GM Rednal's Planehopping from Bard's Gate (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

"We were warned that only one of your librarians should actually read the book, as it is dangerous, though it seems that you knew that already. We were required to vow not to use darkness magic for a year as payment for the information. Also, we met a rather curious creature that went by the name Sahaq. He seemed interested in observing the comings and goings of Khepira's domain."

With his companions having most of the bases covered Asem just waited for Spinel's reaction.

"Oh, right. That. I don't know if the Wizards' Guild offers any workplace compensation for temporary injuries to the magic we're allowed to cast, but if so, I'd like to start on the paperwork for it."

Spinel raised an eyebrow at Will's question. This was the Wizard's Guild, and many youngsters - eager to master phenomenal magical powers and reshape mere reality to their awesome will - tried whatever they could to glean more information... even if that information was too dangerous for them.

"I do not know of this... Sahaq. I will take a note, though. It is not uncommon to meet other travelers, and many of them can be useful sources of information." she said, jotting down the results of your expedition. "Compensation for Khepira's demands has already been factored into your payment for this job, and you will note the fine print on page three of your employment contract that absolves the Guild from further responsibility for such things." she pressed a few buttons on her stand, and a drawer slid open. "Your payments." she added, passing out four small bags. "I will let the Masters know the location of the book. Once the accuracy of that has been verified - which should be by mid-day tomorrow - we'll make a note in your records, and following that you may return for another assignment."

You've each received 500 GP.

Anders took his pouch and nodded, "Thanks. It was an interesting experience, to be sure. Now... how about we go find that meal you suggested earlier?"

"Sure fine for me." Replied Asem. "Easiest 500 I have ever made." He commented once they were out of earshot from Spinel.

Ignored. Was the question too obvious to answer or was it like what asked before, a secret? His own experience with the Wizard's Guild was actually very limited. A few years when he was young and that was it. If he compared them to his own curiosity it made sense but he was self aware enough to know people found him odd.

He takes the pouch of money and looks over at Anders confused. "So the convention is to bond after a successful mission?" That seemed odd but agreeable.

"What? I was just going to offer everyone free drinks and lunch at the Church of Yidhra, in the Temple District."

It was a bit late in the day for lunch if you were on a normal schedule - but there were plenty of places to eat and drink in the area. Casteran’s Cakes, Gantry’s Tea House, The Paasha’s Pillow, Wicked Sisters, and quite a few other locations... or the Church of Yidhra, of course, where an offering might result in a small tube of meat with some bread folded around it appearing (but only on Sistersdag, a day of the week chosen for reasons nobody had yet been able to figure out... assuming a reason even existed).

And yes, you can visit any of the eateries I named, or inquire about others. XD Bard's Gate has LOTS of places you can visit.

Any good places for a spicy curry?

"Free is always preferred," Will said. Then he looks at the heavy pouch of coins. "But not necessary in this case." That much money would get them into the best eatery in the city. He'd never eaten at a temple and, from what he read, or could find to read, Yidhra's would be an interesting temple to visit.

"Well I'm up for BBB's offer." Replied Asem cheerfully.

Oh, shoot, this one's on me. Missed the new posts somehow.

In any case, Barion didn't see any special reason to eat away from his own cellars, and headed back to the Church of Yidhra to pour out some meat stew and mediocre ale for himself and anyone who followed.

Works for me. Anders knows better than to turn down a meal.

Paizo HAS been a bit wonky the last few days... XD

The Church of Yidhra - such as it was, given the goddess in question never told people to make them, much less gave guidance on how to do it properly - was welcoming enough once Barion opened it and went inside, although there weren't too many who dropped by for drinks. There was, after all, a nearby temple dedicated to Pekko - God of Ales and Grains - that regularly gave out free samples. (On the other hand, opening a tavern when there was a more popular place for drinks right down the road was entirely in keeping with Yidhra's purported personality, and there were always a few people who preferred a quieter place for a drink and a meal.) You could certainly chat about your experiences - or relax, go to bed after a few drinks, and see what tomorrow was likely to bring.

Before too long, Barion, drinking a bit heavily, suggested the party get to see each other's fighting abilities first hand--since the last mission had been so simple. A few animated wooden dummies marched down from the upper floor, cleared tables out of the way, and handed out wooden training weapons--though it was possible only Barion himself engaged in any target practice before turning in for the night.

Asem joined Brother Barion in drinking and in general felt like he was in a partying mood, sure their first mission was perhaps a bit 'easy' for his tastes, yet it still paid off and he got to see another plane so he couldn't really complain.

