GM Rednal's War of the Burning Sky (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

"Well, the full extent of Umbriaks power would only be available for a short while. I propose that we acquire several blocks, and the workforce to move them - then let Umbriak move the final, largest block by himself for the rest of the way. That will get people's attention. Then when Haddim works his magic, we'll likely have an audience witnessing. We came here not just to flee, we came to make a difference. If people are talking about us, if decision makers already heard about us, it might be that much easier to get into contact with someone providing us the means to actually accomplish deeds that will impact the outcome of what will happen.", Farod muses.

Yeah, it could be seen as showing off. But seriously, I'd rather explain to some magistrate that it was a way of getting their attention than try and explain to a guardsman why we should be allowed to see said magistrate in the first place.

"We get a place to stay, we help the other refugees that might need to find work, Umbriak gets to show off his muscley power and we might get an invitation instead of waiting in line to meet the important folks? This sounds like a great plan."

Torrent grinned slightly. "I like it. It's true that there's no reason for us to act like just another face in the crowd. Let's see what we can do to really make this pop to the crowd..."

To show off, Umbriak will need to make a Performance check! o wo The rest of you can Aid Another or use any other relevant abilities to help make this succeed. Greater success could hasten the town's willingness to listen to you... and perhaps have other effects as well. If you flop, well, you're probably not going to be any worse off than you were before. XD

There are two flaws with this plan: Umbriak only has Perform (sing), and the dice hate me right now. Enlarged, Umbriak can also carry about 2000lbs if you don't mind him going slow, or drag 10,000lbs (between 1 and 5 tons). Thankfully, he can maintain focus so he can stay Enlarged all day if he's using his standard action to move (unless dragging huge rocks around breaks it, but I assume Rednal is a kindly overlord). I'll hold off on Rage, because you never know.

Pulling off his armour and shirt and passing the pack to the others, including his selection of great axes, Umbriak rolled his massive shoulders and slowly warming up as he eyed the rock, his tattoos glowing as he worked himself up to tackling his rocky nemesis.

Rubbing dust on his hands to help himself grip, Umbriak took up the ropes around the stone and began to sing a low, deep dirge to help him maintain his grip and his focus. As he took the first step his tattoos flared, smoke and heat radiating, as his already bulky form began to grow to match the rock which challenged him.

Perform: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

While Umbriak drew in a crowd with his musclebound demonstration, Tchakar slipped through the onlookers and dropped enticing commentary along the way.

"Is that the dwarf that just arrived in town? I heard that he just waded through the swamp and carried a boat full of orphans the whole way!"

"Oh, I've heard of him. They say that when he was crossing the swamp he was attacked by a swamp hag and her alligator companion, but he wrestled the alligator into submission and then beat the hag with it!"

"Those tattoos enhance his power. See how they burn and smoke? It's because he swallowed up all the fire in the Fire Forest!"

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

*Pokes Farod*

"He still thinks that grunting of his is melodic. Tiljann, why don't you show him some proper singing - I'll play a tune.", Farod attempts to place their Fey companion in the spotlight next to Umbriak.
The girl would draw attention towards them solely based on her alien appearance - chances are few if any of those onlookers present ever made it through the fire forest.
Perform(String): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Of course my roll is ruinous :P yay.

Nobody was quite able to do a phenomenal performance-

Perform (Sing): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

-until Tiljann, a fey who'd been practicing for a very long time indeed opened her mouth. In fact, her tune was probably too good because people stopped looking at Umbriak and focused almost all of their attention on her until she clammed up. Whispers instantly began to spread through the crowd and, you were fairly sure, would be making their way into the rest of the city in short order. The good news? You'd gotten the stone where it needed to be.

Umbriak wiped his hands as he returned to his normal size and form, breathing a sigh of relief. He nodded to Tiljann with a smile. "Twas some canny singin'. Put the yodelling I did to shame."

