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Counselors of Floating City


Commotion In the Hearing Room - DMAl 
Friday July 2nd, 2010 8:44:40 PM

It isn't long before the herald returns and leads Syr, Belkior and Mac to a the hearing room. When they arrive, a pair of massive and dignified polished, wooden doors are opened by two armed bailiffs bearing pikes. Inside is a large airy chamber, lit by a domed skylight above and a bank of tall windows that come to gracefully arched points at the top and look out over a panorama of well manicured gardens below.

Opposite the bank of windows is a tiered set of stands where onlookers might sit. On the main floor two long tables face each other with a raised dock between them. The dock is surrounded by a polished wooden rail and faces the far end of the hearing room where, upon a raised dais, a stout, ornately carved wooden chair rests in which the person to preside over the hearing would sit.

At the moment, in this stout and ornately carved wooden chair, dressed in formal robes, is the Overlord Alicia. To one side of the dais is a buffet arrayed with silver and delicate porcelains, from all appearances, the makings for fine tea. The buffet is tended by a graceful dark-haired woman also dressed in formal robes. The stands are full of well-dressed onlookers. Of the two facing tables on the main floor only one is occupied. A team of two men and one woman sit at the table with various documents arrayed before them. One of the men is Phileas Bankable. The other table is unoccupied. The dock is unoccupied as well.

The Crimson Shields are led across the room by the herald, and as the pass, a murmur rolls from the stands of onlookers like the rising sound of the sea. The Shields are lead all the way to the far side of the room to the dais upon which Overlord Alicia sits.

"Welcome Crimson Shields of Hope." The Overlord graciously inclines her head towards Syr, Belkior and Mac. "I hope to rely upon your wisdom today. Please be seated. Feel free to partake in the tea should you wish. It is a brew specially crafted for the Palace." On a small round table by the Overlord's side, a steaming cup and a saucer sit upon a delicate silver tray.

The herald indicates one of eight seats arrayed below the Overlord's dais, places reserved for honored counselors. The herald bows out as the Shields seat themselves, and another bailiff emerges. "Hear ye, hear all!" begins the bailiff. "On this day ... "

A commotion swells from the crowd in the stands. A woman screams. Voices rise, some angry, some excited. The crowd at the other side of the hearing room shift and move. There is the sudden ring of steel, and then a brightly colored figure bursts through the line of bodies, striding boldly into the center of the main floor. He raises his gleaming rapier to the sky before slamming it back into its sheath.

"I am the Jack of Diamonds, and I come to speak for the People of Floating City!"

Armored bailiffs break from the crowd on the heels of the Jack of Diamonds and surround him with a ring of pikes. Behind the Crimson Shields, the Overlord has stood from her seat and looks on, her mouth open in surprise.

"Would you deny me that? Would you deny the people a representative? I had heard that these hearings were open to all! Was this a lie?!?"

One of the three sitting at the tables on the main floor, the man who is not Phileas Bankable rises and stabs a finger at the Jack of Diamonds. "Seize that man! He is a rabble rouser and a known criminal!"

The Jack of Diamonds makes no move for his rapier. Instead, he raises his hands, his eyes going to the Crimson Shields. "Do you see how it is now? Does this not open your eyes?"

Mac AC:27 HP:161 
Saturday July 3rd, 2010 6:06:01 AM
Mac murmurs to Syrdeth and Belkior, "The people of Floating City is a huge claim to open with. Without verification of some election or a huge collection of proxies authorising Jack to speak on the behalf of even a few people beyond his family or house, I can't see this gambit yielding fruit. And surely the crowded stand was full of representatives of the people? I mean, a known person might be able to speak on behalf of his family or house, but claims beyond that want for proof."

Belkior - AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) - HP 127/136 - Status, Bead of Karma, Invisibility Purge, Magic Circle vs. Evil, Bless, Haste, Death Ward, Mass Bear's Enduran 
Sunday July 4th, 2010 10:46:58 PM
The halfling cleric stands on his tiptoes in order to hear what Mac is whispering to himself and Syr, nodding in agreement as he does. He glances about the room in an effort to judge which of the two, the unknown clerk or Jack of Diamonds, that the onlookers are favouring.

"Mac, Syr ... I don't know enough about local politics, it seems. I agree with you, Mac, that Jack may not speak for all the people of Floating City, but he certainly speaks for some."

After a moment, Belkior calls out to the clerk beside Phileas Bankable, "Excuse my ignorance, please. Of what crimes is this man accused?"

Mac AC:27 HP:161 
Monday July 5th, 2010 1:02:35 AM
OOC: Updated CS - new link above.

Syr 
Monday July 5th, 2010 2:00:58 AM
Syr looks at the Jack in surprise. An eyebrow arches at the fact not that the man has appeared, but at the presumptions that he is spouting. First addressing Jack, "Actually no, this does not open our eyes. It does illustrate once again, how you presume on others hospitality."

Syr leans down and whispers into Belkior's ear, "Well, he did break into our kitchen..."

Returning his gaze once again to the intruder, "Considering how the Overlord is chosen, who is the Overlord speaking for if not the people?" Turning to the Overlord, "I will grant that he probably has some legitimate points if allowed to speak, however inflammatory his comments are."


The Jack of Diamonds Speaks - DMAl 
Monday July 5th, 2010 9:46:42 AM

"Look around you." The Jack of Diamonds laughs. It fills the lofty hearing room, and hit has a bitter ring to it. "Look about you at these people here to observe and address this hearing today. Not one of them wears clothing, the sum total of which cost less than a hundred gold. AND THAT IS *NOT* COUNTING THE JEWELRY!"

"You there, Sirrah!" The Jack of Diamonds points to a man in a soft velvet hat from which arches a rakish pheasant plume. "Will you tell us how much it is that ring on your finger is worth? No, just the small one. The one on your *small* finger."

"I thought not."

The voice of the Jack of Diamonds lowers and softens as he turns to the Crimson Shields. "Do you see a single person here to day who might speak for those who linger on the Trash Level? Who will speak for their misery? Did you hear criers announcing this hearing on Fence Level? Did you see any bills of board placed for this hearing? Even on Barracks Level?"

"You question whether I speak for the people." The steel blue Jack of Diamonds seek out Mac and Syr. "You ask from where my mandate comes." The Jack of Diamonds places his fist, clenched with passion, over his heart. "Here. My mandate comes from here. I speak for the people because I believe that the people need a voice. I speak for the people because I see that they want for a representative. I speak for the people because if I do not, then *their* needs will go unaddressed!"

A glance behind would show the Crimson Shields that the Overlord Alicia has seated herself again. She sits without speaking, observing all instead. In her eyes is a look of careful consideration.

"Very well. Remove me from your hearing. Take me away. Throw me in your Gaol. Yes, I burned your warship, Wrath. Yes, and many other things. You do that." As he speaks these words, the Jack of Diamonds walks past the unnamed official seated with Fileas Bankable. As he passes, Jack runs a companionable hand across the man's shoulders. The official angrily shrugs the hand off of his shoulders, and the Jack of Diamonds laughs.

"But if you do, if you allow this, then who will speak for the people? Do not expect it from them. They speak only for themselves. They may even believe that it is the will of the people in which they work. But it is not. Even they work the will of the few and the powerful who's most powerful tool is the complacency of good men. Even the Overlord can fall under their sway."

"So take me away. Who then will speak for the people?" The Jack of Diamonds winds his speech up by mounting the Dock. He stands with hands on rails facing the Crimson Shields. "Will you? Will you speak for the people? Will you place your city in the hands of others and become their puppets? Or will you seize the day with your conscience? This is all that I need to represent the people." Jack once again places his hand upon his heart. "Do not succumb to complacency. Find your voice as well."

Belkior - AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) - HP 127/136 - Status, Bead of Karma, Invisibility Purge, Magic Circle vs. Evil, Bless, Haste, Death Ward, Mass Bear's Enduran  d20+9=26 ; d20+9=24 ;
Monday July 5th, 2010 10:25:13 PM
The halfling cleric listens to what Jack is saying and tries to figure out whether the man honestly believes what he is saying. And he looks around to determine if Jack's assessment of the people in the gallery is accurate.
Sense Motive = 26, Spot = 24

Belkior pauses for moment before replying. He knows that he doesn't have to say anything here in this hearing even though Jack is calling upon he and his companions to do so. The Paragon turns towards the Overlord and bows slightly.

"I am a loyal servant of Alemi, with all that entails. Lady Alicia, Jack has submitted to the authority of the Office of the Overlord including accepting arrest. He has admitted to burning the Wrath, as well. And I think that he has already earned the enmity of the clerks and the onlookers. Is there any harm in allowing him to heap more trouble upon himself if you allow him to stay?"

Mac AC:27 HP:161 
Tuesday July 6th, 2010 6:14:39 PM
Mac concurs with Belkior with an otherwise silent nod.

Syr 
Tuesday July 6th, 2010 7:09:13 PM
Syr looks at the Overlord nearby and offers his advice in a low voice, "Based upon appearances, the Jack has a point," The elf looks around the room and wonders what Xenia would have said of all this opulence,

Continuing in the same calm, measured voice, "My only cautionary advice is in regards to precedent. If you allow him to speak for the people, then what about the next person to speak, and the next... By his words, he has already damned himself. I would think someone like Belkior, a priest of Alemi would be more qualified as the 'People's voice'. Would a suitable compromise be for him to speak for the people with the Jack and ourselves advising him? The Sheilds have no vested interest in the site and are worthy of representing the people by virtue of securing it. Allow him to join us for these proceedings. No precedent need be set."

The Position of the Government - DMAl 
Tuesday July 6th, 2010 8:15:36 PM

Given the stories that surround the Jack of Diamonds, the Crimson Shields can assume that he is highly skilled in the arts of deception and misdirection. For all that, though, the man appears to Belkior's eyes to be speaking with deep sincerity, bolstered by the backing of a strong conviction.

The Jack of Diamonds certainly appears to be correct when speaking of the assembled participants and onlookers in the hearing room. They all appear to be either nobles or otherwise wealthy. In this setting, a denizen of Trash Level, or even a dockworker from Fence Level would most certainly stand out like a black dot in a white field.

The Overlord Alicia nods at the Crimson Shields their requests and their advice. "Let the Jack of Diamonds remain," she calls out in a high clear voice that cuts through the mummer and hubbub of the crowd. "But I will remind this hearing room, and the Jack of Diamonds, that it is not the responsibility of this government to make feasible what is infeasible. The needs of the situation dictate a timely decision on the subject of the underwater caves and the teleportation artifact. Your people have seen to that. And it is impractical to send criers and leaflets to areas in which the people will not likely have either the wherewithal or the inclination to attend. I have declared this hearing open to all, and upon my word, you may remain. But it is not the responsibility of the government to ensure equal participation from all walks of life. Do you understand? That is neither practical nor reasonable."

"Any may speak on behalf of the people," she says. "You are all of the people, and therefore may make a claim to speak for them. Anyone. Your words are welcome." Upon these words, the Overlord looks down and smiles at Syr. "However, as to whether any one person well represents the best interests of the people, I will be the judge of that. Is that understood as well?"

To this, the Jack of Diamonds nods and bows deeply in acknowledgement.

"Very well then," the Overlord continues. "Let the Office of the Overlord present the proposal of the government for the dispensation of the caves and the teleportation artifact."

The the third man from the Office of the Overlord stands. "The Office of the Overlord deems the teleportation artifact in the caves beneath Turtle Lake to be both a magical find paralleled only by the wonder of Floating City herself. Further, it represents a defensive vulnerability that we can ill afford to ignore. For those reasons, we highly recommend that the caves be restricted for an indefinite period. Only those with authorized research or defense responsibilities should be allowed access."

"To support the recommendation of the Office of the Overlord," the man says, "we call the Crimson Shields to the stand."

"You are unquestionably the resident experts on both the caves as well as the teleportation artifact," the man says, addressing the Shields. "Some say that you have even been to the far side of the artifact. Tell us in your own words of both the significance of the artifact to research and its threat to Floating City."

