Okay, refresh me on how you plan to meed Shaundakul?
Well, I figure I'll go the cleric-y route via Factotum and pray, or... I can be lazy and summon some sort of celestial or whatever that's under him and ask to pass messages. Not sure which is better.
You call on which, or you could ask someone IC for advice.
Eh, I'll go cleric-y for a change. It's time I start using/exploring that side.
Go ahead and set yourself up with how you're doing it and I'll work it from there.
Alyssa sits on her balcony, her small trinket of Shaundakul's faith in front of her, on the railing, at eye height and inline with the edge of the visible horizon and begins to focus inward and on her connection to Shaundakul.
'Rider of the Winds, as I turn my eye to ever further horizons and unknown paths, I ask that you guide my feet so that I may speak to you and find the answers I seek with every step of the journey with you, and that when the winds blow, they bring revelations.'
Gimme a Charisma check.
Cha check:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 6 + 3, total 9[/blockquote]
As you pray, you feel a sudden wanderlust take you. An urge to get out and go, wander the world, see what is over the next hill.
Alyssa takes a moment, a brief moment, to send a page with word of her journey to Shaundakul to Jarem, Emily, and Ianvasah before taking flight and speeding towards the horizon.
Any particular direction?
What time of day is it?
Mid afternoon.
Let's go towards East, then. Where the sun and hope rises.
d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 48, total 48[/blockquote]
You fly for perhaps 15 minutes before you get a message.
'Alyssa, don't go alone in case of attack. Are you warded? Wait for one of us to catch up.' Emily's voice on the sending.
Alyssa sends back, 'Hurry, can't afford to stop. Shaundakul calls, and the journey to him will have answers.'
Alyssa slows... Slightly. Enough for them to catch up with some effort.
Soon enough you see Ianvasah's draconic form soaring through the skies, coming in your direction. She doesn't look terribly amused you think - but it's hard to tell with dragons.
Alyssa simply keeps going, searching for her answers and chasing the horizon.
Okay then, do you have anything like mind blank active on you?
Yep. Daily spells should be up. Do you need me to post them all?
Please.
Everyone:Create Magic Tattoo: +1 Spellcaster Level, CL 32, Duration: 24 Hours.Magic Vestment +5 (Shield), CL 23, Duration 23 Hours.+5 armor bonus to armor/shield. (+2 via Mind over Matter: Total bonus +7)
Spell resistance equal to 10 + 1 per three caster levels.
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls.
enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls of +5
This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
You have the benefits of the attune form spell (page 17) with respect to the appropriate element.
You are immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet.
Fire: Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained. Perfect recall of memory and anything heard/read. Speak all languages.
This spell is identical to mage armor, except that it grants a +20 armor bonus to armor class. (+2 bonus via Mind over Matter: Total bonus +22)
HP: 301/301
AC: 57.
Spells Active: Magic Vestment (CL21), Create Magic Tattoo (SR/Spellcaster Level/Attack) (CL29/25/21), Elemental Body: Fire (CL30), Mind Blank (CL30), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL30), Energy Immunity: Cold/Acid (CL30), Energy Immunity: Electricity/Sonic (CL26), Epic Mage Armor (CL30)
Bonuses: SR 19 (CMT), +1 Caster Level (CMT), +1 Luck Attack (CMT), +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge checks (BA), +22 Armor Bonus (EMA), +7 Armor Bonus/Shield (MV), +1 Caster Level (Ioun Stone)
Negative Conditions:
Ianvasah follows, the two of you flying out over the sea and towards the slowly darkening horizon.
d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 35, total 35[/blockquote]
You fly as afternoon becomes evening. You fly on and to the oceans. You see it below - a ship. A ship with the sail and mast snapped and gone, drifting in the waters.
Alyssa drops back a bit to Ianvasah.
"Do a quick check below for anything hostile. I'm going to look on board."
Ianvasah can't respond in this form, but glides down to do just that.
Waiting on her to go?
Yeah. Doing an inspection of the ship myself as I go.
Cool. Any relevant skills? Also regardless, also give me a Perception check.
I don't think so?
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+44 : 9 + 44, total 53[/blockquote]
You notice no one seems to be on the deck of the ship on a glance.
Alyssa circles a bit until Ianvasah signals her after her check, then heads onto the ship, going straight into being sneaky.
You reach the deck without incident, landing softly. There's no one obviously around, the deck in decent shape otherwise, though no signs of anyone around at all.
Alyssa moves towards the entrance to the lower decks, using her innate flight to hover just barely off the deck to keep from making any sound, and focusing on keeping to the areas she can best hide, just in case of hostiles.
You go tot the stairs to below decks. No sign of anything...you think.
Perception again.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+44 : 4 + 44, total 48[/blockquote]
Nope, no sign of anything that you can see.
Alyssa begins her search, keeping to the shadows in the lower deck herself, using her innate flight to keep an inch or two off the decking, expecting it to be creaky.
It's easy enough to soar through and as you do? You hear something in a room down the hall - the sound of snoring, if you don't miss it.
Alyssa decides to be cautious (it never hurts), and take a peek before doing anything to wake them.
It's a simple room with several hammocks and storage chests. Here a single older man sleeps, snoring away. He has several days worth of beard stubble andis wearing old clothes and a bandana.
Alyssa considers for a moment and decides to check over the rest of the deck quickly while keeping as much of a line of sight on the room as she can, though she doubts anyone would be sleeping that soundly if there were additional threats around.
You don't find anyone else around. It looks like a normal ship otherwise, albeit empty of sailors.
Alyssa floats back over to the entrance of the room and decides to simply knock on the door frame to wake him up.
"Mgh...?!" The old man blinks and looks up, staring. "Ah! I'm saved," he gasps, managing to stumble his way out of his hammock.
Alyssa folds her arms and waits for him to get himself sorted out, but is still cautious of an unknown person.
"So it seems. What happened?"
"Pardon me speaking, ma'am, but we were bushwacked! These scaly things came out of the depths, like us but scaly and slimy, broken the ship and had everyone follow them into the ocean. No one put up a fight! I only got away because they missed me below decks. Stayed quiet as a mouse, didn't find me." The old man says.
"You're not safe yet. I'm going into the water."
With that, she takes off at top speed to get underwater with Ianvasah.
"W-wait," The old mans houts as you run back onto the deck, finding Ianvasah circling the ship.
Alyssa heads towards her, calling out when she gets close enough.
"A lone survivor says that scaly, slimy humanoid-ish creatures came out of the water to break the ship and take the rest of the crew. It's a bit of an iffy story, but keep an eye out, just in case. Since I didn't find you fighting, I'm going to get some more information from him."
"You bet your sweet ass you will!" The old man runs up, screaming, "Now wait just one minute, Miss...." A full stop as he comes to a stop on the deck, staring up at Ianvasah, face coming from righteous rage to terror one inch at a time.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, crosses her arms, and descends.
"What I and my sweet ass will do is decide whether or not you leave here, and what you will do is answer my questions in as clear, concise, and respectful a manner as you can muster. Considering you've been here for what seems days, I doubt you have a way off of your ship without us."
"Well, bugger me like a kobold," the old man mutters, "I'm fucked six ways to Waukeen, aren't I? You got it, ma'am. Clear, concise and respectful it is." He takes a big breath and pointedly looks at you rather than Ianvasah.
"Go through the events of what happened, step by step. There's not much damage I can see beyond the mast of the ship, and how did they get the entire crew? There's not much sign of fighting."
Alyssa takes a moment to inspect the mast of the ship, attempting to figure out what level of spell would be needed to repair it.
"They just talked to them and they obeyed. Magic, I bet my life on it," The old man says, firmly.
Alyssa seems dubious.
"Describe them, as detailed as you can."
"Green, slimy and scaly. Like fish. Human sized," The man says, "Muscular. More like that one dwarf I say. Old Medoran would work shirtless and it was nothing but muscle. Shame his poor ass never could tan. Real shame, he was always as red as fire."
Is this enough for a K check to ID these things?
Sure. K:N.
K:N/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+66 : 14 + 66, total 80[/blockquote]
They sound like they could be sahuagin. Hard to tell for sure, he's a bit vague here and it's not a trained analysis of details, but it fits.
Would a small, rough illusion of the creature be something I could do with Prestidigitation?
A crude image or item that resembles it, sure.
Alyssa uses Prestidigitation to produce a very basic image of the Sahuagin.
"Was this what you saw?"
"Close enough, I reckon," The old man peers closely at it, "Greener, a sharper look. Downright nasty folk."
Alyssa nods.
"What country are you from and where were you headed?"
"Daxby, born and raised," The old man says, "Was but up to my old man's knee when I say the great transfer. We were heading to the Mageocracy for our next port of call."
Alyssa gives him a flat look at that.
"Them, huh? Well, I'm guessing you weren't the captain? What cargo are you carrying?"
"Foodstuffs, some silk and rum," The old man lists off, "Hah, I wish I was the captain."
"What was your position?"
Alyssa watches him closely for any hints of lying.
"Just a deckhand," he admits, "Was shirking if you have to know, it's why they didn't find me."
"Mmm. Well, you have three options. I can get you home, I can get you to the Mageocracy, or I can take you to my people."
"Who are your people?" The man asks right back.
"The Arcane Order of Arythma. We have a port, and transport to the rest of the world, in one form or another. You can get wherever you need to, or find work there. Though how much work for a self-professed slacker, I can't say."