"Brava, Tiljann, brava. You performed splendidly!", Farod complimented the Fey Girl. She had been open and outgoing, but at the same time was well aware that she was 'different', based on the reactions other people had to her. Something like this, were she decided to reach out, and got such positive feedback, would certainly be good for the girls self-esteem.
Turning to Umbriak, he nodded in approvement:"And you did, as well! At least the physical part, not so much the vocals - though I'm not one to talk...", he smiled, well aware his tune had been off.
Without wasting any time, Farod made sure the stone was in the right place, then spoke to Haddim:"Well, we still got their attention - no reason to stop the show early, right?"
There's still the part were we magically turn that block of stone into prime real estate...

"More importantly, I'd like a place to sit down for a bit with actual walls around me for a change. I don't know about you folks, but all this time outdoors is mangling what little's left of my feathers."

It was true that too much travel could be vicious on one's appearance - especially without the right tools to take care of yourself. Indeed, Umbriak knew of some dark rumors of dwarves who shaved their beards before a trip, knowing it would be grown out again and proper-looking when they arrived at their destination. Right awful horror story, that was.

When the block was finally settled into place, the old Wizard grunted slightly and placed a hand against it. Magic surged through his body, and the block abruptly expanded in three stages, shaping out three large-ish rooms and a handful of smaller, closet-sized ones. He exhaled sharply when he was done.

"Good enough." he said. "Block didn't have the material for more than that, but it'll hold up well enough. Sent a bit down into the ground for stability."

"It looks splendid. But I expected no less from a mage of your skill.", Farod comments towards Haddim approvingly, before turning to the others of their group: "Now all we need is some furniture to make it a home. Shall we see about stimulating the local economy a bit?"

Sense Motive to get a Hunch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 (Someone assist?)
We've proven our strenght(Umbriak), our magical ability(Haddim), and our skill(Tiljann) - nevermind 2 of those were kinda performed by NPC's. Pushing further could seem like showing off, but I believe we are within socially acceptable limits still...did our plan work out...or did we go too far? or is the audience still eager for more?

Making sure the braids of his beard were neat and tidy, Umbriak looked around. "Aye,'tis a fine building. Your spells can sing the stone as well as a master craftsman, and with greater speed." The Dwarf grudgingly nodded his respect to the Wizard. He still didn't like how he treated his daughter, but today he couldn't deny his skill.

Umbriak nodded to the house. "Yon trick, once a day - I cannae imagine it would nae sell well. Cannae imagine that many others can copy it, either."

Sense Motive Assist: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"I'd be happy if we manage to get the basics, beds, a table and chairs and an oven. A decently cooked meal will really help us settle in."

You're pretty sure supplies are tight, but if you're persuasive enough, you can probably find someone selling furnishings. Otherwise, you may need to wait until the rush dies down a little, which will take several days.

"Aye, let us fetch some basics, to make the house a home. We can cover the other angles after we met with Torrents friend."
Looking around, then back at the house, he adds, more silently:"We may want to see about getting doors, windows and locks, too."

"Twould be imprudent to assume all now know the fear of Me," Umbriak mused. "I dinnae wish to see someone break in and cause grief among those here."

Unless someone stopped him the Dwarf sidled off to go buy stuff. Mostly kitchen supplies, really. He'd never had the chance to furning one. And a big, bulky Dwarf-forged lock.

Diplomacy (Barter to not get ripped off): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Kn. Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

One of Tchakar's former... associates... had left Gate Pass some years ago (before the tengu's unfortunate hand removal incident) in favor of setting up a 'legitimate basic magical supply business for the student wizards.' Tchakar had no way of knowing if Jex had been telling the truth about his intentions, and certainly didn't know if he had succeeded, but decided to ask around town to see if he couldn't find the wiry half-elf. When necessary, Jex was quick with a knife, but quicker still with his silver tongue, and Tchakar knew that if he was in town, he'd know the best places that had the supplies they needed, and likely at the best prices as well.

As it turned out, the magical supply business was doing quite well. With the focus on the war effort and new students arriving regularly, the shops selling supplies were moving inventory almost as fast as they could get it in. Thanks to Jax's connections, however, you were eventually able to visit enough shops to get some basic furniture for 50 GP in total. By this point, the sun was well across the horizon, and torchlight (more than moonlight) provided all most people could see by.

