Oberuth's reaction to your comment is an even look back. It's not until you're back surface side that he remarks, "Creation rewards me with everything except what I want."
"Right or wrong," Sanzha says, "We have made a mark on Creation today that will not soon fade."
"That's not quite true," Seira notes with a teasing smile. "You wanted to be rid of that power and I've done my best to arrange it~"
"At least someone's happy," Oberuth admits, "What does this mean for Bytopia, longer term?"
"Hope, first and foremost. But I was just about to discuss it with the others. Even though it's Cauldron business, would you like to join us? You know I value your input."
A simple nod is your answer.
Heading back?
Yes
In a short while, they reconvene in the Cauldron's war room, except it had been redecorated since its last use. A massive oval oak table takes up the center of the room, dwarfing any other furniture. It doesn't truly have a head, so when Seira claims a seat it is at random.
Everyone files in - save for Sanzha. She strolls in and leaps up, a flip over all of you. Her chair becomes a throne of water, held together by no discernible force.
Elle starts to say something, a look of pique, but Donald quietly takes her to her seat. Something about seven years bad luck, you overhear him murmur to her, as she shoots Sanzha a look of pique.
"So, are acrobatics part of the Padisha's court, or is that a personal touch?" Ranbar wonders aloud.
"A little bit of both, from personal experience," Seira responds. As the last of her people follow her lead and take a seat at the table, she closes the room's double doors with an expression of her will and seals the room away from observation. Her avatars will handle anything that comes up, since this is important.
"First, thank you for being patient. I know that between ascensions between several of our number and the restoration of Bytopia, it's been a very busy day. However, these matters really couldn't wait."
Seira smiles at all present, and doesn't make them wait any further. "Our first order of business is to officially form our pantheon. We've discussed this before, but right now we actually have seven deities. We might not match their power, but we can certainly restructure the Cauldron to seven realms the way Celestia is arranged." And seven is a nice number given Bytopia used it too.
"Seven realms is a good number, too," Ranbar agrees, "It fits us."
"Okay, so...markets and fire," A point to Seira, "The classical Cauldron. Elf shit," Donald points at Amaryl, who reddens. "Water and oceans," A look to Sanzha. "What else?"
"How about seven realms that connect at the current Cauldron in the center?" Kascha speaks up, "Each realm is a realm of its own, like a planar layer, but all meet here?"
"We could make a more classical layered system, higher or lower," Lady Sanzha concurs with a thoughtful look, "Though there is a certain grace to Kascha's idea, if you prefer to defy the classics. Though that is more for planes than divine realms, which usually end up being arraigned differently."
Elle drums her fingers on her armrest before, "If we did do seven realms, we'd need dragons in each of them. Obviously."
"We could do one oversized city, as Brightwater does," Amaryl clears her throat before going on, "With little outreaches beyond that for our own interests, rather than being entirely city focused."
'...also, if we could make layers, could Dispater in the Iron Tower?' Amaryl sends to you. 'It seems similar to what we've already heard he may have done there.'
"Look at it this way. We currently have three layers. It doesn't matter overmuch as we're a demiplane, but were we to open the Cauldron to the rest of Creation properly right now, travelers would only reach the outer slopes and no matter how much they dig or tunnel, they wouldn't reach the inner terrace layer. Obviously, there would be no teleporting from the terraces to the volcanic lake or the central shaft, which constitute the final, inner layer," Seira responds.
"The realms will represent us," she continues, ignoring Donald's rudeness. After all, he was the voice of wisdom earlier when Sanzha picked some meaningless fight with Elle, and if she starts rebuking everyone they'd be here till tomorrow. "Most of us have spent quite some time considering who we are and what we stand for, so a physical representation of that aspect shouldn't be hard. Besides, we don't have to open all layers to the public right away. Celestia and Elysium certainly don't."
Deciding not to linger on this topic given the general tone of agreement, Seira moves on to the next one. "The second order of business, in that case, is the transition of the Cauldron from a divine demi-plane to a part of a proper realm. While we don't lack for options, I have preference for two of them and would like your input there. One is staying on Astral, right where we are. We'll settle things with Vlaakith and I'll make sure the Temporal Compact's guardians don't get too snippy, but it's the easiest choice." She pauses for dramatic effect, unable to stop herself. "Or we could move to Bytopia and make it a wonderful heaven once more. We'll be Garl's neighbors, and obviously it depends on his agreement, but I don't see it as harder to secure than that of Vlaakith or the timeless ones."
That gets a pause for digestion, for thought.
"Well," Kascha's the one to break the silence. "Unlike Aurora, a move is not easy to undo. We need to choose wisely, because I can see appeals to both of them. I hesitate to let Vlaakith be and be the dominant force on the Astral once more, but the opportunity and chance to avoid possible political problems with the Temporal Compact is not lightly dismissed."
"Plus Bytopia is pure potential now, and we'd be in a position to have great influence," Amaryl says, "Though we'd need to inquire about Elysium and Celestia's interests there. That Zaphkiel spoke during our meeting with Garl Glittergold should not be overlooked, nor should the apparent familiarity between the two." She slowly traces the whorl of her armrest's wood with her finger as she goes on. "The typical planar structure of the Outer Planes is that deities are usually completely dominant in their divine realm, but ultimately another figure manages the plane itself. Such as Morwel and the Elf Father, or the Triad and Zaphkiel. There are surely politics there we must be aware of, or we'll wither like a forgotten sapling."
"I like the Astral Plane," Donald disagrees, "But more importantly, will Garl agree to this?"
"Free will is important, so nothing is a done deal. However, we do want to help Garl restore Bytopia. In fact, it might well mean my portfolio would expand to gnomes in the process. It'd be a symbiosis, not exploitation," Seira responds to Donald first. "Also, Kascha's suggestion might let us do this halfway."
A flower bud projects itself above the table, and then it slowly opens its petals. One, a leafy green, makes contact with Arvandor. Another reaches towards Brightwater. A third rests upon Bytopia. As the presentation continues, she speaks up again. "If we're foregoing conventional, we could always expand on the embassies concept and spread the Cauldron's new layers across several compatible heavens after securing the permission of their owners. It would make defense more challenging, but our avatars will deal with that."
She coughs. "I intended to keep this as the third topic of discussion, but there is some overlap. I brought up Vlaakith, because she approached me recently with questions about a divine seed. There is one hidden on Astral, and I've been considering offering to help raise her to godhood with it if she agrees to curb certain behavior and join the Cauldron's pantheon as an equal member. I envision this as a merger where the gith will no longer get eaten and where we could help steer their society towards better horizons. Reform might seem impossible at a first glance, but Vlaakith's rationality might well work in our favor."
"Is that even possible?" Donald questions aloud.
"Vlaakith?!" Elle sputters and turns, as all eyes turn on you. You can feel all those gazes on you, unhidden surprise, shock and more.
"Antenora reached Eblis. Alicia reached Antenora," Seira states, looking at each of her friends in turn. "I believe I can do this. Few are truly beyond saving, and she's not Asmodeus or Shar." She looks at Lagann and Oraga last, asking them, "Alicia and I managed to reach Zariel. Are you unable to believe in me? Because if you do, just imagine the knock on effect! Antenora was saved, and she more than paid it forward. Perhaps one day, Eblis will raise Mephisto in turn."
"Do you have any idea of how?" Elle asks at last.
"Regardless of this, it's also derailing us from everything," Amaryl speaks up, "We should have plans for if that's possible and if it isn't."
"I'm thinking I could become her friend while forming a contract ahead of time that delivers Vlaakith all she wants while limiting her worst excesses. After all, what need is there to eliminate the stronger gith if you are now divine?"
Shrugging, she tells Amaryl, "I don't know if it's that much of a derail. I would like us to decide on our course, and cooperation with Garl and with Vlaakith is rather mutually exclusive, if only because we will need to go all-in if we want to see results. Like you said, we'll wilt like a withered sapling otherwise."
Returning her gaze to her friends once more, Seira says, "I believe we should make all important decisions unanimously, and that includes accepting others into the pantheon. Before we get to that part, however, I would like to note the last matter I wished to discuss, which relates to entering our pantheon. Yandrazrt. Oraga. Would you like to join us properly, and take on a more direct role in matters? You know what's at stake, and we've never hidden our goals, be they short or long-term."
As the others murmur, Oraga steps forward. "In the end...no," he says, simply.
Lagann smiles instead, "Well...there are openings available for the gnomes," he says, rather thoughtfully. "That's your plan, a direct connection in that way?"
Seira nods at Oraga in understanding, and looks at Lagann next. "The beauty of it is that I don't have a complicated, structured plan. Our desire to help can be expressed through a long-term loan to Garl, and perhaps a recovered divine seed to ensure the gnomish pantheon has some teeth. Or it could accomplished by you joining our own, and taking on the gnomish portfolios to help Garl and Bytopia. Even if we don't shift the Cauldron to that plane, we could still accomplish a great deal. In fact, one of my avatars is going to be permanently detached for protection and restoration duties there pending securing agreement with Garl Glittergold."
She grins, asking, "So which would you prefer?"
Lagann rubs his metal chin before, "Let me consider it. There's possibilities here!"
"Let's start with the first option," Seira decides. "A loan. Perhaps we'll end up joining forces with Garl and make the choice moot, but for now that's how we'll proceed."
She sneaks a peak at Amaryl, before asking, "One last candidate is Xera. We sadly cannot bring her in on the big secret, but we can guide her through becoming One and ascending. Are there any objections or reservations?"
"None," Amaryl says after a fair few headshakes.
"I'll need to figure the mechanics, then," Seira muses, nodding. "In that case, let's get back to the Cauldron's future. Our options are, assuming successful negotiations, to make Bytopia our home, to try and unite Astral's two powers under a single aegis, or to expand on Kascha's suggestions and see about anchoring the layers in Bytopia and the other heavens from the Astral starting point."
Okay, this is where I need to ask a DM question so I fully comprehend this OOC. When you talk about anchoring different parts to different planes, do you mean like trying to split your realm up and have chunks in each plane, or like astral bits around portals to them?
A bit like splitting it up. Consider it this way.
Each of us is a deity, and could have his or her own divine realm. So, say, Amaryl could have one in Arborea bordering on Arvandor, Sanzha could have one in Water, Kascha on Fire and perhaps bordering Zaaman Rul's realm, Elle on Bytopia, Seira on Astral with Cauldron Prime and so on.
Secondly, there are planar phenomenons that cross planes. The river oceanus, to name one example. Alicia connected Sylica to it, and through that linked her realm to other planes. I'm sure we can find something to do that or even form it artificially with Astral links or whichever, so that each of their realms had a 'border' with Cauldron Prime, as per Kascha's design (which I visualize as a flower and its petals).
So when I talk of splitting the Cauldron into layers where each deity in the pantheon will be in charge of one such layer, it's really no different from personal divine realms that are all connected to the original, which is mine.
"How about we ask Garl first?" Elle suggests, "Before we decide on anything? If Bytopia won't work, that changes our choices.""
"Works for me, though that means we're making Bytopia our first choice," Seira responds. "We can't succeed unless we're all in, like I said. Is this course of action unanimous?"
First is Amaryl, who doesn't reply.
Donald hums and says, "Yeah, sure, an outer plane offers more safety than the Astral. Plus a few diplomatic feelers and we'll be set - no one is going to let this happen to Bytopia a second time."
Elle considers and nods slightly, slowly. "That logic isn't terrible," she finally says, "I hate to lose the advantages of the Astral, but this is a powerful chance."
Ranbar simply nods along with it, not expressing her opinion beyond that.
"Hmph." Sanzha says, "I had expected some Heaven or another. My main complaint will be to look up and see not sky, but another realm." She smiles rather tightly, "But as I am beyond vertigo and nausea, then I have no real objection to this course."
Kascha's quiet, "I think so. It's a good cause if we can help them - and not overshadow them, too. We should be a part of Bytopia, a big part, but it shouldn't be the Cauldron and also Bytopia too."
"Amaryl?"
"I didn't want to unduly influence it," she answers to your unspoken question. "We would be safer in a Heaven, Donald's right. It ties us closer to our allies in Celestia, who are next door." Amaryl pauses a few moments, "It feels like running away, but...it may be better to leave Vlaakith to her own devices. She's been there a very long time and will likely be there for just as long. With all our other struggles now, do we need to entangle ourselves that deeply with the githyanki, when we have the same offer in a far more advantageous position in Bytopia?"
"We're not being chased out of Astral, so none of you should feel like you're running away from a nonexistent fight," Seira tells them. "There's also the matter of what we'll be going there to do, which is help restore an entire heaven and the gnomish race. That's one of the most worthwhile tasks... assuming we're not in the way, that is."
She nods at Lagann. "How about we stop by again and sort this out with Garl?"
"It all depends on him," Lagann agrees, "Hopefully his head isn't full of dirt and burrows."
"Well then. No time like the present." Seira stands up. "Unless we have more to debate?"
If not, Seira will take Lagann to Bytopia.
Cool. Any prep and regardless of that, gating to the Monument or somewhere else?
The two of us are traveling to the monument. No travel buffs for a change.
This is easy enough.
Birdsong.
Bytopia is bright, sunny, warm and clear. Birds fly about the monument, some resting atop it as they sing away.
Seira gains some altitude and tries to see whether Garl is within a six mile radius. Or if there's new construction nearby, of course!
Perception 88
Oh, there he is. He's on the other side of the monument. A sturdy wood table is here, covered with papers and parchments. Garl sits there, writing away. He's drawing plans, diagrams. Blueprints it looks like, blueprints for burrows, for weapons, for armor.
Seira drops down to wave at Lagann, and then they teleport over to the other side at a decent distance out of politeness.
"Hello again," she greets Garl. "We're done with last minute prep, so Lagann is ready to help. I'm volunteering an avatar as well, though it'd be nice to hear about your priorities as far as restoration goes."
"Seira," Garl turns with a smile, "Take a look at all of these. They're only the beginning of course, but I have to start somewhere."
"Don't mind if I do!" Seira cheerfully responds, taking a closer look at the diagrams.
It looks like plans for burrows as well as foundries and forges to make various weapons and armor. They're all skillfully made - in truth better than even you could do, you have to admit.
"The foundries and forges are more your thing," Seira tells Lagann, stepping aside to allow him a proper look. "The burrows, however... sure, I could do that."
Turning to face Garl once more, she says, "Now that I know where we could best devote our efforts, I was hoping to sound you off on something."
Garl stands and lets Lagann get in there, reading up. "Of course, of course," he says easily, "What advice can I give you?"
"My demiplane became my divine realm when I ascended, and then it naturally became our divine realm as we formed our pantheon," Seira tells him. "It's been in Astral for ages, though it was originally from Fire. We've rejected offers from Arborea to move there, even though we're pretty close to Brightwater, the Seldarine and Queen Morwel's court. It's pretty crowded as it is, and it didn't feel like we could do as much good as we could by being an outpost for Good on Astral."
She gives Garl a meaningful look as she adds, grinning, "There's a heaven where we can have an impact, however. One where we could make a real difference. And with you working on rebuilding, one where it will be a symbiosis rather than a hostile takeover."
Garl Glittergold is silent for a few moments, "Tell me, what good is a silent, empty Heaven?" he gestures about. "But I'm not the only one who has a say." He glances up, "You're probably listening. What do you say? This is something that requires your approval and the High One's approval."
If this is the Cauldron's choice, I have no objection. The High One will not object, either.
"We've done a lot of good at the Astral, but not as much as we could have given the Temporal Compact's guardians, and their desire to place limits on those operating in the Silver Sea," Seira voices. "When I heard what happened to Bytopia, I started thinking we should move here and help restore it. That you'd be here to help guide our efforts only makes it better. Assuming you think the same way, of course."
"I think Creation could use more of people like you," Garl Glittergold offers you his hand, "But if you're offering, Bytopia will be happy to have you."
Immediate Perception check, Seira.
"Thanks!" Seira shakes the offered hand with a grin, asking, "So how do the logistics of this play out? We find a nice spot to park the Cauldron on one of the layers? In fact, is there more than the two layers? All heavens so far kept on having hidden ones!"
Perception 103 with divine insight
A handshake.
Garl begins to answer, but you see it out of the corner of your eye. A shadow. A shadow against a rock on the ground. A tiny thing and yet such light shines on it a moment. A glimpse of a shadow, a glimpse of a blade.
Fuck, this is why the rule about always traveling prepared exists! At least the rule about never traveling alone wasn't broken, Seira reflects, speaking in Lagann and Garl's minds, Shadow assassin!
She pulls on the gnome deity's hand, confident that he'll let her thus forewarned of the danger, and gets the Aegis of the Tarrasque between the blade and Garl! With a fury that knows no bounds, she gestures and calls upon her most powerful dispel!
Meanwhile, back at the Cauldron one of her avatars is tasked with letting all of her friends know of the situation, urging them to exercise due diligence in case it is a multi-pronged attack!
Garl does not resist as you see it and...
Init. Yes I know you'll say Supreme Init so go ahead and take your turn and I'll resolve it, then roll out the rest.
It's not a spell she's used before, but dispelling is Seira's bread and butter! She swiftly seizes control over as much defensive magic obscuring their enemy as she can, before blasting it with fire that burns brighter than ever! Ghostly unicorns cheerfully follow, knocking the would-be assailant further back.
22:03 <Seira> roll 18#1d20+35+10+6 empress's remand, let me know which spells I can grab please
22:03 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 63, 56, 59, 68, 67, 63, 69, 71, 68, 63, 68, 68, 61, 64, 61, 53, 60, 56 >
Delayed Blast Fireball (Goldenfire):
22:04 <Seira> roll 20d6
22:04 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d6=6,2,1,1,1,4,6,1,3,5,6,3,1,5,5,2,2,6,1,1]
22:05 <Seira> roll 1d20+42 SR
22:05 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=18]
Ref DC 52, -7 to save for evil creatures. 93 damage to evil creatures.
Twinned Seira's Unicorn Arrow:
22:07 <Seira> roll 10#1d20+60 ranged touch
22:07 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 78, 69, 80, 62, 66, 67, 67, 79, 76, 75 >
22:07 <Seira> roll 1d20+60 ranged touch crit?
22:07 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=20]
22:09 <Seira> roll 9#1d8+8+21d6 regular hits
22:09 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 76, 74, 92, 77, 77, 83, 93, 85, 85 >
22:09 <Seira> roll 2d8+16+21d6 crit
22:09 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d8=2,6][d6=1,2,5,2,6,3,4,2,4,2,1,4,5,5,4,5,4,5,2,5,5]
Ray Deflection, Superior Resistance, Epic Shadow Armor, Life Ward, Vampiric Assault, Shadow Lord Nimbus, Fortunate Death, Eye of the Shadow Queen, True Haste, Final Tears, The End, Two Blades One Mind, Fiend's Mind, Fiend's Mantle.
Let me know which you need info on.
Please give me brief writeups for: Epic Shadow Armor, Vampiric Assault, Shadow Lord Nimbus, Fortunate Death, Eye of the Shadow Queen, Final Tears, The End, Two Blades One Mind, Fiend's Mind, Fiend's Mantle.
Ray Deflection and True Haste granted to Garl. Life Ward and Superior Resistance granted to Lagann.
The following have been seen and described before.
Epic Shadow Armor: Huge bonus to AC, enhances defenses against light, holy and good magic, makes undead immune to positive energy (if the target is undead).
The End: Creatures slain are dead for good.
Final Tears: Slaying creatures vastly rejuvenates you.
Two Blades One Mind: Vastly enhances two weapon fighting.
Vampiric Assault: Below, as it's already in the spell collection.
New spells to you.
Shadow Lord Nimbus: Death shadows destroy all adjacent to you.
Fortunate Death: The powers of unlife grant you with a surge of unholy vitality if you fall.
Eye of the Shadow Queen: See through all shadows within range.
Fiend's Mind: Gain the telepathy and dark intelligence of a fiend.
Fiend's Mantle: Gain the toughened body and dark might of a fiend.
Vampiric Assault
Necromancy
Level: Corrupt 9
Components: V, S, Corrupt
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: 1 min/level
Your melee attacks inflict 1d4+1 points of vile Constitution damage. You heal 5 hit points for each point of Constitution damage you deal this way. Creatures slain by your melee attacks will rise as vampires the next night.
Corruption Cost
1d4 points of Constitution damage.
The following spells are placed on Lagann if they're not evil/corrupt. If they are, they are dismissed same as with the last section:
Epic Shadow Armor: Huge bonus to AC, enhances defenses against light, holy and good magic, makes undead immune to positive energy (if the target is undead).
Eye of the Shadow Queen: See through all shadows within range.
Fiend's Mind: Gain the telepathy and dark intelligence of a fiend.
