Okay, you want to pursue that last piece of the Wheel, correct? How are you going to go about that?
We have the location of Danaxmos - I assume that the knowledge "updates" itself since it came from Grumbar himself.
Assuming that is the case, what do I know about the current location? K:P for 119.
What do you know about the current information?
I only know he's on Earth somewhere.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104247.msg1137748.html#msg1137748
Well, actually, I don't know he's on Earth, just what I was given!
Okay then. Going to head over there?
Yes, but if there's anything important I should know from the K:P Let me know!
If there's nothing super important, then yes.
Oh, we're going to take the three pieces we have with us. Moore has A Theory.
Thus the party gathers - yet your teleportation spell fails? Nothing happens. Something strong blocked you, hard.
"It would appear this is going to be a bit of a journey." Moore says.
He will try again, 1/2/3/5 miles out.
If none of those work then we'll just... have to figure something out, unless I get the sense that this is Divine interference.
You can tell it is indeed interference. Someone powerful and deific is blocking you. If you don't miss your guess, there's only one who could be doing it: Grumbar himself.
Moore rubs his forehead.
He certainly wouldn't be doing this as a favor for Yan-C-Bin.
There's only one thing to do - ask!
Earth Lord Grumbar, I would ask what reason you have to block us like this. Have we offended you in some manner?
Danaxmos seeks to overcome his destiny. He will not succeed, but he will harm others around him. He will still die.
Do you wish for him to overcome his destiny, or do you wish him to die? Depending on how you will it to be, we may be able to provide aid in that regard.
My son shall live until the day of his death comes, then he shall die. It cannot be changed.
If he wishes to overcome his nature, then I would ask you allow us to help. At least we can keep others from being harmed in this way.
Diplo check, -15.
Take 10 for 121.
My son shall live until the day of his death comes, then he shall die. It cannot be changed.
If that day is not today, then I would ask you allow us to retrieve something that Danaxmos has absorbed. We will not kill him.
You will not be safe.
We are willing to take that risk. However, since we are asking this as a favor, If there is anything you wish to see done, we shall do it.
Anything?
I wish to have good relations with Earth. Moore affirms.
The efreet possess the Quartz Bones of Qualinoth, somewhere in the City of Brass. You must find them and bring them to me. You may not involve the dao, djinn or marid.
I shall see it done. He says.
At some point anyway, but if they have the Wheel it may be easier to accomplish than most people realize.
When it is done, you may see my son and retrieve your object.
Well, he may as well be honest...
If we can retrieve the item, it would allow us to find what you seek - an order of magnitude faster than we could without it.
I do not speak lies to you, Earth Lord, nor do I intend to tarry on your request - this is only the truth.
Diplomacy, -100. Normally this is so absurd I'd assume auto failure, but I believe you might at least get a positive number so I'll give you a roll.
Take 10 for ... 36? Yeah. Moments of Prescience would give me 56 if it matters!
There is no reply - it seems the ruler of Earth has spoken.
Well, all he can do is do some research into whatever in the world these Quartz Bones of Qualinoth actually are.
119 on the relevant knowledges! Maybe see if the others have heard of them?
It's pretty obscure - but you know something about it. Qualinoth is said to have been a powerful earth elemental, a hero who pushed back Air a dozen times countless ages go. It's said he ultimately fell not to Air, but to Fire and the efreet. Details about it are muddied, some claim he started it and others claim the efreet assassinated him, but all agree that they fought and he lost.
Sylvie takes 10 and does her full skill routine for craziness.
"What isn't so well known," Sylvie says as you all discuss it, "Is that a few legends claim he's the son of an archomental. Most say Ogremoch, but it's so old and faded that I'm not sure I believe that with any competing claims out there."
"So all we have is ancient speculation that you know because you're a goddess of knowledge," Jetina summarizes, "But at least you know what's true and what isn't?"
"If I could get a look at it, I could find out everything, but that's the problem," Sylvie agrees. "Assuming another deity isn't involved and he's actually still dead as well as not beyond our reach as part of something greater, you might be able to resurrect him." She wavers a hand back and forth, "It might not be wise, but it could also work."
At this Kaja speaks up, "Could he be resurrected without a body?"
"Easily," Jetina smiles faintly, "I could do it as I am now if no body remains, such as a victim of disintegration. With this time frame it would take a deity, assuming Grumbar has not chosen to resurrect him or his soul isn't held by another deity. It wouldn't destroy his previous remains, they'd actually be a liability for him."
Xandra considers, "I see nothing in the light of him, at least not yet. I will continue to look."
"Thank you," Jetina smiles to Xandra, "He's obscure and ancient, and...this is a lofty request, even for us," she finally says. "It may be Grumbar wishes to occupy us for some time, or simply wishes us to fail."
"The thought crossed my mind. It wouldn't be the first time a quest is given with no expected hope of success," Sylvie points out, "Been on both ends of it. Gond's bells, I-"
"Excuse you?" Xandra cuts in.
"Bells." Sylvie clears her throat. "Bells."
"Ah, I...misheard and thought you casually blasphemed." Xandra clears her throat. "Ah. Go on."
Kaja smiles ever so slightly at that before he gives in and chuckles, "That's not even a deity of Celestia, Xandra."
"To the point on hand, that's one tactic we could use, but it's best used carefully," Sylvie goes on. "We have others, and even a living Qualinoth may be of little help."
"Also, a strange name for an elemental," Cresiel murmurs. "Especially an earth elemental."
"Well, either way, we're not going to get the last piece of the Wheel without them, and I doubt the efreet are going to be giving them up willingly." He says. "But I suppose it also means the last piece is also safe. I suppose we could also entreat with others on Earth to see if they could obtain it."
"That's a dangerous workaround if Grumbar hear and takes offense, but it's still a good idea," Sylvie says after several moments, "It's also safe unless it's already lost to us and Grumbar's betrayed us, but if that's true, it's already something we can't do anything about."
"Cheery thought," Kaja grumbles lowly, "I just want to slash something and take it."
"Do you have anyone in mind who could get it, Moore?" Sylvie asks then.
"No one in particular, but I think I could ask Aurora to do it." Moore says. "The Empty Knight may be able to as well, but I don't want to risk them getting themselves injured. Aurora is probably the safer bet, really. It wouldn't be difficult to arrange and I can just compensate them fairly for the work."
"Assuming they can," Sylvie admits, "Going against Grumbar's protections isn't trivial, even for them."
"Well, I wonder if it's... dimensionally warded, or what." Moore says. "We know where Danaxmos is, so it's possible that we're being specifically targeted because of that." Moore says. "I wonder if some other traveler were to happen to Planar Shift themselves somewhere a few miles away would be diverted or blocked." He explains.
"I doubt Grumbar would let it past that easily, but we can try," Sylvie says, "I'll let Aurora know and call a few favors in."
"Well and good if that works, but what if it doesn't?" Kaja asks now, "Do we just wait?"
"We don't have a lot of choice." He admits. "We could try and call in our own favors on the deity level... I wonder what would happen if a neutral party just asked about the bones?"
"It depends on which neutral party and where they are in the City of Brass, which boils down to who exactly owns them," Sylvie muses, "We need to know that before anything else."
"I'll see what Melia can dig up for us." Moore says. "We can go from there, assuming our other avenues are barred to us. At least for now we also don't have to worry about Yan-C-Bin or any other party getting ahold of the last piece."
Sylvie smiles just a bit at that, "How'd he take his loss?"
"I think we made up for whatever diplomatic mistake we had with his attitude and display in front of Akadi." Moore says with a bit of a grin. "I have a feeling we may need to watch out for his interference in things going forward."
"Eggs and omelets," Kaja puts it aside, "Hopefully he'll steam and get over it."
"We're not that lucky, but it may be a long time before it comes up," Cresiel says, "If it's a concern for later, then let it be later's problem. We have enough now."
Moore nods. "With that, the only other really pressing thing was that matter with Shar's awful Cathedral, but I would rather go there once we have the Wheel. My understanding is it can be used to teleport even in places where that sort of thing is blocked, which I assume that place is." He says.
"We also have the matter of the divine seed in Elysium we could pursue..." A hum after that. "I think that one will take a long time to ever solve as well. I don't think there's anything else immediately pressing, at least that I'm aware of, so it may be time focus on matters here for a while."
Nods all around as...
In that case lemme ask you on your plans here.
Put some more effort into establishing more trade.
I know we had a lot of offers for alliances some time back that we didn't do much with because of other reasons, so that could be another focus of attention.
Mostly just make sure everything is running well - also check on Will to ensure he's acclimating.
Sure, let's look into alliances first. Which ones did you want to explore?
I don't think it was ever stated -who- actually sent us any alliances, necessarily...
If Dweomerheart is an option, then let's go with that.
Let's also see if we can make some headway into repairing things on Fire, so maybe Zamaan Rul? I hope I spelled that right.
Zaaman Rul. Two As.
Sure, go ahead and approach Dweomerheart. How are you going to do it?
We probably have an embassy of some nature there, I'd assume. Let's write up a formal reply to theirs including all the proper niceties and request either one of their own diplomats come to Hope's Landing or Moore can go there to speak to them.
Basically a 'I'm interested in pursuing stronger relations' message but with a lot more big diplomatic words.
You are duly given an invitation to Dweomerheart for yourself and one other, as well as all appropriate hanger ons, aides and similar functionaries.
They don't really have any of those, but Moore finds it appropriate to ask The Empty Knight if they'd like to go - if just to go back there for a while.
If they're not, then he'll invite Sylvie!
Empty Knight it is. Any prep?
None needed, we will go and be directed as needed.
Well, Moore will knock first, obviously, but after that it's wherever they need to go!
It's easy enough to get in. You appear in a comfortable, warm library. A fire crackles in a hearth and all is pleasant. Here an old man with a beard sits, a staff resting on his lap. "Mystra is indisposed," he begins, "But I will see to this matter."
"Good day to you." Moore says with a nod. "My name is Moore, and this is The Empty Knight." He says. "Although I suppose you knew that."
He smiles warmly. "We were extended an invitation from Dweomerheart, and would like to pursue that invitation. I don't know very much about the diplomatic endeavors Lady Mystra utilizes, but I would assume they are probably the most varied of any of the deities in Creation, simply due to her station. To that end, I don't know that there's much unique opportunity we can offer... but I certainly hope we can come to some sort of agreement, once I understand what we can offer to you all." He says by way of some sort of introduction to the 'why'.
A gesture towards chairs that appear behind you as he listens, "What can you offer us, then?"
Moore takes a seat!
"I think the thing we boast right now is our lucrative trade." Moore says. "More and more people come to us every day, and I've been endorsed by Waukeen herself. Besides that, the Padisha of the marid as well as several others have shown an interest." He explains. "In addition to that, Hope's Landing has a variety of skills at its disposal - yes, I'm sure you can do much of anything here with magic, but sometimes you need a specialist."
A smile and a gesture to The Empty Knight at that. "I don't think just anyone could've found and recovered our friend here, which speaks to our determination as well as the hope we provide. As well as we have many unique beings we've recovered that now call Hope's Landing home, that I don't think can be found anywhere else in Creation at all." He says.
The Empty Knight keeps his mouth shut.
The old man merely states calmly, "Is there anything else?"
