Mindscape of the Dreaming Dark (Inactive)

Game Master Reckless

Atop a cloud floating in a lake of fire stands a silver citadel at the heart of a city carved from a glacier. At the apex of the citadel, the mighty meet to ascend the steps leading into the heavens.

From here, you enter the Mindscape of the Dreaming Dark, and begin an epic trial to appease the honor of the God. For you are the Chosen, the Icons of the Gods, and if you are worthy, you will succeed.

The Host, an angelic being carved from living Ivory, bids you welcome to the silver citadel as you approach. It speaks in a clear, even voice devoid of any particular accentuations. "Greetings, Chosen of the Gods. You have been selected as Team Delta, and will muster in the Amethyst Suites." it waves a hand towards a nearby corridor.

"If you have need of any additional supplies, gather them from the city before reporting to the Suites. I have been placed to answer your queries, and will do so to the best of my capabilities."

The tall armored half orc speaks in a hard voice.
"Delta? How many teams are? What is the task required of us?"

"Yeah, I didn't think this looked like a common crew. I figured we were something special. Not like Cayden just picked me out of the gutter or something. "

"How many stars are there in the sky? How many Gods in the heavens? You need only concern yourselves with Teams Delta and Gamma, for your task involves these alone." The Host States in a lilting tone. "As for this task, you are to enter the Mindscape, collect the eleven Thought Speres, determine how to assemble them, and escape with your lives. If you succeed, great Honors await."

"And where is this "Delta" team? Are we to protect them, or destroy them?"

"Mmmh... strange situation indeed."

Markus looks around and tries to identify something familiar. Then looks at the lot that surround him.

"Well, I guess we're into this together, if the gods have picked you all as well." He raises an arm. "My name is Markus, chosen of Iomedae. PLeased to meet you all."

"I am Nils, blessed, or cursed of Cayden Calean. Happy to make your acquaintance. "

Thokk looks at the others from top to bottom.
"Gorum's chosen Thokk."

"I am called Tam, and I represent Nethys. If there is something to know about these Thought Spheres, then The All-Seeing Eye knows it. And if He sees fit to share it, I shall soon know it, too."

I'm Donnen, Guardian of Gozreh. - said the druid, still a little confused with all the happenings - I'm pleased to meet such legends.

"You are the Delta Team." the Host clarifies. "If you intended to inquire about the Gamma Team, they are to enter the Mindscape in conjunction with your arrival, although from a different point of entry. They, too, will be tasked with finding and assembling the Thought Spheres. However, they represent rival Gods and the Glory they do to their Deities is antithetical to those you serve. The most likely outcome is that you will be called upon to destroy-or, at least, defeat- them in order to achieve your goals."

"Good. We are Delta. They are dead."
You can almost see the smile under the armored half-orc.

"You're a right chipper sort aren't you Thokk? I'm ok with just defeat. I don't really see a need for killing without good cause. "
and he pauses and thinks a bit
"Unless they are Asmodeans. I could gleefully kill some Asmodeans. "

"And I am outright hilarious after a good fight, friend. They are going to try and kill us, and that is reason enough for me to kill them first. I recommend you do the same, Caydean."

Tam chuckles at the back-and-forth between Thikk and Nils, while contemplating their situation further.

"And when," he asks their host, "should we expect this task to begin? Speaking for myself, I'd like whatever time to prepare as can be afforded me."

Donnen goggles the others, looking with curiosity. For moments he wonders why he was paired with icons from Iomedae, Nethis, Gorum and Cayden Caylean - such different deities - but decided it was probably on the wisdom of Gozreh, even though he felt the balance pend towards good.

If the Wind and the Waves call me to enter this mindscape, so be it. - he finally says - I agree with Tam of Nethys - preparation would benefit us all. However, if urgency is of the matter, I'm ready whenever needed.

-I say we should talk together possible strategies or strong points.

Thokk points at him.
"I am the strong point."
He points to his greatsword.
"And this is the strategy."

"That's what I like about followers of Gorum- subtlety. "

Then he will add, "For myself, I fight well, and can add in the magics granted to me by Cayden. Those I usually choose to ameliorate conditions rather than for offensive purposes. My rapier speaks well enough in that area, I think. "

"You have a day to prepare yourselves and get to know one another and organize as you care to do so, prepare any research you wish, or perform whatever final mortal rituals as you please."

"Do we get to know which gods sent this Gamma team?"

"And more importantly... is there a place with ale and women around? I need to get some rites done properly before combat."

"Ah yes ale. I used to love ale. But, it would be nice to know about the competition. "

"Anyone know what a 'thought sphere' might be?"

Thokk shakes his head.
"No, but I guess we will recognize them when we see them."

"Very well," Tam says, as he swings his pack around to the front and begins ruffling through it. A moment later he pulls from it a polished silver mirror, before returning the pack to his back with a practiced grace.

"If we've a day's time, I think I'll start by attempting to Scry on this Gamma team, and getting to thinking on these 'Thought Spheres'."

"The Gamma Team worship Calistria, Lamashtu, Norgorber, Urgathoa, and
Zon-Kuthon." The host provides. "The are plenty of places in the city where one may find ale and women.