"Sure why not." He accepted enthusiastically Barion's idea. "I'm not going to need weapons though..." He added looking at the training implements and baring his claws.

"Impressive," Anders said earnestly, "though my talents lie in more traditional weaponry." At their urging, Anders demonstrated his marksmanship with his crossbow before retiring for the evening.

Though the event happened out of order, Will was at least pleased it happened before any fighting had occurred. He did not partake of any alcoholic beverages but he did find something fruity that he couldn't quite place. The "Church of Yidhra" was as fascinating as he had heard. The church was actually a tavern and located not too far from another such tavern that ran most out of business through general excellence. A double paradox. And when the training dummies walked towards them he discovered that the church/tavern was a training ground too. Interesting.

When his turn to show what he could do arrived he settled in to what the others could only assume was a practiced and measured response in preparation for a time such as this. "Within me lies innate elemental magical power," he starts, standing in front of the training dummy. "Through runes that I modified from the arcane writings of the wizards guild, I can summon and control the magic, creating various effects. These include releasing the energy in a controlled manner." He drew one such run in space with one hand. It glowed blow and was obviously cold as mist quickly formed around it. He flicked it after drawing it and a beam of cold froze one dummy solid.

"They can be applied to myself for varying benefits." He draws another that is red and appears to be on fire. Headless of the danger, he grabs is and smacks his chest. Now his entire bodied glow like a torch. "In this way they can be used indefinitely while awake and even in battle."

"I can also apply them to others for a short amount of time." He creates another rune in the air, this time black and exuding black smoke. He throws it like a shurikan and it latches onto Barion and Asem. Their forms become hazy and indistinct for a few seconds before the glyph wears off.

"And I can apply it to my weapon of choice." He writes several runes down the length of his blade, all of which are green. He rushes one of the dummies and slashes. The wooden blade seems to cause no damage but the wood of the dummy hisses as acid erodes the point of contact.

"I can augment my combat with potions of my own design that I can bind my magic to using a catalyst and rune etched bottles." He pulls a bottle out and begin to write on its edge with a bare finger. Different colored runes appear briefly and vanish. He does this for a minute then drinks the bottles contents. He walks to a wall and begins to climb it as easily as a squirrel or spider.

From the ceiling he continues. "Outside of combat I have studied extensively about many different creatures and can craft magic items. That is currently my main source of income and current interest. Through these planer portals I hope to find new things and bring back items I can use to craft even greater items and weapons."

"I suppose a more complete introduction is in order. I'm a former Protector. I served during the siege, but I left the Order after the siege was ended because I no longer had confidence in our faith." Anders took a long drink and sighed before continuing, "I'm not really sure how it happened, but since then I've developed an unusual connection to my former companions. I still don't fully understand it, but I've been learning to channel their spirits to heal injuries, protect the vulnerable or even shoot spectral energy from my crossbow to disable foes. The echos of my friends' spirits are always close at hand," he said as he relaxed his mind and six faintly glowing lights appeared, dancing slowly around him, "but I usually ask that they stay hidden, so they don't scare children in the streets."

"And I'm a priest of Yidhra," Barion added. "So, you know. Divinely-inspired study of physical paradoxes and all that."

And, as he idly twirled a table through the air, "I also make quite a bit of money moving and rearranging furniture, often aggressively."

Ready to head back to the Wizard's Guild for our next mission whenever

And the rest of you? Remember that Bard's Gate has a great many items available for purchase, should there be any gear you want to nab before you set out. Either way works, of course. ^^

I'm good to go. Not much to buy with less than 1000g anyways.

Yeah money is a bit tight at the moment, so for me too I'd go on with the next assignment

We got 500gp not 5000. Not much we can get with that.

At this level? Mundane equipment, mostly. Masterwork Tools are a light, affordable +2 circumstance bonus to skills, mirrors can let you sneakily look around corners, chalk can mark up places you've been... that sort of thing. Magic goods are nice, but don't underestimate the usefulness of basic items.

After a few days had passed, letters appeared next to your beds one morning... with no sign of how they'd gotten there. On it was a review of your performance on the previous mission, and the Guild seemed satisfied that you were ready to take on new assignments. In fact, several were available now.

