When Hadran places the coin down on the table, Makallun'abad's eyes widen. The dwarf turns to his companion with a surprised countenance, at a loss for words. Once the woman stepped away from the table to leave, the Earthen Defender shakily reaches out to reclaim what is his.
Lifting the bag, the Stalwart Peak opens and shifts it, depositing the rock that houses a fraction of his soul into his waiting palm.
As Makallun'abad touches the stone, the very earth shakes, rocking the entire city of Absalom for a few moments as a power long lost returns to him. What was broken is now... well... less broken than before, though still not whole, but you can feel the growing strength of the mountains, like a volcano gaining more magma in a chamber that barely seems able to contain it.
Makallun'abad has acquired the [Divine Armor Mastery] ability. Prerequisites: Armor Proficiency (light), Armor Proficiency (medium). Benefit: The deity ignores the maximum Dexterity bonus limit for medium or light armor. In addition, Makallun'abad has two further options. -Option One: Makallun'abad can pay one mythic power each time his powers are refreshed (typically after eight hours of rest). When he does so, wearing any astral suit does not count as wearing prohibited gear for the purpose of druid abilities until the next time his powers are refreshed. This does not reduce his maximum amount of mythic power, and special abilities that restore mythic power outside of when it's normally refreshed can restore the lost energy. Option Two can be switched to after any time he's rested for eight hours. -Option Two: Makallun'abad can permanently invest one mythic power in this ability. This option permanently reduces his maximum total of mythic power by one, but his Astral Suit will never again count as prohibited gear for the purpose of druid abilities. Once selected, this decision cannot be altered, even by retraining - he cannot go back to Option One.
And since I believe this is the first time Mak and Beseth have gotten a divine ability, here's the primer! Hadran already knows this.
Note on Divine Abilities: In this game, Divine Rank and Mythic Tier are interchangeable terms, and refer to the same thing. The cost to use any Divine Ability is 2 Mythic Power, +1 additional Mythic Power for every prerequisite you do not meet. If the effect would normally be passive (as Divine Armor Mastery is), you gain it for 2 rounds/tier. Activating passive divine powers is a free action, as it's an expression of your will more than anything else. Mortal forms cannot easily handle the power of gods...
And yes, the main power is horribly inefficient for Mak at the moment. This is a common feature of divine abilities and entirely intentional on my part, primarily as a way of emphasizing how broken and weakened you are - your current bodies simply can't make very efficient use of them at the moment, and their true value will only become apparent later in the game. Also, divine abilities aren't meant to be game-breakers that solve all your problems, so they're more expensive than most powers. XD
Once the shaking subsides, Makallun'abad doubles over for a moment. A bright orange-red light pours from his eyes and his mouth opens in a wordless cry. Grabbing himself, the Earthen Defender hunches forward, before springing back, arms held to the heavens. Suddenly, the rock and stone coating his body changes from a thin layer to a thicker, sturdier form, wrapping tightly around his chest to form a breastplate made of sheets of rock.
Falling to his knees, Makallun'abad gasps as he struggles for breath. "That was... intense," he manages to say between heavy pants.
Makallun'abad spends a point of Mythic Power to activate Divine Armor Mastery, using the first option, then changes from his Skin of the Mountain to his Armor of the Mountain (move action) and re-enters Pugilist Stance (swift action).
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
That's a bit confusing, his ability says it lasts all day for 1 point, I suppose that overrides the 2 rounds/tier for 2 points?
"I guess it's not just a rock then, how did you do that?" Aer'Besethir asks surprised and with a moment of disbelief, before turning to Hadran, "Does this sort of thing happen often?"
As he finally catches his breath, Makallun'abad stands and shrugs. "I... I am not sure," he admits, placing the stone back in the bag and placing it in his satchel. Turning to Hadran, the dwarf offers an outstretched hand. "You have done me a great favor on this day, and I shall see it repaid. Thank you."
"What sort of thing are you speaking of? I have found only one piece of my power and before that Orithos had found a piece of his" Looking to Beseth.
I hope you are doing well on your own path Orithos.
Hadran takes Thane's hand.
"it is nothing. I would expect the same from you. While in these bodies we need coing and man seems to be driven by it, in the end it means nothing to me. I am sure you will pay it back."
"So the devil is s big bad one then. Very well I will not have you endanger yourself by asking more questions of him." He looks back to Thane and Beseth.
"We should report back to the man that brough us here. I'm not sure what we accomplished but if that rock was a piece of your power then we made the right choice coming here."
"Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't understand. The release of power is unpredictable at best. The fire that consumed Orithos burnt me at the time. Thane has a connection with the earth so it shook. Mine was much less. It was in a young monk's body. He simply shook my hand and it flowed back into my vessel. I would say it is safe to assuem something grand could happen based on the power. Now lets get out of here."
The second part - allowing his armor and druid abilities to play nice - basically lasts a day. The first and primary part - no dex limit - is rounds/tier. It's basically a two-part power, each of which functions under different rules, and the best compromise I could find that would allow Mak to get the synergy he wanted.
The streets above look a bit shaken up, but things don't seem to have been damaged too badly by the movement. Most of the citizens had scattered - probably when the ground shook - but a few guards were up there still. Midfoviing was following behind the three of you, and was in turn trailed by the possibly-not-mercenaries-anymore. There was no sign of the one who'd directed you on this mission.
Makallun'abad frowns when they discover they can't find the man who'd directed them here in the first place. "I would not call this a wild kobold chase, but this is most suspicious," he admits to his companions. "What should we do, now? I dare not speak for either of you, but I, personally, am exhausted."
"I do not like being tricked or manipulated. Perhaps he just was scared off by the quake."
Hadran approaches the guards.
"Excuse me gentlmen. Did you see where the man that was standing over there went? The one I was speaking with when we were last up here a few minutes ago."
The guards glanced at each other for a few minutes. "You mean that mercenary, Zeke? We took him in for questioning. He'll be at the station for a little while if there's anything you want to ask - not sure about the rest of his friends, but given what we all saw happen, I don't think he's going to be let out anytime soon."
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
"Perhaps it's possible that the woman was correct and it was the devil that requested our assistance." Beseth comments, finding it a bit odd that they couldn't find the man now.
The guards looked a bit confused by your questions. "There were plenty of bystanders, and I wasn't paying attention to every conversation." the guard noted. That, and they hadn't even shown up until some time after all of this had started. "Do you remember any of their features? Hair color, clothing, anything like that...?"
The guard watches as you attempt to recount the details of the man who'd hired you - yet every time you try, the words seem to vanish from your lips the moment. In fact, other than having been male, none of the details can be remembered. The harder you try, the more the world seems to swim before you.
"Um... H-Hadran? Are you all right?" Midfoviing asked, moving over to the Lord of Knowledge. "You look strange."
"Strange how? I feel like I can't get the words out." He clenches his fist in frustration and lets out a small growl.
"Damn that fool. He has made me into a puppet. A piece in his game. I don't know if the devil has anything to do with this but I will find out about him and get to the bottom of this."
Hadran think for a moment on the devil how he looked and features he had.
Unlike the man who gave you the quest, the devil you saw is easy to remember - and though it's all but impossible to describe the former's features, you don't get the feeling that they looked similar.
As for the devil himself, he looked much as people expected - tall (very much so - at least two feet over the mercenary, who hadn't been a small man), skin the color of blood, and wearing immaculately tidy clothing whose various pieces you probably didn't want to know the history of. Eyes that looked like they were weighing every thought you had and calculating the exact worth that would make you abandon every principle, and a knowing smile that suggested he could do it any time he wanted. Whether or not he was right, it was certainly what he wanted you to believe he could do.
Yeah, devils were like that. Most people only recalled the rank-and-file members - often due to fighting them or bargaining with them - but the elite of Hell were another story entirely.
The girl's mouth opened and closed a few times. Though you saw no special signs of magic on her - other than her innate nature, anyway, which was pretty weird all by itself - her expression changed a few times, until finally her ears and tail drooped down. "I-I'm sorry. I don't remember anything." she said, tears welling up in her eyes as she realized how disappointed in her you probably were.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
"It would appear that I may have been correct, at the very least it would appear that someone removed the event of us meeting this fellow from our minds, if it ever actually happened at all." Beseth commented, looking to the others. "Do not worry about it too much, I'm sure we will get a chance to see the devil again, he's probably counting on it." She added, as if to try to cheer up Midfoviing and Hadran.
Makallun'abad runs a stone-plated hand through his beard, unsure of what these events mean. "That is highly likely. In the meantime, I still believe we would do well to take some time to rest and eat, so that we might be better prepared to continue our search tomorrow."
"It's alright the thoughts and words were lost from me too. Let's take Thane's advice and get some food and rest. So let's get back to the inn. I could use a good nights sleep."
Hadran heads back with the group finishing a meal and has a drink or two before getting some rest for the night.