Belkior - AC 25 (27 vs. Evil) - HP 127/136 - Status, Bead of Karma, Invisibility Purge, Magic Circle vs. Evil, Bless, Haste, Death Ward, Mass Bear's Enduran 
Tuesday July 6th, 2010 10:17:03 PM
The halfling cleric looks around at his companions and the room full of onlookers. Then, thinking back to his early training, he focussed on the Overlord before he had a chance to become nervous.

"I will be brief. And I will try to present my observations only, not my opinions unless asked to do so. And my companions may add things that I have forgotten."

"The artifact is as you say, the greatest relic of the Teucri that I have seen myself beyond the magic of Floating City itself. I do not know if it is greater than some of the magic surrounding Plateau City since I have not seen those for myself. If you have any scholars who are studying the things left by the Teucri, this would certainly present a valuable source for research."

"As well, and this is both an opportunity for research and a threat, is what lies on the far side of the artifact. My companions and I have been there. We could not identify where it is beyond that it is in deep water that is salty, unlike the Lake. The sea and whatever else that lies beyond the artifact would be another source for research."

"And, because it is unknown, it is also a potential threat. We saw signs of a temporary camp used by the kuo-toans that we fought in the caverns but nothing beyond that. We saw no signs of their permanent settlement but it is logical to assume that it lies beyond the artifact."

"Scouting beyond the artifact would provide more information and whether that would be of benefit to Floating City or threat."

"Finally, there was the aboleth there, too. We do not know where it went when it teleported away."

Mac AC:27 HP:161 
Wednesday July 7th, 2010 1:00:20 AM
Mac continues to nod in agreement as Belkior recounts his observations. After the penultimate point he even more softly murmurs, "I think we've just been volunteered!", and after the final point he adds a very clear, "Yes."

Syr 
Wednesday July 7th, 2010 5:59:15 PM
Syr grins at Mac's observation, before adding, "Belkior is spot on with what we have learned. As for opinions, here are some of mine too. The portal itself is not a threat due to accessibility. Both sides are deep underwater and only some very strong magics will allow it to be used." Taking a breath, "The threats to the city are minimized but still present due to this fact. Any species that can survive the depth poses a realistic threat to the city which is why one must be wary of kuo-toans.

He pauses to let the Overlord think about that fact before nodding at Jack, "With all due respect to the 'people', only those of wealth or a particular skill set will be able to make use of it. Your typical Fence or Trash level person will never have any direct interaction with the portal."

The Rebuttal of The Jack of Diamonds - DMAl 
Wednesday July 7th, 2010 8:17:03 PM

The Jack of Diamonds gives a smart nod of the head in answer to Syr. His eyes twinkle with an infectious mirth. "Many thanks. Many thanks to you all for your fine assessment of the caves and the wondrous artifact of ... Teucri construction you say?"

"If I may, Your Overlordship, I would address the hearing and attempt to gain for the Common Man of Floating City some advantage from the wonders opened for us by the Crimson Shields of Hope."

The Overlord Alicia raises an eyebrow. But she nods her ascent, and the Jack of Diamonds begins.

"Ask yourselves why it is that we have the most dire poverty imaginable on Trash Level. It has been the way it is today for as long as I can remember. We live in one of the most wondrous and enlightened cities on the continent of Yrth, and yet we suffer such misery to exist below our feet."

"Why? Why, must this be so? Well the common answer is lack of resources. That is the accepted answer, one that has never been questioned. There is simply not enough collective wealth to bring to bear upon the problem. And, in truth, that seems reasonable given the scale of the task. We are a grand city. But we are also an isolated city. Wealth does not flow through here. What we have, we must nurture and build slowly, little by little."

"Right?"

"We think that is nonsense. Nonsense!" The Jack of Diamonds slaps his hand down upon the rail of the dock, delivering the last word down at the table occupied by the trio from the Office of the Overlord. "Our isolation is largely self imposed. Most certainly we are in the center of an uncharted lake. But why is exploration licensed and restricted only to a select few? Why is trade so strictly controlled? Why is movement in and out of the city so closely scrutinized? The portal to Plateau City is limited in its capacity, you say. Then what better reason to seek land routes from Turtle Lake to major centers of commerce? What better reason to find a way to exploit this new portal under the lake and turn it to the free movement of goods and people as soon as possible."

"You say that the portal is not a threat due to it's inaccessibility, but due, to possible incursions from aquatic civilizations. Well then I say what better reason to explore beyond the portal to seek out allies and trading partners on the other side? Let us gather others to us with a vested interest in protecting the portal, and we, our city, can only benefit."

The graceful dark haired woman moves among the Shields offering more tea. The Overlord smiles, and she refills her cup with the last of the pot before retiring from the hearing room, ostensibly to return later with the makings for more.

"You wish to study the portal as a Teucri artifact? Why invest so much of the city's capital in such an endeavor when sages and wizards from throughout New Elenna would flock to Floating City for a chance to engage in such study. They will not only enrich us with their knowledge, but they will also bring with them gold to spend in our inns and shops, to pay our boatmen and porters."

"Yes, you are right," Jack leans upon the rail at the front of the dock and addresses Syr. "The Common and the Downtrodden will not likely have direct interaction with the magnificent portal that you have helped secure. But that does not mean that they cannot indirectly benefit from its use. This all depends, however, on whether it is used at all rather than locked away and hidden from all save a select few. In this, the hearing today is less about our wondrous artifact than it is about the policies of the Floating City as a whole. Will we continue to suffer in an insularity imposed by policies of our own making?"

"Crimson Shields, you are the neutral party here. It is to you that the Overlord looks to for wisdom. Tell me, what are your thoughts and opinions on the policies and practices that I have just mentioned? Do you believe that they are ultimately for the good of all?"

Belkior 
Wednesday July 7th, 2010 10:18:41 PM
The halfling cleric has been listening intently to what The Jack of Diamonds has been saying about the portal. Since he joined the Crimson Shields, Belkior has spent more time down in Fence Level and even Trash Level than he has up here.

"I would also like to see more communication with Plateau City and the other parts of the Elennian Peninsula for many reasons, not simply the accumulation of wealth. For, if nothing else, the people who find living here in Floating City too objectionable can go to where they prefer."

"But I am not certain that this portal will provide that since there are still too many 'if's' about it. If the inhabitants of the other side aren't hostile. If trade can be established with them. If a way can be found to move goods to and from the artifact deep beneath the waves. If people even want to leave."

"The artifact should benefit all of Floating City. But it is too soon to tell if if is beneficial."


Syr 
Thursday July 8th, 2010 12:17:57 AM

Syr takes a long look a Jack, trying to figure out what game he is playing. He starts up, "Well...." Then stops and looks around the room. Once again he starts as if unsure of himself, "If what you are saying is correct, then it's not a question of whether it needs to be explored but a question of who does the Overlord send?" He looks at the Overlord, "I can buy that argument."

"Obviously, you have a certain reluctance to trust the upper class to 'do the right thing'. And the middle lower class does not have the means to undertake this venture." The elf emits a slight hum as he thinks.

Starting once again, "In regards to the policies and procedures, I have lived in the city all my life and the difference between the have's and have not's has never been greater than what we have today. Has the current system supported a manufactured upper class, I think so."

"However, Who is to say that opening the portal will change that? I feel it is up to those of in this room to change it rather than continue on this path to implode."

Mac AC:27 HP:161 
Thursday July 8th, 2010 8:29:30 AM
Mac acknowledges the points made by Belkior and Syr, but otherwise remains observant of the goings on at the meeting.

Crimson Shields In the Seat - DMAl 
Thursday July 8th, 2010 3:48:46 PM

The representatives from the Office of the Overlord had remained quiet while the Jack of Diamonds delivered his speech. They listened politely while the Crimson Shields formed their replies. The unknown woman wears a look of confusion on her face, as though trying to absorb an idea for which she has not been prepared. The face of the unknown man is impassive, watchful. It reveals little of what his thoughts might be inside. Philias Bankable seems thoughtful, listening with intent to each of the ideas. Every now and again, he jots notes down upon a gray slate with a chalk stick.

The reaction from the stand of onlookers has been full of murmurs. Generally, they have been disapproving. But, the general disapproval has been, for certain ideas, punctuated by whispers of excitement.

From a place behind the dais the dark haired woman returns with a fresh pot of tea and finishes filling the Overlord's cup.

"Yes, there you have it." The Jack of Diamonds extends a hand, saluting Syr. "Who is sent would be important. Also, what is done afterwards. That would also be important."

"We are not unreasonable. Did we sound like unreasonable people?" This last, the Jack of Diamonds addresses directly to the Crimson Shields. "You have met us. Did we sound unreasonable? Improvements will not come overnight. At this point we do not know whether opening the portal to greater use will be beneficial or not. But, I maintain ... " And the Jack of Diamonds emphasizes each word, lending each its own weight of importance. " ... We Will Never Know If We Do Not Try."

"We would be well pleased were the policies toward the caves and the teleportation artifact to be more open. That is all that we ask. We would be even more please with a full review of all policies, though, but we will be thankful if, at the very least, the process is not co-opted by certain wealthy patrons and their servile lackeys." With these last few words, the Jack of Diamonds leans upon the side rail nearest the table occupied by the group from the Office of the Overlord and looks directly at the man who, up till now, had maintained an inscrutable facade, but now who's face turns a bright scarlet.

But the man does not deny the implied allegation. Rather, instead, he rises and addresses dais. "Your Overlordship, we have clearly departed from the subject to which the time of this hearing has been allocated. In that vein I would beg your permission to follow that lead and point out that there seems something going on here hidden from the general hearing at large."

"This criminal has spoken of having had meetings with the Crimson Shields. Before assuming that the Crimson Shields of Hope have been in clandestine dealings with the Lords of Diamond, though, I would ask Your Overlordship whether I might put them to question on this point?"

Without reply, the Overlord nods from her seat on the dais for the man to proceed with his line of questioning.

"Thank you," the man from the Office of the Overlord bows to Overlord Alicia before addressing the Shields. "Will you explain then, Crimson Shields of Hope, what this criminal and confessed saboteur means when he says that you have met them? Please describe for this hearing, the nature of your dealings with this group."

Belkior 
Thursday July 8th, 2010 10:42:48 PM
The halfling cleric galnces at Syr and Mac before replying to the questions of the officious little man. Not little in that sense, especially compared to a halfling, but in the other sense.

"I don't believe that we should have to tell you. Surely your guards would have told you everything, wouldn't they?"

"The one and only time that we have, to our knowledge, met with the Lords of Diamond was in the cavern. If you can even call that meeting. And your guards were there at the time."

"As for other time, who can know if we ... or anyone in this room ... passed by a member of the Lords of Diamond on the streets, or in temple or whereever. Perhaps you meant Jack, himself, there. He has sought us out before of his accord and not by our choosing."



Mac AC:27 HP:161 
Friday July 9th, 2010 8:43:25 PM
Again Mac nods in concurrence. He watches the Officer and Jack with equal interest, which is to say, not as much interest as he pays the attendant of the tea service. Wheels within wheels...

Syr 
Saturday July 10th, 2010 9:24:38 PM
Syr lets a snort escape as the man concludes his question, "Belkior is right, look at the man." He glares at Jack before continuing. "Our contact with him has been very similar to your contact with him at this very moment... He invites himself where he pleases and then says what he wants. If we are guilty of associating with him then all here are too."

He addresses the man who directed the question at the Shields. If you must know of our character and intentions then the facts speak for themselves, "I think our pro bono work with Shield Construction in the past, grants a certain credibility to our support of the best interests of the city. Additionally, we are currently giving the city a reduced construction fee on projects to maintain this structure that we live in. You may verify that with Phileas here. Upon occasion, we have been fortunate to help the Overlord with small tasks." The monk favors the Overlord with a smile before locking gazes with the man. "Who are YOU to question our integrity?"