Thayco Manslayer, owner of The Keen Edge in the Guild District, was interested in the procurement of a weapon whose design hadn't yet been seen on Lloegyr - and none of that "fancy magic stuff", either. Mundane weapons only. A footnote explained that the Wizard's Guild wasn't necessarily impressed by the request, but they did have a reputation to uphold, and a jaunt to the House of Blades (via Axis - apparently, it could only be reached from an aligned outer plane) would suffice.

King Iyuxical, lord of the Crystal Roads of Deluer, had a gargoyle problem - namely, they kept popping in to literally eat parts of his demiplane. He was fed up enough that he'd posted up a bounty of 250 GP per-head, and the Guild was interested in sending a team that could perform well and perhaps earn enough of the King's gratitude to form better connections there. The phrase "do not try to steal things" was underlined three times.

Outside of Bard's Gate, the wizard Sorten had succeeded in creating a fairly stable portal to the Plane of Shadows, and he was looking for individuals to explore. A handwritten note to the side observed that Sorten was an archwizard in excellent standing, although he was an associate of the Wizard's Guild rather than a full member because he lived quite some ways to the east, past the city of Freegate. It was also noted you might be gone for quite some time if you took him up on his offer (the reason he'd sent the request to Bard's Gate, rather than the closer city, was simple - Bard's Gate had more - and more capable - people who might be interested).

But we already have the mundane times we need, at this level—the party's swimming with masterwork tools. Barion might have some interest in acquiring special furniture, like a mithral skillet or darkwood armchair, but I'm waiting to see what missions we wind up with.

Barion was... less keen on another trip to fetch objects, especially one that would involve walking across the city of Law.

As for the other options—well, bounty hunting he knew, and suggested that the party's skill with ranged weapons and flighting might make gargoyles an easier foe.

When the letters arrived, Anders called the aid of two of his spirit companions to learn more about the Crystal Roads and the Shadow plane.

Kn. Planes (Crystal Roads): 1d20 + 3 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 8 = 21
Kn. Planes (Shadow Plane): 1d20 + 3 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 8 = 16

Once they had met up and discussed the possible jobs, Anders agreed with Barion's suggestion. Dealing with a flight of gargoyles would give them ample opportunity to assess their team's effectiveness in combat, and help them prepare for future dangerous missions. Alternatively, the mission to the Shadow plane could be an excellent opportunity to prove themselves capable agents for the guild, but without a clear goal, it was unclear how long the mission would take.

"Does anyone know anything particularly useful about any of the places in question? I know a bit about the Crystal Roads, but my spirits have told me less about the Shadow plane."

K:Planes vs Crystal Roads: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (20) + 9 + (6) = 35
K:Nature vs Gargoyles: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 10 + (6) = 28
K:Planes vs Shadow Plane: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 9 + (3) = 20
K:Planes vs Axis: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (14) + 9 + (4) = 27

It was by luck alone that Will read Thayco Manslayer's request last or he would not have done anything in the way of preliminary research on the other two. He wracked his brain and ransacked his books to find info on the Shadow plane, gargoyles and the crystal road first. Then he saw weapon and promptly forgot about the other two. A trip to Axis would only be mildly interesting (and a lot of research to know the laws) but to seek out a new weapon designed by an outsider, that would be interesting.

At their meeting to discuss which should be taken he places the note on the table and points to Manslayer's request. "That one," he says.

As usual, Asem knew very little about the plane and simply waited for the rest of the party to reunite and see what they might have figured out.

"I'd say that bounty hunting gargoyles could be fun." He commented once the group got reunited, he wasn’t exactly a ranged fighter, but it could be interesting to have an occasion to put his aerial abilities to the test. "I won't mind exploring a bit though." He added, with the idea of another fetch quest not being the most enticing right now.

"What do you know about the planes that could help us choose?" He asked shortly thereafter, looking toward his more learned friends.

Guess that's on me...

Planes (Axis): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
Planes (Crystal Roads): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
Planes (Shadow Plane, Bardic whatever): 20 + 14 = 34

The Crystal Roads were a relatively less-known demiplane of earth - often mistaken for one of air, though, since it seemed to consist entirely of spheres of gems and minerals connected by a lattice of roads. The native inhabitants were known to be rather vicious to thieves, but somewhat begrudgingly accepted trade. Gargoyles, of course, were pretty common stone-like creatures, and their abilities were likely to be fairly predictable. You definitely needed magic to properly damage them, though.

The Shadow Plane was much more well-known, since it was one of the major planes bordering the Material Plane, and generally acted as a mirror of what most considered to be the 'true' worlds.