"...eh, I'll go with you," he finally says, "You seem like a decent and completely terrifying sort."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow.
"What do you expect to be done with the ship and cargo? Did the captain work for a company? Is the a ledger or log book of crew names so their families can be found?"
"Yeah, think so," he says, "Probably in the captain's hold."
"Lead the way, and you didn't answer the first part."
The captain's hold is a small but nicely decorated room, full of oddities and with an actual bed, if tightly crammed in. There's a table built into the wall full of papers, held in place with heavy paperweights.
Alyssa moves over to the table, keeping an eye on the man; his not answering her questions is making her suspicious...
In any case, she begins sorting through the paperwork, looking for crew records.
Perception here for searchin'.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+44 : 5 + 44, total 49[/blockquote]
There is a manifest. Stripped of everything else, it looks to match what the old sailor told you.
There's no sign of crew records, however.
"I can't find a crew log... Do you know what the captain's port of origin was?"
"Daxby," The old man says, "Good taste, good taste."
"Hm. Well, we'll have to use some divination to find out who the crew were and find their families."
Can Alyssa teleport the whole ship with Greater Teleport?
Only if the ship is touched and it doesn't exceed your maximum lad.
Which is a firm no, as you'd need a gigantic Strength score for that.
Hmm... What about a repair or the like? Or what about Ianvasah's str right now?
She does not.
A repair could be possible with the proper magic or someone with the right skills and materials.
I don't suppose Control Weather would give me enough control to get this thing going where I want?
Not without fixing the sail.
Well poop. Um, can Ianvasah push it or something? I'm not sure what the options to get this back are really.
She could try, sure. Want her to?
I guess? I'll ask her for ideas first. Maybe she can talk to some whales or something crazy.
Iavansah lands and takes changling form, getting a yelp from the old man as he backs well away.
"Pushing? Likely not. Sturdy chains? I could drag it," she finally says.
Alyssa considers.
"The anchor chains? I could use wish to lighten the ship a little. Not sure how much... I wonder how much the ship weighs..."
"I may be able to do something with that," Ianvasah finally says, "A wish to make those chains into a harness or something I can pull easily should suffice."
Alyssa nods.
"Get into position then, and I'll start casting."
Go ahead and word your wish here?
"I wish to transform the anchor chains of this boat into a harness that will perfectly and comfortably fit Ianvasah's dragon form."
The chains morph, becoming exactly that and altered. Got it! With that Ianvasah begins to pull the ship, slowly but picking up speed and sailing ahead.
Alyssa takes the travel time to go through the logs and consider why Shaundakul would lead her to this ship.
What is here seems mundane enough - save for one note in the Captain's log, a scribble after recounting how a sailor nearly went overboard and died: By Shaundakul's Cloak.
I have no idea what that means.
K:R.
K:R:
Take 10 for 54.
It's an unremarkable oath to Shaundakul, sometimes uttered by the faithful.
Alyssa heads back up to the sailor.
"So, now that we've solved the main issue, you've dodged a number of my questions and I haven't forgotten it. Introduce yourself, and tell me what you're expecting to be done with the ship and cargo, and under what company you sail."
The old man's sitting on the deck, "Real magic," he murmurs, "Strong magic, too. My name's Morran, nothing special."
"Again, you dodge the question of the company."
Alyssa tries to pick him up with her telekinesis.
Easily enough, the man picked up with a cry, "I wasn't dodging anything, your magnificent ladyness!"
Alyssa flips the man upside down and brings him close to stare him in the eyes.
"Then answer the questions. What do you expect to happen to the cargo and ship, and under whose flag does this ship sale?"
Intimidate for the record.
Intimidate/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+40 : 17 + 40, total 57[/blockquote]
"I expect it'll be taken by you of course, your ladiness," The old man blurts out, quick as can be. "It's yours by rights of salvage!"
"As far as I'm concerned, you being a surviving member of the crew means it goes back to the company for value, which is to be split between the lost crew's families. Which company was it?"
"The captain was independent, ma'am," Is the answer, "Sailed for himself and himself!"
Alyssa puts him down.
"There, why was that so hard to say the first three times I asked? The ship will have a fair sum set aside for it's purchase and divinations will be used to find the families. Now, I've found evidence that the captain invoked Shaundakul?"
"You don't say everything at one, My Ladyshipness, you build it up like a story and tell it," The old man says, "He'd say oaths to him sometimes, I think he revered him, ma'am."
"You've been stuck at sea for days, alone, after a group of monsters abducted your entire crew and when faced with a mage who travels with a dragon, your first instinct for a response to questions is to... Tell a story? After you were told your avoidance had been noticed?"
Alyssa gives him an odd look.
"I can't tell if you're simply that foolish or if you were playing a game and over played your hand. Tell me true, to whom do you pray? I have a suspicion already."
"D-don't rightly pray to much of anyone, ma'am, 'cept when it's the right time to. Like to Selune or Shaundakul when going on a journey or Lliira before going gambling, Your Ladyshpness!"
"Oh calm down. If I wanted you overboard, you would be. I just wanted clear answers to my questions. I'm on a pilgrimage of sorts for Shaundakul, and he led me here. I have a suspicion as to why, but you need to answer me plainly. Were you simply a slack deckhand, or did the captain rely on you for more when the crew did more than grumble and in ports?"
"No ma'am! I'm just a deckhand! I'm trying to get enough money for booze at ports, that's it! Don't got nothing that isn't on the sea!" The old man blurts out again and again.
"Be calm, you're safe. I'm not some tyrant that harms people randomly. That sort is in the Mageocracy. Put together a list of the crew names as best you can; it'll be helpful in finding the families of those lost. Or finding out if they still live, captive somewhere."
"Y-yes, your Superior Miss Ladyshipness!" Is what the old sailor blurts out, held in the air.
I put him down like, a while ago: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104251.msg1138682.html#msg1138682
Fair point.
"Y-yes, your Superior Miss Ladyshipness!" Is what the old sailor blurts out, falling onto his rear again.
Alyssa waves him up.
"Don't cower, it's unbecoming. I suspect you're more than you seem, but you're not one of mine and your hand is yours to play as you wish. Be thankful to Shaundakul for my finding you, regardless. Let's inspect the rest of the ship and cargo. All of the cargo. I don't doubt there's a smuggling hole or two somewhere. We've still got a fairly long trip to make, so do your best to work on that crew list as we go. Do you know the name of the contact he had in the Mageocracy?"
"I might know the holes or two," The old sailor admits, "Can't say I do, the Cap's business is his own." Getting up now and rubbing his rear as Ianvasah tugs it on, "I'll show you what I know."
Going to search the ship in the meantime?
Which part is he responding to for the 'Can't sai I do, the Cap's business'? The Mageocracy Contact?
And yes, searching the ship, while watching this guy. No one's this clueless on a ship.
Correct.
Gimme a Perception check for searching the entire ship as you go, just for reference.
Perception/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+66 : 13 + 66, total 79[/blockquote]
The cargo is in order, untouched. Besides some scattered possessions presumably of the sailors, you find a few cubbyholes. The first has a bag with about a dozen sealed vials, tucked away firmly. The second has a small box with a brown powder in it. The third and last looks to be a trio of books, wrapped in twine and kept closely together.
Can I ID any of that stuff and take a look at the books? Detect Magic of course in case of traps.
For the vials, you'd likely need to open them up and check what's inside. If you do, give me K:N. The vials are not magical.
The brown powder is not magical. Give me K:N for it.
The books are magical. Spellcraft.
K:N:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+44 : 11 + 44, total 55[/blockquote]
K:N:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+44 : 20 + 44, total 64[/blockquote]
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+56 : 16 + 56, total 72[/blockquote]
Fort save. This is poison, note if immune.
Not immune/Fort/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+27 : 5 + 27, total 32[/blockquote]
Guh! The moment you smell the sickly-sweet scent from the vials, you jerk your head away. Poison!
Can I I.D. the poison?
"Poison. Great."
You think so, but you'll need to risk being exposed or be protected.
Oh! Was I not poisoned?
You made the save, to be clear.
"We'll get this tested later..."
Alyssa packs away the vials and powder and turns her attention to the books.
The book look to be tomes about necromancy and raising the dead into undeath. They are named Tragain's Grimoires.
Alyssa know anything about them? Necro is a banned school, BTW.
K:L anything in this world will do, Alyssa. K:A otherwise but the DC's tougher.
Don't have K:L, so K:A it is! Also I just now remembered that Bibliotheca Arcana is in my daily buffs.
K:A/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+81 : 12 + 81, total 93[/blockquote]
They're nasty and focus on the undead and vile magic. The work of Tragain, a necromancer who lived about 350 years ago. They're said to be cursed to any but those dark enough to peruse and use the magic within its pages.
Anything I can do to break that curse?
You'd have to spend time studying it, but quite possibly.
Of course it is vile and evil material, so do bear that in mind.
Alyssa tucks the books away for safe keeping and later study for now and goes on looking around the ship.
"How's that list coming?"
"About done," The old man calls, "I can recite it whenever you want, your Ladyshipness."
Alyssa pulls out her journal, "Go."
Thus it is recited and...
No huge surprises here, like said. Anything else to do here while Ianvasah drags you back?
Meditate/pray to figure out what she was sent to the ship for.
Gimme a Charisma check here.
Cha check:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 3 + 3, total 6[/blockquote]
All you can focus on is the gentle swaying of the ship and the waves, dark in the shadows of the night.
