An announcement to begin with. Syala's node goal has changed, as due to your current truce with Malcanthet it is no longer practical or likely to occur.
It's done. Elysium welcomes Sylica, and in turn you welcome it.
The next morning you lie in bed, in Syala's embrace. A period of rest for your main awareness, but your avatars are not idle. One in particular sees to business. Colke enters, "Divine one," he greets and bows, "I wish to speak to you."
"Speak your mind, Colke," Alicia bids, currently in a comfortable looking study overlooking the city outside.
"I want to explain my abilities," Colke states and takes a seat. He shifts into a woman - similar to Antenora, save for gentle brown eyes more at home on Jessica. "First, I find that I can discern lies and see the truth. Similar to Antenora from what I understand, but I don't presume to be as proficient at it as she is."
A shift again. This time to a male form, slender and wizened with each. "Magic comes to me well. I am a wizard and I find the mysteries of clerical magic to be understood in those patterns of magic. My arcane magic can heal a wound as surely as it can fling fire and lightning."
"So your ability to see through deceit is something new borne of your recent experiences then?" Alicia clarifies, leaning towards Colke.
Also I'll alter reality for true seeing. Does that show anything different than the outer appearance presented?
No. As far as you can tell with clearsight and see magic, and true seeing too, this is Colke.
"Yes," Is the answer, "It is new."
"You know, your appearance resists attempts to divine past the surface. Marie is an eladrin, so spells such as true seeing show her as both a woman and an orb of light, because both are her, but for you I can only ever see what you present yourself as," Alicia says, to give Colke a better understanding of their shapechanging ability.
A silence to that, contemplation. "I think...I speculate that when I survived and changed, I replaced the lies with truth. I have these abilities because all are true for me now. I become what I change into completely. It is no surface glamor. I cannot prove it, but it feels right in my bones and soul." Another shift, to a near copy of you. "I believe your mercy and valor, combined with the light of Chronias, may have enacted a miracle. I can think of nothing else."
"I don't see any magic when you do it either. Nor could I see past the creations of 666, but I believe I could now, having been strengthened by the experience. You're a unique being, and it's possible using this ability to deceive could cause it to lose its power... but perhaps not, and it's simply an advantage you have and must use with wisdom. Creation is not inherently fair," Alicia says, mulling it over.
"You wished to speak more of your abilities, however?"
Speaking of, see magic should tell me the strength of Colke's most powerful spell or spell-like ability currently available.
15th.
"Yes," Colke goes on, "I have the rage and crushing blows of an avenger. I have the protections of a holy avenger that shroud me. I am as home with steel as I am magic. Is this form not appropriate for it?" Colke notes, as she resembles you greatly.
"You'd be surprised by how many people might disagree even now," Alicia says ruefully. "But it's served me well, at least. With steel and magic both."
That draws a curious look, "Who would object to your skill in blade and magic?"
"Oh, you get the odd braggart and fool at all stages of life. I even had Glasya call me mannish when I fought her over Avernus recently, for all that talk is usually the preserve of men better suited to propping up a tavern's bar than carrying a weapon."
"How foolish," Colke remarks, "Who could see a man in you?"
She smiles slightly. "I appreciate the flattery, but lets move on. You have great martial and magical skill then, what of your talents in less hectic arenas? Intrigue and lore? Crafting?"
"I have some lore and ability to built. Arms and armor, and magical ones as well," Colke answers, "My mind is a weapon capable of seeing through a great deal of difficulties."
"You certainly are talented," Alicia says, suitably impressed. "Speaking of, you'll need to be properly equipped before going anywhere. I'll let Latha know you can use her workshops and forges, and we'll provide resources for you to make any arms and armour you'll need."
"Thank you." Colke bows her head to you. "Then it's just a question of what I do next."
"Yes," Alicia says. "I'd like for you to investigate Shar's actions on planes I can't easily visit, such as the plane of shadow - you being a relative unknown related to me and being sufficiently powerful to deal with complications is a large advantage. But all the same I'd rather you not be caught by Shar as you were caught by 666. I'll let you know when we have something solid to pursue rather than have you hunt aimlessly."
"I need time to equip myself regardless," Colke agrees. A shift, to a tall, broad man with red hair. Bearded too. "The truth of smithing, hm?" he murmurs aloud.
"Yes, you'll get on well with Latha. Find the truth hidden in the ore," Alicia says wryly, summoning a lantern archon to help guide Colke to Latha's workshop.
With that done, anything else on your immediate agenda?
Nope! I have no idea what's going on and no good adventure hooks to follow right now.
Gimme a d100 first of all.
[18:11] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[18:11] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=10 ]{10}
Alicia, I have need of you. Will you come to Dweomerheart?
I'm on my way.
And she is, she'll go right to wherever Mystra asks.
Mystra sits high above. Below are great chambers where mages work, where scrolls by the thousands are penned.Magic flows in the air thicker than molasses. Mystra sits on a simple couch, at rest as she observes them. She sits up when you arrive, "Alicia," she greets, "Please, be comfortable. You may not be a greater deity, but a lesser deity has risen so far as to deserve respect."
Putting her sword out of the way, Alicia comes over and sits on the couch next to Mystra. "It's a step on the way, things are moving fast."
"Do you know how high you'll rise before this is done, whatever it is?" Mystra asks, plainly.
She shakes her head. "How much time do I have to rise before Shar commits to her endgame? How much will the pressure of that timescale force me to rise faster than I would? I've come farther in the last year than I did in the decade prior, but I can't see the end from here."
"Then we can only go on," Mystra says, "Tell me, you've dealt with the Far Realm many times now. Have you come across any from it who you could understand and communicate with?"
"Zetsuboku could be communicated with, to a degree," Alicia recalls. "Not fruitfully, but she understood in her own way."
Io's far realm dragon doesn't count, it was still a thing of Creation that he made based on concepts from Beyond.
"Has one ever spoken of an Answer?" Mystra goes on, "Or anything similar to one?"
"I feel like Zetsuboku had her own warped answer to things," Alicia says. "But I haven't heard any answer I was inclined to hear. Where are you going with this, Mystra?"
"Merely a hope that inspiration came from afar," Mystra explains, "We have never entirely discounted the possibility that aid may come from afar in our quest for an Answer, and as matters grow more grave, we seek every corner for aid. That is not why I asked you here, so allow me to continue."
She'd wondered if Mystra actually had found such an entity herself. "Sorry, go on then," she invites.
"War's coming," Mystra says, "No longer can Shar be tolerated. The Prophecy of Primus is an insult to Creation, and now she seeks to use my own powers to her ends. No more." Her voice is grave and strong, "I do not know if I can overthrow destiny, but I intend to try. I have seen Shar's strength, however, and I know it is mighty. Mighty enough now to oppose even myself."
Alicia nods. "Her censure over Daa-vid's judgement wasn't enough to tilt the scales. In truth I wonder if she was censured at all."
"I have concerns that if she's still this capable," Mystra goes on, "That she's not hiding a deeper source of power, or is stronger than any of us have ever realized. But that doesn't matter. We will not roll over. We will not submit. I want you to be one of my close allies for this, Alicia."
"Of course, you needn't ask," Alicia says. "I'm in the thick of this already. We made something I believe will serve to counter her trick of merging with a plane to augment herself," she slips her scissors free of their sheathe on her belt to show Mystra. "They worked well against the power of the 666th layer of the Abyss even if they haven't been tested on Shar herself yet."
Mystra examines them. "I see why you have high hopes," she agrees. "Your own work, mostly?"
"Mostly Latha," she shakes her head. "Using my sword since it had bloodied one of Shar's avatars, made of material from Queen's domain at the bottom of the infinite staircase."
"It will serve well," Mystra concurs, "If it will be decisive against Shar, I know not, but I have hopes for it."
"I hope so. Using anarch powers to eject her from the merge takes far too long to be practical and may not even work on the plane of shadow," Alicia says, putting them away now.
"For now we fortify and prepare. I would like to take the fight to Shar in time: Can Sylica project a strong force when the time is right? It will not be easy to establish a safe zone in Shadow, but I strive to do so. The Infinite Shadow alone is ruinous to such efforts."
"On one hand you have six deities," Alicia says, "Which of course represents an extremely strong force that can't easily be matched. But we're very top heavy - we don't really have an equivalent to your stars or Selune's shards, there's little we can bring to bear that will matter against Shar beyond ourselves."
"Unfortunate, but not unexpected. The depths of those things take time to grow and develop," Mystra admits openly. "Power in Creation is as much an investment of time as it is anything else."
Unless you cheat like Violet did. "In the end it's still much like sending a party of heroes rather than having an army of them to play with, even if I at least have many stronger than I was when I faced Zetsuboku. It's just getting beyond that hurdle where most cap out."
"Nonetheless, you'll have a role to play," Mystra agrees, "And I am resplendent with soldiers and servants to command, or for you to command parts of them."
"Have you coordinated with Selune?" Alicia asks. "She has her own designs, and I worked with her as well when she led an attack after Daa-vid's judgement."
"Yes," Mystra agrees with that, "She spoke highly of you in that battle."
"I was able to make some solid progress and destroy one of the defensive towers, but there wasn't much gained otherwise," Alicia admits. "It was educational though, getting live experience of the kind of defences that can be brought to bear against an assault there."
"A mighty feat, few make it even that far," Mystra concedes, "Now that it comes up, I believe one of Aurora's heroes participated and was injured, though I hear she's made a recovery since then. Something like Medicant would be perfect, but I fear not even Medi's defenses would hold forever against Shar on Shadow."
"There were quite a few injuries, yes. They're busy with their crusade against the first vampire, but I hope that succeeds soon. That bloodsucker crossed me personally by trying to steal the soul of one of mine who fell in battle," Alicia says, expression darkening. "I'll make sure Latha's available for the final battle when it occurs."
"Good." A thin smile, "But he's a tenacious one. Apply a great deal of force and ensure it sticks. Still though, you've dealt with Aurora more than I have. Do you think we could obtain Aurora for this matter? Perhaps not all of them, or even any if needs must, but the fortress itself."
"Honestly, I'm unsure," Alicia admits. "They're good hearted and committed to justice, but Shar hasn't opposed them and they might not want to invite that trouble. If I were to ask, they'd take it seriously at least based on past favours."
Mystra is silent a few moments, "More importantly, do you feel it's the right thing to do to possibly coax them into this battle?"
"The cause it not only just, it may well be the greatest one of all," Alicia says. "All their struggles to free Lifasa will be undone if Shar triumphs."
In the past she might have hesitated, tried to shield them, but they're approaching the point where everyone has to put it all on the line.
"We may have no choice, then. Morniel is the general most agreeable to you, I would believe?" Mystra muses.
> roll 1d100 meanwhile
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 meanwhile --> [ 1d100=20 ]{20}
Well, she can always count on Jaela to be conciliatory over Ebony's death in service but she doesn't like to hold that over her head. "Perhaps, I rarely deal with Aurora myself when I can work through Ebony, but he should be well disposed to me."
"Then see to that first and return once you know," Mystra agrees, "That will affect all other matters."
"Do you have a timescale I can give them for when their aid will be expected?" Alicia asks, not wanting to upset their crusade timetable on vagueness.
"Unless events move unexpectedly, at least a month," Mystra says, "We have some time yet, at least. But that may change as things go forward."
"Very well, I'll return presently," Alicia says, rising and retrieving her sword before she vanishes, returning to Sylica. From there she'll contact Ebony to check on Aurora's present status and see if they're ready to receive her visit.
They can see you, yes. Any prep for this trip?
She'll just plane shift on over, and bring Marie with her for company/safety.
You find Aurora is busy as always. However, Ebony awaits you just outside the gates. "My lady," she kneels as you approach, "I have heard your request."
"Thank you Ebony, you can rise," Alicia bids, taking in their surroundings to see where Aurora's sitting at today. "Is Aurora's command staff available for me?"
It's Bytopia, as it was before.
"Yes, what is available," Is Ebony's answer, "They await your words."
"Good, take me to them then," Alicia asks.
Marie looks around but she seems fairly at ease. She has been visiting Garl Glittergold a lot recently so she's no stranger to Bytopia.
It's bright and lively. No sign of the gloom from before or the menace. Animals can be seen outside, not a speck wrong here.
You are escorted within to Aurora's meeting chamber. Here Morniel and Gisfal sit, along with Hanna and Drena. Also with them is 27, Prince Westwind and finally Sage Vul'lath. "I present to you two of the rulers of Sylica, Alicia and Marie." Ebony declares as you come in.
Morniel comes forward, a deep bow, "You seek our ears and we shall lend them to you."
Marie gives everyone a bright smile but lets Alicia do the talking.
