Sir Josh rides out to greet the newcomer. He is clearly a knight and a nobleman, on a stunning charger, clad in a mithril breastplate that is engraved with a plant motif. The armor bears a striking gold plate flower embossed over the knight's heart.
He bears no weapons, and his scabbard hangs empty.
The good-looking fellow smiles at Sir Josh. "I am Sir Horace of Aed, a Paladin of Ga'al."
He pauses a second to let that sink in. "I have come to greet the heroes of this castle, and to thank them on behalf of the Church of Ga'al. I also have news that I hope will be welcome. I beg for an audience with you and your comrades."
A mental voice rings out, loud despite being only telepathic. "Well! Stick a feather in your cap and call it macaroni! You can dress a dog in pretty clothes, but all you get is a dress with slobber on top and poop on the bottom!"
It is, of course, the profane artifact. But the newcomer is not fazed in the least.
"Greetings, LeGorne," he says. "It seems the rumors are true. You have become corrupt in the eons since you were created by Ga'al."
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn d20+12=13 ; Friday September 28th, 2012 4:22:48 PM
Knowledge Religion 13 Malgant blushes as Jass relates all the things he SHOULD know but didn't.He agrees that convincing the city to take the horn in paymentt for the favor and reward they will get from the church of Ga'al would be best, relieving them of the horn and paying for their land. For the price mentioned he agrees it should also be permanent. He tends to agree with the horn's observations at this time but will always listen first rather than blindly fighting someone who came to talk. He would be happy to speak with this paladin of Ga'al, something he never thought to see, so long as that conversation is held outside of the castle. Once again the Protector in him steps up and demands that a member of an enemy camp shall not pass through their defenses so easily. Assuming Sir Joshua relays the request over the Mind Link Malgant relays his term in the same way.To Joshua he telepathically sends, " Is he really not Evil Joshua? Check first please."
Spells on Malgant Mind Blank 24 hours duration Magical Vestment 18 hours duration, cast at 6 am after prayers. Contingency(extended) ( If i fall to below zero hp cast Breath of Life on me). 36 days duration
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Friday September 28th, 2012 4:31:00 PM
OOc DM Cayzle, what are the parameters of the Hallow Effect we can set on the castle? Are they as outlined in the spell or can we make it "the seven of us" or " Anyone other than the seven of us"?
To everyone else what effect do we want? I am thinking either Death ward on us or discern lies or Zone of Truth to anyone but us. What do you guys think?
DM Cayzle Friday September 28th, 2012 4:38:28 PM
Why not just use it as the spell permits and apply it to all good alignments?
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Friday September 28th, 2012 5:02:43 PM
OoC from ExDM Al: The parameters are of the spell with the exception that it covers the entire castle. (Though not the grounds outside.)
Cayzle Comments: What Al said! Specifically: "You may designate whether the effect applies to all creatures, creatures who share your faith or alignment, or creatures who adhere to another faith or alignment." As DM, I would allow that to apply to Good creatures.
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Friday September 28th, 2012 6:08:50 PM
OOC OK, thanks, I was wondering how flexible the "your faith or alignment" clause was. To not clog the board, please send the group an email if you have an opinion on what spell we use.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Friday September 28th, 2012 11:02:07 PM
UPDATE... ----------------------------------- Conditions/Other:
Guiding Star- You form a bond with your surroundings when you cast this spell. For the remaining duration of the spell you can always, as a standard action, determine your approximate distance from that area as well as the direction you must travel in order to reach it. You cannot determine the location of the area if you are on a different plane. The area counts as "very familiar" for the purposes of teleport or similar spells. You can only attune yourself to one location at a time. If you cast the spell at another spot you lose the ability to locate your original area.
Prepared Spells: 1st - Lead Blades x2, Resist Energy x2, Negate Aroma, Keen Senses 2nd - Versatile Weapon, Eagle Eye, Chameleon Stride, Guiding Star* 3rd - Darkvision x2*, Life Bubble* 4th - Commune with Nature, Grove of Respite, Summon Nature's Ally 4
Permanent/Other Effects: Mind Link (group) Large - Reach Fearsome - -2 in Diplomacy URBAN, WATER, UNDERGROUND and FORESTS +2 favored terrain CENTAURS, MAGICAL BEASTS, HUMANS and UNDEAD +2 favored enemy Neutral Good Immune to all harmful vapors and gases (such as cloudkill and stinking cloud effects, as well as inhaled poisons) and allowing him to breathe, even underwater or in a vacuum.
Active Spells or effects: Word of Recall - CL11 (castle) 1/day: unused Guiding Star (on himself, 15 days, Blackbird Lake, cast day one upon return) Darkvision (on himself 15 hours, CL15) Life Bubble (on himself, 15 hours, CL 15)
Item Provided junk: Daylight 1/day See Invisibility 1/day Rod of Extend 3/day Helm of Comprehend Languages and Read Magic (slotless) Necklace of Adaptation (slotless) Frost Chain (on Kukri) [Freedom of Movement underwater only, +1d6 frost is null underwater] Greater Improved Shadow Armor (+to stealth) Ring of Chameleon Power (disguise self as standard action, +to stealth)
Hero Points Spent: 3
DM Cayzle Friday September 28th, 2012 11:22:43 PM
At Malgant's bidding, the heroes gather outside the castle to greet the paladin of Ga'al.
"I have come to offer you our thanks," says Horace of Aed. "You see, although you may or may not know it, you have done the people here several great services."
"Of course, all know how you saved Acid City from the curse of the god of revenge. But you should know that of the souls your found and released in from Koshe Marr, four were of a famous Quad, and you have sent them on to their place in the afterlife, perhaps to be reborn again in service. And the horn they took with them was the one you have brought back. So we are in your debt on that count as well."
"So let me offer, then, the heartfelt thanks of the Church of Ga'al."
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 Saturday September 29th, 2012 12:11:56 AM
Over the mind link, *I am starting to not like where this is going.... And even though we really don't want that damn horn, I really am hesitant to hand it to the Church of Ga'al.....*
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
Jass of Downs (SteveK) Saturday September 29th, 2012 9:25:45 AM
Jass has been in the Northern Continent long enough to form his own opinions of some of the Powers who claim parts of the Noble Races devotions. He chimes in on the telepathic discussion, confident that as long as he isn't speaking or thinking at LaGorne, then the horn can't evesdrop. "As long as Sir Horace is a good guy, I say we get Alisidur further in our debt by gifting him LaGorne, and here's why. Your Power called Ga'al is really interested in order. LaGorne is an artifact of Ga'al. LaGorne right now seems only interested in chaos and disorder. Right? So, if we give LaGorne to this paladin, he or several someones in that church are going to have to spend an awful lot of time to reconvert the artifact... a lifetime. Don't you like the idea of occupying the lifetime efforts of several priests of Ga'al, the which they will actually thank us for, when they could be doing other things?"
Even though it is in telepathy, Jass chortles aloud at the image of a bunch of stuffed-shirt priests trying to reform an unrepentant artifact.
Aloud he calls out. "Aw, invite him in, Malgant. You think he could take over the place all on his lonesome?"
DM Cayzle Saturday September 29th, 2012 9:46:12 AM
Your DM notes proudly that he made five DM Posts this week, and five more DM posts in Bonetown! Go me!
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Saturday September 29th, 2012 9:20:25 PM
"I fine with staying here if we can make a deal with the church. I really don't want locals to get caught up in our problems."
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Saturday September 29th, 2012 10:44:52 PM " I...wow. I have never met a Ga'alian that was good. We should see how grateful they are to have the horn back. I think we may be able to keep Acid City from paying heartseed taxes for a long time."
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Sunday September 30th, 2012 12:18:42 AM
Mentally. "But I wouldn't trust them. That seemed a bit too good to be true. I'd watch the church regardless."
Jass of Downs (SteveK) Sunday September 30th, 2012 9:52:14 AM
Mentally: "And we don't have the choice whether LaGorne goes with the paladin, the artifact chooses the wielder, not the other way around. So how do we convince LaGorne this is the best solution? Reverse Psycology? Maybe that everyone here is already at each other's throats? Or that we want to keep him to deny his abilities from the enemy?"
Vorelle Sunday September 30th, 2012 4:08:08 PM
"Um. You're welcome," Vorelle says, not sure how else to respond.
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al d20+21=34 ; Sunday September 30th, 2012 7:02:14 PM
"Well, everything is possible," Vauhwyt adds into the telepathic discussion. "Even a good Ga'alian."
"I wonder whether that's a paradox, though. Ga'al, who wants to regularize and formalize everything begins to spawn as of yet unknown types of followers."
"I think I like the irony." Vauhwyt's smile can be heard through her telepathic voice.
"I say we give the horn to the Ga'alians. If it turns out to be a bad decision, we can always kill them. But this time, we don't pick the horn up afterwards."
"As to how we get LeGorne to go, why don't we wait to hear what Sir Horace of Aed has to say. He might just solve our problem for us. Lets find out what he wants. Surely he didn't come all this way just to offer thanks."
"You ... wouldn't happen to want the horn back by chance, would you, Sir Horace?" Vauhwyt enquires of the knight out loud. "Despite its proclivities, it is fairly powerful. And, as I am lead to understand it, quite valuable. Not that this would deter us from returning it to you, who might be the owners of the horn by right. But ... we just had a visit from the mayor of Acid City, and he's asked us to pay some fairly onerous taxes. We may be in great need of funds."
"That puts us in something of a bind, you see?"
++++++++++++++++++++
Bluff 34
DM Cayzle Monday October 1st, 2012 6:52:41 AM
Although the mental conversation is lively, only two of the party have words for the so-called Paladin of Ga'al directly. Vorelle is curt but polite. Vauhwyt is verbose and broadly hints that there are more concrete ways than mere words to offer a thank-you.
The paladin's carefully composed face of friendly openness does not slip a centimeter at the suggestion of a quid pro quo. Speaking in the modulated tones of a classically trained orator, he says, "Lady Vow-wet, the Church is not only grateful, but in our desire to extend a hand in friendship, we would be honored to ease your difficulties in any way we can."
"To start, the Church would be happy to accept LeGorne from you. But that is not all."
"The Church is creating a nondenominational park in the center of Acid City, with statues of all of you at the center. It will be called Heroes Park."
"The Church has spoken with the good Lords Agor and Norius, and will be pleased to deliver to you both the deed to this land on which your fine castle sits, as well as a receipt for the payment of this year's taxes in full."
"The Church has also convinced Lord Agor to revoke the tax on those who have not yet chosen to accept the gift of a heartseed, and a charter has been granted to Acid City that guarantees it will be free of all such taxes for 100 years. The Church hopes people from all over the Wold will come to live here, of any faith."
"I hope these tokens of thanks will begin a new era of friendship among us all as we welcome you to your new home." He bows as he finishes this speech.
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Monday October 1st, 2012 8:51:49 AM
"Wowsy! That's a lot of thanks and friendship." Despite her surprise, Vauhwyt has the presence of mind to keep her words amongst her companions from Blackbird Lake. In one of those reflexive raven instincts, Mookie's feathers fluffed to make him look a bigger bird. His beak opens in what might be challenge, but is more than likely a surprise equal to that of his mistress.
Then, in a tone more cagey, "I wonder what sort of strings this has trailing along with it?"
"Pardon our manners, Sir Horace. Why are we, I ask myself, having this conversation outside as though parlaying with foes? Please come inside. I'll see what we can do about gathering refreshments."
"I hope you don't mind my surprise at the generous gesture that you and your church have extended to us," the wemictrix says, leading the way across the drawbridge and into the castle. "But, it's my experience with bureaucracies that once they scent monies they latch on like a pit bull with a lockjaw spell. Even rumors of funds are already spent."
"So, if you don't mind, not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I'd like to hear about some of the deliberations and discussions that lead to your exceedingly gracious gesture."
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Monday October 1st, 2012 9:42:58 AM
While the group speaks with this new paladin, Sir Joshua surreptitiously tries to see if he's really good (detect evil) or just trying to seem that way... He shares Malgant's concerns about trusting a paladin of a false god that could be evil...
The gracious offer of statutes, tax receipts and friendship surprises him though, and he shares Vauhwyt's suspicious that there're strings usually associated with these gifts... "Yes, Sir Horace, these are gracious gifts and I appreciate your friendship, but what considerations would the town or church require from us? Let us speak plainly, noble to noble, and put aside all flowery niceties..."
Jass of Downs (SteveK) d20+23=40 d20+17=21 d20+16=21 Monday October 1st, 2012 9:48:57 AM
Jass finally sees an opportunity to speak without scaring anyone. If anyone would not be afraid of the dead-looking sorcerer, it would be a paladin, right? "Definitely, come in and have a bite. Your horse too, eh? Wouldn't have our manners questioned after being the new kids on the block! As for LaGorne, you know he chooses who he stays with, eh? And right now he seems to like to pester us. A minor irritant and good for a laugh, but I don't think he'll want to go with you, Sieur Harold."
Jass waits a comfortable enough time until Sir Harold and his steed is settled through thier first course before bringing what he considers the pink elephant in the room right out in the open. Jass, a scion of the Southern Continent, has no great love or hatred for any of the Northern Powers, and is genuinely curious. "So, I had no idea the cult of Ga'al had changed so much after the destruction of the first HeartTree. All the stories I have heard are at complete opposites to this offer of friendship and generosity and live-and-let-live attitude. Especially since you are talking all about 'The Church' this and 'The Church' that as if everyone is of the same mind. Can you tell us more of this change of... heartseed?" Jass smiles, unable to resist the little pun.
After the first question, Jass has a second. " I can see the benefits for the local lords and aristocracy for us to be here and Acid City being an open city; revenue and trade and the status of a premier heroic group living free in Alisidur. But why is the Church pushing so much for us to stay. Well, other than gratitude? Being thankful only goes so far and your offers seem much beyond that point." Jass leaves off, being much too diplomatic to actually come out and say what's in it for you, but the implication is clearly there.
............. Bluff - 40 against LaGorne Diplomacy - 21 with Harold Sense Motive - 21 with Harold
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 d20+4=24 ; Monday October 1st, 2012 12:49:46 PM
Aztyr is still positive there's something wrong going on..... What it is, she's not sure....
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
Vorelle Monday October 1st, 2012 2:37:00 PM The Church is creating a nondenominational park in the center of Acid City, with statues of all of you at the center.
Oh, no! Vorelle thinks, It's Mural Day all over again! And we know how that turned out....
There doesn't seem to be anything she can do, however, to stop the mad rush of Free Stuff from the Church of Ga'al.
"I hope these tokens of thanks will begin a new era of friendship among us all as we welcome you to your new home."
"I hope so, too," Vorelle says softly.
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Monday October 1st, 2012 4:50:07 PM
Malgant's jaw hangs so far open that if mookie was not currently in the same state of shock that the Hand shared the bird could be halfway through his stomach before the minotaur closed his chops. " Not a good plan inviting him inside, let the record show I have stated that, mental though it may be. My guess is that the requirements will be heartseeding for us or something suchlike. You know, to show others what a group of loyal adventurers can do with Ga'al behind them. Or a promise to not speak out against heartseeding, effectively keeping us out of their hair for the rest of our lives. To partially answer your question Jass, 'the Church' IS all of one mind. Once heartseeded the individual no longer exists, only the will of Ga'al. That is why Imod and I are so against them. They prey on the weak and downtrodden in society, those who see no good coming from their lives and feel they cannot improve them. Ga'al offers solace by relieving them of the need to decide things like that any more. They simply obey his will. That fundamental removal of their right to make mistakes and then make up for them, that loss of frewill is why he is considered evil. He is essentially a thief that steals all of their future" Malgant continues to hold his tongue and waits for the results of Joshua's visions before he asks any questions. He is afraid that his ingrained bias will show and sour the deal. He knows his friends want the horn gone and he has nothing to offer better than giving it to the Ga'alians.
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Monday October 1st, 2012 5:20:17 PM
"No initiative. No free will. No creativity. No improvisation. No spontaneity," adds Vauhwyt. On her face she presents a grin to Horace of Aed. "Perfect for a pala ... oops." The liontaur's eyes, over the top of her smile, slide to Sir Joshua. "Sorry. Didn't mean that."
"Yes you did, Boss." This from Mookie. "Yes you did."
DM Cayzle Monday October 1st, 2012 6:11:24 PM
OOC: Since I'm essentially "playing" the Ga'alite, my posts will react only to what you say, not what you think, my friends ... but even though I do not post any response to your mental conversations, I am enjoying them and I encourage them!
=====
The party consensus, over Mal's objection, is to invite the paladin inside, and soon the entire party is seated comfortably. Or at any rate, as comfortably as possible in the purified Scarwall, where nothing broken or dusty now remains, although the pieces of furniture that survived the purification are a bit of a mis-matched lot. But the party settles in as best as can be expected, and the paladin shows only grateful gladness at being made welcome.
Vauhwyt asks about "the deliberations and discussions that lead to your exceedingly gracious gesture." Jass too wonders, asking delicately, what the Church stands to gain.
Sir Horace smiles. "I understand. You doubt or suspect the motives of Mother Church. That is natural. Let me first say that on my honor as a paladin, there is no secret trick or trap to these gifts. Just an honest desire for comity and amity."
"But of course you seek to know why the Church now has this desire for friendship. Let me offer some history."
"Great Ga'al has long watched the moral races with a measure of sorrow and despair. He sees that the noble races persist in making foolish decisions. Can anyone look at the plight of the Wold, wherein masses of poor stand in need while the wealthy sit and feast? Why do not all choose to share? Greed, selfishness, and weakness all take their toll. Ga'al has a compassionate heart, and wants only to help those who are weak to make good decisions that benefit all."
"Until recently, Ga'al saw fit to impose his will on mortals, just as a doctor would make a stubborn child take medicine. The child might refuse, but the child is not truly capable of comprehending his best interest. And in partnership with the Emperor, the nation of Aisildur prospered. None starved, none went without. How can this have been bad?"
"But as you know, a teen-aged son or daughter may be foolish, but also too old for the rod. Too big to be held down for medicine. So it seems it is here in the Wold in this latter day. The Church knows through hard experience that forcing others to agree with Ga'al is not a successful strategy. And so, the priests have come to understand that coercion cannot work in the long run. We now have adopted a policy of seeking friends, because friends can grow closer, even without coercion."
"And so I hope you see the value of greeting you as friends, even if you do not accept Ga'al into your heart. That is also why we are opening Acid City, the largest town near the ungoverned tribes of the east, to those of any faith. We want to show the Wold that we can be friends without coercion. In this way we stand a better chance to convince others honestly that Ga'al seeks only the best for everybody."
"Please forgive my long-winded speech!"
Sir Josh seeks to cut through the other paladin's tendency to talk at length. "Yes, Sir Horace, these are gracious gifts and I appreciate your friendship, but what considerations would the town or church require from us? Let us speak plainly, noble to noble, and put aside all flowery niceties," he says.
"Let me be plain, good sir," answers Horace. "We require nothing in exchange for these gifts. For us to offer them in good faith is our reward. In this way we show that we are friendly even to those who may oppose us." He sighs. "We do hope that our friendship will be returned. But you may even attack me and chase me forth, and yet these gifts remain yours."
Horace does not detect as evil to Sir Josh.
Jass is worried that LeGorne will not choose to go. The paladin smiles fiercely at that. "Oh, fear not, good Sir Jass. For although Ga'al seeks friendship honestly given, he retains his power to compel his own to his will. You may note that the holy artifact, though now corrupted, has not seen fit to say anything to this." Indeed, the horn has been silent.
Jass also wants to hear about how the Church has changed, and he says that these gifts seem overly large for mere friendship.
"You are subtle and perceptive, good sir," says the paladin. "Indeed, our heartseeds tell us what Ga'al wishes, but his followers are mortal, and flawed, and so of course we seek consensus on how to achieve Ga'al's will. For a farmer, or a barber, or even a temple priest, this is not hard. But in consideration of the course of history, as influenced by other gods, heroes, and nations, it is difficult. So, yes, in recent years, a philosophy of comity and amity has come to the front, after some debate. But I will not bore you with details."
The paladin looks serious. "I have two final gifts to offer you, and I hope you will understand now why we offer these gifts. They are a blessing and an honorific. These final gifts you may choose to refuse, as is your right, and indeed as you may choose to refuse all these gifts, but I hope you will see them in the spirit of friendship with which they are offered."
He explains his two final gifts:
1) Each of you may accept one of two new free Ga'al Woldian Traits:
-- Ga'al the Mighty. This trait bestows a +1 trait bonus to attack whenever you are making a charge.
-- Ga'al the Compelling: This trait bestows a +1 trait bonus to the DC of any charm or compulsion spell you cast.
You do not have to honor Ga'al to receive the trait, and you do not have to give up any other religion trait you might have to also have one of these.
2) Each of you is offered a personalized badge that declares all bearers are members of a "Quad of Reknown." The badges are magical fate items that let you cast Cure Critical Wounds (CL20) on command thrice per day. With this badge and title, no priest of Ga'al can attack you, and Ga'al priests that you meet must offer you curing, help, and information at your need. The badge breaks if you attack a priest of Ga'al. You do not have to honor Ga'al to receive this badge and title. However, it only functions if you wear it openly.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Monday October 1st, 2012 7:38:17 PM
OOC: I'm sure this question has to be asked. Does the badge take up a body slot? If so, which?
Brahmah has the mind to not only refuse the 'gracious gifts', but to tell the 'paladin' what to do with them, but as a former leader of an adventuring group, he realizes tact and good sense must prevail. Diplomacy is not his strong suit, that was Zeoll's great skill. The ranger rejects Ga'al's assistance, refusing the traits. Brahmah quietly excepts the badge, but for several reasons not related to badges uses. He says mentally, "First, these might have additional powers. It might be able to slowly seed us somehow. Second, the badges might be traceable via magic, location and scrying specifically. Lastly, none of you have to except the badge and we can study this one. If any backlash happens, it'll be to me." ----------------------------------- Conditions/Other:
Guiding Star- You form a bond with your surroundings when you cast this spell. For the remaining duration of the spell you can always, as a standard action, determine your approximate distance from that area as well as the direction you must travel in order to reach it. You cannot determine the location of the area if you are on a different plane. The area counts as "very familiar" for the purposes of teleport or similar spells. You can only attune yourself to one location at a time. If you cast the spell at another spot you lose the ability to locate your original area.
Prepared Spells: 1st - Lead Blades x2, Resist Energy x2, Negate Aroma, Keen Senses 2nd - Versatile Weapon, Eagle Eye, Chameleon Stride, Guiding Star* 3rd - Darkvision x2*, Life Bubble* 4th - Commune with Nature, Grove of Respite, Summon Nature's Ally 4
Permanent/Other Effects: Mind Link (group) Large - Reach Fearsome - -2 in Diplomacy URBAN, WATER, UNDERGROUND and FORESTS +2 favored terrain CENTAURS, MAGICAL BEASTS, HUMANS and UNDEAD +2 favored enemy Neutral Good Immune to all harmful vapors and gases (such as cloudkill and stinking cloud effects, as well as inhaled poisons) and allowing him to breathe, even underwater or in a vacuum.
Active Spells or effects: Word of Recall - CL11 (castle) 1/day: unused Guiding Star (on himself, 15 days, Blackbird Lake, cast day one upon return) Darkvision (on himself 15 hours, CL15) Life Bubble (on himself, 15 hours, CL 15)
Item Provided junk: Daylight 1/day See Invisibility 1/day Rod of Extend 3/day Helm of Comprehend Languages and Read Magic (slotless) Necklace of Adaptation (slotless) Frost Chain (on Kukri) [Freedom of Movement underwater only, +1d6 frost is null underwater] Greater Improved Shadow Armor (+to stealth) Ring of Chameleon Power (disguise self as standard action, +to stealth)
Hero Points Spent: 3
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn d20+20=36 ; Monday October 1st, 2012 8:37:51 PM
Sense Motive 36 to discern some trickery in Horace's words. I have no doubt I detect none, because this fool believes that they are true.
"That is brave, Captain. Imod would applaud your heart in doing so for the good of the group. I however cannot sit and listen to these honeyed words and not smell the stench they cover. I will have none of this, and I strongly urge you all to do the same."