"Honestly, I think the fact that we're growing is a point to be made." Moore says. "It's... an investment, that will pay off in due time. I don't quite follow the timelines that the other Celestials do, but the fact that we're actively fighting against people like Shar's cronies should bear some merit, I think."
He rubs his chin to think of anything else. "Oh! Well... if it matters, we've created several custom spells. I think we'd be a boon in that regard, too." He says with a nod.
"Tell me about them," The old man invites, "All those unique spells."
Mystra would surely be aware of them, wouldn't she?
Well, no matter.
"Very well." Moore says, as he starts to explain.
He'll explain his own spells - Moore's Quick Gather, Moore's Marvelous Invisibility, Moore's Improved Spell Steal... Antimagic Sound... Sing the Holy Choir...
Eh, he'll also explain Commune with Knowledge, This guy is trusted by Mystra, so he can't go wrong there.
He'll also explain Xandra's new spells, like uh... what was it, Star Explosion? And the Volcanic Glass one.
Give me a Diplo check, +1 bonus for each custom spell explained.
Take 10 for... 144, in that case.
The man listens before at last, "I have one more question: Do you know who I am?" he inquires, a hint of a curious look on his face.
I feel like they met before, maybe?
Would a K:P of 119 or a K:L (Dweomerheart) of 101 tell me? :)
This is Azuth, god of spells and assistant to Mystra.
"I suppose I should've thought of it when we arrived, Lord Azuth." Moore admits, bowing his head respectfully.
"Mystra will be indisposed for some time," Azuth goes on, "In this matter you will deal with me, or you may wait for Mystra if you prefer. The choice is yours."
"I mean no offense to the Lady of Magic - but I see you as her equal when it comes to these sorts of matters." Moore says with a smile.
"Then I will deal with the matter. As a matter of policy, Dweomerheart maintains at least some level of tolerant neutrality with many powers. While Mystra has her own stances on ethical and moral matters, magic cannot be divided between good and evil, nor law and chaos. There are understandings and limitations to thinks Mystra and hers will not do." Azuth explains, "She is not idle, but she is constrained."
"I understand." Moore says with a nod. "That's not a problem."
"As such, we may not intervene in matters we would like to, or not in the way you desire. Any agreement with us must be understood to be limited because of this." Azuth goes on.
Moore nods. "I do not expect it, and I accept that."
"Then, in light of that, what would you pursue?" Is the next question.
Moore rubs his chin. "I'd like to ask, what is normally requested with these sorts of agreements?"
"Diplomacy, trade, audiences with Mystra for important matters," Azuth explains, as he produces a book. "Here is a typical contract and treaty."
Moore nods, although he does have the last part already...
He will take the book to peruse it!
Bibliotheca Arcana or however it's spelled so I can speed read it. Profession: Lawyer or something for 101 if needed to ensure all the... legal nonsense is there.
He's mostly curious -what- it contains, if anything specific.
It's extremely precise when you boil it all down - only your absurd skill lets you follow it. It frees Dweomerheart from any serious responsibilities under the justification of needed neutrality for magic, but allows trade and diplomatic communications, as well as an acceptance that dealings with possibly antithetical powers may happen and are not grounds to break the agreement at all.
When you boil it down, it's a lot of words precisely defining the freedom Dweomerheart needs to ensure magic is not unduly influenced beyond the limitations Mystra establishes.
Mystra is constrained, and though she works against her limits, there are hard ones she cannot surpass safely. There is no malice, only the cold weight of her duties we laid on her so long ago.
Moore nods as he hands the book back. "I understand the circumstances and have no objections. I'd be honored to have an official trade route designated for Dweomerheart, if you'd all be interested. I am certain there's plenty of things we could trade back and forth, as well as allies we could both find use in."
"I will advise Mystra of this," Azuth agrees, "So it shall be done."
Moore nods. "Please feel free to reach out with any questions or requests. We seem to find ourselves adventuring even now, though on a different scale..." A smile after that and a bow as he stands. "Thank you for your time."
With this, the matter is done and...
Next move?
Let's reach out to Mr. Good Fire's folks in the same way.
Okay.
You get no reply - instead you get this:
Duke Moore, you seek me and mine?
Greetings and well met.
I'd... like to try and improve the relationship that Celestia has on Fire, and I believe there may be some things we can discuss that would be of benefit to both of our parties. I'm happy to come to you to discuss them, if you wish.
You fought the efreet in the past war. You are welcome, all of yours are.
I will let them know.
And he will! Hey, if any of them want to go, it sounds like they're welcome to do so.
Any preferences here?
Not really, but he doesn't want to just bring everyone since that's... eh.
Whoever wants to go, maximum of three going with him.
Jetina would like to go, as well as Kaja. Any prep?
None needed, let's head over! We've never visited, so this will be a first.
K:P for 119 on anything we ought to know, or some sort of diplomatic gift we ought to bring.
You were invited, so while a gift would be nice, it's not mandatory here. Up to you if you bring something, but if you do, something fiery and goodly is a natural choice.
Nothing Moore can create would be very impressive, so instead he decides to make something unique at least as a gift.
He's going to create a set of Evil Outsider Bane weapons (swords, scimitars, etc.) and then shrink them down and put them into a nice glass case.
Basically it'll be like 12 weapons that are shrunk down and put into a case that could be re-enlarged in case of an emergency or something, but it's also a nice-looking piece for some sort of showroom.
He will then head over with his two guests!
You appear in a gout of fire.
Endless flame burns around you.
For amid the fires a tower rises, a great burning tower of fire that crackles like a log in the fireplace. Here are a great many fire elementals, all standing at attention as if awaiting your arrival. Row and rows of them, dozens turning into hundreds as you count them all.
Moore gives them a polite nod as he proceeds forward!
Take 10 on K:P for 119 just to know anything interesting about the place!
It's Zaaman Rul's realm and was recently the location of the Battle of Father and Son. A win for Zaaman Rul with the aid of various forces, including Seira's. That victory as generally strengthened and firmed up Zaaman Rul's opposition to Imix, as well as helped define the new balance of power after that war, along with the change in the efreet empire.
Is this a case where his realm has a generic name like Bahamut's Palace?
Moore will proceed on!
It doesn't have a ton of distinction from the rest of Fire, it's an elemental thing.
Jetina follows, and with a slight smile as you walk forward, "They're doing well," she murmurs, "I've heard a few rumors since the end of the war."
Moore nods.
"The victor always prospers, even if Hell did manage a few things." He says quietly, ensuring only they can be heard for now with some of his divine will.
"That's fine. More reason to do war later," Kaja says, "Rather like saving some of dinner for a snack in the nighttime."
A low chuckle, a sound both amused and perhaps mildly irritated. "The matters of Fire are no mere foods of war." His voice is strong, noble and altogether powerful. For ahead from the embers of flame before the tower steps a great, tall warrior of fire. Hair as black as coal, Zaaman Rul regards the party.
"No, but will you begrudge a reason to cleanse it another time?" Kaja fires right back.
Moore nods and smiles. "It's good to see you again." He says with a bow.
"Thank you for this invitation."
A handshake is offered, hand almost as big as you are.
Moore moves forward to give a handshake that befits his status!
Which is one that almost shakes you, but perhaps Zaaman Rul holds back. After it he shakes Jetina and then Kaja's hand. "So many stepped forward during the war. You all have my thanks for being one of them."
"At the time, we were just doing what was right." Moore says. "I'm curious about something - do you think the previous leader of the efreet is still alive?"
"The previous sultan? No." A shake of Zaaman Rul's head, "If Akil bin Faheem rules, he would leave no loose end like that."
Moore nods. "I understand. Well, hopefully onto brighter topics." He says with a smile.
As you walk inside, the question is simple, "What is your purpose for this visit?"
"We're newly established." Moore says, honestly. "I'd like to say we're thriving, and I believe that to be true - but alliances are... tenuous, to say the least. I wanted to see what we could do to strengthen what we have were. I know that Fire tends to lean closer to the other side than anything, and we can't change that over night, but offering what we have and making a good faith effort with diplomatic endeavors will go a long way."
You walk in and amid the flaming tower, where you rise up as you walk, as if carried on an updraft. Stone and metal part around both of you, an unopposed trip up.
"In other words, we're looking to make bonds that last." Jetina says, "Friends and allies."
"It's been over twenty years since a half elf who thought herself a dragon came to meet me," Zaaman Rul remarks, "Young, vital and full of hope for the future." His hands are behind his back as he walks, "We've gotten along well, and she's proof that my choice to seek allies beyond Fire was wise. But...know that Fire is not tame, and this will draw you into conflict the next time the embers roar. If you are not a courageous soul, turn away."
"We've already been drawn into things much worse." Moore says. "We have no reason to shy away from conflict now, trust us - it finds us."
"Spoken like a true hero," Zaaman Rul declares, "I'd expect nothing less."
"Oh." Moore says as he offers over the glass container with the weapons. "I know it isn't much, but I wanted to at least bring something."
Give me a Diplo check with a +5 bonus for the gift real quick?
Take 10 for 141.
"A fine gift," Zaaman Rul takes it, "Are those pixie sized weapons?"
"Close," Kaja says, "You'll find them to be a surprise."
Moore laughs at that, taking the joke in the good humor it's meant.
"I can't do anything fancy yet, so I thought it'd at least make a nice display piece, or weapons in case of an emergency for some sort." He explains.
"Thank you," The gift is accepted as you rise up, "We never have enough blessed weapons."
Moore nods. "I can imagine." He says. "Have the efreet been bothering you and yours much of late? I wonder if there's been a reconstruction of sorts with the new influence from Baator."
"Less than usual," Zaaman Rul notes, "Most seem to be kept in check or focused on internal politics. The change in Sultan has caused a great deal of maneuvering."
Moore nods. "Actually, this is a good opportunity, I have something I'd like to ask as part of this - but it can wait until after the negotiations."
You ascend up - to the top of the tower, a throne of fire here. Here Zaaman Rul rests and merely waves his hand, "Then speak what you desire."
"We're a new power." Moore says, "At the very least, I'd like to offer diplomatic ties as well as trade routes to Hope's Landing for you."
A long breath out, "You remind me of her more with every word," he says at last, "Always with good hopes and an eye towards coin."
"In our case," Jetina speaks up, "The coins are secondary to the true purposes of it. What is trade but another arena which to protect and save souls in? Are they not the true currency of Creation, rather than shiny trinkets of rare metal?"
Moore nods. "Anyone who has a trading post in Hope's Landing donates the coin to themselves. I'm... big on self-improvement." He says with a bright smile.
"I've heard that before," Zaaman Rul says at last, "It's not the first time or the last time I've ran into Celestia's trading services."
He laughs at that. "Yes, I suppose that's how it works for us. But, regardless, I'm happy to invite anyone you'd like to see if they think it'd be a lucrative opportunity for you. Let's see... besides that, is there anything we can offer you, specifically, that you'd be interested in?"
"Yes, any information on Imix or the efreet," Is Zaaman Rul's answer, "Or any of the lesser forces in Fire."
Moore nods. "I have our spymaster keeping tabs on them, so If I hear anything new I'll be sure to let you know."
"Then we can come to some agreement," Zaaman Rul says as...
Just to be OOC clear, are there any particulars of this you need mentioned for clarity?
No, I trust he's not going to try and fleece us over this.
He will ask about the Bones in the aftermath to see if he may have some insight as to where they might be, if any at all.