"Thank you Morniel, everyone," Alicia says, her divine presence restrained as she stands before the assembled heroes of Aurora. "This time it is I who comes to you seeking aid," she begins. "Are you aware of the Prophecy of Primus?" her eyes go across the group but she settles on the githyanki as most likely to be learned about such things.
"I've ran across it," Hanna remarks neutrally.
"Yes," Sage Vul'lath seconds, "I am familiar with it."
Alicia nods and then elaborates for the rest of the class since the sage is choosing not to show off his wisdom. "In very simple terms, it's a formulation that Primus has derived which points to Shar's inevitable victory and the end of Creation. Ultimately it's only one God's theorem, but Primus's word carries a lot of weight in such terms. And Shar, whether she believes in the specific prophecy's specifics or not, is preparing for her own endgame."
Marie then smoothly picks up after Alicia, so she's not just standing around but can contribute herself. "That doesn't mean we're just letting her however. Mystra and Selune and others are preparing a pre-emptive attack. Against the sort of defences Shar has on Shadow we're going to need every edge we can get, and Aurora is perfect for offering a safe base in such hostile territory."
"We helped you against Hell, and against the First Vampire," Alicia concludes, picking up after Marie's piece. "Now we ask you to help us, in what may be our most pivotal battle."
In Vul'lath's defense, he assumed you were going somewhere with that question, not inviting him to tell the class about it.
"Selune, is it?" Hanna reckons aloud, "We owe her. Though speaking of Shar," A pause here, "The Duke of Destiny spoke of her before the final battle against him. That his ultimate plan was for Hell to overthrow Shar and be the force that stops him. From what Jaela's told me, he sounded like a madman in that battle, crushed under the pressure of his failure."
"None of us were there," Gisfal speaks up, "Afina, Jaela, Tryll, Surraruthru, Adrian, Balyss and Sylvie were, in case you need exact words. So you're saying that bastard's concerns were real?"
"I put little stock in his methods, but the fear at least is real," Alicia says. "Bel and Gathgorian's ascensions are part of Hell's own plans to combat Shar, powers outside the structure of the nine lords, with more of a free hand. They can't rule over us if we're all dead, so the thinking goes. And they can't rule if they're dead, to put it in more simple terms of self preservation. Shar is no friend to Hell."
Which given all that happened early on in Aurora's crusade, they should all be extremely grateful she never reached out to them to lend a hand. Would have made the problems with Helm and Bahamut pale in comparison.
"There's an easy to follow logic there," Westwind agrees as that's mulled over.
"So succinctly, you need Aurora as a safe base inside of Shadow," Morniel summarizes, "That's the truth of it, and our aid is merely a happy addition to that?"
"Let's not undersell ourselves," Ebony speaks up here, "But I suspect you are not wrong. None of us could defeat Saint Alicia or Shar in a battle, or even come close. That does not mean we do not have a role to play, even if a primary point is Aurora's support."
"We can pretend to be hurt later," Sage Vul'lath says, tone sour, "We've known the entire time that Aurora itself is immeasurably valuable."
"It is as the wise sage says," Morniel agrees, "I mean no disrespect by my words. Properly defended Aurora makes a perfect foothold into any plane. It is a fact we have used to our advantage many times."
"Aurora is valuable as a safe harbour in hostile territory," Alicia nods. "The first of Shar's defences is the infinite shadow - imagine the most fearsome undead shadow you have ever faced, only it's an endless tide of them. Slaying one is a challenge for a solar, the sort of foe that requires a fight rather than a casual blow or single spell. And there's no limit to them, they can be killed over and over and it doesn't matter, they keep reforming with one appearing at will to attack every warrior on the field. An army is of no help against such foes."
Hanna's expression becomes drawn and pale at that, "That's the first defense?"
"This is no trivial battle," Ebony says, "Let us not forget that we have only faced the minions of the divine. Powerful they may be, but our rare encounters with the true evils remind us we are still mortal. The defenses of the divine at home, in their greatest strength, are vast."
"I've heard of it," Gisfal speaks up, "It's the same as the legions of solars you might fight if you seriously challenged Morwel, as well as the Children of Liberty. Whatever number two is, I'm sure it's worse."
"Balyss fought them recently, when Selune led an assault on Shar after she was chastised by the judgement of Daa-vid," Alicia goes on. "She survived, but barely."
"Unfortunately we don't have defences like that for our home, being new deities..." Marie begins before she gasps and puts a hand to her mouth. "Oh! Don't tell anyone I said that though."
"Anyway," Alicia gives Marie a sidelong look at her tension defusing attempt, "Such are the nature of Shar's defences. Aurora's nature makes it ideal for offering succour against such threats. You'll be able to help us with recovery and healing, but we wouldn't expect you to face such horrors on our behalf."
"You understand that we must discuss this amid ourselves," Morniel states, "Before we do, is there anything else to be added?"
Hanna smiles faintly at Marie's admission.
Ebony side eyes her, "We're working on it," She adds, "I understand Antenora's investigated Inevitable style legions of constructs and golems."
"Golems have worked well for Aurora," Alicia says after Ebony's comment before addressing the command staff. "We'll leave you to your deliberations and you can let me know your decision through Ebony. The timetable hasn't been finalised but this will happen within the month."
With that done you head out. Ebony follows you and once out of Aurora?
"Matters continue to grow more grave?" she asks, plainly.
"For all our successes, our enemy isn't idle," Alicia nods. "Things could come to a head faster than we anticipate. I'm hoping we can do more to tilt things in our favour before this attack - too much relies on it."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Ebony kneels, "If I can take any of this burden, say the word."
"Come back to Sylica after Aurora makes its decision," Alicia says. "We need to plan for how to draw out some tricky prey and some extra insight will be valuable."
"I will obey," Ebony agrees.
Okay, lets go home and wait for Aurora to get back to us so I can get back to Mystra?
You return home and...
Quick d100.
[19:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[19:48] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=26 ]{26}
That evening you paint with Syala. Both of you have a separate canvass as you work away. Syala's drawing a sunrise, a beautiful sunrise over a seashore. What do you paint?
Has it been that long? She probably would've gotten back to Mystra sooner to let her know Aurora's taking a long time to deliberate, since their discussion was rather important.
Easily enough done.
I understand. I will motivate them to haste should they dally overlong.
Well, assuming Mystra doesn't want to continue the discussion until Aurora's decision is settled...
Alicia's painting an optical illusion of sorts. A group of dogs except they don't quite match up, legs not really attached to their bodies even if it sort of looks like that when the eye passes over them.
A pause. Syala turns to study your work, "Martin influencing you?" she asks curiously.
Alicia shakes her head. "Trickery. Illusion. Lies our eyes tell us," she explains, leaning back from her canvas, focusing and unfocusing on it. "There's no magic here, no godly power obscuring the truth. Just something that cannot exist, yet your eyes accept it at a glance."
Then she turns to Syala, "It's fresh to mind after recent events, although I wouldn't be terribly surprised if I ran into something like this in the Beyond one day."
"A matter of time," Syala agrees thoughtfully, brush put down. She studies yours more further, "Absolute good, absolute evil. Zaphkiel and Asmodeus. Two sides of the same lawful coin. Both would agree there is an absolute truth and Answer, but not on what that should be. I imagine both would find that painting disagreeable."
A pause to think, "Morwel would love it. The variable meaning, the variable possibilities of it. A demon would understand the lie instinctively and how to use it against those who live with truth. Am I anywhere close to your thoughts on the painting, Alicia?"
"Those are other people's thoughts, not mine," Alicia points out. "But yes I'm confident Marie is going to love it as well. If you want me to assign a moral myself though..." she holds her brush up before the painting and considers a moment. "The truth is easy to hide with a palatable lie. A painting of three dogs is far more reasonable than... whatever this actually is."
A chuckle.
A slow and deep one, "We want what we want, not what is necessarily true. There's a good moral wrapped up in there, Alicia. Better a pretty lie than an ugly truth. The ugly truth is that it's easier to hit something than to reason with it and understand it. I'm good at that."
"Good art can inspire a multitude of thoughts and feelings in the viewer," Alicia says, satisfied with that as she dabs some more paint on her brush and resumes working on the background elements of her painting.
It's peaceful as you work on it. A reverie away from troubles.
You faced a Grand Sultan in single combat and held your own well.
Oh, is this that pretender who may or may not be the original Crimson Firebrand come to take back his throne? It has that sort of fiery genie feel to it.
It did have quite an audience, though forgive me if I don't recall your presence.
I see many things on Fire.
Tell me, are you still interested in the affairs of Fire?
Lets just get to brass tacks, shall we?
What are you offering and what will it cost me?
Friendly neutrality. Stay out of Fire's business and your business will be left alone.
It's quite simple: Don't make me come over there. It sounds like you have something provocative in mind which would make neutrality objectionable and are brandishing threats pre-emptively. There's nothing friendly about that.
Give me a Diplo check there, Alicia. You said something to warrant one.
[18:14] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+66
[18:14] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+66 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{77}
You have fire in your belly. Don't make you come over here?
It's exactly what it sounds like. Much as I'd prefer otherwise, I can't promise swift and sure wrath upon every wrongdoer in Creation. It's still better to avoid being near the top of my itinerary, however.
Courage and confidence. Mind yours and you'll be fine.
I make no promises for my conduct on Fire, but I'll tell you for free that the elemental planes are a low priority for me right now.
No response beyond that.
"Hm?" Syala asks, a little noise in the back of her throat.
"The new... or old Sultan, the Crimson Firebrand? He was just warning me to stay out of his business on Fire," Alicia says aloud. "Given everything else that's happening right now, it's not as if he has much to fear from our side, but I warned him in turn to toe the line. If we do get involved there it'll probably because Seira pulls us in anyway."
"That'll be how it goes," Syala agrees, thoughtful about it.
Meanwhile? 'Aurora will aid you, Saint Alicia.' Ebony's prayer is heard to you.
"Ah, and there's Ebony. Good timing," her expression lightens. "I better go and talk to Mystra now, Aurora's agreed to help." She puts her painting things away and gives Ebony a sense of affirmation and gratitude in response to her prayer before she goes practically across the road to Dweomerheart, no armour just her usual black undersuit and a white paint-smudged smock worn over it. She doesn't expect an immediate fight and she thinks Mystra might appreciate the more relaxed look.
You find that Mystra awaits you where she did before, "You bring good news?" she asks, a glance. "That or your artistry has advanced further."
"It's coming along nicely, thanks for asking," Alicia smiles back at Mystra as she takes her seat next to the greater goddess as before. "Aurora will help us."
A shared smile before, "Excellent. There are no preconditions?"
Alicia shakes her head. If there were they would've been raised at the meeting or Ebony would've said so. "I told them they're not expected to fight this battle with us, it would only be a waste of their lives for almost all of them if they left Aurora while we're fighting past the infinite shadow. So long as we don't demand anything unreasonable of them it should be fine."
"Good. I expect they'll help hold off the Infinite Shadow, but all we need is for them to be there," Mystra agrees, "Any extra aid is a bonus. This isn't their war. It's ours." Mystra meets your gaze. "No longer can we stand by and play by Shar's rules. Win or lose, we will challenge her and we will stand."
"It won't be able to get inside Aurora so it makes a good anchor for our assault," Alicia says. "But what's the overall plan?"
"In the first phase," Mystra begins, "We insert Aurora and secure it. A great deal of defenses will be needed to stop a determined assault by Shar. Also a chance to see if Shar has something that invalidates our strategy from the beginning. A precaution in case Shar has another trump card we haven't seen yet. Once we have Aurora as a secure location, we can begin to press in and challenge Shar's forces."
"So many unknowns, we have to play it by ear," Alicia admits unhappily. "I'm hoping to try and find or lure out some of those trump cards before this happens, but don't delay the timetable on my account. I'll either get them or I won't, and we shouldn't hold back waiting for it happening."
"Others will aid us in this," Mystra goes on, "Moore of Celestia owes me several favors, ones I will call in for this. You can deliver Seira and her aid, I presume. I hope to draw in more once Aurora becomes securely lodged and we can bring the battle to her home."
"Seira will come," Alicia says without hesitation. "What about Selune?"
"She will aid us," Is the agreement, "Can you lure in the Red Knight? Even her tactical support would be a vast boon if we get that and nothing else."
She was thinking of asking Tempus, see how much he owes her over the Colke business. "I can try," she agrees. One might follow the other.
"I have others I'm working on," Mystra continues, "And many, many favors to call. We will have heroes to aid us in this."
"In that case I'll get to work on my end, unless there's anything else we should discuss first?" Alicia asks.
"One thing." Again Mystra meets your gaze, "You survived 666 and came out stronger for it. You- no, all of you. All of you have risen so quickly. Four groups in this Godsrush discounting the devils, and each of you gives me hope that Creation isn't finished yet. Thank you, Alicia."