Alyssa continues to try and focus on it.
Nothing more comes right away - but as you focus, "Hey, Alyssa," Jarem's voice, "You in there?"
Alyssa blinks and looks at Jarem before lifting herself off the deck to her feet.
"Yes, I was looking for guidance from Shaundakul. I seem to have lost track of time."
"Good work, anyway," Jarem says, "What's going to be done with the ship? Ianvasah's not for much more than growling right now."
"We'll set aside a fair price for it and it's cargo. The surviving crewman was able to provide a list of the crew. We'll divine what we can of their families and provide then a portion of the set aside price. I also want to see if we can divine the crew's dates. It's a small chance, but if they're captured somewhere, we might be able to rescue them."
"By divining their dates?" Jarem says, slowly, "Did they get kidnapped by particularly romantic pirates?" A curious half frown is on his face, watching you at that.
Alyssa spits out a bit of salt spray that got in her mouth.
"Fates. If they're alive, we should try to find them. We're going to be an ocean faring nation, primarily, since we're an island chain. Best to establish a good reputation with sailors."
"Ah," Jarem brushes it aside, then chuckles. "Romantic pirates," he murmurs to himself, "It's late. Let's get this docked so everyone get some sleep."
"I think I might see a sexy but mouthy female pirate in your long-term future. A wife to come and go, leaving you with as much freedom as you can hope for. A suitable fit, I think... perhaps we can find one that could be an Admiral in the Red Knight's navy? I might have to mention it to her."
With a half smile quirking onto his face, "I'll get you a pirate hat for your next birthday: Hm, do they celebrate those in your culture?" he asks.
I dunno, do they?
Up to you there. It's your area, so feel free to decide.
"Outside of the Order, we do. However, mages tend to be rather long lived thanks to certain spells, so it becomes something of a moot point."
Jarem smiles and from there...
Beyond needed sleep and prep I assume, next move?
Not entirely sure. I was trying to get to Shaundakul for the demi-plane, but that didn't work out so I guess take 2? Demi-plane and spy master try I guess.
You sleep.
The path before you keeps going and going and going, long and straight. You aren't sure how long you've walked it, only that there is far more to go.
Alyssa focuses on the path, studying it as she goes, what it's made from, how it's designed, where it's coming from and, most importantly, where it's going beyond.
It's a dirt path, logically made of dirt. It's a foot path, having been worn by steps and time from the surrounding grass. It looks to stretch on and on, towards the horizon.
Alyssa heads towards the horizon, needing to know what lies beyond.
You walk and you walk and you walk - how long will you walk?
Alyssa mutters, "Forever. There will always be knowledge to find, places to discover, and memories to make."
You walk.
You walk.
You walk.
You walk.
You walk.
You walk.
You walk.
You walk.
You walk.
You walk.
You walk.
You walk.
You walk with the footsteps of another next to you.
Alyssa smiles, thankful for the company, and turns to look who it is.
A travel stained wanderer walks next to you, bearded and old. Yet he walks with a firm gait, gaze at the path ahead.
Can I recognize him? I mean, I got a pretty good idea.
Who do you think he is?
Some version of Shaundakul or someone high up in the faith.
Gimme an K:R check.
K:R/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+59 : 9 + 59, total 68[/blockquote]
It could well be an avatar or Shaundakul, it's similar to forms he's taken before.
"Hello. You're joining me? You do seem familiar... You look much like forms Shaundakul's taken."
"Every wander is part of him," The man says, "Should he not look like wanderers?" His gaze stays ahead as you walk, "But at times, those on the journey ahead lose their way. Brigands and dangers stalk, taking those who travel to dark corners and lamentable ends."
"Yes, but that too is part of the journey. Each discovery is a story, and who doesn't like a few brigands in a good story? Which brings the question: Who are you? A fellow wanderer, or a talkative brigand?"
The man smiles, seen in part as he keeps his gaze ahead. "A fellow wanderer with a message. It may well be a better story with a few brigands, but what story ends with them forgotten slaves beneath the waves: Let alone another who reveres Shaundakul?"
Alyssa nods. "Yes, I intended to address that. I had the surviving fellow provide us a list of names; combined with what's on the ship for personal belongings, I'm assigning our diviners to the task of finding them. Wandering and searching might be more fun, but having a map is the fastest way in this case. The gold I'm preparing for their families is a contingency; I'm in no way giving up on them just yet. The ocean just happens to be a rather large place to go search."
"Then we have no quarrel," The man says, "You also have a request, I understand?"
Alyssa nods. "I'm involved in a... significant quarrel. Normally I'd find what I want on my own, but... Time is of the essence and the danger to those around me grows. I believe, with the right spell, I have the power to create a demi-plane, but I lack the time to develop it. I would like to know if there's a hidden or abandoned demi-plane I could take over. It's a rather large request, I'm aware."
"I'm aware," The man echos you, "Such things are not trifles. They are the stuff of legends, and yet before that, another question looms. Where would this demi plane be placed?"
I... don't know what that means? I thought demi-planes were stand alone? Do they have to be attached to a plane or something?
They are, but they have an entrance that's non-mobile. Like where would it be?
We had this talk last week, so quick reminder.
Ah, yeah, the entrance part I remember, I just wasn't connecting it to where a demi-plane itself was placed.
"I haven't quite decided that yet. I wanted to know if it was even possible, first, before I started making plans. Part of me wants it connected to the Order, in case they need to evacuate quickly, but if I do leave altogether, having that connection would just continue to tie them to the danger."
"If you need sanctuary alone, you are welcome to it at the Gates of the Moon," The man says.
Alyssa shakes her head.
"As much as I might want that, it's not just me. My group is expanding, and the conflict will only grow beyond the bounds of sanctuary. I think it's being made a personal vendetta."
"You and yours are still welcome," The man says, "We all oppose Shar. If you wish, you will be given sanctuary with your friends, land to grow on, and lore to help you find what you seek in your journey."
"That's a very generous offer and I'm honored by it, but I believe a demi-plane to use as a hidden base of operations and evacuation point is still the overall wiser choice. Though, I'm entirely opposed to making it connected to some part of the Gates of the Moon, though I'd have to give it some thought."
"Then we will meet again tomorrow night," The man says, looking towards the endless horizon ahead.
Alyssa nods.
"Thank you. What is your name? You never introduced yourself."
Words.
Words lost in the light of the day, as you blink your eyes open form your rest.
Alyssa blinks away the sleep.
"Well, that's a little... Rude. Still, a good sleep."
She gets up and begins her day!
Plans for the day?
Well... Demi-plane is being worked on... So I guess the Melweather thing or money. A quick meeting with Delaize and Madala to give them a heads up on maybe, possibly leaving wouldn't be out of sorts.
Getting Delaize and Madala together is simple and...
Go ahead here.
"What I'm about to tell you doesn't leave this room. Period. Agreed?"
Delaize nods quietly, "I understand."
Madala scowls slightly but nods, "Fine."
"The first leads to the second, which is far more important."
She takes a breath, "There are spies on the council. I'm not sure who, but I know for a fact that they are selling information. I also know for a fact that they mean no true harm; I imagine it's simple greed. Regardless, they are there, which is why my second piece of business can't leave the three of us. If it does, I'll know one of you two are selling information, and I will remove you myself."
Delaize nods simply, no other response given.
Madala frowns, "Of course, greed is universal. So is stupidity," she says, "Worry not, I'm not the one selling things regardless."
"The second thing... I might have to leave the Order for a time. I hope not permanently."
"Why?" Madala says, right to the point, "After all you've done to change things, you want to leave?"
"No, I do not want to leave. I might have to leave. My own divinations have revealed that this... issue with Shar will only escalate. Likely into open warfare. I'm powerful, beyond anything anyone imagined I would be, but... I can't defend an entire plane. Especially not when there are conflicting factions in the plane. Could you imagine what the Mageocracy's response would be if I tried to cast anything across the entire world? I'm not sure I can fight against Shar, but I know I can't do it if I have to defend an entire plane also."
"Wise."
It's Delaize that says that, "Disagreeable but wise."
"Bullshit," Madala snaps, "You come to us, do so much and change so many things, and you're now turning tail and running?!"
"I'm pivoting to a conflict that's beyond anything I imagined. I haven't made a final decision yet, and I still have options to explore, but unless you know of a way to stop an incursion backed by a god? I might not have a choice if anyone here wants to live."
"Then I'll damn well find one," Madala rises curtly at that, "Excuse me." She turns to go, Delaize watching without comment.
"I don't recall dismissing you, advisor."
Madala ignores that, back turned to you as she marches out.
Do I have time to pick her up with TK?
If you want to, sure.
I do.
Alyssa uses her Telekinesis to try and pick Madala up and plop her back in her chair.
CMB check against her CMD, Alyssa.
CMB/ Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+36 : 20 + 36, total 56[/blockquote]
Malada grows lowly as she's grabbed and stopped, your magic getting a firm grip on her.
"I did not dismiss you. I warned you about your temper and position when I offered it to you. You dislike the contingencies? I spoke no word against your opinion. You've been nothing but dismissive and, frankly, rude. You are to advise me, and have offered nothing but temper. Do your job. If you think my plans are for naught, then give me advice on what you think ought to be done."
Madala's held in position, face away from you and back towards you as you hold her in place. "Put me down," she says coldly.
I thought I just put her in her chair?
I hate when I miss things like that. Thanks for pointing it out. Reline.