It's a few hours of mundane discussions and all the nitty gritty that no one likes to deal with, but that is essential to society's smooth operation.
After a break Zaaman Rul stands, hands behind his back as he looks out over his realm. You can see castles, fortresses and towers being built on the horizon, often with walled towns clustered around them. Like little islands in a sea of fire as he speaks aloud, "After the Battle of Father and Son and the Abolition War's conclusion, I've had new volunteers come to Fire. Even some who require special means to endure the realm - a vow of fealty in exchange for my protection on them so that they can endure the heat in this realm, for in that vow they have done me a great service and a service to all of Fire."
"Oh, a gift," Jetina goes to stand next to him, a smile as she looks out and then faces him. "I only have a scant handful who follow me, I've only had the occasion to give one once. What do you give them? I find the stronger they are, the stronger the blessing that feels right and safe to give them."
This causes the Archomental to turn to Jetina as well, "The weakest, those who would support us but are not great warriors, I gift with protection from only the flames of this realm. Those who are stronger and more able I grant resistance to all fires, and the greatest I can grant the blood of fire elementals or a phoenix, both of which ward absolutely against heat."
"I'd love to give me followers more and better gifts," Jetina admits, "But...I can't do it for nothing. There has to be an exchange."
A gesture out as Zaaman Rul steps closer to her, "My mother spoke of secrets, of things that can only be known to us, we who rule in Creation. It is the will of the Three who oversee all that it is that way. Direct gifts are earned, for in those they advance us and what we rule over. There must be an exchange. A fire must be fed fuel to burn."
Kaja stays back as they talk, next to you as he sips a cup of sizzling cider, little embers of fire dancing across the surface of it. He smiles ever so slightly as he watches.
"I hate that." Jetina admits, "I hate that mercy and healing require spells to happen. Why must be suffer? Why must evil be allowed an equal share at the table of Creation? Why must it be an equivalent exchange?" She looks down and away, back to Zaaman Rul's realm. "Even this was paid for by the aid and mercy of your allies, to bolster you higher. Without their aid, you may well have been quenched in this war."
To this Zaaman Rul bristles, his shoulders burning like a log tossed anew in a crackling fireplace. "I will not fail again." A tight voice, one that speaks of an inferno just beneath every word.
"I'm sorry." Jetina breathes that out, a hand reaching out to gently touch his arm. "I didn't mean to impinge your honor." A short silence between the two of them, shared before, "Oh. Moore," Jetina speaks, "Weren't you going to ask about those bones?"
Moore glances at Kaja and smiles as well and lets them talk, nodding along, and then nodding to Jetina.
"Yes. We've been asked to acquire the Quartz Bones of Qualinoth. It's... a long story." He says with a bit of a sigh. "I was wondering if you might've had any recent news of them... more recent than the last 1,000 years."
Zaaman Rul lingers just a moment before he moves away from Jetina, going back to his throne. "I've heard of them. The rumor I heard was about 500 years ago, there was an action for the bones."
"I assume it didn't amount to anything." Moore says.
"I don't know," Zaaman Rul says, "It was very quietly done and exclusive." He reclines back in thought, "I'm fortunate I even heard of it after it happened."
"Hmm..." Moore rubs his chin. "I wonder if they're still in the in the City of Brass, then, or if that deal was how they ended up there."
"I can tell you they're warded against divinations and intrusion," Zaaman Rul goes on. "You'd find out the same if you tried a few divinations on them."
Jetina shakes her head, "So we'd have to do it the hard way. I didn't expect anything else."
Moore nods. "We'll just have to do it the old-fashioned way. That's fine." He says with a smile.
"Be careful if you go to the City of Brass. It is said that Akil bolsters his popularity with the masses, by giveaways of royal grants, endowments and money to the common classes of efreet." Zaaman Rul's expression is grim, "Many of the higher classes loathe him, but he buys his way to popularity with the masses. They will be faster enemies than the prosperous and rich, save for those directly in his favor."
Moore nods. "I understand. I don't intend to set foot there if I don't have to."
"We'll find some way to do it," Kaja says thoughtfully.
Got anything to add there?
Nope! We're good to return.
There's not much on the list, but Moore will check in with Will and see how he's doing. Actually, he has another question for him anyway, so this is a good time to ask.
It's not hard find Will, he's where he was before and...
Go ahead.
"How are you finding things?" He asks once he approaches the pillar that makes up Will. "Any oddities? Problems?"
For eldritch DM reasons, give me a Charisma check here?
[12:49] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+18+18+15
[12:49] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=14]
"I am content," Will answers after a few moments.
"Well, please let me know if that changes." Moore says with a smile. "Actually, I wanted you ask you about something - a theory of mine. Do you remember when you generated that piece of Synic's gear that you had absorbed as CRIMSON?"
"Yes," Is the answer, "I remember."
"Do you think it's possible for you to 'see' what magic it is that strengthens the pieces when they're together and emulate it?" Moore asks. "There are a total of five pieces, and we have three. I don't think we'll be obtaining the other two any time soon, so this is mostly just to see if it's possible or not."
"Maybe," Is the answer, "Magic is magic is magic, but not all magic is understood well by others."
"You're not wrong." Moore says, as he withdraws Syllen's Ring, Bracers, and Shield and levitates them in front of Will for him to look at.
Take 10 on K:A for 119 and Spellcraft for 114 - he's going to see if he can 'learn' anything about what Will is doing.
What are your domains?
Hope, Inspiration, and Good.
It seems to be doing...something. It's some how different and strange, you aren't precisely sure what.
"The magic is not unrepeatable," Will says, "But what it used to achieve these items may be."
Perhaps someone of Mystra's faith would be able to better identify it? Hmm.
"What do you mean?" Moore asks. "Like, something was uniquely used to create this effect?"
"Yes," Is the answer, "A unique object was used."
"Hmm..." Moore rubs his chin. "I wonder..."
He manifests his divine will!
Wish for a high powered Divination.
'What item did Syllen use to create the magic that strengthens his named gear?'
This sounds like you're aiming more for a single question commune, but you have space to work with here so no big deal.
Caster level check.
You're not technically wrong.
[22:27] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+37
[22:27] <Penuche2> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=13]
The Malechorian Sphere.
K:P or K:A for 119 on that?
Nada. Never heard of it - which means either unimportant, incredibly obscure or just not known by anyone.
Well, it's certainly not the former...
"Does the term 'Malechorian Sphere' mean anything to you?" He asks.
I'll use another Wish for an powered up Commune or Divination, whatever works. If that fails we'll use Commune with Knowledge.
'Where can the Malechorian Sphere be found?'
"It is what was used to create these," Is Will's answer.
You don't get a result, perhaps predictably. Such things are so seldomly undefended, after all.
"Do you know anything more about it?" Moore asks.
If they could actually manage to rescue Syllen's soul from Shar, then he could probably find all these answers out... but they need the Wheel for that, and they have to overcome the current issues for that to be a success...
Assuming Will doesn't know anything further, I'm going to try some Investigation With Magic via Commune with Knowledge.
"Nothing," Is the answer, as you go and prepare.
Okay then, question 1?
'What is the Malechorian Sphere?'
Paste me the spell real quick? Need to check something.
This spell contacts the platonic ideal of knowledge itself to obtain answers. This spell functions as contact other plane, except that the chance of a true answer is 1-96, the chance of a random answer is 97-100 and the Intelligence DC to avoid Intelligence and Charisma loss is 18, it lasts 1 day and a natural roll of 1 always results in a failure, no matter the total*. Certain questions, such as those that seek the secrets of deities, anathemic knowledge or knowledge protected by epic abjurations cause this spell to return a result of unknown instead of an answer. Unlike with contact other plane, the answers may be as long as needed and not only one word.
* Bards and clerics use Charisma and Wisdom in place of an Intelligence check, and lose their bard or cleric spellcasting in place of arcane spellcasting.
Unknown.
'Is there anything known about the Malechorian Sphere that I don't already know?'
2/18
Unknown.
Well, this is going to require some specific investigation, isn't it? Maybe he'll just have to rescue Syllen...
'If I wanted to better understand the magic that strengthens Syllen's items, who is one who could explain it to me?'
He expects the answer is going to be Mystra, but...
Syllen.
'Besides Syllen?'
4/18
Crimzar, Knight of Summerblade.
Hm... a friend of his, perhaps?
'Are there any known items that would have a similar effect to what I know the Sphere can do?'
That may be stretching whats possible with this spell, so if so I can redo it.
Go ahead and rephrase.
'What is an item that could perform the same functions as the Sphere?'
Unknown or none.
'Where can I find Crimzar?'
'The Seelie Court, the Hall of Mirrors.'
Ah... so he probably is indeed a friend of Syllen's.
Oh!
He realizes something during this spell... and then realizes he has no more questions on the current subject.
He ends his spell and then goes to look for The Empty Knight!
You find him with Kaja and Sylvie, as well as Calley and a guest. Elyssa and Calley stand atop a life-like iron golem, of a man large enough for each one to perch on one of his shoulders.
Sylvie stands back and watches as Kaja prods the golem with a practice scimitar, which splinters on contact with it. "Fire and brimstone!" Kaja coughs and instinctively covers his face, as the shards vanish the moment he does.
"I told you Daddy and I made him weapon proof!" Elyssa cheers, on her tip-toes and doing a little twirl atop the golem's shoulder.
"It's true, I helped," Calley says, voice confident. "Anyone who tries to hit it will regret it."
"It's good work," Sylvie notes as she comes over, inspecting the golem from all over. "How much of it do you understand?"
"Everything except what Gond did," Calley says, "I can't figure that out."
"Mmm." A little, pondering noise, "He went to some trouble to obscure it, and even what I can see, there isn't anything in the way of a hint. Trade secrets." Sylvie concludes.
"Oh, goodness." Moore says as he approaches. "Are we investing in new security?"
Calley looks over, "No, I'm showing off what I helped with. It's going back after this."
"It's not that great, one trick aside. We've faced stronger iron golems." Sylvie agrees, "But it is an excellent trick."
Meanwhile Kaja stalks over to a rack of weapons and chooses a wooden axe. With inhuman accuracy - though to Sylvie's call of, "Up!" both Calley and Elyssa fly up and off the golem altogether - it hits the golem dead in the center of the chest. It explodes into shards instantly, which are banished in the same instant by a gesture from Kaja.
"Immune to metal weapons?" Moore asks.
"All weapons. Don't punch it," Elyssa sing-songs, "It makes things go boom, even fists!"
"Aaand that's enough. Come on down," Sylvie calls, as both obey and land by her. "Let's do something far more wholesome, like altering reality to our whims. We'll teach that reality who controls it."
The Empty Knight stands a little aside, the entire spectacle observed without comment.
Moore chuckles at that and goes over!
"I'd been meaning to ask you something that I learned of while... ah, finding you." He says. "What's 'The Anathem?'"
A moment to consider, "Do you know anything but its name?"
"No." Moore says. "Well... sort of? I know that if CRIMSON had absorbed it something might've happened... but other than that, no."
There's a long pause, "A mistake. That's what the Anathem is."
"Does it still exist? Would you like to... deal with it, in some capacity? Correct it, if you can?" He asks.
There's a longer pause again before, "It's...as harmless as anything," he finally says, "At least now."