"Thank you," she bows her head towards Mystra. "That just makes me hope we can live up to those expectations."
Charisma check.
[19:58] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+22
[19:58] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+22 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{30}
You are pulled into an embrace. It lasts only a moment, but it a moment of warmth. "No matter how much Waukeen brags of Seira, or how quietly satisfied Erathaol is with Moore, I never envy them."
"I should hope not," Alicia says, the embrace softer than usual since she doesn't have her armour on. "And I wouldn't trade you for anyone either. Don't do anything too risky with all of this."
"Even if this fails, I can rest knowing that at least I wasn't so lonely at the end," Mystra agrees, meeting your gaze. "You too, Alicia. Survive."
"We both will," she concludes, getting up. "I'll go and prepare, now."
Okay then, what preparations do you have in mind, before anything else.
I want to talk with the team about how we can find/bait out Shar's mook squad of new deities, but before that should see about recruiting Red Knight and Tempus to the cause.
Sure. How do you plan to approach that then?
Start with Red Knight since we've had more dealings and she's closer to my level. I'll godspeech her asking if I can come over and chat.
Go for it.
Red Knight, do you have time to talk right now? I'd like to visit you, or you could come here if you prefer.
I will visit you shortly.
We'll await your arrival then.
Now just to wait!
It doesn't take long. The Red Knight arrives without fanfare this time a cloaked and hooded visitor, no one giving her a second look as she slips into your palace.
Go ahead and set up how you do this and if you want anyone else there.
Alicia sends a lantern archon to guide Red Knight to one of Liberton's sitting rooms where she waits, a tea service and snacks prepared but no maids or the like on hand. Not even Marie! This'll be just the two of them.
The Red Knight arrives, cloak's hood pushed back. "Private," she steps in and closes the door, "Suitable for this meeting."
"Welcome," Alicia stands up to greet her. "There's a time for ceremony, but we don't always have to make a production out of our visits." Still, she pours out some tea, can at least be a good hostess. "Thank you for coming on short notice."
The tea is taken. A sip is had, ceremonial. It's placed down, "Then since this isn't a time for ceremony, let's get to the important matters."
"A battle's coming," Alicia says, sitting down as well as she gets right to it. "Shar is preparing something, ramping up for her ultimate victory the way Primus prophesied it. Mystra is preparing for an attack on Shadow within the month, to settle things on our terms rather than wait to see what our enemy can build up to. We have a lot of power on our side, but do we have sufficient wisdom to use it effectively in the face of everything in our path?" She nods towards Red Knight, "Perhaps not. We need more. We need you."
"You need me," The Red Knight agrees. She leans forward to meet your gaze, "It's in all of our interests to stop Shar."
Alicia smiles slightly, "This isn't one I should need to do a hard sell for, no. We're all in equal danger from her victory."
"However," The Red Knight goes on,"If Mystra goes to Shadow?" A long pause here. "Disaster comes. Of that I am certain."
Alicia is silent a moment. "Recently, Shar managed to strike at Mystra within Dweomerheart. She stole some of her blood, a crystallised portion of the Weave. Subsequently she made a point of showing off a new ability to me as well as a few others, being able to meld herself with the essence of a plane to increase her power and render herself nigh invincible. It was a marvellously effective piece of work, which drew clear inspiration from the underpinnings of how the Weave functions."
She leans back. "And it's a bluff," she's forced to conclude, in light of Red Knight's intuition. "The old legerdemain of looking at the showman's flashily gesturing hand while he stacks the deck with his other. She's got something else, doesn't she? Something she's made use of Mystra's blood for that will let her... slay or warp her, somehow."
A drink of tea. A pause in the conversation.
"When you know your enemies need to come and kill you, you turn that to your advantage. You set a trap." The Red Knight notes. "You provoke them beyond measure to come get you and let them step into their own doom."
"Mystra's also our strongest figure in this battle - I couldn't defeat Shar, far less slay her even if I got absurdly lucky," Alicia says. "We have others, such as Selune, but holding Mystra back makes the task that much harder, even if it's necessary."
"You have a chance." The Red Knight says. "So does Antenora. Seira. Moore. Sylvie." She delivers this statement dispassionately.
"And Eblis, Bel, and Gathgorian?" she asks, seeing the common thread Red Knight has somehow managed to decipher there. "It's not something I've felt any extra power from after experiencing."
"I cannot see Eblis now," The Red Knight agrees, "But otherwise you're right."
Io too, but she's still keeping his presence a secret.
Alicia hums softly. "Perhaps there's more yet to be uncovered, it's not something that comes with existing lore to rely on," she admits. "You're informed, have you thought of attempting it yourself?"
"I have. It's the greatest risk," The Red Knight says. "It is not a gamble to be taken lightly."
"Perhaps we've gotten lucky not to have seen any failures," Alicia allows. "But back to the point at hand? We've secured the services of Aurora. Having Mystra remain within the demiplane and supporting the assault without exposing herself to Shadow directly is an option."
"So long as Aurora holds," The Red Knight concurs. "So long as Aurora holds."
"Which could in turn be used to bait a trap of our own," Alicia considers. "Although specific plans are best left for closer to the event, with Mystra's own input. As far as adding to our balance of power, do you think Tempus could be convinced to take part?"
"Tempus is a part of every war," The Red Knight explains, "Yet he seldom favors a side by his nature. War is a fickle mistress."
"I'd hoped this one might be an exception, but I can't demand he betray his nature," Alicia says, accepting that Red Knight knows him best on such matters. "I'll let Mystra know you're on board, and impart your warning. We'll have to all get together closer to the date of the attack to plan it out in detail, but that's enough for now. Thank you."
"No more than you can betray your nature and not crusade against Shar," The Red Kngiht agrees. She stands and pulls up her hood, "You walk a narrow road with great chasms on both sides, Alicia. Take care you do not fall in, because those within will rend away your life and soul."
Alicia stands up as well to see Red Knight off. "I'd say something about how it's always been that way, but the road's a lot steeper of late."
A simple nod and the Red Knight is off.
And Alicia will go back to Mystra with further news of Red Knight's assistance and her warning of disaster.
Easily enough done.
"Disaster?" Mystra reflects on it in silence, all the noise of Dweomerheart silent around the two of you. "You plan for the hero, not his squire." Mystra's gaze turns to you, "No offense meant, but if Shar wishes to concentrate her efforts to neutralize me, then I must rely on you and others all the more."
"None taken, I know where I stand here," Alicia says easily. "Although Red Knight does seem to think being One is something that could prove decisive against Shar. There may be something yet undiscovered there. Still, my thinking is if you confine yourself to Aurora, you can at least support our efforts on the field and render our base unassailable while avoiding whatever danger waits for you in Shadow itself."
"A steady bedrock is a strong foundation," Mystra agrees, "One..." Mystra considers, "Do you have a theory on why the Red Knight might think this so, Alicia?"
"Nothing concrete - I didn't seem to enjoy any kind of advantage against Shar's avatar when I faced her recently, so I've nothing to build a theory on," Alicia shakes her head. "Does knowing one's self so thoroughly provide protection against attempts to unsettle you? Clearly not, just look at Eblis. Is it some sort of idea of having defined yourself as an existence outside of Creation that protects from Shar's domain of entropy within it? Even if so that doesn't help offensively, and... you said before that Shar is an active part of the community of gods, that she likes to take part in shared projects. Have you ever seen her do battle with something from Beyond that invaded Creation?" she asks that last part curiously, since it might prove illuminating.
"Once," Mystra states as she pauses to remember, "Some great fool managed to unleash the Far Realm and her faithful were targeted. She took the field in person and each time her blades struck, the creature seemed less, until at last it faded entirely."
"So her performance against things of Beyond isn't any less than what she could do to anyone here," Alicia concludes. "It leaves me at a loss, I'm afraid. But I'm willing to trust Red Knight knows what she's talking about."
"We have little choice but to do that," Mystra agrees, "She is not one to lie to another deity without ample cause."
"Is there anything else you need from me before we begin preparing in earnest?" Alicia asks. "I'm planning on seeing if I can find or lure out some of Shar's servant deities, deal with them now so they can't interfere or at least won't be a surprise later."
"No, not right now," Mystra says, "Go, make your will known across Creation."
"I will," Alicia agrees, heading home.
She asked for Ebony to come over for this, but she'll also get Emmaline and Marchalu and Colke to contribute along with the other deities of Sylica. They need to figure out how to find those three new deities Shar's uplifted and is keeping under wraps.
As you prepare, "Saint Alicia," Ebony kneels, "I have a request as well."
"Rise Ebony, speak your mind," Alicia encourages after welcoming her back from Aurora for this visit.
"While Canderella does not know the extent of our preparations, she is interested. She's requested a seat here," Is Ebony's answer, "With the unspoken understanding that should things go well, she can perhaps persuade Talos more favorably towards us."
"I'm not inclined to indulge mere curiosity on an unspoken understanding," Alicia says. "Does she have that kind of sway with her god? And can she make a useful contribution to our planning?"
"Some, she's risen in influence thanks to Aurora," Ebony reports, "In all honesty, I doubt she can. If I may speak boldly?" After a moment, "This isn't the first time Canderella's made a move to learn more about Sylica or perhaps gain influence. She has not confessed it to me, but I feel that for whatever reason she's become interested in us. Perhaps it is an expression of Talos's will or her own personal curiosity."
"Thank you for speaking boldly on it," Alicia says, nodding to Ebony. "I'm afraid Canderella will have to satisfy her interest from afar, we're dealing with privileged information I don't want to spread around for mere curiosity."
"I only request that you at least treat her interest with mercy," Ebony says, "I truly do not believe she means ill by it, even if she has been chastised for it before."
"There's no harm in asking," Alicia shakes her head. "I've no reason to be angry at her."
"Thank you," Ebony rises nonetheless. "I've seen too many courts in my service to Aurora that are not half as understanding as Sylica." Her smiles shows on her face now, a beautiful thing. "I think all the divine would benefit from a mortal life such as yours, that lets you understand so much."
"We're not all so unforgiving," Alicia chuckles, waving it off. "But forgiveness is central to Sylica's thesis anyway."
A chuckle from Ebony - an internal thought, perhaps. "For which I am eternally grateful." She goes and takes her seat, "Has divinity settled well on Marie?"
"She's taken to it with surprising adroitness," Alicia concurs as they sit. "Her following is small, but she handles herself well amidst her new peers. It's interesting to see her adapt and it's obvious she's been internalising her own thoughts on how a deity should behave for some time."
"She's good at adaptation, even if this one will take her time," Ebony considers. "She never expected to get Antenora, to get as strong as she did, to promote like she did, to get divinity."
"Maybe not," Marie says as she saunters on in, "But I knew I was going to go far somehow! Hello Ebony."
"Marie." Ebony gets up and comes over to her, "You look well. I would have thought you'd look drained from all the etiquette lectures Antenora would give you about proper, lawful deific manners."
"She's barely more experienced than I am at this," Marie says, looking well put together and fancy in an elaborate pink ballgown.
Alicia can see the more sleek stained-glass looking outfit of her artifact that's truly worn of course.
"I've actually been learning a lot from Garl Glittergold. As well as what I've seen from Alicia and Syala and Mystra," the trickster goddess goes on.
Ebony merely smiles. "I'm happy for both you and Antenora. Especially once Antenora ascended, I feared the power imbalance and the differences in your state my make your relationship difficult."
"It's something we've had to deal with for a long time with me being a humble familiar and her a mythic icon of redemption," Marie waves it off cheerily as she goes to take a seat opposite Alicia. "We know how to make it work."
"We do," Antenora simply appears from nowhere, at Marie's side and with an arm around her. "Besides, our lives would be far less interesting without the occasional bit of scolding."
"Hopefully I won't have to scold anyone for being late anyway, everyone else should be here soon and we can begin," Alicia says on that note.
It doesn't take much longer, everyone filing in and...
This is your show so go for it.
"Good, we're all here," Alicia says once the group is assembled. "Soon we will be attacking Shar on Shadow under Mystra's direction. We know that Shar has recently elevated three servitor deities - a daemon, a gloom, and a leshay. Rather than waiting for them to appear in some capacity to disrupt our attack, I want to find them and deal with them first. Unfortunately, other than a potential strike at the Queen of Air and Darkness done under disguise to implicate me, they haven't yet revealed themselves. We need to pierce their veil of secrecy, or else lure them out somehow first."
That's all taken in as Marchalu speaks up, "What do we know about these three, Alicia?"
"The first is a leshay, who we know most about. Chylas, a wizard once of the unseelie court who hasn't been seen for millenia. A seer with insight into destiny comparable to the late Duke of Destiny, who is resistant to holy power and wields cold magic that can pierce through immunity to the element, and wields a scythe forged of dead stars," Alicia starts off. "The other two we know very little, save that one is a daemon and one is a gloom. Seira suspects the daemon to be Yarus, but that is all."