Midfoviing nodded, still looking uncertain. Give her something to hunt and she was fine, but socially? She definitely had a long ways to go.
Getting to the Inn and resting was easy enough - Absalom was a big city, but it wasn't like every street was full of traffic all the time, and things settled down enough to rest once the sun dipped below the horizon. The next day dawned overcast, with a good chance of rain later in the day - and the real question was what you were going to do now that you'd recovered.
"Goodmorning all. So what shall we do this day? Midfoviing I don't think I ever asked. Do you know how long you had been trapped in the ice? WHere are you from? Do you want to go back or stay with us?"
Hadran has a seat and orders some breakfest and enjoys the company of the others.
Makallun'abad wakes feeling rested, but his wounds from the previous day have yet to heal. As the dwarf begins his morning meditation, his newly-acquired power swells up once more, a few puffs of thin green smoke billowing from the Stalwart Peak's forehead, shoulders and hands.
After his hour of contemplation, Makallun'abad goes to join his companions.
Makallun'abad heals 3 HP from resting. He uses Divine Armor Mastery (1 MP, 4/5 remain today) to activate its first option.
Before resting, Beseth will use up her healing abilities to recover an additional 24 hitpoings.
After resting, Aer'Besthir feels fairly revitalized, greeting the others with a smile.
"As far as what to do, I suppose we would have to look for any leads. I still am not certain that it is wise to stay in Absalom for too long, it's a big city and offers a lot of opportunities sure, but we can also attract a fair bit of attention here." She had a few other places she could suggest, but anywhere she thought to search for her power was far away, and she wasn't even entirely certain any of them would be welcomed there.
Sorry Thane, post and request healing, Hadran is a bit of a loner, but does have compassion and caring for others so.
Before resting Hadran noticed the wounds that Thane had from all the undead.
"Let me help you friend. I can exhause all my spells since we are going to rest. I also have a wand of healing if you find yourself in need just ask. If you remember I used it after being blasted by the fire trap."
"Uh..." the girl said, tilting her head. "It was... a while?" Her tail flicked back and forth slightly. She didn't seem to know how long it had actually been, but given that the development of the ice on the ship had been a fairly recent development, she probably hadn't been trapped for more than a few days and was none the worse for wear afterwards other than being pretty hungry. Even at breakfast, she had a noticeably larger pile of food than anyone else. "I want to stay with you, though. You get mad better than I do, and I want to learn how you do it."
For those who wanted to leave, many options were available - Absalom was full of information for those who cared to seek it out, and you could learn much about recent history and the current status of nations if you took the time to study. Other than that, you could simply ask around for opportunities and rumors - or come up with something else to do. The world was open before you, and what really mattered was what you chose to do.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
Looking over the girl, Beseth realized she still knew little about their smaller companion. "Midfoviing, this may sound rude, but I am not certain what exactly you are, you appear mostly human, but I cannot say I've ever seen one with a tail like that before." Other then learning more about her newfound allies, The Eternal Shield was unsure of what to pursue right now, eventually she would have to make her way back to Sovyrian, but that would require much travel and ultimate an elf gate, and a key. Aer'Besethir had traveled to Sovyrian before, before she had ascended, in order to learn more about her father, but that had been with the use of the Icegate which was very very far away from where they were currently. Additionally during her time as one of the ascended, she realized that it would be impossible to reach Sovyrian on foot, since it was not on Golarion.
After spending much time thinking about it, Beseth decides to ask her allies, "Have any of you ever heard of an aiudara, I feel that if we had access to one it would greatly assist us."
Elven:
Aiudara is a term used by elves to refer to the objects otherwise known as Elf Gates.
Makallun'abad smiles at Hadran, thanking him for the healing. "I am most grateful. I will keep your advice in mind for the future, and know that I will do my utmost to extend the same courtesy to you," the dwarf states, clapping a friendly hand on the taller man's shoulder.
Midfoviing's tail flicked back and forth slightly. "Not what. Who. I'm me." she said. It was entirely possible that she didn't understand the question - her education seemed to be quite deep in very specific subjects, but outside of that, she still knew nothing at all... as evidenced by the way she wasn't using utensils to eat and appeared to find nothing strange about that as she licked her fingers.
Incidentally, you can make Knowledge checks to try and find out more about her biology.
"I will do what I can to teach you. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish. I would suggest we spend the morning checking for any other rumors. Orithos and I found it was essential to find work. It seems the life of an adventurer offers opportunity to make money and leads to rumors. We should see what opportunity may be available to the adventuring type. I will hit the streets, let's meet back here for lunch and report what we find."