"Speaking of departing from the subject, what relevance does his or our prior association have on the facts of this question? What should the Floating City do about the underwater portal? Isn't that why this hearing was called? or did I miss something. Even the Jack here wants to make some sweeping changes but is content to discuss the matters at hand for now..." Suddenly the elf realizes he was rising from his seat and sits down quickly before looking to the Overlord to see her reaction.

Mac AC:27 HP:161 
Sunday July 11th, 2010 4:48:22 AM
"...unless this is nothing more than a ploy to distract potential scrutiny away from your own troubles." adds the dark taur in such an off-hand manner that he barely recognised the voice as his own.

Proposition of the Overlord - DMAl 
Sunday July 11th, 2010 11:16:24 AM

If the face of the clerk from the Office of the Overlord was red before, it becomes even more so upon the replies from the Crimson Shields. The Jack of Diamonds gives the Shields a curious look as each one of them keeps the secret of the Sanctity. Accompanied, by the look is a smile that reveals how pleased he is with the outcome of the little exchange, a pleasure that he turns upon the officious clerk. Looking the man in the eyes, he smiles and shrugs his shoulders.

Phileas Bankable leans across the table and whispers in tones that suggest explanation. The man snaps back with an angry, though also inaudible reply.

The Jack of Diamonds leans over the railing of the Dock and also whispers. And though the Jack of Diamond's voice is undoubtedly couched in whispered tones, it is also clearly audible to all. "Very nice. Nice try. At least you tried. You can tell Perimon that I said that."

And then a silence falls. A silence so profound that even in the stands they an hear the small click of the Overlord's cup as she takes a sip and places it back upon its saucer. Replacing the cup and saucer on the table at her side, the Overlord stands.

"And so here we are." The Overlord's voice is quiet, and yet it fills the room. Her presence commands as though she were born to the office. Strange to think that only a few short years ago, she was chosen, plucked from obscurity through means of the centuries old process of the Mask Day celebration. "Let us indeed do as suggested and return to the reason for which we have been gathered here today. It occurs to me that the Crimson Shields are at the crux of the many parties interested in both the caves as well as the well-being of Floating City as a whole. The Lords of Diamond, I take it, trust the intentions and have faith in the moral character of the Crimson Shields, do they not?" This she addresses to the Jack of Diamonds. The Jack inclines his head in a gracious display of ascent. "I, for one, hold them in great esteem." This last, appears as though for the benefit of the table occupied those of the Overlord's bureaucracy. Both Phileas Bankable and the woman nod in agreement. The third, the man, does little more than sit with his hands folded on the tabletop.

"It seems that you are the ideal intermediaries," the Overlord says to the Crimson Shields. "And not only in the matter of these caves and the teleport artifact, but also in respect to many other aspects of the Floating City and its policies. And so I ask you if you would consider becoming counselors to the Overlord. We would come to you from time to time for your wisdom and guidance. We may also consider your word upon matters that you believe should be changed or policies that you believe should be implemented."

"What say you, Crimson Shields of Hope? Would you accept such a position?"

Syr 
Monday July 12th, 2010 2:19:38 PM
Syr is a bit taken aback by the offer from the Overlord and stumbles over his words, "Y-Y-Your ladyship, Overlord, eerrrr lordship, Alicia," Then, realizing he addressed her by her first name only, he pauses for a second to collect himself.

Thoughts are racing through his mind and he looks first at Mac before remembering that the big fighter will be good with anything they do most likely. Then his eyes lock with the halfling. Belkior has been the monk's rock for years now and Syr has come to rely on his judgement without question. He seeks an answer one way or the other.

With a glance at Belkior for affirmation (assuming he is in agreement), he stands and says proudly, "We would be proud to serve you to the best of our ability." The elf places a slight emphasis on the last word, further stressing that the Shields serve the person and not the office. His small stature is held rigid as he seeks out the eyes of the Jack and then the clerk.

Belkior 
Monday July 12th, 2010 9:44:55 PM
The halfling cleric nods in agreement with Syr, echoing the elven monk's acceptance of the offer from the Overlord.

"I will provide what wisdom and guidance that I can."

Mac 
Monday July 12th, 2010 9:52:26 PM
Mac also nods.
"We accept."

Trial of the Councelors - DMAl 
Monday July 12th, 2010 10:05:05 PM

A smile comes to the lips of the Overlord at the humility of the Crimson Shields. "Very well," she says. "I Alicia, Overlord of Floating City, pronounce you my personal counselors. You will be given badges of your office, the same marks carried by my heralds. With them, you will be allowed free access to the Palace of the Overlord and the ear of any in the employ of the city."

Syr's gaze meets that of the Jack of Diamonds. The man's steel blue eyes sparkle, and he gives the elf a congratulatory bow. The lone man from the Office of the Overlord does not acknowledge Syr. His face is grim, and once again, his expression is controlled and unreadable. Phileas Bankable, on the other hand, appears quite pleased. He whispers in private conversation with the third person, the woman. Though his whispers are soft, the keen of hearing might pick up the words, " ... to be their contact ... " and " ... through my personal guidance ... "

"And, as your first act as Councelors," the Overlord continues. "I would ask you Crimson Shields of Hope, what plan would you establish for the underwater caves and the magical teleport artifact? Establish for me the basis of a compromise that is both fair, equitable, conscious of security, and will benefit the people of Floating City to the greatest extent. Details can be more clearly defined in the future, but we must have a foundation upon which to begin."

Overlord Alicia then seats herself again, lifting the fine porcelin cup at her side and taking another sip of tea. "I will judge the merit of your proposal."

For the first time, the third unnamed man at the table occupied by the clerks of the Office of the Overlord, turns his attention to the proceedings before the dais. His eyes grow keen and expectant. Here is where the Crimson Shields might fail, and he too waits for the response.

Jass 
Tuesday July 13th, 2010 3:26:35 PM
"And THAT is what I have been thinking on, your Overlordship", calls a familiar voice in the back of the room. A ripple of movement, along with several 'excuse me' and 'ah, that's your toes, eh?' later, and the familiar skinny form of Jass of Downs pushes to the front of the gathering. The sorcerer still has bags under his eyes and a slightly haunted look about him, but he is dressed richly and his air of confidence is still in its usual place.

Walking to stand among Syr, Mac, and Belkior, the haystack-haired human bows. "For the teleportaion artifact, opportunity and security are like two ends of a merchant's scale. We could maximize opportunity by creating a permenant teleportation circle from Floating City to the caves, revamp the caves to a more accomodating area, and make the movement from the Tecuri Portal to Floating City be a highway of commerce!" Jass ends in ringing tones that quickly turn foreboding. "And allow anything on the other side to drive into the heart of this great city."

"Maximizing security is easy as destroying the caves and burying the site under tonnes of rock. Of course, that sorta stakes the 'opportunity' out in the Sargrass and whistles for the Rapke." Jass laughs at the comparison.

"Kinda hard to balance the scales, yes?"

Syr 
Tuesday July 13th, 2010 5:13:37 PM
Syr smiles at Jass' sudden appearance and comments on the he joins the others, "Making a showy entrance, now THAT is out of character."

Syr turns his attention to the Overlord, "As far as controlling the gate, that might be impossible but we could certainly restrict access. Thinking longer term, the caves could be converted to house some guards as an early warning system. Not necessarily a defending force but I'm sure we could have a contingent of guards living down there." He looks at Phileas for a moment, "As far as the trade prospects go... Obviously, we still need to make contact." He looks at Belkior and Mac, "Any thoughts on who should explore the other side or the makeup of the trading group?"

After waiting for the halfling's response,"You may want to get with Tinkers but I saw some air bladders that raised a whole ship once from the lake bed. Why not use a similar system to push goods through the portal and have them rise to the surface to be picked up by our representatives? It would require some preparation but would enable trade."

Mac 
Tuesday July 13th, 2010 8:05:22 PM
"Not to put too fine a point on it, but exploration and scouting and hopefully friendly contact first. Preparations for a trading group should be made, and it should be broadly representative of the services and goods the Float produces, and that will mean everyone getting together and putting any differences behind them for the common good. No one wants to lose family and employees (and goods) to unforeseen hazards."

Evil Doesn't Just Go Away - DMAl 
Tuesday July 13th, 2010 9:04:13 PM

The Overlord sits forward in her seat as Jass approaches across the floor of the hearing room. "Jass of Downs, I take it," she says as he joins the Crimson Shields. How it is that she knows shouldn't be so much a mystery given the scrutiny that all things are given as they come and go through the city.

"Yes, you have my thoughts exactly, Jass of Downs. Security and freedom are indeed opposite poles, and it is to you, Crimson Shields, for the wisdom to balance them."

"I take it then, from your ideas," she says, turning to Syr, "that you advocate exploration with the possibility of opening up a trading route if what is found on the other side of the portal artifact lends itself to that. Am I right?" The Overlord seems pleased with the response from the Crimson Shields. Taking up her cup and saucer again, she takes a sip, her eyes in concentration, as though planning the preparations.

"Your Overlordship," it is the third unnamed man from the Office of the Overlord again. The man has risen from his seat. "We will begin assembling a hand picked expeditionary force immediately." Phileas Bankable looks up from his slate where he has been jotting down the ideas put forward by Syr and Mac.

"MURDER!"

From the entrance a guard dressed in the livery of the Palace of the Overlord bursts into the room. "There's been a murder!" The guard stops suddenly and points in the direction of the slender dark-haired attendant of the tea. "You ... you're dead ... "

The Overlord rises from her seat. She takes a single step forward. The cup and saucer fall from her nerveless hands crashing to the floor and splintering into jagged pieces of fine porcelain. The Overlord Alicia clutches at her bare white throat. From her mouth comes a choking cough. Her eyes roll back up into her head, and she collapses to the floor of the dais.

"You did not think that you could thwart the will of Darkwood without consequences, did you?" The voice that comes from the thin willowy tea attendant is deep, and sounds distinctly male. "Our retribution is terrible, and as inevitable as the coming of the seasons."

The body of the tea attendant pulls suddenly into an impossibly thin and twisting line. She stretches and grows, then, with a snap, she becomes a Large Air Elemental and shoots thirty feet up into the air toward the glass dome of the skylight.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OoC:

Surprise! Yes this was part of the module and has nothing to do with the Gray Knights. There will be no map for this brief encounter. The Darkwood druid/Air Elemental is 30 directly up. The Skylight is made of rather thick glass. The Overlord is collapsed next to the group of Shields. The Jack of Diamonds is standing in the Dock some ten feet away to the south. To the west of the Dock is the table with the group from the Office of the Overlord. They're standing mouths agape. The crowd in the stand and the guards also appear too stunned to act.

Mac 
Tuesday July 13th, 2010 9:14:40 PM
Any benefits from the post dated Friday July 9th, 2010 8:43:25 PM?

Not really. No in game benefit. There was really nothing to see until the moment of exposure.

I'm impressed, though. That was very astute of you to pick that up. --Al.

Mac  d20+24=37 ;
Tuesday July 13th, 2010 10:01:28 PM
Mac takes charge.

"Belkior - the Overlord! Jass - hamper the assailant! Syr - cover them!"

Mac looks for ledge, tables, sturdy rail etc. that he might launch off to get closer to the druid/elemental {Hop up - Jump DC 10 with d20+24 - counts as 10' movement getting 5' higher, beginning to draw his axe as he goes (as a part of a movement action). He takes shuffles 5' (not a 5' step, he just moved that distance) for better position and forces down hard to leap again, hoping to gain more than another 5' - hopefully 10' at the top of his leap from which to swing {Jump Check:37 = 4' 7.5" vertical leap, falling inches short of bringing several 30' up into the reach of his axe. He lands, looking for another way to bring the assassin to justice.

Belkior  d20+31=37 ; d20+31=44 ;
Tuesday July 13th, 2010 10:16:54 PM
The halfling cleric springs forward to where the Overlord has collapsed upon the floor. Kneeling on the hard floor without regard for his knees, Belkior presses his hands to the throat of the Overlord and concentrates upon the magic given him by Alemi. Belkior hopes that his devotion is strong enough to save the Overlord.