"There's not much we can do if they're just hiding in Shar's divine realm and waiting to be unveiled though, is there?" Marie asks.
"No," Alicia admits. "But I'm reasonably certain that Chylas has left - or at least his avatar has. Disguised as me, he slew one of the Queen of Air and Darkness's favoured servants under a truce. So I don't think they're idly waiting, and perhaps we can uncover the trail of their actions."
"At least that's a trick that only works once," Syala reflects on it, "It was a nasty little trick, too."
"Three of them and four total," Antenora drums her fingers on the table, "I dislike the numerology of it. Power and death."
"Her own little pantheon," Latha muses aloud, "A complement to our effectiveness, but a grave danger. Of them all, I suspect Chylas is not the most deadly. Shar is a deity of shadows, he is the distraction. I would be far more concerned about the gloom and the yugoloth."
"It's as likely that the others have different targets," Ebony disagrees, head bowed and hood pushed back. "No, I would think those two go after others. Perhaps the others of the Godsrush or perhaps against more established enemies. Chylas himself has likely moved onto another task now that the task against you and the Queen of Air and Darkness has failed."
"We have the advantage of numbers," Jessica counters, "As well as allies we can yet call on. Queen and Empress Sulia will aid us. There are perhaps others as well. They have to stay to the shadows - and of course all three distract us from Shar's personal actions. We absolutely must destroy them, but we also must know that these three are but more tools for her rather than the truest evil we face."
"We know much of Chylas's power, and it's fearsome, but there's greater danger in the unknowns the other two present," Alicia says after that. "But it's for the very reason that they are distractions that I want to get rid of them, or at the very least expose their capabilities and measure their strength, before things escalate elsewhere. I'd rather they not be able to surprise us at a pivotal moment."
"Then we have to find them. How?" Antenora asks, right to the point.
"I'll be glad to seek," Jessica says, "But it may take time to get anything, unless they make an obvious move."
"We need ideas, that's why I brought you all here," Alicia says.
"It's hard to provoke them if they don't have faiths or followers though," Marie says. "What about this Yarus? Do we know anything about them?"
Obligatory planes checks, Alicia takes 10 for 106 with divine insight/guidance of the avatar. Marie rolls with the same spells buffing her.
[15:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92
[15:48] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+92 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{109}
Just to be clear, on Yarus, right? Have you done a check on him before?
I haven't, Seira namedropped him when we talked to Morwel but I didn't get any more details.
Yarus is another fiend from the court of Anthraxus. An unknown specimen wrapped in armor head to toe, said to be a master of war plagues and fevers. Camp dysentery, plague, sickness and all the mortal maladies that can destroy an army from within are said to be his specialty. It is whispered he has diseases so terrible that even other fiends succumb to them in short order, and so virulent that even a consecrated paladin can sicken and die from them.
Antenora takes 10 as well.
"I've heard of him," Antenora reflects on that, "He has some control over plagues and sicknesses for armies."
"It's a start, that puts him formally in the camp of the Oinoloth, or at least was in case Shar's poached him," Jessica reasons, "But disease is a little outside of Shar's normal methodology."
"Remember when the Adversary bartered knowledge of Rosewater?" Marie pipes up. "He specifically requested Sharran magical items that relate to disease or poison."
"Which suggests all sorts of things," Antenora begins. "Logically..."
Ebony almost smiles.
Syala does but listens, "Go on, we'll bring you down to the ground afterwards, Antenora."
"Yes," Colke murmurs, listening.
"Shar's made a quiet move with the 'loths, she's poached him for his knowledge. An expansion? Maybe so, or simply a powerful servant. Logically, the Adversary's looking into this and if Shar's made true progress into this." Antenora reasons. "So it's known in the shadowed realms of the daemons, which means it likely hasn't gone over well. She's rattled the daemons with this aggression and expansion into a domain they have a great deal of control over. Yarus would fit all of that."
Going on from that, "Moreover, it lets him position himself as a potential source of information to work through for us." Antenora continues, "Which both keeps us out of his affairs and incentivizes us to cooperate with him, which neutralizes one possible threat to him for some time. He gave us just enough to lead back to him, and in a way that encourages us to contact him. Clever."
"Is it...possible it's a coincidence?" Emmaline speaks up here, "Talona also has dominion over disease, and I don't doubt the devlis have a noble who oversees sicknesses as well. It's not exclusive to the Oinoloth or his minions, perhaps a coincidence is just a coincidence and not a master plan?"
"Nothing's impossible, and it might well be coincidental," Latha says, "But the new Oinoloth is a former devil, this is not well known. It's exactly the sort of roundabout and convoluted plot his heritage would favor. However, I favor it for another reason. Sammael has proven far too adept at manipulations and profiting from both sides of a struggle. He has done it to us and others, no doubt. In that respect he has earned the title of daemon. Our enmity with Shar is no secret, it is a relatively simple and wise play to use it to his advantage. Just as he did for our rivalry with Malcanthet, though he used both sides there."
Syala rises and paces a bit, "What I don't like is the implication he's working with both sides, even if to play them. Is he doing the same with Shar and looking to profit off both of us? That's a damned dangerous game. If he is, I think it's well time we flipped the table over. He wants us to need him? Fine. Let's make him need us. We lose nothing if the Oinoloth is dragged into a public feud with Shar, do we? We find Yarus, and if this looks true, we make him make a move against the Oinoloth. Something that can't be denied. Evil turns on itself, let's remind them of that fact and profit from it, instead of letting him profit from us."
"I love that idea," Alicia says, pointing towards Syala at the end of the discussion. "But we can't even begin to manipulate Yarus if we can't find him."
"That means our goal's simple - we find Yarus." Syala concludes, "I can't solve all our problems, but that's step one."
Colke is quiet, "I'll find him." she announces, shifting a form similar to Jessica, if with more of your facial features instead and Antenora's eyes.
"As will I," Jessica agrees, "Everything else can flow from that."
"For the moment," Syala goes on, "We ignore the Adversary. Track Yarus down and spring our plan. Unless we can somehow destroy him for good, of course. But I doubt we'll be remotely that fortunate."
"The hunt is on then," Alicia says, since they can't do anything until a lead appears. "Colke can go places Jessica can't - divinity is radiant and like calls to like even with the best skill in stealth. Just remember Chylas and the gloom are still out there too."
"Then, by your leave?" Colke asks.
Jessica rises, "Go on without us - the sooner the better for this." She leads Colke away, the two gone.
Ebony taps her fingers against the table before, "That's step one. The Shadows are still out there, if diminished as well. We have enemies aplenty to target."
"Have we managed to find any more leads on them since Dragodan?" Marie asks Marchalu. "I can't really do the Honey Belle routine anymore."
Antenora looks up and mouths, 'Thank you.'
Meanwhile Marchalu nods, "Yes. I can have them for you momentarily."
"Thank you," Alicia says. "It's possible going after proxies will draw out these new deities as a stronger measure, although Shar might be willing to discard them if she doesn't have to worry about the longer term."
"Honey Belle got results though," Marie insists, not missing Antenora's dismay.
"Or she'll have them aid them, too," Latha points out, "Why not have them cooperate?"
"That's certainly possible, we just don't know what goes on there unfortunately," Alicia says in response to Latha's point.
"It's unfortunate." Latha agrees.
"From what I know, it is possible," Emmaline speaks up, "Ah, while there are rivalries and competitions between us, Shar herself is more than willing to use resources like that if she sees fit."
"So we can't rule it out. Using them as minions now would make a certain sense," Ebony says, "Efficient use of resources and power for her new underdeities to use."
"Well, lets wait and see what information we have, if there's a good lead we can work on that, otherwise we'll have to wait and see what Jessica and Colke dig up," Marie ventures, since otherwise they're just running around in circles here.
Marchalu returns, "My ladies," he bows, "Do you need a refresher on them?"
"No need," Alicia says. "Colke would have benefitted, but the rest of us aware of what Dragodan had to say about them all."
But for my easy reference and to have the info collated rather than spread over a ton of posts in another thread...
"Zylvelyn," Dragodan begins, "The Empty Gale. She is fast as lightning, trained by Shar how to fight with two weapons. She is a storm of weapons that lays anyone low." His gaze turns to Alicia at that, "She surely exceeds even you."
"The next is Ryn," Going right on from that, "A powerful sorcerer. So is Yull, though one is also one who despoils and the other is clad in steel and adamantine." Dragodan says.
"Vetch is the Avenger, a grim blade that cleaves through those who defy Shar. He gets stronger the more his enemy has opposed her." Dragodan goes on, "He's also a powerful jack of all trades beyond that - he once served Selune before he saw the Lady of Loss's dark wisdom."
"Asani is a tormentor, a mutilator and a dark warrior," Going right on from that, "Magic and fingers both rip apart impure bodies and bring all to final rest. There mere sight of her crushes resistance."
"There is Sartay, a spirit caller who is served as a Princess of the Shadows, for she has a droplet of Shar's blood as her own." Dragodan says, "Not even you can oppose all the spirits which serve her, nor her skill at arms."
"Danne, a swordsman and scytheman who wields both at once," Dragodan goes on, "A furious blade who scythes and slashes through any foe with arcane fires. The Prince of Shadows, a supreme shadow above even a greater shadow and with powers unstoppable by any of the living. All who face him are doomed to perish and become a shadow under his command - and he commands hundreds of thousands of shadows. Morllar, unholy champion and enforcer of Shar's will and master of the Null Blade."
"One recently was defeated and I am here," Dragodan says. "The last is Penae, dark speaker of Shar. She commands the Dark Speech with Shar's own insight."
Thank you, you saved me the trouble of a courtesy paste. It's appreciated.
A throat clear before, "First, Asani. We've heard reports she's been active on a Prime known as Gallayn. Details are hazy, we only have a single crusader in the area plus divinations are blocked, but a country fell into civil war before she left. Interestingly, there was a report she was pregnant. Unconfirmed, I'd like more evidence of that before anything else."
"Highly unlikely for a Sharran like that to be with child," Ebony says right away, "But we can't entirely rule it out after the example of the Child of Lifasa. Shar is hardly above mimicry when it benefits her."
"I'm inclined to think it won't be confirmed, too. Probably a misunderstood word or a deceptive appearance," Emmaline says, a note of quiet anger in her voice.
"Probably, but you never know," Is Syala's answer. "What else?"
"I've heard whispers of someone who may match her in the court of Grumbar recently," Marchalu agrees, "Unconfirmed there too, it could just be a similar person or a misdirection."
"Gallayn is probably our best lead, but I doubt she left forwarding details," Alicia says. They don't have any reach into Grumbar's court to take advantage of, barring wherever Marchalu's getting her whispers from.
"Someone who's mere sight crushes resistance probably stands out a lot, I doubt there's many lookalikes," Marie points out nonetheless.
"That assumes she can't control it," Syala counters, "Which I'd gamble on yes, she can, for the sake of sneakiness. Shar's still a shadow goddess beneath it all."
"It is an assumption," Antenora counters, as she thinks a moment.
Ebony clears her throat, "There's a small matter Aurora is involved in that may be related. Recently, Moore asked us to intervene in a matter connected to Grumbar's court. He certainly had the favors to call in so we agreed to help."
Marie shakes her head at Syala's counter, "It's like when Alicia tries to pass herself off as an unassuming old lady but everyone still pays attention to her. Force of personality, charisma, that sort of thing's hard to turn off."
"Either way, what happened with Aurora?" Alicia asks Ebony in case it's relevant. Shar having someone investigate what Moore's up to would be a good reason for Asani to be visiting.
"Moore asked us to try and recover a piece of an artifact from Danaxmos, a child of Grumbar. We're not to kill it, only get the artifact back, but it's been challenging so far. In other words, Grumbar's taken precautions, though I'm not familiar with details since i'm not directly involved." Ebony explains.
"Shar might be exerting influence with Grumbar to get in Moore's way," Alicia speculates. "Either way, I'm not sure we'll achieve much asking around after her in his court."
"At the least I should tell Moore," Antenora notes, "So that if Shar works against him there, he's at least aware."
"It's thin, but no harm in telling him," Alicia agrees. "Just make sure he knows it's supposition on unclear evidence, we don't want him accusing Grumbar of being in thrall to Shar over this."
As Antenora sees to that?
"There's some evidence that Ryn is either dead," Marchalu goes on, "Or incapacitated. Something that happened on Acheron, though the details elude me. It's a persistent rumor that a wind overcame him. The goblins and kin who speak of it and survived aren't in the best shape, but they speak freely and the story spreads. AT the least, a powerful Sharran was overcome there."
