Here's a small ruleset I made for how divine favor (the concept, not the spell of the same name) can be resolved narratively.
It might work for some campaigns over others. :P
This would certainly fit into Legacy of Fire—it feels like we're spending half our time reconsecrating Sarenite holy places. Very cool roleplaying-wise, but the resulting mechanical boons aren't usually that rewarding. Or rather, ran as written, they're not very context-sensitive.
Also, theory time!
I have a document where I put my questions in card-form.
For example, there's the Mystery Card, which has the following observation/conclusion.Mystery Card:
* Must regain memories (how often are memory modifications)?
> Apparently the warden mind-meddles a lot, but Raveen's memory is still lost of the middle time between waking up and being caught
* Myrna's memory was abolished several times. Is she compromised?
> Apparently yes, and thus the information she will have will be controlled
* Who is the Other, and what is he protecting? How did he manage to secure the mask, which was under Warden's lock and key?
> Perhaps he is cooperating with the entity in the nightglass--it's the only other thing in the room, unless it's by some other means.
* Where is Nalutari Blackthorne?
> Warden's possession most likely, unless she was spirited away to the Other as well and Raveen isn't in the loop.There are more, but I'm focusing on this
Very interesting. I'll refrain from commentary, other than to say that most of these are on the right track—not all of them, but most.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but my storage does not include my fox mask nor my magic mirror right?
The mask is there, but the mirror is not.
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This would certainly fit into Legacy of Fire—it feels like we're spending half our time reconsecrating Sarenite holy places. Very cool roleplaying-wise, but the resulting mechanical boons aren't usually that rewarding. Or rather, ran as written, they're not very context-sensitive.
It would require a good amount of integration by the DM, since conflict in the heavens is a central requirement to exercise divine favor.
Divine favor-granted spells (or curses) would most likely come to play in certain situations, wherever Sarenrae vs Rovagug clash (through minions or other means).
The example of goddess of the sun and god of death (and gnolls) was actually a reference to LoF. XD
The mask is there, but the mirror is not.
O-o
Does Raveen recognize the mirror's magic in the light orb in his cell??
Does Raveen recognize the mirror's magic in the light orb in his cell??
Raveen hasn't inspected the orb with detect magic or whatnot, so no. Of course, light magic is light magic, so it's definitely a possibility.
Wait, what Legacy of Fire game?
One of my IRL games. Our Carrion Crown campaign went on a hiatus, so we played through Signal of Screams (the Starfinder AP), and then moved on to Legacy of Fire.
I'm playing a Sarenite dervish. Pretty fun.
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Alright, this is deep.
Raveen is not supposed to be here, which means Myrna is free-willed to this extent. Obviously, the warden might have a back door to her will, so to speak, so guarding against that by magic (specifically controlling her via the rings) is a safeguard against her inadvertent betrayal.
As to the entity in the nightglass, what does Raveen know? Is each nightglass similar to a one-way door (material realm can call, plane of shadow can't enter unless invited), or can some be demiplanes or planar prisons?
Because depending on continuity (you being the DM), the Midnight Mirror module (and the magic that entrapped the shade) might be something Raveen is familiar with.
Does Raveen think this is a similar case here? If not, he might try to leverage knowledge of the Other to probe the target.
Since the Warden was looking for the Other, maybe slithery boy here can find that information important.
As to the entity in the nightglass, what does Raveen know? Is each nightglass similar to a one-way door (material realm can call, plane of shadow can't enter unless invited), or can some be demiplanes or planar prisons?
Because depending on continuity (you being the DM), the Midnight Mirror module (and the magic that entrapped the shade) might be something Raveen is familiar with.Does Raveen think this is a similar case here? If not, he might try to leverage knowledge of the Other to probe the target.
Since the Warden was looking for the Other, maybe slithery boy here can find that information important.
Nightglasses are mainly used for divination and conjuration, like scrying mirrors that can also be used as a focuses in summoning rituals: while it might well be imprisoned somewhere, the entity being conversed with is unlikely to be in the mirror, per se. Midnight mirrors, on the other hand, are primarily intended to be used as prisons, being doorways leading to closed-off demiplanes within the Shadow Plane. These are two separate—though closely related—kinds of magical item.