Fiend's Mantle: Gain the toughened body and dark might of a fiend.
The following spell is placed on Garl if it's not evil/corrupt. If it is, it is dismissed same as with the last section:
Two Blades One Mind: Vastly enhances two weapon fighting.
The following spells are dismissed:
The End: Creatures slain are dead for good.
Final Tears: Slaying creatures vastly rejuvenates you.
Vampiric Assault: Below, as it's already in the spell collection.
Shadow Lord Nimbus: Death shadows destroy all adjacent to you.
Fortunate Death: The powers of unlife grant you with a surge of unholy vitality if you fall.
All but Two Blades One Mind is dismissed.
Yeah, you could kind of guess from the names and the likely source.> roll 1d20+35 still good improved evasion and save, even shorn of boosts
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=11][/i]
Whatever it is, you tear it asunder with unicorn horns and goldenfire. It is gone afterwards and yet...
The late and unlamented father of the gnomes returns? Do not get too comfortable with life. You won't have it long.
"How sweet, you already have an admirer," Seira says, projecting her words so Shar could hear as well.
"Shar," Garl Glittergold says, voice cold. "I'm here to stay. It's your foolishness if you think otherwise."
Shar's laughter is heard but nothing else, no sign of a further attack.
Seira snorts, even as one of her avatars updates her friends while another appears here unobtrusively. And with most of the combat spells! She keeps unobtrusively out of the way.
"I'd say we share a common enemy, but it's Shar. I'm told no one ever liked her."
"Anyone with sense shares common cause against her. It's that there's only so much of us and so many monsters to oppose," Garl Glittergold agrees.
"So! You were going to educate me on the logistics of this? It's confusing because there's a lot of variance across the planes. Celestia and Baator have a single power in charge of every layer, the ruler of the last one standing above the rest. While other deities make their home there, it's more of an enclave when looked at the map and the sphere of influence. But then you have Elysium and Arborea, where a single overall ruler exists but usually takes a stand back and the other resident powers not just rent space but feel an integral part of the plane. Queen Morwel and her Court is on one side of the spectrum, being very prominent, while the High One is fairly secretive, but the overall effect is the same, I've found. The Inner Planes take this model a step further. The overdeity is supreme, and their word is law. But they rarely use that power over others, and in daily life tend to be as the first amongst equals, which is actually similar to how the Cauldron works right now."
Meanwhile, Seira receives a message!
Hi Seira. I wanted to inform you of something - we ran into an avatar of Torm when obtaining the seed in Arcadia. We are still investigating, but we aren't sure how the avatar managed to get to us without anyone noticing, Illmater said he didn't even sense it at all. I would operate on the assumption that somehow or another, Torm has the ability to mask at least an avatar, maybe with an artifact or something. If we find anything further out, I will let you know as soon as possible.
"It's closest to Arborea," Garl begins to explain as you settle in. "Zaphkiel and the High One jointly monitor and watch over Bytopia, while the day to day is left ...was left..." A moment's pause, a silence. "It was left to us, the gnomish pantheon. On great matters the three of us each had a voice and a vote. It was not a hidden fact, but few knew of it because Zaphkiel and the High One rarely had reason to make it known."
"Any hidden layers?" Seira asks him with a grin, pretending not to notice Garl needing a moment to compose himself.
To Moore, she sends, Sure thing. Say, do you remember the name of that gnome you came across in the seed quests?
"No," Garl says, "Bytopia is as you see it, there's never been a reason to hide anything...that way." A smile at the end of it, fond and nostalgic.
She snorts. "Burrowng the way things are done in Bytopia? Makes me wonder if you could dig so far down you'll come out of the other layer."
Rosenose. He's in the Crown Crypts.
"If you dig in just the right spot?" A little smile, "Nonetheless, missing layers is too tempting. The secret will stay out there, and the strong will be drawn to the secret. No, the best secret is the one no one cares to find out about, let alone search for."
"Come on, don't leave me in suspense! What is it?"
Moore, meanwhile, receives a cheerful Thanks!
"Bytopia goes on infinitely if you go down, unless you dig down in just the right way," Garl explains, "One random patch of ground a million miles below, in the middle of endless stone? Who would ever find a burrow there? Who would go that deep and search that far?"
Snorting, Seira points out, "An actual concern once our earth elementals move here. But yeah, I can see why it won't be much of a risk. So what's there?"
"Tell me," Garl says expansively, "What dragon boasts of its hoard recklessly and does not regret it in the end?" Nonetheless after a moment, "Whatever's survived is likely mere treasure. If it survived."
"It probably survived," Seira muses. "What happened here was harsh and sudden, and then Bytopia itself was chasing off visitors. Yep, it's still there. Oh! Speaking of a dragon's hoard, did you know Waukeen let me visit hers one day? Such a delicious ocean of gold!"
"An ocean sounds about right," Garl says, "But then, have you decided to move to Bytopia?"
"I'd like that," Seira agrees. "The Cauldron's not a dictatorship, so I'll put it to a proper vote. I'm confident we'll make the move, however. After all, we can always keep a shell of the Cauldron on Astral and link the two volcanoes via a color pool if someone's feeling extra nostalgic."
She taps her lips thoughtfully. "I'll make a stop with the timeless ones to confirm there are no issues, since Zaphkiel and the High One approve, then have a meeting with the rest of our pantheon and resolve the whole thing today. So barring something unexpected, the only question is whether you want us to park on the other side of the Monument or aim for Shurrock to not overcrowd Dothion."
"Shurrock above us - and below us," A look up by Garl Glittergold, as he offers you his hand again.
Seira takes it with a grin, even as she's super vigilant against Sharrans!
Perception 103, another divine insight there.
No sign of further Shar problems as...
Next move?
Is it possible for us to meet? There are important matters to discuss, and I wish to do them in person, Seira sends to Grandfather Time once she's back at the Cauldron.
You settle into a quiet study and as you send that message? You blink. Grandfather Time sits opposite you. He wasn't there until just that moment, but now he is.
"Thank you for your promptness," Seira greets him. "Would you like some refreshments? Vayley is quite simply the best cook I've ever met."
"Thank you, please," Grandfather Time agrees, seemingly in no hurry at all.
Vayley, would you be a dear and please try to surprise my guest with something delicious? Seira requests, actually somewhat in a hurry but willing to spend the necessary time for niceties. Politeness is important, after all!
'Yes, mistress,' Vayley sends back.
"How are Xera and Emily?" Grandfather Time asks in the meantime.
"Generally fine, thank you," Seira responds, peeking in on Xera and Emily as she does so. "The usual ups and down on an overally worthy path."
You can't see Emily where she is - probably in a powerful divine realm or off on a quest under a Guardian, perhaps.
Xera's in a quiet conversation with Zariel at the moment.
"You and yours do seem to be well," Grandfather Time concurs.
"We're actually thinking of finding the right time to help Xera ascend," Seira voices. "I'm glad that you have a positive outlook on me, though. Despite my best efforts, too!"
Grinning at her guest, she says, "I think I'd like to push my boundaries a bit further, if you don't mind the attempt?"
With the slightest smile back, "Go on, Seira," he says, awaiting your words.
"I've been feeling an increasing affinity with time, so I figured I'd make it official," Seira tells him. "I know it's not just something your group hoards given Labelas Enoreth shares said affinity, but it's always polite to see the resident authority on the matter if there are any hoops one needs to jump through to avoid needless conflict."
"There are several," Grandfather Time agrees, a pause as Vayley comes in with a tea service. She puts it down, an array of little cakes, cookies and snacks with the tea.
"Dinner will be Braised Rainbow with a cricket reduction, potatoes and greens," she comments, a lull in the conversation from it.
"Thank you, Vayley, that would be lovely," Seira tells her, waiting to hear the several conditions every aspiring time lord needs to abide by to avoid getting murdered by all the others dogpiling him or her.
"First, you must vow to support the Temporal Compact. None of us have a desire to see the troubles of time travel return," Grandfather Time helps himself to a single bit of bread and butters it as he talks, forsaking the sweeter options. "Nor is this meant to be a way merely to gain access to chronomancy freely. If that is your desire, confess so now."
"I remain committed to the Temporal Compact," Seira responds. "Mind you, I still believe it should've been done with different restrictions, but that's hardly new." Perking up, she says, "This is actually a good chance to ask whether the specifics are ever open for renegotiation, and if so what the process is. Gaining a plurality of the vote? Unanimous agreement from all signatories?"
"Before that," Going on, "Tell me how you feel the Compact should have been done," Grandfather Time says, "I wish your position to be clear."
"Without knowing all the little details it would be difficult for me to get very specific, but I see two possibilities that would have each been better," Seira responds, playing along. "The first would be to ban specific magic from Chronomancy while keeping the school of magic itself. The greater understanding of magic, and through it, of Creation itself... that it was lost makes us all poorer for it. If the ban were in place properly, what would Detect Temporal Distortion possibly harm? Why couldn't some spells that were retained be dual-school?"
She takes a sip of her drink, silent for a moment. "The second goes a bit beyond that. Aside from, say, Haste and Time Stop being dual-school and teaching the tenants of Chronomancy, I see no harm in using informative spells. After all, from my understanding the actual issue was rewriting time. Time travel is disruptive and blatantly unfair, as we must have a chance for agency. However, how does Hindsight differ conceptually from a Chronomancy spell powering my gift from you, the Orb of Yesterday? Why ban wonders like the Book of What May Have Been, even as divinations that reveal far more information remain? Why couldn't I experience the first sunrise on my Prime of birth? Barred from interaction, from making changes to written history, yet coming from the experience with a renewed outlook on life. Can you truly say this is a great harm that must be prevented at all cost?"
Grandfather Time listens to your words before he merely goes on, no comment on your opinions. Instead, "It would take all the deities to decide to call another Convocation of Time. Any agreement would require vast support amid the divine to be considered and enacted." A bite of his bread, a pause for those words to be heard. "You understand that agree or not, should you take on time, you will be responsible for upholding the compact. If anything, you will be under stricter scrutiny, as you are meant to be an exemplar of it."
Another bite, a moment's pause again.
"Understand that this is not a threat. There is no malice to this, only the cold inevitability of those bound by mighty oaths. Should you violate the Temporal Compact, we will ensure justice is done. Those who would otherwise have no reason to battle you will take up arms against you. As you are not a mortal, changing the past is not possible, any solution will be in the present time. Up to and including a war if we must, a war you cannot win. Do not think it will be us Keepers alone, but deities from Celestia to the Abyss have vowed to enforce the Compact should one who upholds time violate it."
Another bite, a moment's pause a third time.
"Bahamut and Tiamat were bound by Io's will, and thus took them into conflict with Aurora. That would be the palest shadow of the reality should you take on time and grossly violate the Temporal Compact." Grandfather Time goes on. "All the divine came together and spoke that time shall no longer be open to revision. That will be enforced, no matter the cost in blood, tears and death. Do you understand, Seira?"
"Whereas if I were to try and force a violation of the Compact now, nothing would happen to me?" Seira asks skeptically.
A mildly amused look, "You're smart enough to know the answer to that question."
"I've always abided by the Compact out of a healthy belief in mutually-assured destruction. If I were to destabilize the agreement, Shar too would find it acceptable. Or Asmodeus, perhaps? And that would be a net minus." Seira shrugs. "If you tell me I must uphold the rules as you've described to me, that's fine. If I must stop good people from violating it, I would do it, assuming my means are left open to me while I act in good faith to discharge my duties."
"As they say, the devil is in the details," Grandfather Time agrees. "But are you clear on this point?"
"Yes. Just arrange for a detailed account of the duties and obligations that I'll be sure to go over?"
"Secondly, you must be agreeable to the Keepers of the Compact. While some of us have personal dislikes of you, I do not foresee this being a problem," Grandfather Time continues. "You've not abused the Temporal Compact so no meaningful objection should present itself."
"They're all bad people, though, aren't they?" Seira asks, biting on her lower lip. "No one decent hates me?"
Give me a Diplomacy check here, you did something right.
Taking 10 for 104 because I really want to know! Also divine insight.
After the barest pause, "I cannot break the confidences held in good faith," he says, "But I would not worry overly much about it." A gentle smile now.
"Alright, then!"
"Finally, I wish to know. Why time?" Grandfather Time asks, "There's little need for new voices that have it thanks to the compact, and little to gain pursuing it."
"I've been drawn to it most of my life and my recent adventures brought that in sharp focus, so why fight that?"
Is that fully truthful? Need to know for an SM check.
Every word. Seira does feel like she's been brushing against this since before the age of majority, the last two divine seed quests had her confront related issues, and she basically feels it's like a nice hobby than a life's calling, but is willing to treat it with respect and obey the stated rules.
Grandfather Time rises then, "Then I must present this to the Keepers of the Compact," he says, "I will return with their decision."
"Thank you for taking the time to see me," Seira responds. "Shall I wait here, or will it take considerable subjective time for me?"
"After dinner," Grandfather Time says, "Pass my regrets onto your chef."
Seira gives Grandfather Time a very suspicious look, but nods her acceptance.
We can skip ahead, in this case.
Dinner is as excellent as you expect. A burp of rainbows is something else, too. Nonetheless you settle into your study, only to look up and find Grandfather Time there, as if he never left.
"You've missed a wonderful dinner," Seira greets him with, retrieving dwarven ale and two glasses. "I certainly was surprised by the selection!"
A slight shake of his head to the drink.
"No one raised an objection on merits," Grandfather Time reports.
"Sounds like you're welcoming me aboard, then!"
"Like any deific power, responsibility comes with it," Grandfather Time says, "This is not a matter taken on lightly. May you live up to those responsibilities."
"I'm no stranger to commitment," Seira assures him. "Still, about those responsibilities. I asked for something written, perhaps a codex of laws and regulations? Duties to discharge? Due to the existing membership, something must already have been written in exhaustive detail."
Huh. When did you pick up this tome? It's old and thick, but you hold it nonetheless.
Grandfather Time merely smiles ever so faintly.
"I'll be sure to go over it, but just two questions first. Am I allowed to pull this trick on others, too? And who is allowed to read this tome aside from me, if anyone?"
"The tome will cover that, but no. The rules for myself are looser because I directly enforce the Compact, and by my nature I must use time magic to ensure no one meddles in the past." Grandfather Time explains. "If a deity who represents time is the stout shield of the Compact, I am one of the sharp blades. As for the rest, only a deity of time can read that book."
"I'll absorb the contents with Bibliotheca Arcana, and have an avatar read it the manual way for fun later," Seira assures Grandfather Time. "No power usage until I know my responsibilities."
A simple nod at that before, "Are there any other questions you have?"
"Not right now, thank you," Seira responds.
Thus you settle in - but not for long, before Kascha knocks on your door.
It's nice being able to see who it is without getting up.
Seira wills the door to open, and arranges for a fresh glass for Kascha while refreshing her own. "Come in, come in! I was thinking of talking to you as it were, so great timing!"
"Oh, that is good," Kascha comes in with a smile, "I have a question, Seira. Once we have all the seeds sorted out, we're all going to be busy growing and expanding, aren't we?" she asks. "We need to put a lot of work into expanding our faiths."
Seira nods, gesturing at the seat opposite her. Returning her wine glass to the low table set between them, she tells Kascha, "It's why I've finally expanded my dominion over dragons, and intend to pursue the other elements to see whether I could put them together better at a far higher level than we've managed in our research so far. Gnomes do remain a question, but it might be best to leave their administration to our friend Garl for the time being. Unless you feel drawn there yourself?"
"Oh no. No no." Kascha quickly demurs, "That would be reaching too far. We need to be equals, not poachers."
Seira snorts. "If you're drawn towards them, that's how it works. Just talk to him properly and it'll work out. You know, I've had my own very polite clashes with the Seldarine as I was just starting out, and they weren't sure what I was all about. But it got resolved pretty well and we're great friends!"
"That and I want some advice on my holy writings," Kascha goes on, "The Myrelle's the name I've chosen for them."
"My first impression is 'mercurial and fiery', so you've got my vote," Seira muses. "Do you already have them written?"
"Nothing finished," Kascha admits, "I've been relying on oral stories so far, but that's no good for long." With a long breath, "Still though! Still! You have company now, Seira."
"You're finally right there with me, yes! I've been waiting, and I'm very happy to see you make it. We'll accomplish ever-greater things together!"
Ah! Kascha gets up and hugs you tight. AS she does you feel it, a strong connection to Kascha.
Node update. Go read.
Seira returns the hug, whispering to her, "Go grab Donald, alright? We should get started on this."
Let's also take care of Elle's node goal~
"Of course, what should I tell him?" Kascha asks, "Do you have a plan?"
"We're going after the Abyssal seed."
"That's the one the Guardian of 21 has," Kascha agrees, "I hope it's not a great struggle, he's nice."
It's totally going to be a great struggle.
"I hope you're right!" Seira chirps with a smile.
Getting Donald isn't hard - he shows up with Kascha as desired. "You called?" he asks, "What needs a good killing?"
"I don't know about killing, but we're going to see the Abyssal Guardian. Let's just make sure to prepare and then Kascha will take us over there!"
Standard combat loadout, and Celestial Valor and Glorious Rally precast for a change. And they better have Mind Blank.
"I do have one question," Kascha speaks up here, "Why haven't we made a better mind blank spell yet?"
"Better how?" Seira inquires. "It lasts the day and it protects from hostile scrying and divination. Coupled with Nondetection for backup, it has yet to be casually broken by anything short of direct divine power, and those will types of defenses always suffer from our enemies having more powerful deific abilities so it's one arms race I'm not eager to leap into. If you're talking about a mass version, we could just as easily add it to the Victory Arch for a paltry sum. Perhaps we even will, to conserve spell energy. Did you have a better idea?"
"Not immediately, but we should be able to have something better," Kascha says, "We need to be better, Seira." She nods to herself, "We HAVE to be better!"
"Take it on as a project, if you like," Seira agrees. "We do have to keep on trying more all the time, yes, though I prefer to focus my efforts on other things. Like this quest, as it happens. Are you ready to go?"
"I'm ready," Kascha says, "I'll take us there. You've never been to 210, have you?"
"I haven't been to the Abyss since I ascended, no," Seira agrees. "Ah-- my bad, can you wait a moment? I'm afraid I forgot something in the shuffle, so just wait with Donald for a bit?"
Smiling apologetically at Kascha, Seira appears next to Ranbar after ensuring she's not in the middle of something private.
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d100=57]
Ranbar's writing in her room. She looks up, "Seira?" she asks, "What aid do you require?"
"You wanted to chat before all the recent shake up, and so here I am," Seira responds, toning down her normally excitable demeanor. "What's on your mind, Ranbar?"
"Oh. Well, I have so much to do - new spells, new faith, new everything," she explains, "You're so much better at all of those than I am."
"If you think so, you're probably right," Seira allows, tapping her lips on thought. "Part of that is superior experience, which you'll gain as you go on. But another part is arrogance. Maybe that's not quite the right word, but if you're confident in yourself and your success beyond anything a reasonable observer might expect, you'll find the right path and succeed."
She grins, gesturing at herself with her thumb. "Do the impossible! Abandon conventional reason and common sense if they're holding you back! So I have more experience? That doesn't matter! If I thought like that I'd never feel confident enough in going around fixing Lathander's mistakes or planning to take on Shar or any number of things that we've managed time and again. If you're going to emulate me, you should emulate that aspect of me as well!"
"So...be as arrogant as a dragon?" Ranbar questions back. "No offense meant."
Seira rolls her eyes. "Don't go labeling it, because that's a subconscious sign to stop! If you only go as far as dragons, how will you reach prismatic wonders? Out of them all, only one succeeded mostly on his own, and he still needed Aurora's help to manage it. Don't limit yourself by your expectations of reality, or what you think is expected of you by your peers!"
"But..." Ranbar manages weakly, "You're a dragon deity, aren't you?"
"Is that all I am, Ranbar?" Seira asks, her tone of voice patient. "Have I been either of those things when I freed the children of Androlynne? The miracle of hope in restoring Garl Glittergold, was either of those aspects as important to it as my mind and my will?"
"Of course not!" Ranbar protests, "I just mean, that is..." she pauses, "Should I talk about what I am like that? It's still so much for me,. and you're so strong and confident that sometimes I can't keep up."
"You should do you," Seira tells her. "If you want to emulate me, I'm flattered. If you want to find a different way to be reckless and succeed against the odds, I'll be cheering you on. It's up to you to find the way that works best, which is why I've been holding back from pushing you all the way across to divinity. You've got a toe in the water for now, but you aren't fully involved in the greater conflicts just yet. Once you figure out the path forward, however...."
"Once I do," Ranbar agrees, "Thank you, Seira."