Use Draw Poison, Heal = 37, re-roll spending Hero Point, Heal = 44

Jass 
Wednesday July 14th, 2010 2:08:06 AM
Jass is shocked at the sudden violence in the courtroom, and the druid/air elemental rising from the deed. The sorcerer hasn't even fully gotten his mind around the immense debt he owes the Crimson Shields, but demonstrating his willingness to change due to his actions will have to be a start.

There are so many people around and the elemental moves so fast that Jass is certain it would shrug off a single direct attack and get away. So instead, he sets his mind on the glass window above and reaches his magic into the realm of Shadow.

Jass casts Greater Shadow Conjuration to create a Wall of Stone that seals off the glass roof and bonds with the stone in the ceiling and walls.

"Consider him stopped, Mac!"

...Action
Cast Greater Shadown Conjuration for a Wall of Stone. Will Save DC 24 to disbelieve. If fail, Wall is 100% real. If save, Wall is still 60% real = impassable.

Broken Glass - DMAl  d20+25=26 ; d20+18=24 ; 2d6+2=5 ;
Wednesday July 14th, 2010 9:13:08 PM

Mac rallies the Crimson Shields, then runs up the side of the dock and leaps from the top of the rail. But, even the impressive minotaur finds it difficult to gain the loft needed to catch hold of the druid in air elemental form.

Standing next to Mac, the Jack of Diamonds stands leaning on the rail, a smirk of amusement on his face. "Need a lift?" he asks before pushing off into the gestures and incantations necessary for his spell. The Jack of Diamonds touches a hand to Mac's arm, and Mac feels his feet lift off of the ground. (Fly on Mac.)

Belkior kneels quickly at the side of the Overlord. The halfling feels a spiritual presence, the hand of Alemi guiding his own, as he uses his healing gifts to draw any traces of poison from the body of the Overlord. Impressions engulf the halfling. Dark root bark, moldering putrefied flesh, festering fermentation, distilled by time and time and time and time. And, over all, Belkior feels the menacing gloom of the Crying Woods. Then the feeling passes, washing through him, and as it goes, Belkior knows that he himself is not poisoned after having drawn the virulent toxin through his body. The Overlord too, the halfling healer knows, is free of the poison as well. Damage, though, has been done, and, for now, the Overlord is unconscious.

Jass aims for the Air Elemental in the skylight, but his magic aims not to kill. A hard stone cap seems to materialize out of thin air, closing off the glass skylight, and the path of escape that the druid had intended on using. The air elemental form places a mist-like hand upon the illusion of stone, and it believes completely.

The skylight now blocked, the air elemental charges at the bank of windows in the east wall. Five windows, each ten feet wide at the bottom, rise to gracefully arched points at the top some twenty feet above the ground. Outside the windows, the well tended gardens are around forty feet below. The air elemental makes for the center window and glass smashes out ward in a scattering arc of shards that glitter in the sunlight as they fall to earth.

The guards in the hearing room react at last. The hard snapping release of crossbows can be heard from many places about the room, and bolts strike the walls and fly out through the broken window.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Shields are now all around 40ft away from the druid in air elemental form. It is at 10ft, meaning that it's bottom edge would be at 10ft elevation on a grid and it's top would be at 20. The window is shattered and wide open. The Druid/Elemental is still in the room just in front of the window.

Mac is at 5ft above the ground. At this point, it would not be realistic for him to be allowed to charge. The railing of the Dock would be in the way even with the Fly spell. Syr has a straight line run from where he stands in front of the dais. But he is too low to attack.

Mac 
Wednesday July 14th, 2010 11:20:42 PM
OOC: Talking - actions pending.
"Thanks Jack! So, anyone have something else to help me get into more trouble? Clamber up if you want a lift Syr!"

Belkior 
Wednesday July 14th, 2010 11:28:29 PM
OOC - I didn't do spell selection for Belkior so I'm going with what he usually has memorized.

The halfling cleric follows the lead of Jass and summons a wall fo stone to cover the windows on the east wall. As soon as the stone forms, the room is plunged into darkness relieved only by the lights within the room.

Cast Wall of Stone

Jass 
Thursday July 15th, 2010 2:14:13 AM
In the suddenly dim interior after Belkior's wall, Jass hopes he doesn't hinder his friends more than his enemies. "Belkior or Jack or Phineas, how about making some magical light? I'm fresh out!"

Jass thinks he remembers where the druid/elemental was before the wall arrived, and bespells another affect from the realms of Shadows; this time some Solid Fog

"He's not going anywhere fast Mac and Syr. Beat him like a drum!"

...Actions
Casting Greater Shadow Conjuration to make Solid Fog 20' radius. Will DC 24 to disbelieve, still 60% real if saved. Movement and Sight in Fog reduced to 5' (10' if save)

Mac AC:27 HP:161 
Thursday July 15th, 2010 5:10:48 AM
"Thanks Jass and Belkior - nice going."
Mac drifts across/above the floor and over the fog to await signs of something suitable to 'beat'. The notion of a fog seriously impeding an air elemental seems wrong, but he waits high in the dim, confident that he is more likely to appear out the top of the fog than the side, and if not then it starts getting really interesting. Meanwhile his mind toys with ways in which to instruct the druid about the definitions of thwart, consequence, retribution and inevitable.
Spot: 18
Readied attack (and AoOs) d20+28@3d6+19[CT:19-20@+8d6+38]

Mac  d20+7=18 ;
Thursday July 15th, 2010 5:11:01 AM
ooc: See!

Syr 
Thursday July 15th, 2010 4:45:02 PM
Syr reaches down and activates his boots. (Fly). Then risking attack, he moves in adjacent to the air elemental keeping it pinned against the now closed window. If the creature tries to move around him, he uses the opportunity to start a grapple. "Where did you think you were going again?"

The Power of Illusion - DMAl  d20+17=26 ; d100=13 ; d20+25=36 ; d100=37 ; d20+23=29 ; d100=85 ; d20+8=9 d100=1
Thursday July 15th, 2010 6:04:04 PM

Belkior follows Jass' illusory Wall of Stone with a real one. The room is suddenly cut off from the light of day outside. Inside, though, the room is lit by a number of Continual Flame spells. The light is paltry compared to that of the sun outside, bit it is sufficient to see by.

Jass casts another illusion, this time, a hemisphere of Solid Fog centered on the Air Elemental flattens itself against Belkior's stone wall. (Roll Will 17 for Syr to Disbelieve then % vs 60 fog to work. Roll Will 25 for druid and % to work.) As the Elemental was ten feet above the ground, the hemisphere of Solid Fog, with its 20 foot radius, extends all the way from the floor, up to the ceiling.

Mac does not even bother to test the illusory fog. Rather, he hovers up above and some ten feet away, to keep out of the sticky illusion, waiting for the elemental to appear.

Syr activates his boots and flies in to contain the druid in air elemental form. The elven Hand of Domi can see that the Solid Fog is an illusion. (Rolled your Will Save.) But the magic still retains the ability to hold him. As Syr charges into the Fog, it captures him and slows his speed to a crawl. (Speed reduced to 5.)

From within the impenetrable Solid Fog, the Crimson Shields hear a scoff as the druid recognizes the Solid Fog for an illusion. The scoff, however, turns to a growl of irritation as the illusion still retains the power to hold him. The sounds of spellcasting come from within the Solid Fog. Spellcraft DC19 to recognize: Highlight to display spoiler: {Freedom of Movement}.)

Belkior, still kneeling next to the Overlord, not only recognizes that the Solid Fog is an illusion, but, with a shake of his head, he convinces himself that it does not exist. (Rolled for Belkior.) He is the only one who sees the druid move, not up, but down, lighting upon the floor next to the Wall of Stone and deep within the Solid Fog.

What might he have in mind? What will he do next?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OoC:

A note on Shadow Conjuration. "Shadow objects or substances have normal effects except against those who disbelieve them.

Against disbelievers, they are 20% likely to work."

That means that, say, an illusory wall or a cloud of Solid Fog under Greater Shadow Conjuration would always behave just like a normal wall or a normal cloud of Solid fog. That is as opposed to say, a 60% effective wall or a 60% effective Solid Fog. A 60% effective wall is not something that can be easily defined.

However, the disbeliever, on a roll of 61 or more, gets to act as though the illusory material were not there at all. 60 and under, and they receive the full effect.

Addition: Jass disbelieves his own spell, but the magic is strong enough to remain in place. He cannot see the druid either.

Syr 
Friday July 16th, 2010 3:28:09 PM
Frustrated at his inability to embrace the druid or even see the druid, the elf backs out of the fog and observes it from 5' away. He then casts a spell and grows immediately larger. (Enlarge). He remains 5' off the floor.

"Belkior, how is Alicia doing." He mentally cringes as he says it, realizing his breach of etiquette.

The Power of Illusion - DMAl 
Friday July 16th, 2010 9:20:05 PM

Will wait for more posts. Hate to have the druid escape for no more than lack of posting.

Mac 
Friday July 16th, 2010 9:34:28 PM
Not having any reason to disbelieve the fog, Mac remains above and in wait.

Belkior  d20+16=28 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=30 ;
Friday July 16th, 2010 10:41:51 PM
"He's gone down, to the floor!"

The halfling cleric casts another spell but this time directed at the druid in an effort to strip him (or her) of all of their magical protections. Belkior hopes that this leaves Jass' spell in place, still, since it seems to affect the druid.

Cast Greater Dispel Magic, (CL = 16), checks are: 28, 27, 24, 36, 27, 19, 30

Jass  d20+15=24 ;
Friday July 16th, 2010 10:42:02 PM
Seeing the Fog is more hindrance than help, Jass dismisses the spell. Highlight to display spoiler: { If he can't dismiss, he casts Greater Dispel Magic to end his own effect, failing. DC 25, rolled 24 }

The Power of Illusion / Mid-Round Update - DMAl 
Friday July 16th, 2010 11:43:53 PM

Belkior is the only one who sees this, but his dispel attempt strips the druid of his Freedom of Movement.

Jass realizes that he cannot dismiss the spell that he has created. Instead, he uses another spell to dispel it. (From the description of Dispel Magic: "You may choose to automatically succeed on dispel checks against any spell that you have cast.")

The Air Elemental appears suprised. (As surprised as a creature made of air can appear.) Now caught out in the open, he is wide open to attack by Syr and Mac.

++++++++++++++

OoC: Mac and Syr, you still have possible attacks. Mac there is ten feet separating you and the Large Air Elemental. Syr, there is 15ft separating you and the Large Air Elemental. I will consider the 5ft that you have already moved part of a longer move action.

If you haven't responded by Sunday evening PDT, I'll move on.



Mac AC:28 vs Elemental HP:161  d20+28=43 ; 3d6+19=31 ; d20+23=26 ; 3d6+19=32 ; d20+18=31 ; 3d6+19=35 ; d20+28=48 ; 3d6+19=28 ; d20+28=45 ; 8d6+38=73 ;
Saturday July 17th, 2010 12:52:36 AM
Mac takes a 5' (flying) step towards the elemental and from overhead, measuredly swings his axe.

Potential damage: 31@AC43, 32@AC26, and 35@AC35
AoO: 28@AC48(+73@CC45)


Syr  d20+18=31 ;
Sunday July 18th, 2010 6:07:22 PM
Syr moves in to engage the foe after casting the spell.

Active spells Enlarge

Escape? - DMAl  4d6=9 ;
Sunday July 18th, 2010 7:48:27 PM

The look on the face of the Air Elemental is one of surprise (to whatever degree a face composed of swirling air might register such a look) as both its spell as well as the cover of the Solid Fog are stripped away. Mac's blows rain down like sheets of pure pain, each one landing and scattering huge measures of air stuff, that explode and disappear, leaving less than a third of the air elemental's body left when it is done.

Syr grows large, extending his reach to better engage the badly wounded druid.

The Large Air Elemental then shrinks down. What remain of the soft curves of air consolidate, becoming smaller as they grow harder. The outlines of the druid grow rough and blocky. The druid becomes a medium-sized Earth Elemental.