"Dragodan didn't have much to say about Ryn so I don't think he was particularly noteworthy among them," Alicia says. "Still... Acheron. Do you know where he was on Acheron when this happened?"
That is after all the plane one of the unaccounted for godseeds is on. Might he have been searching for it? Plenty of other reasons to go there, but worth bearing in mind.
"Wind? A godseed?" A murmur from Latha. "Gathgorian? He would want one as well, and the winds serve him, detestable as it is."
"Not impossible," Syala, "If so, at least he did something useful there. If only all devils could be so considerate."
"A direct question may be prudent," Antenora's voice is distracted, but, "He is many things, but he seems to have little need for prevarications in this matter."
"I'll ask him," Alicia says.
I hear one of Shar's proxies was slain on Acheron, was it your work?
Not dead. I have him.
All the better. Did you find Acheron's seed as well while you were there?
"Captured, not slain," Alicia says aloud. "I can't fault the competence."
Marie looks vaguely unhappy that someone matched her own achievement in capturing one of Shar's proxies.
"At least he's being useful," Is Syala simple conclusion.
Yes.
"Too useful, he found something else on Acheron too," Alicia says, having no further conversation for the devil. "So we can check that one off from any further investigation as well as discounting Ryn as a factor going forward."
Antenora sighs, "I had hoped for better."
Syala's own word choice is quite uncharitable. AS she makes extensive commentary about Gathgorian's family and scatological interests?
It seems the Incarnation finally erred in one small way, and in this there is a great complication.
It did not forbid this Guardian from taking residence within the seed, and from choosing who may and may not use it and under what terms. It was focused on another, Io's champion, when I stormed it.
"Ahh, he found it but hasn't claimed it," Alicia clarifies a moment later after Gathgorian uncharacteristically chooses to share further information. "It seems like Alyssa has already caught the Guardian's interest."
Did it say so explicitly? It may be that it can only test one at a time.
She may as well offer a bit of her own thinking, since he didn't need to elaborate like that.
"Now that's more interesting," Syala cuts herself off, "I'm listening."
Yes. I have neither the time or desire to wear down its patience in this matter.
"Yes, it seems like it's refusing to even test Gathgorian in favour of Alyssa. We've seen others express preferences but not to such a degree," Alicia says.
"This sounds abnormal," Antenora reflects, "The other Guardians weren't like that. What's changed with this one?"
"Could it be this Guardian can be one we can use? We could use all the allies we can get," Latha says, voice hopeful.
"If it's going to help anyone, it's going to be Alyssa it sounds like," Alicia says. "I wouldn't put too much stock in its capabilities or inclinations though. I'll ask Alyssa if she knows more though."
Alyssa, I've heard from Gathgorian that you've attracted the interest of the Guardian on Acheron. Are you close to obtaining the seed there?
Not yet. I've been running down leads and so far have come up dry. I have a few more to check into, but the last one led me to a hidden enclave of the Lord of the Eighth.
Curious. Gathgorian has found the Guardian but been rebuffed for even attempting to claim the seed in favour of its interest in you. You could simply keep doing as you're doing and trust the Guardian will reveal itself to you, or you could barter with Gathgorian for the location. I wouldn't recommend this and he'd certainly demand a share of the seed for it, but it's an option to be aware of.
Interest in me? Curious, I've been led astray so far... And no, I don't desire to have any negotiations with Gathgorian, though that does open the possibility of him ambushing me out of jealousy, I think. Perhaps I can trace Gathgorian's movements and find the Guardian that way... Thank you for the information! If you need help with anything, please ask.
It's a remote possibility but see if you can parlay the Guardian's interest into helping with greater problems? Thus far they've all been forbidden from interfering in Creation beyond testing worthiness for the seeds, but this one expressing such an opinion in your favour does give some hope its on a looser rope. Good luck.
That would be an interesting turn. Thank you again.
"Alyssa hasn't yet encountered the Guardian," she says aloud. "But she has a few leads on Acheron she's working on, so one of them must have caught its interest. We'll see what happens when they meet, but for now... back to the Shadow Twelve?"
"Yes, where were we?" Ebony asks as you all settle in.
"Asani may have been involved with Grumbar for whatever reason, and Ryn is a non-factor," Alicia repeats what they have for the two so far discussed. "Anything on any others, Marchalu?"
"The Empty Gale is the last. Whispers of her near Cryonax over on Ice," Marchalu says, "Nothing solid, but it's been from a few sources so there's probably something to it."
"Zylvelyn?" Marie says, seeming to have no trouble with the complicated name. "How near Cryonax? Dealing with him directly or just being on Ice in his area of influence?"
"In his area of influence," Marchalu answers after a check, "She's up to something or another."
"Well, lets hope she hasn't moved on," Alicia leans forward over the table. "What details do we have?"
"Killing, fighting, searching for something," Succinct, "Last seen at Blizzardwatch, a little fortress Cryonax tolerates. I heard Blizzardwatch has a much lower population now."
"So we can start with Blizzardwatch, see if we can get any clues as to what she was searching for, and use that to try and predict where she's going next," Marie speaks up. "I could go for it."
"You should have company," Antenora says immediately, "It's been a little time since we've worked together, love."
"Meanwhile there's other concerns," Latha says, "What of the rest, Alicia?"
"I hope you're good at disguising yourself then," Marie says to Antenora. "We'll need good ones!"
"It sounded like Marchalu didn't have enough information on any of the others," Alicia says in response to Latha. "So unless anyone's had any sudden further ideas on how to find or lure out those other deities, we're going forward with this approach. See if Marie and Antenora can bait one into helping Zylvelyn, and if not at least we can capture a proxy."
"That's the idea," Syala says, "Hopefully Jessica and Colke come together with something soon, too."
She'd hoped they might do better by putting their heads together, but it's not as if it's an easy problem. "In that case thank you everyone for your input. We'll leave Marie and Antenora to prepare for their excursion and see what our efforts turn up," Alicia says, rising.
Okay, any prep for Marie's trip out?
Just realised Marie doesn't have veil. Technically it's alter reality-able but she's better off actually casting it so I've swapped ray of light (which she's never used) out for it.
Anyway, Marie will use CL 43 veil to disguise herself and Antenora, disguise check of +120 with divine insight/greater heroism used. Because of undeniable illusion anyone trying to beat it with true seeing/blindsight/etc will have to either win a rank check or win a sense motive check vs Marie's bluff of +101 (with greater heroism up).
In particular Marie will disguise herself as a half white dragon male human, and Anty as a marid female.
Alicia will give both of them nondetection (DC 55 to overcome) and energy immunity (cold) at CL 40.
It's all set up. Antenora looks on at Marie with a fond smile, her current marid features beautiful and delicate, like a glistening shard of ice amid the oceans. "Subtle," Antenora comments lightly, an amused look at Marie.
Oh, forgot some modifiers. -2 for different gender and -2 for different race, so Marie's disguise is at +116 and Anty's at +118.
Marie herself is currently a stocky figure with pale skin studded with blueish-white scales and a somewhat reptilian looking face, wearing heavy looking purple robes covered in various draconic runes denoting power and strength. "I can't use the same disguise twice," she says, a masculine voice that has a slight lisp to it, "So you'll have to provide all the glamour in Honey Belle's place on this one. Oh we need good names, don't we? I'll be... Icingdeath. That sounds good, doesn't it?"
"Too direct," Antenora disagrees, "That's like if named myself Miss Lawington." Then with a bit of a smile, "Though you'd make a fetching Miss Chaos."
"I'm going for an overcompensating image," Marie explains. "You know how white dragons are perceived as the weakest kind, and I'm only half of one. Lawson's a good name though, that feels like it'd fit you - normal you, not the disguise. How about... Rimewind? Windrime?"
"Rimewind's not bad," Antenora says, "It'll do for this. Just call me lady, a title or nickname does well enough. Casual and confident, and it implies we're close."
"Rimewind then," Marie agrees. "You can be the Baroness."
"Really? I was thinking more generic nobility, to give a whiff of if I'm a political outcast or a rebellious scion of a noble house, or perhaps even make them consider if my presence suggests marid involvement in what's coming," Antenora says, "Perhaps some minor illegitimate child of a noble house, turned to an adventurer's life due to the disfavor of her birth status. More because that if a noble house is meddling in the affairs of Ice, then perhaps movement against the current Padisha has begun, as perhaps not all houses were content with the order from above to stay out of Fire's recent conflict."
Antenora smiles a little bit, "Let them think a little bit and come to some conclusions of their own."
Isn't Baroness generic nobility? "Alright, how about Mistress? You used to call Alicia that, didn't you? Always sounded a little bit..." she trails off. "You know."
"That," Antenora says with a look of amusement, "Was the point, at least in part."
"Well now I'll get to be the one making that point," Marie says. "Anyway, lets plane shift over and then we'll teleport near Blizzardwatch, walk the rest of the way."
d100.
[18:21] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[18:21] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=78 ]{78}
It's a blizzard and an icescape. Blinding and deep white, a blizzard world of bitter cold. You walk along towards it, a shadowy fortress mostly hidden by the storm that blows fiercely. No one is around outside that you see, but as you approach?
The hard ground is marked. Cairns. Heaps of ice-rocks, hundreds of them laid up. Your divine vision allows you to see a few are marked with holy symbols or unholy symbols, rough but there.
Oh, Marie has sensual blessing up too for the perception boost and 1 mile blindsight/tremorsense/scent in addition to that expanded divine vision.
"Grrr. Place is warm with fresh blood, Mistress," Marie says as she strides through the blizzard, looking over the cairns coming into view.
Antenora sniffs the air.
"Obviously," she says, voice bored and distant. "Calamity washed through this place."
"Opportunity usually follows those," she grunts, marching onwards.
"Always," Antenora's declares, disinterested as she follows. There's a front gate, sealed shut from the inside. Windows shut with heavy wood shutters, too.
"No guards out front..." she growls, looking around the entrance. After a moment, Marie - or rather Rimewind, walks up to the gate and bangs a clawed fist on it hard enough to make it rattle.
The door rattles from the impact. From inside a man's voice calls, "Who comes to this forsaken place?"
"Name's Rimewind," Marie answers in her sibilant and masculine dragon voice. "So there's still someone alive in there after all?"
Antenora makes a show of looking disinterested.
"A few of us did. The lucky few," A bitter laugh, "Fucking Sharrans!"
"Who did this place curse to get that kind of attention?" Marie asks, glancing back at the field of grave markers outside. "Haven't seen this many fresh graves since Hopelorn spilled onto the astral."
"Don't know," Is the short answer, "That bitch came through and..." The man's voice fails him, rough.
"Well let us in and tell us about it," Marie says, gruff and impatient. "Sounds like bad news for everyone."
The gates slowly creak open. Within is a ice-man. White skin like snow, body coated in ice, wearing a breastplate and armor of the same. A heavy warhammer is on his back. Ugly, the sort of ugly by a broken nose, scars and a sour glare.
"Something a dragon shit out and an uppity Water bitch," he says, "Welcome to what's left."
Inside is ruin. Walls lean, others are broken apart and there is visible damage and craters in the flooring ahead.
Marie growls softly and curls a fist, but refrains from breathing frosty death upon him.
Because she can't do that and anyone here would be immune anyway.
"Looks like someone threw down some meteor swarms. You the only one left?" she asks after a tense moment.
"Few survived, mostly because they weren't here," Is the answer, "Bitch loved it, the killing."
"Sounds like a Sharran alright," Marie says. "So where'd she come from and where'd she go? Don't see a trail like this every day."
"Don't know." Is the answer, "Came in and did what she did and then left." The voice is downright angry now, "She didn't bother telling us as she cut through us!"
Antenora looks on in cool disinterest, "Perhaps something should be done with someone like that."
Marie's draconic face scowls and she looks back at Antenora. "Nobody likes Sharrans, but at least ask about a reward before you get taken in by a sob story, Mistress."
"Killing Sharrans is a public service," Antenora retorts, "But you do have a point. Ask about a reward."
"Feh," Marie makes a disgruntled noise and shoulders her way in past the door. "Anyone looking for revenge and got coin to see it done still alive around here?"
The creature steps back to let you. "Yeah, got a few." The answer's gruff, "What few of us are left are all in the the Iceway. Go down straight, it's the only hall that isn't impassable."
"Come on then, lets see if we can wring something worthwhile out of this trip," Marie says gruffly, leading Antenora in the direction indicated.
Any lingering aura from destructive magic used here that she can see with greater arcane sight?
Faint and fading magic, but yes.
If it's faint that means it's a 3rd or lower level spell cast within the last 1d6 rounds, right? There's nothing overwhelming as in 10th level and up which lingers for 1d6 days?
Whoops, I used the wrong terminology. That's why I check DM before anything else.