With a grin, Seira gives Ranbar a cheerful salute and transports herself over to Kascha and Donald to head to the Guardian of the Abyssal seed!
It's silent when you arrive. No howls of the damned on 210, simply silence as you approach where the Guardian rests.
"In here," Kascha says, barely a glance back.
Seira is all too happy to follow Kascha's lead for now. If anyone will say something inappropriate, it will surely be Donald!
Thus you step in and it is silent. The place where once Aurora walked is still as...
"Hello? Hello?" Kascha calls, looking about. "Guardian, are you here?"
Yet there is no reply to her words.
Seira tries to glance into the recent past.
Something like Hindsight via Miracle/divine power, just smaller and more localized, to see whether anyone else came here.
I also have the Orb of Yesterday if this reveals nothing. Since we've been doing a speedrun of it, the time should be sufficient.
Orb of Yesterday
This orb allows yesterday to be seen, all within 20ft of it. Any creatures that touches it sees the last 24 hours around the orb instantly.
Ah!
The orb shows you yesterday. The Guardian looks to you, nods and gestures. A precise gesture, three circles and then a twirl of his finger. To this the floor parts and reveals a chasm deep into the ground, to which the Guardian descends down into.
"Wait a moment," Seira tells Kascha and Donald, before standing in the same spot and copying the Guardian's actions.
Sure enough, the chasm opens to you as well.
Donald glances down, "So how'd you figure out that one?" he asks openly, "Divined it?"
"Chronomancy is tightly regulated, as you know," Seira responds, descending slowly and using the Orb to confirm the path she should take. "Especially for deities like I. However, the Keepers of the Temporal Compact provided gifts to me to use as I see fit, and one of them allows a glimpse into the near past. Kascha actually got to play with it before!"
"Oh," Donald says, "Well, that's a boring answer!"
"I peered with my inner eye, and the universe revealed its secrets before me," Seira deadpans in response.
Donald chuckles as you fly down.
Down and down and down and down - you don't see any end in sight. It's just an endless chasm, at least as far as you can tell, a rend into the ground.
Seira keeps on confirming via the Orb that the Guardian kept heading down!
He did - and after a bit you see he stops and goes through a section of seemingly unremarkable wall like it's not there.
Seira does likewise! Tricky! Is he trying to see whether following him the first time was a fluke?
A fake wall - and here sits a dog. A plain golden furred dog, a retriever. It sniffs before, "No, Kascha," It says, a young voice, "But yes, this is proof."
Kascha's mouth opens but she's cut off. "The Guardian made that," she says, "No one else can so effortlessly tell what I'm thinking and respond before I speak."
"Yes, I remember your report from a chat you had with him," Seira muses. Of course, the guardian could be the dog. Why not?
"We're here in search of the seed," she tells the dog next. After all, even if some things are already known, there is a point in actually saying them outright!
The dog's answer is to go to Kascha and sniff her feet and ankles.
"You would make a good dog," The canine says instead, tail wagging. "Would you like to be a dog with me? We'd have wonderful puppies."
Kascha stares and turns pitch red, "I...ah....I'm sorry, but...not a dog. Not a dog," she fumbles, "Sharess! Cats! I like cats more! Meow!"
Donald tries not to laugh and fails, head thrown back.
"It's too bad, you would make a good dog," The dog insists, "You're loyal. You aren't a cat person at all. It's okay, I forgive you." The dog licks Kascha's hand a few times, and to that the blushing ghaele pets the dog's head. "I'm a good dog, too. The Guardian made me because he said you reminded him of a dog. My fur's like your hair, too, see?"
"Kascha is more of a dragon person, though she does like dogs and cats well enough," Seira voices. "What she actually means is to turn your proposition down gently because she's a very nice person. I don't think someone that brazen will be hurt by a direct refusal, however, so here we are."
"The Guardian thought you might come, Kascha," The dog goes on from that, "He made me yesterday in case you came this way. You have a chance to turn away and leave so you won't be in any danger."
Well, whatever. Seira will just wait until Kascha's done with the dog.
"Thank you, but I have to go on," Kascha explains, pausing to pet the dog some more. After several pets she says, "Which way is ahead?"
The dog turns and barks at the far wall, "Through there!"
Seira does check with the orb first to see if things stay consistent!
The Guardian is seen doing that now that you look back again.
Seira waves at the dog and heads through the wall!
You head through. Within is a simple stone platform, big enough to stand on, that floats just off the ground.
If another check confirms that they are supposed to get on the platform, Seira will do so!
You are and you step onto the platform.
A...library? Aurora's library? The three of you now stand amid it. The Guardian is here, he sits in a comfortable chair with a book in hand, open.
"Thank you for seeing us," Seira greets the Guardian politely. "The three of us are there to ask for the seed you were entrusted with."
"Beg pardon?" The Guardian looks up.
"The seed," Kascha speaks up right away. "Please."
"Oh, the seed!" The moment Kascha speaks the Guardian says, "For a friend that's different. Yes yes, that would be different. Yes, that's what I'm saying. Few have reached me, thank you. The other may, but her story continues yet. Like your story, like the seeds you already partook from."
Kascha's mouth opens and closes each time before she can speak, a finger held up before she laughs ruefully. "Why then?"
"A test no one in the Abyss could ever pass." The Guardian says, simply, his book closed. It is gone from his hand, back to the shelves.
They're friends of a friend, and Seira knows how awkward that could be. She'll let Kascha take the lead for now, ready to back her up whenever it becomes necessary.
"You..." Kascha trails off before she laughs lightly, a big smile on her face. "Do you mean I already passed?"
"You passed," The Guardian agrees. "Seira did well to look into the past as well." The Guardian's gaze settles on Seira at that.
"Thank you," Seira responds politely. "A friend tends to investigate in that direction, and I have been feeling a closer link to time recently. That served to keep the option open in my mind."
"Time, that would interest you," The Guardian notes, "Very much so."
"At first people might be surprised to hear about it, but those who really know me and think for a second will realize how well it fits me," Seira says with a nod.
"How well it does," The Guardian agrees. Then his gaze turns on Donald.
"What?" Donald asks, openly.
"You, however, haven't passed yet," The Guardian says.
"That's fair," Seira agrees. "Could you please state the nature of the test and the terms?"
Before all of you a simple dot of white light appears.
A soul.
"A soul, untouched and blank," The Guardian says, "Create something worthwhile that proves your superiority with it."
"I still can't quite let go of the desire to undo Ianvasah's death, so it's a good thing this is your challenge rather than my own," Seira muses, stepping over to Donald's side. "Unlike our friend here, I don't need to test you to believe in you. Whatever you make, we'll be supporting you every step of the way."
And she certainly has enough experience with both souls and elementals to be the perfect assistant here....
Donald goes to it, paces around and back and forth. He eyes it for a long time. Finally and at last, "Seira, give me a drop of your blood."
That would be a funny time to give him a doubtful look, though Seira abstains. She cuts her index finger with the tip of a claw and squeezes the wound until a drop of blood rises to the surface past the skin. Extending the hand towards him, she asks, "Do you need anything else?"
"No," he says, "All I needed was the blood of someone I look up to," he says, smearing the blood on his metal shot hand and going forth towards the soul.
Aww! Donald says the nicest things sometimes!
Seira watches curiously, giving him the space to act.
Donald gently rubs the blood against the soul, which slowly seeps into it.
"I can't expect the soul to be like me - I'm unique and no way they can keep up," Donald begins, "Seira's better at that. She can be copied." He speaks aloud as he keeps his hands around the soul, gaze focused on it. ""Besides, what's more more superior than a dragon, and that means I'm superior if I made one."
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness, Seira muses as she watches the proceedings. So she's flattered, except for the part where the saying treats Donald as merely mediocre.
She does deicde to bless the soul at its conception, wishing it to live up to its full potential!
Under Donald's hands it begins to form, life springing forth as...
Go ahead and drop whatever blessing you're going to and I'll factor it in.
I'm thinking of a thematic deific gift of +2 to any skill check, 3/day. Support Donald's efforts, but not overshadow them.
Sure, go ahead and do something IC to signify it and I'll roll with it.
"Three is an auspicious number, don't you think?" Seira voices, fingers trailing in the air as she blesses the newborn soul to be all that more successful during his or her endeavors. And hopefully, Kascha will take the hint and follow suit, so that they both provide their support to Donald's efforts while he takes the lead on this project.
"Three is the best number," Kascha seconds, a faint glow all around her as the soul grows. It is brighter now, a hint of golden-red to it. An image forms around it as Donald drops his hands - an armored warrior, of golden-red scales and a heavy sword at hand. In his other hand is a spellbook, crackling with eldritch lightning.
"A dragon who can command steel and magic," Donald announces, "With a mind sharp enough to unravel any problem and a body strong enough to do it. With a dragon's gifts and blessings, he's superior."
The Guardian merely glances at the soul and nods, before with a gesture it is gone. "That will do," he decides, "Three trials, three successes."
"Did you give that soul a chance to develop properly on some Prime?" Seira inquires politely.
"Yes, yes," A wave of his hand, "I suppose it's time for the finale."
"I suppose so," Seira agrees. "If it doesn't go against your wishes or your instructions, could you help us beyond providing the seed you've been entrusted with? A clearer understanding of 21, knowledge of other such artifacts made by the Incarnations and where we might find them? Anything else that might help us in our struggle against Shar?"
The Guardian sits back, and as he does, for once Kascha cuts him off.
"Please," she says earnestly, "Anything can help."
The Guardian pauses before he looses a sigh, "She's alive and she shouldn't be alive," he says at last. "I can no longer see the light of 21, yet she lives. I know not what you did, and I will not find out. I know enough to be gravely concerned." Is the Guardian's words. "The 666th layer of the Abyss. Whatever you do, be wary of what lies there. Never speak its name. Truth and lies reverse themselves before it. Kascha, recall what your friend Muirfinn heard of that place. Shar may use it against Creation."
"Thank you," Seira tells the Guardian. Learning of a usable weapon was a long shot, but knowledge of a critical threat is important! And they never expected to learn of one, so it's a boon to them.
"Thank you. ...If I can, one day, I'll see you again," Kascha looks up with a smile, then gasps. The Guardian is gone. In her hands is a divine seed. Quieter than before she says, "...let's return home. I'll tell you what I know of that layer. Muirfinn had to recall parts of the conversation through magic, some sort of weak or variant anathemic knowledge."
"Right," Seira agrees, but she takes the three of them with the seed to Io's realm while her avatar pops from the Cauldron into the replica of the library to look through it.
As you walk up the steps of Io's realm?
"So what are we going to do with it?" Donald asks.
"First, Donald, we should welcome you to the fold properly," Seira says, gesturing for him to touch the seed in Kascha's hands alongside her.
I'm just trying to see how many charges it has, not use it. Donald's the one who needs his dvr1!
Three charges.
"Three," Kascha offers at the same time, "Go ahead, Donald," she says, "Are you ready?"
Donald scratches at his chin before, "Yeah, ready as I'll ever be. At least it's not barbazu."
"Go on," Seira urges Donald. As he prepares himself, she tells Kascha, "I took us here because I plan to keep my charge here for the time being. I don't want Asmodeus and his champions to get an accurate representation of my abilities, and I do want a backup plan in case Xera's ascension via One is interrupted. What are you thinking of doing with yours?"
Donald touches it and shivers all over as he does, a shake as power changes him, makes him rise.
"...oh." Donald says, "Ooooh."
"Maybe give it to someone else here who needs one, or save it in case we don't get another seed," Kascha says at last, "In case things go wrong."
"If you do want to give it to Ranbar, take her under your wing at first," Seira asks of Kascha. "I want her to stand firmly on her own two feet before joining the rest of us properly, and I doubt that will happen if I just take her along with me. She needs a bit of separation as well. Do you mind handling that?"
Kascha pauses one moment there, then nods. "Don't tell her I told you this, but she was going to leave soon to talk to others about it." Kascha admits, "You're right, she even said she needs perspective and time to grow from all of this."
"I'm going to be more involved by showing her aspects of divinity once we're done with the immediate matters, so I'm glad to hear that she understands the challenge and is working on it from her side as well." Seira grins at Kascha, adding, "No worries, I won't say anything."
Pausing to gather her thoughts, Seira muses, "It'd also be a good way for you to advance your own goals. Expanding your faith would happen, given the aspect of nurturing and teaching, and they do say that learning by teaching others is extremely effective."
"Oh, it can be," Kascha begins as Donald is quiet, seemingly absorbed in what he just gained. "I can tell you I've gotten far better at cleaning since I met Surraruthru."
"That's just being a good maid, though, isn't it?"
Flashing Kascha another grin, Seira pats Donald's shoulder. "Once more, congratulations!"
"All this power and I can tell you one thing, Seira." Donald replies at last, "I still don't see the appeal of elven poetry."
She could make a joke, or even insult him. Combining the two won't be too hard, either. But should she?
"It's not for everyone. It's not even for every elf. However, I don't think it's a hobby you should mock, because it doesn't harm anyone. As a proper deity, Donald, you now have additional responsibilities. Some people will emulate you and your attitude, while others will be turned off by your mannerisms. Like I told Kascha, you could choose to keep on acting exactly the same as pre-Ascension, but make sure it's a conscious choice on your part. Please think about it, alright?"
"Sure I will," Donald says agreeably, "I am what you see and that is what you get. If someone doesn't like that, they shouldn't be here."
"...well," Kascha muses at that, "You're certainly authentic."
"One day you'll grow up, look back upon yourself and cringe," Seira says cheerfully. "Let's go, there's a ton to do back at the Cauldron!"
I intend to leave our divine seed (2/3 charges left) with Io for safety so that we could use it later, return to the Cauldron and gather all my people for a chat.
Sure, Kascha wants to talk to you about the 666th layer of the Abyss anyway. Is that part of it or unrelated?
That will wait until Alicia graces our presence~
Okay.
It's not hard to get everyone together and...
Go ahead, expo dragon.
"Thank you for gathering on such a short notice," Seira tells the rest of the Cauldron's leadership as they gather in the same room where they first discussed the realm's future. It simply feels right to continue in the same place.
"The Abyssal seed is ours, and I believe that Alicia's search in Limbo exhausts our available options." She sighs, spreading her arms in a helpless gesture. "I just received word that Emily is searching for the Astral seed, and while it would've been nice to hear about it from her it does rather soundly eliminate the possibiolity of recruiting Vlaakith. Therefore, let us discuss the Cauldron's reconfiguration."
"She told me," Amaryl speaks up, "I'm sorry, I lost track with everything else going on." She bows her head in contrition a moment.
Elle sits back, motes of magic dancing around her steepled hands. "So is it Bytopia, then, or do we have other options?"
"We always have options, but my heart is set on Bytopia," Seira responds to Elle. "To elaborate on some of those options, we may use the Cauldron as a shared divine realm, or we could spread the control over its layers, somewhat similar to how it is set up right now. We could also establish a set of seven volcanos to match the seven hills of Dothion's past. We could keep a Cauldron on different planes as our personal divine realms, and link them together with color pools and wonders, or we could establish these Cauldrons there as embassies, held by our strength on Astral and the Inner Planes and through our bonds of friendship across the Heavens. We could mix and match, we could do a great deal... though I admit I'm partial to the seven Cauldrons where each of us has a chance to create her and his own unique environment and a gaggle of embassies spread out across the planes."
"Well, if you want it?" Ranbar speaks up quietly, "Could you elaborate more on what you really want, Seira?"
Kascha has her book open and writes away, but as she does, "Seven Cauldrons makes good sense, though the more we spread the more planar politics we're exposed to. There's downside and complications for certain."
"Well, let Seira speak first and then everyone else can say what they want," Amaryl speaks up, "Let's not let someone be overwhelmed by this." A smile to Kascha at that, "But do go on, Seira."
"I made an informal inquiry to the Water Lord about that, at least on Water," Sanzha points out, "The reception was tepid but not decisive."
"Donald and Sanzha had certain reservations about Bytopia last time we spoke, so I'm not going to force anyone to move," Seira elaborates. "I would be happy if we all tried out Bytopia as shared divine realm of seven linked volcanos while maintaining footholds elsewhere. We found the Cauldron and claimed it before we were properly divine, after all, and we held it here on Astral just fine. There's no reason we can't treat a demi-plane here as part of our land and defend it against our enemies."
"Well, as long as it's not part of our divine realms we'll get less trouble that way," Sanzha points out. "A demiplane is different."
"My thoughts exactly," Seira agrees. "There's also the part where the Cauldron cannot live up to its full potential while on Astral given the binding contracts everyone has about the Silver Sea, but over on Shurrock we'll have proper control over Bytopia itself with full approval of its guardians."
She claps her hands. "So! Let's hear it, who wants to share Cauldron Prime with me on Bytopia, who wants to have an adjacent Cauldron there, and who is interested in a private Cauldron elsewhere across the planes?"
"Cauldron Prime."
It's Sanzha who speaks up, "We're still only demigods and assorted powers - potent, but we're stronger together. We're going to face challenges, and we'd be fools to break that apart."
"Have you changed your tune already?" Donald asks, pointedly. "Usually all of you women here are so stubborn."
A rather icy smile as Sanzha meets Donald's gaze, "Seven realms tied together are stronger than one, but we can get by with six."
"No, that would ruin the numerology," Kascha pipes up, still nose in book as she writes. "Oh! Did the Water Lord tell you something to change your mind?"
"My, I think it's mostly common sense," Lady Sanzha retorts, "We need to protect Garl in his time of weakness as well."
Seira nods, showing no sign of her earlier mirth. "That's why I feel it's my calling. I realize, objectively, that the Cauldron can grow and florish on Bytopia in a way it would never be allowed on Astral, and how effectively uncontested control of an entire established major plane of reality would be a massive boon to us, not to mention the safety in having Zaphkiel and the High One on call for realm defense. But really, at the core of it, I feel responsible for wrapping up the God-King war, for mending the pieces and for fixing the problems caused by the previous generation. It is the task I took upon me while growing up, and in a sense I am grateful I can still do that."
She looks at each and every member of her pantheon in turn, saying, "It would delight me to have you all join me in Bytopia, for our mission has not changed one bit. We'll still advocate for freedom and justice, corny as it may be to some. We'll still advance the cause of magical research, and draw wide-eye worshippers to us with our wonders. We'll keep on reaching well beyond our grasp and getting away with it, too. And disparate as we might sometimes seem, we'll continue to complement one another well."
At this Donald sits back, "Then I'll go along with that," he speaks up, "I have reservations but it's too good an opportunity to pass up. We'd never get one as good as this."
"And here's one more thing," Seira says, transcribing her plans onto a large scroll she makes materialize on the table before them. "Just like with the portal network, I've designed a superior version of a Spellpool. Elle, Sanzha, once we've moved I want to establish it as a central pillar of the Cauldron and key every Bytopia native to it!"
Elle takes the scroll and...
Elaborate OOC a bit here since Elle's interested.
Named with a touch of pretention in golden letters, the Glory of Hope is a spiral stairway rising from the Temple of the Golden Flame all the way to the Market. Aside from being the only place in The Cauldron where objective directional gravity is in effect, it is The Cauldron's version of a Spellpool. All natives of Bytopia and its divine realms are automatically keyed to the Spellpool the moment they first set foot on it for the first time and a golden token grows out of it for their personal use. Traveling down the length of Glory of Hope for at least two hours provides the same benefits as a full night's rest.
Presumed minimal cost of 200,000gp, given that's what the Balmuria spellpool cost. Also, this is what I had in mind for the Cauldron on Bytopia:
[spoiler]http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104118.msg1109277.html#msg1109277
Divine Realm: The Cauldron
It is where water and fire are born into steam.
It is what powers the fires of rebirth in Bytopia.
It is where rivers of gold are whispered to flow.
The Cauldron is a finite demiplane modeled after a vast volcano. Its slopes rise high, into great terraced areas within, the entire Cauldron criss-crossed with caves.
Cauldron Traits
- No gravity: Movement in The Cauldron is as per the Astral Plane.
- Normal time
- Finite size: The Cauldron is about 50 miles in diameter. The edges lead back into Shurrock. The Cauldron's size may change as Seira sees fit.
- Divinely morphic : Certain powerful creatures (Seira and her pantheon) can alter The Cauldron with a thought. Normal creatures find The Cauldron as easy to alter as the Prime Material Plane.
- Elemental balanced dominant: The Cauldron is a stable mixture of all four elements. While naturally quite warm, it is tolerable for all sorts of creatures.
- Mildly good aligned: Evil creatures in The Cauldron suffer a -2 penalty to all Charisma based checks.
- Enhanced magic: Spells and spell-like abilities with any elemental, energy or Good descriptors are cast at +1 caster level.
- Impeded magic: Spells and spell-like abilities with the Evil descriptor are cast at -1 caster level.