"Well, so far...so good. Now, the evening seems like a great chance to actually meet Torrent's acquaintance, assuming he doesn't sit at home all day waiting for visitors. Rather than wait for tomorrow, how about making our way there now, fetching a decent bottle of wine on the way as a present?", Farod suggested.
Could be he was a bit further away - not sure if I remember it right. But we could move forward, I guess?

Umbriak installed what cooking supplies he could acquire into the area designated 'kitchen', on the theory that it would be the best place to put them. "Dinnae matter if we nae go this day, a bottle of somethin fine will never go amiss."

Marked off the 50g.

It was good to see that Jax had been doing well for himself, and in a much less risky position than he had last seen him.

"That sounds just fine to me. If the intent is to share a drink with him though, perhaps we ought to bring a pair of bottles."

If the description wasn't clear, you're well into night by now, more than evening - it would probably be midnight by the time you can find anyone. Which isn't an impossibility or anything - just something you should know. XD Hitting a bunch of shops did take a while.

Well, late night was when the best alcohol was served. Or at least that's what it seemed like at the time. But since it had a decent chance of leaving you blind and with a headache like a thunderstone had gone off in your skull, it was probably better to rest.

Didn't realize that. To bed!

"Well, tomorrow then, we can use the rest.", Farod stated as he inspected the building once more. It was fascinating what directed magical power could accomplish.
Aye, I figured it was evening, not night...so lets rest.

The night was quieter than many of those you'd had recently - thanks in no small part to the thick stone walls that now surrounded you. The night passed uneventfully - aside from the odd bit of thunder from the continuing storm, anyway. Still, you had a rest - and a good meal from what food you still had in the morning.

"We're going to stay here while these people do... whatever it is they do." the old wizard told his daughter in the morning, apparently not caring who might be listening. "Lots of thieves and vagabonds and kidnappers among all the refugees here, I'm sure, and I'm not going to risk you out among them."

"Today I believe we intend to acquire a gift for Torrent's ally, to smooth the passage to our next point." He glanced over at the young woman. "If ye would be willin', a feminine touch might me we buy a wee bit somethin other than booze." Glancing at the wizard, he added, "She will be safe enough, ye have my word. Nae vagabonds are likely to argue."

He'd also need to take that plate armour to the blacksmith and get it re-sized for himself.

"Aye, if you don't come with us, let Crystin be your eyes and ears. She knows you best, and what details or information would matter to you. We kept her perfectly save so far, be assured our vigilance will not falter simply because we're not under inmediate threat.", Farod affirms Umbriaks intent to take the girl with them.

"Wait, not getting booze? Like... a meat and cheese basket or something?" The tengu seemed torn between disappointment and a growing excitement at the prospect of delicious cured meat. "Either way, figure out if you're coming or staying, we've gotta get going or all the best stuff will be gone!" Tchakar quickly scooped up his pack and slipped out the door to wait for his companions.

"We're going. To Stay. Here." the old wizard said flatly. "I didn't build a home next to a bloody forest fire because I liked the lovely parties. And as her father, I will decide what's best for Crystin and myself. She doesn't need what crowds will do to her foresight."

"Yes, father." Crystin murmured, looking down at the floor.

Umbriak's eyes narrowed. She wasn't a little girl, nor a silly teen, but a grown woman who could make her own choices. Or should be able to make her own choices. The temptation to strike the old man down was strong, but murdering a man was beyond Umbriak even as his anger bubbled.

But this was going to end. He mentally added another item to there list - a scroll to dispel magic. He was nearly certain that it was magic that Haddin was using to enhance his will. If Umbriak successfully used such and the girl was still loyal, then he'd support her. If she revealed that she was dominated...well, Umbriak had a selection of axes for the occasion.

Nodding politely to Crystin and adding, "Then by your leave, lady," he walked outside before the urge to punch the wizard grew too strong.

