Sky Piracy by the Stormborn (Inactive)

Game Master leinathan

"He better not be too damaged once I get him back!"

Lu frowns as they walk away from the screams.
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A lady in dark purple and red approaches. The style of her finely cut clothes and her complexion screams Cheliaxian. A silvery armour protects her torso - and at her belt hangs a variety of weaponry. Her left hand rests easily on the handle of a rapier, which judging from the glare she shoots the pushy guards, she seem eager to use. But, the moment fades quickly.

With a confidence as if she was ten feet tall the woman strides up to the 'kitsune' and speaks. Her accent hints of Chelaxian decent, something that goes well with the earlier impression. The tone is commanding, belonging to someone well accustomed to power.

"So, zis is it?" Lu comments and half-circles Keiko, inspecting the other woman up close for the first time. Her lips curl in mock disappointment and she chuckles "Does not look like a kitty up close, yes? More like 'fox'! *Tsk*" Finishing up the quick inspection Lu steps back and crosses her arms, finally addressing Keiko at the end. "But it will work, noh. Does she have a name?"

Yey! Interaction : )

And if Lu comes across as (too) offensive, I must apologize. She is still mildly annoyed at the janissaries

Acting quickly as to prevent Kieko from having an inaccurate first impression,

"Ahem. What my friend means is Hello. I am Sparel Radymah and these are my companions. There's a lot to tell, but the short version is we've arranged a mutually beneficial situation for you and us. Essentially, if we win the next fight as a group we all go free and get something else we want from the city. If we lose we're all slaves and presumably pit fighters. ..."

Mid sentence to those in telepathic contact "A bargain I have no intention of keeping, by the way. I am not a lawful outsider intrinsically bound to his word. Also, gradiating would be very tedious after a few rounds. "

"...Oh, by 'go free' that includes you in case you need that incentive. When that happens we've got a job offer that I believe you'll find both interesting and profitable. Without putting too fine a point on it we're pirates on a flying ship. Interested?"

'inaccurate'? :P

'inaccurate'? :P

well, not entirely inaccurate.

Her "true" form is that of a medium-sized woman with a fox's head, wearing a shimmering silver cloak over a dress of needles, her rapier and gladius on her belt. She moves with an almost unnatural grace and beauty.

Keiko takes a second to appraise the newcomers to her temporary lodging, eyeing Lu up and down just as she does Keiko. She sweeps all those present with a strange glint in her eye (Permanent Arcane Sight checking out any active spell effects or magic items on you, but my own No One of Consequence disguises my own such auras. After the first cursory sweep, she spends a Standard Action using Arcane Sight on each party member for more detail). Keiko silently listens to Sparel's offer before responding, continuing her analysis of the band.

After a pause for thought, "Hmmm... Sounds like fun! I was just starting to get bored, couped up in here. They made the mistake of giving me all my gear back, so I was considering trying to make a run for it. With some backup to assure I'm not stuck here permanently though, I'd be more than happy to take another go at the arena. And flying pirates, you say? Now THAT I want a piece of. Are we talking Astral Plane, or..?" Keiko's interest is quite obviously piqued. She takes a seat on one of the several lavish couches and motions for the others to do likewise.

If you'd be so kind, what are the aura-strengths of your main gear and what are the schools/aura-strengths of any active spell effects on you? I have a +22 Spellcraft for an average 32 when not stressed, which is sufficient for me to identify strengths and schools of spells up to Level 17 and items with a CL up to 34 which ought to be plenty. Additionally, Keiko learns whether each party member has spell-like or spellcasting abilities, whether they are arcane or divine, and the highest level of such ability.

Edit: Or if that's too much work, I can just check out your stat blocks myself :P

I can reveal that. Give me a few minutes.

Plenty, thank you kindly!

"A lawful outsider is typically somewhat aware of others less constricting natures. We would do well to watch out for any trickery!" Lu replies with a warning across the bond.

"Well ... wouldn't be no fun simply telling, yes? It is flying, it is a ship, and we tend to be on it!" Lu grins and remains standing. With a flourish, she bows. "Lucrecia, of the Henderthane line. Now, let us wrap up the pleasantries ... Does it have a name? 'Kitty-cat', I admit, was a perfectly fine working title, but somewhat ill-suited for permanent use, noh?"

Keiko looks a bit peeved at being left without answers but quickly recovers from the disappointment. She makes no response to the "kitty" comment. Lounging on a particularly cushy-looking couch, Keiko replies, "...Fair enough. I've gone by many names, but the one I choose to use most often is Keiko Gasai. And why end the pleasantries? If we intend to participate in the next arena match, then it seems we have some time with which to get to know each other." Keiko reveals a toothy grin.

"I, for one, am a student of the sciences," she says proudly. "I studied dilligently for many years at an academy is Ustalav, albeit with a different name and face, to learn how to give life-" Keiko lifts up some of her cloak to reveal a series of potions and extracts on a bandolier under it, "-and how to take it away." She in turn gestures at her weapons. "What are your... specialties?"

Have I ever heard of the Henderthanes before? Also, could I get a Will Save from Praetorious vs my constant Detect Thoughts? DC 18, the other two automatically make it.

"I am Sparel Radymah. High mage and hierophant of the trickster. in brief I have lots of magic. "

House Henderthane - Somewhat prominent noble family from Cheliax. Some sort of Know(Nobility) or familiarity with Cheliax would probably be enough to know about them. They have fallen upon somewhat hard times lately, but are still powerful.