Were this shard from a midnight mirror, it would a milky grey colour instead of pure black, a distinction Raveen would certainly be aware of.
My apologies for being slower than usual lately. I've been looking for work, and it takes a lot out of me.
Here's a little added benefit for taking the shard: though it cannot be used for summoning, it functions like a gloom blade. As it it was not meant to be wielded as such, each attack causes the wielder 1 point of damage, though this is easily counteracted by wrapping one end of the shard in some cloth.
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I fully understand. I myself am swamped with my career, my dad's real estate projects, settling into married life, and whatever else life seems to be relentlessly throwing at me. XD
I hope things are working out for you, man.
And holy shet is that a nice weapon. >:D
Thematically and mechanically syncs with my ambush-in-dark-light/study-then-strike build.
What stuff can Raveen take from his drawer without it encumbering him?
For reference, it's the following:
Rogue's Kit [Backpack, bedroll, flint and steel, grappling hook, iron pot, mess kit, pitons (10), rope, soap, thieves' tools, cloaked mirror (ever-burning spell; effective light level 5), crowbar,
Weapons (side and back sheathes): +1 Dagger, Belt dagger, 2 Boot daggers (hidden, 1 mwk silver), Shortbow (20 arrows), Shortsword, back sheathe, sap, dart pack (10)
Armor (body): Dilettande's outfit (+2 to hide things), body cloak (+1 resistance), Fox mask, Bag of sand, shadowbeast hide amulet (amulet of natural armor)
Consumables (belt pouches): Caltrops, chalk (10), torches (10), trail rations (5), waterskin, disguise kit (10), smokestick (2), mage armor wand (appears as a metal rod, 10 charges)
I fully understand. I myself am swamped with my career, my dad's real estate projects, settling into married life, and whatever else life seems to be relentlessly throwing at me. XD
I hope things are working out for you, man.
Slowly but surely! University does little to prepare one for the job market, especially for a mainly freelance occupation such as translation.
What stuff can Raveen take from his drawer without it encumbering him?
For reference, it's the following:
Rogue's Kit [Backpack, bedroll, flint and steel, grappling hook, iron pot, mess kit, pitons (10), rope, soap, thieves' tools, cloaked mirror (ever-burning spell; effective light level 5), crowbar,
Weapons (side and back sheathes): +1 Dagger, Belt dagger, 2 Boot daggers (hidden, 1 mwk silver), Shortbow (20 arrows), Shortsword, back sheathe, sap, dart pack (10)
Armor (body): Dilettande's outfit (+2 to hide things), body cloak (+1 resistance), Fox mask, Bag of sand, shadowbeast hide amulet (amulet of natural armor)
Consumables (belt pouches): Caltrops, chalk (10), torches (10), trail rations (5), waterskin, disguise kit (10), smokestick (2), mage armor wand (appears as a metal rod, 10 charges)
I don't see why he couldn't shove all of that in the backpack and take it with him.
Well, I'm glad you're feeling better!
Sure. I don't think I can promise to post once a day—I just don't have the energy right now—but I should be able to get in something every other day or so. Feel free to nudge me if I go more than two days without posting.
Sorry about the sudden break, Christmas sort of caught be by surprise this year.
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Auditory Hallucination is a very strong spell (potentially at least)--this is my first time using it.
I'm trying (on short notice) to make a space for Raveen to enter (metaphorically speaking). I hope he can actually use it once they drop off Brynmor (assuming there are no further distractions).
Maybe a Charm Person could compel this Acolyte to look the other side when Raveen needs to split from him, and might even get directions to wherever the 'below' is.
By the way, Did Myrna seem overwhelmed with work when Brynmor was taken off her hands? In that case, Raveen might be obligated (by respect if nothing else) to assist her a little more before galivanting off.
Myrna should be fine. She's used to being overworked. :P
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Oh SHIT I've been noticed by sempai.
That's what I get for not using Sleight of Hand, but in my defense we moved past them, so I thought my hands were out of her line of sight.
Anyway, can I get a recap of what I know about Travers? I've been told a good amount but it's scattered (and it's been a long time), so correct me if I'm wrong.
1. She has the responsibility of all logistic services, including bringing things into the Forgotten Track and out.
2. Travers is putting herself at great risk by enabling prisoners communication with the outside
3. Travers also apparently reads communications leaving the prison and probably curates them.
4. Travers 'changed' after the excavation work started, and it might be related to the monsters inside or the presence of the Other.
