down by the pull of reality."
"Well, your experience and council to delay that as long as I can will be welcome."
To that Dolmaya merely says, "Wise of you. This is your newborn city you're overseeing? Then get it right from the beginning. Make sure buildings are built right. Push for stone whenever possible, brick as well. Avoid wood and straw, they go up in flames one day. Make sure any sewer drainage is adequate for future growth and expansion, and also make sure that your road system is well designed. Having to tear down things and rebuild is far more expensive than getting it right the first time."
Alyssa nods, "I have so e knowledge of engineering, but not much in the way of architecture. We'll have to find someone who can lead that. I think pairing whoever that is with a conjurer and some Earth Elementals. They can bind the stone better."
"Brickmasons can help," Jarem suggests, "Stone works too, depending on the natural resources."
"Next," Dolmaya says, "Give yourself room to grow. An outer wall's fine, but if you make it, be prepared to have it become an inner wall and build another outer wall as your city expands. If something works now but won't work in a decade or generation, do it better to save headaches later. Make sure to play a roll in establishing and supporting proper builds and tradesmen. Make sure they have legal protections they can trust, so that they'll be productive and loyal."
Alyssa hums, "I think I might leave that to military mages. Stone Wall is simple enough that mages in training can do it as part of their academy duties. It'll need reinforcements eventually, but it might be a good way to get the foundation of the walls set and teach what to look for during a siege."
"You can never have enough defensive walls," Jarem says, "Nor aerial defenses, nor subterranean defenders." Smiling just a bit, "But enough about that, we're here. One step forward, think of the destination."
Alyssa focus as before and leads them forward to Earth! She hopes.
Thus you appear on the path you were on before in Earth.
Dolmaya takes a momentary look around, while Jarem says, "Let me lead the way, in case we come on any problems."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and gives Dolmaya a smirk.
"Go ahead, you big strong man you."
Jarem flashes you a smile at that, "Don't you have some knitting to do?"
Alyssa smiles warmly back, "Do keep in mind who the blacksmith that's going to make your equipment is."
"As long as you keep in mind who can heal you here," Jarem agrees, chuckling.
Dolmaya watches this back and forth, and as it winds down, smiles quietly.
Alyssa chuckles.
"I'm no stranger to Divine magic, either."
Okay, Perception for reference, all.
Perception (+3 to this roll if Terrain bonus applies):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 7 + 46, total 53[/blockquote]
The path winds on, widening slowly and constantly turning, leading you on.
Until around a turn you see it. A human sized elemental, a mass of dirt and stone. It wears leather pants studded with metal and wears a crudely tanned leather shirt, a size too small for its body. It bulges as it moves. "Oh. Fleshy ones," It says, eyeing the three of you. "Know flesh!"
What language is it speaking?
Common.
"Hello, Earth Brother. We're here to speak to you and the other Fleshknowers. I am Alyssa Songsteel."
Jarem stays in position, "Leather?" he asks curiously.
Dolmaya eyes the elemental and quietly shakes her head. "I've never seen THAT before."
Meanwhile, the elemental says, "Speak, I'm here."
"Do you mean that you are the only one?"
The elemental meets your gaze - which isn't very effective when it has rocks for eyes. "You can trust me," he says slowly.
Alyssa sends through the bond, 'That was a little serial killer-ish...'
"That's part of why we'd like to meet the other Fleshknowers. We're interested in learning about you all and perhaps sharing knowledge and culture."
The elemental nods slowly and starts to walk. "Follow. Do not dance. Do not caper. Follow."
Alyssa looks confused, "Do you mean running?"
"Run!" The elemental says, "That's the word. Do not run. Follow."
Alyssa nods slowly.
"Alright... How many of you are there?"
"Many." The elemental says, "Many. Hundreds."
"Interesting. What about us, specifically, are you all interested in learning?"
"Fleshy things!" Is the answer, energy in that voice, "Like your blood," he goes right on, as Jarem casually readies his sword. Dolmaya's pace slows a bit, gaze on him. "It's so red, except when it's blue, or some fleshy creatures have green or purple or other types of blood. They say it tastes like copper, but it tastes nothing like copper."
"Ah. Well, as a bit of advice, when you have questions like that, it implies that you want to kill the fleshy ones in order to find out. It's like if I wanted to know what type of stone you are and wanted to put you in magma to find out. It's best to start with something like, 'My question is,'."
"That is reasonable," The elemental says, "Learning about Earth is important. Good."
"But if the fleshy ones think they'll get hurt, they won't want to know about Earth. Asking first will help."