Axis was the outer plane of Law, taking the form of an enormous, growing city representing ideas from countless places and species. It was also widely considered to be the most welcoming of the nine major aligned planes, and did a great deal of business with the rest of reality.

"The Crystal Roads are aptly named. Crystal roads connect large spheres of gems and minerals. Gargoyles have an affinity for earth. They are..." he pauses, trying t recall the memory. "They shouldn't be a native but they would feel at home there with so much exposed precious minerals."

"The Shadow Plane mirrors ours but its heavily warped." He thinks for a minute. Then. "That is likely the most dangerous contract and I would advise against it. A Shadow of Bard's Gate would likely be too much considering the powers found here."

"Axis is extremely welcoming but would take much research to make sure we follow the rules. It is on the plane of Law and their cities exemplify that."

Shadow version of Bard's Gate sounds like a terrible idea until like level 10.

“The crystal roads sounds intriguing to me, Axis, dunno if I'm that eager to visit a plane of Law... “ Commented Asem, the shadow plane also sounded intriguing, but that said, a warped reflection of his own world didn't create the same sense of wonder than a more exotic plane. “Do we need any specific gear to survive in the Crystal Roads?” He asked shortly thereafter. “I mean is the air breathable for example?” Continued the shapeshifter.

“That said, personally my vote is for the gargoyle bounty hunting.”

"Exploring arching paths of crystal sounds like a unique experience. Does anyone know what the gravity is like there? That one sounds like the most interesting experience to see, plus they're paying well."

"I'd be curious about the gravity as well. Seems like the gargoyles might be our preference, though. Nobody's got qualms about killing an intelligent population, if they're evil ****s?"

As a reminder, Axis is only a pass-through to the House of Blades, which is its own demiplane. In this case, the trip to Axis would be a lot like stopping at an airport to change flights.

The House of Blades sounded fantastic and the chance to see a weapon not found anywhere else, truly exciting. But he wasn't surprised that things were leaning another direction. None of them seemed like the aggressive sort but the chance to see other's handle combat was probably the second most interesting thing in his opinion. He could probably handle a quest to the House of Blades alone but that would be incautious.

K:Planes more on the Crystal Roads: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 9 + (2) = 13

Information about minor demiplanes is definitely limited, but you do know that the plane has a single up/down orientation (rather than the subjective orientation of some planes). If you fall off the roads - or the spheres - you're probably going to keep falling until you pass through the edge and wind up somewhere... else.

"Sounds like most of us would like to go to the Crystal Roads. Perhaps next time we can go check out an exotic weapons shop. Have you all gotten your supplies ready?"

“Then gargoyle hunting it is.” Commented Asem cheerfully. “I think I’m set for gear, not sure if we might need any special equipment though, I don’t know, climbing stuff maybe?” he asked. “Myself I can fly as needed, but still…”

"That's probably not a bad idea, just in case something happens and we go tumbling off one of the roads."

Going to pick up a potion of fly on the way to the guild. I'll get my fancy ammunition later.

"I will need that potion too," Will says. He wasn't yet at the point he could over come that disadvantage himself just yet. Rodzin probably could but the old dwarf was a stickler for following incremental progression. He wasn't ready to learn it yet and thus the dwarf did not teach him that.

Will did a quick check of his savings and realized that the 500 he'd just received was more than he had before. Much more. "Or not."

That potion is 750. Can't afford it. I think I'd rather see where I end up if I fall.

I'll have a potion of cure light and a potion of fly in my spring-loaded wrist sheathes.

"Well I can share my gift if needed, but it won't last for much and I'll need to be close so no help if you are already falling." Told Asem."We can also try to get something cheaper maybe than flight, perhaps just to slow down the fall until I can get to you?" He offered.

From what you'd heard, you'd definitely want to have a way to get back up to the roads - but you were in Bard's Gate, and various spells, scrolls, and potions were available from at least the Wizard's Guild, and often other sellers as well.

I'm also going to pick up a regular light crossbow and load it up with my grappling bolt and silk rope, just in case I need to be able to use it quickly.

I can telekinetically lift/move any medium creature, including myself, it's just very slow flight .

Barion bought four scrolls of Enhance Object.

"Gargoyles can fly. We all have ranged abilities yes?"

Hoping the falling off thing won't be as big and issue.

"I've got some experience there. Do you remember the frequent harpy attacks that were happening out on the eastern approaches to the city about six years ago? My squad was the one that was finally able to drive them off. Flying targets are the best, since they usually don't have too much blocking the path of my bolts."