Now small enough to be beyond the reach of both Syr and Mac, and with part of its health restored by the transformation, the druid now looks to escape. With almost tentative care, the stone figure dips a foot into the floor made of Teucri stuff, ages old. Perhaps the druid had heard of the things that happened to its brethren inside the Pyramid in the Crying Woods. Regardless, the druid in Earth Elemental form appears to reject the floor as an avenue of escape. Instead, it places a single blocky hand against the wall that Belkior has just put up. Finding that much more acceptable, the Earth Druid glides into the stone of the wall and through to the other side.

The druid is gone, but what awaits it on the other side of the wall is most assuredly a 40-foot fall to the garden below. What avenues are open now to the Crimson Shields to pursue the fleeing assassin? The Overlord Alicia appears stabilized now, if not well. There is a gray cast to her skin, but there seems little now that can be done for her at this time.

Guards and other persons from her court seem now to have shaken off their surprise and are converging on the dais - late, yes, but now coming to do what they can for their Overlord.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OoC:

Damage 91/???HP

Belkior  d20+31=51 ;
Sunday July 18th, 2010 11:07:39 PM
The halfing cleric has been unable to prevent the escape of the druid from the Crying Woods. So Belkior returns to the side of Overlord Alicia and kneels, trying to diagnose her condition and prognosis. Specifically, whether any spell that he has immediately available could be used to aid in her recovery.

Heal = 51, natural 20

Mac AC:28 vs Elemental HP:161  d20+12=25 ; 3d6+49=62 ;
Monday July 19th, 2010 2:54:22 AM
Mac isn't convinced the elemental has gone that far - he swoops down to floor level, 5' back from the section of Wall of Stone the elemental passed through, and has at it with his axe - hoping to catch the elemental in the process, or at least open up a space that Syr might get through. Walls not noted for their ability to get out of the way, Mac puts his back and shoulders into it!

Potential Damage: 62@AC25 - PA(15) (Wall 4" thick=60HP and Hardness 8 ignored by adamantine)

Escape? - Mid-Round Update - DMAl 
Monday July 19th, 2010 8:43:29 AM

Splinters of stone fly (Fortunately, they fly outward for the most part.) as Mac chops a huge minotaur-sized hole in Belkior's Wall of Stone.

Looking out and over the edge, Mac can see the Druid in Earth Elemental Form lying prone on the ground just below. Even as Mac watches, the Earth Elemental begins to move. The druid is still alive.

Mac AC:28 vs Elemental HP:161 (flying 60', etc.) 
Monday July 19th, 2010 9:16:45 AM
OOC: Okay, in that case... addendum

With a sufficient aperture, Mac continues to move out over the garden. (Spring Attack - total movement before and after the wall rupture not to exceed 60' - flying)

Escape? - Mid-Round Update - DMAl 
Monday July 19th, 2010 9:51:56 AM

OoC: Do you mind, then, if I place Mac directly on the ground next to the Druid? Should be plenty of Movement for that. With a Maneuver rating of Good you get x2 for a descending move.

If you do not reply by post time tonight, that is what I will do.

Mac AC:28 vs Elemental HP:161 (flying 60', etc.) 
Monday July 19th, 2010 10:18:29 AM
OOC: I'll probably regret it, but go ahead :)

Syr  d20+22=28 ; 2d8+11=23 ; d6=6 ;
Monday July 19th, 2010 3:30:18 PM
Syr watches with wide eyes as Mac shatters the wall and flies down. Following with a smile, the monk takes a leap also. Not relying on Flying, he slows his fall by grabbing the walls until he can carry some momentum into the creature's exposed back (OOC: Charge attack hit AC 30 Damage 23+6 fire, Is there a bonus for target being prone?)

(OOC: delete the above post please?)

Jass 
Monday July 19th, 2010 4:21:27 PM
Jass runs to the minotaur hole and looks down. "Don't leave yet, not when the party has just gotten started!" shouts the sorcerer to the druidic assassin. A few shouted magical symbols later, and the charismatic Jass tries to bind the druid into a Hold Monster spell.

...Actions
Hold Monster; save Will DC 22; fail = unmoving. Can save once per round.

Breaking Into The Garden - DMAl  d20+16=19 ;
Monday July 19th, 2010 5:05:32 PM

Various figures join Belkior at the side of the Overlord Alicia as the halfling narrows his concentration to evaluate her health. From what he discerns the Overlord is simply incredibly drawn or tired from the ordeal. Rest would likely be the best medicine for now followed by good healthy food when she wakens. From the trace ravages left by the poison, Belkior determines, though, that had he not drawn it from her, or had he waited longer, she would now be dead.

Mac blasts a hole through the stone wall and follows the druid down to the garden below. He lands on the well tilled flower beds, right next to the prone druid in earth elemental form, towering over it with axe in hand.

Syr follows Mac out the hole. He comes down in a controlled drop that ends with a fist that slams into the prone back of the Darkwood druid. (Sorry, no charge. You need a straight line to charge, and you had to cross 15ft to get to the hole and drop down. But, you didn't need the +2 to Hit from the Charge anyway.)

With two of his enemies directly next to him, the Darkwood druid prepares a desperate gambit. Then Jass pokes his head out of the hole and shouts down from above. The druid in earth elemental form stops, unable to move. The stone creature is Held, still as the stone that is its kin.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OoC:

120/???hp

Mac AC:28 vs Elemental HP:161 (flying 60', etc.) 
Monday July 19th, 2010 9:18:10 PM
OOC: A defender who is prone gains a +4 bonus to Armor Class against ranged attacks, but takes a -4 penalty to AC against melee attacks. Additionally, a helpless (paralyzed, held, bound, sleeping, unconscious, or otherwise completely at an opponent's mercy) target is treated as having a Dexterity of 0 (-5 modifier). I am guessing an AC of about (10 + any magical items/effects) as a helpless, prone, medium sized earth elemental.

That sounds about right. --Al

Belkior 
Monday July 19th, 2010 11:25:48 PM
The halfling cleric stands from his patient and moves to the hole created by Mac. Squuzing beside Jass, Belkior grabs a solid-looking spot and leans out to look down at where Syr and Mac are standing over the druid.

"Keep the druid alive! Don't kill him!"

Mac AC:28 vs Elemental HP:161 (flying 60', etc.) 
Tuesday July 20th, 2010 12:02:09 AM
Without taking his eyes off the druid/elemental Mac answers, "Suits me. I'll do my best not to kill him. But, if he does anything that I might so much as misconstrue as an attempt to move or cast a spell, then that might just be the end of it. And you'd better find a way to more permanently contain him!"

Syr  d20+26=46 ; d20+22=32 ; d20+22=35 ; d20+22=42 ; d20+22=24 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+17=29 ; 2d8+11=18 ; 2d8+11=23 ; 2d8+11=24 ; 2d8+11=19 ; 2d8+11=22 ;
Tuesday July 20th, 2010 12:09:24 AM
Hearing Belkior's voice he waves him off in acknowledgment, "Mac, Just prevent him from running, I don't know how long Jass' spell will last." Taking no chances, the monk drops to the ground and gets the druid in a hold, "Good thing that you didn't pick fire." He take a bit off his knees as he hits the druid (Subdual Grapple check natural 20, Attack 32,35,nat 20-confirm 24, 26 29 Damage 18,23,24,19,22=109)

He looks down at his handiwork and calls back to the priest, "How is the Overlord?"

Mac AC:28 vs Elemental HP:161 (flying 60', etc.) 
Tuesday July 20th, 2010 12:33:23 AM
"Nice move Syr - I'll take some pointers in the garden later if you would... assuming this is not the place for a class."

Jass 
Tuesday July 20th, 2010 9:31:36 AM
Jass grins at the capture of the druid, but inside his mind is churning. Aside, he glances at Belkior, "I'd like answers as much as the next, but how do we keep prisoner someone who can turn into anything they want?" He shrugs, fishes a scroll out of his Pants O Plenty and waggles it in his hands "I can at least keep him here for a little while. Enough to get some answers at least." The irrepressible human leans in and speaks socco voce "It's anti-magic".

"Shall we go down and check?", he asks the halfling. Not waiting for an answer, Jass touches Belkior and Dim Doors down to the ground, appearing behind Mac, using the large minotaur as a fleshy shield between the sorcerer's fragile body and possible druidic magic.

...Actions
retrieve scroll from Pants
cast Dim Door

...Effects
Hold Monster Save each round Will DC 22 to free effects

Spells 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Avail 6 8 8 8 7 7 7 5
Used 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 2


Druid In Hand - DMAl 
Tuesday July 20th, 2010 2:19:24 PM

The Crimson Shields recognize that even while Held, the druid can be a dangerous foe, with the ability to break free at any moment. Mac readies to strike at the slightest sign of spell casting.

From up above, Belkior calls down, exhorting the fighters to keep the druid alive. To Syr, that's a simple task. He drops to the ground with the druid in earth elemental form and pulls it into a series of holds so painful that the first one sends it down into the wells of unconsciousness.

Without consciousness to hold the form, the earth elemental turns into a man clad in the skirts and robes of the Tea Attendant, the female clothing stretching and puckering in all of the wrong places upon his male body. Jass and Belkior appear next to Mac and Syr even as the heads of palace guards poke from the hole in the hearing room up above.

The question then becomes, how indeed to contain and interrogate a man who can become any number of different creatures simply by wishing it so? Jass believes that he has the answer, but the druid is, for the moment, at least, unconscious.

Guards begin arriving in the garden. They circle the group of Crimson Shields, but they leave things up to these new Counselors of the Overlord, standing ready instead, in case they're needed. Phileas Bankable arrives, making his way through the ring of guards.

"They've taken the Overlord to her private rooms," he tells the Shields. "Her physician says that she's fine, thanks to you. But he prefers that she get some natural rest. You'll likely be able to speak to her tomorrow if you'd like." He looks down at the druid, sprawled out in the dirt of the flowerbed. "Would you like us to take this one into custody? Or, did you have plans of your own for him?"

Mac AC:28 vs Elemental HP:161 (flying 60', etc.) 
Tuesday July 20th, 2010 7:22:22 PM
Mac whispers to Jass (the nearest ear with Syr grappling), "Why is everyone just assuming he is here alone? Two people able to appear to be anyone could alibi each other over and over, and supply a second prong should the first fail. I'm probably sounding paranoid, but if I had a second person in on this, I would put him into a position where the overlord would be brought to him without any questions asked. If this sounds reasonable, knowing your penchant for 'altered representation', would you think it worthwhile to have some guards find someone who has a long standing relationship with the physician to verify he isn't a pretender with darker motives?"

Belkior 
Tuesday July 20th, 2010 11:23:17 PM
The halfling cleric listens politely to Phileas Bankable before shaking his head. Belkior frowns slightly before replying.

"I would feel much better if I were to stay with the Overlord myself. I am certain that her physician is quite capable but I feel that I should be immediately on hand in case her condition worsens. And, in case any ally of this fellow makes a second attempt."

"Can you have one of the guards show me to the Overlord's chambers?"

Jass 
Wednesday July 21st, 2010 3:37:07 PM
Jass gets a mental nudge from Mac about the tactical abilities of the druids. "You are right, big guy. Their last battle with us did the same thing."

Jass also volunteers to assist Belkior with the Overlord. "There are other preparations that must be made besides the immediate safety of Alicia", he says with determination, "like her long-term safety."

When he gets to the Overlord's Chambers, the sorcerer will do a quick scan for any magic items or spells active in the room or on the people around Alicia's bed.

Spells 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Avail 6 8 8 8 7 7 7 5
Used 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 2

Syr 
Wednesday July 21st, 2010 5:25:50 PM
The monk disengages himself from the unconscious form of the Druid and looks at the mintoar, "It's not often we see things eye to eye. I could get used to this." Waving his hand up and down to show off his size (Enlarge). Glancing down at the sleeping form, "The magic guys are checking on the Overlord, why don't we accompany the guards to see if this guy has anything useful when he wakes up?" He nudges the body with a sandal clad foot.