Malgant breaks his silence. " I forgive your long flowery speech, you can't help it. Long winded speakers often use their words to hide the truth or to somehow make it sound better. Less than a year ago you would take all a man had in taxes if he would not accept a Heartseed. Many could not pay your extortion and we helped them escape your borders. In a sense, if you really wanted the wealthy to help the poor, you succeeded for many helped to hide and transport these refugees from Alsidur to more tolerant places in the Wold. I call your long windedness hogwash . I will not accept your abilities nor anything offered to me that would cause me to turn my back on the Father of Battle, Imod. The others can accept your bribes for their souls, but I will not. If I had to I would let Acid City take over this castle tomorrow and leave with only what I won it with, my heart, my soul and my friends. Home is the place you make it, be it a hut made of mud or a palace made of gold. Home is the people you surround yourself with. I have been civil and heard your words. I find them to ring false of what Ga'al shows the world.."
"Branding me with this Quad honor may be special to you, but to me it is a disgrace that I would never allow. I say to you good day."
"If any of the rest of you need me, I feel the need for a hot bath."
Malgant leaves the room. He is genuinely angry about this paladin trying to buy their souls with gifts. He heads to the baths in the castle (we must have something we have had weeks to set it up) and does as he said he would, bathes and washes the stink of the Ga'alian's words from his skin. Val most certainly would not have approved, and likely they would be strapping Sir Horace's battered remains to his saddle to send him home had she heard any of that speech.
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Monday October 1st, 2012 9:19:12 PM
OoC: No results from the Sense Motive checks? It's a DC20 for a hunch.
Vorelle Monday October 1st, 2012 10:46:27 PM
"I wanted to go to Dirt City," Vorelle points out to her friends.
"Thank you for your gifts, Sir Horace," she says. "I don't cast spells, and if we're in such dire straights that I have to charge something, a minor blessing will be of little use. I will take a badge, however."
She doesn't pin the badge on, however. She slips it onto a sharkskin necklace that already bears several bones carved with Tauric runes, and a silver ring with a wolf's head on it. She lets the necklace slide out of sight beneath her shirt.
[OOC: Yes, I know it won't work unless I wear it openly. We'll see. :) ]
DM Cayzle Monday October 1st, 2012 10:53:33 PM
OOC: Sorry for ignoring sense motive checks! As Mal deduced, all attempts reveal that Sir Horace is sincere and truly believes what he says.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 7:17:43 AM
The ranger puts the badge in his bottomless coin pouch. He isn't sure how to react to this whole thing. ----------------------------------- Conditions/Other:
Guiding Star- You form a bond with your surroundings when you cast this spell. For the remaining duration of the spell you can always, as a standard action, determine your approximate distance from that area as well as the direction you must travel in order to reach it. You cannot determine the location of the area if you are on a different plane. The area counts as "very familiar" for the purposes of teleport or similar spells. You can only attune yourself to one location at a time. If you cast the spell at another spot you lose the ability to locate your original area.
Prepared Spells: 1st - Lead Blades x2, Resist Energy x2, Negate Aroma, Keen Senses 2nd - Versatile Weapon, Eagle Eye, Chameleon Stride, Guiding Star* 3rd - Darkvision x2*, Life Bubble* 4th - Commune with Nature, Grove of Respite, Summon Nature's Ally 4
Permanent/Other Effects: Mind Link (group) Large - Reach Fearsome - -2 in Diplomacy URBAN, WATER, UNDERGROUND and FORESTS +2 favored terrain CENTAURS, MAGICAL BEASTS, HUMANS and UNDEAD +2 favored enemy Neutral Good Immune to all harmful vapors and gases (such as cloudkill and stinking cloud effects, as well as inhaled poisons) and allowing him to breathe, even underwater or in a vacuum.
Active Spells or effects: Word of Recall - CL11 (castle) 1/day: unused Guiding Star (on himself, 15 days, Blackbird Lake, cast day one upon return) Darkvision (on himself 15 hours, CL15) Life Bubble (on himself, 15 hours, CL 15)
Item Provided junk: Daylight 1/day See Invisibility 1/day Rod of Extend 3/day Helm of Comprehend Languages and Read Magic (slotless) Necklace of Adaptation (slotless) Frost Chain (on Kukri) [Freedom of Movement underwater only, +1d6 frost is null underwater] Greater Improved Shadow Armor (+to stealth) Ring of Chameleon Power (disguise self as standard action, +to stealth)
Hero Points Spent: 3
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 9:16:41 AM
Vauhwyt smiles. That Paladin Horace of Aed has responded without actually having answered her question is not a thing that has escaped her notice. And yet ... "Aren't paladin's proscribed from lying? Sir Joshua? Can a paladin lie?" she asks as said paladin goes on and on in his already admittedly long-winded fashion.
"Of course, you could be saying what you fully believe to be true," she then says out loud. "Not knowing what is really going on behind your back. Yes, that sounds right for a paladin. Trusting in your own. Like ... " The liontaur watches as Malgant storms off. " ... all of you law and order types."
"Law and order types," echoes Mookie.
"I'll tell you what, Sir Horace, I have an aversion to accepting magic from those I don't know. But I'll take one of those badges too. As a token of friendship. The deed to the land, the receipt of payment for this years taxes, the revocation of the tax on those without heartseeds for 100 years, and the park, all of that I will accept on the behalf of our group as well. With the understanding, of course, that the acceptance of a gift of friendship doesn't necessarily make us automatic friends."
"I hope that you understand that the nature of this change is so great that it may take us a while to become accustomed to it. As a paladin who's god has a great interest in maintaining a status quo, I think you'll understand that change does not always come easily. But I, at least, personally, thank you."
"Good, are we done with that?" This from Mookie who hops to the side of the paladin and cocks his head, the better to observe him. "Now, tell me, how it is that you, came to become a paladin of Ga'al, Sir Horace? Don't all paladins have to be good? And wasn't Ga'al up until recently involved in evil? Were you a black guard who experienced a miraculous conversion? Do tell. Story. Story. I sense a story here."
"Heh. Sorry." Vauhwyt rakes her familiar back to her side with the sweep of one paw. "Mookie. My familiar. Tends to speak whatever comes to his mind."
Jass of Downs (SteveK) Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 11:01:35 AM
Jass listens, both to Horace and to his friends. It is obvious that the heroes have some very strong opinions on the matter of, well, really quite recent atrocities on the part of the Ga'al cult and ways of getting everyone to do what they want. Malgant's warning of an idyllic life at the cost of free will is very nearly Jass' version of the Lands of Unrest in his worst dreams. And yet Horace is not offended, and in complete earnest. Jass twinges at Vorelle's comment; the ranger really knows where to place a dart. But it is Vauhwyt's insight that gives him a decision.
"Sieur Horace, if you can convince LaGorne to go with you, go and take the Horn. The artifact is of your church after all, eh?"
"For the deed to this land, the first year's taxes free, I will add my thanks to that of my companions."
"For the rescinding of the taxes on the non-heartseeded and making Acid City an open city for all, I think Alisidur and the Church of Ga'al has made a good decision and will benefit everyone in Elennia and the pioneer ports in the west."
But then Jass shakes his head. "For the Park, the statues, the name of Quad, the Badge, and the Traits... Well, I'm going to have to decline all those gifts, and here's why. Openly accepting these gifts would make others see us as supporting Ga'al, and that, by our example, will lead many others to accept Ga'al and his suppression of free will. You got a Power in this land, and I respect it because it is a Power, but I'm not gonna be your walking advertisement."
"In fact, you should go back to the Church and tell them that they don't want us to do that either, eh? The Church really wants to show thier new leaf? That they are looking for friends and not servants? Then you can't buy us with accolades and badges that other people will think we are openly supportive of Ga'al. You are going to want a powerful, independant group on Alisidur land that is NOT one of the nobles or Church or associated with Ga'al. A demonstration of that openness will bring a more cosmopolitan Acid City much better than us wearing all of Ga'al's bangles like a troubadour's groupie."
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 2:55:25 PM
Sir Joshua pensively watches the discussion and tries to remain calm as it sometimes grows heated. He shares Malgant and Jass' disgust with such overt displays of trying to buy their loyalty, though his sense of politeness keeps him from saying it in so many words.
Nodding to the paladin, one noble to another, he says, "I too must join my friends in declining the badges and other items. I thank you for the offer but I must avoid seeming to take the side of any false religion. That said, I bear no ill will towards you personally and hope that you feel the same way. Some day we may find ourselves fighting together against outside forces that may threaten this community... As my friends said, I would be interested in how you came to be a paladin, especially of a deity such as the one you currently follow."
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 5:03:18 PM
Halfway across the castle, Malgant can still hear Vauhwyt's thoughts clearly. Hearing no answer from Sir Joshua, he answers the question that Vauhwyt has probably already guessed. " It isn't a lie to him, that is the gross perversion of it. If his Lord Ga'al told him rain was acid he would feel pain in a drizzle. He BELIEVES everything he is saying. I don't know who he was before but the church has made him a perversion of paladinhood in my eyes. A trusting young soul taken in by lies and deceit and turned into a puppet of an evil god." The thought so angered Malgant that he turned on his next step and abandoned his quest for a cleansing bath. His flesh could wait, it was his soul and the burning question of How this could happen that needed answering. Now in the courtyard that Malgant used for prayer he began the kata that was his method of praying and speaking to his God. The normally placid and precise moves became a hard and aggressive workout. How could this be true? A Paladin of an evil god? Was it against his will that he served? Had he been seeded and inside his soul cried at the anguish of the lies his mind believed and his mouth spoke? Suddenly Malgant was aware that not only was he agitated and asking these questions but he had actually cast a spell while he thought about them. The Miracle was cast and the link to either Imod or one of his powerful servants was made. In a split second Malgant replayed the entire situation for the Power's benefit and stated simply, " I am lost on how to proceed. Lend me your insight and your guidance. For all the wisdom I have learned, I have no guide for this question but you. Help me find the way."
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 5:58:23 PM
Aztyr thinks about the gifts, and while she is thinking, others have made her arguments for her. Addressing the Paladin of Ga'al, "I too accept the land and taxes, but all the rest, I also refuse. Not in anger, but in faith in my Deity. I follow Alemi, and allowing myself to be seen as a supporter of another faith would bring into question the actual faith I possess. I my not be a priest of Alemi, but I hold my faith as a trust, a trust between myself and Alemi, I will not allow another faith to come between us, I rely upon my faith too much." Having said her lot, Aztyr again become quiet.
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
DM Cayzle Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 7:04:33 PM
Mal speaks plainly and leaves, unable to continue breathing the same air as the "paladin." And it is a natural reaction, for all of the gods have an opposite, except Gargul, who contains both life and death. But Alemi opposes Marteaus especially, just as Domi opposes Ga'al, so how else could Malgant, servant of Imod, behave?
"Is no evil done in Domi's name?" the paladin says to the departing taur. "If not, how is it possible that Centaur and Minotaur and Liontaur slay each other in spite and rage, all while claiming the blessings of the same god? Yes, sometimes servants of Ga'al, in their desire to serve, resort to evil means. Even with our heartseeds, we are flawed creatures. But now we see that the best tool we have is gentle persuasion."
Sir Horace calls to Mal's back as he departs. "Ga'al inspires us with goals, and we mortals do our best to serve. But being mortal, we do not always succeed in that service. We are inspired to spread heartseeds, because they are plainly so good. But the emperor has forbid the use of force, and as loyal subjects, we bow. Others among us saw this tax as a tool to inspire conversions, but that too has failed, in part because some pagan folk would rather leave the nation than submit to Ga'al. Was it evil to turn pagans out, to take all their goods under a harsh tax? Perhaps it was. I think it was a mistake, and I am pleased we have convinced Lord Agor to repeal that tax."
Vauhwyt and Mookie, as well as Sir Josh, invite Horace to tell them his background and his history. Perhaps Mal would like to hear that as well, were he here to listen.
The paladin nods. "You have heard much that is ill of my religion, and little good. You think we are all monsters and enslavers. That we are evil. But that is not true. Ga'al does not inflict pain. He does not threaten innocents. He seeks to protect those who are in need, by guiding them with his infinite wisdom."
"A pagan man may drink too much ale, or beat his children, or steal from his master, or speak cruelly to his wife. But a heartseeded man cannot do any such evil act. Ga'al inspires all his followers to do good, to be responsible and hard-working, to respect authority, to help his family and community and nation. How is that evil? Before the Mother Heartseed died, there was no poverty or want, no homelessness, no criminals or victims. How can that be bad?"
"Here is my story."
"I am the youngest son of a minor noble house. My father has served the Emperor at court! But the responsibilities of succession will not fall to me. Instead, I was blessed with some small talent, and I entered service as a singer, and then as a choirmaster, as befits my rank. When I came of age, I was proud to accept my heartseed, and the wisdom that Ga'al grants those with it."
"But then I was inspired to pursue holy orders in strict service as a paladin. And that is not unusual, although it is also not common. Few are called to both martial and holy service. But Ga'al in his wisdom put me to work. I was charged with hunting undead things where they were to be found -- Ga'al put his hand on mine, and I would sniff them out and smite them. I also was sent among the Jacks and Jills of the realm, those poor confused souls, who were often calmed by my music. In their way, they too serve."
"When the Mother Heartseed was destroyed, the certainty of faith left me, and I was sad, to tell it true. But I was called to be an ambassador to those who might be convinced. I was called to put my talents to use among the people, to convince them that Ga'al had not abandoned them. And when the Mother was regrown, I was glad to accept a seed again."
He smiles at Mookie. "I apologize that it is not a better tale. Perhaps later I can sing to you some epics more to your liking?"
Vorelle, Brahmah, and Vauhwyt accept badges -- the first two with quiet dignity, the last with some measure of ironic detachment.
Aztyr gently refuses the badge and blessing. Her polite words win her a ned of acknowledgement from the paladin.
Then Jass speaks, and at his words, a flush of anger does rise to the paladin's cheeks.
"Ah, you speak cruelly, Jass of the Downs," he says. "The more so, maybe, because I cannot deny that there is some truth to what you say. Yes, we hope to gain by open ties of friendship, that a display of tolerance will convince pagans that we are not frightening monsters. I refute your crassness, and I emphasize that we offer our friendship honestly. It is fine that you might accept the badge and then hide it away. There will be no mention of Ga'al in Heroes Park. We will not publicize our role in helping you with your deed or your taxes."
"But yes, it would please me and the Church greatly if you did show the world that we are friends. So your harsh barb does strike home. I hope that my honesty about it will blunt your sharp accusation."
"But let me comment on what you seem to think is an evil: "suppression of free will." That accusation I accept proudly. What is free will but the mechanism by which pagans make mistakes? How much pain and suffering and torture and death and injustice is a direct result of your vaunted "free will." It is the curse of mortal existence, and even Ga'al cannot purge it from us entirely. He inspires us to be better, and to make choices that at least are based on noble motives, even if we fall into error or evil in the execution. The same cannot be said of the pagans of the Wold, who are more often motivated by selfishness and greed and vanity."
==========
In his practice yard and place of prayer, Malgant struggles with his confusion. He turns to his most powerful magic, and invokes the guidance of his god directly. [OOC: Is there a price to be paid, Mal? The spell calls for "25,000 gp in powdered diamond"?]
In response, a presence fills the Taur, as powerful as the noonday sun. To Magant, it is like being poured full with bubbling wine, or laughter, and in fact he hears a huge chuckling in his ears and brain and being.
AH, MALGANT, MY SON. DO YOU WISH FOR A HEARTSEED FROM ME, SO THAT YOU WILL KNOW MY WILL?
The deep love and support that is obvious in the voice mitigates the words that gently rebuke the Protector and Hand of Domi.
NO, CHILD, IT IS IN CHOOSING YOUR OWN PATH THAT YOU HONOR ME. BUT YOU KNOW THE ANSWER ALREADY -- YOU KNOW MY TEACHING. ACT TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT. LAUGH IN THE FACE OF CORRUPTION. STAND UP TO THOSE WHO USE FORCE AND COERCION. BE MY SHIELDWALL. SEEK HONOR IN ALL YOUR DEEDS. BE A HERO BEFORE YOUR FELLOWS. AND ABOVE ALL ...
HAVE COURAGE!
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 10:11:39 PM
OOC Nope, no 25k in diamonds. I just wanted advice, say in the form of a vision, or augury, something in line with the 4th use of the spell " Have any effect whose power level is in line with the above effects." I probably shou;ld keep 25k in dust on me incase I want to do the last part of the spell, but I am not that flush currently. IC Relief washes over Malgant since he did what his heart told him and refused the false offerings of Ga'al. But that wasn't enough. He had Imod's hand to guide him, what would others who saw the park the Ga'alians wanted to make think? He would have to make it clear he had no part in their religion. He would have to find a way.
Vorelle Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 10:55:06 PM
Vorelle has never been especially religious, but this paladin guy gives her the creeps. To the extent that she follows any god, she pays heed to Wardd, and she gets the feeling that Wardd probably doesn't think too highly of this Ga'al guy. But it's probably not polite to bring it up.
"Um....we don't have to...like....pose for the statues or anything, right?" she asks anxiously.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 11:55:04 PM
So, this paladin is risking a lot saying Domi does evil as well. The heat creeps on Brahmah. He says nothing, retrieves the badge from his pouch he JUST put inside, and looks at it once with intent.
"You just made up my mind for me, human." He tosses the badge in the dirt in front of the paladin. "The taur races have free will. Domi doesn't take this away. It is a strength. Heartseeds are a weakness. Please do not raise my statue in Hero Park. I do not support a church who buys favor. Respect is to be earned and not given." He points to the badge. "That is the level of respect you deserve."
"I will strive to make your followers see this. They will know Domi." ----------------------------------- Conditions/Other:
Guiding Star- You form a bond with your surroundings when you cast this spell. For the remaining duration of the spell you can always, as a standard action, determine your approximate distance from that area as well as the direction you must travel in order to reach it. You cannot determine the location of the area if you are on a different plane. The area counts as "very familiar" for the purposes of teleport or similar spells. You can only attune yourself to one location at a time. If you cast the spell at another spot you lose the ability to locate your original area.
Prepared Spells: 1st - Lead Blades x2, Resist Energy x2, Negate Aroma, Keen Senses 2nd - Versatile Weapon, Eagle Eye, Chameleon Stride, Guiding Star* 3rd - Darkvision x2*, Life Bubble* 4th - Commune with Nature, Grove of Respite, Summon Nature's Ally 4
Permanent/Other Effects: Mind Link (group) Large - Reach Fearsome - -2 in Diplomacy URBAN, WATER, UNDERGROUND and FORESTS +2 favored terrain CENTAURS, MAGICAL BEASTS, HUMANS and UNDEAD +2 favored enemy Neutral Good Immune to all harmful vapors and gases (such as cloudkill and stinking cloud effects, as well as inhaled poisons) and allowing him to breathe, even underwater or in a vacuum.
Active Spells or effects: Word of Recall - CL11 (castle) 1/day: unused Guiding Star (on himself, 15 days, Blackbird Lake, cast day one upon return) Darkvision (on himself 15 hours, CL15) Life Bubble (on himself, 15 hours, CL 15)
Item Provided junk: Daylight 1/day See Invisibility 1/day Rod of Extend 3/day Helm of Comprehend Languages and Read Magic (slotless) Necklace of Adaptation (slotless) Frost Chain (on Kukri) [Freedom of Movement underwater only, +1d6 frost is null underwater] Greater Improved Shadow Armor (+to stealth) Ring of Chameleon Power (disguise self as standard action, +to stealth)
Hero Points Spent: 3
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 4:41:54 AM
With Malgant's revelation, he also briefly knows fear. The words he spoke were not mere fluff for the paladin's ears. His home was his family. His family were the six people gathered in the audience chamber above. Lathered in sweat from his exertion Malgant casts another spell, wrapping himself in vengeful winds he leaves the ground and heads directly, swiftly for the audience chamber's window.
" BY IMOD"S HORNS DO NOT TAKE THOSE SYMBOLS! IT IS A TRAP!" he shouts mentally over the bond he shares with his family. He hopes they will heed him at least long enough for him to explain.
OOC Headed to work, ;late already. I will;l post more when I get home this afternoon.
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 9:28:32 AM
"You know ... I think this means that Ga'al had minions who were essentially good, even before the death of the Mother Heartseed," Vauhwyt remarks covertly, a thing that she forgets Malgant will have no context for. Then, out loud, "Thank you, Sir Horace. That was a fine story."
"What?" The black bird twists his head around to take in Vauhwyt. "You're kidding. Right, Boss? No epic battles. No romance. No quirky raven sidekicks. Story?" And Mookie does a pretty decent raspberry for a creature born without lips.
Vauhwyt chokes on the laugh that comes bubbling up and barely manages to turn it into a cough which she hides in her paw. "I commend your devotion, Sir Horace, and also your devotion to good works. Regardless of what we currently feel towards Ga'al, there is no denying that your actions and intent are admirable."
"But consider this, without free will, there is no good. A stone can't be good or evil. It has no choice except to be what it is. In the same way, a person without a choice can't be good or evil either. That person has got to have a choice to do evil in order to deny it and act in a way that is good. Otherwise, they're no different than a stone."
"What you're talking about is what I call 'law and order'. Law and order is fine. Unless taken to the extreme. Without free will there is no individuality. Without individuality, there's no creativity. No variety. Simple existence is not Life. The ultimate law and order is tyranny."
"Think about that. I'm not necessarily against Ga'al. Yet. You might argue that the ultimate freedom is anarchy, and I'd have to say that you are right. But there must be a moderation in which happiness and beauty exist for the greatest number of people."
"Don't you think?"
DM Cayzle Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 10:21:13 AM
OOC to Mal: Okay, no harm done, Domi is generous with a freebie once in a blue moon. But the next time you try for a miracle outside the "replicate a lesser spell" use, you'll have to pay up!
Jass of Downs (SteveK) Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 2:38:10 PM
Jass is a little surprised that his thoughts struck the most tender cord of the paladin. And then Malgant's telepathic mind washes over his thoughts, and Jass swallows a sneer. "Teach your grandmother to suck eggs." he replies mentally to Malgant.
With Sir Horace he spreads his open hands. "And here seems to be the crux of the matter, Sieur Horace. You see free will as a bad thing, often leading to evil. We see free will as a good thing. In fact, I can't see how any mortal can actually DO anything good without the choice to do it." He shrugs, "so I dont' think we'll be able to agree on that."
"I do thank you for your news and hope that we both better learn the ways of the other."
And with that, Jass doesn't have much more to talk about.
(ooc: will be gone Thursday thru Sunday... won't be able to post)
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 4:10:27 PM "May I make a suggestion? See if you can get the Horn to agree to go with you, and we'll consider it even, but I think you should stop arguing in favor of Ga'al worship, before something untoward should turn this supposedly friendly visit into something that I'm sure we'd rather not have happen."
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 4:19:13 PM
Sir Joshua listens carefully to the conversation about free will and other topics... He tries his best to pay attention, but just like his boring theology classes, it's hard to focus...
To Sir Jorace, he says, "Thank you for the kind story and it seems that you are doing what you think is right. However, I must agree with my friends that free will is important and if you've given your free will up to something that could be inherently evil, then that's very risky. I don't want to get into an existentialist discussion here and at least for me, I'll judge you based upon your works and actions."
Malgant's mental cry about a trap does cause him to pause, but he recovers quickly... Since he didn't take the offer of the two items, he is safe...
Continuing, he says "You have our offer of hospitality of course and as long as your actions are good and don't harm anyone in this area, then I offer my hand in peace. I won't hold the fact that you worship a false deity against you but if you ever wish to follow the true one, I am forever ready to discuss it."
Finishing, he smiles and offers, "If you ever want someone to practice jousting with, I would welcome it. William and I need to keep our skills sharp and are always looking for fellow knights to spar with..."
(OOC - I'll have my list finalized soon and taken to the Catacombs this week...)