"What was it, exactly, if you don't mind my asking?" He... asks. "If you don't want to speak of it, that's fine."
"I suppose you have a right to now with all you did," The Empty Knight agrees. "You understood what my goal was before things went wrong?"
"To resolve your condition." Moore says. "Or at least, that's what I've been told."
"Essentially," The Empty Knight says, "But in the end, the resolution would...not resolve well for me."
"It seemed like, at least in the search I was doing originally when I was on the hunt for the bits and pieces, that the Anathem would have been able to 'power' CRIMSON without the need for it to eat magical items anymore." Moore says. "Is it... some sort of power source, then? I understand your feelings on it, but... I'm sure you never could've imagined what would happen with Will, so I'd... be curious if he could do something with it, you know? There's always hope." He says.
This is entirely just for DM Knowledge, but Moore's avatar would also write a letter asking to speak to Crimzar at his earliest convenience, and extend an invitation from Moore to Hope's Landing and have it sent off.
"...there is always hope," The Empty Knight agrees, voice very soft. "It's good to be reminded of that."
Sure. Going to just give him the initiative then?
Moore beams with a small amount of pride. "If you don't mind my asking, have you spoken to Mystra at all since you've been back?"
Yes, but he'll put in the letter that he'd like to talk to him about Syllen.
Sure.
"Yes," Is all the Empty Knight volunteers there, "Briefly."
"I'm sure she was happy to have you back." Moore says. "Well, if you... feel up to it, I'm happy to go with you to wherever The Anathem is, whenever you feel up to it. Just let us know, all right?"
"I shall," The Empty Knight says, "Soon, but not yet. Soon."
Moore smiles and nods. "You know where to find us." He says.
Not much on the agenda except wait for replies from the various folks!
[14:49] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[14:49] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 13 > [d100=13]
You even get a d100 if it matters!
It doesn't take long for Grias to fly in, "Moore," he calls, "You have a response from Crimzar."
"Oh, wonderful." Moore says, hoping that it's good news! He'll go to see if it's a letter or... if he's just shown up!
It's a letter. It reads as follows.
I have not heard Syllen's name in an age. Tell me more of what you seek and why.
Moore will write back, since if he wanted to communicate directly he would.
'Sir Crimzar,
It's a bit of a long story. I happened to recover one of Syllen's gear pieces off of an Unseelie we defeated. This led me on a journey to find more of them, as well as the magic that Syllen himself harnessed.
I have also learned of the item he used to create his gear, and it's my understanding you may know something of it as well.
There are also other matters relating to him I'd like to discuss that I'd rather do so in person.
-Moore, Hope's Landing'
It is sent. Within an hour you have a reply.
'Moore.
I will make myself available to answer your questions. Brightwater, Starlight Rest, Room 30.'
They just can't bring themselves to come to Celestia, huh.
Well, that's an invitation if he's ever heard one, so he will go!
No one else needs to come unless they want to. If they do, I guess he'd grab Sylvie.
Blah blah pleasantries of knocking at Brightwater and all that.
Sylvie will come on general principles.
The Starlight Rest is an inn in the heart of Brightwater. Yet it's quiet and secure, being a tucked away demiplane within it. Each room is as big as a large house, space abundant and luxury rich.
Crimzar awaits you, a man in crimson tunic and flowing pants. He sits back, elven features sharp and with one eye that is blue as the sky and another black with white dots, as if the night stars were there. He sits on a balcony that overlooks the approach to Starlight Rest, a massive, multistory fountain of crystal and metal watched.
"I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting anyone quite so high up the chain in the Seelie Court." Moore says, offering at least a polite nod and a smile to Crimzar. "Sir Crimzar, thank you for taking the time."
Sylvie just nods, quiet and seeming to go along with it.
"A god came at my request? No threat or imposition of will?" Crimzar marvels openly, "You must want this information with a desperation that borders the miraculous."
Moore laughs a little bit at that. "I don't know if I'd put it that way, but I like to have good relations with my fellow deities, and putting an imposition on someone from the Seelie Court wouldn't do well. That, and I like making friends."
Crimzar pauses as from below, a silver tray rises up. Sliced fruits and intact berries can be seen, as he selects a bit of banana. "I've heard people say that about you. Never a frown, always a smile for another."
"I'm glad to prove the rumors are true." Moore says with a bright smile.
I guess now is as good as any for a K:P on Crimzar to impress him!
Total? Also K:N.
Wow, I... just... forgot the number. 119 in both cases.
Crimzar is a Knight of Summerblade, an order of Seelie Knights who serve Oberon directly. They serve as problem solvers and deal with all variety of manners. They are knights authorized to bear arms and armor in any Seelie court, and even many Unseelie courts will not contest them doing this should they cross paths, for they are known to be powerful and able champions.
As for Crimzar himself, he is known to take care of rebels in particular. While fey nature is wild and free, occasionally a Seelie will consort with something unspeakable - a fiend, the dead or other such heresies that have gone too far. Whispers say he is the one who deals with such matters, and with firm finality.
From what you know of Queen Morwel's nature as Titania as well as planar lore, you know that Crimzar has been a face in the Seelie Court since the beginning. It's likely he was once one of the eladrin.
Personality wise, he often puts on the front of a noble mildly amused or provocative, but all know there has to be steel beneath that.
"I only know of you what rumors speak of, really. That you deal with the more unseen enemies." Moore explains. "But to serve Oberon directly... well, I'm simply happy to make your acquaintance." He says.
A deep inclination of his head. "Thank you."
"So what I want to know is that was Syllen an enemy you dealt with or converted, or did you merely happen to know him?" Sylvie asks, taking a seat herself.
A bite to eat his banana slice before, "A friend. A distant one, but one that fortune had us cross paths many times."
Moore sits as well. "Considering your station, I don't have any reservations telling you what I know." He explains. "As I said in my letter, I came across one of Syllen's pieces off of an Unseelie named Majanal during the war with the efreet." He says. "That led to this and that and trying to find the other pieces. I was... eventually approached by Shar who said she holds his soul in one of her ... awful places." He says.
He clears his throat. "I intend to rescue his soul from there someday soon."
He decides to leave it there for now and will continue on afterwards.
A contemplation, an apple slice picked up and then dropped.
"I always feared he'd come to some end like that," Crimzar says, "That daring and brave fool."
"There's few winners when Shar's involved," Sylvie agrees in a heavy voice, "I'm sorry."
"When I'm able to recover his soul, depending on what he wants to do... I'll let you know." Moore promises. "But to the matter at hand - the reason I was able to find your name was because of something called the Malechorian Sphere... would you be willing to share what you know of it with me?"
"There's little good it will do you now - it's gone beyond recovery," Crimzar goes on, banishing the tray of snacks with a wave of his hand. "But if it pleases the deity who went so far to meet me, I'll tell you about it."
"I'd like to hear about it." Moore says with a smile. A glance over at Sylvie before he looks back. "We have a habit of recovering the unrecoverable, anyway. There's always hope!"
"We found it in the personal effects of a fey who delved into daemon summoning," Crimzar explains, "It was only notable because we couldn't decipher what it did, in spite of being magical."
"A mystery entices as much as gold," Sylvie points out, "Especially for us, we're the ones who are supposed to be beyond mysteries."
"Agreed." Moore says. "Was it... an accident, then, that you both managed to enchant Syllen's gear with that enhancing property, or did you eventually figure out how it worked?" He asks.
"Mostly an accident," Crimzar admits, "We tried all sorts of things and finally settled on using it as a focus in the creation of magical items."
"Interesting. So what happened to it, then?" He asks.
"We destroyed it in the end, it had drawbacks," Crimzar says, "Ironically enough, its means of destruction was to be throw into an Eye of Shar."
"...Huh." Moore says with a bit of a sigh. "Do you have any record of how it worked at all?"
"I have some notes," He takes a folded set of papers out, "Here."
Moore will take a look and show Sylvie as well.
K:A for 119, Spellcraft for 114.
It looks to be various notes and observations, dense and considerable. It'll take some time to work through it.
Do you want to do that now?
"Hm... Do you mind if I make a copy of these to keep? I don't want to make you wait on me here, I'm sure you have other duties to attend to." Moore says.
"Take them, they're copies already," Crimzar says, "My gift to someone so curious."
Moore nods. "I appreciate it. Do you mind if I also ask the fey's name that you recovered it from? It may lead us to further investigation down the line."
"...Validros," Is the answer after a few moment's thought.
Moore nods and stands to offer a hand over to Crimzar.
"Let it be known that I owe you and yours a debt that I will be happy to repay at any time." He says. "Anyone within your circle is more than welcome in Hope's Landing at any time, for any reason, no questions asked. I will be happy to count myself an ally of the Knights of Summerblade."
Crimzar stands and takes the hand, "You're a good sort. I'll remember that - expect me to come halfway dead and with an army at my heels."
"That'd be the perfect time." Moore says with a smile. "Thank you again for all of this. If we ever come across anything that I think you may be interested in, I will let you know."
We're good to go back and peruse these notes!
Sure. Repost your totals?
119 K:A and 114 Spellcraft.
Mostly it's a lot of notes - but the sphere seems to have heavy powers of endowment. Lots of them, as well as boosting what it endows, especially in pairs or more. It's really rather interesting to read about, albeit without quite enough details for your liking.
Can I think of anything with a K:A of 119, K:H of 101, or whatever relevant check would be here, of anything that might do something of a similar nature? Do I think I can replicate this in any fashion? Perhaps using what I know from Aurora?
Maye. Can you think of anything from Aurora that was similar to this?
Hmm... specifically? No, but I imagined that Aurora focused and endowed certain things, like Elena or something along those lines, but that's not so much in pairs or anything.
Oh! Well, I guess there's what happened when all the Nine Rings from Lifasa got together, but I realize that's not exactly the same, but he'd at least be familiar with that sort of concept from that.
Mm, I swear someone had an item that two people could use in unison somehow, but I don't recall what.
You make some headway on it. This exact method is unusual and powerful, though you could probably find some way to do similar things on a lesser scale.
Moore decides to take the notes and theory to Will, and see if perhaps with his insight, and the three items they have, if they could manage something!
Will studies them, "I see," it finally says. "This is what you found?"
"Yes." Moore says. "I know it isn't exactly helpful to you, but I thought maybe if we worked together we might be able to create something... maybe using Hope's Landing and my ability to change it as a sort of... 'base'? If that makes sense?" He offers. "I'd like to try and see if we can emulate the power that was used in creating the effect from Syllen's gear, so that we could just make the other pieces in the set if need be, or use it for other things going forward."
"Watch," Is the answer, "Can you follow this?"
Intelligence check, +1 bonus.
22:23] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+13+15 Int check
[22:24] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=4]
Forgot the bonus, so that's 33.
With some work - yes, yo uthink you could copy a good part of it, at least. Probably.
"Ah! Yes." Moore nods. "I think it's worth a shot of trying, at least."
Moore will grab Sylvie for this since why not if they're going to make a serious attempt at it.
Okay, what's your goal here?
The first step will be if they can at all figure out what happens with the actual Syllen pieces, since that's ultimately what they're going for. Can they figure out what makes them do what they do, basically.
If they need to experiment with something else first that's fine.
You could. What do you want to experiment on in particular? Matters.
So, to break it down mechanically:
If 2 Syllen Pieces, what happens? (I.e. is it a magical 'effect' that enhances both)
If 3 Syllen pieces, what happens? (Is it just a stronger version of the previous 'effect', or something different?)