Mac AC:28 vs Elemental HP:161 (flying 60', etc.) 
Wednesday July 21st, 2010 6:16:41 PM
Mac grabs the druid by the back of his shirt and asks the guards to lead on.

Well Considered Caution - DMAl 
Wednesday July 21st, 2010 7:29:54 PM

"You think??? The Overlord's Personal Physician???" Phileas Bankable appears both aghast at the idea, and, at the same time, somewhat drawn to the notion of such an elaborate skein of intrigue. "Yes, by all means, I don't think anyone will have any objections. Everyone's heard by now, you're the Overlord's Appointed Counselors."

Belkior and Jass are lead to the Overlord's personal chambers. They are, as befitting the Overlord, ornate, with high ceilings and tall glass windows. The Overlord Alicia lies on a tasteful canopy bed in the middle of a large airy room. Her face looks peaceful, if a little drawn. She's been changed into her bedclothes.

The Overlord's Physician is another devotee of Alemi, and he breaks into a broad grin as he see Belkior approach with the symbol of both of their gods emblazoned on his vestments. Not oddly, the Physician wears a very similar vestment, also bearing the sigil of Alemi. The Physician welcomes them to stay, comforted by the presence of the Overlord's Counselors and recent saviors.

Jass scans the room and finds that magic abounds here. The Physician, the Overlord's guard, the bed, and many of the Overlord's personal items all radiate magic. None of the things, though, appear suspicious or otherwise threatening.

Syr and Mac accompany the Guard - Mac dragging the limp body of the druid in one hand. The Guard lead Syr and Mac down into a very dark and serious looking lower level of the Overlord's Palace. Here, there are no windows to the outside. The very plain and unassuming unconscious man - as this does indeed appear to be a human, is stripped of the Tea Attendant's dress and given an extremely thorough cavity search. He is clapped in irons at both the neck wrists and ankles and places on the floor of a very special room. Syr and Mac note the effect of the room as they enter. All of their magic items stop working.

The druid is then chained to a ring in the floor. He will not likely be able to do more than sit up, and will certainly be restrained from standing to full height. Given the severe pummeling that Syr had handed to the druid, it is likely that he will not recover consciousness for many hours. Without magical healing he will be out at least till the morning.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OoC: The Palace is pleased to host the Crimson Shields for the night. You may stay if you wish. If you have anything in particular you wish to accomplish, please post it. Otherwise, I will move you to the next morning in tomorrow's post.

Belkior  d20+7=13 ; d20+9=18 ;
Wednesday July 21st, 2010 11:02:01 PM
The halfling cleric warms and smiles when he recognizes another adherent of Alemi. Belkior asks some questions to determine where the Physician went to seminary and what people they know in common at the Temples here in Floating City. As subtly as he can, Belkior is trying to detect any discrepancies in what the Physician tells him.
Gather Information = 13, Sense Motive = 18

"If you don't mind, I would rather spend the night here. I can curl up in a chair or something like that. Given the attack on the Overlord and that I don't know the specifics of the poison, I would rather be here to provide what assistance that I can."


Syr  d20+2=22 ;
Thursday July 22nd, 2010 4:34:30 AM
Syr sees the druid to the cell and nods in satisfaction, "Nice place you have here, Teruci?" He checks in once with Belkior and Jass to see how the Overlord is doing before returning to the guards. Accepting the hospitality of the palace, he spends the evening with the Guard. The elf now considers their new role as counselors and spends the evening speaking to the guards and finding out what they see as their challenges. (Gather Info Nat 20)

Jass  d20+18=37 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+14=32 ;
Thursday July 22nd, 2010 3:28:55 PM
Jass takes a long look at the magical auras in the room and people, looking specifically for auras in the school of transmutation, and then using his great knowledge of spells to determine if there are any image altering magics about. And then, he'll ask the busybodies about the room why that particular item or person is hiding it's true form.

Jass isn't above casting a couple targeted greater dispel magic spells to revert any image altered individual or item.

Jass will also elect to stay with Belkior and the Overlord, but isn't content with a chair to curl up in. "I'm sure you good people have a portable bed with a nice mattress, some silkgrass sheets, and soft down pillow, eh?" The sorcerer puts on the charm. "We may be here a while to help our beloved Overlord, and it would be best for Belkior and I to be ready when the need arises and not worried about our stiff sleeping areas. You are great, you know that?"

...Actions
Spellcraft-37
Know Arcana - 32
Possible GDM - 17, 21, 31 (possible vs transmutation magics)
Diplomacy - 32 (to get nice accomodations in Overlord's chambers)

Spells 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Avail 6 8 8 8 7 7 7 5
Used 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 2

Badges of Honor - DMAl 
Thursday July 22nd, 2010 9:03:41 PM

Belkior probes the Overlord's physician and studies him for intent. It turns out that the physician, who's name is Jessup Tarl, studied right here in Floating City. Further, he seems to know one or two handfuls of people that Belkior is acquainted with, and can converse about these people with a fairly detailed knowledge of them. Even beyond that, the man seems sincere. He does not seem to Belkior to have any ulterior motives.

"Nah, Sirrah," the Gaoler in the Palace of the Overlord answers to Syr in reference to the anti-magic cell. "T'was enchantered, so I hear, by two wizards. Twin bruther, so the story goes. T'was many yars gone. With certs before my time."

"What's passing odd is that we dinna find a thing on yon druid assassin. No weapon. No jewelry. Not a thing."

Later Jass would find, from his queries of various busybodies, that all magic is secretly detected and cataloged on entrance to the Overlord's private chambers. Transmutation and illusion magic are particularly suspect, and are watched with care. Jass finds boots, and belts, and circlets that radiate transmutation, but all are clearly designed to enhance the prowess of the wearer, and many are worn by the Crimson Shields themselves. Of illusion magic, there is none. This could possibly be why the druid carried no possessions with him. Certainly no objects of any power.

Some rather comfortable folding beds and a small ornate table are set up in one corner of the Overlord's bedroom, and the Crimson Shields settle in for the duration. The hearing had taken place in the morning, and it is early afternoon before the rhythm's of the Palace seem to quiet to a normal pace. A light lunch is brought in for the Crimson Shields, part of which is sent back, only to return a few minutes later in a vegetarian version for Belkior.

The rest of the day is uneventful. Syr's attempts to engage the guards in conversation are met with surprising results. Many guards can be said to be literate at best. The personal guards of the Overlord appear not only quite intelligent, but politically savvy as well. All seem to agree that the politics of wealth seems to be driving undercurrents within the noble class towards expansion. The only thing holding back exploration and greater trade itself is the fear among the nobles that when things do break open, one of the other houses will steal the advantage. So things stew and brew with the noble houses in clandestine war against each other.

One day, one of the guards theorizes, one of the houses will overstep its bounds, and the tensions will come to the surface. With the loyalties that various factions of guards and different merchant guilds have to the different noble houses, open warfare could tear the Float apart. Another guard shakes his head. Never happen, he says. The nobles are just as afraid of such a thing as everyone else is. If one house stepped out of line, the others would rally around the Overlord and put them down.

Druid assassins? Kuo-toan invasions? No, it seems that what the guards see as the biggest challenge is the governance of Floating City itself.

Day gives way to night. Night passes, with the Overlord sleeping soundly. She wakes with the light of day as it streams through her windows over the great walls of Open Level. "Poor Tamara," she says when she is apprised of the events of the day before. "I never imagined that I would be putting her in harm's way when I chose her as my Tea Attendant."

"We will hunt these ... Darkwood Druids," declares the Overlord Alicia. "They have declared themselves not only your enemies, Crimson Shields, but my personal enemy and the enemies of Floating City. But before we discuss such things, there is something we must do."

Sitting up in her bed, the Overlord gestures to an attendant. And, after a whispered conversation, the attendant leave and returns with a small flat box. "As I promised," the Overlord opens the box revealing eight round disks of dark polished onyx. Engraved in white upon these disks is a simple circle surrounded by less prominent runes. "The Mark of the Overlord. With these, all will recognize that you wield my personal authority." She closes the box and places holds it out for the Crimson Shields to take. "You have long served the city. Now, let the city know of your service."

+++++++++++++++++++++++

OoC: First, apologies for the very long post.

Second, please place this description on your character sheets. It will serve future DM's, allowing them to track down the origin of this Fate Item and to contact me should they have any questions.

Mark of the Overlord
Etched in white upon these dark onyx disks is a simple circle standing for both The Wold as well as the phonetic sound "Ah". It is surrounded by less prominent runes.

The Mark of the Overlord can be worn anywhere, as a pendant, as a badge, as a wristlet, wherever the owner of the Mark wishes. The Mark of the Overlord does not take up a body-slot.

When the Mark of the Overlord is prominently displayed, the owner gains a +10 bonus to Diplomacy checks against anyone who is directly employed by the Floating City government. Examples of such might be City Guard, workers in city offices, bureaucrats of the Office of the Overlord, and such. This would not necessarily include guards from specific noble houses, though.

The Mark of the Overlord also, once displayed, gains the bearer a +2 bonus to Diplomacy against any citizen of Floating City.

These bonuses only apply as long as Alicia remains Overlord of the City. Once a new Mask Day comes and another Overlord is chose, these Marks lose their ability to influence.

This bonus stacks with all other bonuses.

Belkior 
Thursday July 22nd, 2010 9:55:00 PM
The halfling cleric bows and then kneels in thanks to the Overlord.

"I am humbled to receive this, your Grace. Thank you for your recognition and aid. I speak only for myself but please call upon me if you should have need in the future."

Belkior carefully removes one of the disks and examines it. Not knowing where to wear it, the Paragon slips it into his pouch for the time being.

"Besides the hunt for the Darkwood Druids, is there any way that we can now be of service to the City?"

Mac 
Friday July 23rd, 2010 8:53:59 AM
Mac respectfully receives his disc / badge and considers the best way to wear it, eventually conceeding that it probably best sits up on his bandana, alongside his WLA badge. Mac awaits a response to Belkior's question.

OOC: With the badge and luckstone, Mac's modifier for a Diplomacy check against a citizen of the Float has now risen to the dizzying heights of +0. And people wonder why he runs the "strong, silent type".

Badges of Honor - DMAl 
Friday July 23rd, 2010 11:11:59 AM

OoC: Note that I've added a line to the rule governing the Mark of the Overlord. If you've already copied it to your Character Sheet, you'll need to add that last line.

Jass 
Friday July 23rd, 2010 11:58:57 AM
"Why thank you, your ladyship", says Jass with a subdued grin. "I shall hold the honor proudly and respectfully." He takes the disk in hand and withdraws.

When the Crimson Shields get together and compare notes of guard, druid, and attendant are compared, Jass still has the white disk in a palm, turning it over and over with a considering look on his face. Eventually, he stops listening to the speculations of the others and begins talking to himself.

"Well, now you did it old boy. After a life of carefree travel and living by your wits, you are trapped in more than a superficial consideration of the people around you. Your wits got you killed, and your magic killed a companion and a friendship. And now your mouth got you all the attention you've ever wanted, but it comes with all the responsibility you've avoided all your life."

More, similar mumblings follow with a Jass face that is surprisingly easy to read; the charismatic sorcerer seems like he's finally let some of the walls down. "You can't stand by yourself anymore, old chap. And you know what?", the question comes with a dawning look of wonder in Jass' eyes, "I don't really mind it either!"

The sorcerer, almost hesitantly, strings the white disk on a fine silk band, and hooks it around his neck.

...Actions

Spells 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Avail 6 8 8 8 7 7 7 5
Used 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 2

How They Returned Home And What Happened There - DMAl 
Friday July 23rd, 2010 9:44:25 PM

The Overlord draws a contemplative breath before answering Belkior's question. "Ask not in what way you can be of service to Floating City," she replies. "Rather, ask in what way can you not? You have done so much already, and that merely from the kindness of your hearts and the goodness of your souls."

"I'd heard of your work with the orphanage. It is a shame the way things came to pass. My point, though, is that there are so many places in which you might start. Problems abound. They seek merely persons with both the conscience and the means to address them."