It's overwhelming but fading magic, excuse me.
Cool. What spells? Greater arcane sight should auto-identify.
What caster level? DC 40 on epic spellcraft. Take 10 for 67.
Caster level is 39th.
The spell is Stonebreak. Does exactly what it sounds like on a large scale. A powerful, specialized spell to destroy stone and stone-like fortifications.
She wonders if Zyvlyn is as good with magic as she is blades, or if she has a friend.
Either way, casters of that power don't grow on trees (except in Yggdrasil), that's even stronger than she is!
None of this shows on her draconic features however as she goes to the unblocked hallway.
It leads to the Iceway - an open hall now converted into one part bunk, one part supplies and one part armory. Perhaps a dozen figures are here, a motley array of planar types on a glance - almost all with visible Ice blood even from here.
It's very possible Zyvlyn left someone behind to keep an eye out for pursuit after leaving such an obvious trail, so Marie gives everyone here a thorough look over.
Blessed sight, like detect evil but no delay on identifying aura strength and location.
[18:37] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+38 CL on blessed sight if needed
[18:37] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+38 CL on blessed sight if needed --> [ 1d20=3 ]{41}
"So this is all that's left of Blizzardwatch, is it?" she asks aloud as she makes her visual sweep. "Heard talk about some Sharran bitch. Just one or did she have an army with her?"
Three evil auras. Two faint, one overwhelming. The overwhelming one is on a human looking creature of icy skin and flesh, clad in warm, thick robes.
"Just one," That very one speaks up, "All it takes, it seems. Fuck." He rests back, "All it takes is one to kill us all."
Of course evil individuals are hardly unexpected within Cryonax's domain, so that's not conclusive. Still, Marie will be careful with her words while trying to figure them out in turn. Antenora should spot any spoken lies at least.
"Seen a dragon tear through an army and topple a fortress or two in my time, numbers aren't always everything," she says, baring sharp teeth. "Don't always come in small packages, but for every wyrm there's a slayer to match that could probably take a fortress too if they tried."
You get nothing but unpleasant looks at that baring of your teeth.
Antenora meanwhile goes and sits, merely observing the festivities.
"So what, some demon bitch comes through and everyone dies?" Another challenges, voice tight.
"That's what you've all been telling me, yeah," Marie says to the one that just spoke up. "So who was this demon Sharran bitch? People strong enough to topple fortresses, they make names for themselves. Reputations. It's never some stranger out of nowhere, not unless you built this fortress on some seal from a million years ago and popped her loose."
"The Empty Gale," One says at last, "That's what she called herself, like it was some fucking title. Like we should be honored and impressed."
"Heard that one before?" Marie asks, looking over at Antenora and giving her a prompt to get involved and show that she's more the brains of the duo.
Antenora glances over. "Yes," she says plainly, "One of an elite group of Sharrans that needs to be dealt with."
A few murmurs of agreement with that, low pitched.
"I may find myself in a position to...do something about that. This Empty Gale offends me," Antenora declares.
"Tch," Marie makes an unhappy noise. "Ask about payment first, bleeding heart Mistress," she complains. Then she looks around, "Not sure anyone here's in much position to pay premium though. Who even owns this place? Or are they dead with no one to replace them?"
"Dead. Dead and gone," Is the answer from the one who let you in, coming in behind you. "It's just us."
"As I thought," Antenora goes on, unbothered. "Simple. I deal with the Empty Gale and I own this fortress. Will any of you challenge me on that?"
Eyes go back and forth, but none speak up against it until one steps forward. Dragonish as well, but a crystalline gleam instead of white to his body. "You kill that bitch and you can have what little is left here."
Marie's shoulders slump. "We're not looking to put down roots. Still... someone like that probably has a hoard worth of artifacts on her body," she rubs a clawed finger over her scaly chin and straightens up. "So was she looking for something here? Someone?"
"And this is why you're a minion," Antenora declares, "No vision! You don't have to put down roots to have property be prosperous and profitable." She gestures grandly, "One of the greatest powers in all of Creation is interest and investment."
"She never said," The dragon answers back, darkly, "It was all a bit of fun for her."
He's lying.
"Looking for fun? I don't buy it," Marie shakes her head. "When a Sharran just wants fun, they'll find some convent full of do-gooders to raze, not a shitheap of desperados like this." Jabbing a claw forward at the group, "Something brought her here, and she left you lot alive when she'd either found it or made sure it wasn't here to start with."
Quick Sense Motive, +3 bonus.
[17:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+75 divine insight used
[17:03] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+75 divine insight used --> [ 1d20=11 ]{86}
Guilt. Hidden, almost impossible to catch. Yet to you it is plain as day. The dragon knows, he knows all too well.
"No one?" Marie asks after a moment. "Well. Suppose that means everyone here died for nothing. I'm up for taking on a bitch like that but if there's no trail then we're wasting our time," she turns back to Antenora as she says that.
"Too bad," Antenora says, then coldly, "The dead die unavenged. Did they even care at all?" Her gaze settles on the dragon. "Did you?"
> roll 1d20+81 divine insight +3 circumstance Intimidate Antenora
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+81 divine insight +3 circumstance Intimidate Antenora --> [ 1d20=19 ]{100}
A whimper. A noise much like one, "My fault..." the dragon breathes. Silence as every eye turns to him - anger, shock, disbelief. "I...brought Shar on this place."
"So now we get to the sordid truth of it," Marie says before that silence can turn to violence. "What, try and get her to off one of your rivals and end up with more than you bargained for?"
"...yes." A bitter, bitter sound. "My prayers were answered."
"Some prayer," Marie says. "So go on, don't make us pull your teeth. What's the full story?"
The slither of steel. Weapons are drawn, all eyes on him as one declares, "Who cares? We got a reason for a good killin'."
Antenora sighs, "Would you?" she asks Marie, waving a hand. "So we can hear the fool's words?"
Marie growls.
It's a very scary dragon-y kind of growl, the kind you'd expect to hear from a much larger wyrm!
[15:57] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+60 intimidate
[15:57] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+60 intimidate --> [ 1d20=7 ]{67}
"Let the wyrmling speak, I've been drawn in too much to leave questions unanswered now."
In spite of the anger, Marie's presence is sufficient to check them. Something about her makes them back off, silence afterwards.
"I...p-prayed to her. Made a sacrifice and I heard her voice. She said my prayer would be granted. The next day it happened." His voice is choked, a struggle.
This still a 'pulling teeth' conversation isn't it?
"What did you sacrifice and what did you pray for specifically?"
A low growl from another, "Maralea, wasn't it? You sick fuck!" The one who let you in has to be restrained, growling like an animal.
"Maralea. A tiefling." Is his answer, "I prayed for all that wronged me here to be punished. That they deserve nothing more than pain and oblivion." His voice is hollow now, dead. "I got everything I prayed for. When it was over, I heard her again and she said that she'll see me when it's done now, because I'm one of h-hers. Stay here and watch the death throes of this place, that was her command. That I had pleased her."
"Idiot, pray to Bahamut or Tiamat first if you must for that kind of thing," Marie says. "So did this Empty Gale say anything to you while she was here carving everyone else up?"
If Zyvlyn just got sent here to answer a prayer there's no reason to expect she's anywhere on Ice still. It's possible rebuilding the place might lure her back to ensure the death throes happen according to plan, but it's a long shot and a big time investment.
Yes. I'm tempted to reveal myself and give him the opportunity to atone, while he is still wounded by his own evil and not yet callous to what he did. However, let's see if we can squeeze anything else out first. Direct him, in this state he may miss something unless guided to it.
Marie waits for an answer to her verbal question while she and Antenora have this godspeak-telepathy back and forth.
"Only at the end," Is what he says, "That this was a good warmup before she goes after Cyronax"
Marie laughs. "Alright. Nice bit of destruction around here but no Empty Gale's going to be taking on an archomental."
It does smack of casual misdirection.
As if she may strike against someone who opposes the Archomental instead.
"Hope not," A few mutters at that while meanwhile the dragon looks on, empty.
So do you want to stick around to rebuild this place and see if she comes back? We could delegate it to avatars but I'm not sure they'd win a fight, and it's not really pressuring her to call in support like we need to do. Don't forget she's just the bait.
No. There's little point to it, you're right. But there is one thing. Also, if he hasn't already, we should ensure Cyronax hears word of her bragging. We lose nothing if we let the truth of what a Sharran said reach the Archomental.
"One matter," Antenora speaks up. "Hair, blood, a finger nail. Did she leave any part of herself?"
"I think she bled once," One speaks up, "Down by the old Snow Tower."
"Good on whoever dealt the wound, take it they're not around to brag about it?" Marie asks, letting Antenora take the lead as they wrap up here, since she has a plan with that question and probably wants to help the dragonblood who prayed to Shar directly.
"Dead," Is the agreement, "Got his head cut off and everything." Meanwhile Antenora goes to deal with that matter of blood.
Oh great, so she's just leaving Marie alone with all these bloodthirsty sorts?
"Well, maybe she'll get something from the blood to track Empty Gale with. Doubt it, who doesn't take precautions against divination if they're that strong," Marie grumbles aloud. "As for you... don't think you'll get much mercy here if you stick around to watch what happens to Blizzardwatch. But I'm not eager to see Shar add your soul to her hoard either after all this..."
It's like Antenora trusts Marie. Scary, isn't it?
You're getting cautious gazes now, as half look at you and half at the condemned. "There's nothing," In that same empty voice, "I'm one of hers now."
"Yeah, you are with that attitude," Marie concurs. Antenora would probably want to help him somehow, but really even if they let the destruction of Blizzardwatch slide as unintended consequences, this wasn't some careless wish or off the cuff prayer, he committed a murderous sacrifice of another to invite Shar in. He's earned whatever he gets.
"It'd take a lifetime to make up for what you've done here and even hope to save your soul. I don't know if you have that in you - honestly doubt it. But if you stay here your lifetime's going to be measured in minutes and you definitely won't have a chance."
The hint is taken. The half dragon rises and hurries out, as if all the furies follow him - which they well might. He flees without another word, broken and shame faced.
Marie keeps an eye on him with her many expanded senses but loiters here to wait on Antenora's return after she does whatever with the blood. "You're all better off forgetting about him," she says gruffly. "Won't be anything good that comes of it."
"There absolutely won't," Antenora agrees as she returns, blood obtained. "Either he'll make it right, or he faces something worse than anything you can do with him." Her expression is serious, "And if he continues his behavior, I'll personally deal with it."
The people eye you, cowed but furious, held at bay by your force of will and little else.
"So I take it you've got a plan for that blood, Mistress?" she asks Antenora. "Lets go then."
It might be worth stealthily following him in case Zyvlyn comes to collect personally. Any ideas of your own?
Let's keep an eye on him. If not, I'll appear and see if he can yet be saved. I did worse things than he did, and look where I am now. The truth is that every soul in Creation is worth a fight for, because each and every one can be infinitely precious and valuable.
As for the blood? At worst, divinations, but blood is seldom without value.
This Marie and Antenora leave back out of Blizzardwatch, the instigator of the tragedy allowed to go free in hopes he'll lead them back to the weapon.
We'll follow from far back, at least until something happens or we're needed elsewhere. Be quiet.
"I'll teleport us out of here once we're past the graves," she says aloud, walking over the snow and past the burial markers before she then casts superior invisibility on them instead so they can stealthily follow the bait.
Once done, you see him fleeing blindly, at a near run.
I hope you're right. This would greatly simplify things.
Well, even if Zyvlyn shows up, they still have to somehow press her enough that she calls for help and Shar cares enough to send one of the three deities to do so. It's a fairly precarious house of cards she's working with here, but there's not much else going on.
She's certainly not going to visit Cryonax and wait for the Empty Gale to come take a swing at him.
Alrighty then. Give me Perception here and note any means of sensing you have, including detection or the like.
[18:25] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+82 perception, blindsight/scent/see invis
[18:25] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+82 perception, blindsight/scent/see invis --> [ 1d20=13 ]{95}
You go on about 20 minutes until a flash ahead. Black. A woman fully cloaked, but your escapee freezes. He stumbles back and falls back, hands up in defense. "N-no! Not you!"
Marie and Antenora are trailing about 2000 feet behind the draconic man when this happens, and frankly Marie can't believe her luck.
I'm going to stop time and prepare, you should stay back as a reserve in case I get in trouble or we pull a bigger fish.
I don't know if this calls for initiative or not since presumably she's not aware of us but she might be about to kill the guy rather than speeching at him.
Marie HP: 740+40/740
Active spells: Moment of prescience (CL 37), bibliotheca arcana (CL 37), extended nondetection (CL 39), greater heroism (CL 37), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), superior invisibility (CL 43), veil (CL 43), divine insight (CL 37)
Defences: AC 83, CMD 88, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (electricity, fire, sonic), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects and disintegration), nondetection DC 54
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Greater arcane sight 120ft, 1 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/10/9/9/8/8/6/8/7/7/6/7/4
Go ahead and act normally for now, I'll call for init if needed.