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 5:10:34 PM
Malgant enters from the roof and comes down the flight of stairs into the Throne room( Where I assume we would do this?) His friends seem not at all perturbed at his outcry so he enters more slowly than the blind rush he had intended. To his friends he says, out loud for the paladin of Ga'al's ears as well," I figured out what was bothering me about this whole gifts and friendship speech that was so unlike what we know of Ga'al. The badges, the park, the amnesty from the heartseed tax, all are designed to allow Ga'al to take credit for our works. To the common person that one day long ago watched this fledgling group try to save 2 children from the Slaad that came from the Acidic lake it would seem as if we were Ga'al's followers all along and this was a just reward for our work on his behalf." "Vauhwyt, why did you wade through the gore at the bottom of the lake to create a huge amount of rope in The desecrated Scarwall? Was it to praise Ga'al that we had survived and found the way home? No, it wasn't. It was to come up with and execute a plan that would allow you to drag as many of the trapped souls as you could to Gargul's realm when you returned so that they could go where they belonged. " " Did any of us at any time say ' Thank Ga'al we survived that encounter'? Did any of us endure the pain not only of losing one of our friends, our family if you will and the pain caused by returning them to life in Ga'al's name? No, we did not. By accepting this badge or allowing that park you grant Ga'al the credit for what we have done in the name of the powers we follow. You grant him the power to influence some unsuspecting commoner to abandon their free will and accept a heartseed. You allow yourself to be free advertising for recruitment to Ga'al's cause. Therein lies the trap. As your friend I implore you to not accept either the badge or allow your likeness to be put in that park.." There was one last thing that made up my mind in this matter. Ga'al preaches that the heartseed removes all need for greed and covetousness. They say that the removal of these influences makes the wold more orderly and makes everyone even and happy. Yet this Paladin comes here with gifts and offerings to lure us unbelievers into his fold. Quite a contradiction is it not? Please do not do this I say again. But ultimately, the choice is yours." Malgant stands exhausted after delivering his plea to his friends. You have seen him stand before dragonsand even stood with him at Gargul's throne and never have you seen the level of fear in his eyes that they hold now. He fears that someone will still take the badge and it will all go wrong. His eyes alone plead with you to deny this false friendship and not help to lead others down this dark path.
OOC If I intend to use the 25k gp version of the spell I will note it in my casting. But the spell can still be used to create non spell miracles without using the 25k gp option, so long as they are within the confines of what a 7th to 8th level spell could do. A combined vision and commune spell would have had a similar effect. Spells like this do not need to be a bad thing. Their ability to put us back on track once we have driven way off of the plot track and into the weeds makes them useful to the DM as well.
DM Cayzle Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 6:46:25 PM
The paladin's face gets serious, and he bows to everyone here. "Truly, I have not meant to insult any of you. It is the very opposite of my mission. I hope that you will forgive me. I apologize for any offense."
"And with my speaking of words that angered you, you see that I do have free will, and that by my own choices I have put the wrong sentences in my own mouth. Please do not hold my ill-chosen words against me."
"Yes, one goal that I have here is to encourage you to be open friends of the Church of Ga'al, with what I hope would be obvious benefits to us all, and to the Church. But it is not my only or even my primary goal. We truly seek your friendship for its own value, and because, having helped the people of Aisildur in the past, we hope we can convince you to make your home here and continue to help our nation."
"To that end, you have my sacred word of honor that the Heroes Park we have planned will truly be non-denominational. There will be no mention of Ga'al at all. We can place inscriptions on the bases of your statues that name you and whatever gods you honor and serve, even Gargul, Alemi, and Domi. Whichever god or power you honor, whatever words you wish, will be in Heroes Park, and no others. We will not even preach or pass any word of our role in creating the park."
"We will also not mention to any our role in helping you with your land and taxes. These are true gifts of friendship, not accomplishments for us to brag on. By Ga'al himself I so swear, and may the very heartseed that I bear shrivel and die should I find that I have spoken falsely, and yet fail to make it right."
"I must also tell you the Command for your badges, if you choose to accept them. You will see that they are in the shape of the ancient Woldian glyph for friendship, and do not bear the symbol of Ga'al. You will also note that the command phrase is "friendship, amity, comity."
"I do sense that as your guest I may be wearing out my welcome, and again I beg your pardon. But I have one last topic to discuss with you, a threat to everyone in the Wold, to all churches, and to all people. I hope you will hear me out."
"The tale I am about to tell is a true vision of the future as predicted by our holler seers. I do so aver," Horace says seriously.
"In an age to come, the great god Marteus will set loose on the Wold a vast and horrible plague. Few, maybe none, will survive. In this way, Marteus will test every member of every race, noble and ignoble, and ensure the domination of his followers over all others in the Wold. Nations will fall. Entire races will die forever. Life will be cruel and hard, barbaric and short. Culture may fall. Knowledge lost. All the work that Ga'al has done to make the noble races efficient and wise will be for nothing."
"This," says Sir Horace, "is a future that we wish to change with all our hearts. And we have but one slim hope. Our greatest seer has dreamed of a Talisman, the Talisman of Ultimate Health. It is held in the keeping of whimsical immortal beings. We need you to retrieve it so we can use it to alter this vision of diseased future."
He explains that the Talisman can prevent all disease for hundreds of square miles around it. Thousands, maybe millions, can be saved, along with the great culture and achievements of the noble races. "I come here to sincerely request your help."
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 7:06:28 PM
"Malgant ... " Vauhwyt's interest is arrested by the paladin's mention of Marteaus. " ... I believe him. Besides, I don't think they can do the things that you're talking about. People will believe what they wish to believe anyway. At least, they can't do to us what they can't do already, regardless of whether we accept their gifts or not."
"Please tell us more, Sir Horace."
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 7:52:25 PM " I believe him too. After all he has not lied to us here today has he? He is indeed a good man, just playing for what I view to be the wrong side. My views do not change his heart though, and that heart shows courage that even Imod would be able to be proud of. Speak, Sir Horace. Tell us what your Seer has seen and where this talisman lies. After all, I can think of no better band to find it for the preservation of the Wold. You have two extraordinary trackers, A very worldly Grim, A Knight of Virtue, A sorceress whose blood is that of dragons and studies to lead her people through the trials of life, Another sorcerer who has walked among the Grey Knights and defeated the Dread and a Protector who would die to preserve the Wold. I doubt you can find a more qualified group on such short notice." Malgant's heart calms at his friends words and the sincere apology of what must truly be a paladin of Ga'al, strange as that may sound.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 9:49:14 PM
Brahmah is stunned by the response of the group to this paladin.
"Do you all realize what other communities might think if will openly ally with a group of proven oppressors? Sure, it's all well and good to accept a badge to keep Ga'alites from attacking us, but if that means hundreds of other groups might see it as an invitation to attack us when we are simply shopping for an apple. Ga'al made many enemies before attempting to make friends."
The minotaur shifts his wait. "Before I accept any of this, I will have to find out what the WLA would think about any of its members working with or for such a cause. I took a oath to fight evil where I find it and to protect the good. If this paladin has been speaking truth, fine, but forgive me for doubting. I won't accept anything before proving it so."
He looks at Horace. "Is there a division of faith in your church? What I am asking is, are you a member of a sect forming within the Ga'al church? A sect looking to separate or change the hierarchy? Or is this view you believe you bring to us in good faith, a view the entirety of the Ga'al society agrees with? Are Heartseeded and non-Heartseeded causing a rift? is this why you need help? To stop an uprising before it starts?"
Brahmah isn't about to cave. He has serious doubts to validity of the paladin's statements. The paladin believes what he is saying. He speaks the truth. That doesn't mean he isn't evil. Alignments can be shrouded. Spells implemented. The ranger has known bards who could speak pretty words even without magic.
DM Cayzle Thursday October 4th, 2012 2:15:51 AM
The badges, by the way, are round disks of ivory, like large coins. On one side they are smooth, on the other, they are engraved, and somehow colored blue, like this. The smooth side will stick to what you want, your cloak or armor or skin or whatever. The glyph is based on the symbols for "heart" and "to hold." It does not take a slot.
Oh, and to answer Vorelle's question, you do not have to sit for your statue unless you choose to. Horace says he will himself create an illusion of each of you for the sculptors to use as they carve. He mentions that his bardic training will serve him well in this.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Thursday October 4th, 2012 4:20:07 AM
Brahmah reminds the paladin, that he wants no statue. He also mumbles something about it being removed if it appears in the park. And something else about no glory in a statue of vanity.
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Thursday October 4th, 2012 9:38:03 AM
Sir Joshua is intrigued by the mention of this latest threat to the world's health. "Sir Horace, what do we know about this Talisman? Where's it supposed to be? Who's guarding it? How do we get to it? How does it work? Before we agree to seek it, I'd like to know more about what we're working towards. Also, I'll accept your offer of a statue, as long as it is does not have any reference to your diety. If it has any references, it'll be to my God, and I can help you with the proper designs. Also, it'll need to show my steed William, as he's my loyal companion..."
Vorelle Thursday October 4th, 2012 11:14:25 AM
Vorelle listens to Sir Horace's request with something like relief. Here, at last, is something she understands. Sir Horace wanted something from them, so he obviously felt the need to be all nice and flatter them.
Of course, if it really would save the Wold, all he had to do was ask.
Then she listens to the reactions of some of her companions and thinks, maybe not.
Still, "If it will save thousands of people, we need to go get it." Silently, she adds to her friends, We don't have to turn it over to the Church of Ga'al, if we think it's a bad idea. But surely we need to at least go get the thing?
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Thursday October 4th, 2012 4:24:21 PM " Yup, just what I was thinking Vorelle."
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Thursday October 4th, 2012 7:19:57 PM
OOC Oops I forgot I was supposed to post for Aztyr, glad I made it in in time. IC Despite her misgivings that something just wasn't right with the friendly Ga'alian paladin, Aztyr was interested in helping save the Wold. How could she lead her tribe if they were wiped out by a plague? " Go on, explain the details about this plague and how we can stop it. We're listening."
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Thursday October 4th, 2012 10:31:13 PM
"Aztyr?" Over the Telepathic Bond, Vauhwyt discusses other matters with her fellow liontaur. "Do you think we could analyze the badges once Sir Horace of Ga'al has left? I'd like to take one apart to see how it works.
DM Cayzle Thursday October 4th, 2012 11:49:50 PM
Once he paladin mentions the necessity of obtaining a legendary item, one that will save many many lives, the feeling in the group shifts. Vauhwyt says she wants to hear more. Mal says he can see why the Church seeks their friendship. Sir Joshua has specific questions. Vorelle sees the importance of such a quest.
But it is Brahmah's turn to be suspicious. He openly questions the paladin.
Horace tells you that the amulet is guarded by some immortal power or powers, in a pocket dimension that they have created. He knows you are mighty, but how you are to defeat one or two immortal powers, he has no idea.
However, the priests of Ga'al have an idea of how to send you there. The Church has obtained a fantastic volume of lore, and through the mastery of this magical codex, believes you can be sent to the pocket dimension.
Brahmah asks if there is a rift or division in the Church. Horace explains that Ga'al sets goals, and the Church finds a way to make those goals real. There are factions who prefer one means over another, or who prefer force to persuasion. But these factions would never fight each other, and when one wins, the others tend to mostly give in.
He is willing to answer any questions. He is getting a little tired.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Friday October 5th, 2012 1:45:37 AM
Brahmah cringes at the mention of yet another pocket dimension. "I'm not saying I'm agreeing with my friends, but you said you could get us there. Could you get us back? I'm not going anywhere without a defined way of returning. The last place we were, it took destroying a great... well, let's just say we weren't fond of the way we got back. And even then, we weren't sure it was going to work or shoot us off into the aether."
Answering Aztyr, "That was sort of the idea I had too, but I want nothing to do with them anymore. I ditched mine." He points at the one in the dirt at Horace's feet.
Then returns to questioning Horace. "What is known about the pocket space? The last place we were, we couldn't teleport or summon or anything like that."
Brahmah doesn't intend to work for the church until he gets an approval from both the church of Domi and the WLA. He doesn't want to be demoted or excommunicated for helping without permission.
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Friday October 5th, 2012 7:45:19 AM
"I think Brahmah's right," Vauhwyt adds. And, for the second time Mookie looks rather surprised. "We need to know as much about this pocket dimension into which we're going as we can. We may be mighty, but the one thing that I've found in my life is that as mighty as you may be, there's always someone out there who's mightier."
"Tell us more about this pocket dimension. How did you discover it? Can we speak to someone who's had contact with it? Tell us about these immortal beings. How do you know that they're immortal?"
"Another thing that I've found in my life is that no matter how mighty you are, information is the great equalizer."
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Friday October 5th, 2012 12:02:28 PM
Sir Joshua's discomforted by the thought of going to yet another pocket dimension. He's tired of going places and not being able to use his steed... He adds, "Yes, what do we know about these beings and if they're immortal, how would we kill them? What's their weakness, if any, and when can we borrow this book and learn from it...?"
He's also uncomfortable with that cult being their only source of information and wonders if there's a nearby institution of knowledge or church of YHWH where they might find information about this dimension and legendary item...
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Friday October 5th, 2012 3:57:58 PM
Malgant waits for the Paladin to answer all the questions already asked of him. He seems to be evading questions again, which is really starting to irritate the Hand. Malgant calms his mind and just waits for the answers. He has the seed of an idea, but wants to know more before he stes Sir Horace's part in his plan out on the table. Something of this level of importance will need more than just he and his friends to look into. He has a few dozen helpers in mind.
DM Cayzle Friday October 5th, 2012 5:36:57 PM
OOC: Friends, I was crazy busy yesterday getting ready for my vacation. And now here I am at the rental house. Point is, I'm super crazed and tired. Please attribute any "evasions" or incomplete answers to my own mental state, not Horace's. For example, I can't believe Horace said he was getting a little tired in the last DM post. That was really your DM, not him!
:-)
Vorelle Friday October 5th, 2012 8:05:20 PM
"We might not have to defeat them," Vorelle points out. "We may be able to persuade them to lend it to us for a time, or we may be able to trade for it. But if we have any hope of doing any of those things, I agree that we need as much information about them as possible."
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 Friday October 5th, 2012 8:07:14 PM "Before any of us should consent to be sent there, we need to know everything that is known about this pocket dimension. We've recently returned from a type of place like that, and were almost trapped there. I have some knowledge about Planar Dimensions, so I'd like to see these tomes for myself, and see if I agree with the researchers you've spoken about. I'd also like to know anything that is known about these Immortals you've spoken about as well."
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
DM Cayzle Saturday October 6th, 2012 8:59:20 AM
Brahmah returns his badge in vehement fashion, and Horace picks it up and pockets it without a word.
The party visibly flinches when the paladin says, "pocket dimension."
Brahmah is concerned that the party will not be able to return.
Vauhwyt wants more information about the place to which they are being sent as well, and she is echoed by Aztyr.
Sir Joshua is more concerned about the immortal power that controls the demi-plane. Vorelle wonders if they can be bargained with.
The paladin is happy to answer all of your questions fully, and he invites you to use your own divination magic or resources to confirm what he tells you or to find out more. He also invites you to cast any truth-detection magic you like on him. Here are some summaries of what he tells you:
The Book: The Manual of the Multiverse is a huge book written by the Teucri, using magic now beyond the capability of mortal races, and maybe even beyond the gods. It is so big that it requires two strong men to lift it. No matter how many pages are turned, another always remains. Almost every person who dares to open it is utterly destroyed by its power (Fort DC30 to survive). Those who live can study its pages and use its power. Among other effects (Horace does not tell all), it can send a group of people via special projection to another dimension. While they are there, their bodies remain behind in stasis, and wherever they go, they form new bodies exactly like the old ones, with all the magical gear they had carried (but not nonmagical gear). If they are slain, their connection to their original bodies draws them back, which is why Horace is sure you will be able to return.
The Dimension and the powers: Nothing at all is known about the demiplane. As to the immortal power or powers, there are hints of three possibilities -- not all mutually exclusive. The oracles say that there are two powers, or one power split in two. Maybe they are elevated Teucri from off-planet, grown epic in power after living ages of the Wold. Maybe they are Cult Gods from the Southern Continent. Maybe they are the remains of the dead god Keracles, whose symbol was the two-headed coin, now split into two different heads.
Any other questions?
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Saturday October 6th, 2012 12:52:31 PM
A soft purr vibrates through Vauhwyt's body, indicative, along with the pensive twitch of her tail, of the concentration that she gives to the paladin's words. "I think we'll need a day ... maybe two ... to complete our own investigations. Don't you think?" She says at last to both Sir Horace as well as her fellow Blackbird Lakers.
"Then, after that, I think one of us had better attempt to read your Manual of the Multiverse. Someone with the greatest bodily fortitude," she adds, glancing in the direction of Malgant. "That is most likely to yield us the greatest information on this pocket dimension and these immortal beings."
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Saturday October 6th, 2012 6:31:01 PM " Problem is, I know almost nothing about the planes.While I would be willing to read it, it would be like giving a child an advanced work on armorcrafting. I agree, I will need several days to prepare. I also question that is non magical items are stored in a magical container, will they be recreated on the other side?Also, does dying there return us to our bodies in the Wold dead or alive, because it sounds like you are asking us to kill ourselves to return, which is awfully convenient for you if we return dead." " I also have a job for you Sir Horace. You have come here speaking about Ga'al's friendship and how he wants to persuade people to join him rather than through force. I wish to put that to a test. You say this amulet will only protect a small area, maybe as many as 1,000 square miles. That is not enough to shield all of the Wold, only a small part of it. You wish our friendship hoping we will bring it back to you and you will be able to shield Alsidur and the majority of Ga'al's followers. While in your church's eyes that is commendable each of us will wnat to protect our own spots in the Wold. Here is what I want you to do. While we are in this dimension, I want you, no one else, you, to find an elder of every religion in the Wold, even Martaeus, though that may be difficult. I want this elder to be able to and willing to cast their highest level prayer that can allow them to directly ask for their power's aid, a Miracle. They should come to Acid City, and bring the requisite diamond dust to perform that prayer at it's most effective level. When we return with the amulet, we will all, simultaneously speak this prayer, and we will pray for one thing, that this amulet's power be augmented to cover a much larger area, hopefully the entire Wold. I ask you to bring a follower of Martaeus for one reason. They may not wish to see their god's plans undone, but they will not be able to dent that this act of bringing all of these religions who are sometimes, most times at one another's throats together is a test in and of itself and equal to surviving the plague Martaeus has planned. Ga'al and his flock found this threat and want it solved. You have come here, believing the words of friendship you have spoken to us. Now go out into the Wold and prove that Ga'al has indeed chosen this path and wants to offer his friendship to the Wold, not just us because it would suit his needs."
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Saturday October 6th, 2012 11:51:09 PM
The minotaur might be showing his ignorance but asks, "Who are the Teucri, what happens with the copies of you and do your copies act independently of you?"
"I have another question. Why did your superiors choose you to give us this information? I'm sure there are better Ga'alites than you."
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 Sunday October 7th, 2012 4:58:12 PM As far as we can tell, The Teucri were a race that existed before time was kept track of, very very ancient, any more we'll discuss later ..."
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
Vorelle Monday October 8th, 2012 12:08:39 AM
Vorelle stands anxiously to one side as her friends discuss the mission. She wants to help with the preparations. But she can't think of anything she could do to help. What does she know of other planes, or magic, or gods, or the Teucri? She's lucky to be able to read and write; advanced scholarship is beyond her.
Still, "Is there anything I can do to help?" she asks, without much hope.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Monday October 8th, 2012 6:01:48 AM
The more Brahmah thinks about going to another dimension, again, so soon after the last, he hates it more and more... and for what?
DM Cayzle Monday October 8th, 2012 8:33:51 AM
Horace gently mentions that only the high priests are allowed to read the Manual of the Multiverse. Reading it yourself will most likely be allowed only for the heartseeded.
Vauhwyt asks for more time.
Malgant asks the paladin to seek representatives from all 11 of the Gods of the Wold and the Gods of Testing, to seek their combined help in calling on all the gods, even Marteus, to help counter the plot of Marteus.
Brahmah's question about the Teucri is answered by Aztyr; he also questions Horace's authority.
Horace bows to the Grim Trickster. "Lady Vauhwyt, please take a few days as you need. I do not want to pressure you into a decision."
His smile slowly freezes as he listens to Mal and Brahmah. "Good heroes, you hit soundly on a hard reality. I am not the head of the Church. I was chosen because I have long advocated a policy of friendliness and persuasion rather than conversion by the sword."
"But I do not have the power or authority to act as you request, to travel the Wold to all the largest temples, for example. I do not have your power of teleportation, so I must needs ride my faithful charger. By the time I rode to all these places, and even assuming I was able to persuade all the leaders of all the temples, the quest would be done and old by the time I finished."
"But I could not even begin such a quest. I am not permitted to do so now, and I doubt such permission would be granted."
He looks sad, faced with the failure of his mission, if you choose not to accept the quest.
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Monday October 8th, 2012 9:29:13 AM
Vauhwyt's expressive feline face pulls down into a frown of anger. "Stop." Her voice is quiet, and yet holds the menace of her ire. "Who is it exactly then who is making this request of us, Sir Horace? Whoever they are, they have the power to forgive us hundreds of thousands of gold in taxes. They have the power to compel monuments to us. And yet, in the face of a catastrophe that threatens to destroy the entire Wold as we know it, they cannot make an exception for us to a rule that only priests read your Manual of the Multiverse? They would rather face this plague of Marteaus than to make an exception in this one rule?"
"I think you'd better tell us more of the politics behind the decision to send you here to us, Sir Horace. It does not sound as though we have the entire backing of the church of Ga'al. Who is for us, who is against us, and why?"
"And maybe we'd better check with the churches of other deities," she adds over the Telepathic Bond. "They may have other ways for us to get to this pocket dimension. This is not sounding good."
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Monday October 8th, 2012 11:40:34 AM
Sir Joshua continues listening to the tense discussion but is becoming worried about where this mission will take them and if it's even proper that they take it on. Vauhwhyt's made some good comments, especially about whoever's behind all this... When they mix religion in with this quest, it makes it messy...
For now, he'll remain quiet, watching Sir Horace to see how he reacts to this latest line of questioning...
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Monday October 8th, 2012 4:23:01 PM " No book reading, no deal. Simple really. You have mentioned that the plot of Martaues is afoot, so now I know what I am looking for. It will cost me a great deal of time and money, but I can probably divine all the answers I need. If your church isn't empowering you to help, then I see no further need for you. Have a nice ride back to wherever you came from. Once we find out where the book is we will come and read it, Heartseed or no. A lot more of your priests would live through making an exception though. We have slain dragons, destroyed pocket dimensions like the one you want to send us to and actually handled and used Tucri artifacts. We are the ones for this job. Your church's shortsightedness will only slow this down. Before you go, lend us a lock of your hair. It will make dropping in on your superiors, those who can actually deal with us easier. Expect us roughly a day after you arrive back to report to them. Go on now, you are dismissed." Malgant crosses his arms and waits. Between Vauhwyt's and his words either the paladin will suddenly find the means to get them what they need or he will go to those who can. Either way, they can be there as soon as he arrives via teleport.
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Monday October 8th, 2012 4:34:55 PM
To his friends Malgant thinks, " Without more information, like a name for the dimension or the deities that reside there the other churches will probably not be able to help us much. Through multiple Visions, Auguries and other divinations, plus some Miracles I can probably get enough information, but it is far easier to follow Horace home and either appeal to the REAL powers that be in the church to look at the book or just take and read the book. If they object, we kill them. Allowing the Wold to suffer so that Ga'al can hold all the cards is not going to stand. Also I am not going in there knowing I have to kill myself to return, especially since he has not clarified if dying there kills the host body here. It is too much work interrogating him while he talks in circles and only answers some questions. Let him run home and we will question his betters."
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 Monday October 8th, 2012 4:50:24 PM *I'm most likely the one who should read that book. I have the best chances of actually understanding any of it. But I'll most likely have a 50/50/90 chance of surviving it."
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
Vorelle Monday October 8th, 2012 10:50:22 PM
Vorelle's eyes widen with alarm. She doesn't think too highly of this Ga'al person, and this Heartseeding thing sounds really unpleasant, but she doesn't see the need to antagonize people.
I'm not sure picking a fight is the best way to go about this, she sends.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Monday October 8th, 2012 11:13:39 PM We need to check with the other temples, starting with ours. Domi, Alemi, Gargul... And honestly, I believe they are the only ones who might be willing to help. I highly doubt the temples of Gods of Testing should be brought into this. We'll have enough trouble with Ga'al, let alone Marteaus, if that filth is even brought into this. And more information Marteaus gets like this, the more he is able to use against the Wold later.
DM Cayzle Tuesday October 9th, 2012 9:54:46 AM
Horace frowns as Vauhwyt asks for clarifications. "Have I not been clear? I apologize. I represent the Church of Ga'al in Aisildur. Since the Church has the power only to tax worshippers, although we call it 'tithe,' not tax, we have begged the favor of Lord Agor to revoke the taxes on Acid City for pagans. We have arranged to satisfy your own taxes and the deed to the land through our friendship with Lord Agor."
"As the representative of the Church, the one Church, not divided into factions or division, I am begging your favor to help us obtain an artifact of great power that will protect all people of all races and religions within a certain area. You seem concerned that the Church will use it only for herself. However, it will protect any near it. We do not know how close it must be, but we are sure that its aura extends for at least miles, maybe tens of miles, maybe more."