"If there is anything that I would ask of you right now, at this moment, it is to be my conscience. If you see problems that you believe needs addressing over all others, speak to me. I may not be able to affect change overnight, but I will give great consideration to your word, and I will try in any way possible to address your concerns."

"I believe that in many things that he said yesterday, the Jack of Diamonds was correct. His methods may not be acceptable, nor do I believe he fully understands or possibly cares not for the cost of the things of which he asks. But I believe his way is right." The final words of the Overlord come over the top of those of Jass as he speaks at the side to ... who knows who.

The door to the Overlords bedroom opens, and in walks a breathless and clearly distressed man. Syr and Mac recognize him from the day before as the Palace Gaoler. "Meny pardons Your Overlairship." The Gaoler comes to a halt at the foot of the Overlord's bed and pulls at his collar. Sweat beads on his forehead. "He's done it. I don't know how, but he has. Tis the prisoner, Your Overlairdship, the druid. Somehow he's swallered his own tongue and choked. Don't know how he's managed such a thing, but he has. The druid is dead."

A flurry of sound and motion ripples through the various guards and attendants in the Overlord's bedroom. The Overlord herself, frowns, a look of contemplation overtaking her face.

"This will make the search for these Darkwood Druids a bit more difficult. As I am lead to understand, even the dead can be questioned, and question him we will."

"Crimson Shields of Hope, we will put all of the resources at our disposal to work in pursuit of these druids. In the meantime, I understand that you still have the remains of your spoils to attend to. You have a business that I'm sure requires care, and a household. Please attend to these things. We will keep you apprised of our investigation as it unfolds. We may have significant results in ... " A tall robed man leans in and whispers into the Overlord's ear. " ... in four or five day."

"Thank you for your service, and thank you again for my life."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Upon returning to Merchant Level and the Crimson Shield properties, the Shields find the remaining unidentified pieces of armor, shields and spears on a pile in the floor of the living area. Pinned to the top is a note from Grigory.


8 +1 Chain Shirts
10 +1 Heavy Wooden Shields
10 +1 Shortspears
10 +1 Light Crossbows

Got some unexpected help, so was able to finish everything today. Please meet me at the You Know Where of the SMG as soon as you are available. Problem. May be trouble.

-- Grigory Hamwich Fern Pipewood Trufflefinder


Ivy appears from the kitchen, drying her hands on a cloth. She seems happy to see the return of the small group of Crimson Shields, happier still at the prospect of getting the pile of dirty blood crusted trappings of war off the living room floor and out of the house.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OoC: Apologies for moving things out of the Overlord's Palace so abruptly, but we have something of a schedule to keep. This next post will be your only IC chance to mention a trip to the Catacombs. Gear up now. This will likely be your only chance -Real Time - for some time to come. I'll address more specifics in an email to all of you.

Jass 
Sunday July 25th, 2010 12:13:33 AM
Jass helps the others pack up all the loot (and clean the room afterwards) from the last adventure and take unclaimed items to the Catacombs.

The sorcerer himself needs to see that magical emporium rather desperately, and pulls out huge bags of cash and gems to get himself properly refitted.

ooc: Al, do we do this here or do we have to go through Catacombs?

Jass is selling a 49 charges Wand of Invisibility 4,500 - 1 charge (90gp) - 10% = 3,969gp credit

Jass is buying:
- Shirt of Resistance +5 (25K + 10%) ...27,500gp
- Upgrade to Mithral Buckler +5 ..........+10,000gp
- Wand of See Invisibility ...........4,500gp
- Wand of Darkvision...................4,500gp
- Bracers of Armor +5 ......................... 25,000gp
TOTAL.................................................71,500gp

68,850gp - this module

71,500
-3,969
67,531

1,319gp left over


Belkior 
Sunday July 25th, 2010 11:10:58 PM
The halfling cleric does his part in cleaning up the rooms, chastened by Ivy's obvious disapproval of their dirtying the carpet with the ichor and blood still dripping or oozing from the armor and items. Belkior chats with Jass as they go, trying to decide what to purchase.

=======================

Belkior would like to purchase a +3 Tome of Understanding from the Catacombs. He will make up the difference between his share of the loot (68850 gp) and the purchase price (82500 gp) with cash.


Mac 
Monday July 26th, 2010 3:57:14 AM
"You know, the forge would be a much better place to have at least cleaned this... in fact, that sounds like a good idea." Mac takes anything that really needs a good cleaning back to the forge and gives it a good once over.

"Once we have been to the Catacombs and Smog, I'll need to put in some time at the WLA."

Syr 
Monday July 26th, 2010 9:18:05 PM
Syr smiles at Ivy and proceeds to help with with the chores around the house that need doing. While working he gives thought to what the Overlord requested. Having taken life in Floating City for granted, he recalls the reactions of Grigory to the squalor on the bottom level of the Float. Thinking to himself, 'Is that what she means about her moral compass?'

Entering the Outpost of the Star Mages' Guild - DMAl 
Monday July 26th, 2010 9:21:23 PM

It's early evening before the Crimson Shields see to the disposal of the items taken from the caverns of the Ring Artifact. Ivy fixes a late lunch with the promise of a late evening meal when they return from wherever it is they will be going to meet Grigory.

The "SMG" in Grigory's note must surely stand for Star Mages Guild. So the Shields make their way up to Gold Level and the unassuming street on which stands the unassuming townhouse within which Grigory had said the Star Mages had set up their illegal outpost. Should they simply go up to the door and knock? Would that give the up the outpost to the authorities? Grigory did mention coming as soon as the Shields were ready, so Grigory and the Star Mages must be, to some extent, ready for their arrival. Besides, what other choice do they have?

The four Crimson Shields approach the town home, and turn to mount the stairs to the front door. As soon as they turn, the Wold seems to shift and they see themselves continuing down the street. The other Syr, Belkior, Mac and Jass walk off down the street passing the town home by entirely.

The front door opens and Grigory pokes out his head. "Heh. Illusion," the halfling explains, and beckons his fellow Crimson Shields to come inside.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OoC:

If you have anything that you need to add in the half a day between the time you returned from the Overlord's Palace and this evening at the Star Mages' Guild outpost, please include it in your next post. If there's anything for me to adjudicate, I'll take care of it in my next post.

Belkior 
Monday July 26th, 2010 10:02:11 PM
The halfling cleric reconsiders his purchases and merely puts his share of the items on his account with the Temple of Alemi.

"So, Grigory, what have you been up to?"

(OOC - CS updated)

Jass  d10=3 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+20=40 ;
Tuesday July 27th, 2010 11:08:21 AM
Jass wants to ensure he and the Crimson Shields make the best possible impression for Grigory and the SMG as well as the people of Floating City. To that end, he dons a white shirt and bufs his Pants O Plenty, placing a subdued crimson surcoat over all to dramatic effect. His cloak and gloves are also clean (thanks to a little Prestidigitation). He tucks new purchases and other accoutraema into his boundless pockets, and checks to make sure bracers, circlet, rings, amulet, and Mark of the Overlord are glinting in thier shiny glory.

To top off the effect, his ever present Unseen Servant to open doors for him and brush off the occasional speck of dust, Dancing Lights about his head, and False Life for a little defensive support.

As Jass walks through the streets of Floating City, he freely waves, calls, and talks to the people on the street, folks hanging out windows, and children playing games. A couple of copper pieces appear behind a small ear or two, handed out to the child with a smile on his face. Talking to the people, he gets them to drop thier guard, to open up, allowing Syr and Belkior to find out thier needs, wants, and fears.

.............

"Very nice", Jass verbally applauds Grigory, "obviously a Seeming, but I must admit casting 4 at the same time without noticeable interruption was very nicely done." The sorcerer will go into the house and see what the scholarly halfling wants.

...Actions
Perform: Sleight of Hand: 16, 21
Diplomacy: 33 (not including MoO bonus)
Spellcraft: 40

...Effects
Unseen Servant; 15 hours; invisible servant
Dancing Lights; 1 minute; ball of red light like an aura around his head
False Life; 15 hours; +13 hit points

Spells 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Avail ..6 8 8 8 7 7 7 5
Used .2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

Unwelcome Artifact - DMAl 
Tuesday July 27th, 2010 9:03:53 PM

"Well, it wasn't me alone," the halfling replies to Jass, but he is clearly pleased at the compliment. When the Shields step through the doorway, the see what he means. Just inside the door is the front room of a small modest shop. Standing in a rough semi-circle facing them behind various tables and various counters are five mages - four men, three humans and a half-elf, and the one lone human woman.

"This is Stavel," Grigory begins, indicating the half-elf. "Teaja," the woman. "Geminix," a man with the wild eyes. "Lashen," the third man. "And some men call him ... 'Tim'," Grigory says, indicating the last of the human males.

"Thank you for coming, Crimson Shields," says the man who some call ... Tim, taking over for Grigory. "If you don't mind, we'll dispense with the pleasantries. We're at a loss as to do with the artifact, and we're not certain as to what degree of hazard it presents. Come this way, if you'll please."

The man who some call ... Tim leads the Shields out the back of the shop and into a hallway, long and narrow. In fact, the hall appears to extend further than the outside dimensions of the town home might suggest. They walk down the hall passing various doors, most are closed. The open doorway of one room seems to reveal a forest on the other side. From behind another open door comes the sound of combat. A peek inside reveals several mages in combat with a pit fiend. The walls and ceiling of the room are cloaked in darkness, and nearby another man - an observer - stands next to a pedestal topped with glowing buttons. "Combat room," Grigory explains as the Shields pass by.

The man who some call ... Tim chooses a closed door and enters. The Shields find this room to be a circular room of two stories. The second story is ringed by a railed catwalk. In the center of the room are several long tables with tastefully subdued lighting running their length. On both floors are rows and rows of shelves. Parked on many shelves are rows of books. Others, however, seem to hold racks of small colored stones.

"This is the Library," explains the man who some call ... Tim. "And this is our problem." He gestures at an object both plainly visible, and yet not entirely out of place in this place of wonders. It hangs at chest height to a human in midair in the center of the room. The object, the size of a halfling sized backpack resembles nothing less than an hourglass with a heart shaped middle. Glowing with an ethereal light, the object seems to pulse.

"None of us has touched it yet. Though we have scanned it for magic. It is infused with magic of an overwhelming nature and of a school of magic that one of us has been yet able to identify."

"We have no real idea where it's come from or how it got here. But there are some who feel that it may have something to do with the collapse of our Tower in a distant land. It that's true, it may be very dangerous indeed. Why it would choose to teleport itself here is a complete mystery to all of us."

Now bathed in the soft light of this mysterious artifact, the members of the Crimson Shields feel a creeping familiarity that grows slowly and subtly with each pulse of the light. Jass receives brief and random smells - the salt breeze off the docks of Heranmar, the spicy tang of roast Prairie Pig. Mac feels a near physical tug at the Tear in his chest. The other Shields receive little more than the impression of a person, less than an image, little more than the echo of a memory. If they would attach a name to the impression, that name would be Xenia.

"Any ideas?" asks the man who some call ... Tim. "Better yet, any thoughts on how we might get it out of the City?"

Belkior 
Tuesday July 27th, 2010 10:49:25 PM
The halfling cleric looks around at his companions, wondering if they have felt the same. Belkior had barely thought of Xenia since she had ... departed. He never pried too deeply into what had happened between the half-elf rogue and Wynn, another former companion.

"Do any of you have any suggestions? I thought about Xenia, who some of you may not know, but I don't know where she is now."

Jass 
Tuesday July 27th, 2010 11:09:06 PM
"Xenia?", asks Jass quizically, "that's an unusual name. Surely it can't be the same as..."

The straw-haired sorcerer shakes his head even while licking his chops at the phantom smell of Prarie Pig.

"There is a Xenia who is part of the greatest heroic group of the Southern Continent, the Children of Chaos. They headquarter out of... Heranmar."