I can't believe it. I'll position above and be ready to swoop down.
[16:28] <@Ebiris> roll 1d4+1
[16:28] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d4+1 --> [ 1d4=2 ]{3}
3 rounds of time stop, start 2000 feet away.
Round 1: Teleport to 310 feet away from cloaked figure. Cast quickened Project Image.
Round 2: Move action direct projected image to 110 feet away from cloaked figure. Switch to seeing through projected image's eyes.As time freezes, Marie teleports herself closer but hopefully beyond the range of the likes of greater anticipate teleportation, then creates a projected image of herself (still veiled with the Rimewind appearance) which moves closer to be able to study the cloaked figure's magic with greater arcane sight.
[16:34] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+38 CL for greater arcane sight
[16:34] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+38 CL for greater arcane sight --> [ 1d20=10 ]{48}
What does she see? Will fill out the remainder of the time stop's duration pending that.
Marie HP: 740+40/740
Active spells: Moment of prescience (CL 37), bibliotheca arcana (CL 37), extended nondetection (CL 39), greater heroism (CL 37), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), superior invisibility (CL 43), veil (CL 43), divine insight (CL 37)
Defences: AC 83, CMD 88, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (electricity, fire, sonic), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects and disintegration), nondetection DC 54
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Greater arcane sight 120ft, 1 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/10/9/9/8/8/5/8/7/7/6/7/4
She has epic mage armor, fortunate fate, detect magic (permanent), energy immunityx5 and mind blank.
Looks like the real deal alright! She thus finishes her preparations for a serious fight.
Round 2: Cast Jaela's teleport block from projected image.
1,850ft radius blocking dimensional travel.
Round 3: Move direct projected image 20 feet from figure. Cast forcecage around dragon-man.Time resumes, with Marie safely over 300 feet away from the action while her proxy in the form of a quasi-real figure of her veiled figure appears much closer to the action. "They always come back to the scene of the crime, don't they?" she announces, voice sounding appropriately masculine and powerfully draconic.
For reference, the projected image appears 'real' to all kinds of magical or exotic senses unless she wins a rank check or sense motive vs bluff (which for Marie is +102)
[17:18] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+1+4 rank check with strata bonus
[17:18] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+1+4 rank check with strata bonus --> [ 1d20=18 ]{23}
[17:20] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+91+20 stealth check for real Marie, adding bonus for invisibility. Darkstalker.
[17:20] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+91+20 stealth check for real Marie, adding bonus for invisibility. Darkstalker. --> [ 1d20=13 ]{124}
Marie HP: 740+40/740
Active spells: Moment of prescience (CL 37), bibliotheca arcana (CL 37), extended nondetection (CL 39), greater heroism (CL 37), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), superior invisibility (CL 43), veil (CL 43), divine insight (CL 37)
Defences: AC 83, CMD 88, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (electricity, fire, sonic), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects and disintegration), nondetection DC 54
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Greater arcane sight 120ft, 1 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/10/9/9/8/8/5/8/6/7/6/7/4
A laugh. Rough as rocksides, scraping against your ears. "Someone thinks they can oppose me?" she challenges back, "Run, little dragon, run. Let me hear you cry before I tear you apart."
She can't beat your check so moot.
"Empty gale, empty words," Marie says, baring a maw full of sharp teeth. "Let me show you why all in Creation know to fear dragons!"
You're welcome for the PR, Io.
[17:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+17 init, nerveskitter
[17:48] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+17 init, nerveskitter --> [ 1d20=19 ]{36}
Marie HP: 740+40/740
Active spells: Moment of prescience (CL 37), bibliotheca arcana (CL 37), extended nondetection (CL 39), greater heroism (CL 37), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), superior invisibility (CL 43), veil (CL 43), divine insight (CL 37)
Defences: AC 83, CMD 88, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (electricity, fire, sonic), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects and disintegration), nondetection DC 54
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Greater arcane sight 120ft, 1 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/9/10/10/9/9/8/8/5/8/6/7/6/7/4
> roll 1d20+20
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+20 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{21}
Go. Antenora holds with the intention going in a later round if she's needed.
Anty's pretty far away too, though hopefully she moved closer during the banter phase.Obviously the point here is to keep up the pretense that Zyvlyn has run into some scary dragon guy and needs help, so Marie fighting in her normal manner by throwing all the magic missiles in the world would give the game away.
Unfortunately she's not really as good at fighting if she doesn't do so in her own particular style. Hopefully she can still manage something threatening enough to press Zyvlyn however.
"Maw of Chaos, the seven heads call!" she chants her spell with a bit of extra draconic sauce for effect, before the frozen air around Zyvlyn erupts in a blaze of blue-green reality-twisting madness!
Assay Spell Resistance and Maw of Chaos.
[18:07] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+49 SR
[18:07] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+49 SR --> [ 1d20=20 ]{69}
[18:08] <@Ebiris> roll 37d6
[18:08] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 37d6 --> [ 37d6=137 ]{137}
DC 34 will save or dazed for 1 round (does not reduce damage)
Marie HP: 740+40/740
Active spells: Moment of prescience (CL 37), bibliotheca arcana (CL 37), extended nondetection (CL 39), greater heroism (CL 37), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), superior invisibility (CL 43), veil (CL 43), divine insight (CL 37), assay spell resistance (CL 37)
Defences: AC 83, CMD 88, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (electricity, fire, sonic), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects and disintegration), nondetection DC 54
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Greater arcane sight 120ft, 1 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/9/10/10/8/9/8/8/5/7/6/7/6/7/4
Antenora has a time stop SLA too, so trust me, she can close in.
Anyway, quick question to set up tomorrow: That's non typed damage, right?
I didn't know she had that, but excellent.
And yes, sorry. Untyped damage, but creatures with the chaotic subtype are immune.
> roll 1d20+49
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+49 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{56}
The maelstrom erupts, tearing wildly at the Empty Gale. She holds her ground as it whips around her, shredding and striking as...
Anything else this turn?
That's it, Marie only has one swift a turn.
The Empty Gale leapsup and back, a flip away from the maw and landing 100ft away. Her hand lashes out, a sphere of pure black - almost like a blackball but not quite - comes from her and soars right at Marie.
> roll 1d20+68 vs Marie's touch AC
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+68 vs Marie's touch AC --> [ 1d20=3 ]{71}
Touch AC?
Is she aiming at the real Marie or the image?
The image spell doesn't specify the AC of the image, but presuming it's just 10 + dex mod for Marie controlling it, its AC would be 21.
Marie's is 36.
edit: The image will cast greater mirror image as an immediate action if its the target, so no swift next turn. She automatically gets 8 images at her caster level so no need to roll for the amount.
Marie HP: 740+40/740
Active spells: Moment of prescience (CL 37), bibliotheca arcana (CL 37), extended nondetection (CL 39), greater heroism (CL 37), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), superior invisibility (CL 43), veil (CL 43), divine insight (CL 37), assay spell resistance (CL 37)
Defences: AC 83, CMD 88, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (electricity, fire, sonic), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects and disintegration), nondetection DC 54
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Greater arcane sight 120ft, 1 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/9/10/10/7/9/8/8/5/7/6/7/6/7/4
Fair enough.
> roll 1d9 for the sake of versimilitude
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d9 for the sake of versimilitude --> [ 1d9=9 ]{9}
One image down.
The shot hits one of the fake images, tearing it apart. That doesn't stop her right away, the two of you facing each other farther apart now.
Go.
And that image grows back! Real Marie stays where she is while the image (and its accompanying set of doubles) advances thirty feet on Zyvlyn, moving through the still churning maw of chaos without fear. "Not impressed so far, Empty Gale," she scoffs at her through her illusion, whipping up another spell. "Show me if you can even handle the cold - sunder magic in the black dragon's grasp!"
Repeat spell Superb dispelling. Assuming the same 9 spells as said earlier, tell me if I need extra rolls.
[16:37] <@Ebiris> roll 9#1d20+38
[16:37] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 9#1d20+38 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{55}, [ 1d20=2 ]{40}, [ 1d20=19 ]{57}, [ 1d20=9 ]{47}, [ 1d20=7 ]{45}, [ 1d20=3 ]{41}, [ 1d20=9 ]{47}, [ 1d20=20 ]{58}, [ 1d20=1 ]{39}
Let me know what she's left with afterwards. This'll go off again automatically next round.
Marie HP: 740+40/740
Active spells: Moment of prescience (CL 37), bibliotheca arcana (CL 37), greater arcane sight (CL 37), extended nondetection (CL 39), greater heroism (CL 37), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), superior invisibility (CL 43), veil (CL 43), divine insight (CL 37), assay spell resistance (CL 37)
Defences: AC 83, CMD 88, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (electricity, fire, sonic), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects and disintegration), nondetection DC 54
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Greater arcane sight 120ft, 1 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/9/10/10/7/9/8/8/5/7/6/7/5/7/4
She's left with 6 spells.
As magic shatters around her, your dispel striking true?
Do you want me to finish this, Marie?
No, she needs to have enough trouble with Rimewind that she calls in help. You stay back until that happens. Or it looks like I'm about to die, you can help if that happens!
Cool. In that case done for the round or more?
She's totally done. All actions expended.
The Empty Gale strafes to the side, "You little-" she hisses, charging headlong at Marie now. As she does she withdraws a little glass bead, hurling it right at Marie's illusion.
> roll 1d20+30
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+30 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{40}
Doesn't beat Marie's CL regardless so we go no further.
But nothing happens as she comes to within 30ft of Marie, the glass sphere erupting in dispelling magics yet no match for Marie's power.
Go.
Marie is undaunted as the dispel she cast earlier warps the weave again without any effort on her part!
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 6#1d20+38 repeat dispels
[17:49] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 6#1d20+38 repeat dispels --> [ 1d20=11 ]{49}, [ 1d20=14 ]{52}, [ 1d20=20 ]{58}, [ 1d20=5 ]{43}, [ 1d20=19 ]{57}, [ 1d20=10 ]{48}
Let me know what she has left specifically after that, since her elemental immunities matter.
Fortunate Fate, Mind Blank and Energy Immunity (Cold) are the ones left.
"Molten barrage of the red's breath, descend!" Marie calls.
She can freestyle her spell chants, the magic knows who's boss. It's like how Alicia used to have that cute habit of rhyming her spells when she was stressed. Why doesn't she do that anymore actually? Is she just not stressed enough? She should be happy about that, but honestly Marie misses hearing it.
She'll content herself with hearing the meteorites scream through the sky and crash down on Zyvlyn!
Twinned True Meteor Swarm, only the main one hits her and the rest just crater all of the path between her and Marie's image to make difficult terrain.
[18:27] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+50 SR twinned true meteor swarm
[18:27] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+50 SR twinned true meteor swarm --> [ 1d20=17 ]{67}
[18:27] <@Ebiris> roll 15d6+15d6 bludgeoning/fire
[18:27] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 15d6+15d6 bludgeoning/fire --> [ 15d6=54 15d6=39 ]{93}
That's 108 bludgeoning and 78 fire damage because twinned. But reflex for half so 2 saves at DC 35.
Not using her swift so done for the turn.
Marie HP: 740+40/740
Active spells: Moment of prescience (CL 37), bibliotheca arcana (CL 37), greater arcane sight (CL 37), extended nondetection (CL 39), greater heroism (CL 37), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), superior invisibility (CL 43), veil (CL 43), divine insight (CL 37), assay spell resistance (CL 37)
Defences: AC 83, CMD 88, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (electricity, fire, sonic), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects and disintegration), nondetection DC 54
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Greater arcane sight 120ft, 1 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/9/10/10/7/9/8/8/5/7/6/6/5/7/4
> roll 1d20+38 evasion
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+38 evasion --> [ 1d20=6 ]{44}
> roll 1d20+38 evasion
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+38 evasion --> [ 1d20=13 ]{51}
Yet she dodges like the wind, flipping up and away from the blasts, completely unhurt. She turns that flip into a dive towards you, trying to close the distance. Fortunately the terrain slows her down just enough, buying you precious seconds as...
Go.
Marie moves her image, doubles and all, back into the still swirling maw of chaos. You want to melee her? You'll have to tough that out then!
It's 37d6 damage and a DC 34 will save or dazed for 1 round if someone without he chaotic subtype enters that area, which is a 15 foot radius Marie is in the middle of."At least you can dodge well, I'll give you that," she says gruffly, changing track. Be a lot easier with magic missiles, they never miss! But she can copy a page from Alicia's book. "By the blinding shine of platinum scales!" she chants, faking the spellcasting of a radiant assault while miracle does the heavy lifting.