Meanwhile, you are lead along. Lead along through corridors, through places. Towards a cavern with a building - a castle. A real castle, just sitting there, made of the same brown stone as the stone all around you. "There," the elemental points, as other elementals come and go, most wearing clothing of various types. "Here."
"Interesting. Do you have a leader? One most knowledgeable about the fleshy ones?"
Perception, please.
Perception (+3 to this if Terrain Mastery applies):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 12 + 46, total 58[/blockquote]
As you go Jarem takes in it, "Do all of you even like clothes?" he asks aloud.
Dolmaya chuckles, "Mimicry is the heart of adoration," she quips, coming forward to the elemental. "The complement is accepted."
Alyssa sends through the bond, 'Caution, Jarem. Until we puzzle out a bit more of exactly how deeply rooted their desire is, be careful. If it's less more adoration and more zealotry, you could trigger an avalanche. I seriously doubt their control is lessened any."
"They are fleshy," The elemental replies, "Made from flesh."
Jarem just smiles back in the meantime. 'I know. I doubt they will, though, with how they're interested in creatures like us.'
'Zealots are unpredictable, no matter what their interest. They could be offended we don't live up to expectations.'
"How do you normally learn about fleshy ones?"
"Give them gems and metals, and they teach us," You're told as you walk in, all the elementals stopping to watch the three of you. "Little things go far with fleshies."
Alyssa nods and waves with a smile and switches to Terran, hoping for a little more verbose exchange.
"Yes, that seems likely. Have any of you ever lived with fleshies?"
"Many of them," His Terran is well formed and flawless, coming quickly - for an elemental, anyway. "They live here while they help us. I've been around them, summoned at times, but never for long."
Dolmaya walks unconcerned by the looks as she adds, "The best way to learn is to immerse yourself in a new culture. You'll drown until you swim, but it's the best way to learn."
"Ah, I should have spoken in Terran earlier. This is much better. What have you picked up from our kind? Skills or trades or what all?"
"I am a chef," He answers, "I can make all of you a meal."
Jarem keeps on going, "Food's important," he says, "What do you usually cook?"
"I mash potatoes and add Fibraux Cheese, which is made on Fire. Fleshies sweat and cry when they eat it, but they say they like it. How strange you flesh creatures are!" Is the answer that is given.
"Spicy mashed potatoes. How... Unusual. Are you organized with someone who negotiates with the ones that visit you?"
"Yes, I will take you to him," Your guide offers, "He will explain."
"Excellent. Thank you."
The castle is...well, a castle. Good enough at what it is. You're taken inside and up a tower, to which you are left outside a room while the elemental goes on. A few moments later, "Enter," A rumbling voice calls.
Alyssa enters and takes in the room and takes it in, as well as the occupants.
Inside is a comfortable enough room. There's even chairs to sit on, as a human sized elemental stands at the window. "Come, sit," he invites n Common. "We can talk terms."
Alyssa takes a seat, "Thank you. I am Alyssa Songsteel, these are my companions Jarem Aruwood and Empress Dolamaya Augurson. Your group here is fascinating."
The elemental is one great big hunk of stone, wearing a rich red cloak and flowing red robes, the sort a classical wizard might wear. A shock of black hair is atop his head - an ill fitting toupee of some kind, staying in place by what must be magic or an act of divine will.
"Fascinating and different," Jarem says, "However did you come to it?"
Dolmaya sits, "Most elementals are only interested in their element. You have a spark of curiosity in your eyes, of wonder."
"Just so!" The elemental says, "There is more than Earth, as important as Earth is."
"Indeed. However did you become so fascinated by things outside of Earth? What was the first thing that caused it?"
"A summoning," The elemental says, "But first, my name is Koruval Earth. I spent a long time on the Prime Material Plane, learning from a particular group of dwarves. I was stuck with them and them with me, and I began to wonder."
"How unusual. I understand you have visitors from time to time?"
"We have visitors," he agrees, "Flesh creatures willing to help, it's all in the name of knowledge."
"What sort of deal is normal?"
"You teach us, you get this," The elemental goes to a drawer on the side, and comes forth. He drops a double armful of golden nuggets, uncut gemstones and other precious ores to the ground. "You flesh creatures love these worthless things."
"Hmm. A good trade. I'm interested in a bit more... Expansive deal, however. I'm starting a new city. What would you say to some of your people coming to work with us? Full immersion, help us with materials and working stone and metal, and your people have full exposure."
Jarem eyes this with a perfectly relaxed expression, smiling.
Koruval considers and goes back to the cabinet. He takes another double armful and drops it with the first, giving Alyssa an expectant look.
"Before that, I think we should clarify expectations. I need to be sure that if we proceed, there are things in place to prevent misunderstandings. And deal with them when they do happen."