The Cauldron Links
The Cauldron is linked with the Shurrock layer of Bytopia. Creatures flying from The Cauldron can pass into Shurrock. Creatures who reach The Cauldron from Shurrock can enter as well. The magma chamber at the base of The Cauldron is a massive color pool linked to a Cauldron replica on the Astral Plane.
The Cauldron Inhabitants
The Cauldron is dominated by elementals and dragons of all types. Seira has recruited elementals from the various elemental planes, para-elemental planes and quasi-elemental planes, as well as from pacts with various archomentals of elemental good. The dragons are those of a celestial outlook or those seeking prismatic enlightenment at The Cauldron. Celestials and Seira's servants can also be found here, as well as a contingent of travelers and traders at all time.
Movement and Combat
Combat is similar to combat on the Astral Plane, with three dimensional combat and flight playing a large role. Unlike the Astral Plane, time flows and wounds heal naturally.
Features of The Cauldron
Steam's Reach
The outer walls of The Cauldron are dotted with hidden caves, fortified into defensive zones. Illusions and favorable terrain give defenders a defensive advantage. These cave are death traps of oozes, animated objects and elementals. These defenses are meant to stymie an indirect attack around The Cauldron's main defenses in the volcano's maw. These caves are also full of veins of gold and even rivers of liquid gold superheated by The Cauldron's natural affinity for fire, a fact made to tempt a greedy invader right into the teeth of Seira's defenses.
Rising Heat
The highest terraces of The Cauldron are dedicated to defense. Animated statues of adult red dragons are about and ready to come to life to defend the realm. The first ten terraces are heavily fortified. A garrison of elementals, Seira's clerics and allied forces constantly mans them, serving as border guards in times of peace and a potent defense in times of war. True seeing and magic circles against evil are used to ensure that fiendish trickery does not gain them entry to The Cauldron.
The Market
The middle section of The Cauldron's terraces are dedicated to trade and visitors. It is an ensnaring pattern of walkways and labyrinthine passages, all leavened by the fact that flight is normal here. Gold banners adorn the market area, Waukeen's portraits mingling with shields bearing the image of a majestic golden dragon. Seira's efforts and connections to Brightwater (for Seira followed Waukeen in her mortal life) ensure that the marketplace is full of goods from across the planes, as well as The Cauldron's own offerings.
Temple of the Golden Flame
The second to last terrace holds the Temple of the Golden Flame. An immense phantom flame burns eternal at its center, as Seira wills it, encouraging all those who pass through it as though Seira had shared a fragment of her power directly with them. It harms none, even fiends, though fiends would experience a profound emptiness should they attempt to defile these sacred grounds. The temple is just above the final terrace, which is dominated by a massive lake of lava. This lake is hallowed and in spite of the heat it sheds, everything around is bearable even to those without protection against fire.
Innocence
Seira's abode rests besides the lake of lava in the final terrace. It is a gingerbread palace of whimsy and wonder, where Seira and Amaryl reside. It houses essential functions and receptions for important guests. The design of the palace is not tied to normal physics and it often goes on wondrous, impossible designs.
Glory of Hope
A spiral stairway rising from the Temple of the Golden Flame all the way to the Market and the only place in The Cauldron where objective directional gravity is in effect, it is The Cauldron's version of a Spellpool. All natives of Bytopia and its divine realms are automatically keyed to the Spellpool the moment they first set foot on it for the first time and a golden token grows out of it for their personal use. Traveling down the length of Glory of Hope for at least two hours provides the same benefits as a full night's rest.
The Victory Arch
This arch in the Cauldron is large enough for even an elder elemental to pass through. Those that activate the arch gain the following weapon properties to a weapon or natural weapon for 24 hours: corrosive, flaming, frost and shock. A creature can only benefit from this arch once per 24 hours. It is placed on the upper level, in a hidden room just past the guard post that has one-way portals to it from the main garrison, and from it to the volcano's vent. Its existence is not secret, although its exact location is, as access to it is restricted.
Notable People of The Cauldron
Seira Aryn: The Dragon Princess
Seira is the ruler of The Cauldron and its founder. She is forever busy seeing to The Cauldron and its continued growth. She is an optimistic bundle of energy combined with draconic vigor. She is not weighed down by her new duties and instead embraces them. She is known as a passionate leader who is not afraid to buck against normal trends to do what she feels is right. Seira is the first amongst many in The Cauldron's pantheon.
Amaryl Gaial: Princess-Consort
Amaryl is Seira's lover and partner. She aids Seira as she continues to grow into her own role and divinity. She is a rising demigoddess, following the path Seira forged decades ago. She organizes things for Seira and ensures The Cauldron's affairs flow smoothly. She runs a more even keel than Seira, but tends to defer to her.
Donald Smurth
The Cauldron gathers a great deal of intelligence about all the planes. It falls to Donald to manage this as well as The Cauldron's various espionage efforts. While Donald is something of a fool and has a knack at saying the wrong thing at the wring time, he is strikingly competent in this field. Notably, Donald eschews any sort of title nor does he seem to care overmuch about propriety.
Lady Sanzha: Mistress of the Elements
Lady Sanzha is a former Padisha of the Marid who now serves Seira. She is a calm and confident woman who oversees much of The Cauldron's research into elemental harmony. Her role has her deal with elemental magic most of the time, though she is a capable guide and hostess when circumstances require, for her previous experience as Padisha trained her well in diplomacy and people skills.
Oraga, Fallen
A fallen angel who was reached by Seira and as a result of a long, complicated situation, was put into the body of a mortal elf female. Since then, Oraga sees to the defenses of The Cauldron and savagely trains those that would defend it. While he is not fully fallen anymore, Oraga does not mind the title of such.
The Cauldron Encounters
d% Encounter Number
1-10 Fire Elementals* 1d6
11-20 Water Elementals* 1d6
21-30 Earth Elementals* 1d6
31-40 Air Elementals* 1d6
41-50 Mercane + Elemental Bodyguards** 1d4 + 1d4+1
51-60 Mortal pilgrim*** 1
61-63 Ice Para Elemental* 1d6
64-66 Ooze Para Elemental* 1d6
67-69 Magma Para Elemental* 1d6
70-72 Smoke Para Elemental* 1d6
73-74 Lightning Quasi Elemental* 1d6
75-76 Vacuum Quasi Elemental* 1d6
77-78 Steam Quasi Elemental* 1d6
79-80 Salt Quasi Elemental* 1d6
81-82 Mineral Quasi Elemental* 1d6
83-84 Dust Quasi Elemental* 1d6
85-86 Radiance Quasi Elemental* 1d6
88-90 Elemental Monolith**** 1
91-94 Githyanki 2d6
95-99 Adult metallic dragon***** 1
100 Unique encounter****** 1
* The exact type of elemental varies from small to elder. Mixed groups are common and lead by the biggest elemental present.
** Mercane are guarded by large earth elementals.
*** Mortal pilgrims are mortals on a pilgrimage to The Cauldron. Typical examples are paladins or clerics of Seira. Waukeenites are also common.
**** The DM may choose which type of elemental (or para or quasi elemental) monolith is encountered. Fire and water monoliths are the most common.
***** The DM may choose which type of metallic dragon is encountered. Copper and gold dragons are the most common.
****** A unique encounter is one where a notable personality of The Cauldron is met. As The Cauldron is a small and new realm, it's even possible to encounter Seira in this manner.
The Cauldron Miscellanea
New Special Material
Cauldron Steel
This rare iron is forged in The Cauldron, heated by elemental fire, cooled with elemental water, shaped with elemental air and hardened with the spirit of elemental earth. Weapons and armor made of cauldron steel are 25% heavier than normal steel, but have a hardness 5 points higher than steel. Further, weapons made of this material count as cold iron and retain some elemental power. They deal one point each of acid, cold, electricity and fire damage on each hit. Armor made of cauldron steel grans resistance to acid, cold, electricity and fire 3.
Cauldron steel equipment costs the same as adamantine equipment.
New Weapon and Armor Special Abilities
Elemental Harmony
This special weapon ability can only be applied to a weapon made of cauldron steel and that has a special property that deals energy damage (such as flaming, frost, shock and so forth). Whenever a weapon enchanted with this ability deals energy damage, all of the energy damage becomes whichever type is most beneficial to the wielder. For example, a creature immune to acid and cold, with resistance to electricity 30 and vulnerability to fire would take all fire damage from the weapon's energy damage.
Moderate transmutation; CL 12th; Craft Magic Arms and Armor; Price +2 bonus.
As Elle reads, "How big are you planning?" Kascha asks, then with a glance, "That's big!"
"It's within the realm of possibility, and it's not like range matters once you're properly attuned to a spellpool. I like the concept of a self-contained mechanism, however, so that this version doesn't require an administrator to feed it or create the tokens." She grins at Kascha, adding, "Feel free to design your own insights. I know I've had this ever since the festival we had to celebrate Amaryl's ascension, when we grew those decorative dragons in the form of a central pillar."
Both Kascha and Elle get to the scroll now, reading away. In the meantime, Lady Sanzha sits back. She has a faintly satisfied smile on her face before she adds, "But why every creature? Politically that's challenging since it could be seen as a challenge to Garl Glittergold's authority. Realistically does every creature have use for such a pool? I'd also fear it's easy to corrupt with so many able to access it."
Elle doesn't look up, but she does add, "Playing Antenora's advocate?"
That little smile twists sharper as she says, "It needs to be said about any high reaching plan so that reality doesn't ruin them like a rain at a picnic." Sanzha concurs.
"We're not going to discriminate, so it's a blessing to all," Seira responds to Sanzha. "It covers even those in Garl's divine realm, while retaining proper agency. As that is not an essential part of the Cauldron, even visitors would not be forced to get attuned to the Spellpool except by specific action. Agency is important, after all."
She taps the table with her index finger, thinking about her next words. "I don't believe Garl would be opposed to this, but if so better that we learn that right now. I believe, however, that he will take this artifact in the spirit of open cooperation that I mean it. And let's not forget that utility aside, it would become a powerful tool in realm defense. Fire's assault on Lunia during the Abolition War showed us that even such things are possible. In that case, I'd like everyone to be prepared, and avoid a catastrophe. Given Bytopia's history, I can't see Garl objecting to that, either."
"A blessing to all can be seen as a power play," Sanzha says coolly, "Unless I had no choice by the Water Lord, as Padisha I would never let Olhydra or Ben Hadar establish such a thing over Water. It would give them authority and influence over my realm and my subjects."
Donald drums his fingers on the table before, "You sound like you're arguing with an archon," he points out to Sanzha, "Just ask Garl once we're done here. We're going to be sharing a plane, so cooperation is more important than dick waving over pools or authority."
"My," Sanzha's voice is icy cool, gaze on Donald now like two blue icebergs looming over him. "You are going to be a treat in divine politics, aren't you?"
"Yes, that's true," Seira says with a sigh of commiseration. "That said, it's a heaven. The natives are going to be predisposed to getting along rather than abusing their priveleges. And yes, there's no reason we can't ask Garl to sort this matter out."
"While those two work," Amaryl clears her throat to interject, "We really should settle on the exact form of the Cauldron. Seven realms with each one being different, that's a lot to work with. You know what mine will be, elven inspired and forested. Like Pallanth."
Donald pipes right up, "I'm thinking a big city like Balmuria. Open skies, a sea port...you know, it's too bad we can't just bring it up here, but I'm sure a lot of people would complain." A snap of his fingers, "How about ships that can travel to the other realms of the Cauldron there?"
"So rather than interior design you're thinking something closer to Brightwater in concept?" Seira asks Donald and Amaryl. "A nation? The Cauldron's namesake in the center, as a proud volcano. A forest realm bordering a human-centric city for two more divine realms? And Balmuria was a port, so an ocean realm for you, Sanzha? And so on, and so forth. Balmuria had a school for magic, so Elle could administer that while Kascha takes over the royal libraries? And naturally, Balmuria had the first spoke of the transportation hub, so Ranbar could temporarily use that until she decides otherwise."
"That's what I'm playing with," Amaryl admits, "Seven realms, each unique. Donald?"
To this Donald shrugs and adds, "I just want a city in mine. The rest is arguable."
"Sanzha, Ranbar?"
"I think an ocean with islands will do for me," Sanzha says at some length, "In essence."
After Sanzha says that Ranbar's quiet, "I...don't know yet," she finally admits, very quietly.
"In that case, stay with me for now," Seira tells Ranbar, giving Sanzha a nod of acknowledgement. "Once you figure it out, we'll expand the Cauldron with the new region and be sure to celebrate it properly!"
Waving to get Kascha and Elle's attention, she says, "We're discussing the form our sections of the Cauldron's divine realm will take. How about you two? What would you like to go with?"
"Oh, I know," Kascha says, "I think I'd like a tower city that goes high. So many towers, like beautiful fingers, that are all connected together through walkways. Lots of small houses, libraries and public places of worship." She starts to smile as she goes on, "Something fantastical, a city amid the clouds, the rain and the sky. There could be bridges of rainbows and connects to cloud giant castles, and ooooh, dragons could den there too in their own cloud-caverns, and storm elementals could dance in the sky along with great birds and fliers of all kinds.""
"Nice! And it takes care of the skies, too. Sanzha was bothered about looking up and seeing earth instead, so your region would be a neat fix for that!"
"I think I want a small realm," Elle says at last as you marvel over Kascha's idea. "A giant shop or emporium, as well as encouragement for my faithful to spread and do similar things, things that stand out and make their home where it matters to them in the Cauldron."
"It can be a grand shop in Donald's city, even," Seira muses. "No reason we can't do it like that."
That rather covers everyone, so she voices, "Looks like we've covered most of the details, and the Spellpool would be an addition once we've settled in. What do you say we form our realm on Shurrock and establish a link from Cauldron Prime to the Cauldron Astral demiplane?"
"Well then, I think we've made our choice," Sanzha stands, as...
Okay obviously there's more little details here and Ranbar's still deliberating, but balls are in play. Go ahead and give me an OOC outline of goals and todos here?
Certainly! And divine realms can change if it's needed, so Ranbar has plenty of time to decide.
The Cauldron as a divine realm for our pantheon is going to be moving to Shurrock effective immediately. It will manifest as a massive volcano reaching for the sky (Cauldron Prime), part of a mountain range of seven volcanos. At their base, the land will be divided in three regions -- a sprawling port city hosting a magnificent magical guild, verdant forests lush with vegetation playing host to towns in the treetops and a vibrant ocean whose population would be spread between underwater dwellings and island city-states. Above this all would be a sky realm, of castles in the clouds and bridges of rainbows, while a city of towers will reside above it, reaching towards a mountain range on Dolthion to form one of the passages the very skilled could use to cross between Bytopia's layers.
Back on Astral, the volcano that served as our home for over two decades will revert to a regular demi-plane, and a massive color pool would replace its lake of lava, linking it with Cauldron Prime. While the Cauldron's astral links and portals will migrate along with it, the central area would acquire another portal, this one leading to the maw of Cauldron Astral. For the time being, all forces relegated to realm defense will remain with Cauldron Astral until a proper reorganization, and so will one of Seira's avatars.
While there would be different areas, similar to Brightwater, the Cauldron (the realm, not the volcano) will be our shared divine realm, similar to Arvandor. Size-wise, it would still be a finite realm, but we'll figure out the limits later. For now, let's say it is the size of the Balmuria Prime as a 2D model in its entirety, including unsettled lands.
Okay.
Thus you appear in Shurrock and one thing is clear. It's time.
Go ahead and play this up as you want, it's a big moment so have some fun with it as you like.
My dearest mentor, cast your sight towards Bytopia, Seira seaks to Waukeen. The fires of rebirth brought back Garl Glittergold from his eternal slumber in Dothion, and now it is Shurrock's turn to shine!
It is time. Thank you for allowing us to find our new home, she informs Zaphkiel, the High One and Garl Glittergold, adding to the latter, Come visit, neighbour!
This is the answer all of us came up with for where we should be headed towards, she sends to Alicia. Now we'll have one more thing to talk about when you stop by.
Watch us, Majesty, and may you see another wonderful dream form.
It feels like only yesterday you've helped Amaryl ascend properly. Thank you, my friends. We wouldn't have been here without your support.
May you long stand vigilant over the souls guided to this realm, Watcher.
Shine your light on our realm, for if there was something I have truly missed in the last two decades....
Bless our fire, and may it burn eternally!
All those and more divine missive are sent out to Seira's friends and allies across the planes, some casual and cheerful, some prim and proper; some in the form of prayers, some as cordial invitations to visit. Meanwhile, all of their faithful fall into a trance if they are able to without endangering their lives or well-being, as they witness the establishment of this divine realm on Shurrock.
The realm's heart the first to manifest, a supervolcano rising out of the ground and spewing golden fire into the air! The ash that follows in its wake turns into clouds as a sky forms, blocking direct sight of the ground from Dothion. Meanwhile, the magma forms trees that spread out as far as the eye can see, verdant and lively! Settlements form in their branches and on the treetops, fitting well with nature and connected to the occasional cloud through a rainbow bridge as castles begin forming in the sky above.
More mountains rise out of the ground, six more of them spread around the volcano in a semi-circle, giving way to hiills and, eventually, plains. Lava burns a trail in the forests at the supervolcano's base on the other side, searing the earth, yet it turns to crystal-clear waters ruling over the sands except for a few islands further in the depths of the newly-formed ocean. Where the forested area meets the volcano's slope, and both of them meet the sea, a sprawling port city forms, Balmuria serving as clear inspiration.
Yet Pallanth's ancient wonders make an appearance not in the lush forests, but above the cloud cover, as a city of towers reaches down towards Dothion's peaks, its top close enough to touch for an experienced mountaneer. Those that do reach it and pass the cloud cover would see a realm spreading for hundreds of miles across, far more than can be taken in with the naked eye, the sun and moon providing it with proper illumination during the appropriate time of day.
Many of its wonders won't be seen, and even at first sight would hide further mysteries, for who knows what lies in the abandoned ruins of the distant jungles? What treasures can be found in its mountains, flush with veins of gold and other things? Who would be the first to finally see snow in the Cauldron proper, not in a simulation but in the realm itself as it finally shows off its acceptance of all natural phenomenon?
Oh Seira, what have you done? I smell profit in the wind!I will, my friend.It is time to dream anew, Seira.
Fire. Life.
Before you the Cauldron forms. At first one and then many. Elle. Amaryl. Donald. Lady Sanzha. Kascha. Ranbar. Together, the seven of you combine your power for realms to form. Before you another realm is born - no, your realm. Your realm as it was always meant to be, settling into you with a sense of rightness.
Go forth! Grow and prosper like the dreams we've held so long! Go out there and impress everyone!Grow. Grow plentiful and tall, so that tomorrow will be better for everyone.Then let's go, everyone!Let the waters come, as I command. Flow and nurture the beaches, the grasses, the lands.
Everyone, come to me and I will give you life.Come, in Seira's name.
Most of the response to her are acknowledgements and well-wishes that make Seira happy, but one in particular she responds to with an invitation.
Come and visit! I should certainly hope profit's in the wind!
Once the realm has formed, the next step is populating it. All across the volcano demi-plane remaining in Astral, her faithful are offered the choice of staying there or moving with the realm. Those that accept find their living quarters and belongings moved to the supervolcano on Shurrock, set up much like the Cauldron of old. They can figure out whether to stay there or move out to one of the residences beyond its slopes all on their own. Given the gravity remains the same throughout the entire realm, travel would be easy.
As Seira connects the astral links to the realm properly, transportation should become easier still. Planar travel is no longer outright banned, although all of it is drawn towards designated locations spread across the realm. Teleportation is open throughout public areas, and banned only within the volcano itself and homes and private holdings, with those trying to force the issue emerging from similarly designated spots for dimensional travel. It shouldn't be too hard to make discriminating enforcement, a step up from the intent-based portals leading into the Cauldron from the Inner Planes and a few of the Primes it is linked to. A mage's teleport taking her off course should not have the same results as a fiend getting past the borders and trying to teleport into restricted areas, after all.
You feel your wills shape and mold the Cauldron, people moving to your command As it does?
Quite a lot of profit, I can smell it. I really should drop in.
Now is as good a time as any. I'm about to have another guest I could introduce you to. Or reintroduce, rather?
The rainbow bridges are a wonderful addition, but could more be done with them? Seira considers, before deciding to make one of the Cauldron's hidden features. One can travel just fine to and from Shurrock upon crossing the boundary, and the very skilled might even climb up from Dothion. Others may plane shift and teleport to acceptable areas, or make use of the Cauldron's portal area, set up as it is right by the major trading hub... but if one steps out of the realm just right -- by blowing a certain note on a horn, striking the ground with your weapon in a very specific way, even clicking one's heels three times in quick succession -- a rainbow bridge would appear to take the traveler across the planes!