5. Travers is now engineering the transfer of tools to the collapsed tunnel, apparently to reopen the path.
Am I misremembering something?
Anyway, can I get a recap of what I know about Travers? I've been told a good amount but it's scattered (and it's been a long time), so correct me if I'm wrong.
1. She has the responsibility of all logistic services, including bringing things into the Forgotten Track and out.
2. Travers is putting herself at great risk by enabling prisoners communication with the outside
3. Travers also apparently reads communications leaving the prison and probably curates them.
4. Travers 'changed' after the excavation work started, and it might be related to the monsters inside or the presence of the Other.
5. Travers is now engineering the transfer of tools to the collapsed tunnel, apparently to reopen the path.Am I misremembering something?
You've got a pretty clear picture of it, overall. However, I would like to point out that so far there's no direct evidence of a connection between Travers and the Other (or whatever it is the Other is guarding), only speculation based on the timing if the "change." It's certainly possible, but there might be a more mundane explanation.
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Travers is dangerously observant. Would you say anything Raveen said is a lie?
Not being a spy is gray, but true enough considering Raveen's own intentions.
It'll be great if Raveen has an ally with power inside this dump, but it's also dangerous to tell too much. His Meticulous trait emphasizes how much he needs time to plan and how difficult for him to improvise.
Sorry for being unresponsive. I've been negotiating a big translation gig (well, relatively speaking—it's big for me!), and that's been taking up a lot of my time and energy. I'll get a post in ASAP.
Do you happen to have any interest in PF2? I was asked to join a campaign (the first book of the Extinction Curse AP) here on the forums, and offered to help with recruitment.
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It's pretty intense down here. I'm trying to remember all the events so far, but how many days passed since Raveen woke up in the cells?
Because in a couple of days after that, he delved and found the Other, and then met the Warden and was given a couple of days to ferret out sedition.
I'm not sure which day this is now.
@PF2
Sure, I'll play with you. What are you playing?
I believe the timeline goes like this:
Day 1: First day of mining; met Myrna; met Andrzej and Pike.
Day 1: Second day of mining; information gathering.
Day 3: Third day of mining is cut short; spelunking duty; met the Other; met the Warden (who gave Raveen two days to produce evidence of sedition).
Day 4: First day in the lift crew is cut short; met Pascal & Co; impromptu clinic duty and masked reconnaissance; met Snell; "met" Gweledydd.
Day 5: Second half-day of clinic duty; unmasked reconnaissance; met "Travers."
@PF2: The adventure has a circus theme, so I decided to play a halfling clown (a scoundrel rogue). I could certainly use a partner in crime!
Please message GM Omelas to introduce yourself—they'll give you the link to the discussion thread.
Either tonight or early tomorrow morning, depending on the warden's whim. As it happens, he's not in a good mood.
And yes, I think Raveen has already devised a method of using a ring and a manacle to short-circuit the bell, for a brief period of time. I don't remember the specifics off the top of my head, but fortunately we have a handy written archive of everything that's happened so far. :P
"We have the barrier of the manacles," Raveen says cautiously, recollecting his knowledge. "That simply removing the manacles will not break the enchantment on any of us prisoners. If we just evade the Warden and leave his Power intact, he will be able to command us to return. We must strike down the head of the snake, otherwise it will return to strike."
Sorry, have I implied there's a lingering enchantment after the removal of the manacles? Just to be clear: that's not the case. Of course, if the warden has messed around in your brain (as he has with Raveen), there might well be some subconscious brainwashing directive at work, but it's not directly related to the manacles. Also, Rastagar is a powerful spellcaster (with access to scrying, etc.), so the "head-of-the-snake" argument does still apply.
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Oh. I didn't know UMD could break all the effects. I understood the lesser geas effect was in place due to the remaining terms of the rings of bondage and your post.
So removing the manacles removes all effects from the item itself?
For reference, this is what confused me.
The manacles and their control rings function similarly to rings of bondage, with a manacle being equivalent to a servant ring. Only the forced version of the lesser geas is available, but three times per day, the wearer of a control ring can use suggestion on anyone wearing one of the manacles. The manacles can theoretically be disabled with a successful DC 40 Disable Device check, or broken open with a successful DC 30 Strength check—either method immediately renders it into an inert piece of iron. The wearer of a manacle takes a -10 penalty on such checks, however, making it effectively impossible to remove them by mundane means.