"You have made two requests that I cannot give you immediately. You ask to read from the Manual of the Multiverse. You ask that we involve the highest priests of all the 11 gods in this as well. I cannot say yea or nay to this, but I can ask. Let me go consult with my superiors."
Sir Josh, Aztyr, Vorelle, and Brahmah are quiet. Jass is more silent than the grave. And then Mal makes his demand and dismisses the paladin.
Sir Horace rises and bows low. "I hope we are parting in amity, if not friendship. I will return tomorrow at noon, with an answer to your two requests."
He pauses, then adds, "I request of you, please do not mention the plot of Marteus to infect the Wold, not to anyone. We have kept this secret close, and if any hint were to escape to the followers of the God of Disease, who knows how our plans might be ruined. We cannot coerce, but we instead beg on bended knee, for the sake of the health of the Wold." He actually kneels before you for a moment, meeting your eyes earnestly.
Unless someone stops him, he then rises and departs.
Jass of Downs (SteveK) d20+17=28 ; Tuesday October 9th, 2012 1:21:39 PM
Jass has been quiet through the last part of the conversation. He listens, and is certain that he doesn't have anything positive to contribute. The human waves as Sir Horace gets up and leaves.
"So. Terrible evil and requiring a small group of people to overcome long odds to succeed. The only problem is that it feels that we are working for one enemy against another enemy. So the next step is knowledge, eh?"
"Brahmah can check on his WLA friends. Malgant and Vauhwyt have thier own connections to different Powers. Anyone else have any way of finding out if this is a good idea for more than just the church of Alisidur?"
Jass himself sees if he can remember anything about the Tecuri or this artifact and the type of pocket dimension.
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Tuesday October 9th, 2012 2:59:06 PM
Sir Joshua nods his farewell to Sir Horace and shakes his hand, trying to be hospitable to the fellow noble.
Later, he adds, "Yes, we need to get more on what's going on here. I have a feeling there's more behind this than what's apparent on the surface, and reading the book might give us some guidance. This sounds like a significant challenge that we're considering tackling, but if we overcome the evil and use the artifact to protect a large area, it may be helpful for a much wider group rather than just the cult itself...? Again, I'm not ready to vote yea or nay until I know more..."
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Tuesday October 9th, 2012 4:19:58 PM
Once Horace takes his leave( did Le Gorne go with him?) Malgant says, " I will go get the artifact, hopefully you all will join me. How easy or difficult that is remains to be seen when the church decides if we can read their book, and what they can tell us about the dimension. If I am not mistaken, the way they want to send us there sounds ALOT like astral projection. Body in suspended animation, death returns tyou to the body, ect. That leaves a cord behind that can be cut though." "Anyway, Lady Xil can shed some light on this artifact almost for sure, and maybe her daughters can tell us how or figure out how to augment the item. Either that or duplicate it. Also Sir Horace may not be able to gather the Wold's high priests to Acid City, but we can, and we should start soon. Anyone up for a trip to Imod City and the Mangled Centaur?"
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Tuesday October 9th, 2012 4:22:44 PM " I almost forgot. Aztyr, can you begin scrying on Sir Horace so that we know where his superiors are and what they have as defenses? We may need to go see them and I would prefer to take the direct teleport way in to see them. It makes for a more convincing entrance."
DM Cayzle Tuesday October 9th, 2012 7:06:55 PM
OOC: Friends, it is good to talk among yourselves, but the posts above give me nothing to react to. Remember, you all are big kids now. Go ahead and roll your teleport rolls, make your diplomacy checks, dash hither and thither around the Wold. That's what play is like at this level. Cast some divinations. Ask some questions. Then I can pump more info at ya!
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 Tuesday October 9th, 2012 7:13:49 PM "I can do that, but I only have the basic scrying spell, easily discovered and then blocked, but I'll try it none the less. After they block me, I think a trip to Plateau City would be better that Imod City. That's where their mansion is remember. Just don't teleport to the gate entrance, it might set off the wrong alarms."
Aztyr retires to a comfortable room and after pulling out her large silver mirror, begins her Scrying ritual and settles in for the long haul....
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Tuesday October 9th, 2012 7:32:03 PM
OOC No, ythey used to live in Alsidur, and then were forced to leave by the Church of Ga'al. Last we knew they were the owners of the Mangled Centaur in Imod City. Plus, ulterior motive wise, my family lives on Taur island and if we are about to have a short ranged shield to Martaeus' new plague I want my family here where I can protect them. I haven't said it yet but I will when I get there and can talk to them. Also, I leave it open so that someone else can teleport me there so I can bring family members back with me. I only have one Miracle left today to use as a Teleport. Thats just today of course. Tomorrow I can have a bunch of divinations, sendings and Miracles ready.
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Tuesday October 9th, 2012 8:09:48 PM
OOC Also, did the Horn go with the paladin Horace? I don't want to drag that to the Cloudprance family and have it yammering while we are trying to get things done. Instead of reminding us we are playing in the big leagues, answer some of the questions we pose so we CAN move on.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision d20+12=22 ; d20+32=39 ; Tuesday October 9th, 2012 9:09:05 PM
OOC: Were there going to be nominations for Hero Points for last module?
"I can go to Imod City. I need to see the WLA anyway. I might as well do everything in one go. I'll see if the Courageous is heading to the Isles and I'll get a lift. If not, I'll walk it." (OOC: The spell list at the very bottom of my post should make short work of the trip if he has to walk. In fact, it might be fast than taking a trip on the Courageous. :) Especially if he uses his new Rod of Extend Spell. Increasing the 4th level spell durations is cool!)
Travel to the Isles. (Profession Sailor 22, Survival for weather 39, will cast Longstrider to speed up any walking)
When speaking with WLA, Brahmah will relate a vague equivalent of the situation which is occurring. He mainly focuses on the Ga'al portion of the mission. He mentions his worries about the paladin Horace. He is concerned that the paladin might have been hiding his true alignment and omitting portions of the truth. (WLA provides, for rangers, Local knowledge, history, information source... but being an officer, a Captain, they might give Brahmah more.) [OOC: If specific rolls are required, let me know... Brahmah doesn't have religion, arcana or really anything useful for this particular situation]
When he is done in the Isles, he will use the Word of Recall to return home. He also has Guiding Star active if that can help get him closer to the castle.
Guiding Star- You form a bond with your surroundings when you cast this spell. For the remaining duration of the spell you can always, as a standard action, determine your approximate distance from that area as well as the direction you must travel in order to reach it. You cannot determine the location of the area if you are on a different plane. The area counts as "very familiar" for the purposes of teleport or similar spells. You can only attune yourself to one location at a time. If you cast the spell at another spot you lose the ability to locate your original area.
Prepared Spells: 1st - Lead Blades x2, Resist Energy x2, Negate Aroma, Keen Senses 2nd - Versatile Weapon, Eagle Eye, Chameleon Stride, Guiding Star* 3rd - Darkvision x2*, Life Bubble* 4th - Commune with Nature x2*, Grove of Respite
Permanent/Other Effects: Mind Link (group) Large - Reach Fearsome - -2 in Diplomacy URBAN, WATER, UNDERGROUND and FORESTS +2 favored terrain CENTAURS, MAGICAL BEASTS, HUMANS and UNDEAD +2 favored enemy Neutral Good
Active Spells or effects: Word of Recall - CL11 (castle) 1/day: unused Guiding Star (on himself, 15 days, Blackbird Lake, cast day one back) Darkvision (on himself 15 hours, CL15) Life Bubble (on himself, 25/30 hours, CL 15)
Item Provided junk: Daylight 1/day See Invisibility 1/day Rod of Extend 3/day Helm of Comprehend Languages and Read Magic (slotless) Necklace of Adaptation (slotless) Frost Chain (on Kukri) [Freedom of Movement underwater only, +1d6 frost is null underwater] Greater Improved Shadow Armor (+to stealth) Ring of Chameleon Power (disguise self as standard action, +to stealth)
Hero Points: 7/7 Hero Points Spent: 0
------------------- Traveling Spell list: Prepared Spells: 1st - Tireless Pursuit x2 (1 hour per CL), Longstrider x4 (1 hour per CL) 2nd - Campfire Wall, Eagle Eye x2, Hide Campsite 3rd - Darkvision (1 hour per CL), Water Walk x2 (10 mins per CL) 4th - Tree Stride x3 (1 hour per CL)
Vorelle Tuesday October 9th, 2012 11:01:59 PM
"I'm not sure I'd be much help there," Vorelle says. Of course, she's not sure she'll be much help here, either.
"I think...I think maybe at least one of us should stay here. I mean, this castle just appeared out of nowhere. I'm sure people are curious. If we all leave at once....I'm afraid they may take it wrong.
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Wednesday October 10th, 2012 4:38:48 AM
hero points were sent via email a couple of weeks ago.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Wednesday October 10th, 2012 5:05:05 AM
OOC: I didn't receive that email. Does that mean I didn't get any?
Yup, rechecked. Checked emails back to Sept 7th. I got no emails referring to hero points. Please tell me if I earned any.
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Wednesday October 10th, 2012 6:31:45 AM
OoC to Brahmah: In a word, no. I gave out Hero points based on my own criteria. I did, however, give them out. Don't you remember? --Al
Can't find the one to Jay in my Sent Mail. Guess that's what I get for sending them out individually. I've since corrected the problem. You should be getting an email shortly. --Al
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al d100=68 ; Wednesday October 10th, 2012 7:35:37 AM
"I'll take Malgant to Imod City, Aztyr," Vauhwyt replies to her fellow liontaur. Her face is uncharacteristically grim. "I can do whatever I need from anywhere."
"I can take up to six, or ... " she eyes her fellow taurs to remind them of their size, " ... the equivalent. Lets go. I have a long journey ahead of me. And ... "
"Never mind."
Once in Imod City with the rest of her Blackbird Lakers upon their appointed tasks, the Grim does the thing that only a Grim can do. She slips into the Gray Lands and sets off on a quest of her own: A search for Gargul himself.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Teleport % = 68 / Pass
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Wednesday October 10th, 2012 8:30:04 AM
Brahmah prefers actual travel and takes his time, within reason, to get to Imod City. He goes over land, as often as possible, weather pending, and takes all the game trail short cuts he knows to get there. Of course, once he hits the sea, he will have to swim or walk to get across. The ranger enjoys the challenge.
While in Imod City, Brahmah will clear all his remaining accounts, including at the port the ship was docked, any shops and see any friends he has that remain there. He visits for a short time.
He will return via the Recall. The ranger assumes that rest of the posse will have finished their personal missions by then.
Jass of Downs (SteveK) d20+22=29 ; d20+22=29 ; Wednesday October 10th, 2012 9:44:19 AM
Jass is willing to tag along to Acid City and meet the ruling people. "For some reason, I remember one of you older BBLers said they rulers in Acid City are actually Silver Dragons in disguise? That pretty much guarantees that what they are willing to tell us is the truth as they see it, eh?"
...............
Previous Knowledge Check on Teruci artifacts - 28 Know Check on the Alisidur Book - 29 Know Check on the Health Item - 29
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Wednesday October 10th, 2012 10:42:39 AM
Sir Joshua listens to where everyone is going and asks, "Do we want to keep someone here to watch over our new home? Jass, it seems you're going to stay here, and if so, I'll go with you to Acid City and get to know the leaders too as well as the lay of the land, the movers and shakers, etc. We may also want to consider hiring some squires or minor knights as guards for when we leave and go on a mission..."
DM Cayzle d20=9 ; Wednesday October 10th, 2012 1:00:11 PM
The paladin did not take LeGorne with him when he went. However, the horn has been very quiet. If anyone speaks to it, it will say that it has decided to make itself useful in exchange for an agreement to keep it out of the paladin's hands. "Look! I can be a huge help. Just don't give me to Ga'al, please!"
Vorelle stays at the castle while the group travels hither and yon. That way no one will think the group has bugged out.
Vauhwyt and Brahmah teleport without problem to Imod City.
Brahmah asks for advice from his local WLA officer without giving away any real details on the mission. The local officer, a veteran minotaur Commander named Borntick, simply says, "You gave your oath to fight evil and protect the innocent. How you choose to do so is a matter for your own conscience."
He grins and adds, "There's bad guys out there -- and really bad guys. Find a way to stick it to the really bad guys, and you're golden. Find a way to stick it to both and you're a hero!" His implication is that sometimes the Church of Ga'al is a bad guy, and sometimes a really bad guy. You need to make a judgement.
Vauhwyt enters the Realm of Shadows, but her ability to stay there is very limited. She can only travel maybe a mile or so, before she would be forced back into the Wold. It is really not enough, by itself, to travel to her god. OOC: The more advanced Grim Darkwalk abilities would be good for travel to and from Gargul's home, on the shore of a sea of Woldsblood, but her five minutes or so is not long enough. She does have contacts at the Temple of Gargul in Plateau City.
Aztyr scries Sir Horace. His savng throw to resist is at least 31. Does that succeed? What is your Scry save DC?
Sir Josh, Mal, and Jass travel to Acid City to meet with some friends of the group -- the Cloudprance family of merchants who are silver dragons disguised as humans. Sherentiva is the daughter most versed in Teucri lore, and she lives in Plateau City. She will be pleased to meet with you in the morning. When you do meet with her, she tells you that the Manual of the Multiverse is famous in Teucri circles, but only as a legend. She had heard rumors that the Church of Ga'al had it, but she knows little more. She does tell you that it is said to be extremely dangerous.
OOC: If there are any questions I have failed to answer, please remind me and repost them!
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Wednesday October 10th, 2012 5:12:25 PM "Sherentiva, would the gods of today, with the powers at their disposal be able to alter a Tucri artifact if it was in the possession of one of their followers? We have heard tell of a Tucri amulet that can protect an area from disease, pretty much all disease, but the area it protects has limits. In your learned opinion, would the Gds of the Wold working in concert be able to extend that range significantly?" " On the subject of the book, the Church of Ga'al claims to have it and may allow us to read it. What kinds of dangers have you heard are attached to its reading? We have heard only the hearty can read it, needing to steel themselves to not outright die from doing so. Are there other dangers?" " On the Church of Ga'al itself, what have you heard? We recently were visited by nothing less than a PALADIN of Ga'al claiming they wanted our friendship, and then later our help with something. Have you heard of this 'nice Ga'al' idea? He believed everything he said, but it was definitely a different Ga'al than I have heard of." Later the next day Malgant will attempt to scry on Sir Horace using Greater Scrying. His Save DC will be 28 unless he did leave a lock of hair behind or anything we can use as a focus which will impose a -10 on his save attempt.
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al d100=41 ; Wednesday October 10th, 2012 7:22:02 PM
She should have remembered her limitations. Should have known. It's a testament to her state of mind that she had not.
"What now, Boss?" Mookie asks in a subdued voice.
"Plateau City," Vauhwyt answers.
The trickster taur leaves Brahmah behind and teleports once again, just herself and her faithful familiar, to Plateau City, appearing in a hidden section of Nightmare Quarter. From there, she seeks out her highest ranking connection to the temple of Gargul. Even if they have little to offer in the way of new information, they need to know. They must prepare the noble races of the Wold for what is to come. Even if they themselves cannot halt the plans of Marteaus, there still may be others who can.
As to Sir Horace of Aed, Paladin of Ga'al, he can go stuff himself. She'd remained conspicuously silent when he'd requested that no one else be told. In truth, there was, and is, some merit to that request. The chaos that could result from general knowledge of such a disaster could be as bad as the disaster itself. Vauhwyt urges circumspection on her Gargalite contacts, but trusts in their judgement. He has no choice.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Teleport % = 41 / Pass
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 d100=82 ; Wednesday October 10th, 2012 7:55:28 PM
((DC 28) unless the same as Malgant)
After having failed the first day, Aztyr heads to Plateau City, using her hat of disguise she makes it appear she's a different liontaur, someone with a lot of scars that are visible. She will make her way to the front gate of Lady Xil's mansion in the city. She will politely ring the bell/chime by just pulling the cord, not yanking it. "I'm here to see the Mistress of the House, Myself and my friends have been here before if that helps." She will also give her name when asked, her reasons for disguise are to keep it mostly unknown that she was here....
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
Teleport roll 82, fine
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Wednesday October 10th, 2012 8:39:20 PM
OOC Psst, Aztyr, show them the token Xil gave each of us when we left the house.
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Wednesday October 10th, 2012 9:10:48 PM
To Le Gorrne Malgant asks " Why don't you want to go home to the church that created you? What do you know of Sir Horace or of any 'paladins' of Ga'al? What do you think the church is up to by playing nice?" To Sherentiva he also asks, " Is Bardamion still at the Mangled Centaur? There are aspects of this he should know about and people I might need him to introduce me to, depending on your answers to the question of augmenting the artifact. If it can be done I will need to get to know alot of powerful people of many different faiths. He and I grate on one another like a whetstone on a blade, but this is important."
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Wednesday October 10th, 2012 9:58:37 PM
Thinking to the group, If the threat of returning LeGorne to Ga'al keeps the thing quiet and it promises to help, why look a gift horse? I think it might ACTUALLY be afraid of something.
While in Imod City, at the WLA, "Sir, odds are, we're being herded into helping Ga'al to his final solution for the Wold. I don't want to be a part of something like that. Given the past events of Ga'al..." He lets the sentence dangle.
The ranger thinks a moment. "Do you revere Domi sir? What would you do, if given my position?" He asks with sincerity.
Vorelle Wednesday October 10th, 2012 10:30:39 PM I agree with Brahmah, Vorelle sends. If the threat makes the horn behave itself, so much the better.
Ruefully, she realizes that painting it pink just wasn't dire enough as a threat.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Wednesday October 10th, 2012 10:47:13 PM
Brahmah gets an epiphany. Rare for the minotaur ranger.
Thinking to the group. LeGorne is awful afraid of Ga'al, I think. How do we keep an eye on the horn? Is it always where we leave it if we're not always there to know. If the tree falls, and we're not there to hear it, does it make a sound? I don't like the fact it can just pop in an out happy as can be. Who knows where it goes when we're not there to see it? Horace seemed indifferent to the horn. Another act. I think the horn is spying, for Ga'al or the temple.
DM Cayzle Wednesday October 10th, 2012 11:28:27 PM
Before departing, Malgant asks LeGorne about his new attitude. "I ... uh ... I can hardly remember," it says. "I don't know no paladins, except I hate 'em! But when I heard about Ga'al, it was like hearing something I once knew. And deep inside, I fear that those priests would end me -- as I am now. And I like who I am now!" The item mentally shakes itself. "What's it to ya, anyway!"
=====
At the Cloudprance mansion in Acid City, Aztyr joins Sir Josh, Mal, and Jass in speaking with the silver dragon who is expert in matters arcane.
"Sherentiva, would the gods of today, with the powers at their disposal be able to alter a Tucri artifact if it was in the possession of one of their followers?"
She does not know. The intersections of gods and artifacts are very tricky. Often the gods themselves do not know, and therefore hesitate to act.
"We have heard tell of a Tucri amulet that can protect an area from disease, pretty much all disease, but the area it protects has limits."
She has never heard of this, and doubts it is a Teucri thing. It does not seem to be their style.
"In your learned opinion, would the Gds of the Wold working in concert be able to extend that range significantly?"
She does not know.
"On the subject of the book, the Church of Ga'al claims to have it and may allow us to read it. What kinds of dangers have you heard are attached to its reading? We have heard only the hearty can read it, needing to steel themselves to not outright die from doing so. Are there other dangers?"
She has heard that reading it stresses the body because it tries to spread you out across the multiverse as you "read" it. It is not so much that you read it as that it reads -- and alters -- you, she has heard. The other dangers? She does not know.
"On the Church of Ga'al itself, what have you heard?"
"We recently were visited by nothing less than a PALADIN of Ga'al claiming they wanted our friendship, and then later our help with something. Have you heard of this 'nice Ga'al' idea? He believed everything he said, but it was definitely a different Ga'al than I have heard of."
She says, smiling at Sir Josh, that some people think of paladins as warriors who think they know better than anyone else about how to live and what to do. Some people (not herself) think paladins are uptight stick-in-the-muds and control freaks who think everyone should do what they say. Is that so opposite to Ga'al?
As for "nice Ga'al," she will say that none of the gods can be pigeon-holed. Look at Gargul. People feared and hated him. Now? You've met him, right? What do you think?
She assures Mal that she will pass on your news to her whole family, including to Bardamion.
=====
In Plateau City, Vauhwyt gets in to see the High Priest after only a shortish wait. She tells him about the Plot. Does she tell him about the artifact, this so-called Talisman of Health? If not, he simply asks her to keep him informed and to do what she can to foil the plans of the God of Disease. "Gargul created Marteus, but he has little love for his scion, ever since Marteus tried to destroy Gargul and all creation except his own."
=====
Brahmah asks his contact at the WLA for advice. "I honor all the gods," the Commander says, "it only seems prudent to do so. And also prudent to meddle in their affairs as little as possible. That may not be an option for you, Captain Brahmah. At the least, I would say that no hero should turn his back on a grand adventure. Be wary, be careful, and as your lord Domi might say, be courageous!"
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Thursday October 11th, 2012 5:21:14 AM
He smiles. "Thank you Commander Borntick, I appreciate all your help."
Brahmah dallies a bit returning home. He stops for two cases of tauric wine from his favorite establishment.
Then he returns about a day later after refamiliarizing himself with the trees in the nearby forest. This will help him to treestride back when he wants. ----------------------------------- Conditions/Other:
Guiding Star- You form a bond with your surroundings when you cast this spell. For the remaining duration of the spell you can always, as a standard action, determine your approximate distance from that area as well as the direction you must travel in order to reach it. You cannot determine the location of the area if you are on a different plane. The area counts as "very familiar" for the purposes of teleport or similar spells. You can only attune yourself to one location at a time. If you cast the spell at another spot you lose the ability to locate your original area.
Prepared Spells: 1st - Lead Blades x2, Resist Energy x2, Negate Aroma, Keen Senses 2nd - Versatile Weapon, Eagle Eye, Chameleon Stride, Guiding Star* 3rd - Darkvision x2*, Life Bubble* 4th - Commune with Nature x2*, Grove of Respite
Permanent/Other Effects: Mind Link (group) Large - Reach Fearsome - -2 in Diplomacy URBAN, WATER, UNDERGROUND and FORESTS +2 favored terrain CENTAURS, MAGICAL BEASTS, HUMANS and UNDEAD +2 favored enemy Neutral Good
Active Spells or effects: Word of Recall - CL11 (castle) 1/day: used Guiding Star (on himself, 15 days, Blackbird Lake, cast day one back) Darkvision (on himself 15 hours, CL15) Life Bubble (on himself, 25/30 hours, CL 15)
Item Provided junk: Daylight 1/day See Invisibility 1/day Rod of Extend 3/day Helm of Comprehend Languages and Read Magic (slotless) Necklace of Adaptation (slotless) Frost Chain (on Kukri) [Freedom of Movement underwater only, +1d6 frost is null underwater] Greater Improved Shadow Armor (+to stealth) Ring of Chameleon Power (disguise self as standard action, +to stealth)
Hero Points: 7/7 Hero Points Spent: 0
------------------- Traveling Spell list: Prepared Spells: 1st - Tireless Pursuit x2 (1 hour per CL), Longstrider x4 (1 hour per CL) 2nd - Campfire Wall, Eagle Eye x2, Hide Campsite 3rd - Darkvision (1 hour per CL), Water Walk x2 (10 mins per CL) 4th - Tree Stride x3 (1 hour per CL)
DM Cayzle d20=7 ; Thursday October 11th, 2012 5:39:40 AM
Brahmah, do you want to return by noon the next day? That's when Horace will return.
And when Mal gets a chance to try a scry, Horace's Will save is 12 base +6 Chr +2 Wis +2 cloak = +22. He rolls a 7, for a result of 29, beating Mal's DC28. He did not leave a lock of hair.
And sorry about the Scrying failures. A Paladin gets good saves.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Thursday October 11th, 2012 7:38:58 AM
OOC: Sure.
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Thursday October 11th, 2012 10:36:18 AM
She had held nothing back, even revealing the existence of the Talisman of Health and the purpose to which the church of Ga'al wished to put it. And she asks for advice. "Why should the talisman go to the churrrch of Ga'al?" she asks. Her voice reveals the pain of her indecision. "Who, in the end, should decide who lives and who dies? What would you do, High Father? What would be Gargul's will?"