Madala's held in position, eyes blazing with fury. "Let go of me," she says coldly.
Alyssa does so and matches her stare placidly.
Madala then rises again. "I need to go make preparations - both to try and keep you here and if that fails, to come with you."
Delaize clears his throat at that, "Really?" he asks, voice filled with disbelief.
"Really. The Guild needs me less than Alyssa needs me to remind of her when she's making mistakes." Madala retorts.
Alyssa chuckles. "Indeed I do. The cranky aunt I never had, but you're still letting your temper get away from you. You're one of the strongest leaders we have, both in personal power and in force of personality. The Order will need both. If you want me to be around, then help me figure out a way to prevent Shar from throwing the entire world into fire and death. Deflecting a determined God isn't something I have a spell prepared for."
"Who does?" Delaize says, stone dry.
Madala gives you a sharp, narrow smile at that.
"So. Those are the options. Find a way to defend the entire plane, without going to eat with everyone else over it, or I leave for a time. I'm make plans both ways, but it depends on how things work out. I have at least two more... People... Or groups, to speak with about it, as well as a divine task given to me by Shaundakul. I need your help with this."
"You'll have it," Delaize says, voice quiet. "For what aid it gives you."
"Thank you. I dread having to explain this to my family. I just moved them here. I'd prefer to stay, but... We'll see. In any case, I have to figure out what happened to the sailors of that ship. Apparently they're still alive and captured, but where? If I'm lucky directly under where I found the ship, or close. Madala, do you have anyone specialized in deep sea work?"
"I know someone who is," Madala says, "Not part of the guild, but she'll work for a fair price."
Even when wrath tinges them, they stay together. Loyalty: How many of you and yours will stay with you, my son? How often do those of the opposite court betray one another, all for petty gain and personal ego? How many graves are filled with friendships that were nothing more than lies when they were needed the most?
"I know someone as well," Delaize says, "If it's sahuagin, he'll work at a discount, but he's difficult to get in contact with."
Anything I can do to figure out who/what that was? Sounds like fey, so I'm guessing it's Morwel's little observer goat.
Nothing offhand, I'm afraid.
"Contact both. If one doesn't respond, hopefully the other will."
"I'll see to it," Delaize says, "Is there anything else?"
"Not unless you have anything for me?"
"Not now," Madala says, and...
Anything else to do here?
Who did we have checking into the shocker lizards?
At the moment you don't have any resources devoted to them.
Okay. Then I don't have anything else.
Next move then?
Divine the sailors.
Cool, how are you doing it or who is doing it?
Well, I don't have any prepped. I figured I'd task the Order people to do it.
Sure.
"Ma'am," Ule says quietly, "I have the results." After a moment, "They are beneath the sea with a general location. Here."
Alyssa looks it over.
"Anything on their captors? Numbers, defenses?"
"A band of sahuagin known as the Lost Scales," is the answer, "Demon worshipers."
Alyssa grunts.
"Any of our Conjurers happen to have an idea of what demons might have influence over these sahuagin? Any our Conjurers have influence with?"
"We are not sure," Ule admits, "Likely a Demon Lord or Prince."
Alyssa gets a sour look.
"Well, I don't exactly want to make a deal with one of them, but... Let's not cut off options. Have our Conjurers poke around for whatever they can find by the time we get an expedition together. Otherwise, let's get some more information on their defenses. If we're going to have to fight on their home territory, let's go in with as much information as we can."
A nod at that, "When will we attack?"
"We're looking into some contacts, first. People who are more specialized in this sort of thing than us, but... No more than two days out. We can't leave them down there for who knows what to happen. I'd like to go tomorrow, but... Extra time just in case."
"We'll be ready," Ule says, shortly.
Alyssa nods.
"Thank you, Ule."
Okay then, next move?
Melwether's thing or something random? I can't head out or anything until the sailor thing is done... Maybe try to find rumors of something I can raid for money after? Beyond that, I wanna talk to The Red Knight about defending an entire plane, but I dunno if I wanna head out for that before the sailor thing is finished.
Melweather's sounds good while you're here. What's your move there?
Well, the professor said he needed regular time with Melwether and myself, so that, and whatever else he needs.
Taking Melweather over then? Did The Professor ask for anything else or just the two of you?
Just us and some money: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104245.msg1135769.html#msg1135769
Expenses here will be 5k. Can you afford it? If so, post the expense in loot.
I can and done.
Soon enough all the players are in place. The Professor works over Lord Melweather, as you sit back and...
Going to participate here at all or watch or what?
Def. help.
Give me K:A and Spellcraft then.
K:A/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+59 : 11 + 59, total 70[/blockquote]
Spellcraft/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+66 : 12 + 66, total 78[/blockquote]
The work goes and goes for some time, magic chanted and words wrought. Lord Melweather is patient as they work, closer and closer until at last?
"There!" The Professor cries, a great voice that rattles all the trees around.
Alyssa steps back and inspects the work.
"What have you figured out?"
"How to turn it off, first of all," The Professor declares, "An unexpected breakthrough so soon, but soon I can return his life to normal."
"Fortunate," Lord Melweather says, "You performed as well as I hoped."
"Lord Melweather, that's what you wanted, but I'd like to go further with it. I think would be beneficial to me if I could replicate it. Would you be willing to continue on?"
"You came back and helped me," Lord Melweather says, "You understand the bond between noble and commoner - or former commoner," he amends. "I would be glad to."
"Thank you. Now, what do we need to do to give him control?"
"Well, control will be harder since it'll require focus. But if I do it right, it should be scrying at will," he says, "I need a ruby circlet, I'll sketch up the design. The costs should run around 10,000 gold as Brightwater recons it. Crowns, marks, coins, whatever currency's fine, they take all of them."
Alyssa hums.
"Would you be willing to split the cost, Lord Melweather?"
"I can afford it," he agrees, "We'll split it."
Alyssa nods.
"We'll return when we have the circles."
"Thank you, both of you," Lord Melweather says, "You're an honor to your families."
"All in a day's work," The Professor declares, "All in a day's work."
"Well, you were basically an uncle of sorts, so I'm happy to help."
With smiles and happiness, the two of you...
Going to go take care of the circlet next or something else?
Yeah sure.
Okay, go post the expense in loot, first of all.
Done.
And thus, soon enough the circlet is obtained and brought back. With a long incantation the circlet is placed on Lord Melweather's head. Slowly the scrying eyes fade and ultimately vanish, the barrage of them at last gone. Lord Melweather exhales, slumping down, "Finally."
Alyssa gives him a hug.
"Congratulations!"
"Congratulations," The Professor echos, "Now try and do it by will."
Lord Melweather rests on you...as he says, "It works. I think about it and one happens, appearing where I want it to be."
"I'm amazed it worked out so perfectly," The Professor muses, "I thought it was going to be harder than that."
"Perhaps whatever power activated it helped smooth the process? Either way, I'm glad it did."
"You're welcome back home as my guest, whenever you want," Lord Melweather says, rising up once more. "I'd invite you, but I don't think you'd make the trip."
"There's enough here for me," The Professor concurs.
"On a different note, do you have any books on setting defenses for a plane?"
"A plane? You mean an entire plane?" The Professor pauses at that, then laughs, "Why, that's easy! Be a deity and control your own realm!"
"... Without that, as I am not a deity."
"...Impossible," he finally says, "A mage can affect feet, yards or even miles. An entire plane? Impossible with the Weave as we know it. Perhaps Mystra could, but then, she is already Mystra."
"... What about... Something that doesn't rely on the mage's strength? Could we do... An amplification and expansion loop? Set a circle that's a certain size, that draws power in from both the plane and whatever mages put in, then uses it to expand?"
"If you can, it's beyond my magic," the Professor says, simply and firmly. "Wise I may be, but you seek things beyond my knowledge."
Alyssa looks disgruntled.
"The search continues, then. Thank you for your help, Professor. When I have more time, we'll return to continue."
"Until that day," he says, and from there...
Going back then?
Yeppers.
Once you return Lord Melweather, "Thank you, Alyssa," he says again, "You have a home here, whenever you wish to return."
"Thank you for the offer, it really does mean a lot to me. I do have a proposition for you. I'd like to discuss buying my childhood home, in perpetuity, at some point."
What is your childhood home in more detail? Matters.
We never went into it. I'm imaging some small cabin type thing on a some corner of the land. A personal blacksmith is a pretty important position, but still a peasant, so I figure it'd be like.. 3 rooms max, and near to the manor, but probably hidden out of the way. Maybe in some trees or something? I dunno?
"It's yours," Lord Melweather says, "It's a trifling and it's your home, you've more than earned it with your help."
"Thank you. My parents will love that it'll stay in the family and they'll be able to visit."
"Come to it anytime," Lord Melweather says and...
Good to wrap this part up here?
Yep. Not much else.
Give me a Will save.
Will/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 15 + 28, total 43[/blockquote]
Okay, carry on. Next move?
I can't think of anything short term, so either whatever you got on the Order side or a quick visit to the fam to tell them about the home.
Gimme a d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 50, total 50[/blockquote]
Jarem scratches his wrist a moment, arm armor removed as he slowly massages it. "You want to talk to the Red Knight again?" he asks.
"I do. I'd like some personal feedback and to ask if she can advise me on any plane-level defenses."
Jarem keeps itching, a little raised bump on his wrist. "Damn insects," he murmurs before, "I'll see what I can do."