Is the 'effect' itself tied to the pieces somehow, or could it be moved to some other items through some means?
Is the 'effect' something that, should they be able to understand fully, something that could be replicated via an artifact, maybe? They'd obviously have to go to someone else to have the artifact created, but this is mostly just seeing if it's a possibility. I'd assume they'd need to go to someone with a portfolio over magic in this case.
No, I mean what are you experimenting on? A magical item? Raw magic? Spells? You said you were going to experiment on something.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Okay, he will first create two +1 Good Daggers and then see if they can apply the theoretical information from the notes to make them somehow 'stronger' (maybe aiming to make them +2 daggers in the presence of each other).
Cool. What's your item creation gold limit?
4500.
You think you could do something like that, but not precisely copy it. You'd also need someone with less limits or to make them the hard way.
So does that mean that, somehow or another, items created via divine power aren't 'eligible' to have this empowerment? I just want to make sure I'm understanding the rules as we understand them.
EDIT: Sorry, I guess I should clarify: Items created via the divine power we have access to currently.
No, as in it would cost too much to be added on to what you've made already. Remember you have a gold piece limit, 4500 gold as a demipower.
Okay, I gotcha. So the 'effect' as it is has a cost in terms of enhancement bonus, more or less?
In that case, let's at least see what we can study from the Syllen pieces we already have to see if we can add anything to the notes.
Sure, give me another round of checks then.
May as well go all out on this and use some bard songs and other crap to make sure we can excel at this!
Take 10 for 137 on K:A and 132 on Spellcraft.
What's your bonus rundown? Sylvie may chip in some of her own.
+20 competence from the Knowledge Prism
+15 luck from Improvisation
+15 Insight from Divine Insight
+18 Morale from Inspire Competence
+4 more from his base Int due to Inspire Excellence.
If Sylvie's helping then she'd get the bonuses too, he's not selfish!
> roll 1d20+187 (+15 improvisation, +15 insight, +18 morale, +4 more inspire excellent, +36 inspiration) K:A
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 196 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+167 (+15 improvisation, +15 insight, +18 morale, +4 more inspire excellent, +36 inspiration) spellcraft
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 177 > [d20=10]
Woof. After a good deal of work, Sylvie sits back, "I think I've filled in the skeleton and most of the muscles," she finally says, a gesture of her hand as papers sort themselves, fly into place and ink blotches vanish. "There's a few pieces where I'd need information I don't have and can't reliably extrapolate or divine, but I'd say I have a 95% understanding of it."
"Well, let me ask this before anything: Do you think this would work better if we were able to somehow put the knowledge of it into an artifact?" Moore asks. "I realize that's...me sounding rather trivial, but I have to wonder if the original Sphere was a minor artifact of some nature."
"It might, if we did it right," Sylvie says, "And we found someone who could do it, or did it the long way."
"Do you think finding a deity who specializes in magic would be of benefit?" Moore asks. "I think there are a few in Celestia."
"Absolutely," Sylvie says, "I'm good, but I don't have dominion over magic. There are a few things I won't ever be able to do that they can." She admits that openly, then scowls and looks up, out a window. "You don't have to be that good an example, aren't gods supposed to present themselves as all powerful?"
Moore snorts but covers his mouth and coughs into his hand.
so I know I said there were some in Celestia, but... are there actually? I would've thought Erathaol, but nope!
Besides the Dweomerheart ones, I know there's also Io...
Let me check.
None of the Hebdomad have magic as a domain.
The House of the Triad is a strikeout.
Dwarfhome, unsurprisingly since dwarves, is also a strike out.
Bahamut is many things even before we get to Jaela's voodoo doll of him, but a magic domain deity isn't one of those things.
That's unfortunate.
"You know... actually, no one in Celestia is." Moore says. "...But I know someone who could probably help us above and beyond anyone here." He clear his throat. "Would you like to go meet a certain dragon?"
"Yes, it'll be my turn anyway," Sylvie agrees, "Let me just make sure Calley isn't up to any trouble."
Oh, that's right, she never met him.
Moore nods and will help her check on Calley!
So that we're on the same page, who do you have in mind here?
Io.
Turns out it's naptime for Calley and Elyssa. They're asleep against the wall of the courtyard, sitting against it. Cresiel sits nearby, a dusty tome floating before him. It's open as he reads it.
Sylvie takes a single glance and turns to you, then nods. "When you're ready."
Any prep for this trip out?
Nope, none needed. They will just head on over.
Thus you enter in and begin to ascend up. As you walk up the stairs, "Well, there are worse people you could ask," Sylvie observes.
"It's true. Did you talk with him at all, while you were... er..." He gestures around himself, as if she knows what he means. "You know, with 21."
Sylvie shakes her head, "Not like that, no."
Moore nods and continues on up!
"You'll like him, I think." He says.
Soon enough you reach Io. He appears before you, a massive dragon that occupies the skies above.
"Speak your desire," Io declares, "For the war of survival yet rages in the shadows."
"Lord Io." Moore greets. "It's good to see you again."
He holds up the notes they have. "We come to you hoping you'd grant us your boon in creation of something." He says. "It's a bit of a long story, but I'm happy to share it if you wish."
The notes are merely glanced at, "Explain."
Moore clears his throat. "It all started during the war with the efreet..."
He will go on to explain where he first recovered the first of Syllen's pieces from, and the subsequent trek to find the rest, that would eventually lead him to CRIMSON, then the other disparate parts that would eventually become Will. He also explains about The Empty Knight in that whole process. And he'll also mention Syllen's soul is apparently within Shar's Cathedral.
"...So, we were looking to find someone who might be willing to help us create an artifact that could perform these same functions." He explains. "I wasn't sure how you came upon the other artifacts that we found during our time here, but... I thought you likely created them yourself."
So that I can respond with Io, could you elaborate on what you told him the entire thing does?
Oh, derp.
He will take out the Syllen's pieces to demonstrate.
The pieces are duly studied. "And they do what?" Io asks, as if merely curious.
"These strengthen each other." Moore explains. "The more pieces there are - a total of five, is my understanding - the stronger they get. It's like they're a set of items that enhance each other." Moore says. "My goal was to see if we could create new items to go with these and duplicate the effect, as two of the items are currently in Dis and I doubt they'll be recovered."
"It may be possible." Is Io's agreement, "But to replaced a paired item without full knowledge of it is difficult." Here he is silent, "Sylvie could do it with Aurora's equipment and aid, possibly, as well as my advice."
"The hope was to be able to create an artifact that had the power to imbue this special property into other things." Moore explains. "So it wasn't just to replace these lost items, though that is part of it. I was hoping that we could re-create, or, even create something new, a little more safely."
"You reach high, as you should," Is Io's response at last. "But do not think it would not have limits."
Moore smiles. "I understand that. Actually... Lord Io, have you ever heard of Temman's Wheel?" Moore asks.
"No," Io responds, "What is it?"
"It's supposedly an artifact that allows one to teleport, even through things like teleportation disruption." Moore explains. "But it was broken into four pieces - we have three. The last piece is unfortunately in the hands of one of The Earthlord's sons, so it's... out of reach, at the moment."
if it isn't clear he means Grumbar then he... means Grumbar.
"Interesting." Io declares, "How does it work and accomplish that feat?"
"We're not sure. I don't think we'll know until we have all of it back together." Moore says. "I thought you might've heard of it to explain that part, actually." He adds that part with a bit of a grin.
"I am not aware of it," Io says, "But I would like very much to see it, and find out if it is safe or has drawbacks."
"Well..." Moore starts, as he withdraws the three pieces that he keeps on his person. "Perhaps three of the fragments will help understand that? I admit, I never tried to study them now that we have three."
Io's gaze is on the pieces. He is silent throughout, as...
Are you trying to study them here?
Sure.
Take 10 for 137 on K:A and 132 on Spellcraft.
You've never done this before?
For all three pieces? No. We analyzed one piece.
Refresh me on what you got from that?
Just 'It seems to have something to do with teleportation, but it's missing parts.'
You can't make much out of it - it's very complex, and it's missing key pieces. It has something to do with the Astral Plane, you can tell that much. That you can't puzzle it out suggests something extraordinary.
"...It's strange, even with the three we have, it's like... there's too much missing." Moore admits. "I wonder if it somehow taps into something in the Astral Plane, or... hm."
"It is..." Io begins, a pause.
"Well?" Sylvie asks after a few moments. "Your children do this and it's irritating with them, too. Have you met Baleruk yet?"
Sylvie gets a momentary look before Io merely declares, "I have seen him," Io notes, as if that says it all. Maybe it does.
Moore turns to Sylvie as if to say 'really?' but then turns back and chuckles.
"Actually, you weren't here for it, but I asked Lord Io to remove those brands that Jaela and Afina had over it." Moore says.
Sylvie's look back is calm and confident.
"I did hear that later," Sylvie says, "Good work, Moore."
"Well, it wasn't like I really did anything except ask..." He says a bit modestly. He turns back to Io at that. "If you would share your insight, It would be appreciated. But if you feel it is something we need to learn on our own, I won't question it."
"You asked my aid. I am not so stingy as to hoard this knowledge," Io declares, as before you a thick tome manifests in the air. "This is the knowledge you seek."
Moore will take the book offered. "You have my thanks, Lord Io." He says. He glances to Sylvie if she wants to add anything.
Sylvie makes no sign of it, a slight shake of her head when you look.
"Thank you again, Lord Io." Moore says.
He will take his leave and then peruse the book!
Once you're back, "Let's take a look," she agrees.
K:A here real quick?
Will go all out with boosts again for 137 on K:A.
It's complex. Even with it laid out you struggle - there's parts that are simply odd. Off almost, and at times you can't follow the solutions.
Sylvie, however, can seem to. With a lot of writing and diagrams drawn on vast sheets of parchment and paper. "It's really complex," Sylvie finally says, as if stating the obvious was helpful. "We're not engaging it on the right level, we may yet want to run this by someone who has dominion over magic, but I've grasped the ideas fully now."
"Hm... so even if we do understand it, we likely still need more help." Moore says. "Or to find an artifact that can help us?"
"At this point, we may as well burn another favor," Sylvie says, "Alicia or Seira would be best to keep this in our little conspiracy. We owe Mystra too many as it is, and she will call those in one day. We should get in a habit of relying on our peers more than our superiors."
Moore nods. "That's fair to me. Any preference of the two? I think we're on slightly better terms with Seira, I don't think Alicia likes me much." He says with a bit of a laugh afterwards.
A chuckle back, a shake of her head, "It's inevitable not all of us would get along. I'll send a message over, see who is there and available."
Moore nods. "That sounds good to me."
It doesn't take long before, "Elle Stronger will stop in," she announces, "She wants all we have ready so she can get to work."
Moore nods. "Then let's bring her what we have."
We can bring all the notes and the book as well as the three Syllen pieces. If Sylvie thinks we need more I'll defer to her.
Elle arrives promptly. For...
"Moore!" Xandra calls, "Come out here and see this!"
I assume that's supposed to be Moore.
Moore will fly out to see what's going on!
In the sky above a building slowly descents down, passing into Hope's Landing. It is a massive shop, glass windowed and showing magical equipment within. Wands and staves, swords and armor, scrolls and more. It simply ignores gravity, flying about as if that was the most normal thing in the world.