Thus it is done. More and more spreads to your wills, as softly you hear a familiar voice.
Grow. Grow and grow strong, for far more awaits you in the coming ordeals, Seira. Be strong.
Thank you, I will!
Now is the time to let her friends handle their own special touches, so Seira sits on a cloud and waits for Waukeen's arrival. Deserts and tundras would be interesting to have after all this time, though an inner sea would allow for better relaxation. Would Sanzha be interested in it as well, or stick to the ocean? They have plenty of time to figure this out, at least.
It's not long until you feel Waukeen's presence, the simple pressure of a knock, as if to enter.
Seira invites her over to the same cloud, patting the space by her side!
Waukeen is there. She wears a dress of golden cloth, sleek and formal. She sits, "What a lovely view," she declares, "And is that new growth I smell, new continents?"
"Most of us came from the same world, so we've decided to recreate it," Seira tells her cheerfully. "With artistic license in play, of course. And we're going to see a boost to our financial backbone, given the backing of the heavens while maintaining our interests on Astral and the Inner Planes, You-willing~"
"Ah, profit. I'm always willing," Waukeen says easily. "So where is he?"
"Hard at work, as always," Seira responds. "First, I figured I should fill you in on a few things? I'm sure you've heard about Celestia's plans througha mishap with Kossuth, but why deal in rumors when there's a first person account available?"
"Of course, and knowledge is gold," Waukeen agrees, and with a pleasant smile, "Do tell."
"It's Celestia's plan to defeat Shar," Seira tells her, after making sure they're not overheard. "Similar to how you, Mystra and Helm had a stake in us back on our Prime, but on a larger scale. I believe that ring Emily broke was from the time the Incarnations were active, if not outright made by them? This is something similar, and has been waiting for the day of reckoning with Shar. Chronias's light increasing? That was Zaphkiel deciding to finally take action on that front."
"We all have our plans for that," Waukeen murmurs, "You have the benefit of being one of mine." She keeps her voice low as you look over your reborn realm, "It's about time he contributed directly."
"The problem lies in Asmodeus. He found his way to some of these relics, and empowered those brutes, Bel and Gathgorian. Still, it is my understanding that he too intends to focus on Shar first, which means facing her became just a bit more manageable, but the aftermath all the messier for it."
"Something he no doubt intends to exploit, but I would expect nothing less," Waukeen concurs. "It was too much to hope for that Lixer killed the brute, but it seems it was nothing more than a shell game."
Seira nods. "Aside from that, he has his paws in Acheron and the Mercane Consortium, as we've discussed, and now Fire among the efreet. It'll be harder to fix the latter, given that Kossuth seems to hold a grudge even though I was only there to mediate."
She spreads her arms in a helpless gesture. "Can't help it, I suppose. All we can do it grow in power and influence ourselves, and I've actually had a thought there. Do you think Brightwater could do with a volcano to serve as our embassy? I'm hoping that if you're not opposed to the idea, you could float it to the other girls?"
"An actual volcano?" Waukeen considers, "That's a bit flashy for an embassy. Rather big too, unless you make miniature volcanoes....or do you have something in mind, Seira dear?"
"I think it's our calling card by now, but it will be appropriately sized, since the idea is to blend in rather than dominate the local scenery. Think back to my inn in Balmuria, conceptually."
"If you can make it work, you can make your embassy like that," Waukeen says easily, "A golden eruption would be a rather noteworthy thing."
"We can try it in a bit, then!" Seira says cheerfully. Perhaps she could escort Waukeen back home through it later?
Did you ever have the pleasure of meeting Waukeen? she meanwhile asks Garl. She's visiting, and I'm sure would be delighted to see you.
'Yes, I've met her. Tell her that she still owes me gold for Ragadar.' Is the answer you get.
Want to tell her yourself? She is the first ever visitor, but I'd love for you to be the second!
"Oh, and did you bring enough gold to cover Radagar? Asking for a friend."
"Raga-" Waukeen begins and then smiles, long and slow. "Tell him that it's his fault, not mine."
"Tell me yourself, Golden Lady." Garl declares as he steps besides you, a warm smile on his face.
"Garl! You are back!" Waukeen's face lights up, "Fortunately I've already prepared a recovery plan for Bytopia, and I have some contracts that can help you right with that."
"Excellent! That saves me the time to subtly ask for your help with that~"
A laugh from Garl, warm and inviting like a hearthfire. "It's good to see you again," he says, "I am serious though, I need resources."
With an understanding smile, "So are you calling in favors?"
"All of them," Is Garl's answer, "Everything I'm owed, and anything you think would be useful."
"I also imagine that you'd know of gnomes that squirreled themselves away in the past," Seira tells Waukeen. "Moore came across one in Arcadia, and I've met one on the Infinite Stairway, but your traders would likely know far more names and could help spread the word." She glances over at Garl, adding, "If I'm not stepping on your toes with this request?"
"That was going to be one," Garl agrees. "No harm done, Seira.'
"Oh, I'll include that," Waukeen seconds.
"Thanks! So how about I take you on a tour of the grounds?"
With that the three of you...
Okay then, next move?
I'm going to show them the realm, then I want to try resurrecting people from the memorial with Garl.
It's not hard to go there, the Memorial as solemn as ever.
Garl goes to it, looks over the first of many, many names without comment, silent.
"The amount is daunting, once you understand the scale," Seira voices, hand placed on the Memorial. "Even as a goddess of knowledge using powerful magic, I still can't pull even the names alone into my conscious mind. But if there's anything I learned while working with elementals and creating more on demand it's patience for routine tasks. And I intend to have three avatars working here on shifts, for a twenty four-seven task of asking those lost to return. Perhaps we'll find a better solution along the way, or maybe once you've regained much of your power that would happen, but for now everyone we bring back is another set of hands towards restoring Bytopia, and another victory against loss."
"Most won't want to come back," Is Garl's answer as he lays a hand on her Memorial as well. "They are whole as part of a greater being now. Others may be unable, and others I will not disturb. Have you ever brought a spirit back from a situation like this, Seira?"
"Not counting you?" she asks with a wry smile. "Yes. You've met her, actually. It's Kascha. Her entire people were massacred by a tarrasque, and she's merged with Arborea by the time I called her back. Yet I felt that she had unfinished business, and so I called her back after I came across that civilization's resting place. Kascha... in these two decades and change, she's had time to be a key member of the Aurora crusade and helped free two Primes that fell into Hell's grasp, and now she's ascended to spread even more good. I've brought back other people in complicated situations, too, and where it comes to death I always like to offer a second chance."
"She returned?" A note of surprise in Garl's voice, before, "She had a leg up from the beginning, then."
"I believe that exceptional people will rise up to the challenge. But I also believe that sometimes, we must challenge them in the first place in order for them to rise to the occasion. So if there is anything you could think of for me to do to raise my chances even a bit...."
She's a native of Bytopia, and a good person besides. Souls she calls out to will know these things, so that alone should be enough, but Garl's active assistance could truly make the difference between just enough and exceptional outcomes!
"My presence will be the greatest aid you could have," Garl Glittergold explains, "But the odds are often steep. We should begin."
Go ahead and describe your general approach here.
The first contact will be made by her true self, just to establish a proper connection to the Memorial. As her hand remains on it, Seira tries to read information much like Marie had before. Except instead of relying on the Bibliotheca spell directly, she establishes a filter for it with her divine will, searching for names that evoke the strongest feelings in her. Determination to live, unfinished business in this world... it might be vague, but Seira understands such things well, and waits to see what resonates with her approach.
Even if the list of names is infinite, I don't believe the list of people who felt the strongest about their lives beind cut short by the Fairest Star in that massacre would be infinite. Therefore, let's use Bibliotheca Arcana but also rely on my domain of Knowledge to create this filter and whittle down the names to a more manageable list. Time and War, too, would be useful in getting a picture of who they all were, and how well they would resonate with my plea to return. And finally, this is what Hope is, especially paired with my portfolio where countering death is rather prominent, going by past actions and successes alike.
Garl is right, between being a Good deity that's now native to Bytopia and his own presence and approval, I should be in as good position as possible here.
Sure, gimme a Diplomacy check. Long term bonuses only, like 1 hour/level varieties. This is for reference to help adjudicate it.
Voice of the Dragon is 10min/lvl, which is a round 6 hours for me and recasting it is a swift action, I think that's legit. Also I'll do the lesser deity thing of taking 10 on a check, so that's 100 for men, 98 for women (though aiding, so that's probably 102 men/100 women).
The first few simply don't return. They barely stir. To this Garl shakes his head, "No. Do not take them from their reward if they are content there. I want willing volunteers. There will be others."
There are.
The third try is a charm, because the ghostly, faint impression of a gnomish woman is felt. No words, only an unspoken question to the two of you.
Seira nods her agreement to Garl. She doesn't necessarily agree that pushing a bit farther would be wrong later on, but she certainly shares that opinion at present. They need willing volunteers, people who wish to return and only want someone to lead them. Once a viable society has been reestablished, however, they can always give this another try and see whether this initial success would bring back a few more.
It has taken time, but Bytopia is recovering, Seira speaks to the soul. Garl and I want to help it flourish once more, and we're seeking others who feel the same! Would you like to be a part of the rebuilding process?
"We need your help," Garl speaks normal words, yet are surely heard as clearly as your own are. "We need many to rebuild and grow."
No words, but still that impression. An impression of interest, but also of great contentment and sleepiness.
"Return if you want to," Garl agrees, "With no grudge of regrets. It is your choice."
My friend is right. This isn't a draft, Seira agrees. Weren't you frustrated with how things ended, though? Were you truly alright with it? Things were hopeless before, yes, but now? There's more than hope, the rebuilding is taking place! Don't you want to be part of it? To accomplish more still, and show the new generation the wonders that you experienced before? To teach them the lessons you can bring with you, from your lengthy rest?
There pause before the soul gently appears, a white light that orbits Garl Glittergold slowly, almost like a too bright ioun stone.
"Then rest by me until you're ready," Garl invites, "Gather your strength."
"We'll be waiting," Seira agrees, smiling. This really can work! But there is a step she'd skipped in her eagerness. One of the reasons she decided to call out to Kascha in the first place was seeing the record of her last moments and getting a sense of her wishes. Offloading that to a spell is too impersonal, and so she'll need to detail another avatar for that task.
The shifts will be four hours each, and four avatars would be working on the mass resurrection project rather than three. Each would do a shift running the connection to the Memorial and calling the souls back, and then follow it up with a shift researching fresh candidates. Getting to know their hopes and dreams, what they did during the massacre, what sort of position if any they held in Bytopia's hierarchy... being different parts of Seira, the knowledge gained in this way would be immediately shared with the avatar making the approach, allowing her to tailor it properly.
And besides, it would show respect. The entire approach relies on accomplishing bit by bit that which feels impossible to do all at once, and that requires an individual approach to each and every candidate. A maximum of twelve hours of work a day won't be beyond their abilities, either, especially since Seira would ask Kascha to donate her avatar to this endeavor as well. Her unique perspective could prove very helpful, and it would do Kascha some good to be involved in this endeavor.
Okay, now that the basics are set up, how much IC time do you want to put in here?
I'll give it a day to work, so show me what happens later on. Right now, I'm thinking of going to visit Hanali Celanil with Ranbar!
Sure. Any prep for the trip?
I want to show Ranbar around, want to make a day out of it? Seira contacts Hanali Celanil. Some healthy exercise, a nice lunch and a bit of a soak at the end?
Why Seira, a visit and without Amaryl. How naughty!
It's not a date! Seira responds with a laugh.
Really? Ranbar is your type.
Literally, by following me and rising to be my head priestess. But it's still not a date. Does that mean you're not interested, then?
Oh Seira. Seira, Seira, Seira. Flirt more! Be playful. I bet you're blushing right now!
I prefer to flirt in person, Seira admits.
Meanwhile, she asks Ranbar, Are you free? I've been thinking of taking a little trip.
Then get over here, silly.
Oh? Of course, Seira, I'll be right there.
Seira waits for Ranbar to come over, and then takes the two of them over for a visit!
You greet Hanali beneath a great oak tree, where she sits and awaits you. She is as radiantly beautiful as always, a woman beautiful in the elven ways. "Seira," she announces with a smile, "Welcome, welcome! You took so long to get here, I almost wondered if you changed your mind."
"A woman's allowed to do that," Seira cheerfully reminds her. "You're as beautiful as always~"
A little twirl and a smile, "Thank you, Seira. Now then, Ranbar. Ranbar, Ranbar, Ranbar." A tsk from Hanali, "I think we really must get you to relax and speak up!"
"Ah." A hesitation, "I'm still overwhelmed a bit by everything."
"Well, you know what loosens people up? Wine." Hanali laughs lightly, "I have some right over here, it's a wonderful vintage from our personal gardens. You'll feel this, divine or not."
"Oh, nice! Say, do your avatars feel it too when you're the one who's enjoying a lovely drink?"
As Ranbar follows, "Oh, occasionally," Hanali says, "Really though, not really. I can keep one body entirely fine."
"Yeah, it's the same for me. That's like that mental partition spell, right? You can share thoughts perfectly, but you don't have to. How about when you're part of the Triune, if I might ask?"
"Oh, that's different," Hanali waves it off as you come to a picnic table beneath pine trees. Here a bottle of wine and several goblets sits. She goes and opens it, then pours a glass for each of you. "Drink up! Celebrate!"
Ranbar takes her glass and has a sip, then another. She smacks her lips, "It is strong," she acknowledges, "But very smooth."
Seira drinks from her goblet without reservation! "Aww, c'mon, tell us! How did that first come to be? I've always been curious, you know~"
Hanali laughs with warmth as she has her own drink, as meanwhile Ranbar has another long sip. "You're quite interested in the Triune. Is that something you and Amaryl are interested in? The ultimate form of unison?"
"Yes, actually," Seira responds, making herself comfortable as she refills her goblet. "There must be a reason why others don't do it, but if it's a matter of qualifications and trust I'm pretty confident we can manage."
"First of all it takes trust - hmmm. Oh yes." Another sip, "I heard a story from someone and another someone about an accident. I believe a certain archon lord who has a name that starts with B temporarily gave your friends Alicia and Antenora forms of pure spirituality." Hanali waves her glass, "They almost came together in a way that could only be called sexual intercourse without realizing." A long drink this time, "The way you combine isn't quite like that, but it's still unspeakably intimate."
"Ah, so it doesn't have to be three! I think all the numerology is overhyped, anyway," Seira muses. "The difficulty must rise with every participant? Perhaps even exponentially?"
"More than a threesome?" Hanali chuckles even warmer, toasting you with her goblet, "My, you're ambitious! Or Amaryl is."
Ranbar lightly choke son her wine at that, coughing to clear her throat.
Seira giggles, returning the toast. "You're corrupting my adorable priestess by your very presence!"
"Oooh, is that your game here? Well, as long as she's willing." Hanali smiles and puts down her wine glass, then leans over and whispers into Ranbar's ear. You can't hear it despite your senses, likely Hanali's doing. Ranbar turns cherry red at that before she blurts out, "AND SANZHA TOO?!"
"So adorable! Kascha's still the same way, even though she tries to pretend otherwise," Seira comments, pretending to wipe a tear from her eye. "So! Spill! What's beyond trust? Spiritual selves are pretty easy, but it can't be all."
Ranbar goes back to her goblet quickly once Hanali leans back and goes to hers. "You're really serious about this?" she reflects thoughtfully, "Not just mining for information?"
"Yes."
A long drink, "If you want the truth, you really should talk to the three of us when we're one." Hanali admits, then with a big smile, "But I've been drinking aaaalll day." With a megawatt smile, all charm, "So the hell with that! Besides, aren't I perfectly pretty in this form?" Hanali stands up and poses, a little come hither gesture.
"Very pretty," Seira agrees.
"Well?" Hanali turns to Ranbar.
"Pretty as a princess," she says quickly at that, holding up her hands in surrender.
"Princess Elf," Is Hanali's agreement as she drinks more. "Dragon Princess too. Every little elf lady wants to be a princess, of course. You even married one, or close enough to one."
"Yes, it did turn out that way, didn't it?" Seira says happily. "It was a very fairytale romance~"
"Beeeautiful," Hanali seconds with her own mirth, "Happy relationships always make me feel better. What's better than seeing love work out?"
"How about you, Hanali?" Seira inquires. "Pining after someone? A loyal knight, or perhaps a lovely princess?"
A warm laugh at that, "Do you think everyone likes the ladies?" she smiles warmly.
"I do know elven culture, and the barrier between such thing is flexible," Ranbar points out, "The Elf Father alone."
"Ahahahaha," Hanali's laughter is beautiful and enthralling as she adds, "Of course I have a few I fancy. Am I not Lady Goldheart, not Lady Leadheart?"
"I think that most people can just fall in love with someone regardless of gender, and if it's truly an obstacle that's what magic's for~"
"It's easy for you to say," Hanali laughs even more, "You have a bias there, don't you?"
Meanwhile Ranbar clears her throat, "Ah, Seira. Is that how you are? I thought it was just women since you and Amaryl."
"It's just Amaryl and I, right? I've got a bias and preferences like everyone else, but I really don't think it's a big deal."
Grinning, she turns on Ranbar. "And now it's your turn! Spill!"
Ranbar fidgets, looks away before she sighs. "As you wish, Seira. I had a mild crush on Donald. Mild." she insists quickly, "He is handsome before he opens his mouth."
"I was never really interested in him due to the way we got to know each other," Seira muses. "He was my first apprentice! Ah, but even if he didn't say objectionable things it's probably a bad idea since he's taken."
Glancing over at the elven goddess, she asks, "How about it? Can you introduce Ranbar to someone nice?"
"Consider it done," A second Hanali appears, only to take Ranbar's wrist before both of them are gone. She gets more wine and then adds, "I'm sure they'll get along well, so why wait?"
Seira laughs, refilling her own goblet. Ranbar is a very competent mage and she's in absolutely no danger from Hanali. Either she'll enjoy herself meeting a handsome man for a date or she'll get to exercise her will and tell a stronger deity no. What better way to learn than in present company?
"Thanks!" She salutes her friend with the goblet, taking a sip. "I'm still curious about the unity, you know. Back when we were all alone on Astral, I considered that a potential trump card to play if we came under serious attack. Amaryl and I can practically predict one another, and back when I thought it required three Kascha works very well with us so long as things stay platonic. I'll be sure to ask you in the other state, but it's important to get input like this as well~"
With Ranbar gone, "It's more than just a last trick to pull out," Hanali says, her mirth dying down a little. "It's profound and it is meaningful. My relationship with Sehanine and Aerdrie is not the same since we became Angharradh. Do not treat it trivially, or as something that is only a source of power."
"That's exactly why I'm trying to understand it properly, otherwise I would've gone ahead with testing already." She snorts, shaking her head. "A part of me is sad that I've gotten a tiny bit more responsible like that."
"I saw some of your earliest exploits," Hanali says at that, as if that says it all, and it probably does. Instead she says, "Imagine what would happen if you and Amaryl became one being, and what your purpose would be."
"I became a red dragon and everything turned out for the better!" Seira points out. "As for that... I suppose that it parallels the way we have become more upon ascension. Not only did we fight and strive for our goals, but we allowed them to define us in a conceptual manner. So this would be a similar step? We would become further removed from mortals and their way of thinking? As for what unites us... love and mutual support? Devotion to Good?"
"Yes, yes and also yes," Hanali agrees, "You're both yourselves and someone new, someone different." She eyes the wine bottle but leaves it be this time. "It's a lovely thing but it will change you. The new being may well not be inclined to leave for some time."
"We've survived two kids, we'll manage," Seira says with a grin. "I suppose it's also a bit like that? Children have some of your traits, but they're not copies of you. And they follow some of the same paths you do, but often do it differently. Even when they hold similar opinions, those are perceived through a fresh perspective. But... do you mean that if we did this, this new being might still disappear one day? The Triune always felt eternal."
"It's as complicated as any other person," Hanali answers, "As complicated as any woman's heart."
"So how come no one else ever made it, as far as I'm aware?" Seira asks Hanali curiously. "I can see Baator not mustering the trust necessary and their efforts falling apart if forced, and slaad and demons don't really have the staying power for this sort of effort. But there's plenty of decent and neutral parties who surely had the chance throughout the eons...."
"Change," Hanali answers at last, "Tell me, Seira, what happens if I change? What I represent will change to match that, and what of those loyal faithful who no longer fit in? What of the souls under Torm and Talos who found themselves no longer at their eternal rest through no fault of their own?" Now the wine is taken, another glass poured for both of you. "The changes will not be as severe as what happened to the two of them," she goes right on, "But as the seasons turn, change will change you and you will not be the one to suffer. Those who cling to you will be."