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
Unfortantely the only knowledge Beseth possesses is Nobility, but I can attempt untrained.
Knowledge:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7Not that that will reveal anything...
So she doesn't really know what she is either I suppose, well it seems that at the very least she's not a threat, but it's curious."Knowledge is important I suppose, finding leads is a good idea none the less."
Gather Information:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10Well, there's no helping that roll...
Makallun'abad nods in agreement with his companions, saying, "Even the smallest clue can be of great use. We did not expect to find anything of the sort on our last excursion, and it ended up for the best."
Absalom seemed fairly normal - that is, teeming with things to do, places to go, people to see, plots and intrigues... it was that kind of city, and there was always something new to see. Nothing seemed to be going horribly wrong at the moment, but several people had noted that an infamous slaver ship was coming to the docks and that it was likely to be carrying some interesting 'cargo'. A number of interested people were already heading down to check it out.
Others were active in different ways - men claiming to represent both Moltune and Nirmathas were in the area, trying to recruit mercenaries (and a few minutes of asking made it clear that neither nation liked the other), while a group of explorers were hiring help to explore a part of Absalom known as 'the Drownyards'. Sadly, there was no immediate discussion of divine relics.
Meanwhile, Midfoviing had simply tagged along with Hadran, apparently on a mission to try every kind of meat in the city. She was definitely the sort of person who thought with her stomach...
" So an infamous slaver ship is coming to port. So slavery is leagal here? Mercenaries could be beneficial. Make a name for ourselves fighting the war for others. I would put us in contact with some powerful people perhaps. What lead sounds good to the two of you. I wonder what this drownyard is. Sounds like nothing good."
Hadran enjoys trying the food with Midfoviing as he too has not experienced mush of this, and his mortal vessel needs lots of fuel to contain his essence.
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
"My loyalty is not for sale, I am a guardian, not a mercenary." Aer'Besethir simply states, she didn't find the idea of fighting someone else's war to be a good idea no matter the payment.
"Perhaps we're going about this the wrong way, if we want to be in contact with someone powerful, we're going to need to be important ourselves. We need allies, political, magical, whatever it matters little, perhaps we should seek out an organization to join, infiltrate even. If they can work for us then we can gather more information, and even if we are working for them we are still likely to intercept some information. I'm sure a city the size of Absalom has an organization or a guild or something we can make use of."
Makallun'abad seconds Beseth's statement. "I do not believe we need stoop as low to act as sellswords. However, this news of investigating the so-called Drownyards has piqued my interest. Though we are not mercenaries, guarding others as they explore is a much nobler cause."
"Has being a sell sword became such a bad thing. As the god of valor, and glory I had a number of the such pay worship to me. It was just how things were done. The best were bought and paid for to aid in wars. It was common at my time. Tribes, villages and nations would rather not risk their own so they pay these men to have the glory for them."
Mercenary and conscription armies are a pretty standard medieval and medieval fantasy thing. Just wondering what your low opinions of being a mercenary are. It is a good way to make money when you have no dog in the fight.
"I don't see the difference in being paid to investigate an area or being paid to fight for someone. We are selling our sword or service in either situation."
Deities do have different ideas on things. XD Remember, your decisions on matters like these are important, since gods rarely change their minds very easily on matters that are important to them. I highly encourage going with what your character would believe as a way of staying true to your fluff - that shouldn't be enough to stop you from working together. Also, you can always continue to gather information as a way of searching for new opportunities if you're not sure you like the current options - the first results you get are not your only choices.
I was trying to dig in and find out what makes them tick with the question. Just like I did with Grond when he wanted to attack first, kill everything and ask questions if anyone survives. As a guardian protection would seem like a major theme, and sell swords and men who fight wars need that protection. Just trying to learn about those I'm with. Didn't mean it to sound like I was attacking them as players if it came off that way I'm sorry. Also not trying to change there minds realy just giving them my point of view.
Oh, no, it didn't come off aggressively - not to me, at least. ^^ I was just chiming in about an important theme of this game. Deities are generally expected to have strong views on matters related to them, and I'm hoping the three of you will play that up. Changing your minds on something should be treated as a fairly major shift in who you are - and I'm not expecting you to always agree on things. XD Figuring out how to compromise without giving up what's important to you is just another part of the game!