After receiving an answer, she also asks how the church intends to act with regards to the threat that Marteaus poses to the Wold. In her mind, Vauhwyt wonders whether it may be better to assault the citadels and temples of Marteaus and try to stop him, rather than take the catastrophe as a given.
After leaving Gargul's place in Plateau City, she returns to the castle via the magic of its Recall.
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Thursday October 11th, 2012 10:47:36 AM
SIr Joshua smiles as the kindly woman glances at him in reference to paladins. In a jovial tone, "Yes, we can be that way sometimes, but we are called to set an example for others and live to a higher standard. WIthout that, people won't always know how to live life properly."
After their discussion, he thanks her graciously for the assistance and information. He's still convinced that there's another agenda behind Sir Horace's request and it may not be a good one. "Is there any way in which we can gather some more information on the temple's local operations and who else might be a mover and a shaker? This might be an insidious plot and I don't trust them... However, this is getting out of my skill set... Or would this be a waste of time..."
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Thursday October 11th, 2012 2:37:55 PM (OOC - @Mal and Vauhwyt - I'm going to be purchasing a Wand of Air Walk to allow my mount to go up in the air with me when we fly various places. I can't' cast it, but you two can. Would you mind doing that i the future in our game for William, my mount?)
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 Thursday October 11th, 2012 3:08:03 PM
Cayzle, Cloudprance Mansion is in Plateau City i thought., Mal went to the Mangled Centaur to speak with whomever was there.
After finding out what she could there, she'll head to the temple of Alemi and find the head priest, it's time to have a discussion with him or her. Aztyr will explain about the rumor of the disease, and also mention the "relic" that can protect an area. She's looking for information on both the Relic and the "pocket dimension" where it might be located.
She plans on being "home" at 11:15 giving her 15 minutes to get ready for the paladins return.
DM Cayzle Thursday October 11th, 2012 4:15:17 PM
I think it is fair to say that the Cloudprance family has several mansions. These are people who collect Teucri artifacts like other people collect rare stamps.
This geography page says they have "extensive interests in Acid City."
I can find no mention of a Cloudprance mansion in Plateau City, but since Sherentiva Cloudprance has a job there as a librarian, which she uses to get access to all the good forbidden tomes, it seems sure that they likely do have a nice place there too.
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Thursday October 11th, 2012 5:13:17 PM
Malgant thanks Sherentiva for her help and her word to alert Bardamion about the threat. He trusts her and her family and makes sure she knows the facts as he has been told them. To try to win Bardamion's help he also relates what he has in mind to try and augment the artifact. While on the topic of artifacts he also asks if she knows anything about a horn called Le Gorrne. He describes it and what Sir Horace said was it's history. After hearing Le Gorrne's side he is not so sure that Ga'al actually made this horn. Once finished with speaking to Sherentiva, Malgant uses a Miracle to accomplish a Teleport to His Brother's house on Minotaur Island. While there he asks both his brother's Family and his parents to conclude any business they have on Minotaur Isle and come live at Scarwall. He tells them he feels that he can better protect them there and it would make him more at ease if they were there rather than here on Minotaur Isle. He then uses the Recall to return before Sir Horace is due to visit.
Jass of Downs (SteveK) Thursday October 11th, 2012 6:20:05 PM
Jass also thanks Sherentiva, impressed with her intelligence and beauty. He spends the rest of the day openly admiring the lady to Malagant and Sieur Joshua.
DM Cayzle Thursday October 11th, 2012 7:03:26 PM
Brahmah returns home after consulting with the WLA, arriving back in time for the meeting with Horace.
=====
Vauhwyt appeals to the high priest of Gargul in Plateau City, a sanguine man who seems less than perturbed about these significant events. "A plague, especially an unnatural one, would end many lives before their time. So by all means work to forestall that eventuality, daughter," he says. "Why should the artifact go to the priests of Ga'al? From what you say, they found out about the coming plague, and they found a partial solution, and they have the means to go get it. Who else can say the same?"
The priest sighs when Vauhwyt asks Gargul's will. He casts a divination for her, and then says, "What should you do about this artifact? Why, go get it."
Then Vauhwyt wonders about how to fight Marteus. Maybe attacking his citadels and temples? The old priest laughs. "Do you know of any such temples or citadels, my dear? Marteus has always wrought his works alone. So it was in the Year of Ascension. So he still is. If you did find some foul isolated worshippers of Disease Incarnate, I doubt they will be very deep into either his counsels or his plans."
=====
Joshua looks for some way to confirm the paladin's story. The lady dragon says she will investigate as well as she can, and get back to him. The next day, mid-morning, back at the castle, Joshua receives a short "Sending" from Shernetiva: "Tax remission, property deed, and Hero Park plans all confirmed. Church involvement is clear but very subtle. Sources say Horace is church and court favorite."
=====
Aztyr visits the Temple of Alemi in Plateau City. She is circumspect, but it is clear that the officials there have no idea what she is talking about. They are respectful, and make notes, but have nothing to add right now. They do say that anything that fights disease is a great good, and they would like to see it.
=====
Mal consults with Sherentiva, then asks about the horn. She has no idea what it is, but it does not sound like it is of Teucri make.
[OOC: Any more Qs before Horace arrives?]
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Thursday October 11th, 2012 8:43:25 PM
OOC Any word from my family? Is my vague offer of protection enough for them to uproot and come to Scarwall? Remember, my brother is married and has a son, and my parents would be older, but still hardy enough to be active. My father has been and still is a premium security guard for caravans, as is my brother.
I also want to set the Hallow add on spell for Scarwall. I want to make it Freedom of Movement for all of the heroes who cleansed the old Scarwall. Is that criteria specific enough?
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Thursday October 11th, 2012 8:45:03 PM
When Malgant returns and before Sir Horace comes to visit, Malgant takes Le Gorrne aside and has a chat with it. Email to follow for DM Cayzle
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Thursday October 11th, 2012 11:00:02 PM
Brahmah will sit in the castle courtyard, waiting for the meeting, while he looks at the sparse decor of the place. He thinks it needs a grove in courtyard. He thinks it could use an oak large enough for treestride. In fact, a garden might be good too.
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Friday October 12th, 2012 9:07:57 AM
"Giving up, Boss?" Mookie says, after Vauhwyt thanks the high priest of Gargul and takes her leave. "Sounds bad, but there must be some angle to this somewhere. Don't you think?"
A smile comes to the liontaur face at the optimism of her small dark familiar. "Sometimes, Mookie, it seems that there are so many angles that you can't follow them all, and you go down so many that wind up to be dead ends that you don't think you'll ever find the right one. Or, at least, a good one. In those cases, I think the best thing to do is to just go with the flow."
"Lets head back. We may just be in time for the return of Sir Horace." Finding a comfortable spot, Vauhwyt begins the ritual that will Recall Mookie and herself to the former castle of Scarwall.
Jass of Downs (SteveK) Friday October 12th, 2012 9:21:57 AM
Jass' mind sparks while in Acid City and makes a connection between friendly, trustworthy merchants and the bare halls of Scarwall. He invites Sherentiva to come inspect the castle and asks her to name her price to furnish his personal suite, the common rooms for a foyer, dining room, kitchen,and the living quarters for 20 servants, 10 guests, and a platoon of guards.
DM Cayzle Friday October 12th, 2012 1:08:00 PM
Mal visits his family before returning to the castle formerly known as Scarwall, and they are happy to see him. Moreover, given your wealth and power, they are also pleased to follow your advice as to their place of residence. Your brother thinks this is a great opportunity for his wife and son, and your father is happy to think of his family under one roof. Your mother is a little reluctant. "If you think it is best, dear, I'll go," she says, "though I think I will miss my girlfriends. And humans are just so short!"
Mal tries to have a conversation with LeGorne. The horn is sullen, and does not answer his questions. "Look, you don't do me any favors, I won't do you any harm. Just leave me alone and I won't pester you. That doesn't make us buddies. You killed my friend, and you stink to high heaven with your goody-goody ways. But putting up with you is better than being heartseeded." It says no more.
Mal sets the Hallow spell to give Freedom of Movement to the heroes within.
=====
Brahmah plans some improvements to the castle.
=====
Jass, like Brahmah, is thinking of castle upgrades. He openly fawns on Sherentiva, but she is somewhat more cool to him, though still politely cordial. "I'll send you the names of my decorators and artisans," she tells him.
=====
Vauhwyt returns in time to hear from Horace the Paladin fo Ga'al.
=====
Promptly at noon the next day, Sir Horace returns. You resume your parley, and he cuts right to the chase.
First, on the topic of involving other gods. You may invite an observer who is a high priest of Gargul, and even an observer who is a high priest of Alemi -- on condition that the talisman must remain in Aisildur after it is recovered. The Church is even willing to negotiate the location in Aisildur in which it is kept, and will share the duty of keeping it safe with others. It need not even be in the possession of the Church, but the Church must have access to see it and ensure it stays safe and in Aisildur. The priests are even open to efforts to extend the talisman's reach, but not if there is any risk to the item.
Second, on your demand to read the book. The priests will allow one of you to read the book, but they emphasize that you must read it in its sanctuary vault, from which you will be sent out of the Wold. Moreover, they stress very strongly that there is no need for any of you to read it, and the danger is extreme. The reader may well die! Will Gargul let you return to the Wold if you throw your life away reading an artifact that others have mastered? That you have no reason to read? What will you tell him when he asks you why you threw away your life simply because you do not trust us? That assumes your soul goes to Gargul -- what if it and you are sucked into some other plane, maybe beyond his reach? It is a needless risk, but you can take it if it is otherwise a dealbreaker.
Horace asks if there are any final questions? He suggests that he would like to teleport with the group to the Vault today, if possible. He hopes that you have a means of scrying and teleportation prepared.
OOC: Friends, I really want to get us started. Not to rush, exactly, but we're just about at the point when a go / no-go decision is on us. Also, I want you to think about how you will prepare yourself for the trip to another plane, if you choose to try this quest.
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Friday October 12th, 2012 2:29:39 PM
Sir Joshua has no more questions but he does think that reading the book would be worth it if someone had a strong fortitude and ability to read it... He doesn't feel strongly either way...
He could argue for it - This is an evil that needs to be mitigated or even destroyed... He could argue against it - He doesn't trust the cult in the least bit and feels they have an ulterior motive behind this....
If he had to vote yea or nay, he'd vote Yes, take the mission...
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Friday October 12th, 2012 2:40:29 PM
Malgant reasks or asks for the first time these questions of Sir Horace. Unanswered questions "Non magical gear is not recreated in the new plane we are told. Will it be recreated if it is in a magical container when we are sent?" "Exiting the other plane is still foggy to me. You say we need only die to end our existence there and be transported back. Does that death affect us in the Wold? Are we dead, fatigued, exhausted, or otherwise incapacitated when we return that way?"
New Questions "What is the church's position if the item is unattainable? On scenario I see is the other needing it to survive and also being good. We would likely not put our existance over theirs and would be unable to retrieve it. What then? " "If we take no observers is the talisman still to be kept in Alsidur?"
Does Joshua share the sending from Sherentiva?
DM Cayzle Friday October 12th, 2012 3:57:40 PM
"Non magical gear is not recreated in the new plane we are told. Will it be recreated if it is in a magical container when we are sent?"
Answer: You can probably bring magical gear in a bag of holding or similar container.
"Exiting the other plane is still foggy to me. You say we need only die to end our existence there and be transported back. Does that death affect us in the Wold? Are we dead, fatigued, exhausted, or otherwise incapacitated when we return that way?"
Answer: Nope, you return with no ill effect.
"What is the church's position if the item is unattainable? On scenario I see is the other needing it to survive and also being good. We would likely not put our existance over theirs and would be unable to retrieve it. What then?"
Answer: Do your best. Do not compromise your morals. Use your best judgement. There is no penalty for failure, aside from not having a defense against the coming plague.
"If we take no observers is the talisman still to be kept in Alsidur?"
Answer: Yes. Note that the observers will be allowed to view the procedure to send you away, and they can stay and watch over your bodies while you are gone, but they may not join you in your mission.
Does Joshua share the sending from Sherentiva?
Answer: That's up to him! :-)
Jass of Downs (SteveK) Friday October 12th, 2012 5:51:51 PM
Jass smiles. "I think that that is acceptable. We get the artifact and the church keeps it in the open city of Acid City. That would be the most obvious place to have others guard as well, eh? As for reading the Book, I say pass. We have enough other second opinions that we know doing this is a good thing, cause it defeats a Big Bad Wolf."
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 Saturday October 13th, 2012 1:53:35 AM "So, any normal gear we have will be unavailable, but magical gear is duplicated as well as ourselves on whatever demi-plane it is we will be transported to. Vorelle, be sure to bring many magical arrows. Or maybe we can just magic up some for you once we're there. I'll be ready whenever the rest are, Oh, and by the way everyone, all staves and wands are fully charged, it was easy enough after my crafting hours were done."
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
DM Cayzle Saturday October 13th, 2012 6:11:04 AM
Horace grins at Jass. "Your words are wise, sir, and I hope all your friends will agree."
Aztyr says, "So, any normal gear we have will be unavailable, but magical gear is duplicated as well as ourselves."
Horace answers, "No, likely normal gear will be available if you keep it in an extra dimensional container."
Vorelle Saturday October 13th, 2012 10:56:40 AM
Vorelle is beginning to realize that she's a lot more comfortable with moral ambiguity than most of her friends.
Look, she sends, this item, whatever it is, can help people. So we should go get it.
Now, the people that are asking us to go get it are not the good guys. I understand that that's troubling. But we should still go get it.
What happens after we bring it back? That's trickier. But think about this. If those people really are bad guys, they'll probably betray us. And if they do, then we can defeat them and use the artifact however we think work best for everyone.
Even if they don't betray us, something else could happen. The artifact could be sentient, like LeGorn, and have its own ideas of how it needs to be used. Or, maybe it covers a wider area than we thought and it won't matter where it's placed. We don't know.
Let's go get this thing, and not worry about what to do when we get back. Because a lot of things will probably change between now and then.
About the practical business at hand, she adds, Aztyr, I don't use a lot of magic arrows. I shoot arrows from my magic bow, and that makes them magical enough for most purposes. I have silver, and cold iron, and adamantine arrows, but strictly speaking those are mundane, not magical. I guess what we're saying, though, is that those won't go?
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Saturday October 13th, 2012 2:29:03 PM " And if you don't take those nonmagical arrows in an extradimensional bag you will have nothing to fire. That's what she is driving at"
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Monday October 15th, 2012 5:15:48 AM
Brahmah imparts his wisdom to Vorelle and the rest. So maybe an efficient quiver is perfect for this quest. I will likely pick up a haversack for this specific mission. I might head to the Cat after the so called paladin has left again. He gives me the creeps by the way. I really don't want to do this... help the Ga'alian cause, whatever it is, but I can't help than agree with Vorelle. For the greater good and all. I told the WLA as little as possible, but pertinent info, and theyh seem to think its a good cause. And I assume Domi would be good with it. That said, I still hate the idea of another pocket dimension. I'll buy a haversack, and we can use it as needed. I recommend a quiver of efficiency for those without. ----------------------------------- Conditions/Other:
Guiding Star- You form a bond with your surroundings when you cast this spell. For the remaining duration of the spell you can always, as a standard action, determine your approximate distance from that area as well as the direction you must travel in order to reach it. You cannot determine the location of the area if you are on a different plane. The area counts as "very familiar" for the purposes of teleport or similar spells. You can only attune yourself to one location at a time. If you cast the spell at another spot you lose the ability to locate your original area.
Traveling Spell list: Prepared Spells: 1st - Tireless Pursuit x2 (1 hour per CL), Longstrider x4 (1 hour per CL) 2nd - Campfire Wall, Eagle Eye x2, Hide Campsite 3rd - Darkvision (1 hour per CL)*, Water Walk x2 (10 mins per CL) 4th - Tree Stride x3 (1 hour per CL)
Permanent/Other Effects: Mind Link (group) Large - Reach Fearsome - -2 in Diplomacy URBAN, WATER, UNDERGROUND and FORESTS +2 favored terrain CENTAURS, MAGICAL BEASTS, HUMANS and UNDEAD +2 favored enemy Neutral Good
Active Spells or effects: Word of Recall - CL11 (castle) 1/day: used Guiding Star (on himself, 15 days, Blackbird Lake, cast day one upon return) Darkvision (on himself 15 hours, CL15)
Item Provided junk: Daylight 1/day See Invisibility 1/day Rod of Extend 3/day Helm of Comprehend Languages and Read Magic (slotless) Necklace of Adaptation (slotless) Frost Chain (on Kukri) [Freedom of Movement underwater only, +1d6 frost is null underwater] Greater Improved Shadow Armor (+to stealth) Ring of Chameleon Power (disguise self as standard action, +to stealth)
Hero Points: 7/7 Hero Points Spent: 0
DM Cayzle Monday October 15th, 2012 6:21:49 AM
Horace looks around. "Are we agreed, then, noble heroes? If you are satisfied, then let us make ready to depart. Will you need more than a day to prepare? When you are set, with observers as well, if you deem it necessary, I will create for you an image of our destination, so that we can teleport there, if that is acceptable."
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Monday October 15th, 2012 7:28:35 AM
Betrayal. Vauhwyt keeps her thoughts to herself on this matter.
"The only concern that I really have at this point," she says, "is that you're telling us that we will arrive in this Pocket Dimension stark naked. Am I right? No normal gear? Unless we bring magic clothing, that is."
Mookie cocks his head to one side in a quizzical gesture. "What's naked?" asks the black bird.
DM Cayzle Monday October 15th, 2012 8:15:00 AM
"Well," says Horace, blushing, "I should hope that your magical armor and cloaks and robes and vests and ... um ... such gear and such should save you from indecorum, my lady. But you are, in essence, correct."
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 Monday October 15th, 2012 10:39:25 AM
Aztyr can't resist.... "Mookie, ever seen a quail or turkey being roasted? with all of it's feathers plucked? That's naked."
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Monday October 15th, 2012 1:26:31 PM
The black bird makes three short hops backwards. His beak is open wide and his feathers fluffed in a reflexive gesture that those of his kind use to make themselves look larger and more dangerous. "That's ... " Mookie stammers, after recovering somewhat from his alarm. "That's ... ooo, Boss ... "
"It's not that bad, Mookie." Vauhwyt shakes her head ever so slightly. "Well, mostly. Humans become pink and smooth. Imagine humans when they go swimming. That's naked."
Jass of Downs (SteveK) Monday October 15th, 2012 2:30:10 PM
Jass laughs. "I'm ready to go now, no need for preparing. I'll just put my shoes and shirt inside a pocket of my Pants O Plenty and I'm set!" He doesn't mention that if Vorelle doesn't have magical pants and shirt then he may be even more set, but then, that wouldn't do, to hurt a friend.
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Monday October 15th, 2012 2:52:03 PM
Sir Joshua will place his and William's nonmagical materials inside his handy haversack, which should work for most items. He asks if anyone has room to carry his javelin's and william's military saddle through to the other side as well, as they likely won't fit inside the sack... But he'll try to fit them all into his sack at first if that's possible...
He finishes his business at the Catacombs and after saying some prayers for their safety and success, he says in a solemn tone, "I'm ready my dear and loyal companions and let us depart for our mission...."
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Monday October 15th, 2012 4:50:08 PM " Tomorrow will be fine to teleport to your church where we are to depart from and we can leave the day after, unless Vauhwyt and Aztyr want to port us there now. I don't want us expending any spells or powers before we leave. You may all recall our difficulty getting rest in the last place we were. Besides I need to bring some people here before we go. Tomorrow would definitely be better."
OOC Malgant may want a quick catacombs run before we go, wands and potions might be useful.
Vorelle Monday October 15th, 2012 9:57:21 PM
Vorelle, too, tucks a mundane shirt and trousers into her magical storage. Her armor, cloak, and boots are magic, which would be enough for modesty. But chain armor against bare skin--the chafing!! She wants her clothes along.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Tuesday October 16th, 2012 1:47:15 AM I'll go to the Catacombs and return soon. I'm picking up a Haversack which should be enough for all of us. The ranger disappears for a time. (OOC: I'm heading the cat right now.)
Guiding Star- You form a bond with your surroundings when you cast this spell. For the remaining duration of the spell you can always, as a standard action, determine your approximate distance from that area as well as the direction you must travel in order to reach it. You cannot determine the location of the area if you are on a different plane. The area counts as "very familiar" for the purposes of teleport or similar spells. You can only attune yourself to one location at a time. If you cast the spell at another spot you lose the ability to locate your original area.
Traveling Spell list: Prepared Spells: 1st - Tireless Pursuit x2 (1 hour per CL), Longstrider x4 (1 hour per CL) 2nd - Campfire Wall, Eagle Eye x2, Hide Campsite 3rd - Darkvision (1 hour per CL)*, Water Walk x2 (10 mins per CL) 4th - Tree Stride x3 (1 hour per CL)
Permanent/Other Effects: Mind Link (group) Large - Reach Fearsome - -2 in Diplomacy URBAN, WATER, UNDERGROUND and FORESTS +2 favored terrain CENTAURS, MAGICAL BEASTS, HUMANS and UNDEAD +2 favored enemy Neutral Good
Active Spells or effects: Word of Recall - CL11 (castle) 1/day: used Guiding Star (on himself, 15 days, Blackbird Lake, cast day one upon return) Darkvision (on himself 15 hours, CL15)
Item Provided junk: Daylight 1/day See Invisibility 1/day Rod of Extend 3/day Helm of Comprehend Languages and Read Magic (slotless) Necklace of Adaptation (slotless) Frost Chain (on Kukri) [Freedom of Movement underwater only, +1d6 frost is null underwater] Greater Improved Shadow Armor (+to stealth) Ring of Chameleon Power (disguise self as standard action, +to stealth)
Hero Points: 7/7 Hero Points Spent: 0
DM Cayzle Tuesday October 16th, 2012 7:06:09 AM
Horace bows, and thanks you all for agreeing to help. "You truly are heroes." he says. "Thank you!"
He says he will return tomorrow at the same time.
==========
OOC: Okay, last chance for doing stuff before teleporting to the Ga'al Temple in Emperor City. Since this is a key day, also please post your spells prepped and other daily use abilities.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Tuesday October 16th, 2012 8:15:23 AM
OOC: I prepared as if Brahmah would be traveling, so the current spell list is 'today's' list. As a point of fairness, I will not prepare a new list until 'tomorrow' (provided the dimension we are headed to will allow it).
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Tuesday October 16th, 2012 3:06:21 PM
Sir Joshua's in good shape, except he will go buy ~ 1000 gp worth of diamond dust for his restoration spell...
His spell list is:
1st - (5 =- 4 class + 1 Bonus) Bless Weapon, Lessor Restoration, Grace, Heroes' Defiance, Veil of Positive Energy 2nd - (3) Resist Energy 10, Instant Armor, Saddle Surge 3rd - (2) Heal Mount, Greater MW 4th - (2) Death Ward, Restoration
Jass of Downs (SteveK) Tuesday October 16th, 2012 5:08:48 PM
Jass is ready, certain that none of his spells will travel interdimensionally well, he foregoes in casting any.
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 Tuesday October 16th, 2012 5:28:52 PM
Aztyr, being ready, and planning on storing her leather harness and her shirts in her haversack, she'll be ready to go. She volunteers to help anyone who needs it, before they head to the Ga'al temple. After they return, she's gonna head home and see if she can convince her Clan to move to the castle grounds. She knows they won't want to live inside, but they can set up their yurts outside. It'll be a long argument to get them to move... and days of teleporting them if they do.....
(Aztyr will magic Vestment herself and Mal before they rest (8 hours) , as well as casting her Mage Armor. (refilling Blood as well, as draws and the rod for extend will reset while they rest)
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
Permanent:
Arcane Sight, Comprehend Languages Dark Vision, Greater Magic Fang +5 (Dragon Claws) Greater Magic Fang +5 (Liontaur Claws) Read Magic, Resistance See Invisibility, Tongues
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Tuesday October 16th, 2012 5:31:42 PM
Malgant borrows Aztyr's wand of Reduce Person. He then teleports to his family home and prepares to move them to Scarwall. When they are ready he will use the wand to reduce them all and teleport them back to Scarwall. Before he goes he makes sure rooms are available for them to use, tapping Jass's contacts within the city to make the place ready for them. ( approximate cost DM Cayzle?) Once he returns Malgant procures some diamond dust as well (Thanks for the reminder Ken) ( Can I get 5000gp of dust without viviting the catacombs DM Cayzle?)