As long as a lesser geas imposed by a ring of bondage remains in effect, neither ring can be removed. If either ring is destroyed, the effects of the lesser geas remain in place, but the surviving ring can’t create a new lesser geas until the missing ring is repaired or replaced. If a mutual lesser geas is accepted and one lesser geas is ended, both lesser geas effects end simultaneously.
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I got a rules question before I answer Travers. Raveen might know the answer in-universe but I'll need confirmation first.
Once Raveen uses the Bell to reverse polarity on the rings and manacles, can he order (such as by lesser geas or suggestion) for the ring bearers to hold off the Warden? This is both for security and for time, since I believe the Bell might have more powers up its sleeve, and taking out the Warden and permanently stopping his delving is high priority considering his resources.
Oh. I didn't know UMD could break all the effects. I understood the lesser geas effect was in place due to the remaining terms of the rings of bondage and your post.
So removing the manacles removes all effects from the item itself?For reference, this is what confused me.
The manacles and their control rings function similarly to rings of bondage, with a manacle being equivalent to a servant ring. Only the forced version of the lesser geas is available, but three times per day, the wearer of a control ring can use suggestion on anyone wearing one of the manacles. The manacles can theoretically be disabled with a successful DC 40 Disable Device check, or broken open with a successful DC 30 Strength check—either method immediately renders it into an inert piece of iron. The wearer of a manacle takes a -10 penalty on such checks, however, making it effectively impossible to remove them by mundane means.
As long as a lesser geas imposed by a ring of bondage remains in effect, neither ring can be removed. If either ring is destroyed, the effects of the lesser geas remain in place, but the surviving ring can’t create a new lesser geas until the missing ring is repaired or replaced. If a mutual lesser geas is accepted and one lesser geas is ended, both lesser geas effects end simultaneously.
The first quote simply refers to an effect on the manacles that makes it harder for the wearer to remove them—this has no effect after they are successfully taken off.
The second quote refers specifically to the lesser geas effect the wearer of a ring can place on a wearer of a pair of manacles, if they so choose. This is not a constant effect, but something that allows the guards to give the inmates orders if they prove unruly. They don't bother doing this if an inmate is compliant, since a ring can only keep one such effect active at a time, and there are way more manacles than there are rings. But yes, if they have been given such an order and the manacles are removed, the lesser geas won't go away until the task has been fulfilled, the duration runs out, or the effect is dispelled.
Sorry for having been unclear on the matter.
I got a rules question before I answer Travers. Raveen might know the answer in-universe but I'll need confirmation first.
Once Raveen uses the Bell to reverse polarity on the rings and manacles, can he order (such as by lesser geas or suggestion) for the ring bearers to hold off the Warden? This is both for security and for time, since I believe the Bell might have more powers up its sleeve, and taking out the Warden and permanently stopping his delving is high priority considering his resources.
Yes, though you are limited to one ring-bearer per a pair of manacles, and the targets receive a Will save as normal.
Yes, that is all Raveen has been able to ascertain. His new mirror-friend might have more insight, of course.
I do try! Now I just have to work on actually posting, and I'll be unstoppable... :P
I don't think you did. To sum it up: he doesn't know for sure, but he thinks Raveen's theory about it being his own mirror turned against him fits in with the sorts of mind-games the warden likes to play.
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One or two hours until Armageddon.
Got a few questions:
1. Andrzej learned how to remove the manacles from Raveen. Can Raveen likewise learn from Gweledydd how to use the Bell?
2. Raveen wants to spirit Myrna out. She was, unfortunately, the bane of previous escapes (whether by participating or sabotaging from a distance). To keep her under his eye, Raveen wants to take her with--but preferably in a way where she would not cause harm. I got a Charm Person spell up my sleeve, but had an idea besides ungentlemanly knocking her out. Could we, by Raveen's assessment, use the Mask's second power (the make-generic-by-reflecting-on-past-failures power) keep Myrna mentally busy enough to make her compliant? The mysticism I got from the mask is that it conceals your identity by tapping into your regret. If her regret is enabled and tapped into, she might be free of mind enough to unshackle her from Rastigar's influence, if only for a time.