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
Funny thing about lawful characters is that they have their own ideas about what is and is not honorable, case and point Aer'Besethir will not accept money to be a mercenary, however she will to be a bodyguard, despite that these two things are very similar. She believes that loyalty is not for sell and that mercenaries do just that, whereas bodyguards are simply offering protection. This is reflected in the idea that she would be the patron deity of the Ulfen guard, an organization who acts as bodyguards for the leader of Taldor and who are given the chance to take anything they can carry from the royal vault when they retire.
"It's quite simple really, my sword, like my honor, is not for sell. I am willing to sell many things, but my sword is not one of them." It was actually quite ironic if you took her words literally, as Aer'Besethir did not in fact carry a sword, nor any traditional weapon, only shields, perhaps her fighting style had evolved from the idea that her sword was not for sell, but her shield was, and hence she carried two shields and no sword.
"Honor? I have seen many honorable men folly in my time. What can't be take from someone is their Valorous deeds done on the field of battle. Those men that have those stories are sung about and their stories shared. Honor is a nice idea and I think myself an honorable man, but glory and valor are forever." He smiles and looks to Beseth.
"Though if not for honor we would have many bad people out there." He puts his hand on Beseths shoulder.
"I am pleased to call you friend and have you in my company Beseth. You are an honorable shield maiden of the north. Lets finish breakfest and see these explorers about the drownyard then. Shal we?"
He finish his plate and glugs down the last of his drink before letting out a might belch.
"Oh that one may have rivaled your people master Thane. As you spoke up on the drownyard I assume you are in agreement with this?"
These parts and witty banter in combat are my favorite parts of gaming.
Makallun'abad shakes his head, a wry smile on his face. "Lovely," he deadpans, before finishing the vestiges of his own meal and drink. "I agree Hadran, let us head to see these adventurers. Should they have no need of us, we can split up once more and see if there is any other such opportunities in the city."
HP: 53/78 [Mythic Power 2/6][Lay on Hands 3/4][Performance 15/15][Rage 0/6][Legendary Power 2/2] | AC: 25, T: 15, FF: No (22), | Fort: +11, Reflex: +8, Will: +10 (raged +12) (+2 vs Charm/Compulsion)| CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | Init: +5, Perception: +8 | Condition: None
"Then I suppose we should find these explorers and see what we have to offer them." Beseth says agreeing, finishing her food happily now that they were no longer considering the route of becoming mercenaries.
Your point of contact was a man named Drandle Drenge, a stout and hardy Taldan with thin, graying hair and a thick, bushy mustache, who unfurled a map on his butcher-block table and placed a meaty finger on the parchment as the three of you arrived in search of more information about the Drownyard - Hadran's companion was waiting outside. "The abandoned district of Beldrin’s Bluff was once the gem of Absalom’s Precipice District - now it is but a weathered crag of broken rock at the edge of the roiling sea. When the great quake hit ten years ago, entire blocks of the Bluff sheared from the mainland. Cliffside tearooms and exclusive estates fell into the waves and carried hundreds of nobles to a watery grave. An elite academy, called the Tri-Towers Yard, remained on the mainland, but sank wholesale into the earth. Children unfortunate enough to survive the quake lay pinned under debris as sewer water slowly rose from the ground and drowned them. Nearly every student perished." He explained, noting your status as outsiders likely to be unfamiliar with these events.
"Today, crumbled stone walls and weed-filled lots sprawl where gentlemen’s clubs once filled with pipe smoke and hobnobbing lords. The Drownyard — er, that’s what the ill-mannered call the school these days — lies behind a fence of black iron pikes, constructed by the families of the dead to discourage morbid trespassers."
"Even respected archaeological groups have been denied official access. We've wished to explore the site ever since the quake — that is, ever since we discovered that the school fell through the roof of a lost necropolis. Unfortunately, the emotional trauma attached to the school has remained fresh. But finally, after ten years of mourning, the politically-connected families of dead students have sanctioned our delve request." With a toothy smile and a clap, Drenge added, "That's why I'm so glad to see people responding to our request for help, and you look far more competent than some of the others who've replied. I want you to find a way into the necropolis, document your findings with professional detail, and recover artifacts of historical significance so they can be properly stored in museums. Our group is interested in one artifact in particular that we believe is down there — a two-finger ring topped with a ruby salamander."
"If you're willing to go, I can leave you with the key to the Drownyard gate. Remember, the Drownyard is a deeply personal site for many powerful Inner Sea families. You will tread upon the graves of their children. Be sure to give the site the respect it deserves."