"...I mean, I suppose if you're an artisan crafter, it makes sense to have something suitable..." Moore says as he marvels at the flying shop.
"It is...expressive." Xandra finally say as it descends down, the people above watching. Before your eyes the front door of it shifts into the maw of a dragon, which lets out a triumphant roar as the shop lands before your gates.
"I certainly get the theme." Moore says as he flies towards the open 'door'.
The door opens wide as Xandra follows. Within is a well appointed shop, full of mystical goods and powerful weapons. Sitting in the back, at a desk of polished wood, is Elle. She merely gestures, "Welcome to another Luna Del Stronger!" she calls, "Do you like it?"
"It's extremely on-brand." Moore says with a smile. "Is this new?"
"I've had flying shops for some time," Elle declares grandly, "Please, enjoy it. Now, what is it you needed me for here?"
Moore will hand over the notes they have so far on what they're doing, as well as take out Syllen's pieces of equipment.
He will then go into a brief explanation about how he came across them and what they've learned about the enhancing properties - and that they're basically trying to create an item that can do the same thing.
"You find the most wondrous things," Elle comments as she reads, "Of course this has been done before, but the power here suggests - ! Do you know what happens if you get all of the set together?"
"We've been trying." Moore says. "Two of the pieces are in Dis. We've actually been trying to handle things officially with them... and they're stonewalling us, of course." Moore says with a sigh. "So this was the next best option - to try and basically... cheat, and emulate what might happen."
A short nod as she works, "I can't guarantee perfect precision, but I think I can give it a good imitation. A good enough imitation fools everyone." Is her decision.
Moore nods. "That'd be great. Even to have an item that's like what the Sphere could do would be amazing. What do we need to do to help you with this?" He asks.
Elle considers, "Your blood," she begins, "Divine blood is always a powerful reagent."
"Any amount you want specifically?" Moore asks. "...I say that so casually, but... well, I think we've been trusted with a greater cause than to worry about that."
Xandra steps forward, "Healing is readily available."
Elle comes out with three crystal vials, "Fill each of these. The blood must fall from your body to inside without touching anything else."
Moore will gesture to cut himself and fill each one as directed!
Done, done and done. Healing follows from Xandra.
"Now," Elle says, "Let me work and I'll see what I can do."
"I could aid you if you think it'd help." Moore says. "I've got quite a bit of power in that regard."
A look at you, "Really?" she says, sounding thoughtful. "Show me what you have."
Moore nods and takes a breath in...
*Inspire Competence +14 morale bonus to Skill Checks
*Inspire Excellence - +16 morale bonus to attributes (so I think that'd be Int, right? so +8 total to the skill check)
*Song of Fortune - +8 to skill checks (non-typed)
So a total of +30 to the skill check here.
Cool, and how long can you keep those going here?
They last for 10 minutes after I stop singing, and I have... 44 bardic uses, so... that's 14... ah, but I actually have Greater Lingering Chorus... but that's only 36 rounds, so it won't do any good. Anyway, he can cast each one 14 times, so that's a total of 140 minutes for each one. : )
Elle works away with that guidance and...
Elle takes 10.
After several hours of study she stops. "I think," she begins, "That I grasp the idea of this, but we can only come so close to it. Close is close, but...you mentioned a sphere that began all of this?"
"Yes, but it's been lost or destroyed or... well." Moore gestures to the side. "I don't think it's obtainable anymore."
"Very well. What I need next is the scales of a great wyrm," Elle declares, "How you get them is up to you."
"Does it matter what kind of wyrm?" Moore asks. "I mean, I know several..."
"No, use your judgment," Elle says, waving it off.
Well, there's no time like the present...
Prismatic Lord Baleruk, I seek you out for a favor.
This is assuming 'wyrm' = 'dragon' and not specifically 'wyrm'
If you're uncertain you should probably ask, but it's up to you.
'You seek me, Moore?'
"Just to be clear, when you say 'great wyrm,' you do mean 'dragon,' right?" Moore asks.
Is this what you sound like like this? I'm perhaps too used to your normal personality.
"I mean an ancient dragon," Elle says crisply, "A wyrm of vast power, age and might. The ones who have grown over at least a millenia."
'I sound as however I wish to sound. My colors are too radiant for this to endure.'
Moore nods.
I would like to ask you for one of your scales. Actually, I feel like I asked you for one a long time ago, as well...
'I understand,' Baleruk sends after long moments, 'You wish to see me naked, AS MANY CREATURES WISH TO SEE DRAGONS AND THUS HALF DRAGONS PLAGUE THE PLANES!'
Yes, you have the right of it.
'...I shall consider this.'
If it helps, we are trying to re-create an artifact that has been lost to time. Well, and destruction, but mostly time.
'This artifact creates half dragons?'
It does not, although it could probably strengthen them. I'm happy to bring it to you to show it to you and allow you to use it as recompense for this favor.
'Elaborate on this.'
It might be easier to demonstrate the knowledge we have in person. Would you care to come to Hope's Landing for a visit? You'd... likely need to pick a slightly smaller size, though.
'You will COME TO THE MIGHTY BALERUK AND PAY HOMAGE TO MY PRISMATIC MAJESTY!'
Consider this an opportunity to get out more.
Diplo check here? He's a cranky old wyrm.
Take 10 for 136.
'Very well. I shall DEIGN to bestow you with my RAINBOW RADIANCE!'
"One will be arriving in a moment." Moore says.
"Fine," Elle says, "Which one?" she asks, after a moment.
"Oh, but isn't not knowing at least part of the fun?" He asks with a broad smile. "I suppose I ought to go out and greet him, either way. A moment, please."
Moore will do just that and go to the entrance to wait!
It is not long. Baleruk comes forth, shining with rainbow light. "MOORE!" he bellows as hundreds of eyes look up at him, many alerted by his sheer, overwhelming voice.
"Baleruk." Moore greets him with a smile and a wave, one which may not have the same overwhelming sound, but still carries the same weight, if not perhaps a bit more.
"Welcome to Hope's Landing." He says as he gestures over to Elle's shop. "I think you'll be impressed by our other guest."
Baleruk circles and lands, perching before it as he eyes it.
"This is what you have summoned THE MIGHTY BALERUK for?"
"Yes. Like I said, you'll probably need to change yourself so you can fit." Moore explains.
Baleruk rears back and bellows, "YOU DARE, BUILDING? YOU DARE TO CONSTRAIN THE MIGHT OF THE PRISMATIC BALERUK?!"
As Baleruk bears his teeth to the shop, it naturally does not reply...until the door morphs into a dragon's mouth and snout again. It bares its down teeth at Baleruk, as if challenging him.
Moore's face is stone-cold and impassive as he watches this.
Inwardly, he's grinning, but he really should intervene here.
"You wouldn't want to make a bad first impression, would you?" Moore asks, entirely innocently.
Give me another Diplo check.
Take 10 for 136 again. : )
Baleruk's answer is a thunderous roar, which is returned by the shop. Both bare their fangs at each other, bellowing back and forth.
Moore takes in a breath and flies up to Baleruk's eyes, then leans his face forward and turns his head so his right eye is facing Baleruk's left, and he's rather close.
The roaring ceases.
Slowly, ever so slowly, Baleruk intones, "What?"
"Are you greeting her, or trying to start a fight? You are both guests of mine." Moore says.
"You do not understand," Baleruk declares back, "This whelp does not understand anything!"
"Then come inside and talk to her." Moore says. "See why I brought you here."
"Her?" Baleruk asks, "No! Him! This building!" The dragon declares, "It suffers from undue hubris!"
"Be that as it may, you can argue with the building after we're done. All right? I give you my full support." Moore says.
Baleruk growls low, "This isn't over yet, whelp," he promises, then turns away from the building.
"Come on." Moore gestures as he flies down to the building proper to wait for the 'door' to open.
The door opens - large enough for Baleruk to enter as the roof also rises, giving sufficient space for his entry.
He promptly struts right in as Xandra softly exhales, but follows, witness to this entire spectacle.
'I figured he'd just take on a smaller form, I admit. I should've known.' Moore says through magic to her as they follow along.
Elle stands and awaits, "Baleruk," she greets. "I should have guessed."
Baleruk eyes Elle, leaning in to loom over her. A sniff and another, "You smell like a red dragon with desires to be a golden dragon."
"She rubs off on us," Elle replies blandly.
"I assume one of his scales should be sufficient for this?" Moore asks.
He turns and will give an explanation to Baleruk about what they're doing, but he tells Elle if she wants to step in and explain anything more technical, she's welcome to!
Elle investigates quietly, a single spell murmured.
"No, they will not do," Elle announces at last.
"What?" Baleruk rumbles. "What do you imply?"
"I imply that despite your age, you are little more than a draconic newborn thanks to your apotheosis and transformation." Elle crosses her arms, shakes her head, "It's just not quite right, and I've already added divine blood to this, so further divine power won't be helpful. In this case the age and longevity are the key component, not raw power."
"Oh." Moore sounds a bit surprised, but nods nonetheless. "In that case, I know who to ask. Please, stay here and talk things over."
Moore will head out and start flying, while reaching out to someone he knows who would fit this quite well.
Talinalinas, good day to you. May I come and visit to ask a favor?
'In battle. Speak plainly, please, and I will answers swiftly.'
It is not that urgent. I would be honored to aid you, if you wish.
'It is not -'
A few moments.
'I hear the baying of the chaos wolves. We will talk later.'
Well, he's already bothered Io for something...
...Aha! Yes, there is one other dragon that probably wouldn't mind helping out.
He digs in his pack for the ring Sisatar gave him and slips it on to invoke its power.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104121.msg1153153/topicseen.html#msg1153153 if you need a refresher.
Thus you appear in the same room as last time, and in an instant Ruby is there. "Moore," she greets warmly, "You need priority service?"
"Good day, Miss Ruby. I hope you and yours are well." Moore says. "I am in need of the scale of a dragon - and not any, as I'm sure you can surmise - the older the dragon, the better in this case." A smile follows that. "I thought if anyone might know where to find one, it would be you all."
"We can provide that," Ruby agrees, "Does it matter if the dragon is living or deceased?
"I do not believe so." Moore says. "I also do not expect this to be free - or, rather, without a cost. I am happy to explain why I need one, or simply offer whatever you deem appropriate for it."
"The highest quality one we have is 200,000 gold coins," Ruby continues, "We have no reason to ask of your motives, as this particular specimen comes from a long passed wyrm who is beyond the ability to resurrect or compel."
Moore nods. "That will be fine."
He may as use the best quality if he wants this to work out.
Go post the expense in loot.
"Then it will be provided shortly, while you procure the funds," Ruby agrees.
Done and done.
We'll have to have a talk sometime about how we keep track of 'wealth' anymore given how things have moved for us.
Sure. Go ahead and declare how you're going to get the money for that, even if it's just a quick trip home or opening a bag.
oh sorry!
"I will be right back." Moore says as he returns via magic to get the needed funds from what they've been hoarding for a while, and will use the ring to return right back!
Easy enough.
Ruby is there and asks, "In the meantime while the scale is brought forth, we've come into possession of a pixie dust slime. An unusual creature to be certain, but one that is mostly harmless. Would such a creature interest you, Moore? It has the mind of an animal, but a domesticated one."