A long drink, "The elven heart is mercurial and loves freedom. Yet those who become unelven find no rest here." Hanali concludes. "Even we, champions of chaos, understand that not all change is good."
"I've seen many of Torm's faithful turn to Helm, but it was hardly an easy choice to make. Nor, I imagine, was the choice of those who stayed with him, or broke off altogether. As an example of the perils change at our level can cause our followers, it's a great example. But I'm afraid I don't understand the link to my question, Hanali."
Another drink before, "I'm afraid you lost me there, dear," she smiles, "You asked why more don't do it, did you not?"
"Eh, you know what? It's fine," Seira responds, returning her smile.
You get a hug at that, all warm softness and appeal. "That's why everyone likes you!"
Seira laughs, returning the hug.
Okay, anything else to do here?
Don't think so! It went into a different place than I expected, but fun was had. I'll be sure to keep an eye on Ranbar offscreen, but now let's finally resolve Elle's node goal so I can see where she wants to take things next?
Sure.
It's not hard to drop in to check on Elle. Two Elles stand facing each other, perfect copies meeting each other's gaze. Not a word is said, the two locked in a staring contest. It's in one of Elle's laboratories, one of them within a small magic circle and the other just out of it. All about various diagrams are drawn, which shift and change by the moment. Animated quills record what happens on parchment, working away all the while.
"Staring contests with yourself are pointless, you always lose," Seira points out, hopping to sit on an unoccupied table.
Elle turns with a soft smile, "Hardly! The secrets of avatars are at my fingertips," she goes on, "Can you imagine a mastery of it. A thousand flying shops, each one manned by an Elle." She brushes back her hair with a confident smile, "Unfortunately the limits on avatars seem to be intractable. I would press farther, but if no other deity has surpassed them in this time, it is a limitation of divinity or set by the Incarnations and a fruitless quest."
"There are easy fixes to this," Seira points out. "I've been working on a superior simulacrum spell on and off, and there's the divine abilities to possess mortals and assign anyone as a familiar. You could use what's available, or even try to make a divine breakthrough all of your own! And hey, if you manage that, most people will stay away from it out of respect, so you'll be the only one with a thousand weaker but still lovely and competent Elles all over!"
A widening smile at that, "You think just like I do," she says, "I like it!"
"We think a lot alike," Seira cheerfully agrees. "Let me know if you want some help with that, will you? I've gotten some practice with manipulating divine powers over time~"
"Oh, I will. I've also learned so many new spells," Elle goes right on, smiling away. "Have you seen?"
"Only what you've actively shown me. I do try to give everyone privacy. Plus I love surprises!"
Words are lost in favor of a connection. A connection to Elle, sharp and strong and sudden.
Node update, go read.
Read it
"Hey, how close are you on forging the Glory? Once I run it by Garl and everything, I mean?"
The Glory of Hope, the spellpool thing, just so we're on the same page? Assuming so, if not correct me.
"It's not like we haven't done one before. It's hard work but we can do it," Elle says confidently.
"Nice! I'll be sure to give you the go ahead once I've cleared the political side," Seira promises, perking up. "And after that, I've been wondering for the longest of time. We've acquired several artifacts over the years, but I don't like the shape of some of them. Greatswords that are too unwieldly in battle, powerful staves that don't go well with the image I'd like to project, at least not the way a crown would. That sort of thing. It's been my bane for ages, but do you think you could do something about it now?"
"Are you kidding?" Elle smiles even more, "I'm a goddess of magic and did you feel just that? I'm sure that's approval."
"Oh thank me! It's been such a bother, you know how sometimes you've got a song stuck in your head insessantly and you can't get it out? I'm like that with my favorite magical gear. Please help for the sake of my sanity!"
"Show me what you want to work with," Elle says, "I'll take a look and if I can't work out something, I'll see if Latha and I together can."
"Right, so, first is this." Seira produces the Philosopher's Friend before snatching the Commander's Helmet off her head. "Staves don't work well with my image, and mental sharpness should really be close to the heart or the mind. It just doesn't make sense for me to hold it in my hand!"
Her sword is next, and she taps her armbands. "I've also been considering focusing properly on unarmed combat rather than half-assing it by switching between sword and claw. That's the second main thing."
For my reference here since it matters, could you paste in the stat blocks for all of those?
Philosopher's Friend
This darkwood quarterstaff +6 grants a +20 competence bonus to Intelligence and Wisdom based skill checks when in hand. The holder's mental abilities expand with the reflections of the ages, granting a +6 bonus to Intelligence and Wisdom. Finally, the staff may cast sequester once per day (caster level 30th), except that the target does not become comatose.
Philosopher's Friend is a minor artifact.
Commander's Helmet
This helmet grants a +15 competence bonus to Charisma based skills and a +6 enhancement bonus to Charisma. The wearer's voice is clear and powerful, able to be heard clearly for 100ft per hit die of the wearer. Yet the greatest function of the helmet is future seeing, allowing the wearer to have an instinctive grasp of which of her strategies are wise. This grants a +20 competence bonus to any check related to leading soldiers and planning battles, as well as the ability to 'sense' flawed plans. This works through powerful divination magic, able to foil any non epic protections to provide this, even if a plan would appear sound with the information the wearer has on hand.
Commander's Helmet is a minor artifact.
Dragon's Grace: Shortsword+7. This blade seeks out the weak spots of it's victims, increasing it's wielders sneak attack damage by 2d6. In addition it functions as a staff of fiery power with 50 charges and without it's retributive strike.
Armbands of the Spark: +10 Keen Deadly Precision Shattermantle Armbands of the Spark, a pair of black armbands that turn the wearer's unarmed attacks or natural weapons into +10 keen (19-20 crit threat range), deadly precision (+1d6 SA) and shattermantle (cumulative -2 to target's SR for a round on a hit) weapons. The wearer's unarmed strikes and natural weapons also count as adamantine, silver and epic to overcome damage reduction. Further, they allow the user to channel life energy. Five times per day, they may activate that power as a swift action. For the next minute, they may deal critical hits and precision damage to creatures normally immune to such.
Elle takes some time to study them all. As she works, "And what forms do you want them in?"
"I want the Armbands to help me with my precision work, given that they're already geared for that. Dragon's Grace will stand just fine on its own afterwards, and should make a nice gift to Emily, fiery powers and all. As for the other pair, ideally all would be merged into headwear, although a diadem might look better than a helm since I could wear it off the battlefield as well. What do you think, Elle?"
"I'll work on them," Elle agrees, "Do you need them fast?"
"In a few days?"
"I'll work on it," Elle promises.
Next move?
Seira skips on to meet with her avatar that had been preparing for a day to cast a spell on her, and then Shield of Sylica lays its guarding magic upon her spirit. Right now, she's spread pretty thin, with a single avatar guarding the Astral Cauldron, this one used for magical research and to dispense useful magic for those who leave the realm, and the remaining four doing shifts along with Kascha's own avatar and Garl to call back those gnomes who are ready to pick up the good fight once more!
She looks in on their efforts in the past day to see if her formula is working, or if she needs to tweak it further.
It looks like it's working well enough on a glance - to the limits of your abilities, anyway. The Astral's been quiet today, while your magic avatar performs as desired. The gnome work is long and hard work, but they're doing so steadily.
In that case, Seira goes to find Oraga and Sanzha! She's still got a few days until she needs to see Asmodeus, so using that time to help her friends advance their goals sounds about right.
So that I'm on the same page as you and as I have a lot of balls in the air, what goals do you have in mind here?
Sanzha wanted to go chat with other madalani with me, so let's do it! On the Oraga side, shamefully there haven't been many opportunities so I figure we could all go together. Especially since my best gear is staying home for the duration.
Sure. Any prep for the trip out?
Just the usual trip spels!
Lady Sanzha sits on a throne of water and coral as she overlooks the work on the new Cauldron. As you step forward, "It is time," she agrees without being asked, "We should have no problems on Water."
"And if we do run into a spot of trouble, it'd take someone truly determined to invonvenience us," Seira agrees. "Lead on?"
Sanzha doesn't rise, she flows. Her body is like liquid water, moving with graceful fluidity. With a gesture you are elsewhere with Oraga and Sanzha.
Water all around you. Cool water that is still. It's not lit here at all, yet you can see thanks to your nature. Ahead is a free floating palace of shaped water, iced just enough to give it form and shape and opacity. A great multistoried palace, no other buildings or yard. Delicate minarets rise up high as beautiful songs in Aquan can be heard from within. The occasional loud clash of a blade on blade is also heard, like particularly sharp notes in the song.
Seira keeps an eye on Oraga in case something is uncomfortable in the environment, but doesn't offer anything unprompted.
"Who's living here?" she asks Sanzha, indicating the palace wiht a nod of her head.
Oraga endures without comment, as he often does.
"Madalani, who else?" Lady Sanzha says as she swims forward, "Perhaps old Tamzar still runs them."
"So it's more of a school than a personal residence?"
"It's both," Sanzha answers, "Why not both? Why not live in luxury while learning?"
"Why not indeed," Seira agrees, following her.
Thus you enter. None bar your way, perhaps none dare. The doors open into luxury, into gold and refinement. The interior walls are lined with wood, rich woods deep and darkly stained. There's no water in here, instead it's dry within. It's tastefully lit with crystalline chandeliers and little light torches made of wrought glass. Beautiful marid women in miniature carvings hold those torches.
"No deathtrap," Lady Sanzha remarks aloud, "You've gotten smarter."
"Hmm?" Seira muses, drying them with her will.
'Welcome, friends and those I tolerate,' A man's voice is heard, 'Be content you are one I would prefer to call a friend.'
"The last time I was here, it was an entire squad of war trained dire sharks," Lady Sanzha declares with a note of mild pique, "With three heads each."
"Maybe I'm just better liked?" Seira asks with a grin, before raising her voice. "Thank you for the kind welcome!"
"You even got the blood out," Sanzha concurs aloud.
'What does this goddess wish to know, Sanzha?' Is the answer back.
Well, knowing who this is might be nice. But Seira lets Sanzha handle the introductions, as she's clearly in her element.
"Tamzar," Sanzha answers, "Get to the point of this instead of picking at us for answers." Her voice is firm, mirth leaving it.
The response is for a portal of water to rise, to which Sanzha enters without hesitation.
Once more, Seira merrily follows along!
You appear on an elevated platform well above an open gymnasium. Here dozens of marid fight - from bare handed to swords to tridents to nets to many other weapons. Overlooking them all is one marid - ancient, weathered, tired. Small, he seems to swim in his fine pearl and gold colored robes, hood down. He sits on a cushioned chair as a beautiful marid female fans him, wearing only strategic strips of cloth to cover herself.
Sanzha looks out over the battle, "Are any of them promising?"
"They aren't dead yet," the old marid retorts, "Two and a half weeks in."
"Not bad," Sanzha concurs as she watches them fight, skilled warriors for certain, even on a glance. "Anyone noteworthy?"
"Hardly anyone of social rank, it's all heroes," Is the old marid's dismissive reply. "If a better group than usual."
"Heroes are the most noteworthy candidates," Seira notes. "Especially if they are driven by a tragic past!"
With an arch look the old man says, "And you look like someone's tragic past. Several someones. Marrying a woman!" He declares, "A loss for all men. Well, an elf. Close enough."
"Those men who couldn't find any other suitor in a whole Creation of them after being deprived of my glorious self can take a long walk off a short pier," Seira tells him cheerfully. "How about you? Broken any hearts in the distant, distant past?"
With an open look of amusement, Sanzha sits. Her throne from before reforms and she rests on it, looking out over the battles.
"Oh, I was wooing princesses and dating noblewomen before your world was even an idea," The marid retorts right back, "I'd have romanced you."
"You'd have tried," Seira responds. "I was a bit edgy in my youth so I might've shot you if you got carried away."
"A bow and arrow aren't going to slow me down," The old marid banters right back. "Try harder."
"Aww, and you never even asked where I would've shot you!"
To this the old marid smiles rather darkly, "I knew you had some fire in you," he retorts. "Also no chance of becoming a madalani, but that's not why you're here."
"I bet on dragons," Seira agrees. "It's been working pretty good for me so far. But I'm not here to become a madalani, no, only to help Sanzha reach farther still! Especially since there's a bit of overlap with divinity, so I'm pretty curious how far mixing the two can take her!"
"I noticed you looked less old now," The marid retorts without any real scorn.
"Flatterer," Sanzha retorts with her own look of dry amusement, "Yes, I'm back and without the strengths and weaknesses of the Coral Throne."
"Good." A short answer, "The soul is like a dammed lake. Add water to it and it gets bigger, add too much and it overflows and washes away the dam, and the lake with it. How deep is your lake now, Sanzha?"
With a turn of her head to face the old marid, "Deeper than you can imagine, ancient Tamzar."
"Hm, hm, hm," An almost laugh from that, "I've spent an eternity digging deeper. You'll need more than mere divinity to catch up." He smiles - pure white teeth, not a hint of age glimpsed. Very sharp teeth, like a shark's. "Not even yours would be enough to hold a tiny fraction of Water."
"Who needs all of it," Sanzha banters back, "Besides old men who don't know any better? My dam is invincible now, no amount of water will overflow."
"Better than you have thought otherwise," The old marid's retort is instant, a disgusted twist of his lips into a scowl. "Arrogant cow! I would beat an apprentice to the brink of death if they said that to me." He raises his fist, as if to strike Sanzha, but does not bring it down.
In the same moment Sanzha's trident is in hand, the three tines against his throat. "Don't mistake me for a mortal, old man." Her smile is tight, her gaze locked on his.
"Hey, enough flirting! How about you just settle this with a friendly spar? If a picture is worth a thousand words, then that'd work quite well~"
In the next instant a floating scimitar is at your neck, as with a glance back, "There, now we're all a part of this," he says without even blinking. Then back to Sanzha, "You'd have made an amazing efreet."
"Rot in Fire," Sanzha says, trident staying right where it is for several more seconds before she lowers it. "We'll spar later. So Tamzar, will your efforts ever bear fruit?"
The old marid's fist is lowered and the sword at your throat is gone. "Hm, hm. hm. Who says they already haven't?"
"The Water Lord lets you live," Sanzha's reply is borderline frosty, a hint of contempt. "The truth, old man."
A chuckle. Another and another, dry as the desert. "The problem is not that I've made it, but that it's an endless drop if I make a single missed step going forward. There's another, and that one had remarkable help to avoid a misstep."
Instantly Sanzha's eyes narrow, "Who?"
"Not one on Water," Is the answer, "Not even a madalani. That is all I will speak of it."
"I'll just be over there when you stop being so pointlessly mysterious," Seira notes, heading over to take a closer look at the practicing apprentices.
"What this feeble old man means," Sanzha says coolly, "Is that he dreams of becoming an aspect of Water directly, beyond merely being a spirit of Water. To enhance the connection to Water to that point, and develop himself to the point where he can withstand that."
"Pah," The old marid scoffs at that, "Solving mysteries is good training for the mind."
"I've grown weary of unneeded obfuscation in the past decades, as nostalgic as this is, old man." Sanzha replies, "The ultimate purpose of any spirit is to become one with the plane they are tied to. But what happens if you develop your soul so it can withstand more than that? What do you become when you are Water and you are still yourself and independent?"
"There's a time and place for riddles, and they're certainly fun," Seira readily allows. "But they're more of a pastime, wouldn't you agree? Speaking in them is not conductive to actual advancement or to an exchange of ideas." Tapping her lips slowly, she muses, "This bit about becoming an aspect of Water directly, is it similar to the divine made of their key concepts? So a Water deity is in fact an aspect of Water?"
With her own loo of slight amusement, a hand on her hip now, "The Water Lord does not deign to answer the question, but that is one theory." Sanzha says.
Seira grins. "Why ask Istishia when I can ask you? I think that's how I feel with Fire, anyway. Actually, Lathander did say that if you explore that sort of divine affinity further, you can grow into an elemental lord or something like that. Perhaps that's what you could do?"
"All full of hope and vigor, aren't you?" The old marid says, "It's much too early in the day for this."
"You've really got this cantankerous old man character down," Seira says in approval. "Do you have a lawn? Just so you can yell at youngsters to get off it? It's probably hard to arrange on Water, but an old man of your talents can handle it!"
"Tell Sanzha to act her age if you want more," Is the retort you get, "Now old lady, is that all you came for?"
Lady Sanzha's smile is as frigid as a winter midnight. "I changed my mind. Let's go practice and spar. Now." She reaches out and firmly grabs his shoulder, then hops down with him. You notice he lands without even a reaction, unbothered by the drop. The apprentices all scatter away the moment they land, clearing out without a single word.
Seira protects the apprentices by erecting walls of force and establishing an arena of sorts as she summons a fluffy cloud to sit on and observe the action below!
Going to just casually watch or do anything more in depth?
I'll watch! Sanzha hasn't really shown her prowess before so this is a good chance to see how good the two of them are! And also, how they use their link to Water.
Sure. Give me a K:P check.
10 for 117.
A duel.
Trident and sword.
The two move as if water was a part of them, as if they are nothing more than lords of the water and it moves to their command. Tidal waves are born, tsunamis crest and groundswells burst. Water erupts everywhere as they move fast, with the uncanny, blurring speed that is joined by song. Two songs of water and victory, competing against one another. They dance as much as move, each clang of their weapons another note in a shared ballad.
You've seen it with Sanzha before, the ability to draw more Water within herself. The art of a madalani. If Sanzha is a river with perfect walls to contain it, old Tamzar is like the ocean from the waves to the depths of a deep trench. One channels deeply and fully, while the other barely channels but holds so much more. There is a tremendous weight to his soul, a size unlike others you have encountered before.
Wizards are great at emulation, Seira muses. Rogues aren't too bad at it, but with a spell one can always be anything she wants to be, and do anything she wants to do. Divinity then takes it further, and the end result causes Seira's thoughts to drift and wander.
She can force her focus into her strikes. She's fast, and while saying that her speed is beyond equal is arrogant nonsense, certainly the amount of those in Creation who are faster is ridiculously finite. Twenty, twenty five on the outset? Her body has internalized the ability to operate faster, and her mind has learned to adapt to a higher thinking speed. Flight is an innate ability that comes easier than breathing, which actually requires some consideration to emulate. Her force of personality is ever a shield against the world, much as it enforces her will upon it. And finally, control over a primary element. Seira, too, has dived deep into her understanding of Fire, and her connection to it is likely on par with Kossuth and Lathander, even if the actual power she can draw from it is far less. The conceptual identification with the Fires of Creation, a dangerous flame that can burn all if not warded properly, but always seeks out the sinners... she's able to call upon it at will, wielding it as a second nature.
Is that all not an emulation of what it means to be a madalani, similarly to how a Factotum might achieve the feat? Or is there more to the practice, similar to how she can easily wield any of the mortal spells through her divine remit but needs to lean on her true talents for anything more advanced? If so, she'd like to understand it better to help guide Sanzha with her outsider's perspective.
Again and again and again. Thrice they clash, then thrice more.
Again and again and again and again. Water and waves and unyielding steel form the song together.
Yet the old marid is too much. His depths swell, a ripple of power that resonates throughout his vast soul. It climaxes in a single blow that leaves Sanzha skidding away and ultimately on her back, trident left behind.
"You're still not there," he observes, as he smoothly sidesteps a sudden lance of water from behind.
Slowly Sanzha sits up, "And if I used all my powers, you'd be dead," she retorts with some heat in her voice, a taste of real anger. "You're lucky I coddle you, ancient Tamzar."
Tamzar comes over and offers Sanzha his hand, which she takes. "And you're lucky the current Padisha or the Water Lord doesn't quench you like an arrogant elemental. Are you done posturing, my ancient lady?"
"Why didn't you use some more powers?" Seira asks curiously, hopping down to meet them with Oraga. "You could've made your song more powerful, and that should have been enough."
"That," Sanzha says in a cold voice that would make Auril jealous, "Is not the point."
"The flirting is the point." Oraga rumbles.
Check that. Now the gaze from Sanzha is cold enough to impress Auril. The old marid chuckles at this but doesn't say anything.
"Enlighten me! Because this reminds me of the time Donald challenged me to a bout and then said that he's better in terms of pure skill. It would've been a wonderful story of the student surpassing his master... if he weren't my student in the arts of magical combat. What's the point to staying arbitrarily pure when your abilities resonate with others? If a school is so rigid it forces you to eliminate such influences, why not start a new one that allows them? That feels like a Water aspect of adaptability to me."