Alyssa looks at the wrist, trying to idly identify it and run through fixes... 'Wait a minute.'
Alyssa looks at the wrist. "You're a cleric. How is an insect bite bothering you?"
"I'm not wasting a spell on a mosquito bite unless it proves poisonous," Jarem retorts, "It's an annoyance, nothing more."
Alyssa looks suspicious.
"Are you sure that's all it is? I've seen diseases transmitted by insects. At least use Status to check. I don't want you spreading something around."
Jarem touches his holy symbol and murmurs a prayer, "There. If I was sickened it's gone now."
"Good. Anyway, I know visiting her isn't as simple as dropping by for tea, and I don't want to overstep my bounds. She is your god, which is why I want to go through you for meetings, since you're supposed to be her representative. Just let me know when you think it's a good time."
"I'll let you know. Speaking of our superiors," Jarem itches his wrist a little more, "Did you receive word or an omen from Shaundakul?"
"Word. I met a representative, and he'll be contacting me again tonight. He was quite the irritating fellow; almost outright refused to introduce himself. What is it with the people I've been meeting recently? They're almost all outright rude until I bring force into play. That Moore fellow was quite the nice breath of fresh air on that front. I should visit him again soon."
Alyssa catches eye of the scratching.
"Now I know there's something wrong. That spell should have fixed it entirely."
She grabs the wrist and inspects it, first with normal vision and running through things in her mind before casting detect magic and doing it again.
"It cured the disease if I had one, not healed the sting," Jarem's voice is flat. "It's a bug bite, not a zombie bite or a wyvern's sting."
Nothing about the bite seems awry.
"Maybe this whole thing is making me paranoid. I can imagine Shar sending a magical disease through our defenses in something as small as mosquitoes. Though that makes me wonder if beneficial effects could be spread the same way... Idle thought."
Going to put his armor back on, "Yeah. You know what, c'mon. I'll pull some strings. Let's get you focused on something." Patting your shoulder, "It's been a rough few days."
"I've made strides. Lord Melwether has control of his ability now, after a fashion. And I also own my own home now. I'm almost a real adult!"
"Now you just need a husband," Jarem shakes his head with amusement, "You ready to go now? I'll get us in to see her, one way or another."
"I need no husband. If I desire one, I shall have one, of my choice."
Alyssa motions him to go ahead.
Gimme a d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 94, total 94[/blockquote]
Soon enough you end up in the same room as last time. The Red Knight is there, "Well well, Jarem pulled enough favors to get my attention," she greets you warmly, "I presume this is serious, so speak, Alyssa."
"It is. I've been told that this conflict with Shar will escalate into a full scale conflict. I'm trying to find a way to set defenses for my plane and was hoping you could give me some direction."
The Red Knight nods slightly, sitting back in her chair. "I won't lie to you or get your hopes up, but instead explain why. Do you ever wonder why we don't do that against the demons, ban them and protect an entire Prime from them?"
"Something to do with rules that are in place?"
"One reason, but another is because barriers get attention, and ultimately, barriers are defeated," The Red Knight says, "And to protect an entire world is incredibly difficult to do once, let alone restore it once shattered. Your plan is brave and ambitious, but it is not one that will lead you to victory. Not as you are now."
"I was afraid of that. Is there any option other than separating from my plane to keep her from ravaging it?"
"If we could stop Shar, we would." The Red Knight shakes her head, "None of us have any affection for her."
Alyssa sighs.
"Then I was wise to begin making arrangements to leave. I feel... Disappointed that I couldn't figure out a way to do it. I had an idea, but... I'm not sure I can do it without Mystra's guidance."
"Better than you or I have tried," The Red Knight admits, "Shar is not so easily stopped. Where will you head now?"
"I've had an offer of refuge in the Gates of the Moon, but there's something else I'm try to run down; a demi-plane."
"You wish to make or take one of your own?" The Red Knight asks.
"I do not think I have the power, nor the time, to create one of sufficient size to serve as a headquarters for the coming conflict. I believe taking over an abandoned, or finding a lost, one would be the over all more efficient route. I have put feelers out already in one area, but asking another does nothing but better my chances."
"I knew of a prime one," The Red Knight shakes her head, "Aurora recently claimed it, unfortunately for you. However," Here the Red Knight smiles slightly, "I may be able to do something in my realm for you. In this realm I have supreme control, even creating demiplanes within it. Shaundakul could do the same in the Gates of the Moon."
Alyssa nods.
"Shaundakul is the other I asked. He gave me the same offer, and is looking into an abandoned one as well. I'll let you know once I hear from him. I am extremely honored that you would welcome me into your home."
"It would not be without condition," the Red Knight says, "I would request a full alliance - my armies always need more allies."
Jarem, silent during all of this, "My Lady, so long as we have the freedom to do what we must do, I have no objection. But I'm not the one making the choice, either."
"At this point, I have no issue with that, however detailed discussion should be had after I've run down all my options. Fair?"
"Fair," The Red Knight agrees, "Did you have anything else?"
"Er... Well... A personal note, if I might?"
"Go on," The Red Knight invites, the hint of a smile on her face.
Alyssa gives a flat look with a raised eyebrow to Jarem.
Jarem gets up without comment, exiting the room.
"I... was hoping for some feedback on my development and our alliance. I feel like... I'm a little lost, and I haven't really offered much to you so far."
"It's as you say," Here the Red Knight shakes her head, "But I am patient. Not every investment immediately returns dividends. To grow more, I suggest conflict and battle - such things strengthen you and provide you the resources you need. Often a battle avoided is a battle won, but in your position you need the seasoning."
"Hmm... Well, that will likely soon happen no matter what I choose, one way or another. After we make whatever move we need to, we'll need funds. That usually means battle."
"Then find those battles and triumph," the Red Knight agrees, "Prove your intelligence and prove your might."
Alyssa nods.
"Thank you for your time. I know you're busy and getting this meeting on short notice took a lot from Jarem. He's doing an excellent job at his assignment; he does himself and you credit."
"He prays for you," The Red Knight responds with a ghost of a smile, "For me to guide you and show you divine wisdom and forethought. He prays for me to bring you victory with the might of your own two hands."
"Well, I suppose I can't hold it against him, considering I asked for the same. I will ask you if there's anything you want me to look into. I'd like to accomplish something for you."
"I will remember that," the Red Knight agrees, "But get your house in order first. I can wait."
Alyssa nods.
"Thank you for the time."
Thus you find Jarem waiting outside, "So you're still hot property?" he asks with a faint smile, "That help you make up your mind?"
Alyssa frowns.
"It still grates. My whole life went into the Order and now I have to just leave."
"Yeah." Jarem smiles and adds, "I had to do the same thing. When it was all over, they were talking about King Jarem." With a rather tight smile, "I could go back home and be crowned on the spot. It wasn't what I wanted. So...ultimately, here I am instead."
"There's an interesting thought experiment: how would a kingdom of scoundrels ever get anything done?"
Smiling at that, "You tell me. You're the scoundrel. I'm the pious and upright cleric of the Red Knight."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "You forget that I wield divine magic as well."
"Oh, enjoy being a beautiful scoundrel," Jarem's smile stays in place, "More importantly, do you know what you'll do next?"
Alyssa shrugs.
"Relax or work on personal projects until I get answers I'm waiting on. We're going to be going on an underwater raid soon, by the by."
In that case, give me a run down on what you're waiting for and your todos.
Divining on the sailors, the demi-plane thing, continuing Melweather's thing, there's a couple spells I wanna permanence (detect magic, telepathy), and some family scenes about possibly leaving and the house.
Okay, you have some choice there, so go ahead and choose one.
Family thing, then divination report on sailors, and that should end the day, which leads to the demi-plane answer.
Getting your family together isn't so hard and...
Go ahead and open up here since you wanna talk to them, I'll roll off with it.
"So I've got two pieces of news. One food, one sort of bad. Which do you want to hear first?"
Food?
Good. Phone.
"Tell us the good news," Your sister says quickly, "Did you find a lost hoard of treasure?"
"Nothing quite so grand. I've helped Lord Melweather with a problem. In recompense, I've gotten the old house as ours. In perpetuity. Our childhood home will always be ours, free for visit whenever."
Mother gasps, "You mean you own our home?" she says, a hand to her mouth.
Father smiles at that, "Really! Good work, Alyssa."
"Not me. Us. It's for all of us."
As your sister gasps, Father places a hand on your shoulder. "Us," he agrees, "Our home."
Alyssa nods.
"Alihana might even raise her kids there."
She smirks at her sister.
Alihana reddens and then laughs, "One day," she retorts, smiling all the while.
Alyssa smiles.
"I hope so."
After a few pleasant moments, Mother speaks up, "And what was the bad, Alyssa?"
Alyssa closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.
"I think I have to leave."
A moment of silence as your mother's face turns dark, "But...you just brought us here! Why?"
Walt shakes his head slightly, "You have a good reason for that, Alyssa. Tell us."
"For the reason that I gained the power I have. That power has brought me attention and... Conflict. I am being targeted by the Goddess Shar. Her attacks will only escalate, and as much power as I have... I can't protect this plane. If I stay here... Everything will be destroyed."
"S-shar," Alihana gasps at that, a hand to her mouth as she stumbles, slumping into a chair with a loud clatter.
Mother's response is to pull you into a tight hug, a soft wail. "Oh, my baby!"
Alyssa pats her mom's back.