...Actions

...Effects
Unseen Servant; 15 hours; invisible servant
Dancing Lights; 1 minute; ball of red light like an aura around his head
False Life; 15 hours; +13 hit points

Spells 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Avail ..6 8 8 8 7 7 7 5
Used .2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

Mac 
Tuesday July 27th, 2010 11:47:49 PM
"Actually, it's more complex than that. I grew up in Heranmar. As far as the greatest heroic group of the Southern Continent is concerned, you'll forgive me for holding a different opinion. Allow me to try something - and no, I'm not going to touch the... it. You're welcome to see if this (pointing to the hourglass) and this (pointing to his chest) have a connection."

In response to the first sensation he has received from it in ages, Mac places a hand over his chest and (hoping from the reaction that it might act as a conduit) tries to activate the long silent Tear, with the simple Message: "Can you hear me? Who are you? How can I help?"

The Power Battery - DMAl 
Wednesday July 28th, 2010 9:06:11 PM

Message: "Can you hear me? Who are you? How can I help?"

Mac holds a hand to the Tear implanted in his chest and reaches out. He feels his message radiating from him like ripples in a pond with himself the stone that has disturbed the mirror surface. His ripples splash against the pulses of light that emanate from the artifact and the two emanations merge and deform each other.

Mac receives no reply. Rather, he is infused with a feeling. Strangers. There is no sense of his old friends. Trellus, Flea, Jake, Grymash, Gilan. He feels none of them. One presence remains from the old days, and that is the warm earthy feeling that must be Tishe. The others? Maybe they're dead. Perhaps they too, like he, are too far away from the others for the Tear to connect. But that is the only reply that Mac receives.

Mac rises from the feeling to note that the man who would be called ... Tim and the other Star Mage are backing cautiously away. Then all of the Crimson Shields see the reason why. The pulses from the artifact grow stronger with each beat. With each beat the circumference of light grows larger, approaching the Crimson Shields, expanding quickly until the light engulfs them all. The light of the artifact pounces and seizes the Crimson Shields. It penetrates and surrounds them. The Crimson Shields feel themselves infused with power.

Then the light recedes. The artifact still pulses now. But, as though it were an essential battery, once it had imparted its energy to the Crimson Shields, its own energy is diminished.

"What happened there," asks the man who would be called ... Tim. "You look different. I find it hard to describe in what way, but my senses tell me that you are different." Indeed, the Shields feel a light that now holds their hearts. It enfolds and envelop the heart.

Will vs DC15 to interact with the light around your heart. You may add the bonuses listed below.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

OoC:
Jass gains 40HP +4 Caster Level and saves
Mac Gains 40HP +4 AC and saves +2 Hit Dmg
Belkior Gains 20HP +4 Caster Level Saves
Syr Gains +2 all rolls

If you have any questions about these powers, please email DM Daniel Knotts.

Belkior  d20+23=35 ;
Wednesday July 28th, 2010 10:16:23 PM
The halfling cleric draws upon an inner resolve honed through years of devotion to Alemi, withstanding whatever the light is doing to him.
Will = 35

"Syr?"

"Jass?"

"Mac?"

"What's this? Can you hear me?"

Mac  d20+12=16 ;
Wednesday July 28th, 2010 10:56:46 PM
The minotaur fighter draws upon an inner resolve honed through years of work at the forge, understanding that sometimes change is tempered and easy, but sometimes it is hard wrought. Will: 16+4=20

"Interesting. This bears further study."

+-+-+-+
OOC: No sooner is Mac's CS updated... :)

Mac - additional 
Thursday July 29th, 2010 6:12:36 AM
Mac offers the beginnings of an explanation:
"Tishe' was a packmate in the Bloodpack - this was long before I met up with Captain Brahmah and the Chosen. When Jass referred to the Children of Chaos, my thoughts were of the Bloodpack. Maybe she was involved in creating this. Maybe she is close enough to something like this elsewhere. Nothing of the rest of the 'pack though." He looks to the Star Mages and asks, "Is that name known to you?"

Jass  d20+20=27 ; d20+18=33 ;
Thursday July 29th, 2010 2:51:46 PM
Jass takes an involuntary step back and throws up his hands in a warding gesture as the pulsing light flows through his lanky body. The light encloses his heart and he tries hard to get a feel of this magic. Is it black and evil like the taint he felt while dead? Will it affect his feelings and thoughts? Jass wants to know before he gets trapped like before!

He listens to the big minotaur and considers what he said. "I've heard of the Bloodpack, but don't know much about them. Defenders of Rattledam and orphans in the Sargrass is what I've heard. Hot place. I nearly sweated my skin off there!" He looks at Mac with a glint of humor in his eye. "Now, Heranmar is another matter. How long has it been since you have been to the town? Years?" Jass pokes Mac friendly-like in the thigh, "I passed through there a couple of weeks before the Great Migration, and the Children of Chaos have made it thier home. There's a druid who seems to be the leader and has a grove north of the town now, and a couple dwarves helping the city guard, and this small drow girl named Xenia who is curious about everything."

Jass shrugs. "But it seems to me that this artifact is keyed in on the Southern Continent. If you can feel this Tishe' chick, and Belkior and Syr feel this Xenia person, and I'm reminded of grilled Prarie Pig...." Jass drifts off to a dramatic pause. "Looks like the artifact is telling us to go there. And if the magic is good, then maybe we should follow the trail!"

...Actions
Spellcraft: 27
Know Arcana: 33

...Effects
Unseen Servant; 15 hours; invisible servant
Dancing Lights; 1 minute; ball of red light like an aura around his head
False Life; 15 hours; +13 hit points

Spells 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Avail ..6 8 8 8 7 7 7 5
Used .2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0


Mac - additional 
Thursday July 29th, 2010 10:36:53 PM
Mac shoots Jass a deadly serious look, until he resolves to his own satisfaction that the talk of places in the Sargrass Plains seems no more than hearsay. Sweating your skin off is far too serious a possibility to be spoken of jest - especially for those who have seen the truly grotesque and thus unspoken part that falls between "sweating" and "your skin off".
Back on the topic of Heranmar he's on better footing. "Several years, yes. It is where my great-grandparents adventures led them and they finally settled down."

"If a field trip is in order then there are matters that need attention first."

Will of the Magic Battery - DMAl 
Thursday July 29th, 2010 10:59:50 PM

The Crimson Shields exercise and effort of will against the light that surrounds their hearts. Belkior attempts to communicate with the others subvocally, but the others hear nothing. The light apparently conveys no powers of communication. Rather, as the Shields concentrate on the light, it contracts, squeezing in upon itself. As the light contracts, an thin pseudopod of light quests outward from the main body. A thin beam of light, blood red as though infused with the blood of its host, emerges from the chests of each of the Crimson Shields. At its tip the beam blossoms, spreading into a palm shaped object, pointed at the bottom and curves at the top, the shape resembles nothing less than a small shield. The small shields of light exude an unmistakable aura of good. Each member of the Crimson Shields feels it, each knows that their own is also good. Upon the relaxation of willpower, the small red shield shape retreats back into the chest. Each Crimson Shield knows instinctively that this light is the source of their new found strengths. They are pervaded with a feeling that it is with them for a reason, and that it the reason is right and just.

"Tishe?" the Star Mage who would be called ... Tim asks in way of an answer to Mac's question. "Sorry. Never heard of it. Certainly an unusual name, though."

"If, in fact, this artifact came from the Southern Continent, it may have had something to do with a battery of magic that our chapter was investigating just before their tower was destroyed. I think I have a memory stone around ... "

As the mage who some men call ... Tim turns to one of the racks lined with small white stones, the artifact, the hourglass with the heart embedded in its middle, the battery, explodes in a blinding burst of light. For a second time the Crimson Shields are enveloped in light. But this time, as the wave of luminescence strikes them it feels as though they are being pushed from their corporeality. In their minds' eye they see a flash of open water and a dark coastline. (Will Save to avoid the push. Or you may choose to be carried along.)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OoC: Sorry for posting late. Out with my brother's family.

Also, as an addendum to my last post. Please add this to your Character Sheets so that future DM's might refer to it.

<Only use your change>
Jass gains 40HP +4 Caster Level and saves
Mac Gains 40HP +4 AC and saves +2 Hit Dmg
Belkior Gains 20HP +4 Caster Level Saves
Syr Gains +2 all rolls

Granted by DM's Al (changa@charter.net) and DanielK (mikalus30@gmail.com) as part of the Merger between the Crimson Shields and the Gray Knights. Reference Crimson Shields Module: Good of the State, Scene: Councelors of Floating City, Wednesday July 28th, 2010 9:06:11 PM

Mac 
Friday July 30th, 2010 9:02:36 AM
"Grigory? Just in case - please let the ladies know we might be absent for a while!"
And with that Mac follows the push.

Jass AC:27 HP:126/113 (False Life) 
Friday July 30th, 2010 10:39:14 AM
Jass looks at the assembled Star Mages and grins. "I think it's a vision, mage who would be called ... Tim, but Mac may be right. So quick! What tower was destroyed? What city? Any names we can follow who was doing the investigation?"

Jass allows the good magic to pull him along, a much different feeling than the soul-sucking darkness when he was dead.

...Actions

...Effects
Unseen Servant; 15 hours; invisible servant
False Life; 15 hours; +13 hit points

Spells 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Avail ..6 8 8 8 7 7 7 5
Used .2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

Waylaid - DMAl 
Friday July 30th, 2010 9:01:52 PM

The Crimson Shields all opt to go with the light of the battery.

"Yes, I'll ... " Grigory's voice.

"Tower? Hook Cit ... " The voice of the man who some men call ... Tim.

The light quickly fades from the library in the secret illegal outpost of the Star Mages' Guild in Floating City. When the light leaves, fading completely it takes with it both the hourglass shaped battery and the Crimson Shields. Grigory is left behind wondering why he was not take as well.

Meanwhile, Syr, Belkior, Mac and Jass find themselves in a limbo in which they have sight but no sound. They are pushed through compressed light, some of which come across as identifiable images. Open water. Vast expenses of canopied treetops? A quick flash of browns, greens and grays before more of what must be open water that goes one for longer than any of the other images. There is a flash of clustered congestion the center of which is an enormous bridge suspended in midair on giant hooks.

The world then rocks with violence. Though the Shields see each other, their bodies still and at peace, their souls feel tossed and shaken like rats in the mouths of huge feral dogs. A darkness blots out the image of the bridge. The same darkness draws them, as though on a course they had not been intending to take. This darkness pulls them towards it.

(Will Save: This will be a collective Will Save.)

Mac 
Friday July 30th, 2010 9:51:15 PM
OOC: Can't say I've participated in a collective Save before, so how is it done?

Waylaid - DMAl 
Friday July 30th, 2010 11:11:41 PM

OoC: You all make Will Saves and I total them for the collective save.

Mac  d20+16=21 ;
Saturday July 31st, 2010 12:21:31 AM
The travel puts Mac in mind of island hoping on the backs of Grand Maw and Shady, except on that trip you got a better measure of the scenery passing by. This scenario is something akin to things in his past - He needs to get somewhere, but someone is hampering their approach - probably in order to let someone else finish the job. Maintaining the tap into the HeartLight, Mac steels himself against the darkness. Will:21

Jass AC:27 HP:126/113 (False Life)  d20+19=35 ;
Saturday July 31st, 2010 10:24:49 AM
Jass is smiling and happy, feeling the goodness of the light, enjoying the trip over the Wold, speeding south towards home. "There! That's Hook City! One of the greatest..."

His very being shudders and is grabbed by a dark force. The sorcerer is stunned and nearly succumbs to the blackness that is similar to what he felt in the caverns under the Lake. "NO!" he shouts. Did he shout? It doesn't matter, for Jass will not be a danger to friends or innocent again. He pulls with all his will against the darkness.

Furball chitters in fear on Jass' shoulder.

...Actions
Will: 35

...Effects
Unseen Servant; 15 hours; invisible servant
False Life; 15 hours; +13 hit points

Spells 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Avail ..6 8 8 8 7 7 7 5
Used .2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

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