"The point is to grow," It is the old marid who speaks, "Not all aspects need flow forth at once. Besides, this old woman's never beaten me on my own terms."
"There's a fine line between bravery and suicidal thought," Sanzha notes with words like ice.
"Oh geez, you marids. I can never tell if you're good friends or one word from a fight to the death," Seira complains, laughing. "I'd say there's plenty of ways to grow, but sure, you do you." Tapping her lips in thought, she asks Sanzha, "Now that I think about it, training others is another way to grow and improve. Perhaps you could get a few students yourself and see where that takes you?"
"Ah, your own students." The old marid says. "Would you like lessons in teaching?"
As he says that he sidesteps a sudden barrage of icy daggers, sword in hand again. He salutes Sanzha before she charges again, trident meeting blade as the war is renewed.
With a snort, Seira glances over at Oraga before gesturing past her raised shields to give the couple plentiful space to flirt.
Once the two of you are safe as they spar, "I have never seen Sanzha get angry like that before," Oraga notes.
"Yes, she prefers to snipe with her words," Seira agrees. "This little excursion has already paid for itself!"
As steel, ice and water all clash before you, "Is he worth cultivating as an ally?" Oraga asks instead.
"Sanzha gets along with him, and wouldn't have taken me over if there was something actually objectionable," Seira responds. "We could always use more friends on Water, too."
Oraga's answer is merely a rumbling noise, as again Sanzha is disarmed. She glares at the old marid, who merely nods to her and turns to Seira, as if expecting words to come.
"Oraga likes you!" Seira calls out. "That's good enough for me. Let's be friends!"
"Sanzha hasn't gotten too soft and fat with you," The old marid says, and merely nods back after.
"You know, after being called fat I'd use a bit more of my power in a spar to burn it off," Seira mentions to Sanzha with a grin. "Just saying."
Sanzha gets up and ignores your comment utterly, "I do believe that's enough of you for a century, old one."
"That's fine! You can visit us next! We've just moved to Bytopia, but Astral is fine too!"
The answer is a nod as...
Anything else to do here?
I think we can return. I hope this answered Sanzha's goal!
Sanzha is quiet as you return, perhaps lost in her own thoughts. That or plotting deeds most foul and revengeful, it's a little hard to tell. On your return she pauses a moment before, "Let it not be said there are not other madalani out there, though speak not of their attitudes and virtues."
Double negatives! That's a safe bet for plotting vengeance.
"I think it's nice that you can work together like that, sniping and all."
"If you think it's so nice, maybe you can be his next bedwarmer," Sanzha's voice is sharp, "Don't think his appearance speaks to any infirmity, in battle or elsewhere. It's showmanship, nothing more than a mask to fool the foolish."
"You should've said you dated before! I missed so much context!"
Brr. You're lucky the cold doesn't phase you anymore from that gaze. "It has a way of happening." Is the answer at last. "He is little known, but he knows how to move in the halls of power. The holder of the Coral Throne comes to at least know of him."
"Don't worry about me, though. I'm happy with Amaryl! And now you've warned us all about him. So that aside, he seems like he could be a nice friend to have. Both for your training, and for our efforts on Water."
In that moment a reply is lost, because you feel it. A strong connection to Sanzha, manifesting between the two of you.
Node update, go read.
Right.
"I guess we know what to do now!" Seira says cheerfully.
Right. Is Elle done with my gear? If so, I'll go do Asmodad's quest.
She probably is IC, but OOC I'm not. DM work's been crazy all around. Refresh me on the changes you wanted or link me to a loot post that goes into them?
Sure (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104400.msg1174562.html#msg1174562)
Okay, are the armbands listed there already in possession of all those powers like the +10 part and the rest?
The linked post is what the gear is now. The second post is you asking what I want to do with it. The third post explains the desired changes. The fourth post is Elle approving them.
Soon enough you go to Elle. "It was mostly a success," Elle reports. The two of you meet in her private rooms back here, attached to one of her shops. It smells good in here - of flowers and a faint hint of wood smoke. She takes out a wooden box, polished and carved, and presents it to you. "The diadem you want is in there."
Pumping her fist cheerfully, Seira takes it and puts it on top of her head!
"That's the helmet," Elle goes on, "It should have the same powers, it wasn't that hard to change it from a helmet to a diadem." She smiles as she reports, going to fan herself with her hand, as if too hot. She takes out another box, "Now for the staff. Here."
Inside this box is a pair of darkwood and gold spectacles, a tiny dragon motif blended and wrought into them. "They don't actually improve your vision, but they should work otherwise."
Loot post.
"My eyesight is perfect," Seira notes, putting them on next. "They look pretty smart! Thanks again!"
"The one thing I couldn't do was transfer qualities on a one to one basis," Elle admits, "Perhaps Mystra can, I'll ask her when I meet her and find out if it's possible. Until then, the sword and armbands are right here for you," she passes them back over.
"Right. Well, we've learned something new! Thanks!"
Right. Let's do Asmodeus's quest. I'll have my avatar cast all the travel spells including Glorious Rally and Celestial Valor.
Okay, we'll start that tomorrow - I'm going to focus on finishing Alicia's trip with the time I have left today, so go ahead and get your spoiler block in order so I don't have multiple combat scenarios unfolding at once and gumming up the works bad.
CL 36 for all spells.
Supreme Initiative: (+21 vs DvR6)
Armor Class: 101 (Touch AC 80)
Melee/Ranged Attack: +60 [Good, Lawful and Epic] (Haste, K:D +5, DvR6, Luck +3, Enchantment NOT included)
Full Attack/Dragon's Grace (flanking): +72/+72/+72/+72/+67/+62/+57 (1d6+100+23d6 17-20 x2) and bite +69 (1d8+103+22d6 19-20 x2) and claw +69 (1d6+97+22d6 19-20 x2) and wings +69/+69 (1d4+97+22d6 19-20 x2)
Saves: Fort +76, Ref +74, Will +74
Abilities: STR 36+2 (13+1), DEX 38 (14), CON 35+4 (12+2), WIS 26+6 (8+3), INT 46+6 (18+3), CHA 37 (13)
Darkstalker, Improved Evasion, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Spell Reflection, Aegis, Damage reduction 20/adamantine and epic, immunity to acid, electricity and fire, immunity to paralysis and sleep, spell resistance 50, vulnerability to cold, darkvision 6 miles, low-light vision 6 miles
My numerical benefits:
AC: +14 normal/+9 touch (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin)
Attack: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Damage: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Fort and Will Saves: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Ref Save +13 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +6 morale Glorious Rally, +2 insight Foresight)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
72 temp hp
Also fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 180ft radius of you.
Cool, were you going to contact them or just show up somewhere?
It's time. I'm coming over now, if convenient, Seira contacts Asmodeus. Same procedure as last time?
'Yes,' The voice of Asmodeus is heard, a single calm word in reply.
And so she's off to Avernus!
You appear beneath the green sky. The land is pitted, broken and dead here. The air has taken a bitterly cold chill. Yet you stand there untouched by it as he approaches. Bel strides forward, a look of cool consideration as he approaches you. Hate burns in his eyes, like two points of black that threaten to strangle you. "Seira Aryn," he growls.
From your side the other approaches. Gathgorian advances, mountainous and blotting out the sky. He carries his blade in hand, "We go to battle," he declares, "Can you keep up?"
"This again?" Seira asks with an eyeroll. "Anyway, as part of actual prep, let's make a full effort to avoid friendly fire. With our power, we can position easily enough to avoid it. And it's probably more of a pain for me than for either of you."
"Agreed," Bel declares, "Follow my lead, I will command us. My orders will see us through to victory. We will strike faster than they can see and stronger than they can endure!" His voice is a deep, booming thing as he speaks, a thrill going throughout you.
Bel's applying motivate dexterity for +16 dex checks and init as well as motivate attack for +5 melee attack rolls. This is normally automatic since who doesn't want marshal auras, but feel free to resist here since the circumstances are what they are.
"We've been through this and decided to take an adventuring party approach. I won't flat out ignore your suggestions, so let's get going. Transport us across?"
In an instant reality changes before you.
It is dark and gray. Rather than the green sky and dead lands of Avernus, it is dead lands in the night. You stand before a tiny, choked brook. Here dust and dirt clog it, turning it into nothing more than a little path of mud. Already Gathgorian strides forward, gaze to the horizon.
"This way," Bel declares.
[spoiler]
Bel
HP: 1780/1780 (regeneration 17)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+27 (+5 aura, +18 profane, +4 morale), Damage+18 (+18 profane) AC+18 (+18 profane), Saves+18 (+18 profane), Skills+0, Checks+0 +16 dex/init
Resources: Grant Move Action 6/6 Genocidal Rally 1/1 Smite 9/9
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL52), Nessian Reverie (CL63), Death Ward (CL35), Soul Ward (CL35), Invincible Champion (CL35)
Notes:
Gathgorian
HP: 1983/1983 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+27 (+5 aura, +18 profane, +4 morale), Damage+18 (+18 profane) AC+18 (+18 profane), Saves+18 (+18 profane), Checks+0 +16 dex/init
Resources:
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL52), Nessian Reverie (CL63), Death Ward (CL35), Soul Ward (CL35), Invincible Champion (CL35)
Notes:
"Of course," Seira agrees. "By the way, if we actually end up facing someone strong, I'll show you a nice method of flanking. This one isn't for some misplaced glory."
Reluctantly, +21 damage while flanking from my own aura, if they actually follow along.
As you walk, Gathgorian glances at the river. A pause for just one moment before the mud is blow away, and away from all of you. The debris and dust that clog it are gone, and the river begins to flow once more.
"Fool." Bel says shortly, not even looking back as Gathgorian smiles - a mask of malice and teeth - and turns to follow.
[spoiler]
Bel
HP: 1780/1780 (regeneration 17)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+27 (+5 aura, +18 profane, +4 morale), Damage+18 (+18 profane) AC+18 (+18 profane), Saves+18 (+18 profane), Skills+0, Checks+0 +16 dex/init +21 damage flanking
Resources: Grant Move Action 6/6 Genocidal Rally 1/1 Smite 9/9
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL52), Nessian Reverie (CL63), Death Ward (CL35), Soul Ward (CL35), Invincible Champion (CL35)
Notes:
Gathgorian
HP: 1983/1983 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+27 (+5 aura, +18 profane, +4 morale), Damage+18 (+18 profane) AC+18 (+18 profane), Saves+18 (+18 profane), Checks+0 +16 dex/init
Resources:
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL52), Nessian Reverie (CL63), Death Ward (CL35), Soul Ward (CL35), Invincible Champion (CL35)
Notes:
So that's how it is? They even openly needle each other in front of their enemy? Nice choice of a party, Asmodeus.
As you walk? "An enemy's potential is still potential," Gathgorian rumbles, "Let it become an ocean to cleave apart."
"A battle you do not fight is a battle you have already subjugated," Bel retorts in a quieter voice as he marches along at good speed, "An enemy on their back is one you do not need to put there yourself."
"There is no glory and strength in that," Gathgorian disagrees, "No way to progress. No way to step forward in meaning."
To this Bel smiles himself - a decidedly unhappy expression despite it, one that brings to mind bloodshed, "A defeated foe can serve you, as a new warrior or a thrall that produces tribute."
"A changed mind is a victory for all Creation," Seira joins up, since why not? "A soul turned to goodness is the best outcome possible~"
Incidentally, what are are Nessian Reverie, Soul Ward and Invincible Champion? And what spell levels are they? My greater arcane sight wishes to know.
Soul ward looks like a variant of sheltered vitality with a showier name and better duration. 9th level spell. Invincible champion grants a +4 morale bonus to attacks, proficiency with all weapons and armor and increased weapon damage. 11th level. Nessian reverie looks to be a spell that channels fell power from Nessus. Massive profane boosts to everything, but it requires that it's cast on Nessus. 18th level.
To this Bel says, "Naivety aside, you are right. Many are my warriors who once opposed me. You call it making friends."
"I do indeed!"
On you go, and as you walk...
Perception real quick, all.
10 for 117.
CL 36 for all spells.
Supreme Initiative: (+21 vs DvR6)
Armor Class: 101 (Touch AC 80)
Melee/Ranged Attack: +60 [Good, Lawful and Epic] (Haste, K:D +5, DvR6, Luck +3, Enchantment NOT included)
Full Attack/Dragon's Grace (flanking): +72/+72/+72/+72/+67/+62/+57 (1d6+100+23d6 17-20 x2) and bite +69 (1d8+103+22d6 19-20 x2) and claw +69 (1d6+97+22d6 19-20 x2) and wings +69/+69 (1d4+97+22d6 19-20 x2)
Saves: Fort +76, Ref +74, Will +74
Abilities: STR 36+2 (13+1), DEX 38 (14), CON 35+4 (12+2), WIS 26+6 (8+3), INT 46+6 (18+3), CHA 37 (13)
Darkstalker, Improved Evasion, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Spell Reflection, Aegis, Damage reduction 20/adamantine and epic, immunity to acid, electricity and fire, immunity to paralysis and sleep, spell resistance 50, vulnerability to cold, darkvision 6 miles, low-light vision 6 miles
My numerical benefits:
AC: +14 normal/+9 touch (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin)
Attack: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Damage: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Fort and Will Saves: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Ref Save +13 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +6 morale Glorious Rally, +2 insight Foresight)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Perception 10 for 117
72 temp hp
Also fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 180ft radius of you.
> roll 1d20+76
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+65
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d100 random
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 88 > [d100=88]
You see it ahead as you go - a zone that your eyes want to slide past. You brush that away with a glimpse and can see it far ahead. A stark, bone white building, a great complex that rises in on itself and towers high. It's like a jagged, twisted bone that broke through the surface of Hades, reaching up for the sky above.
"Can you see the anathemic knowledge hidden here?" Seira asks curiously.
"Ahead," Bel agrees. "A mortal's eyes would slide over it, refuse to see it."
"Obviously, though I've known of a couple mortals who got past that," Seira muses. "I'm mostly asking how far either of you can see ahead. I've run into that issue before with weaker deities, and I need a decent answer here."
"Far enough to see it," Bel agrees once more, "Forward."
Gathgorian merely strides ahead, heading in that direction.
Hold onto your secrets for a while longer, sure. Putting it out of her mind, Seira does likewise.
You begin to approach. It comes closer, now only two miles away. You can spot things now - glimpses of windows, barred up and sealed. The faintest whisper of profane chanting, from somewhere inside. Words of Infernal and Abyssal, a mix that feels profoundly wrong to you.
"I'm going to be blasting it with earthquakes from half a mile out," Seira voices, intending to do just that!
"I will crush it from above," Bel declares, "Let them perish."
Gathgorian merely smiles, "I will stride ahead and break any who oppose us."
There is no need to rush and seek out contact that Seira can see. Still, she doesn't actually start the attack at half a mile, but rather from two thousand feet out, at a pace of three overlapping Earthquakes each fresh step closer.
Two swifts, one standard per round.
Okay, just for my own reference, CL on those?
It's my divine SDAs, and I presume 36 since I have an orange ioun stone for the +1 CL.
Thanks.
Thus you step forward as you reach this cursed place. At the same time Bel flies perhaps a thousand feet above it while Gathgorian strides forward, just off the ground. When your quakes begin, the entire building shudders to your divine will. At the same time Bel points down. The moans of the damned fill the air as blast after blast rocks the upper floors, carving out chunks of it and creating craters.
While this happens Gathgorian raises his blade up, as doors open. You catch robed things, faceless nightmares. They come out stumbling and staggering as Gathgorian brings down his blade, as hunks of rock from above land on the quivering ground. A howling tornado stories tall comes forth, slamming into them, whipping stone away and sending cultists crashing down everywhere.
Suffer and bow, worms!
Face me, if any of you have the power to resist!
Seira is happy to try and take the tower down by repeatedly destabilizing it and its foundations, and she keeps an eye out for any cultists that pass Gathgorian.
From it many fall. Broken towers send cultists crashing down to the breaking ground, as rifts appear and black Styx-water erupts out from some, and from others lava spews forth. All around swept away daemons and worse land, broken by the tornado that swept them away.
The broken building collapses under a dozen earthquakes, a tornado barrage and artillery from above. But that is not all. Amid the din some do emerge.
From a broken tower a robed and hooded thing, hunched and yet taller than Hanna standing straight up, emerges. It holds a writhing staff of iron, with both ends that of a cobra. This figure flies out, surrounded by a semi transparent sphere of fore. It raises the staff towards Bel, as if to challenge him.
Amid the hurricane a trio come forth. Three nude elves, faces and expressions blank. They are blackened as if burned terribly, yet they are intact in spite of charred skin. they meet in the center, where each is stitched with threads of iron to a black, shadowed horror with far too large a mouth. A gloom, a creature Seira knows from her lore studies. The elves smile suddenly - and their mouths become the far too large mouth of the gloom, the teeth within glimpsed, sharp as a hundred daggers. They endure the hurricane and come forth, challenging Gathgorian.
You are not surprised. When the earth behind you splits open, you are utterly unsurprised to note a figure rise up 135ft behind you. A twisted, faceless daemon, an ultroloth with its face replaced by a rusted steel plate. It's arms are gone, and from where those are dozens of thin whips crackle with electricity. From its stomach two arms emerge, each one holding a metal wand sharpened to a bladed tip. It advances on at you, as if to dare to challenge you.
Suffice to say it's init time amid all the chaos.
Supreme Init, dvr6.
I'll take 10 for planes/arcana 102 to refresh myself on the ultroloth's weaknesses and immunities.
> roll 1d20+46 Bel
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+21 Mage of the Spheres
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+19 The Hunger
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+15 Mutated Nightmare
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=5]
Init is Seira (Supreme) > Gathgorian (Supreme) > Bel (60) > Mage of the Spheres = The Hunger (38) > Mutated Nightmare (20)
Open.
On base, an ultroloth is immune to poison and acid, along with the typical fiendish resistances. You know not what this horror is - something blanketed in anathemic secrecy for untold eons perhaps, something never brought forth to menace Creation.
Well then! Seira stops time.
21:55 <Seira> roll 1d4+1
21:55 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d4=2]
Anyone intervening or brought into the stopped time?
Nope, go for it.
She should fight differently from her usual routine! And so Seira blinks over to her opponent, imbuing herself with Shield and boosting her magic. She primes the variant on Lightning's Rise she had devised for fire as she does so, becoming a golden princess in deed! A trap forms around Seira and her opponent, and a moment later magic missiles assault the two of them, bouncing off her magical shield!
And as time resumes, Seira dispels her opponent, steps closer and strikes in earnest!
Round 0: Swift Time Stop.
Round 1: Swift Shield, swift to create some flanking for herself via small fire elementals/animated objects, standard Seira's Arcane Thesis
Round 2: Standard Sekhmid's Trap around us without getting Bel or Gathgorian by accident, swift Arcane Spellsurge, move to channel Superb Dispelling into Dragon's Grace
Round 3: Swift Spell Enhancer, swift Lightning's Rise (Goldenfire), stanard true strike, move to get af5 step from in melee with the dude
Okay, goes without incident so unless you need a reaction, go ahead and do any damage rolling and the rest of your turn, and I'll resolve it in one great big kablooey.
22:14 <Seira> roll 6#1d20+38
22:14 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 52, 45, 57, 50, 48, 42 >
Actually, forgot to add the counterspelling bonus and dvr, so that's 68, 61, 73, 66, 64, 58. If I didn't break all the spells, please let me know.
22:18 <Seira> roll 1d20+52 SR Sekmid's Trap
22:18 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d20=17]
22:18 <Seira> roll 18d4+18 magic missiles
22:18 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d4=3,2,2,2,2,2,1,2,2,3,2,3,2,2,4,3,1,1]
Full attack! With my FISTS OF FURY.
22:20 <Seira> roll 1d20+74+15+20
22:20 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 113 > [d20=4]
22:20 <Seira> roll 1d20+74+15
22:20 <Seira> roll 1d20+74+15
22:21 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d20=7]
22:21 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d20=3]
22:21 <Seira> roll 1d20+74+15
22:21 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d20=14]
22:21 <Seira> roll 1d20+69+15
22:21 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d20=8]
22:21 <Seira> roll 1d20+64+15
22:21 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 86 > [d20=7]
22:21 <Seira> roll 1d20+59+15
22:21 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d20=8]
22:21 <Seira> roll 1d20+69+15
22:21 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d20=14]
22:21 <Seira> roll 1d20+69+15
22:21 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=15]
22:21 <Seira> roll 1d20+69+15
22:21 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 104 > [d20=20]
22:21 <Seira> roll 1d20+69+15
22:21 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d20=13]
22:21 <Seira> roll 1d20+69+15 wing crit?