"Though Spheres are seeds of consciousness within the Mindscape, each a manifestation of a specific philosophical concept. While their forms may vary, you will, indeed, recognize them when you see them."

"I don't know that I'll feel all too bad about fighting that lot. "

then to his fellows

"Do we want to coordinate spells among the spellcasters or such? We should probably try to avoid too much overlap. "

"The magic Gorum grants me is mostly for myself, allowing me to fight better. I doubt it will "overlap" with yours."

"My gifts from Iomedae mostly focus on healing, protection, and speed."

"I will avail myself of the opportunity to purchase some food in the city."

"I have to say I'm not gifted with too many spells, but rather... 'boons', though most of them work only on myself. I'm mostly a close combat fighter, and work best pairing with another."

Turning to Tam, he adds "Good idea, intelligence is key to victory."

"My gifts from the goddess allow me to cure most ills aside from death and blindness. That's why I often worry about blindness."

(Can handle poison, disease, staggered, ability damage, curses, and paralysis. Got nothin' for blindness/deafness except dispel magic.)

"Hrm," Tam says thoughtfully, a short time later, having finished his attempts to Scry on the Gamma team. He shares the results with the others, before joining in -late, he knows- to the conversation about his magical abilities.
Nethys wouldn't have me here, if these weren't my allies, he reasons, keeping no secrets from his team.

"If we're to battle soon, perhaps a sparring session to keep us on our toes? I'd rather that than clouding my mind with vices. You'll find I'm much more 'devoted' to Nethys' weapon of choice that most of his worshippers, I think."
We don't need to play out an actual sparring session, but that seems like a nice way to pass time, and also gets us ready to fight together by showing each other what we can do.

I'd rather not...

I'm a druid, and Gozreh blesses me with spells and defensive capabilities. Animals are my domain. With that said... We're probably being scried as well. I'd rather we rest and get prepared. I shall pray.

He bowed respectfully to the others.

"Yeah, gotta say getting all worked up before the big day doesn't suit me. I'd rather have a drink, but that doesn't work anyway, so I think I'll just rest and meditate. "

"I'll rather have a sparring session with some women! Nils, you seem like the man to watch my back in that glorious quest! Let's go!"

"You're dragging me to a pub? I guess I can, but I really hate them these days. " and he will head out with the violent lunatic.

"At least maybe I can keep you out of trouble. "

Tam finds that the Gamma Team, or their chambers, perhaps, are resistant to his attempts at scrying.

In case Tam shares this info:

"Then I guess we are also safe against scrying as long as we stay here."

He seems to meditate a bit about what to say next.

"Well, as most of the rival gods have a somewhat evil nature, I'll be able to smite their followers, which can give me precious advantage in combat. Though not always have the followers the same behaviour as their deities...

If I can use Smite Evil and someone is helping me flank, I can dish out two attacks at +22/+22 with 1d6+28+5d6 (average 49) damage, at a 15-20 critical threat and that's without any mythic cheese.

Will keep that in mind.

"When Nils and Thokk get back from the bar, perhaps our host will be able to tell us when we will begin."

"Hrm, perhaps he will. Or perhaps he won't. That might, in and of itself, be part of the 'Game'."

Tam shrugs it off with confidence that he'll know what's needed at the right time. He studies the remaining teammates' magical auras intently, making a game out of identifying the effect with his Arcane Sight and then guessing out loud to each person, simultaneously passing the time while getting to know his teammates.

Thokk spends a night filled with libations and loose women. In particular, he attracts the attention of an elven woman with dubious morality and few uncrossable boundaries. Nils watches on with a mixture of regret and perhaps envy, remembering a few nights in his past that were thus celebrated.

As the morning arrives like a hammer to the anvil that forms Thokk's head, the citadel is abuzz with excitement.

The Host arrives at your chambers and with a cheery tone announces "Salutations, Champions. You are invited to the morning feast, after which, you will have an hour to prepare before beginning your ascent the Utopian Steps into the Mindscape. As always, I am at your disposal should you arrive upon new questions before you rise above the Citadel."

Thokk, having enjoyed a nice night, smiles lasciviously, sated for now.
"A feast! Today IS a good day to die!"

Markus can't help feeling things are not going to go well today. "We are leaving too many things in the hands of fortunes and destiny, but... it seems quite complicated to make a team like this work from the very first day. I only hope we're lucky enough in our first combat to survive. After that, making plans would be easier."

When they are invited for breakfast, he nods and accompanies the Host without saying a word.

As is the norm, Nils will cast extended magic vestment on his armor and shield in the morning.

"Yes, always good to start a serious business on a good breakfast. "

Donnen wakes up and makes his prayers. He's not tired at all, but concerned about the strange circumstances. He casts longstrider and mythic greater magic fang as usual for his mornings, to last for the next nine hours, then goes to meet with the others.

MGMF for Keen on all natural attacks.

The might of the Wind and Waves be with you all. - he says, before going immediately to feast.

Thokk also casts his usual spells (already considered in his profile).

Tayanalla casts extended Heroism and extended Darkvision on herself to get prepared.