"Like what?" Is the question back.
"Well, our guide here made a comment about being curious about our and seeing it. A few of those around farmers or soldiers will cause more than a few issues. We'll need a fluent mediator and a set of topic that should be avoided except with designated people who won't react poorly to them."
Our what, Iddy? I think you're missing an important word there.
Blood, sorry. Got lost via phone.
"Let's start with a simpler one - food," Your host says, "That is safe?"
"Food that your people cook? I'm fairly confident in saying that until relationships and confidence is built, everyone would prefer one of their own checking things before they're served. I understand you have skilled chefs, but it's less a concern of skill and more of confidence. No one has heard of elemental chefs, and, to be frank, the Elementals most deal with are short duration and rather... Singularly focused on their element."
"I mean your food, and how you eat. You eat soft things like meat. Meat!" The elemental says, "Not proper things like stone or gems. You can't, your teeth break or they kill you from the inside, and that's just sad."
Alyssa nods slowly, "Yes. We do, we are made that way. You can ask near anything about food, just not while we are eating. Politeness, you see."
"Not talk while eating? Another strange habit," is the answer you get.
"Eating is meant to be a time to talk and share," Dolmaya points out, "Hardly a time to quiz yourself on what you're eating, though telling the chef that it's good is only proper manners."
"How strange," Koruval says, "We don't go talk to Grumbar every time we eat a stone."
"That's because food is less of a struggle for you. Before we had civilization, we had to roam and hunt. And the things that were hunted for food could hunt in return and were often attracted by the kill. So we ate in groups. And then we developed cooking which makes food last longer and taste better. But before we had books, the skill was passed from one person to another through teaching, and so there were fewer who could cook than hunt. And those that hunted were thankful for the cooking."
"It's like a fight when you want to eat, so you honor the victors," Jarem points out, half smiling at it all.
"That's....so dark," The elemental finally says, "Dark as somewhere without stone and dirt."
"It is, but there's celebration of life and balance. Things we eat, eat plants. If there are too many of them, then the plants can't flourish. We eat them and help control the balance. A druid could explain this better to you. We have a friend who is one."
"Plants come from soil and earth," Your host wrinkles his nose, "But they aren't like stone and earth at all. How strange! This is much to think about."
"If we come to an agreement. We can't stay here, an I know your people all want to interact with us. What do you think of a rotation? A group comes to us for a few months, then comes back and another group comes. A few of you stay longer, to help the new ones."
"Hmmm...." Koruval considers, "On one condition."
"Which is?"
"You do have good rocks for eating there?" Is the question you get. "Good, strong rocks."
"I haven't taste tested them myself. I'll leave that up to whoever you send."
With that you have a crushing handshake and...
Anything else to do here?
How much and what are we getting exactly? We should at least go over that before calling it closed.
Got any ranks in Appraise or the ability to discern how much that's roughly worth?
My appraise is +28, so I guess I'll roll that, but I meant more of a long term deal and trade for resources. Like regular shipments of metals for forging and what not
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 13 + 28, total 41[/blockquote]
In that case just go bring it up directly then IC.
"I'd like to work out a deal for supplies as well. We need resources, various metals, stone for building, things of that sort. We'd like to arrange regular shipments since we're building a city from the ground up. I'd also like to know if you have anyone who can help with soil enrichment."
"Hmmm." A consideration for that, "You'd have to help us with the eating, and the sleeping. Why do you sleep like that when you can be awake all the time?"
"I thought you were going to send people to stay with us? If you want to know about specific things just give them a list and we can work through it with them.
As for sleeping, we can't stay awake all the time. It's not a choice, it's biology. Sleep is required as much as sleeping."
Just for reference here, give me Diplomacy.
It's important enough to use Cunning Knowledge.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+67 : 6 + 67, total 73[/blockquote]
A nod at that, "Then it is a deal," He agrees.
It was mostly a confirmation sorta diplo check.
"Wonderful. It'll be wonderful to have your help. I look forward to learning from you and teaching your fellows."
Loot post then real quick, and anything to do to wrap up here?
Nope, I'm good.
Alrighty then. Next move once you get home?
I dunno, honestly. Sorta waiting on Moore to do a Words of Creation lesson, so if that's not ready... Chauntea thingy.
Let me weave you into that, then. One sec. Were you waiting on Moore to make contact or to make contact with him?
Well he was in that Tryll adventure so I wasn't even trying to contact him yet. Is that done?
No, so go ahead and toss him a sending.
Alyssa casts a simple Sending to Moore, 'Lord Moore, would you be able arrange a time for another lesson?'
Go ahead and toss that in Moore's thread.
Locking.