22:21 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=16]
22:22 <Seira> roll 2d8+110+10+22d6
22:22 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 199 > [d8=6,3][d6=4,2,3,1,5,2,1,2,2,3,5,1,2,5,4,4,4,5,2,4,6,3]
22:22 <Seira> roll 2d8+110+10+22d6
22:22 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 195 > [d8=5,8][d6=2,3,2,6,4,6,4,2,3,1,4,4,2,4,2,1,1,1,5,2,1,2]
22:22 <Seira> roll 2d8+110+10+22d6
22:22 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 217 > [d8=3,6][d6=3,6,1,5,3,6,5,5,5,6,6,6,1,6,1,3,2,4,4,1,5,4]
22:22 <Seira> roll 2d8+110+10+22d6
22:22 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 220 > [d8=6,8][d6=5,5,3,3,3,4,2,3,6,6,1,6,6,3,3,4,3,6,2,2,5,5]
22:22 <Seira> roll 2d8+110+10+22d6
22:22 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 214 > [d8=3,2][d6=4,6,5,2,6,6,3,1,1,4,4,6,4,6,4,4,1,3,5,6,3,5]
22:22 <Seira> roll 2d8+110+10+22d6
22:22 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 218 > [d8=7,8][d6=4,4,2,4,6,1,6,4,5,2,3,6,2,5,1,5,4,6,3,5,4,1]
22:22 <Seira> roll 2d8+110+10+22d6
22:22 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 222 > [d8=7,7][d6=6,3,4,5,5,3,6,3,4,2,3,2,2,5,6,5,3,4,5,5,4,3]
22:23 <Seira> roll 1d8+116+10+22d6
22:23 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 188 > [d8=3][d6=1,6,3,5,1,3,2,3,2,1,2,2,1,3,3,6,1,2,3,2,3,4]
22:23 <Seira> roll 1d6+110+10+22d6
22:23 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 197 > [d6=1,1,6,6,6,5,3,3,1,5,5,2,2,6,4,2,4,2,1,1,5,4,2]
22:23 <Seira> roll 1d4+110+10+22d6 if hit
22:23 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 189 > [d4=3][d6=4,3,2,2,5,3,3,4,3,2,5,2,2,5,1,1,3,1,1,2,6,6]
22:23 <Seira> roll 2d4+220+20+22d6 if crit
22:24 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 329 > [d4=2,4][d6=4,5,1,6,3,3,6,4,2,6,1,5,3,5,5,3,5,4,3,1,5,3]
22:24 <Seira> roll 1d4+110+10+22d6
22:24 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 195 > [d4=2][d6=2,2,6,5,2,1,6,5,1,4,1,2,5,1,5,1,4,5,2,4,6,3]
If it's still around, I'll end up in Gambit.
Init is Seira (Supreme) > Gathgorian (Supreme) > Bel (60) > Mage of the Spheres = The Hunger (38)
You see it.
That moment of open shock, that moment as spells crumble and body breaks. Powerful it may be, it was not prepared for such an onslaught. You simply break it, blows raining down that cast it down, cast it down as a broken shell on the ground.
Your sharp eyes also let you notice that the stomach-arms reach out, scooping up broken dirt as it can, trying to shove it into its mouth.
Gathgorian, but a chance to react in case you have anything else left.
I used up all my actions here sans counters, but I'd like to know if there's a magical aura in place or just plain what I think he might be doing?
Your best, informed guess would be it can restore itself by consumption or otherwise draw power from what it's doing. Possibly some sort of attack as well, or the arms are an independent entity that's acting for its own reasons.
Okay! If it casts I'll counter and if it attacks me I'll AoO. In fact, since I'm in melee with it, I'll AoO what I can there.
Feel free to AoO the arms then.
Seira stomps on the wiggling arms like one would on a particularly nasty cockroach.
22:48 <Seira> roll 1d20+74+15
22:48 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d20=3]
22:48 <Seira> roll 2d8+110+10+22d6
22:48 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 209 > [d8=3,7][d6=4,2,5,4,1,6,3,2,3,1,6,6,3,3,5,3,5,1,2,4,5,5]
One powerful stomp and the arms crack and break, no more movement. The creature lies still and slowly dissolves into black mud that seeps into the ground.
Init is Seira (Supreme) > Gathgorian (Supreme) > Bel (60) > Mage of the Spheres = The Hunger (38)
Gathgorian's expression is triumphant as he raises his blade and rushes forward, a mountain sized blur of destruction and malice.
> roll 1d20+77 (-30 PA, +2 charge)
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=1]
> roll 8d6+318
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 346 > [d6=3,1,2,6,6,4,2,4]
> roll 1d20+14
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=1]
One elf is cut in twain, while the gloom beneath is cut deeply. Yet this is not all, as a moment later another screaming tornado erupts, which sends the creature into a massive impact with the collapsing building as the ground quakes, through a wall and into the collapse directly.
> roll 5d6+20d6
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 95 > [d6=1,4,5,1,5,5,5,1,6,4,2,3,1,4,4,3,6,6,1,6,6,5,5,1,5]
"A pixie does better than you," Gathgorian declares coldly, his smile sharp.
As the din of collapse and the dust of ruin is thrown up, Bel regards the foe before him.
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=19]
The sphere abruptly shatters, the magic around it crushed. The robed figure begins to react but Bel is there, Abyssbane coming for his throat.
> roll 1d20+101
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 107 > [d20=6]
> roll 4d6+282+3d6+3d6
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 316 > [d6=1,2,5,2,4,1,6,6,1,6]
> roll 4d6 more forgot to double that since dire charge
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 > [d6=3,2,1,3]
The hooded figure's head falls away from his body as his body erupts in helflire, burning away. If anything, your outright attack seems fortunate - your foes are scattered and slain, the entire building collapses before your eyes.
This was actually a pretty good encounter, just one of those cases where chose the right options to do well and everything went just so. Free act.
[spoiler]
Bel
HP: 1780/1780 (regeneration 17)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+27 (+5 aura, +18 profane, +4 morale), Damage+18 (+18 profane) AC+18 (+18 profane), Saves+18 (+18 profane), Skills+0, Checks+0 +16 dex/init +21 damage flanking
Resources: Grant Move Action 6/6 Genocidal Rally 1/1 Smite 9/9
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL52), Nessian Reverie (CL63), Death Ward (CL35), Soul Ward (CL35), Invincible Champion (CL35)
Notes:
Gathgorian
HP: 1983/1983 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+27 (+5 aura, +18 profane, +4 morale), Damage+18 (+18 profane) AC+18 (+18 profane), Saves+18 (+18 profane), Checks+0 +16 dex/init
Resources:
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL52), Nessian Reverie (CL63), Death Ward (CL35), Soul Ward (CL35), Invincible Champion (CL35)
Notes:
To be fair, it's a very strong pixie, Seira muses as she dismisses the cage with the magic missiles. Getting anything worthwhile here is likely a wash, but she still checks to see if her opponents weapons were interesting or just trash before approaching the collapsed tower.
If this dude attacked me without any magical gear, mad props.
The two wands dropped are interesting, if nothing else.
Wands of Ernavor
Each of these metal wands is sharpened to function as long swords+5, keen, unholy and spell storing, but that is not their true power. When the wands are used to slay a mortal creature, the next spell with the evil descriptor cast by the creature gains a bonus dependent on the slain creature's hit dice. See the table below.
Hit Dice | Benefit |
1-10 | +1 caster level |
11-20 | +1 caster level, damage dealt by the spell is vile |
21+ | +2 caster level, damage dealt by the spell is vile |
How nasty! Maybe she'll give them to Emily as a present since Dragon's Grace isn't working out.
As she draws closer to the tower, Seira focuses on all her senses, be they blindsight, scent or tremorsense to try and spot any surviving cultists.
Perception 10 for 117
Gathgorian joins you as he looks on, no sign of his foe emerging.
But you do notice something. A single hand amid the rubble, broken and bloodied, but pointing out. Pointing out in the direction of the two of you - just in time, as suddenly spell power forms, a beam of intense purple-black forming before it launches, becoming a dozen beams that arch at the two of you.
Chance to do counterspelling, your Perception made sure you more than had the chance.
Seira forms translucent unicorns that rush out to meet the beams head on, one each!
19:14 <Seira> roll 1d20+52 superb dispel
19:14 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=8]
Gathgorian whirls and brings his sword down, but you're faster. The spell crumbles away and is gone, only a few fragmented sundered by the massive fiend. The hand stays up a moment more before it goes limp, no more magic from it.
Seira explodes the hand anyway with a bright fireball!
"So that was the Last Monument, huh?" she muses, peering at it. The Guardian was supposed to be within it, but since it collapsed where is he now? Underground?
Bel descends as the collapse finishes. Silence after as he places a flagpole down atop the ruin. From it flies a banner of hellfire red, with the image of a greatsword engulfed in green flames on it.
"It must be," Gathgorian concurs, and with that, sinks into the ground as the stone parts around him.
Seira shrugs, and emulates xorn movement to follow him below. At least she can keep track of his whereabouts pretty well.
Thus down you go, down into the earth.
The ground still quivers with your wrath as you descend. Deeper and deeper and deeper - !
You come out the roof of a chamber. A chamber with nothing, vaster than you can see. Utterly empty space is here, not a thing at all. As if Hades is hollow beneath the surface.
Where are Gathgorian and Bel?
Gathgorian is besides you. You don't see Bel immediately.
"Can you see anything around here?" Seira asks Gathgorian, looking about herself.
Perception 117, just in case. Also, any magic here?
No magic. Just emptiness.
"A void," Gathgorian says, already descending down further.
"Hey, Guardian! Since you're here and we're here, how about we just move to the part where you test us?"
Pure curiosity here, but how far can your voice travel through your divine abilities?
I have no idea. 3,5000ft to hear my voice clearly via the crown, but dunno on the divine part.
Your voice echos, down, down and down deeper.
To your words a stairway forms instantly, one that leads deeper into this voice. A stairway of stone and metal, smooth and well made.
Seira touches down on the stairway after ensuring it is not trapped, calling down, "Thanks! Be right there!"
Perception 117, looking for magic too just in case, trapfinding and all that.
Gathgorian follows as you glimpse Bel descending. As you do go down, "I had expected more," Gathgorian comments.
"You lose nothing by trying to be nice," Seira muses. "And often it works out, like here."
Thus all of you descent down. It leads to a stone platform, large enough for all of you. You don't see anything on it, even as you approach.
"Once more, thank you for seeing us," Seira greets the Guardian that must be here and listening. "We're here for the divine seed entrusted to you, with the ultimate goal of using it against Shar."
A curious group, isn't it?
A devil, a devil and a red dragon who is anything but a red dragon.
I chose to help them because that means I can save a girl who needs it, and through her shift the balance of the planes for the better, Seira speaks only to the Guardian. I have faith that my choice will lead to a Creation with less suffering in it.
"We will advance," Gathgorians declares, as if that says it all.
If Bel speaks to the Guardian, you do not hear it. Perhaps he used the same tack as you.
For tomorrow, the destruction of chaos and conquest. Hardly united goals.
How will each of you use the seed?
I will hand the first three charges to them, as agreed upon. Should there be more, those go to me. In that case, since I have a charge left to help my daughter should she need it, I plan to use it for personal advancement.
Gathgorian merely looks ahead, focused.
Bel does not speak aloud either, but the silence is not unrewarded.
I see.
I reject this wretched place.
I have seen only scraps of happiness in this part of Creation, the leavings of ravenous dogs.
I want to see Creation continue.
I want to live.
None of you wish for ultimate destruction. I can accept that.
Prepare yourselves.
That's a sadly low bar that she's stayed ahead of, given this mess. But she should stay positive, Seira tells herself. There will be good as a result of her choices, not just the tyranny and oppression her temporary companions want to bring forth!
If init, I'll go with supreme init dvr2
Gathgorian smiles darkly and raises his blade.
Bel is at the ready, poised to strike.
What appears before you is a chess board. White and black, a simple carved chess board. A pawn moves forward at this.
It is your move. Choose wisely.
"To confirm, the rules are regular chess?" Seira inquires, meanwhile asking Bel and Gathgorian, "Any of you plays more than casually, or should I take it?"
Bel declares, "I am a master." He steps forward, "We are far beyond this challenge!"
Gathgorian merely steps back, "A mere amateur," he admits, "There is more glory in battle than before a board."
Bel just set motivate wisdom for +16 wis checks and wis based skill checks.
Seira nods at Bel. "Let's work together, then. I'll show you the next hirty moves I intend to make, and if you disagree with a strategy let me know and we'll reconsider."
Give me a relevant skill check.
As approved, Profession: General applies here. I'm taking 10 for 113 after including Bel's aura. If Divine Insight can be applied as well, that's 128.
While the following will fail against the Guardian unless he wills it to work, it should help defuse Bel's bad plans if he suggests any since he didn't have any epic divination busters when I looked at his spells:
Yet the greatest function of the diadem is future seeing, allowing the wearer to have an instinctive grasp of which of her strategies are wise. This grants a +20 competence bonus to any check related to leading soldiers and planning battles, as well as the ability to 'sense' flawed plans. This works through powerful divination magic, able to foil any non epic protections to provide this, even if a plan would appear sound with the information the wearer has on hand.
Okay, one more question then. What sort of style are you going to go for here? Offensive? Defensive? Aggressive? Patient? Whatever really, just looking for a general philosophy of play.
The playstyle will be aggressive.
Perhaps to your surprise, Bel agrees with you.
That will do. His efforts will be crushed.
Seira purposely chose an aggressive style to avoid conflict with Bel that would lead to their loss. And, again, to give him a false impression of how she usually operates.
But it's a genuinely good strategy and after securing Bel's support she moves the black pawn against white's move!
Bel aids as well - it doesn't really matter here in which order.
The Guardian plays a fair game. A good game, a great game. It's still not enough of a game to challenge the two of you, and soon enough your knight claims his king.
It's such a shame that their desires are so different. Were Bel and Gathgorian mortals, there would be a decent chance to show them a better way and channel their talents properly. As it is, however, she's learned from experience that fiends only reexamine their choices or natures when far down on their luck. Champions of Asmodeus would be the farthest thing from it. And why would they doubt anything, if their worldview is being validated in the strongest of terms at the moment? They would know of the countless others that came before them, but always feel that they are unique and they would never get discared in the very same way.
"It's been a while since I had a challenge like that," she tells the Guardian without hinting at her thoughts. "Thank you for an enjoyable game."
What Bel thinks about you is opaque to you, but he merely nods to the Guardian.
Your minds are sharp, yet you pity each other. Why?
Bel's expression becomes stormy for a moment, but calmness takes him. Instead he says, "Seira will never have true strength. She will never have the unyielding will to make the hard, cruel choices Creation requires."
"We've gotten this far by working together and not hurting a single innocent soul. Our end goal is to save Creation from Shar's wishes of entropy and senseless murder." She shakes her head in frustration. "What we've done here can be used to save Creation as a whole. What Bel calls hard choices of cruelty are really the easy ones. I believe that the opposite is true, and I would like nothing more than to teach he and Gathgorian that."
"Every conquest, every murder, every extermination of the weak," Bel declares, "Leaves behind only the strength of Baator. Look on the weak mortals of Lifasa, look at how we tempered them and freed them of their weakness in our iron hands. We made the choice to bless them, to make them part of something far more important than anything else they had."
"Seira would let mortals do as they please." Bel points one long, sharp claw at you. "She is unwilling to take and transform them, only accepting what crumbs come to her. I will not tolerate crumbs, I will take all that is my due and more. I will break them and recreate them in the proper images of Baator. None will dissent, none will break away into weakness or demon worship. Had Taelfagn not shown his own stupidity, Lifasa would be a well honed blade plunged into the heart of my enemies."
Ah yes. And there's that delusion. Hadn't they both fought against Aurora and lost shamefully?
"Free will is beautiful, and exercising it is never a thing to be afraid of. People are naturally decent, and will drift towards the right thing more often than not when left to their own devices. It's alright to show weakness, too. You're saying no true Baatoran would ever show it, but then what is true strength? If we try to define it perfectly, would we see an exact definition from the two of you? No deviation whatsoever from this ideal? No personal insights from your experiences of climbing to the top? No distinction before one another, as you are truly equal to one another in every way that counts?"
It is not Bel who replies, but Gathgorian.
"True strength is the purity of purpose to change Creation." He speaks almost quietly, his voice still loud because of his size, if nothing else. He holds his clenched fist up, "Mortals have so little purity of purpose, they meander about their lives, create spawn and die. Immortals stumble towards it, grasp a glimpse of it, but even they are far too impure. They do not dedicate themselves fully to a purpose. Everything I have done is towards one purpose. I will be the one who sees the Abyss crumble into oblivion. I will stand there when Arborea burns. I will be the one who sunders Limbo before it is consigned into nothingness. I am the remedy to chaos, the Answer to it. No other devil has reached the pinnacle I have."
"So when a mortal like me comes along and acts far more proactive than established deities, does that give you pause in any way? What about the mortal judgement of the gnomish God-King? Mortals have fresh outlooks on life, and they help shape us as much as we shape them, given that we are all part-concept by now. I know that some feel they are the future, the path to the Answer. I know some, like you, who despise them and feel the mortals are beneath them. Me? I don't think it matters whether you're a mortal, a deity or anywhere in between. Having an expiration date for your current body doesn't come into the equation. So long as you love this Creation and work towards changing it for the better, no matter what, you have this... purity of purpose, but tempered with an ability to see past your tunnelvision. That's a better definition for strength."
Gathgorian smiles - all dreadfully sharp teeth and replies, "There are always worthy exceptions, who have a commendable purity of purpose. Afina of Aurora is one, even if her goal is foolishness. Eblis thought mortals are naught but ash and dirt, but he was wrong. Many are, but not all. The exceptions are as hard and strong as adamantine."
Alike but different. Yet you are united in spite of it, two fiends and one with the heart of a celestial.
"If Zaphkiel and Asmodeus can genuinely cooperate to stop Shar for good, I can't shrink way from my part in it," Seira responds. "I'm not saying I want to save Creation at any cost. Rather, I'm willing to focus together on the true threat to Creation and because Asmodeus promised to Zaphkiel that atrocities like Lifasa and Benfal will not happen in the meantime. Should they try more subtle means, I think my companions here will find their checks and balances for drawing their focus away from the true enemy of Creation."
Checks and balances, you say?
Seira nods.
I accept that.
You all will see Creation survive.
"Yes," Gathgorian agrees.
"It will endure. Changed, but it will endure." Bel seconds.
"It will survive and thrive!"
Then that is enough for me. I will watch from afar and see who triumphs in this Creation, and if it continues towards the future.
Before all of you it appears, a divine seed that floats before all of you.
"Thank you!" Seira tells the Guardian earnestly, taking the seed. "Now, let's go to Nessus?"
Just going to hurry along barring any interrupts?
Yes, and also want to confirm the amount of charges~
3 charges.
We're good.
It is a quiet trip, a silent trip. The halls of power of Nessus part for you, and soon enough you stand before the Serpent Throne once more. Asmodeus watches on, serene and unbothered.
"Success," he notes, as if merely stating a routine fact.
"Success," Seira agrees, holding her hand out. The seed is transfered over to Asmodeus through an expression of her divine power. "To conclude our transaction, I propose that you provide me with Baator's seed and the agreed upon provisions for my mission to Dis. I will go over everything at length, and if anything is unclear I will ask for clarifications that fall within the terms of said agreement. Is that acceptable?"
To be clear since I want to make sure we're not he same page here, is that what you agreed to previously?
He said he'd give me a charge from the Baator divine seed (I assumed it only had the one left) and stuff to help me get Yemimah out:
1. Knowledge of a secret passage into the Iron Tower.
2. A special token that will provide some level of access in the Iron Tower.
3. An amulet that will protect the wearer an those close to him protection from the passive scans of the Iron Tower's sensory magics.
Link to where our negotiations concluded. (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104389.msg1167106.html#msg1167106)
No, I just misunderstood one part of what you said. Okay.
To that answer, another divine seed appears before you, as meanwhile Bel and Gathgorian kneel before the Serpent's Throne.
Seira accepts the seed, waiting for the rest.
My paraphrasing meant that I didn't want to go into details on the passages or the amulets much here, just to receive them and take care of the details later.
The rest appears before you as desired, "Our transaction is concluded," Asmodeus agrees.
"In that case, I'll take my leave," Seira says as she collects them, and then transports herself to the Astral.
Going to hop to Astral, then to Io's place to safeguard the divine seed, and then go home. Just to confirm, one charge as I expected?
Correct. We'll go ahead and wrap this here. Congrats on level up time!
Thanks! Just one more thing. I'd like Zaphkiel to confirm that there are no trojan horses here. OOC is fine.
It's clean.