3. Since we got so little time, can I try to deduce something? If he senses the sun-orb isn't really in his cell, does Raveen think it is tied to the Bell instead? Can I make a check for that?
Ugh, sorry for the late answer. I've been a bit frazzled lately.
1. Andrzej learned how to remove the manacles from Raveen. Can Raveen likewise learn from Gweledydd how to use the Bell?
Like Gweledydd said, it's like playing music. If you had more time, he could instruct you in the intricacies of this particular instrument. As it is, you'll have to do with general theory and whatever info you've managed to gather, which is—at this point—a pretty solid foundation. However, Gweledydd can provide some guidance in situ, assuming you open communications prior to touching the bell (sort of like a pupil playing a piano one-handed while the teacher plays with the other).
2. Raveen wants to spirit Myrna out. She was, unfortunately, the bane of previous escapes (whether by participating or sabotaging from a distance). To keep her under his eye, Raveen wants to take her with--but preferably in a way where she would not cause harm. I got a Charm Person spell up my sleeve, but had an idea besides ungentlemanly knocking her out. Could we, by Raveen's assessment, use the Mask's second power (the make-generic-by-reflecting-on-past-failures power) keep Myrna mentally busy enough to make her compliant? The mysticism I got from the mask is that it conceals your identity by tapping into your regret. If her regret is enabled and tapped into, she might be free of mind enough to unshackle her from Rastigar's influence, if only for a time.
Charm person might do the trick—at least if the warden tried to force her to attack you, she'd be less willing to comply, even if the effect caused her to momentarily forget your burgeoning bond of mutual respect. However, this wouldn't necessarily spare any of your allies from her sweet ninja moves.
Unfortunately, the mask is only "real" for Raveen: if he tries to give it to someone else to wear, it disappears back into his shadow. I'd be willing to let you use UMD to stretch what the item is capable of (in this case, to reach out with the power of the Other and incapacitate Myrna with guilt for an extended period of time; that's honestly not a big push :P), but the attempt would accrue the 10% chance to suffer from Shadowbound corruption that comes with the activation of its third-tier power (as in, there'd be a 10% chance of contracting it right away, and it'd contribute to the cumulative chance later on [with a 20% chance the next time it's used]).
3. Since we got so little time, can I try to deduce something? If he senses the sun-orb isn't really in his cell, does Raveen think it is tied to the Bell instead? Can I make a check for that?
No need to spend the grit. You've got a working theory (i.e. it's your own magically illuminated mirror turned against you), but you'd actually have to return to your cell and inspect it to confirm the hypothesis. You do have enough time, if you'd like to do so.
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I'm getting this uncomfortable feeling I'm robbing Peter to pay Paul and robbing him to pay Pablo and Philip and Prince, and they're all marching down the hallway to kick my ass, while I'm contacting an actual devil to avoid a human one.
This solo campaign would make a great RPG story if I live to tell it.
1. Raveen will return to his cell to confirm the mirror. If he finds a magical connection from it to the bell, he might just actually understand what the Warden meant by "Say, did you ever see through my little ruse, or do you still believe the impossible?" I have this gut feeling his little hint has a meaning that could reveal something big. There is a poetic justice in what Raveen said with 'I came with the sun', and how he is taking it away with him.
2. Myrna he will enchant by reaching out to the Other in the fashion we discussed once Stage 1 is finished. If he can somehow subdue her using the orb/mirror instead of psychologically messing her up, he will try that.
If the Other has any tips (besides Naberius's snide 'you should've drank the cup') Raveen is open for consultation. D:
Assuming no advice, here is my corruption roll.
3. If 1 and 2 go swimmingly, and if Raveen doesn't gain new insight to the bell by taking back the sun orb, he will open communication with Gweledydd. He will balance his need for further power over the bell with his natural caution from opening his soul to otherworldly contact. He is a wizard, damn it, not a warlock.
Sounds good? I'll go for Stage 1 if you're ready.
Sounds good? I'll go for Stage 1 if you're ready.
Sounds good. I'll get in a gameplay post ASAP.
Also, quick question. Does Raveen know he is about to be corrupted when he uses the mask's third power?
Yes, he is aware of the risk.