"Yes. You get a sense of the scale, and why I may have to leave."
"Sharrans destroy everything in the stories," Alihana gasps, "Like the demons, or take them to the dark pits like the devils. Or conquer them like Bane or..."
As Mother hugs you tight, Father sighs, "If a goddess is attacking you, I can't quarrel with your choices. Not after all I've seen from you, Alyssa."
"I have plenty of allies for this. I doubt she'll drag me down quite as easily as that. I've got offers of sanctuary from two God's, so my odds are better than they seem."
"They will be," Walt declares, "You come back to us then, alright?"
"I will. I just wanted you to hear it from me first."
"You'll come back home," Father agrees, and from there...
What else did you have to do?
Divination on the sailors and the defenses
The report from Ule is simple, "Below," he begins with, "As we thought. They are not greatly defended, the sahuagin have numbers and location. Little else."
Is Jarem there?
Sure, if you want him there.
"Jarem, with their numbers, what do you suggest? Strike force or en mass? What do we know of their weaknesses?"
"Well, the have the advantage of being in their home element." He considers, "So we overwhelm them so it doesn't matter. We have the magic to do it unless these are unusually powerful sahuagin. You have enough wizards who can give water breathing that getting sufficient forces down there isn't too hard. From there, superior magic decimates them and forces a surrender."
"Hm... Do we know where the sailors are being kept, exactly? If so, we can send an advance guard in, isolate them with walls of force and... Open some magma flows? Boil the waters around them until they surrender?"
"That works but slowly," Jarem remarks, "It also creates a steady flow of new formed rock. Still, it'll work well enough here," Drumming his fingers on the table, "Assuming there's magma flows nearby."
"We'll keep it as a second option then. Lightning?"
"Diffuses in water," Jarem says, "Becomes an indiscriminate attack on anyone nearby," he remarks, "Viable but you'd want to be out of the water or be warded against lightning."
"Lightning wards are viable for us. Still, if we vanguard but move in force, the casualties should be low enough..."
"It should work, if nothing goes too badly wrong," Jarem agrees.
"That means something will go wrong. I want pre-designated casualty collection points, and each team needs an independent method of escape. Tactical Teleportation, Expeditious Retreat, you know the options. Field commanders will call for it. Find out who can use those most reliably, and often; they'll be our reinforcements since they can move around the fastest."
"Alright," Jarem says, "Will you participate at all?"
Alyssa nods.
"Of course I will. This is a mission given to me by Shaundakul. How could I not see it done myself. I plan to get to the sailors and get them out. After they're away, speaking of we need to find a place to teleport them to, well... We'll see how things go and if I need to personally... subdue whoever is left."
"Alright," Jarem repeats, "I can work with all that. Is there anything else to consider?"
"Subjugation. If it looks like they're willing to surrender, let them. If they do, we'll need to deal with prisoners and... I'm not sure how we'd continue to exert our will on them, but anything to keep their attacks at a negligible level would be best."
"It would be an investment," Jarem says, "I'll have some short term plans ready, and we can deal with it longer term if it happens."
Alyssa nods.
"Anyone have suggestions or input?"
Headshakes all around at that.
"Alright then. Let's go let Emily and Ianvasah that we have a legion of evil undersea abominations to smite. I'm sure that'll put a smile on their faces."
Okay, any prep or things to do before this kicks off, Iddy?
Maybe swapping around some spells for underwater stuff.
Sure thing. I'm going to mostly wind down soon, not feeling that great, so I'd suggest getting started on your spell adjustments now.
Spell list updated.
Okay, any precast spells or prep for this?
Regular spells and Cloak of the Sea (20 peeps). That should cover most everything.
Okay, who is going to be in your team to do this?
I'll keep Emily and Ianvasah. Jarem's probably better doing field command, so he can come and go as needed. Emily will probably be my response force, so a few people waiting for her when/if she needs to go off for anything. Other than that, whoever the others think should go with me, I guess.
"Okay," Jarem says, as everyone gathers. "I've explained the specifics in briefings already, you should know your role. Is everyone clear on your roles?"
Emily calls out, "Crystal!"
Ianvasah agrees with a call of, "I'm ready."
Delaize stands nearby you, nodding his head slightly. His normal robes are pared back, a pair of light maces hanging from his belt.
Alyssa nods.
"Priority is the sailors. Where are we sending them once we have them?"
"Once we've neutralized the sahuagin, we'll transport them here and sort it out afterwards,' Jarem says, "Now then. I'm putting you, Delaize and Ianvasah together. Any questions about your role?"
"Not at all. Fastest speed to the sailors, secure them, then crush any response."
"Got it," Jarem smiles as everyone takes it in. "We've determined they're being held and tortured into what they consider proper slaves in the Presar Temple - scrying shows it to be a big, ugly building, we're going to get you three close to there since they don't seem to have any wards against teleportation. Blitz in, crush them and secure them. You grasp the essentials."
"Sounds like we've got enough of a plan."
"Then get ready," Jarem says and...
Last call in case that changed any prep you want to do.
Nope, should be good. Note that I added Cunning Brilliance uses to my Magic post.
Awesome, do you have any up going in?
In an instant reality folds around the three of you. It is dim here - only faraway light giving the way. You appear over muddy ground, a rather squat and long building of green stone, seaweed and such things growing over much of it. A large stone carving above the door within is of six tentacles stretched out, all around a great, tooth filled maw.
Sahuagin are about here and there as you burst into such a place and...
Go ahead and act.
No, not currently.
Roll to know what language the speak, and hell, I guess to kick off Knowledge Devotion also.
Sahuagin have a racial language named Sahuagin. They also speak Common and Aquan, generally.
Dunno if I can use Prestidigitation to make my voice boom or echo or something here, but if I can, I do.
Alyssa takes to the water, elevating herself above them and shouts at them in Aquan, with rage in her voice, "You filthy mud dwellers dare to take those who serve me? I will have your service or your lives!"
Well, that gets attention. So does Ianvasah going dragon and roaring after you speak, while Delaize calmly readies his weapons.
Intimidate check. +2 since Ianvasah's aiding you.
Intimidate/Cunning Knowledge/Ianvasah Aid:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+42 : 7 + 42, total 49[/blockquote]
They can't match or beat that result, so no roll.
Hm, perhaps they are an intelligent people - for they turn tail and immediately begin to flee, swimming away as fast as they can.
Or maybe it's Ianvasah being all dragon like. Take your pick.
Alyssa motions to the others, "Let's go, we need to secure them as fast as we can."
She heads off towards where the diviners indicated!
The party races into the temple before them. Cold, dead waters swirl within as you pass, into a place of stone and water. Here stone tentacles hang from the ceiling, twitching as they almost reach the ground. Recesses in the walls are decorated with cracked pearls, where verses of what looks to be Aquan and another language are carved. You'd have to take the time to look closer.
Ahead lie no doors, but passages that lead deeper in, like little carved tunnels deeper into this place.
"Let's find them, but remember this place. Some good money here, and I'm interested in those carvings. And figure out those tentacles."
"Ahead," Ianvasah says, turning human again to fit into the building. Delaize follows - as from the passages two emerge. Sahuagin in metal armor, long spears readied. "HALT!" one cries in Common, "What are you doing here?"
"Rescuing foolishly tricked sailors on behalf of Shaundakul. What are you doing?"
"Killing you!" The sahuagin retorts with a sneer, charging in.
Init.
Nerveskitter (Chain, Echoing), CL 32
Target: Friendlies
+5 bonus to init.
Init/Brains over Brawn/Nerveskitter:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+21 : 12 + 21, total 33[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+17 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+12 Delaize
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+5 Sahuagin 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+7 Sahuagin 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d20=4]
Init is Alyssa (33) > Delaize (27) > Ianvasah (26) > Sahuagin 1 (15) > Sahuagin 2 (1!)
Open.
Alyssa chants a quick spell!
Disintegrate (Echoing), CL 32.
40d6 to target, Fort partial vs DC 25, SR allowed
Spending 2 Insperation for Cunning Breach, bypass SR.
Touch Attack/Cunning Insight/Magic Tattoo:[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+37 : 18 + 37, total 55[/blockquote]
Damage (When previewing this post, the dicebot only went to 20 dice, so I had to roll 20 twice for the 40d6):[blockquote]Rolled 20d6 : 1, 5, 2, 4, 3, 5, 5, 4, 3, 4, 2, 4, 2, 3, 4, 1, 4, 5, 4, 4, total 69[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 20d6 : 3, 2, 5, 5, 2, 5, 6, 4, 1, 3, 4, 6, 2, 3, 5, 1, 6, 5, 6, 6, total 80[/blockquote]
Figure I should toss this out too:Everyone:Create Magic Tattoo: +1 Spellcaster Level, CL 32, Duration: 24 Hours.Magic Vestment +5 (Shield), CL 23, Duration 23 Hours.+5 armor bonus to armor/shield. (+2 via Mind over Matter: Total bonus +7)
Spell resistance equal to 10 + 1 per three caster levels.
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls.
enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls of +5
This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
This spell is identical to mage armor, except that it grants a +20 armor bonus to armor class.
While underwater, subject gets Blur, Freedom of Movement, Water Breathing, immunity to non-lethal damage.
You have the benefits of the attune form spell (page 17) with respect to the appropriate element.
You are immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet.
Fire: Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained. Perfect recall of memory and anything heard/read. Speak all languages.
HP: 301/301
AC: 55.