"The last time you gave that speech about deciding what's best, you intended to make a last stand against the Ragesians and go down fighting.", Farod calmly remarked, moving over towards Krystin before continuing: "Sometimes, what seems best at a moment is not the best in hindsight. Both Isolation and new stimuli seem to have trigggered her foresight. Even if you lock yourself in the house, this is not an isolated locale. Crowds, then, could rather help her foresight - it's definitely a new concept for her based on her upbringing. So what other reasons do you have to forbid her from leaving your side?"
Farod watched Umbriak walk out the door, his face a frown the instant he had turned away. And he very much shared his dwarven companions worries, and did not intend to give in yet.
He was afraid the girl had been thoroughly indoctrinated though, rather than just magically compelled. Which, in a way, made it worse, because if true, the old man had utterly broken the young woman...no, girl. It would take a lot to undo that damage, and a first step would be to separate them were possible.

Tchakar poked his head back in the door, "Hindsight, four sights, we're not going to see anything if we stay here all day. If she's not ready to leave the nest yet, what's the problem? Let's get going!"

Without looking at Tchakar, Farod responds, speaking bluntly:"I don't know how it is for your kind, but at her age, she is more than ready to leave the nest. It would seem she is forbidden from doing that, and told not to by the one she holds dearest. She deserves an existence that is her own, not an extension of someone elses. That is the problem." A bit louder, he adds:"Umbriak!", calling his companion back in, expecting the Dwarf to either back him up verbally, or at least not stand for it if Haddim acted violently in anger.

The Dwarf popped his head back around 'door'. "Aye?"

"And I think you need to listen to me." Haddin spat as he pointed one weak, old hand at Farod. "Don't you do anything to try and take my daughter away from me."

Will DC 22: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Farod heads for the door:"Hum...nothing, Umbriak. Just that we should keep out from the private affairs of others. It's not our place to meddle. Lets go meet Torrents friend instead."

Umbriak raised an eyebrow at that change of mood, and glanced at the Wizard. "Well, to buy him a wee present, at least. And I have a couple of other errands I wish to run." He popped back out the door, considering things. He was certain the wizard was using mind magic...was this another example?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"Oh good, we're leaving! Ah.. hmm... after you Umbriak." Tchakar followed the dwarf into the city, realizing he didn't actually know where they were going, but happy to be moving again.

Umbriak, you're not sure what the wizard might just have done - although you didn't notice him speaking spooky arcane words, making "mystic" gestures (whatever that meant - how were they different from normal gestures?), or throwing bat guano at Farod. At least two of those things usually accompanied spellcasting.

As you headed out into the city, you eventually made your way towards some older construction - which in this case meant buildings not made in the last few weeks. As you passed down one of the streets, a baker did a double-take upon seeing you. "Uh... h-hey! You four, over there!" he called, waving - and not actually seeming all that interested in his bread at the moment.

Umbriak was confused. He knew something was going on, and it was clearly melting Farod's brain as they moved down the street, but he had no idea what it was. It seemed likely it was some kind of magic, but the lack of gestures, words and material was...wrong.

But there were ways around this, and he intended to spend the gold to check. Maybe he'd get three or four of those scrolls...

His eyes shot up as the baker called them over. "Aye, Master Baker? What service can we be to thee?" He glanced over at the bread, assessing it.

Farod takes note of the baker and...conditional action dependent on spoiler reply, Rednal can finish the sentence this time around.

Tchakar instinctively looked behind him, only to realize that he was included in the baker's calling. "Us? What's wrong?"

"Someone’s looking for you. A few weeks ago this woman asked me to keep an eye out for you, and gave exactly your descriptions. A short blond woman with an accent I couldn’t place, but she was really nice. She said her name was Jess."

"Never heared the name, I think-", Farod states as he draws a blank on the name. Someone asking for them could be good or bad. Bad would likely have been more subtle about it, however...

Umbriak scratched his head for a moment. "Nae, I have no memory of such a lass. And I am usually good with names. Did she, by chance, mention a way to contact her again should we be seen?"

"A few weeks? That doesn't make sense, I wasn't planning on traveling this way that long ago. And I don't know any Jess. How could she know we were coming here?"

The baker shrugged. "Magic?" he suggested, clearly believing it was the most likely answer. "Anyway, she asked me to leave a note at a particular home if I saw you. If you'd like, I could tell her a time and place you'd like to meet her - home, nice tavern, whatever. She seemed real keen on talking to you, so worst-case scenario, you get another messenger who can help you find a convenient time to get together."