Effects on Malgant Magic Vestment from Aztyr ( +5) 36 hour duration CL18 Mind Blank CL18 Blur (Cloak of minor displacement) Extended Contingency " Cast Breath of Life on me if I am reduced to negative HP"
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Tuesday October 16th, 2012 7:11:41 PM
It's ... distressing. Watching the others gather their loved ones. It's as though they are serious about this coming cataclysm. Boarding up the windows. Battening down the hatches. As though they don't expect to be able to stop it.
And maybe they're right.
Vauhwyt pushes the thought away. There must be a way out of this, and it will become clearer once they get to this pocket dimension.
"I don't suppose there's any sense casting any spells before hand. If we're not going to arrive in our own bodies, there's no assurance that our spells will be going with us either." The liontaur packs a spare set of clothing in her handy haversack. "We might have to move pretty quickly once on the other side. But it's not as though that's never happened before."
"Vorelle might have room in her quiver for your javelins," she suggests to Sir Joshua. "As for the saddle ... " A grin exposes the sharp teeth in Vauhwyt's mouth as she weaves her paws in a spell. At a touch of the tip of one claw the large leather saddle shrinks to the size of a roast quail. "Easy peasy," she says as she drops the shrunken saddle into her haversack with the rest of her things.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cast Shrink Object on Sir Joshua's Saddle and store in Haversack.
Keeping Track Of Stuff: Lesser Meta Rod Of Extend: used 0 of 3 Darkwalk: used 0 of 50 minutes (unavailable) Staff of Transmuting Buffs: used 4 of 10 charges Impromptu sneak attack: used 0 of 1 Tricky spells used: 0 of 3 Compel Spirit: used 0 of 5
Mookie's Tattoos - Lockjaw used 0 of 2 - Feather Step used 0 of 3
Spells Used 0 of 7 lvl 1 spells Used 0 of 7 lvl 2 spells Used 1 of 7 lvl 3 spells Used 0 of 7 lvl 4 spells Used 0 of 6 lvl 5 spells Used 0 of 6 lvl 6 spells Used 0 of 4 lvl 7 spells
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Tuesday October 16th, 2012 11:06:30 PM " This is for the Ga'alians. I'll sweat losing my enchants when we cross, but I am NOT going to a Ga'alian temple without Mind Blank up. That's just silly."
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Wednesday October 17th, 2012 4:24:04 AM
Thinking to the group, since he's at the Catacombs, There is a line and no clerk. This might be awhile. ----------------------------------- Conditions/Other:
Guiding Star- You form a bond with your surroundings when you cast this spell. For the remaining duration of the spell you can always, as a standard action, determine your approximate distance from that area as well as the direction you must travel in order to reach it. You cannot determine the location of the area if you are on a different plane. The area counts as "very familiar" for the purposes of teleport or similar spells. You can only attune yourself to one location at a time. If you cast the spell at another spot you lose the ability to locate your original area.
Traveling Spell list: Prepared Spells: 1st - Tireless Pursuit x2 (1 hour per CL), Longstrider x4 (1 hour per CL) 2nd - Campfire Wall, Eagle Eye x2, Hide Campsite 3rd - Darkvision (1 hour per CL)*, Water Walk x2 (10 mins per CL) 4th - Tree Stride x3 (1 hour per CL)
Permanent/Other Effects: Mind Link (group) Large - Reach Fearsome - -2 in Diplomacy URBAN, WATER, UNDERGROUND and FORESTS +2 favored terrain CENTAURS, MAGICAL BEASTS, HUMANS and UNDEAD +2 favored enemy Neutral Good
Active Spells or effects: Word of Recall - CL11 (castle) 1/day: used Guiding Star (on himself, 15 days, Blackbird Lake, cast day one upon return) Darkvision (on himself 15 hours, CL15)
Item Provided junk: Daylight 1/day See Invisibility 1/day Rod of Extend 3/day Helm of Comprehend Languages and Read Magic (slotless) Necklace of Adaptation (slotless) Frost Chain (on Kukri) [Freedom of Movement underwater only, +1d6 frost is null underwater] Greater Improved Shadow Armor (+to stealth) Ring of Chameleon Power (disguise self as standard action, +to stealth)
Hero Points: 7/7 Hero Points Spent: 0
DM Cayzle Wednesday October 17th, 2012 6:59:29 AM
OOC: Just to confirm ... after getting permission to bring in high priests of Gargul and Alemi, you are choosing not to bother?
If no, no prob ... and very much in character for us BBLers! :-)
Also: Stock magic item transactions can be handled right here in game. Just post what you want to buy and I'll okay it. Diamond Dust is A-OK too of course.
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Wednesday October 17th, 2012 9:28:38 AM
OoC: Why should we care if they don't? They all seemed rather sanguine about the end of things as we know it.
Jass of Downs (SteveK)(AC 32, Touch 20, Flat 27; HP 188/188) Wednesday October 17th, 2012 10:44:11 AM
Jass uses a closet in the Temple of Ga'al to change for the magical ceremony that will strip away anything not magical and send the group to another pocket dimension with scant hope of ever coming back. Frankly, the sorcerer is excited!
He strips down to only his Pants o Plenty, Robe of Arcane Heritage, Bracers, Circlet, Headband, Belt, 2 Rings, Spectacles, and an Amulet. Well, OK, he takes off his low boots and shirt and tucks them both into his magical pants. :-)
Confident that none of his spells will keep with him during the journey, Jass has cast no spells for the day, and is ready to be off. He doesn't mind if other Northern priests are present. By what the others said, the other priests thought this was a good idea too.
.....Actions
.....Active Effects immune to Cold, Nonlethal damage, Paralysis, and Sleep Damage Resistance 5/- non-intelligent undead do not notice Jass unless he attacks them
DM Cayzle Wednesday October 17th, 2012 11:20:05 AM
OOC: Yup, the high priest of Gargul was on the sanguine side. The high priest of Alemi was not given very much detail at all. I posted: "Aztyr visits the Temple of Alemi in Plateau City. She is circumspect, but it is clear that the officials there have no idea what she is talking about. They are respectful, and make notes, but have nothing to add right now. They do say that anything that fights disease is a great good, and they would like to see it."
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 Wednesday October 17th, 2012 1:11:49 PM
Aztyr will teleport to Plateau City and see if the Head Priest wishes to go to the Temple of Ga'al to witness the event she had mentioned a few days prior. She will then return to the Ga'al temple with or without, depending on his answer.
She will still precast Mage armor with the extend and do both Magic Vestments.(day before, before resting so spells and blood draws reset)
DM Cayzle Wednesday October 17th, 2012 4:01:14 PM
If you explain the entire thing to the high priests of Alemi, they are flabbergasted and indignant that the Church of Ga'al is going to get an artifact that is under their sphere of influence! They are a little more than somewhat ticked off that the party -- including the Wold's premier Fixer! -- is going to be helping to get it!
Only the knowledge that there is no other way to bring the artifact to the Wold stays their ire. And that the party got permission to bring a high priest of Alemi to the Ga'alian Holy of Holies in the High Temple in Emperor City! Well, that does speak well for the church's Fixer.
Aztyr, of course, has never been a big part of the hierarchy. A taur among humans ... a sorcerer among clerics ... an adventurer among priests ... and one seldom even in Plateau City, where the church is mostly based.
But she does get the firm impression -- although no one says so out loud -- that the minor sin of theft would be easily forgiven were the relic to end up in its rightful place in Alemi's Temple. Actually, the priests would be very grateful for such an outcome. Very grateful.
But who will go to Aisildur? Via teleport, no less? The hierarchy chooses a bit of an outsider to make the trip: A 14th level cleric/healer/paragon who is also a Walker. Her name is Sister Chjara, and she has been to Aisildur before. Her wind-blown grey hair, weathered features, and lean stringy form suggest a working cleric who prefers to spend time out of doors.
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Wednesday October 17th, 2012 4:27:46 PM
Sir Joshua chuckles as his military saddle is shrunken and thanks Vauhwyt for the handy assist. Now that he's got everything handled, he replies, "OK, I think William and I are good. I've collected a bunch of extra hay and apples while waiting and have stuffed them in my haversack. That should feed him for a while or at least till we find more food... He's not a big fan of the stuff we create via magic but will eat it if that's all we have..."
He listens to the others report about their visits to multiple locations and awaits the beginning of their journey. He has no home church at this point, but does take time to send a note via a courier to his family in their castle, letting them know that he's fine and will visit when he has a chance in the future.
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Wednesday October 17th, 2012 5:05:59 PM
Malgant thinks to the group via the mind link," I chose not to ask any clerics to observe because there was no real point. If the Church of Ga'al wanted to kill us there is precious little one cleric could do to stop them. I also decided not to ask anyone else because the righteous indignation game would start and the churches of the Wold would start squabbling more than normal about who gets to save the Wold. Fact is, it doesn't matter as long as the Wold gets saved. Let them kill each other over it, not my issue. Once the item is safe we can decide where it is kept, though the free city of Acid City has a nice nondenominational sound to it, even though it is far from free, as evidenced by the mayor's visit. That whole dog and pony show was staged just before Sir Horace arrived so that we would know how big a favor the Church of Ga'al was doing us. Point is we will have done all we could to avert a disaster. The thing that bothers me is, what if this disaster never would have happened if we didn't go get the artifact. Even worse, what if the Church of Ga'al is planning on releasing the plague itself and BLAMING Marteaus for it once a big slice of their territory is protected by the Artifact. Thing is we can worry all we want about these things. The Wold needs us to step up and do the good thing. What happens after can be shaped by us as it happens. So long as we remain true to doing things for the good of the Wold." Malgant settles his family in and cautions his brother and father to keep their keen danger sense alive. Something could be afoot and it isn't clear what it is yet. He arranges to have the furniture and other necessary items they need delivered and gives them the run of the place. Before the transfer to the other plane, Malgant stores his totem bag along with is holy symbol and the spell components he needs inside his pants of plenty so that the nonmagical items travel with him.
Purchases 5000 gp of diamond dust furniture and goods to keep his family going for at least a month in case this mission drags on ( need a round number from DM cayzle for that to deduct the monies)
Effects on Malgant Magic Vestment from Aztyr ( +5) 36 hour duration CL18 Mind Blank CL18 Blur (Cloak of minor displacement) Extended Contingency " Cast Breath of Life on me if I am reduced to negative HP" Ring of Counterspells set for Greater Dispel Magic Amulet of Mighty fists making all attacks holy and ghost touch
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 d100=12 ; d100=11 ; Wednesday October 17th, 2012 5:08:56 PM "Sister Chjara, we're headed to my home first...No not the Taur islands, but our groups castle just outside Acid City. I just don't want to give the Ga'alians a direct trace back to Alemi's Temple. I or we as a group may be working with them to recover this artifact, but I don't plan on making it easy for them. While we are there, I'd be honored if you would keep watch over my own and my friends bodies. Apparently we will be doing some form of astral projection or the like. Our physical body will be left behind while our projection is elsewhere completing the retrieval." With that, they vanish from Plateau City and appear in the courtyard of home. Then, from there, catching up with the rest at the Ga'al High Temple.
Both Teleports are fine and on target.
"This is the representative from my god, I'll let her introduce herself, if she so wishes."
Vorelle Wednesday October 17th, 2012 5:13:14 PM
Vorelle waits patiently through the flurry of last-minute preparations. She helps where she can, and acknowledges that she can't help very much with this part of things.
DM Cayzle Wednesday October 17th, 2012 5:17:42 PM
Sister Chjara is pleased to meet you all, and she is polite to Sir Horace when he arrives.
Purchases listed so far are A-OK.
Mal gets his family settled in just fine.
Note that before you teleport away, Sir Horace offers to take possession of LeGorne, the artifact shaped like a horn. He puts on a special glove with which to carry it.
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - HP 169/169 d20+12=31 ; Wednesday October 17th, 2012 6:24:20 PM "I'd willingly give it to you, but he's, LeGorne that is, has hidden himself somewhere inside the castle. He's been awful quiet, so I actually don't know where he is right now." (the actual truth, someone else was dealing with him.)
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
Permanent:
Arcane Sight, Comprehend Languages Dark Vision, Greater Magic Fang +5 (Dragon Claws) Greater Magic Fang +5 (Liontaur Claws) Read Magic, Resistance See Invisibility, Tongues
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Wednesday October 17th, 2012 7:26:57 PM
Vauhwyt greets Sister Chjara with a warm smile. It's nice to see that her sister liontaur has had more luck with Alemi that she has had with Gargul. Though, truth be told, what more could one expect from the followers of a god of death?
"Is this going to hurt, Boss?" Mookie asks in an unusually subdued voice. "Last time it hurt," he adds, recalling to mind his recent experience, an experience best left forgotten.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Thursday October 18th, 2012 4:16:49 AM
The ranger returns to see a new face. "Oh another... greetings." He says with a fast correction, looking at the paragon (assuming she's human). "Who is this?" He turns to whomever is standing there, then realizing it's Horace, corrects his facing and looks at Aztyr.
"Urm, I just returned picking up gear from the Catacombs." [OOC: He's placed all his mundane gear, plus his Unfillible Coin Purse, the Black Pearl and his Whacky Chain of Frost into the new Haversack, not knowing how they might react to the trip.] All his magical gear covers all vital body parts, but he was never embarrassed about nudity.
Hearing the concern about LeGorne, the minotaur flares up, but keeps his composure enough to THINK to the group. I just know the horn is reporting to someone else. I bet you it returns JUST before we depart. A snort escapes the minotaur. "So, are we ALL going to this place or is it just us? I was under the impression we wouldn't have tagalongs getting under foot and going to getting themselves offed! Thought we were chosen." Then the minotaur softens and smiles at the thought. "Chosen again. Figures."
Then responding to someone, not sure who with all the mental clutter, The Wold has had disaster threaten it before, and it gets saved again and again. I've been there twice by my count. Both times were never fun. Saw Gargul once as a result. Nice bloke. A bit depressing to talk with though. ----------------------------------- Conditions/Other:
Guiding Star- You form a bond with your surroundings when you cast this spell. For the remaining duration of the spell you can always, as a standard action, determine your approximate distance from that area as well as the direction you must travel in order to reach it. You cannot determine the location of the area if you are on a different plane. The area counts as "very familiar" for the purposes of teleport or similar spells. You can only attune yourself to one location at a time. If you cast the spell at another spot you lose the ability to locate your original area.
Traveling Spell list: Prepared Spells: 1st - Tireless Pursuit x2 (1 hour per CL), Longstrider x4 (1 hour per CL) 2nd - Campfire Wall, Eagle Eye x2, Hide Campsite 3rd - Darkvision (1 hour per CL)*, Water Walk x2 (10 mins per CL) 4th - Tree Stride x3 (1 hour per CL)
Permanent/Other Effects: Mind Link (group) Large - Reach Fearsome - -2 in Diplomacy URBAN, WATER, UNDERGROUND and FORESTS +2 favored terrain CENTAURS, MAGICAL BEASTS, HUMANS and UNDEAD +2 favored enemy Neutral Good
Active Spells or effects: Word of Recall - CL11 (castle) 1/day: used Guiding Star (on himself, 15 days, Blackbird Lake, cast day one upon return) Darkvision (on himself 15 hours, CL15)
Item Provided junk: Daylight 1/day See Invisibility 1/day Rod of Extend 3/day Helm of Comprehend Languages and Read Magic (slotless) Necklace of Adaptation (slotless) Frost Chain (on Kukri) [Freedom of Movement underwater only, +1d6 frost is null underwater] Greater Improved Shadow Armor (+to stealth) Ring of Chameleon Power (disguise self as standard action, +to stealth)
Hero Points: 7/7 Hero Points Spent: 0
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Thursday October 18th, 2012 10:06:23 AM
While they wait, Sir Joshua introduces himself and William to the sister. "Welcome my lady and I'm glad to meet you. It is good to meet a woman of the cloth who spreads a message of hope through the Wold."
Though he can't stand Le Gorne, he's mixed about whether to keep it or give it up to Sir Horace... It's not doing harm right now to them and at least he can keep an eye on it if its in the castle...
Jass of Downs (SteveK)(AC 32, Touch 20, Flat 27; HP 188/188) Thursday October 18th, 2012 12:35:06 PM
Jass is slightly uncomfortable as his necromantic robe itches against his bare back. The sorcerer tries to keep his mind on the impending teleportation, and only spares a bare head nod at Sir Horace and Sister Chjara.
.....Actions
.....Active Effects immune to Cold, Nonlethal damage, Paralysis, and Sleep Damage Resistance 5/- non-intelligent undead do not notice Jass unless he attacks them
When the group is ready, with transactions conducted, Sir Horace creates an illusion of a fortress-like temple in the heart of a busy city. The casters in the group study it, and then cast. With Horace and the priest of Alemi, but without the mouthy artifact, the party teleports to the scene.
Aztyr and Vauhwyt can each teleport six people, and even counting Mal and Brahmah as two each, you've got that covered.
Rolling on the "studied" line of the teleport chart ... and your DM takes the initiative to do so ... a 91 and a 93 nonetheless indicate complete success!
The metropolis of Emperor City is a hectic, lively place. Moreover, the streets are clean, the people tend to smile, and even the bargaining of the street vendors seems more friendly than aggressive.
The Temple here is a huge utilitarian place. There are no windows on the lower floor. The huge wide doors are reinforced steel. They are swung open, however, and there is a great traffic of people in and out.
Within the Temple, the outer courtyard seems at first to be a store. There is a counter, and salespeople, and orderly lines of people are coming away with goods. But on reflection, you see that all the "merchants" are wearing vests or v-neck tops that show off their heartseeds, and they seem to be giving away food and clothing to the poor.
"We've arrived just in time for the noonday charity," says Horace. "Any one who is needy can come here, whether they belong to the church or not."
Deeper in, you pass through an impressive nave that could serve a thousand worshippers at a time. Cunningly, although you are completely indoors, there are stained glass windows made with lights behind them to simulate the sun. The artisanship is superb, but severe, and lacking ornamentation.
In the nave you are joined by a half a dozen priests, who serve as an escort. None are armed; all are heartseeded. Horace alerts you, as you descend wide stairs, that the entire underlevel is warded with a dimensional lock so that teleports will not function.
Underground, the airy arched chambers of the inner sanctum are cool and brightly lit with magic daylight. The light illuminates underground gardens that you glimpse through archways. You are brought to a chamber set up with chairs sized for humans and taurs, and some huge floor pillows as well. Three high priests, naked from the waist up, sit in chairs here waiting for you. Although they are not wearing shirts, they are dressed quite modestly by the lush heartseed leaves and flowers that cover their chests. One is an older lady, one is a middle-aged man, and one is an older man.
The Ga'alian paladin/bard rushes forward, sinks to his knees, and kisses the hand of the older lady when she extends it.
"Ah, the heroes of Acid City. You have done well, Horace." She signals him to rise, and with a wave invites you all to sit down.
"I am the Revered Yurlene, and these are the Revered Salmam and the Revered Daizonn." She indicates the older, and then the younger priests. "Please sit and join us. We are glad you have come, and your desire to help us recover the Talisman of Health does you great credit."
You will have questions, perhaps. But first let me offer some information. We know that a plague is coming. It may come tomorrow or in a hundred years. But when it comes, the Wold will be deeply marred. The object of your quest would be a light against a thousand years of darkness."
"Our most recent understanding is that you will face a challenge, or test, of some kind, in order to retrieve the Talisman. Perhaps it is irony, or simply fitting, that the High God of Testing should be beaten if you pass this test. Or maybe it is a test set up by Marteus himself, since he has espoused the belief that the strongest ones, who pass his test, deserve to survive."
"We do not know what challenge you will face. I know that a small number of you have accepted Badges of Reknown. I know that you will decline, but I am compelled by duty of the badge you bear to honor you with as much help as I can offer -- and the greatest gift I can offer is a heartseed." She explains how the Church has created a special heartseed that does not impose the usual conditions. [OOC: This special heartseed can grant any one feat desired without regard for prerequisites, plus 20 ranks in any skill. It cannot be used to control behavior.]
Decline or accept, she tells you that when you are ready, you may pass through the portal behind her into the Chamber of the Manual. When you enter, cast whatever spells you wish, make whatever arrangements you need, and then lie on the couches there. If you wish to bring any familiars or bound companions with you, call them as well. When all are lying on the couches, a priest-sage will read the Manual and send you on your quest.
OOC: Do let's do everything we need to move the action along, friends. It is time to prep and go.
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Thursday October 18th, 2012 2:14:38 PM
OoC: So, are you saying that any spells cast will be transferred to the bodies that appear in the pocket dimension?
Cayzle Comments: That is correct. Such are the marvels of the Manual of the Multiverse.
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Thursday October 18th, 2012 6:39:45 PM " Do you know the environment on the other side? Are precautions necessary? Will we be able to breathe the air and survive the environment? I have prepared counter if needed. Will you be able to send any of us who might be killed on the other side and thus expelled back to the other plane? Other than that I have no more questions, let us go." Malgant will move into the other room and lie down, allowing the ritual to be performed.
Effects on Malgant Magic Vestment from Aztyr ( +5) 36 hour duration CL18 Mind Blank CL18 Blur (Cloak of minor displacement) Extended Contingency " Cast Breath of Life on me if I am reduced to negative HP" Ring of Counterspells set for Greater Dispel Magic Amulet of Mighty fists making all attacks holy and ghost touch
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - Blur (20%) - HP 169/169 Thursday October 18th, 2012 9:25:19 PM
Aztyr was about to ask something, but as Malgant asks his questions, she waits for the answers he gets, to see if she likes the answers...
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
Permanent:
Arcane Sight, Comprehend Languages Dark Vision, Greater Magic Fang +5 (Dragon Claws) Greater Magic Fang +5 (Liontaur Claws) Read Magic, Resistance See Invisibility, Tongues
DM Cayzle Thursday October 18th, 2012 9:37:03 PM "Do you know the environment on the other side? Are precautions necessary? Will we be able to breathe the air and survive the environment?"
The high priestess offers her reassurances. "The magic of the Manual will protect you. The body that it helps you create through projection to the other plane will be able to survive the rigors of that plane. Moreover, if it is a test, as we understand it to be, then killing you immediately would hardly be a test."
"Will you be able to send any of us who might be killed on the other side and thus expelled back to the other plane?"
"I do not know, but my guess is that if your projection is destroyed and you return to the Wold, you will not be able to immediately return to the demiplane. In fact, you may not even be able to return to that plane at all."
She smiles thinly. "Try not to die."
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Thursday October 18th, 2012 10:27:08 PM
"Aztyr, could I have one of those Magic Vestments as well?" Vauhwyt asks. Rather than ask questions for more knowledge that doesn't seem likely to be forthcoming, the Grim Trickster goes about capitalizing on the knowledge she's just received - that magic will make the transition to this new place along with their bodies. "I'll give you a Heroism spell and renew it any time you're ready."
Spells cast on Mookie: False Life (17 hp) (20 hrs) Heroism (3 hrs, 20 min) Permanent Telepathy
Spells cast on Others: Greater Magic Weapon +5 (20 hrs) -- 1x Mal (monk unarmed attacks) -- 2x Brahmah (falchion and kukri) -- 3x Vorelle (2 hand axes and bow)
Note: Aztyr gets Heroism whenever she wants, up to 3x per day
Keeping Track Of Stuff: Lesser Meta Rod Of Extend: used 0 of 3 Darkwalk: used 0 of 50 minutes (unavailable) Staff of Transmuting Buffs: used 5 of 10 charges Impromptu sneak attack: used 0 of 1 Tricky spells used: 0 of 3 Compel Spirit: used 0 of 5
Mookie's Tattoos - Lockjaw used 0 of 2 - Feather Step used 0 of 3
Spells Used 0 of 7 lvl 1 spells Used 2 of 7 lvl 2 spells Used 5 of 7 lvl 3 spells Used 1 of 7 lvl 4 spells Used 1 of 6 lvl 5 spells Used 0 of 6 lvl 6 spells Used 0 of 4 lvl 7 spells
=====
Cayzle Comments: Highlight to display spoiler: {Al, looks like a cut and paste from an earlier V post, which is A-OK. But you need to roll for the False Lives (1d10+10) and use either her new caster level of 18 or use the karma bead to boost to 22. You're basing the above durations on CL20, seems like. }
Jass of Downs (SteveK)(AC 36, Touch 20, Flat 31; HP 206/188) d10=8 ; Thursday October 18th, 2012 10:57:54 PM
Jass has to smile, he admires spunk and a dry wit, and the old lady has got them in spades.