Spells Active: Magic Vestment (CL22), Create Magic Tattoo (SR/Spellcaster Level/Attack) (CL32/28/24), Elemental Body: Fire (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL32), Energy Immunity: Cold/Acid (CL32), Energy Immunity: Electricity/Sonic (CL26), Epic Mage Armor (CL32), Cloak of the Sea (CL 32)
Bonuses: SR 19 (CMT), +1 Caster Level (CMT), +1 Luck Attack (CMT), +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge checks (BA), +20 Armor Bonus (EMA), +7 Armor Bonus/Shield (MV), +1 Caster Level (Ioun Stone)
Negative Conditions:
> roll 1d20+9
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=11]
With that, one of the two is simply dust in the water, gone in a moment.
"Pity," Delaize says softly, a gesture that points dead ahead, a thin blue-white beam flying at the other sahuagin.
> roll 1d20 touch AC so this is 1/20 bait
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 8 > [d20=8]
> roll 18d6+9d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d6=6,1,4,6,4,1,1,3,6,6,5,3,2,6,3,1,3,5,3,2,2,6,3,1,4,2,1]
The sahuagin falls in an instant, half frozen and now still, not a single spark of resistance. "These fools have no idea how out classed they are," he says quietly. "They truly chose the wrong ship."
Free act.
What spell was that?
"Indeed. Let's get their gear and find our sailors."
Polar ray with sneak attack.
Delaize goes to the gear and checks it, "It will take time," he says, going to check the one with surviving gear. "I suggest we loot later."
"Just throw it in a sack and deal with it later. My pack has space if need be."
Delaize doesn't argue, tossing gear in as fast as he can. At the same time Ianvasah scowls, "Do we know which way the prisoners are?"
Alyssa shakes her head, trying to remember where the guards came from.
"We're going to have to search. Summons will be faster. Water elementals are the obvious choice."
"Agreed," Iavansah says, "I can manage a few. You?"
"I can, but it'll limit my ability to teleport us out; I'll have one spell for it."
'Let's split up," Ianvasah says, "The enemies here do not seem challenging. Faster than relying on limited summons."
"Hmm... Not a bad choice, but let's make this room our meeting point. And don't disregard the enemies. Us splitting up is a perfect opportunity for Shar, or anyone else, to take a shot at us."
What kind of layout am I looking at here? How many paths or doors or whatever?
The party races into the temple before them. Cold, dead waters swirl within as you pass, into a place of stone and water. Here stone tentacles hang from the ceiling, twitching as they almost reach the ground. Recesses in the walls are decorated with cracked pearls, where verses of what looks to be Aquan and another language are carved. You'd have to take the time to look closer.
Ahead lie no doors, but passages that lead deeper in, like little carved tunnels deeper into this place.
From before.
How many passages?
On a glance, you can see four.
I don't have a map so I'm just making some generic assumptions about layout.
"We'll take the left two, you take the right two. Check the center passages. It's reasonable that they'd hold the prisoners in the center, and not the outer."
Delaize nods and...
Going?
Yup. Going as fast as I can while STEALTHY! as Alyssa is known to do.
Stealth and Perception checks, then.
Stealth:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+63 : 11 + 63, total 74[/blockquote]
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+44 : 1 + 44, total 45[/blockquote]
You swim down the tunnel with all the stealth you have, moving slow and carefully. This passage goes downwards in a general sense, curving down until it opens up into a chute going straight down about 20ft.
Alyssa motions Delaize to cover her as she moves to check out the chute.
Delaize holds position as you peek down. It goes to a bottom with a little more light, seen within. Bits of seaweed grow on the walls, floating about in the water.
You can descend down if you wish.
Alyssa motions for Delaize to follow as she heads down.
Down you go. Here a guard stands before a door, a trident readied and wearing armor that looks to be made of sea shells. "H-halt!" he cries, a rather shorter sahuagin.
Alyssa uses her telekinesis to grab hold of him!
Grapple check, I think.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+41 : 10 + 41, total 51[/blockquote]
Got him. He can't move, just staring at you as you have him.
Normally I'd call init, but he wasn't going to attack regardless, so no point.
Alyssa pulls him close as she swims over to him and speaks in Aquan.
"Where are the sailors? I can smash you against the rocks with a thought, so do not lie to me."
Delaize simply watches, maces in hand and ready. "Ahead," the sahuagin grunts out, "Through that door."
"Are there traps on the door or more guards inside?"
"Not a one," he says, "The warriors left this morning for an offering, huuuuman."
"Offering? Explain what and where, now."
She says this as she goes to the door, checking it for locks and traps.
It is a door carved from a giant sea shell, tight and mossy green with growth.
"An offering to Layel Depths." Is the answer you get.
Perception for trapfinding.
"And what is being offered?"
Alyssa has an idea already though.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+44 : 6 + 44, total 50[/blockquote]
The door is not trapped.
"Some treasure and food from raiding," The guard answers as Delaize keeps his attention, watching your back.
"No prisoner sacrifice?"
Alyssa opens the door, using the Skeleton Key if it's locked!
The door is promptly unlocked with it. Within is a short ramp up, the water going no further. In here is a large room, a few dozen men all lying about listlessly, slowly rising and looking your way.
"No," The guard agrees. "Not yet."
Can Prestidigitation produce a light source here?
About a candle's worth.
Haha, I don't have a light source.
"Delaize, some light if you could. Gentlemen, might I assume you're the crew of the ship I found floating aimlessly?"
Gazes and stares, until a middle aged man in a blue overcoat comes forth, "You found the ship?" he asks, "If you're here to save us, you have our gratitude, we'll reward you handsomely."
Alyssa shakes her hand nonchalantly.
"That can all be taken care of later. For now, let's get you all out of here so my forces can work without worry. You're the captain, I assume?"
"I am," he bows, "Do you know anything of us, ma'am?" The others are watching in growing relief and smiles, "I'll pay you back for this, one way or another, I vow it."
"Shaundakul tasked me with finding you. I found your ship, it's been transported to our territory, along with one of your crew. He claimed he was a slacker, but he was helpful enough to provide us a list of your names, which helped us divine your location. We've been trying to locate your families as well, just in case. In any case, as I said, we can deal with all of this later. The important part is getting you out of here safely."
Alyssa pauses a moment to pull the capture sahuagin in front of her, idly spinning him in the air, switching to Aquan to question him.
"Are there more prisoners or slaves here? Anywhere in your territory?"
Perception real quick, Iddy?
PERCEPTION!
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+44 : 18 + 44, total 62[/blockquote]
You hear the faint sound of moving water back the way you came, of sloshing and swishing.
Alyssa holds up a hand to silence the others and motions Delaize to the sound and moves to blend into the shadows, to ambush whatever comes.
Hiding or just waiting or what?
Waiting to ambush and looking for what it is.
Stealth check then.
Stealth:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+63 : 13 + 63, total 76[/blockquote]
Thus you wait in perfect cover - only for Ianvasah to stride in, taking in the scene and...
Go ahead.
'She's already here? A little fast...'
"You've finished searching the rest of the complex already?"
"Not yet," Ianvasah says, "But from what I've heard, there's only a skeleton crew garrisoning the temple," she reports, "They're off at a religious ritual."
"Yes, this one says much the same."
She floats the captured guard over to Ianvasah.
"In any case, let's get these sailors out of here. I can move... ten of them I believe. Delaize, Ianvasah?"
"Teleportation is not my skill," Ianvasah admits openly, while Delaize merely nods "Six per casting and I can do it twice."
How many are we looking at here?
On a full headcount, 29 total.
Hm. We need to find Emily, then.
Alyssa nods. "Where's Emily? She should be able to cover the rest."
"She's handling the response and counters last I saw," Ianvasah says, "I'll go get her."
Alyssa nods.
"If she's needed, then contact Jarem and have him dispatch a team to transport everyone. She's more valuable as a combatant than transportation."
Going to start teleporting, then? Assuming that goes smoothly, then what?
Talk to Jarem and Emily and see if we want to hit the ritual, or just loot the hell outta this place in retaliation for taking people.
It's just outside the temple that the three of you get together, "See this here?" Jarem asks, looking up, "Dagon. Demon Lord. We're not dealing with good sorts here," he admits, "On the other hand, do you want to have to put so many to the sword or maintain an occupation?"
Emily frowns, "Maybe we make an example of the Dagonites and this temple," she asks, a soft burble of water as she turns towards it.
"Consecrate the area? Wipe it clean of Dagon's influence. Though that'll probably just scatter them. A prisoner I captured said they're off doing a ritual. We might be able to cut the head off there, but any ritual will also have the attention of Dagon."
"Then we don't," Jarem finally decides after a moment, "If we're leaving, then we don't need to dump this in the Guild's lap. We make an example, leave a message for them and consider it done."
"What about the greater culture under here?" Emily says, "This can't just be one city beneath the sea, can it?" She frowns even more now.
"Don't know," Jarem admits, "We make our point and leave them to it. Let them have their squabbles down here and leave others out of it."
"You have a point... This could turn into a protracted conflict... Hm... Let's flatten this... place of worship, get what we can of value from it quickly, and go. The goal is the sailors, let's keep that the focus."
"But..." Emily begins, looking on.
"Choose our battles. We can piss around under here or we can fight what we're supposed to be fighting," Jarem says, voice hard and firm. "There's heroes under the waves who can rise up, too."