Miracle to emulate radiant assault.
[19:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+95 bluff
[19:03] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+95 bluff --> [ 1d20=17 ]{112}
Bluff check to fake the spellcasting.
[19:04] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+50 SR
[19:04] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+50 SR --> [ 1d20=6 ]{56}
[19:04] <@Ebiris> roll 15d6 damage
[19:04] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 15d6 damage --> [ 15d6=54 ]{54}
[19:04] <@Ebiris> roll 1d6 debuff duration
[19:04] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d6 debuff duration --> [ 1d6=4 ]{4}
DC 45 will to half damage, dazed 4 rounds if save fails, dazzled 4 rounds if it passes.
Swift not used, turn done.
Marie HP: 740+40/740
Active spells: Moment of prescience (CL 37), bibliotheca arcana (CL 37), greater arcane sight (CL 37), extended nondetection (CL 39), greater heroism (CL 37), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), superior invisibility (CL 43), veil (CL 43), divine insight (CL 37), assay spell resistance (CL 37)
Defences: AC 83, CMD 88, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (electricity, fire, sonic), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects and disintegration), nondetection DC 54
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Greater arcane sight 120ft, 1 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/9/10/10/7/9/8/8/5/7/6/6/5/7/4
> roll 1d20+33 will
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+33 will --> [ 1d20=1 ]{34}
The light is a huge burst - and leaves Zyvlyn dazed. Knocked back, seemingly out of it entirely. A chance!
Go, dazed 4 rounds. Bad time for a natural 1.
Oh she's done for it now! It might be hard for her to call for help but Marie would be remiss not to take advantage of this opportunity, it's got to look real after all.
Watch out, I've got her reeling now. If help's coming it'll be soon.
"Now, maw of chaos open to the seven heads!" Marie opens another maw of chaos right on top of the unmoving Zyvlyn, no chance for her to escape it immediately.
[19:20] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+50 SR
[19:20] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+50 SR --> [ 1d20=19 ]{69}
[19:20] <@Ebiris> roll 37d6 damage
[19:20] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 37d6 damage --> [ 37d6=119 ]{119}
No point saving against the dazed effect since it's only for 1 round and she's got 3 more ahead of her.
Marie HP: 740+40/740
Active spells: Moment of prescience (CL 37), bibliotheca arcana (CL 37), greater arcane sight (CL 37), extended nondetection (CL 39), greater heroism (CL 37), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), superior invisibility (CL 43), veil (CL 43), divine insight (CL 37), assay spell resistance (CL 37)
Defences: AC 83, CMD 88, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (electricity, fire, sonic), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects and disintegration), nondetection DC 54
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Greater arcane sight 120ft, 1 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/9/10/10/7/9/8/8/5/7/6/6/5/7/4
Give me Perception.
[19:25] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+82
[19:25] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+82 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{88}
Marie HP: 740+40/740
Active spells: Moment of prescience (CL 37), bibliotheca arcana (CL 37), greater arcane sight (CL 37), extended nondetection (CL 39), greater heroism (CL 37), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), superior invisibility (CL 43), veil (CL 43), divine insight (CL 37), assay spell resistance (CL 37)
Defences: AC 83, CMD 88, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (electricity, fire, sonic), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects and disintegration), nondetection DC 54
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Greater arcane sight 120ft, 1 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/9/10/10/7/9/8/8/5/7/6/6/5/7/4
She looks to well and truly be dazed. The Maw of Chaos tears at her, slamming her about as she's unable to do anything but take it.
Well done, Marie! Even if you may have done too well, but I don't see anything.
Nor do you, for that matter. No visible signs of reinforcements.
[18:25] <@Ebiris> roll 37d6 maw of chaos ongoing damage
[18:25] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 37d6 maw of chaos ongoing damage --> [ 37d6=147 ]{147}I might need you to KO her soon, but she can take a bit more of this first so lets not get ahead of ourselves.
"Now, breathe the red's fury, ignite and burn!" Marie fakes casting so she can send a meteor swarm hurling towards Zyvlyn, keeping up the pressure.
[18:28] <@Ebiris> roll 4#1d20+53 ranged touch
[18:28] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 4#1d20+53 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=1 ]{54}, [ 1d20=10 ]{63}, [ 1d20=20 ]{73}, [ 1d20=16 ]{69}
[18:28] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+50 SR
[18:28] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+50 SR --> [ 1d20=11 ]{61}
[18:28] <@Ebiris> roll 2d6+6d6 bludgeoning/fire
[18:28] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2d6+6d6 bludgeoning/fire --> [ 2d6=8 6d6=19 ]{27}
[18:28] <@Ebiris> roll 2d6+6d6 bludgeoning/fire
[18:28] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2d6+6d6 bludgeoning/fire --> [ 2d6=8 6d6=13 ]{21}
[18:28] <@Ebiris> roll 2d6+6d6 bludgeoning/fire
[18:28] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2d6+6d6 bludgeoning/fire --> [ 2d6=9 6d6=22 ]{31}
[18:28] <@Ebiris> roll 2d6+6d6 bludgeoning/fire
[18:28] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2d6+6d6 bludgeoning/fire --> [ 2d6=5 6d6=21 ]{26}
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+53 crit check, missed that 20
[18:31] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+53 crit check, missed that 20 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{54}
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 4d6+12d6 bludgeoning/fire if that critted. Use the third roll above if it didn't.
[18:31] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 4d6+12d6 bludgeoning/fire if that critted --> [ 4d6=16 12d6=45 ]{61}
If the ranged touch missed on any of them she can save at DC 34 ref to half the fire damage for that one.
Marie HP: 740+40/740
Active spells: Moment of prescience (CL 37), bibliotheca arcana (CL 37), greater arcane sight (CL 37), extended nondetection (CL 39), greater heroism (CL 37), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), superior invisibility (CL 43), veil (CL 43), divine insight (CL 37), assay spell resistance (CL 37)
Defences: AC 83, CMD 88, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (electricity, fire, sonic), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects and disintegration), nondetection DC 54
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Greater arcane sight 120ft, 1 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/9/10/10/7/9/8/8/5/7/6/6/5/7/4
Again and again she is battered, burnt and slammed back. She's barely up now, taking it right on the chin as Antenora surely watches, ready to intervene at a moment's notice.
Go.
[16:32] <@Ebiris> roll 37d6 ongoing maw of chaos damage
[16:32] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 37d6 ongoing maw of chaos damage --> [ 37d6=131 ]{131}
Does she still have fortunate fate?
As that tears into her magic heals her - fortunate fate fires, healing her injuries partially.
Since it just triggered, the answer is not anymore.
Marie ends the maw of chaos spell then, so as to not hurt Antenora, and moves herself closer to the dragon-man trapped in her forcecage while her projected image remains still.
Now, knock her out! We'll take our prize either way.
Standard to end ongoing spell, move to change location, all done.
> roll 1d20 Antenora can do nonlethal without penalty so this is mostly a crit check since natural 1s are on the table
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20 Antenora can do nonlethal without penalty so this is mostly a crit check since natural 1s are on the table --> [ 1d20=14 ]{14}
She has sub 200 hit points when an Antenora charge is going to deal way more and doesn't automiss on a 1. I'm not going to roll a bunch of damage that doesn't matter here.
Like a shot Antenora is down - the butt of her spear slams into the chest of the Empty Gale. She's knocked back hard, skipping across the cold ground until she lies still. Antenora swoops over and scoops her up.
Now Marie. Get us home.
"Over here," Marie calls still with the masculine draconic voice as she and her image synch up in location, ending the forcecage. "You're coming too," she tells the dragon-man.
Now, she tells Antenora in godspeech, ending her teleport block.
1 round to end forcecage, 1 round to end teleport block, Anty should plane-shift all of us on that round to avoid having to wait any longer.
You all return to Sylica in a blur, safe and sound from your retreat.
Antenora exhales in that moment, "An unexpected but happy end to our trip to Ice."
"You're swept up in greater events," Marie tells the dragon-man they brought along as she briskly strips the unconscious Zyvlyn of her... well, everything. She can have a plain shift tossed on for decency but she might not even live that long. "But at least you have a chance and that's better than can be said for everyone you led the Empty Gale to."
"Oh." The answer's simple, faint.
"You'll adjust," Antenora says, "For now, just stay there while we deal with her."
Gimme a K:A check before I go on.
[18:07] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+72 divine insight
[18:07] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+72 divine insight --> [ 1d20=20 ]{92}
Her body is covered in writings - arcane spells. Almost every inch of it. A spellbook. Her entire body is her spellbook.
Well, she won't get a chance to use any of it. "Back in a moment, I'm moving this," she says, teleporting all of Zyvlyn's belongings away. Alicia can sort it out, she enjoys things like that.
"Lets bring her to Mystra," she says to Antenora upon her return.
"Is it her birthday?" Antenora says lightly, picking up Zyvlyn. "Not the gold prize, but I'll settle for this one today."
Marie calls ahead to Mystra to let them know what they're bringing, and then warps the three of them off to wherever she wants them to come!
A room of ritual - of hooded figures that chant arcane spells, of altars dedicated to Mystra all about in a strange, eldritch pattern. The walls, ceiling and floor are pitch black with no light, the only light from the many flares of magic about.
"That is her?" Mystra asks immediately.
"In the flesh," Marie says, shedding the veil of Rimewind. "Shar took something from you? This could be a way to even the odds."
Mystra's face is angry and cold as she comes over and picks up Zyvlyn with one hand. She is lifted by the throat as if ti was no more difficult than a mere piece of parchment.
"Do you have a particular suggestion, Marielle?"
"Kill her and send her back to Shar, but keep the proxy spark invested in her," Marie says, not being super detailed on plans considering said proxy spark must give Shar a front row seat to their discussion here. We know Shar plans to use what she stole as a trump card against you later. This might be just what you need to deflect that attack.
Mystra's eyes glow as energy - dark shadows - flow from one to another. Mystra takes them all, "Death and a return to Shar is too good for her," Mystra declares, "Not this time. She has no idea of empathy. A natural monster." Another flare of magic, "Now she does." A toss of Zyvlyn aside, and she vanishes. "She'll go to a lovely room where she'll wake up and she'll deal with a lifetime of guilt, regret and horror for her deeds."
"Will that help her?" Antenora asks, "Once she learns to live with what she did?" Her voice is gentle and soft, but her gaze is firm, Mystra's gaze met with her own.
"Will it?" Mystra muses, "I included a keen sense of how nothing she does can bring back those she massacred. She'll know well that she can never undo what she did. Every life she took, every horror she unfurled on Creation is set in stone. There is no escape from that room, not even suicide. If one day something in there blossoms that may be worth saving, then you can have her, Antenora. As it stands now, she will taste justice for every vile deed she has done."
Alicia would probably be happy with this on the same logic as capturing Dragodan reduces Shar's capacity since it's an irreplaceable proxy spark down, but that's long term thinking when the short term is somewhat more pressing.
"I brought her here to help you, not to punish her," Marie speaks up herself. "We know something horrible's coming aimed at you, a stolen spark of Shar's divinity might tip the scales at a pivotal moment."
Mystra smiles, "You don't understand, Marielle. I have that spark now."
"Oh," Marie blinks. "I remember it was more of a struggle and bloodier when Alicia got Jade's spark, I shouldn't have underestimated you," she bows apologetically to the Mother of All Magic.
Mystra's smile grows. "Oh Marielle." she says fondly, "No offense to Alicia, but she is yet a babe in the woods of divinity."
"Well, it wasn't precisely our goal," Marie straightens up now, "But I hope it'll have an impact on things."
Maybe Jessica and Colke will have had better luck.
"Until then," Mystra agrees warmly, as...
Level up time looms for you. However, you've unlocked something first.
Meanwhile in Sylica, Syala approaches Alicia. "All goes well," She states, "I've been tending to the borders of our new realm and all has merged smoothly."
"It's taking some getting used to," Alicia says. "I've made sure we have a lot of portals connected to Ysgard as well - the main one the Felic Gate goes to but others besides, in the region we used to occupy. Make it easier for anyone with out of date information who's looking for us," she finishes with a wry smile.
"Good choice." Syala comes and puts her arms around you. "We have our boundaries and our new world ready. The sky's the limit."
As she says that you feel it. Your connection to Syala, stronger than every now.
Node update, go read.
Read it.
"You're almost right. Not even the sky is going to limit us now," Alicia corrects, leaning into Syala's embrace.
Like this the two of you spend a little time together, arm in arm.
Anything you need to do IC before level ups?
Nah, presumably Jessica and Colke can come back after everyone levels.
That's the plan to start with that. Congratulations, level+1! Go enjoy.