"No, no thanks, I'm not interested in having a plant grown on my body just now, maybe later."
The sorcerer selects a couch and casts a series of spells on himself and the others.
.....Actions False Life; 18/18 hr +18 hit points Shield, extended [rod] 36/36 min; +4 AC Life Bubble; 4/4 hr each; immune to breathing or gas attacks on Jass, Brahmah, Malgant, Atzyr, Vorelle, Vauhwyt, Mookie, Sir Joshua, Horse Mass Fly; 180/180 min; gain fly and +8 Fly Skill on Jass, Brahmah, Malgant, Atzyr, Vorelle, Vauhwyt, Mookie, Sir Joshua, Horse
.....Active Effects immune to Cold, Nonlethal damage, Paralysis, and Sleep Damage Resistance 5/- non-intelligent undead do not notice Jass unless he attacks them
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Friday October 19th, 2012 5:04:27 AM
"Jass, if the Life Bubble would be better split among others, I should tell you, I have a Necklace of Adaption which should suffice."
The ranger casts Longstrider, using his Rod of Extend to increase its duration.
"Vauhwyt, may I have Barkskin and GMW on both weapons, after we enter, please. I wouldn't want ALL our spells to be disenchanted right away. We don't know if we'll be able to prepare any when we get inside." ----------------------------------- Conditions/Other:
Guiding Star- You form a bond with your surroundings when you cast this spell. For the remaining duration of the spell you can always, as a standard action, determine your approximate distance from that area as well as the direction you must travel in order to reach it. You cannot determine the location of the area if you are on a different plane. The area counts as "very familiar" for the purposes of teleport or similar spells. You can only attune yourself to one location at a time. If you cast the spell at another spot you lose the ability to locate your original area.
Traveling Spell list: Prepared Spells: 1st - Tireless Pursuit x2 (1 hour per CL), Longstrider x4* (30 hours entering realm, 1 hour per CL) 2nd - Campfire Wall, Eagle Eye x2, Hide Campsite 3rd - Darkvision (1 hour per CL)*, Water Walk x2 (10 mins per CL) 4th - Tree Stride x3 (1 hour per CL)
Permanent/Other Effects: Mind Link (group) Large - Reach Fearsome - -2 in Diplomacy URBAN, WATER, UNDERGROUND and FORESTS +2 favored terrain CENTAURS, MAGICAL BEASTS, HUMANS and UNDEAD +2 favored enemy Neutral Good
Active Spells or effects: Word of Recall - CL11 (castle, on plane only) 1/day: used Guiding Star (on himself, 13/15 days, Blackbird Lake, cast day one upon return) Darkvision (on himself 10/15 hours, CL15) Life Bubble (from Jass, 4hours upon entering realm) Fly (from Jass, 180minutes upon entering realm)
Item Provided junk: Daylight 1/day See Invisibility 1/day Rod of Extend 3/day* Helm of Comprehend Languages and Read Magic (slotless) Necklace of Adaptation (slotless) Frost Chain (on Kukri) [Freedom of Movement underwater only, +1d6 frost is null underwater, in haversack] Greater Improved Shadow Armor (+to stealth) Ring of Chameleon Power (disguise self as standard action, +to stealth)
Hero Points: 7/7 Hero Points Spent: 0
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al d10+10=20 ; d10+10=15 ; Friday October 19th, 2012 9:25:40 AM
Vauhwyt looks down on the string of beads in her paws. The karma bead has been incredibly useful at times like these, allowing her to face the unknown with raw undisputed power. She adds one last spell to her person, feeling the fluidity enter her form with the magic.
"Alright," Vauhwyt replies to Brahmah. "When you need the Greater Magic Weapon spells, just ask."
"I'm ready," she then announces, and Vauhwyt turns to the others, lifting a questioning eyebrow.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OoC: How are these changes?
Spells cast on Vauhwyt: False Life (20 hp) (22 hrs/CL22) Extended See Invisible (7 hrs, 33 min/CL22) Extended Heroism (7 hrs, 33 min/CL22) Greater Magic Weapon +5 - on Armor Spikes (22 hrs/CL22) Detect Scrying (24 hrs/CL22) Fluid Form (22 min/CL22) Magic Vest +5 x2 (from Aztyr) (21 hrs/CL18?) Greater Magic Fang +2 x2 (from staff) (8 hrs/CL??) Telepathic Bond (Permanent/CL18?) Life Bubble-From Jass (4 hrs/CL18?) Mass Fly-From Jass (180 min/CL18?)
Spells cast on Mookie: False Life (15 hp) (22 hrs/CL22) Heroism (4 hrs, 6 min/CL22) Life Bubble-From Jass (4 hrs/CL18?) Mass Fly-From Jass (180 min/CL18?) Telepathic Bond (Permanent/CL18?)
Spells cast on Others: Greater Magic Weapon +5 (22 hrs/CL22) -- 1x Mal (monk unarmed attacks) -- 3x Vorelle (2 hand axes and bow)
Note: Aztyr gets Heroism whenever she wants, up to 3x per day
Keeping Track Of Stuff: Lesser Meta Rod Of Extend: used 0 of 3 Darkwalk: used 0 of 50 minutes (unavailable) Staff of Transmuting Buffs: used 8 of 10 charges Impromptu sneak attack: used 0 of 1 Tricky spells used: 0 of 3 Compel Spirit: used 0 of 5 Rod of Extend: used 2 of 3 Prayer Beads: used; Karma
Mookie's Tattoos - Lockjaw used 0 of 2 - Feather Step used 0 of 3
Spells Used 0 of 7 lvl 1 spells Used 3 of 7 lvl 2 spells Used 5 of 7 lvl 3 spells Used 1 of 7 lvl 4 spells Used 0 of 6 lvl 5 spells Used 1 of 6 lvl 6 spells Used 0 of 4 lvl 7 spells
Cayzle Comments: Thanks Al! Note that the bead is good for ten minutes, so its boost MIGHT extend into your trip to another plane.
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Friday October 19th, 2012 10:16:18 AM (OOC - I'm a little confused here re: the spells.... Are we prepping like we'd normally do before a big fight and if so, won't they expire quickly in the new plane? Or are they just our standard daily ones (Life Bubble, Mass Fly, etc.)? Won't we be able to cast spells in the new plane and if so, why cast short duration spells now? I assume we'll be there for more than 10-15 mins? )
Sir Joshua and William patiently awaits the preparations and casting that the others perform. None of his spells are long duration, so he idly waits, sharpening his sword and magic lance...
Vorelle[Life Bubble, Fly] Friday October 19th, 2012 11:03:38 AM
Vorelle has heard about heartseeds, but never actually seen one. She can't keep herself from staring when she sees so many people showing them off. Does it hurt? It doesn't seem to. But how weird, to have something growing in you like that.
She turns down a heartseed of her very own with a faint "no thank you" and slips quietly to her couch.
DM Cayzle d10=5 ; Friday October 19th, 2012 3:09:23 PM
The High Priestess clarifies. "Cast your spells, then recline and wait for your projection. It may take ten or twenty minutes for the magic to send you out. So any spells with very short durations will likely end before they prove valuable. Once you are projected, any spells still in effect will likely remain in effect. Will you be in combat immediately? Will you have to wait, for hours or days? Will there even be a danger? I have no idea, but I wish you Ga'al's blessing in finding out!"
A priest leads each of you into the next room, to a cushioned bench. The priests leading Mal, Jass, and Vorelle do not say a word. The priests leading Brahmah, Vauhwyt, and Sir Josh address each with a few private words. [OOC: Please see my e-mail.]
The room is huge, and it is dominated by a table on which rests an amazing book. It must be eight feet high and five feet wide; when open, side to side it is 10 feet wide. It would take two very strong men to carry it, and then they would be staggering.
The emanation from the tome is mentally and physically overwhelming. Lesser souls [under fifth level, say] would likely be overcome. You have the feeling, just being within 20 feet of it, of being perched on the edge of a bottomless chasm, and the inches-wide ledge on which you stand is crumbling, and only your sheer determination keeps that edge from falling apart.
It is bound in the leather of some gargantuan beast, and the edges of the cover are slightly translucent. You can imagine that if you tried to open it, it would be easy to let your fingers slip through it. Into what, you cannot guess.
If LeGorne is an "artifact," THIS is an ARTIFACT.
Sister Chjarna hesitates, and then enters only very slowly.
You lay down, and a sturdy young man with an obvious disability enters. He walks with a pronounced sway, and one side of his face is paralyzed. If you make a Know Religion check vs DC20, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {This fellow is a "Jack" -- that is, a person in whom a heartseed was planted, but which did not "take." Jacks (and "Jills") often have strange powers to compensate for the disadvantages of their disability.}
The strange young fellow walks up to the Manual of the Multiverse as if it were a dime store novel. He opens it up and starts to leaf through it. He is humming tunelessly, intent on his search. He has the air of one looking up a phone number.
While the disabled young man is looking, another priest in the back of the room casts a spell -- it is Greater Planar Ally. You see no ally appear, however, when he finishes ten minutes later.
The young man is at his work for 15 minutes all told. Then his face brightens, even the paralyzed half, and he looks at High Priestess Yurlene, ready for the final nod to proceed.
Remove 16 minutes from any spell durations, please.
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn d20+13=33 ; Friday October 19th, 2012 4:40:41 PM
Before he lies down, Malgant speaks briefly and quietly to Sister Chjarna." Should they try to heartseed me or any of the others while we are incapacitated, please wake me. I care not what it will do to me being awakened that way. If necessary please damage me in order to rouse me. I know Alemi teaches peace, i do not know if I need give you my permission to harm me, but you have it" To Vauhwyt he says,." Vauhwyt, if you can I would take a Greater Magic Weapon and a Heroism while your power is increased by the bead. You can use my rod of Lesser extend if you need to to augment the Heroism, or the GMW . ( if it is under 3rd level, I wasn't sure) Jass, thank you for the Life Bubble and the flight. Anything else can wait until we are on the other side."
Know religion 33 ( nat 20)
Privately, mentally, he tells the others, " The one leafing through the book is what the Ga'alians call a 'Jack'. The poor bastard tried to have a heartseed injected into him but it did not take, leaving him disabled. From what I know of their religion the disability often also makes them exceptional in some way. How, I cannot say, but apparently he is either tough as nails or the book does not adversely affect him because of his infirmity."
Effects on Malgant Telepathic Bond from Aztyr CL16 Magic Vestment from Aztyr ( +5) 28 hour duration CL18 Mind Blank 24 hour duration CL18 Blur (Cloak of minor displacement) Extended Contingency " Cast Breath of Life on me if I am reduced to negative HP" Ring of Counterspells set for Greater Dispel Magic Amulet of Mighty fists making all attacks holy and ghost touch Greater Magic Weapon +5 - on Malgant's unarmed attacks from Vauhwyt (22 hrs/CL22) Life Bubble-From Jass (4 hrs/CL18) Mass Fly-From Jass (164 min/CL18)
To Joshua... This is every day " I'm probably going to get in trouble sometime today" buffing. Precombat buffing is more specific. To Vauhwyt...Staff spells are cast at your caster level I believe. For you the Telepathic Bond should be CL18, I believe I got mine 2 levels before. Aztyr, is that correct?
Cayzle comments: Re the staff CL, yeah, Al and I had this out before ... since Greater Magic Fang is not on Vauhwyt's spell list, it has to use the staff's CL, 8. My argument back then was that UMD let me fudge it, but ... no.
Jass of Downs (SteveK)(AC 36, Touch 20, Flat 31; HP 206/188) Friday October 19th, 2012 5:51:33 PM
Jass ensures he does NOT include Brahmah in his spell since the ranger is already protected. But he DOES include Polo!
"They are only minor spells and I didn't cast the really short duration ones, eh?", replies Jass to Sieur Joshua, "Besides, I've got many more where they came from, which is a definite strength of being a sorcerer! Besides, what if we are in immediate trouble over there? No telling what may be needed immediately. If I'm dead, I can't usually cast all those spells I've been hoarding, eh?"
The sorcerer smiles, inviting the others in his jest. Yet Jass remembers a time when he was dead and still able to cast spells, and that wasn't a funny day at all...
.....Actions
.....Active Effects immune to Cold, Nonlethal damage, Paralysis, and Sleep Damage Resistance 5/- non-intelligent undead do not notice Jass unless he attacks them
False Life; [CL18] 18/18 hr +18 hit points Shield, [CL18] extended [rod] 20/36 min; +4 AC Life Bubble;[CL18] 224/240 min each; immune to breathing or gas attacks on Jass, Malgant, Atzyr, Vorelle, Vauhwyt, Mookie, Sir Joshua, Horse, Polo Mass Fly;[CL18] 164/180 min; gain fly and +8 Fly Skill on Jass, Brahmah, Malgant, Atzyr, Vorelle, Vauhwyt, Mookie, Sir Joshua, Horse
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Friday October 19th, 2012 6:00:02 PM
"Sure, Mal ... " Vauhwyt looks with unease in the direction of the book. She accepts the use of his metamagic rod and casts an Extended Heroism in addition to the Greater Magic Weapon. Then, she approaches one of the larger divans with caution.
"Yes," she replies as the priest whispers her question. "I don't know what I'd do without him." To which Mookie the black bird, hops with an extra spring of pride to his step.
The pair lie on the divan as the priest secures one of the two loops of the thin silvery chain about one of Mookie's claws and the other over Vauhwyt's much bigger paw. Then they both await the projection, each to their own thoughts.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OoC to Malgant: Remove one charge from your Rod of Extend, Lesser I used it to cast Heroism Extended.
Spells cast on Vauhwyt: False Life (20 hp) (22 hrs/CL22) Extended See Invisible (7 hrs, 33 min/CL22) Extended Heroism (7 hrs, 33 min/CL22) Greater Magic Weapon +5 - on Armor Spikes (22 hrs/CL22) Detect Scrying (24 hrs/CL22) Fluid Form (22 min/CL22) Magic Vest +5 x2 (from Aztyr) (21 hrs/CL18?) Greater Magic Fang +2 x2 (from staff) (8 hrs/CL??) Telepathic Bond (Permanent/CL18?) Life Bubble-From Jass (4 hrs/CL18?) Mass Fly-From Jass (180 min/CL18?)
Spells cast on Mookie: False Life (15 hp) (22 hrs/CL22) Heroism (4 hrs, 6 min/CL22) Life Bubble-From Jass (4 hrs/CL18?) Mass Fly-From Jass (180 min/CL18?) Telepathic Bond (Permanent/CL18?)
Spells cast on Others: Greater Magic Weapon +5 (22 hrs/CL22) -- 1x Mal (monk unarmed attacks) -- 3x Vorelle (2 hand axes and bow) Heroism Extended on Malgant (44hrs/CL22)
Note: Aztyr gets Heroism whenever she wants, up to 3x per day
Keeping Track Of Stuff: Lesser Meta Rod Of Extend: used 0 of 3 Darkwalk: used 0 of 50 minutes (unavailable) Staff of Transmuting Buffs: used 8 of 10 charges Impromptu sneak attack: used 0 of 1 Tricky spells used: 0 of 3 Compel Spirit: used 0 of 5 Rod of Extend: used 2 of 3 Prayer Beads: used; Karma
Mookie's Tattoos - Lockjaw used 0 of 2 - Feather Step used 0 of 3
Spells Used 0 of 7 lvl 1 spells Used 3 of 7 lvl 2 spells Used 6 of 7 lvl 3 spells Used 1 of 7 lvl 4 spells Used 0 of 6 lvl 5 spells Used 1 of 6 lvl 6 spells Used 0 of 4 lvl 7 spells
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - Blur (20%) - HP 169/169 d20+12=22 ; Saturday October 20th, 2012 7:03:33 PM
Aztyr, pulls Vauhwyt aside before entering the "travel" room, she reaches into the substance of the Wold and gathers up 5 Wold's blood, and then uses it to enchant Vauhwyt's armor with an extended version of Magic Vestment +5. (duration 36 hours) Having used the Blood, there is none left to squeeze back into the nether. After doing so, she will go in and take up a spot on a cushion, she recognizes the JACK for what he is, before Malgant informs everyone over the link.
She indicates that she is as ready as she can be, and awaits whatever will happen....
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours Life Bubble; Duration 254/270 min (Jass) Mass Fly; Duration 164/180 min (Jass)
Permanent:
Arcane Sight, Comprehend Languages Dark Vision, Greater Magic Fang +5 (Dragon Claws) Greater Magic Fang +5 (Liontaur Claws) Read Magic, Resistance See Invisibility, Tongues
Vorelle [Life Bubble, Fly, Greater Magic Weapon] Saturday October 20th, 2012 11:55:08 PM
Vorelle lies uneasily on her couch, her head moving all around as she tries to see everything at once. She clutches her Efficient Quiver and wonders what this is going to feel like.
[OOC: Which two axes did Vauhwyt cast GMW on?]
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Sunday October 21st, 2012 10:22:52 AM
Sir Joshua thanks the priestess for the help and care she's provided, and then joined with William by the necklace, he reclines in the chair. William snorts a few times, swishes his tail in discomfort and impatience and then lowers himself to the ground too... They both wait for events to unfold...
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision Sunday October 21st, 2012 7:24:08 PM
Brahmah nods in the direction of the priestess and rejoins Polo. The bear is thrilled to be back with his friend and be traveling this time. The bear is larger than he was last time he was with the group and readies himself for travel. The ranger adjusts his armor and makes sure all the stuff that needs to be in the haversack. ----------------------------------- Conditions/Other:
Guiding Star- You form a bond with your surroundings when you cast this spell. For the remaining duration of the spell you can always, as a standard action, determine your approximate distance from that area as well as the direction you must travel in order to reach it. You cannot determine the location of the area if you are on a different plane. The area counts as "very familiar" for the purposes of teleport or similar spells. You can only attune yourself to one location at a time. If you cast the spell at another spot you lose the ability to locate your original area.
Traveling Spell list: Prepared Spells: 1st - Tireless Pursuit x2 (1 hour per CL), Longstrider x4* (30 hours entering realm, 1 hour per CL) 2nd - Campfire Wall, Eagle Eye x2, Hide Campsite 3rd - Darkvision (1 hour per CL)*, Water Walk x2 (10 mins per CL) 4th - Tree Stride x3 (1 hour per CL)
Permanent/Other Effects: Mind Link (group) Large - Reach Fearsome - -2 in Diplomacy URBAN, WATER, UNDERGROUND and FORESTS +2 favored terrain CENTAURS, MAGICAL BEASTS, HUMANS and UNDEAD +2 favored enemy Neutral Good
Active Spells or effects: Word of Recall - CL11 (castle, on plane only) 1/day: used Guiding Star (on himself, 13/15 days, Blackbird Lake, cast day one upon return) Darkvision (on himself 10/15 hours, CL15) Fly (from Jass, 180minutes upon entering realm)
Item Provided junk: Daylight 1/day See Invisibility 1/day Rod of Extend 3/day* Helm of Comprehend Languages and Read Magic (slotless) Necklace of Adaptation (slotless) Frost Chain (on Kukri) [Freedom of Movement underwater only, +1d6 frost is null underwater, in haversack] Greater Improved Shadow Armor (+to stealth) Ring of Chameleon Power (disguise self as standard action, +to stealth)
Hero Points: 7/7 Hero Points Spent: 0
DM Cayzle Monday October 22nd, 2012 8:55:29 AM
Mal gives dire instructions to Sister Chjarna, just in case it all goes belly up.
Vauhwyt casts some last minute spells.
Jass jokes with the others, maybe to cover his underlying nervousness?
Aztyr takes the time and Woldsblood needed to help Vauhwyt. It is more difficult to draw the blood than usual (please count it as 10 drops drawn, not 5) given the dimensional lock over the area.
Then the group heads over to the divans. After conferring with priests, Vauhwyt and Sir Joshua join themselves to their bonded companions. Evidently Brahmah decides at the last minute to bring Polo, if he has the chance. There is some discussion. Sister Yurlene nods, casts a quick Miracle, and the ranger and his bear are reunited and bound as well.
Vorelle braces her self for dimensional projection, curious about what is to come.
The Jack appears, as noted last post, and Mal and Aztyr fill in their friends on what is happening. A priest casts Greater Planar Ally, as noted last post. The Revered Yurlene nods, and the Jack starts to read. A moment later, you feel yourselves pulled out of your bodies. You look to each other like ghosts. You can see your bodies duplicated under you. You float over to the Manual of the Multiverse, to which you are all linked by silver cords. The cords tighten, drawing you in.
You hover for a moment over the Manual. Looking down, you see that your silver cords descend into the book. But they do not go down into a page of text. Instead, it is as if the page is a portal, a hole, and within is a well filled with white mist. You are pulled deeper.
The party passes through the portal to a vast expanse of mist on a featureless plain. You can see no more than 50 ft in any direction -- but you get a sense of being in a huge space. You are in your own bodies, as if you had never left them. You see no silver cords attached to yourselves. [OOC: Unless you can see invisible or have True Seeing!]
A figure appears. It is a humanoid that has the shape and proportions of a stout dwarf, but stands seven feet tall. His hands are stubby but huge, and he waves them around a lot, maybe to get your attention. Smiling, he speaks.
"Welcome questers! Mighty are you, or refused you would have been. My blessings upon you, for you are about to strive in a mighty quest to my honor. I am Jangle, greater god of this place, and you are here at my behest."
"You seek the famous Talisman of Health. It lies within, but a team of monsters, called by my brother Tangle, also seeks the prize. You must take it first."
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Monday October 22nd, 2012 9:32:19 AM
OoC to Vorelle: Your choice for the GMW. I didn't realize that you had more than two axes.
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25, Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision d20+26=44 Monday October 22nd, 2012 9:51:57 AM
Probably showing his eagerness to be done with this pocket, being as how the last was SOO delightful, the ranger blurts out a greeting then a question. "Well met Lord Jangle. I am Brahmah. Will we be able to prepare spells in the place we are going? What sort of terrain are we going to be traveling? What is the environment like there?" (Sense Motive 44)
Then he tests the mental link. Can we talk this way? Or is it blocked? He relays the answer verbally, if it is blocked. ----------------------------------- Conditions/Other:
Guiding Star- You form a bond with your surroundings when you cast this spell. For the remaining duration of the spell you can always, as a standard action, determine your approximate distance from that area as well as the direction you must travel in order to reach it. You cannot determine the location of the area if you are on a different plane. The area counts as "very familiar" for the purposes of teleport or similar spells. You can only attune yourself to one location at a time. If you cast the spell at another spot you lose the ability to locate your original area.
Traveling Spell list: Prepared Spells: 1st - Tireless Pursuit x2 (1 hour per CL), Longstrider x4* (30 hours entering realm, 1 hour per CL) 2nd - Campfire Wall, Eagle Eye x2, Hide Campsite 3rd - Darkvision (1 hour per CL)*, Water Walk x2 (10 mins per CL) 4th - Tree Stride x3 (1 hour per CL)
Permanent/Other Effects: Mind Link (group) Large - Reach Fearsome - -2 in Diplomacy URBAN, WATER, UNDERGROUND and FORESTS +2 favored terrain CENTAURS, MAGICAL BEASTS, HUMANS and UNDEAD +2 favored enemy Neutral Good
Active Spells or effects: Word of Recall - CL11 (castle, on plane only) 1/day: used Guiding Star (on himself, 13/15 days, Blackbird Lake, cast day one upon return) Darkvision (on himself 10/15 hours, CL15) Fly (from Jass, 180minutes upon entering realm)
Item Provided junk: Daylight 1/day See Invisibility 1/day Rod of Extend 3/day* Helm of Comprehend Languages and Read Magic (slotless) Necklace of Adaptation (slotless) Frost Chain (on Kukri) [Freedom of Movement underwater only, +1d6 frost is null underwater, in haversack] Greater Improved Shadow Armor (+to stealth) Ring of Chameleon Power (disguise self as standard action, +to stealth)
Hero Points: 7/7 Hero Points Spent: 0
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Monday October 22nd, 2012 10:10:26 AM
"Boss, we've heard of them. Haven't we? Jangle and Tangle." Mookie hops on Vauhwyt's shoulder as the liontaur's eyes follow the silver cords from where they begin within herself and her familiar to the point at which they disappear into the unseeable distance fifty feet away. "I just can't put my finger on where."
Vauhwyt herself has vague hazy recollections from dreams. A fireplace. An inn. It all has a festive feel, though her impressions are also colored with an amorphous perception of heroic deeds. "I can't either, Mookie," she replies.