"Emily, remember the choice we might have to make soon. If we start a war here, and there's some sort of coalition, we will have begun something we will be unable to finish. Which is the wiser choice, the fight, or the spreading of information about their existence, tactics, and worship?"
Jarem reaches out, "There are times when words are sharper than a sword, by nature or necessity." Putting a hand on her shoulder, "We have bigger enemies worthy of our energy. These sahaugin aren't."
Emily looks down, "I...suppose I understand it," she finally says. "But I don't like it."
"Good. Never settle for it. Remember your distaste for the decision. It will prevent you from making unnecessary compromises that others would fall into. But also remember to keep perspective and weigh the value of decision, and you'll always make wise choices that you can live with, instead of choices that lead to regrets."
"Yeah...and they're jerks, anyway," Emily looks up, "They couldn't even stay around to properly smite!"
"Well. If you're that disgruntled, just set a series of traps in the building and a detection spell to trigger it when they all return. That way, they'll see it happen."
Emily shakes her head and...
So going to have mages knock over the temple, do some looting and call it a day?
Yeppers.
How do you plan to distribute lootings?
Fairly evenly. It depends on what all we get, and if anyone is interested in a specific item. The way we did it in B3 is fine with me. IIRC, it was splitting it evenly then people 'buying' whatever they wanted?
Yes, though fair proviso: Most of this isn't hugely magical things, but gold, treasure and salable goods. So think more gold pieces than magical items - as I'm sure you picked up by now, this wasn't a raw test of pure power for you, but it had other purposes instead.
Yeah, but the idea stays the same. Split the value evenly with the guild. There could be some random reagent or something someone wants.
Loot post. Once that's done, got anything else to do here?
Nope, unless there are more captives.
Next move then?
Back to the Order to get the sailors sorted. I don't immediately have anything specific.
The logistics of it all eat up the rest of the day and...
As I recall, you had evening plans, or at least dreaming ones?
Yeah, meeting Shaundakul's rep or whoever it was.
A step.
Another step.
Step after step after step.
Onward on and on.
The road is dusty and hot, a summer's sunny warmth beating down on you.
Your traveling companion walks along besides you, his feet kicking up dry dust with every step.
"It was a mismatch," he begins, "They were outclassed top to bottom."
"They were, but they still revealed information. Dagon has a following in deep ocean. A think that should be eradicated."
Threat, I presume.
"I'm sure more paths will lead towards that," Your companion agrees, "Your own companions continue on their path from it as well - for all paths lead forward."
"Every step closer to the horizon and a page in the story. Shaundakul's happy, then?"
"He has no complaints," Is the agreement you get. "Have you decided what you want to do yet?"
"A demi-plane seems the the way to go. I haven't found any ways of defending a plane aside from becoming a deity."
"Shaundakul informs me the Red Knight offered you one as well," Your companion notes, the gentle step step step of feet on path a backdrop.
Alyssa nods. "She offered sanctuary, yes. I'm not sure what the best option is. A demi-plane of my own would grant me autonomy to do what I need to without dragging a patron into it."
A moment at that, "Tell me, does a cleric pray in vain for spells every day?"
"No, they don't."
"When a mortal dies in service to a deity, do they pass into oblivion or find life with them?" Your companion asks. After a moment, "Deities and those who serve them are linked. There's no shame or failure in accepting help from Shaundakul."
Alyssa mulls it over.
"I understand. I'll accept, but there are other who will want to come with me."
"I'd hope so," he says, a hint of amusement in his voice, "You'd get lonely otherwise."
Alyssa chuckles.
"I'll need some time to finish separating myself from the order. I might speak to my family about coming as well."
"Come to the Gates of the Moon when you're ready," He says, as you blink. You blink your eyes free of the morning sunshine, yawning and stirring.
Alyssa rises and stretches a bit, using some basic magic to clean herself up and shift her clothes to prepare for the day.
"I suppose I should talk to Madala and Delaize first. Neither will like this."
"That you're talking to yourself?" Lorathana calls over from the balcony.
"I'm an ultra powerful guildmaster. Allow me my eccentricities or I might have to interest myself in finding you a man to pass the time."
"Yes, ma'am," Lorathana says as she comes in, "Your breakfast is on the balcony. My packing is finished as well, ma'am, I will be ready when you ask me to come along."
"That's mighty assumptive. There's plenty of things I need to do before anything of that sort. But I thank you for the show of loyalty. In any case, I need to speak to those two."
"I highly doubt you would not take me," she says dryly, "All considered."
"Oh, why is that?"
"I doubt Jarem or Emily will order your day and see to things, ma'am," she replies blandly.
Alyssa chuckles. "I think my schedule will wind up being fairly clear. I'll consider it. Let's meet those two after breakfast."
From there, getting Madala and Delaize together is child's play and...
Go ahead.
"So. It's been confirmed to me by both Shaundakul and the Red Knight: there's no way I can do to protect this plane. Unless I become a deity in the next few days."
It is Delaize who speaks, soft and quiet. "Then we go," he says, not a question about it at all. "It seems you have no other good choices."
"I can't take you both, period. All of us have invested too much into the Order; done too much for the Order. This nation is just forming. The Order needs leadership, and so will the nation. That said, I don't plan to be gone forever. Assuming I survive this fight with Shar, I plan to come back. Still, the fact remains: the council of regents will need steering, and so will the nation."
"Hardly a choice, then," Madala says, "Take Delaize."
A moment's silence, "A silent voice is easily overrun, but a loud voice screams until the trolls silence it?"
"Hmph," A toss of her hair, "You're too thoughtful to be a leader. Don't you agree, Alyssa?"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow.
"Is he? This is the foundational states of a nation. A new era. Long views and solid thought wouldn't be amiss... That said... The council of regents is... slow to act. Force of personality might drive the change we need..."
Alyssa considers...
"I think... Madala should stay. However, we will need to find some way to communicate on things... as secretively as possible, of course."
"We need more than sendings, though they'd suffice for the short term," Delaize says.
"I can take care of that," Madala says, "By the end of the day, no less. Easy, easy."
"Don't forget that a god will be looking to trace it."
"And any of us could stop that, would we be here?" Madala retorts right back.
"Not at all, but go as much to the extreme of security as you can. She might not put her direct attention on it, but a servant of hers might be bested by it."
"I'll see to it," Madala agrees with that, rising.
Alyssa nods.
"Thank you. I bet you never expected to wind up on the throne after I announced my plan, did you?"
"What can I say? It's fate," Madala declares, leaving. Delaize rises as well, "I have matters to conclude," he says, quietly so. "I will return."
Alyssa snorts as they leave. Time to go find the family...
Okay, let's narrow this down. What do you have to do in order to wrap up business here? Let's start knocking things off.
Really it's mostly RP stuff. I'm considering asking the family to come with me, but I think one move is enough for them for now, until a real threat to them presents itself and the Melweather thing that I want to finish. Other than that... Really nothing. There's the spells I wanted to do persistence on, but that can be done elsewhere, same with Moore/Words of Creation, and finding monies.
Okay then, what was the Melweather thing?
Trying to replicate the scrying ability for my own, with the intent of having the field of scrying eyes usable at will, since it doesn't have information feedback/brain explody properties.
Okay, then where were you on that?
Last thing that happened was we made the circlet that gave him control over it.
Okay cool, how are you going to further this then?
Well, Professor Tinsel said he thought we could pull it off and Melwether agreed to help, so... I'm not entirely sure since we never really went into depth on it? I guess we need to figure out what the right balance of law/chaos was to keep it stable and then figure out how to.. I dunno, graft that into Alyssa?
Okay, last time you made some checks to help with this. Paste those checks here?
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on February 13, 2019, 04:35:15 PM
K:A/Bibliotheca:
Rolled 1d20+59 : 11 + 59, total 70
Spellcraft/Cunning Knowledge:
Rolled 1d20+66 : 12 + 66, total 78
Fantastic. Go ahead and make them again to begin with.
K:A/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+81 : 9 + 81, total 90[/blockquote]
Spell craft/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+66 : 6 + 66, total 72[/blockquote]
This time, you note Lord Melweather brings a book.
The two of you study him all the while, watching and analyzing, taking it all in. You feel like you're a little closer to understanding the theory of it, though the actual spellwork still feels beyond you.
"Hm, hm," The Professor says after some time, "I think to go further, I'll need a sample of strongly lawful blood. I have chaotic samples easily, but pure lawful blood is in short supply in Arborea."
"I might know someone who can help. A recent acquaintance named Moore. A friendly fellow. I'll contact him and return when I have it sorted."
"Good, good. We can continue once we have that," Professor Tinsel says, shaking a few branches, "Get a few vials of it if you can."
Alyssa nods.
"I'll do what I can."
Jaunt over to Moore I guess?
Sure. Who are you taking with you, if anyone?
Emily for sure. I dunno if anyone else wants to go.
Ianvasah will go to see and meet people.
Jarem will give this one a pass, he's busy working out some other things and preparing for when you all leave.
Any prep?
Shouldn't need anything unusual.
Again you appear in Lunia. This time you are not interdicted, but instead appear on the beach, in the distance is Hope's Landing.
Emily looks up and takes it in, "Beautiful," she murmurs.
Ianvasah looks away from the light, eyes shutting tight.
Alyssa heads out to find Moore.
"It is. Let's find some people."
Going to go there and see about meeting Moore, then?
Yep.
One sec, may sync topics up in a minute.
Moved to Moore's thread, so go on ahead there.