"A... pixie dust... slime?" Moore asks, trying to follow how that would even happen. "I would be happy to give it a home." Moore says with a smile. "We seem to have become quite a beacon for the lost, as of late."
"We'll consider it complementary with your purchase," Ruby agrees as she makes a curious gesture, like a sweep of her hand.
It's a green blob of slime about the size of a dwarf or so. It floats in the air and flies along, trailing bright and sparkling pixie dust behind it. It lets out a soft, cute noise as it comes close to you. It comes to a stop before you and the part of it closest to you pokes out, rubbing against your hand.
"Normally we would assume a wizard created such, but we know it is not so. A half dead green slime fell into a large vat of pixie dust and consumed all of it. The nature of the fey being what it is, it gave it an intelligence similar to a dog and a few small gifts." Ruby reports simply, "It has no place in the planes, but it would make a fine pet or a source of acid. It does shoot acid when attacked or startled."
"We'll have to be careful, then." Moore says, as he gives the slime a smile. "Don't worry, you have a home now."
The pixie dust slime continues to rub against your hand.
"It has the dietary needs of a carnivore," Ruby goes on, "Though it can eat almost anything, our research and divinations suggest that it needs meat for at least half of its meals."
"That shouldn't be any trouble at all. Did you pick a name for it?" Moore asks.
"No," Ruby says, "Name it as you wish."
"We'll come up with something." Moore says. "I hope you all have been getting into too much trouble." A small grin follows that.
A soft chuckle, "Mister Sisatar and I are doing well." Ruby demurs, "I would invite him, but he is currently out of town on sensitive business."
Moore nods. "You know where to find me should there be any matter of which I can be of aid to you both." He says.
A pause as Ruby steps aside, "A moment."
The scale is pitch black and larger than two Hannas together. It floats in of its own accord, coming to rest before you. It's like the night was excised into slices, ready to be marveled at.
"Goodness." Moore says. "I won't pry as to where you came upon this, but this will definitely suit our needs."
"It's all yours," Ruby steps back, "It was good to see you again, Moore."
"I hope you'll come for a social visit soon." Moore says. He smiles and will return with the scale to Elle, hoping that there haven't been any terribly crises since he's been gone for 15 minutes.
Of course, if there had been, surely someone would've told him.
Give me a d100. Gooooood luck.
[22:25] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[22:25] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d100=84] I hope that's closer to good-er than bad-er!
Fortunately all is calm enough. Elle watches the scale, "Oh, that should do well," she calls, "Bring it right in!"
Moore will bring it in! He'll keep the slime on his right arm for the time being as well. That can be a separate explanation!
The slime seems content enough as you bring it in.
Baleruk, however, eyes the slime without a word, coming closer and closer, face first.
"It came with the scale." Moore explains. "It's a ... pixie dust slime, apparently." He says. "Half-dead slime fell into a vat of it, from my understanding."
Baleruk proclaims but one word, "Tasty."
Meanwhile Elle studies the scale, "Yes, this will do. I'll need one more thing," she decides, "Several feathers from a phoenix, still on fire."
Moore rubs his chin. "Well, I think you know the same phoenix that I do, Elle, would she work?" He asks. "Or does that not count?"
He's talking about Kascha here, if that isn't... like... completely clear.
"Normally yes, but it's muddled by her divine essence," Elle disagrees, "Otherwise I'd go there myself and be back in five minutes. I need a normal phoenix, one not more removed from the cycle of life and rebirth they live."
Moore rubs his chin. "All right, hold on."
Would some simple K:P or GI checks here be able to tell him if there's any phoenixes in Celestia by any chance? K:P for 119 and GI for... whatever, 136.
Phoenixes are mostly native to the Prime, with most of the extraplanar ones being on Fire or the Beastlands, and very rarely in Elysium. There's said to be a scattering of them in Mertion around some of the healing springs, but they're reclusive.
It may take as far as asking Raziel or something, which for anyone else would be a Big Deal, caps included. You're not anyone else in Celestia.
Lord Raziel, I apologize for the sudden message, do you have a moment to speak? I have a request of you for information.
Speak away, fellow servant of Celestia.
That puts a smile on Moore's face for some reason.
I seek a phoenix feather. Ideally, it would be from one that is still actively burning. I've heard rumor that there may be some under your care - if you know of any specifically, would you please tell me where I might find them to ask for their aid?
I will do better. It is beneath your station for you to be sent on a quest for them. A servant comes with them now.
You have my thanks, I am humbled by your words.. I would welcome speaking to you at length further about some matters, should you have the time.
There is always time between crusades.
Thank you, Lord Raziel. I'll bring Jetina as well.
Moore will go to wait at the gates, as he's a polite person by nature!
A winged and hooded angel is already there, armor worn beneath. Its face is hidden as it kneels, a golden box in hand offered up. "As I was commanded, I obey."
Moore will take the box, and bow graciously.
"You have my thanks for bringing this so quickly." Moore says. "Know such a deed never goes unnoticed."
"It is mine to serve," The angel says, then takes off and away, leaving you with the box.
Moore will take the box back and open it, not bothering to check on the way because... well, there isn't much need to!
Inside are several crimson red feathers that burn with pure flames. Despite the fires, the box is cool to the touch.
"Did you just need one feather?" Moore asks as he holds the box out to Elle once he returns.
"More than one wouldn't hurt," Elle calls, "How many do you have?"
Moore will count them and then provide the number!
"All of them," Elle says, "Now give me some time to finish it and see if you can get Baleruk not to treat your new pet as a snack." She waves a hand, "Shoo!"
"You heard her." Moore says as he will exit the shop and assume Baleruk will follow!
Baleruk follows, as your new pet clings tightly away to you, slime and all.
"Is that for...adoption?" Baleruk finally asks.
"...Like, for your own?" Moore asks.
"Yes," Baleruk slowly.
"May I ask why?" Moore says. "I don't mean to make it sound like I don't think it's a good idea - I am genuinely curious."
"This little creature interests me," Baleruk declares, "That is all the reason THE MIGHTY BALERUK REQUIRES!"
"On one condition." Moore says. "You may not raise your voice in front of it like that."
Baleruk comes right up to you, face looming over you and eyes narrowed. No words, just pure draconic intimidation.
Moore stares back at him, a look of nothing but determination (and a little hope).
Give me a Diplomacy check.
Take 10 for 136
Baleruk whirls and turns away, taking off into the air without further comment and without your new slime-fey.
"He'll be back." Moore promises the slime.
Not that it can really understand him, but so it goes.
For now Moore will just wait until Elle finishes what she's doing!
Soon enough Elle calls you back in. "I've done what I can," she announces, "Are you ready?"
Moore nods. "Yes, let's see it."
It is a small metal sphere that floats in the air, the occasional ripple across it as if the metal is still molten. "It's not perfect, but it's a decent imitation." Elle decides, "
Not sure if there was supposed to be more there, but responding as if there was not.
Moore will take a look with magic.
Arcane Sight, K:A for 119 and Spellcraft for 114.
"I wonder what Will would make of it..." He murmurs. "Actually, maybe you two should talk it over if he has any suggestions on how to improve it."
We'll roll with it.
It looks to be a sphere of potential. If used in the creation of magical items, it will help imbue them with abilities to be stronger as part of a set.
"Will?" Elle asks, "Who or what is that?"
"It'll be easier for me to just show you." Moore says. He will take the sphere and take Elle to where Will's stationed!
"Will." Moore greets him, with a nod, then a smile to Elle. "This is is Elle. Elle, this is Will."
Elle takes it all in, a long and considered look before, "What have you been up to, Moore?"
"It's a story." Moore says. "Let me begin..."
He will explain how he came across Syllen's gear to begin with, and then the trek that led him to CRIMSON as well as the others, and what ultimately combined into Will.
It is a long story and Elle listens, "This sounds like one of my stranger adventures with Seira and the Guard," she agrees at last.
Will is silent, but Elle goes to him.
"Take care of yourself, you have a chance both common and precious - life." Elle advises, "Don't waste it being quiet and boring."
Moore smiles at that.
"Will, would you mind looking at this?" Moore asks as he holds it out to him. "Does it have the same ability as the gear we showed you before? Is there anything that can be done to improve it, from your perspective?"
"It is as close as it can be," Will declares, "It will do, and yes, it does."
"If there's anyone that could say it works, then this is him." Moore says. "So now... let's say we have a fourth piece of gear, do you think we could imbue it with the same power as the other three pieces we have?"
"Yes," Is the answer at last. "If used rightly."
"How do we do that?" Moore asks. "Is it something you can show us how to do?"
"I will guide you when you use the sphere," Will offers.
"Will it work with anything?" Moore asks, as he takes the shield, ring and bracers out. "Or do we need something 'blank' for this?"
"Something new," Is the answer, "Something primary, a weapon or main piece of clothing, or armor."
"The stronger the better?" Moore asks. "None of what I wear is new, so we'll have to have it forged... but that shouldn't be difficult."
"Then I will await your choice," Will declares.
Moore nods. "Elle, if you want to be here when we use this for the first time, you are welcome to be." He says. "I don't know how long it will take us to get something suitable forged for these purposes, perhaps a few days."
"Tell me when," Elle says, as...
Okay, plan here?
Let's go see what the rules are for getting something forged.
I can clarify with Will, but I assume what he means is "Body" or "chest" slot as it pertains to equipment and not like, Gloves?
Correct. Do you have something in particular in mind?
Moore's current torso-slot armor is pretty good, so it'd likely be his chest which is just a Vest of Legends with some stuff added on that can be easily moved somewhere else by Epic-level crafting.
With that in mind, it'd probably be a rapier and some sort of shirt/chest-slot thing. I don't necessarily need to go into specifics but if we have an idea of like, a +8 rapier being better for this than a +5 rapier, then we'd probably go on the higher end of things.
Sure.
I do need a concrete item to go with so let me know once you make up your mind.
So let's say a Rapier+10 and ... I have no idea how to go about the shirt, but is it possible to just have a "super incredible shirt"? So like... a Shirt+10?
I suppose you could enchant a shirt akin to a bracer of armor.
Okay. The idea would be to have two 'blank' items for the purposes of this.
We can ask Jovar to help with these rather unique creations.
Okay, sure. Anything else before we do this?
Yes, my lootpost, but you asked me to remind you tonight, so we'll just say he's asking for that as part of this too and it can be handled later. :)
Well said. Okay. Go ahead and set up what you're doing here with this.
"I think the best way to approach this is to ask for help from Jovar." Moore explains to Sylvie, as they discuss the approach over some snacks and drinks. "A plain rapier and a plain shirt, except enhanced to a level beyond what mortals would ever dream of... just... without any further enhancements. I think the stronger the item the better for the purposes of trying the sphere out, and with Will's help I think any imbalances can be resolved. But you're the smart one, what do you think?" He asks with a smile as he takes a bite of some dried fruits.
"Analyze the other items and aim for those first," Sylvie says, "Don't overpower it and throw the entire thing out of balance. Going for the strongest items you can get appeals, but it may upset the entire process." She eats very lightly, more twirling her cup of juice than anything else. "Some restraint here is smart, at least until you have a better grasp of this process and know if it can withstand it or not."
Moore will take the items out to go over them with her!
"So we have some relatively medium-quality items, and one on the higher end. Do you think then aiming for the general level of the bracers is safe, or should we go lower?" He asks.