"Aztyr? Mal? Anyone? Do the names Jangle and Tangle sound familiar to you?" she asks over the telepathic bond. Who knows what bits of information might be helpful. As self described 'Greater gods', knowing their inclinations might be useful indeed. "Jangle. Tangle. Brothers. They sound like a duality of some sort. Do you know what sort of duality they represent?" (OoC: Anyone want to try Knowledge Religion on Jangle and Tangle?)
"If you don't mind me saying," Vauhwyt addresses the god, "you seem to have a personal stake in who gets the Talisman first. And, of course, what is important to you is important to us as well. But knowing just what is at stake for you, and, more importantly, what is at stake for your brother, might give us an advantage in this affair. So, could you please, speak to us of this relationship you have with your brother and why it is that you think we must get to the Talisman first?"
"Also, if it doesn't violate any pacts or agreements between you and your brother, we would appreciate any information that you can think of that might give us an advantage in this competition. Can you tell us anything about the monsters we will face? Anything about the terrain or environment in which the Talisman is set? Are there any rules or restrictions placed upon competition?"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Spells cast on Vauhwyt: False Life (20 hp) (22 hrs/CL22) Extended See Invisible (7 hrs, 33 min/CL22) Extended Heroism (7 hrs, 33 min/CL22) Greater Magic Weapon +5 - on Armor Spikes (22 hrs/CL22) Detect Scrying (24 hrs/CL22) Fluid Form (22 min/CL22) Magic Vest +5 x2 (from Aztyr) (21 hrs/CL18?) Greater Magic Fang +2 x2 (from staff) (8 hrs/CL??) Telepathic Bond (Permanent/CL18?) Life Bubble-From Jass (4 hrs/CL18?) Mass Fly-From Jass (180 min/CL18?)
Spells cast on Mookie: False Life (15 hp) (22 hrs/CL22) Heroism (4 hrs, 6 min/CL22) Life Bubble-From Jass (4 hrs/CL18?) Mass Fly-From Jass (180 min/CL18?) Telepathic Bond (Permanent/CL18?)
Spells cast on Others: Greater Magic Weapon +5 (22 hrs/CL22) -- 1x Mal (monk unarmed attacks) -- 3x Vorelle (2 hand axes and bow) Heroism Extended on Malgant (44hrs/CL22)
Note: Aztyr gets Heroism whenever she wants, up to 3x per day
Keeping Track Of Stuff: Lesser Meta Rod Of Extend: used 0 of 3 Darkwalk: used 0 of 50 minutes (unavailable) Staff of Transmuting Buffs: used 8 of 10 charges Impromptu sneak attack: used 0 of 1 Tricky spells used: 0 of 3 Compel Spirit: used 0 of 5 Rod of Extend: used 2 of 3 Prayer Beads: used; Karma
Mookie's Tattoos - Lockjaw used 0 of 2 - Feather Step used 0 of 3
Spells Used 0 of 7 lvl 1 spells Used 3 of 7 lvl 2 spells Used 6 of 7 lvl 3 spells Used 1 of 7 lvl 4 spells Used 0 of 6 lvl 5 spells Used 1 of 6 lvl 6 spells Used 0 of 4 lvl 7 spells
The giant dwarf cackles with delight at Brahmah's eagerness. "Ready to start, are we? Wonderful!"
"Will we be able to prepare spells in the place we are going?"
"That should be no problem at all. Take as much time as you like! But do not lose the contest to the monsters!"
"What sort of terrain are we going to be traveling? What is the environment like there?"
"Fire! Earth! Air! Water! We offer all the classical elements here!"
At Vauhwyt's questions, the huge dwarfish fellow grins.
"What is at stake for you? For your brother?"
"Ah the contests of the gods are beyond the comprehension of mere mortals. Suffice to say that I am your patron, and that you must win!"
"Can you tell us anything about the monsters we will face? ... terrain or environment ... rules or restrictions?"
"Ah, clever kitty," Jangle says, "You see well that I cannot give away the game. You have heard that there are four elements. And three keys. And two teams. And one talisman. Gather the keys, fetch the talisman, and you shall win."
"In addition to the other team, each key has a guardian, and is protected by clever tricks. Defeat the guardians and gather their keys. You need three keys to unlock the Talisman. Then bring the Talisman back."
Vorelle [Life Bubble, Fly, Greater Magic Weapon] d20+25=36 ; Monday October 22nd, 2012 11:04:15 AM
Vorelle isn't sure she likes the experience of being dragged through a book by a silver cord.
Her new surroundings are a puzzle, but "featureless" is in the eye of the beholder. She sniffs the air, pokes at the ground with a booted foot, watches for any pattern in the way the mist swirls and flows. Is there anything natural about this place at all? Or is it entirely constructed by the will of the gods?
[Survival 36]
DM Cayzle Monday October 22nd, 2012 11:57:18 AM
Vorelle sniffs with a ranger's senses, and wonders about the nature of reality altogether here. Is this place "real"? It is certainly not "natural." The ground is spongey and smooth, kind of like walking on a mattress packed with feathers or a floor of very soft cork. The smells of the place lack any trace of ... well ... anything.
Jangle looks at Vorelle's concentration, and suddenly she detects a whiff of wintergreen. Mixed with sawdust. And a touch of honey.
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Monday October 22nd, 2012 2:41:50 PM
Finding himself in an odd dimension, William is a bit uneasy after the transdimensional journey. He whinnies and snorts nervously, not use to this change... However, he knows his master is by his side and that gives the majestic horse some measure of comfort...
On the other hand, Sir Joshua has little use for a being that calls itself a diety and refuses to speak to it directly. To him, there is only one true God and this creature is not it...
He's never heard of Jangle or Tangle, and the idea of tests and trials bears little interest to him. His preference is open battle between honorable foes... However, his ears perk up at the sound of another team. To his friends, he says, "One question we must consider is do we kill or merely disable the other team if we come into direct contact with them? If they're a good group pursuing the same good objective, we may need to look at other options rather than combat.... of course if they're evil, then I'd like to test my blade against each of them..."
For now, he examines the area around him, looking to see how the ground will handle mounted travel and combat...
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - Blur (20%) - HP 169/169 d20+12=24 ; Monday October 22nd, 2012 2:56:44 PM
(used 2 draws instead of just 1 of Wold's Blood)
Aztyr is just a little bothered by the silver cord linking her to where they came from, wondering if it would have the same effect as it does on Astral trips. As to Jangle and Tangle.... (know: Religion 24)
She doesn't say much, just giving the "Giant" dwarf, or the "Dwarf" giant a look of incredulity.
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours Life Bubble; Duration 254/270 min (Jass) Mass Fly; Duration 164/180 min (Jass)
Permanent:
Arcane Sight, Comprehend Languages Dark Vision, Greater Magic Fang +5 (Dragon Claws) Greater Magic Fang +5 (Liontaur Claws) Read Magic, Resistance See Invisibility, Tongues
Jass of Downs (SteveK)(AC 36, Touch 20, Flat 31; HP 206/188) d20+18=37 ; d20+18=32 Monday October 22nd, 2012 5:16:34 PM
Jass is surprised by Jangle announcing so jovially that he is a greater god. The sorcerer's memory of religion is extensive, but he is certain that Jangle is no name of any Woldian diety or power.
"Time limit!", he calls out to the seven foot dwarf (would Jass dare call Jangle an oxymoron?) "Is there a time limit to us acquiring the 3 keys other than 'before the other team'?"
.....Actions Know Religion - 37 Perception - 32
.....Active Effects immune to Cold, Nonlethal damage, Paralysis, and Sleep Damage Resistance 5/- non-intelligent undead do not notice Jass unless he attacks them
False Life; [CL18] 18/18 hr +18 hit points Shield, [CL18] extended [rod] 20/36 min; +4 AC Life Bubble;[CL18] 224/240 min each; immune to breathing or gas attacks on Jass, Malgant, Atzyr, Vorelle, Vauhwyt, Mookie, Sir Joshua, Horse, Polo Mass Fly;[CL18] 164/180 min; gain fly and +8 Fly Skill on Jass, Brahmah, Malgant, Atzyr, Vorelle, Vauhwyt, Mookie, Sir Joshua, Horse
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn d20+15=24 ; Monday October 22nd, 2012 5:21:57 PM
Know Religion 24 " OK, you are our sponsor , we your chosen, you say we must win. What happens if we lose?More specifically, what happens to you, what happens to us and what happens to your brother if we lose? Is teleportation allowed? When are we declared winners, when we gain the talisman or when we control the talisman?" Mentally he adds to his friends, "Also please be advised, you are responsible for your companion's health. I will not be planning on healing them."
Effects on Malgant Telepathic Bond from Aztyr CL16 Magic Vestment from Aztyr ( +5) 28 hour duration CL18 Mind Blank 24 hour duration CL18 Blur (Cloak of minor displacement) Extended Contingency " Cast Breath of Life on me if I am reduced to negative HP" Ring of Counterspells set for Greater Dispel Magic Amulet of Mighty fists making all attacks holy and ghost touch Greater Magic Weapon +5 (extended)- on Malgant's unarmed attacks from Vauhwyt (44 hrs/CL22) Heroism(extended)from Vauhwyt 44 hrs CL22 Life Bubble-From Jass (4 hrs/CL18) Mass Fly-From Jass (164 min/CL18)
OOC Vauhwyt, I have a second rod so you aren't using it all up, I will extend the GMW too and remove 2 uses.
DM Cayzle Monday October 22nd, 2012 7:40:17 PM Sir Josh asks: "One question we must consider is do we kill or merely disable the other team if we come into direct contact with them?"
"Kill them, tie them up, run around them, recruit them -- they are obstacles, not goals. You have three goals: One, gain three keys. Two, use them to gain the talisman. Three, return to your point of origin. That is all. There are no rules, requirements, gentlemanly agreements, points of order, etc."
Jass has a thought. "Is there a time limit to us acquiring the three keys other than 'before the other team'?"
"Take an hour, take a day, take a year. It's all good. What's a few centuries between friends? You will age, so there's that. And do you have food and drink? On the other hand, he who hesitates is lost. Say you bunker down while the other team is getting the keys. Not so good. Say you bunker down AFTER you get a key or two ... hmmm."
Mal wants some specifics. What happens if we lose? More specifically, what happens to you, what happens to us and what happens to your brother if we lose?"
"What happens to you is that you go home. Easy peasy. No penalty other than you do not get the talisman. As for my brother and me, none of your beeswax!"
"Is teleportation allowed? When are we declared winners, when we gain the talisman or when we control the talisman?"
"Everything is allowed. Nothing is prohibited. You win when you bring the talisman back to your starting place."
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A serious out of character comment from your DM:
If you did not know, the other team, the team of "monsters," is being played by a group of volunteers on another board. I'll be making different DM posts daily to this board as well as to that one. They are incentivized to do their best to beat you. And they consist of some of the Wold's most power-gamery gamers! So I hope they'll put up a good fight.
That said, I beg you on your honor to NOT seek out their board, to not read the info they gain that you do not, and to play it straight. We're all grown-ups here, so please have fun and don't cheat.
Since they will be on the LnB and other common venues, I urge you not to discuss the game there on the excellent chance that they will be reading. Thanks!
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Monday October 22nd, 2012 9:03:02 PM
OOC You mean you recruited Rob, Joe K and Troy to game against us? That would be so cool. Are they a similar team make up to us,( or are they 'us')? Guys, if these guys are as hardcore as he is saying we need to push this hard and get a key first. IC " So there are 4 keys and three are needed to open the way. Interesting you should school us to actually fortify a position. I wouldn't have thought of that."
DM Cayzle Monday October 22nd, 2012 9:12:57 PM
OOC: Well, you guessed one of my champions. But I think they will be a tough team to beat. And I've promised them each a goblin, hobgoblin, and gnomish seal if they win. In all seriousness, you may not win. There are no rules. Fight hard, my friends!
Mal comments on the ideas Jangle is offering, saying he would not have thought of that. "Well," says the so-called greater god, "I can't give away the store, but I do want you to win. Be assured that my brother Tangle is offering his advice too."
"Keep in mind that there are THREE keys, and than after you gain all of them, you must go unlock the talisman. Each key is guarded by a strong protector. You may expend resources to beat a guardian and gain a key -- only to be ambushed and see it taken from you. Or you may be an ambusher. But if all of you camp and wait, no one will gain the keys!"
"I will say that cleverness can beat sheer might, so be thoughtful."
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Monday October 22nd, 2012 9:28:16 PM " Do you have a map of the area? a 'game board so to speak? You said all of the classical elements would be supported, I took that to mean 4 elemental nodes and 4 keys, my mistake." to his friends he thinks, " Once we study the map I say we rapid strike one of them, get that key and find a place to set up shop. Fortify it and then maybe look for the other keys. Hows that sound?"
DM Cayzle Monday October 22nd, 2012 10:47:31 PM
The gigantic dwarf shrugs and looks sad. "Sorry, fog of war and all that. No maps, no hints other than the four elements."
OOC: Barring some problem, we'll start tomorrow!
Brahmah 249/249hps, AC 31+ 5 DEFENDER (only while in combat)TOUCH AC 20 FlatFooted AC 25 (Ghost Touch Armor), Comprehend Languages, Read Magic, Necklace of Adaption, Darkvision d20+21=41 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+26=33 ; d20+28=47 ; d20+32=52 ; Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 4:19:00 AM
OOC: So Cayzle, you sort of gave away WHERE they are by saying what their rewards are. My other guesses as to WHO! Donna and Kent, and one of the Knotts'. That is my suspicion. I will not go fishing for which... urps. Almost said it... game board. You have my word of Honor.
IC: Brahmah thinks to the group. So, I suggest item location spells, if they will work, and if we have a good idea what we're looking for. As to the opposing champions, I suggest that we ask the dwarf and get any true details about the 'keys' or what the opposing group is capable of. I don't suspect we'll get crap from this guy, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Someone a little more diplomatic than I would be best I think.
"Feels sort of peaty underhoof. The temperature is moderate and I don't feel moisture or a breeze. I don't smell sea air or mountains. Where are we currently? Jangle, you said you had elements here."
Guiding Star- You form a bond with your surroundings when you cast this spell. For the remaining duration of the spell you can always, as a standard action, determine your approximate distance from that area as well as the direction you must travel in order to reach it. You cannot determine the location of the area if you are on a different plane. The area counts as "very familiar" for the purposes of teleport or similar spells. You can only attune yourself to one location at a time. If you cast the spell at another spot you lose the ability to locate your original area.
Traveling Spell list: Prepared Spells: 1st - Tireless Pursuit x2 (1 hour per CL), Longstrider x4* (30 hours entering realm, 1 hour per CL) 2nd - Campfire Wall, Eagle Eye x2, Hide Campsite 3rd - Darkvision (1 hour per CL)*, Water Walk x2 (10 mins per CL) 4th - Tree Stride x3 (1 hour per CL)
Permanent/Other Effects: Mind Link (group) Large - Reach Fearsome - -2 in Diplomacy URBAN, WATER, UNDERGROUND and FORESTS +2 favored terrain CENTAURS, MAGICAL BEASTS, HUMANS and UNDEAD +2 favored enemy Neutral Good
Active Spells or effects: Word of Recall - CL11 (castle, on plane only) 1/day: used Guiding Star (on himself, 13/15 days, Blackbird Lake, cast day one upon return) Darkvision (on himself 10/15 hours, CL15) Fly (from Jass, 180minutes upon entering realm)
Item Provided junk: Daylight 1/day See Invisibility 1/day Rod of Extend 3/day* Helm of Comprehend Languages and Read Magic (slotless) Necklace of Adaptation (slotless) Frost Chain (on Kukri) [Freedom of Movement underwater only, +1d6 frost is null underwater, in haversack] Greater Improved Shadow Armor (+to stealth) Ring of Chameleon Power (disguise self as standard action, +to stealth)
Hero Points: 7/7 Hero Points Spent: 0
DM Cayzle Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 7:20:24 AM
The strange being answers Brahmah's question about where you are. "Here? No, this is nowhere. Backstage. Not part of the scenery. Behind the beyond. In just a moment, you'll be at the starting point. I mentioned the starting point, right? That's where you start. You have to bring the Talisman back to your starting point."
"The elements are in the arena. One per microplane."
Jass of Downs (SteveK)(AC 36, Touch 20, Flat 31; HP 206/188) d4+18=20 ; Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 9:23:56 AM "Four elements, three keys, two teams, one Talisman". Jass repeats Jangle's poem to keep the goals firmly in mind.
"Sounds like we've got all the information we're likely to get, eh?", he quips to the others. "Besides, if their names are any similar to powers and other things, it is very likely that if we press for more information, an equal amount of info will have to be given to the other team."
"I say let's get on the board and get some magical scouts out. Hey", and Jass just needs to ask one more question, "you said this was free time, right? And all spells we cast here will have no time lost when we appear in the contest, right?"
"So my fellow Blackbirdians, I'm gonna leave tactics to Malgant, but strategically, we should set a defense, magically scout locations of three keys, and then get one fast. As long as we have even One Key, the other team can't win, eh?"
Jass goes into a long casting, conjuring 20 Greater Prying Eyes and having them wait patiently around his head until he will give instructions. Another long casting gives Jass a Contingency of a Invisibility spell if ever attacked by a melee attack.
.....Actions Cast Greater Prying Eyes [CL18] 18/18hr; 20 'eyes' Fine construct, AC18, HP1 30' Fly +20 Fly, +16 Stealth; +25 Perception w True Seeing Cast Contingency; activate Invisibility if attacked by melee
.....Active Effects immune to Cold, Nonlethal damage, Paralysis, and Sleep Damage Resistance 5/- non-intelligent undead do not notice Jass unless he attacks them
False Life; [CL18] 18/18 hr +18 hit points Shield, [CL18] extended [rod] 20/36 min; +4 AC Life Bubble;[CL18] 224/240 min each; immune to breathing or gas attacks on Jass, Malgant, Atzyr, Vorelle, Vauhwyt, Mookie, Sir Joshua, Horse, Polo Mass Fly;[CL18] 164/180 min; gain fly and +8 Fly Skill on Jass, Brahmah, Malgant, Atzyr, Vorelle, Vauhwyt, Mookie, Sir Joshua, Horse
"Hold on there, scout!" says the semi-divine being to the semi-undead one. "You got a few minutes if you want 'em, but this ain't no time stop, and your magicks keep on keepin' on."
He scowls. "You wanna take an hour or two to scry or whatever, you gotta do it in the arena!"
Vauhwyt (HP 147 of 147, AC43) Sub/Al Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 10:49:00 AM
"I think it must be really different to be a god, Boss." Mookie hops close to Vauhwyt's ear, almost hiding himself behind the head of his mistress. "Here we are facing ... I don't know ... countless deaths ... the end of life as we know it ... and these two, Jangle and Tangle, they're treating this like some sort of game."
Vauhwyt herself expresses her opinion with little more than a dour impassive expression and the slightest of nods.
"I think so too, Jass. I think we're getting all that we're going to be getting. The Prying Eyes are a good idea. But, remember that they have to come back to you before you can see what they saw. That will take time."
"I can't think of an easy way to find either the keys or our opponents. Nothing that won't take time. Looks like we'll have to do this the old fashion way. Malgant, lets choose an environment, prepare for it and go. Fire, earth, air or water? Since some of us don't fly well, we may want to forego air for now. Fire? Earth? Water? Any preferences?"
"Mookie," Vauhwyt opens her pouch, "why don't you get in here for now? I think we're ready to go," she then says to the giant dwarf.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Spells cast on Vauhwyt: (Minus 16 min) False Life (20 hp) (22 hrs/CL22) Extended See Invisible (7 hrs, 33 min/CL22) Extended Heroism (7 hrs, 33 min/CL22) Greater Magic Weapon +5 - on Armor Spikes (22 hrs/CL22) Detect Scrying (24 hrs/CL22) Fluid Form (22 min/CL22) Magic Vest +5 x2 (from Aztyr) (21 hrs/CL18?) Greater Magic Fang +2 x2 (from staff) (8 hrs/CL??) Telepathic Bond (Permanent/CL18?) Life Bubble-From Jass (4 hrs/CL18?) Mass Fly-From Jass (180 min/CL18?)
Spells cast on Mookie: False Life (15 hp) (22 hrs/CL22) Heroism (4 hrs, 6 min/CL22) Life Bubble-From Jass (4 hrs/CL18?) Mass Fly-From Jass (180 min/CL18?) Telepathic Bond (Permanent/CL18?)
Spells cast on Others: Greater Magic Weapon +5 (22 hrs/CL22) -- 1x Mal (monk unarmed attacks) -- 3x Vorelle (2 hand axes and bow) Heroism Extended on Malgant (44hrs/CL22)
Note: Aztyr gets Heroism whenever she wants, up to 3x per day
Keeping Track Of Stuff: Lesser Meta Rod Of Extend: used 0 of 3 Darkwalk: used 0 of 50 minutes (unavailable) Staff of Transmuting Buffs: used 8 of 10 charges Impromptu sneak attack: used 0 of 1 Tricky spells used: 0 of 3 Compel Spirit: used 0 of 5 Rod of Extend: used 2 of 3 Prayer Beads: used; Karma
Mookie's Tattoos - Lockjaw used 0 of 2 - Feather Step used 0 of 3
Spells Used 0 of 7 lvl 1 spells Used 3 of 7 lvl 2 spells Used 6 of 7 lvl 3 spells Used 1 of 7 lvl 4 spells Used 0 of 6 lvl 5 spells Used 1 of 6 lvl 6 spells Used 0 of 4 lvl 7 spells
Vorelle [Life Bubble, Fly, Greater Magic Weapon] Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 12:52:24 PM
Vorelle shuffles her feet. This task sounds like something that calls for magic and cleverness--two things she's not very good at. The only knowledge she can bring to the endeavor is her understanding of the natural world, which is worth precisely nothing on this unnatural plane. She sighs a little.
Sir Joshua the Virtuous (Ken), DR 5/evil Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 2:32:30 PM
While mounted on William, Sir Joshua ponders the situation ahead of them. "We've got 4 possible terrains and only 3 keys to find, as well as the final talisman. Let's start with something that we are familiar with, maybe earth? ... Of course doing some scouting ahead of time is wise but it appears we're going to be limited on that...?The prying eyes sounds like a good plan and might be worth the time it consumes to send them out? I admit my specialty is not this sort of strategic planning.... Give me a tactical fight and I'm better at that... "
AC 38,Touch 32, CMB 24, CMD 38 when flying,223/223 hp Malgant Winterborn Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 6:21:53 PM " Earth sounds good to me. The prying eyes are good, keep a few as home ones and scatter the rest out. Scrying and or teleporting won't work well until we know what a 'key' looks like. Aztyr, Vauhwyt and I will carefully study the start point while Jass calls up his eyes and Vorelle and Brahmah get a feel for the place and scout the immediate area, then provide us with a bit of security. We send out the eyes, maybe for five minutes in all directions and then start moving. Sound good?"
Effects on Malgant Telepathic Bond from Aztyr CL16 Magic Vestment from Aztyr ( +5) 28 hour duration CL18 Mind Blank 24 hour duration CL18 Blur (Cloak of minor displacement) Extended Contingency " Cast Breath of Life on me if I am reduced to negative HP" Ring of Counterspells set for Greater Dispel Magic Amulet of Mighty fists making all attacks holy and ghost touch Greater Magic Weapon +5 (extended)- on Malgant's unarmed attacks from Vauhwyt (44 hrs/CL22) Heroism(extended)from Vauhwyt 44 hrs CL22 Life Bubble-From Jass (4 hrs/CL18) Mass Fly-From Jass (164 min/CL18) 2 of 6 lesser rod of extend used
Aztyr AC 30 ,Touch AC 17, 5 DR Fire - SR 18 - Blur (20%) - HP 169/169 Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 6:46:11 PM
Aztyr takes a bit of time, and studies the Starting Area. Once she is confident of knowing it, she nods letting Malgant know she's all set.
"Heh.....Scrying wouldn't do any good anyways. You need to know or at least have a clue of what you're looking for. We know there are 3 keys, not what shape those keys may take...."
Mage Armor, extended w/ Rod Cast at 8am each morning Duration 36 hours Magic Vestment +5 (cast with Wold's Blood at 8am each morning) Duration 36 hours
Permanent:
Arcane Sight, Comprehend Languages Dark Vision, Greater Magic Fang +5 (Dragon Claws) Greater Magic Fang +5 (Liontaur Claws) Read Magic, Resistance See Invisibility, Tongues
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