Just going to list all three items we have here for reference
Syllen's Shield
This shield is a heavy steel shield+5. When worn with Syllen's Bracers and Ring, the enhancement bonus of the shield rises by 1 and Syllen's Switch may be used twice per day. Additionally, the wearer gains resistance 20 to all five elements.
Syllen's Ring
This ring grants a +5 deflection bonus to armor class.
If worn with Syllen's bracers, the deflection bonus and armor bonus to armor class on the rings and bracers both rises by 1. Additionally, the wearer can cast Syllen's Switch once per day as a spell-like ability.
Syllen's Bracers: These bracers function as bracers of armor+8. They get stronger if worn with other pieces of Syllen's equipment, if you can find them.
Thanks.
Sylvie says, "The same range. Mortal magic items, if strong ones. They all stay in that range."
Moore nods.
"If we had the other pieces we could guess, but..." Moore nods. "Let's do something like this?" He says, drawing up some magical diagrams.
He'll basically diagram a +7 Rapier and +7 shirt for thematic purposes.
"The shirt's fine, you could even do a bit stronger, but it'll conflict with the bracers," Sylvie notes, "The rapier's a little too strong due to the way magic works, but you're on the right track."
"Hmm, how about..." He murmurs as he draws up something.
+5 Rapier and +8 Shirt? Or does she mean that the shirt conflicts with the bracers as part of the set?
As in they'd both offer a +8 armor bonus to armor class which naturally isn't going to stack.
Hmm... Well, is there anything IC we can get that fulfills the requirements Will laid out? It sounds like we need either a body armor or torso slot item to have the full "set." I figured a torso slot item worked, but I'm not sure how we get a "blank" one that's strong enough, if that makes sense?
Maybe it would just be easier to go with a chestpiece since that won't conflict with anything. Can always improve it later.
He said a weapon or armor, not both, remember.
I thought he said and! Whoops! I thought we needed 5 pieces, since the set has 5.
The power of words!
In that case, how about a +5 rapier, and we'll go from thre.
Thus you get the rapier and...
Go ahead and get into what you're doing with this and we'll adjudicate.
Moore will take Syllen's three pieces and the rapier to Will and set them down in front of him.
"All right, so we have one piece." Moore says. "Let's give this a try. Will, you said you'd guide me, so let's see what we can do to bring the enhancing property of the three items onto the rapier as well." He says.
"Watch me," Will commands, as...
Spellcraft and K:A.
Might as well break out some buffs for this one to make sure they get it right.
K:A for 137.
You study and get it as it's done - for as long as the sphere lasts, it should be able to do so.
Then he will use the sphere and give this a shot!
Not sure if I need more rolls, but 137 K:A and 132 Spellcraft here.
It takes magic and time, but it is done. Sylvie works away and guides it with Will and..."Finished," Sylvie finally says, "I'm setting and integrating it now. This should be it."
Moore, listen to my words, for I speak of Shar.
What a way to ruin a nice time.
Hello to you too, Gathgorian. Go on.
Anurel and Enurel. Two new swords Shar has, ones that make wounds that cannot be healed. Do not underestimate them.
Have you seen this strength for yourself?
No, but Bel has. Do as you will with this information.
If I hear of anything of Shar's I will pass it on.
A sour look on his face follows that. "Word from Gathgorian of all people about some new weapons Shar has." Moore says as way of explanation.
As Sylvie holds up the rapier, "How bad is it?" she asks.
"They're called Anurel and Enurel. Apparently they inflict wounds that can't be healed, whatever that means." Moore says. "Supposedly Bed witnessed it, or maybe was hit by one? It's unclear, and I doubt we'd get any more clarification."
"So we'll have to never be wounded by Shar. That's a longshot," Sylvie says. "Good to know, knowledge is never wasted."
Moore nods, his avatar going around to inform the others while he inspects the sword to see what's become of it.
Detect magic blah blah blah.
(Fake) Syllen's Rapier
This rapier is a rapier+5. When used with Syllen's Bracers, Shield and Ring, each piece becomes stronger.
Syllen's Bracers becomes bracers of armor+10 and grants damage reduction 20/cold iron and slashing.
Syllen's Shield becomes a heavy steel shield+10 and grants resistance 50 to all five elements.
Syllen's Ring becomes a ring of protection+10 and grants Syllen's Switch as an at will spell-like ability.
(Fake) Syllen's Rapier becomes a rapier+10. No other powers, it's the keystone for your entire fake so it's consumed with activating the others to the utmost you can.
Finally, you can tell now. There's a spell hidden within every piece, part of a greater spell. While the last part is not there, three parts are now available for you to study.
Let's investigate the three parts we can!
Also, do we think we can support this with a second (Fake) piece, or do we believe that that will ruin what we've got so far?
"Another piece? Not right now, I'd want to experiment more with our own set or something new before trying that. If it goes wrong, we could lose everything," Sylvie says, "This is stable, but it took a goddess of magic and...whatever you want to call Will to work it out. We're not dealing on the safe fundamentals of magic here."
Moore nods. "That's fine. Maybe we'll have some luck with the pieces in Dis anyway as we can experiment." He says. "For now, at least, I think these pieces will work out nicely. We do still need to rescue Syllen's soul from Shar... but we need the last piece of the Wheel for that. Have you had a chance to talk to the folks at Aurora about it?"
"Some," Sylvie says, "I'm working on it with them."
Moore nods. "All right." He says. "Keep me posted."
it sounds like they have some downtime, so this would be a good time for Moore to take Jetina and go talk to Raziel!
Sure, any set up or plan for that?
Nope, we will just go over and follow whatever protocols or norms are usual for this kind of thing!
Sure. For reference while I set up, gimme a Diplo check.
Take 10 for 136.
You arrival is simple - this is no grand reception, but simply a more discreet affair.
A mountainside meeting. A little retreat of stone, built into a mountain glorious in the light of Chronias. It is simple, humble, and it is here a single paladin sits. Raziel sits on the ground before it, a stone in hand. He polishes it with his hand, all as flames crackle around him. A mere stone, a pebble like any other you could pick up off the ground.
"Lord Raziel." Moore greets him, a low bow to follow that. "Thank you for your time."
Jetina bows deeply, "My thanks as well....what do I say?" she finally admits. "What can I say?"
Raziel looks up from his work, "The truth rarely fails," The Fifth of the Hebdomad remarks, "Sit, join me."
"Honesty is always best." Moore agrees as he flies over to sit opposite Raziel.
Jetina joins him as Raziel goes on, "Here," he offers you the stone, "Would you care to polish it a few moments?"
Moore will take it in his hands!
"I don't think I can polish it quite the same way..." He murmurs - but that isn't the point of this exercise, is it?
The stone is smooth and warm in your hand. Warmed by Raziel's own grasp, perhaps, and moves as easily as polished metal slipping through your fingers. "It is easier for others," Raziel agrees to this, "But the difficulty is not the important part. Look closer."
Moore will look at the stone! Closer, in fact!
The stone itself is imbued. It's imbued with the struggles, hopes and victories of every hand that has touched it. Pale echos, but echos taken, stored and refined within.
When it finishes and becomes something, it will be a mighty object of power indeed. It will have power over victory and triumphs, over success in warfare.
"How fantastic." Moore whispers. "Would you mind if I give it my hopes?"
"Go on," Raziel agrees, "That is its purpose."
Moore will think back - to his time back in the Lost Realm... hm, could he go there freely now?
He thinks back to the hope that existed in his heart from the moment he woke up in Venya, to his meeting with Erathaol, to joining Aurora...
He thinks about his victories and his defeats in Aurora, his triumphs, his failures, but most of all, his hopes for the future.
He thinks about saving Lifasa, and elevating himself to a position to do so much good in Creation.
He thinks about... ...hm, he probably shouldn't think about that, but he thinks about his elevation to divinity and his hopes for a better Creation.
Even now, he thinks about his hopes that one day this pebble will help Creation in some way.
It is done. It is as easy as polishing the stone, really. More hopes, more memories, more echos. So many memories, stored deeply within your mind and within the stone.
Raziel offers his hand out once you are done, "Lifasa," he declares, "That alone with a worthy addition."
Moore returns it. "I couldn't have done it without others." He says with a smile. "It was my first real learning experience to the power of bonds, friendship, and hope."
Meanwhile Jetina is offered the stone and she takes it, intent on it. She polishes it, both hands on it.
"Every step forward is another battle," Raziel agrees, "How well you stand now!"
"Even now, I'm supported by my friends, my colleagues..." He says quietly as he looks around. "Even by the Mountain itself." He adds with a bright smile. "It's an honor to be able to call Celestia home."
A pause after that where he laughs. "But I'm sure I don't need to tell you that. I imagine you know it all too well."
"There's so much more," Raziel says. At the same time?
Moore, please be aware of two things. First, Shar may have gained the ability to merge with Shadow and vastly increase her power. Secondly, she directly threatened Alyssa's family and could make a move against them.
Moore smiles and nods. "Well, I suppose I should explain why we're here..." He says, while his expression sours inwardly.
He shifts his posture to continue while he deals with the other matter. "I've been giving a lot of consideration to what our next move should be in terms of facing a challenge... fighting for the sake of fighting isn't always helpful, but I thought you may have some ideas on places we might go to better ourselves, or to fight worthy challenges."
Merge with...? I see. She certainly has been showing off today, I suppose.
I haven't heard anything from her yet, but will inform you if I do.
"What challenge do you seek?" Raziel asks, plainly.
Thank you, Moore. Be safe.
"Hm." He glances to Jetina. "What do you think? I was thinking something that would actually push us back a bit."
He nods before, "Solomori Peak," Raziel says, "It is in Mertion. Seek it, find it and challenge it."
Take 10 for 119 on K:P, or 101 K:L Mertion. What do I know about it?
Not much - it's pretty obscure, but it's known as a training and trial ground by the few who have been and spoken of it. There's just not much known about it as a result.
Moore nods with a smile. "Very well. Perhaps we'll go as a team again." He says. "That sounds like a lot of fun."
While Jetina is focused on the stone, she quietly adds, "That would be worthy," she says, gaze on what she polishes.
"Go. It's hard to challenge us," Raziel states plainly, "But they'll try."
Moore nods with a smile. "It will be my pleasure." He says. He doesn't press Jetina, he gives her all the time she needs to finish her task.
Soon enough the stone is returned to Raziel, "Thank you. When do you think that will be ready?"
"Soon," is Raziel's reply as he returns to his work on the stone.
"Well, I'd be honored to see the final product." Moore says.
He stands and nods. "Please, do not hesitate to let us know if we can ever be of some aid to you." he adds.
Jetina rises as well, "I've told you before, but again - thank you. There's no words."
"Bring others to this stone," Raziel decrees. "Worthy ones."
He can certainly think of a few. "Of course, it'd be our honor." Moore says.
Anything else to do then here, Mr. Terror?
Nope. Moore will pass on the info about the stone for them to visit, and then see if they want to challenge Solomori Peak!
As you go to do that?
"Oh," Jetina says, "I'm getting messaged by Donald about a matter on the Positive Energy Plane. Would you like to come with me, Moore? I'm going to head over there briefly."
"Huh, I wonder what's there." Moore says. "Sure, I'll tag along."
Let me move you along to Seira's topic then.