A bit more might be needed to know that Lucrecia Henderthane is indeed one of them. One of the newer additions in fact, a retainer and swordswoman adopted into the family about a decade or something ago.

"Pleasantries is far too often code for hollow words. I rather get to ze business!" Despite her words, she doesn't seem to be in any rush. "'Keiko Gasai'" Lu tastes the name. It seemed pleasing, for the dark hair woman smiled. "Eastern. But further then I have even been - east of even Kelesh, noh? Interesting. I heard stories ... *hmm*" She paces back and forth, seemingly lost in thought for a moment.

"My speciality?" She blinks and grins. "I give people extra air-holes and set zem up to dates with Pharasma!"

"High mage AND hierophant, you say? And your deity is perfectly fine with you trouncing about on a flying ship to the Outter Planes? Not that I have a problem with that, mind you, just doesn't sound like the sort of work deities usually assign to their Hierophants."

"And yes, I do hail originally from the far east, Tien, in fact. I've travelled quite a lot since I left there, however, and I do not consider it my home." Keiko gives a hearty chuckle at the extra air-holes comment. "A pass-time I can most certainly approve of. May I ask how you learned your trade? There are many schools that teach the art of the stabby-stabby."

"And what brings both of you to the City of Brass of all places? It's quite a dangerous place for mortals such as yourselves."

"You may ask of course! But *that* story is not suitable for this moment... We sough the city out to procure a scroll of some importance and power, but ze pesky librarian would not let us have it!" She mumbles something about heads and desks and glares at the window out towards the Arena. "Immortal and mortal are interesting distinctions. I've met plenty of the former surprised when zey suddenly belong to ze later! Mayhaps we are all Immortal until proven otherwise ..."

"The Tricksters reach is far and wide. I am his arm. Needless to say our relationship is quite good. I imagine meeting you is part of that. Foxes are tricksters themselves are they not?"

"You couldn't buy a scroll, so you decided to risk your lives in gladiatorial combat. Makes sense. As for the 'immortal' matter, I simply meant to infer a lack of certain natural resiliences and inherent agelessness. Naturally all things, mortal or not, can be slain. You don't survive long as an Outsider without knowing that."

Keiko grins wide at Sparel. Maintaining the exact same facial expression, her face rapidly shifts from that of the fox's head to that of a young Tien girl's, to that of a grizzled Taldane man, then back to the fox head. "You could say that. I look forward to seeing a high mage and hierophant of such an intriguing deity in action."

"It was preferable to what was probably an unproductive suicide mission. Essentially you have the right of it. "

As the evening (? Who can really tell anyway. There's no day/night cycle here) passes by, the group can see the Arena changing through a couple of configurations, and a couple of fights take place.

Praetorius introduces himself to Keiko - He shakes her hand roughly (his skin is cold and his arrogant sneer partially ruins his handsome good looks) and his eyes flash with power for a moment, but he looks disappointed when it appears nothing happened. "I hope you can swing a sword real good." he says, "I was kinda hoping that dragon would kill you. It was really impressive."

Meanwhile, the arena shifts through a couple of different fights over the next several hours:

First, the plain tiled floor disappears, giving way to a natural stone spire rising through a massive artificial lake filled with ghoulish merfolk. A man is released onto the top of the spire and told that he must retrieve a key from inside the bottom of the spire. He's a strong trident fighter, defeating three of the merfolk warriors, but the water is coloured red with his blood within a minute of his diving in.

Second, the water disappears and is replaced by a roaring ring of blue fire atop a massive enraged fungus creature. Two warriors must duke it out in classic form in a regular dual while at the same time trying to keep their feet atop the massive bucking creature and resisting its poison spores. Their fight is epic, but neither of them is able to kill the other before they both succumb to the fungus creature's poison.

Third, five combatants begin in separate, small rooms in a five-story, many-roomed mansion. Each is given a sword that will kill the other combatants with a single strike. What follows is a two-hour cat-and-mouse game of hiding and running while the five attempt to hunt down the others whilst remaining hidden. Eventually, one woman is rendered the lone victor and is escorted away to freedom.

"Yes I swing sword good yes very," she replies, a teasing tone in her voice. "It would have looked fine mounted on my wall... If I had a wall to mount it on, that is. Speaking of, if I join your crew, do I get a room to mount things in?" She addresses this last question more towards Sparel and Lu.

Keiko watches the evening's games with no small amount of amusement. As each plays out, she offers small bets and makes frequent remarks regarding her thoughts on a contestant's likelihood of success. By far her favorite contest was the last, relishing every moment of fear, every darting glance around a corner, and the inevitable slaughter at the end. A good game, she concludes.

Praetorius doesn't even attempt to hide his thoughts, half of them are stupid ideas of epic fights he hopes to have, a fourth of them are thinking of beautiful women, and the last fourth are just slight confusion that the fox can talk but wonders if it really can do more than run and hide

"You most definitely get your own room as long as you agree to follow orders, also collecting trophies is encouraged, oh and I hope your good at falling

"Praetorius is very vividly thinking about jumping off the airship in the black of night after pushing keiko off also Sparel is falling beside them but he is comfortably reading a tome while lounging in a recliner chair"

"As exciting as this tactic may be, when is it more effective than simply Feather Falling into position? I can fly for short periods, but I lack the ability to walk away from a hundred-foot-fall at-speed unscathed. I suppose I could get my boots enchanted with Boots of the Cat if it's that important." Keiko shrugs. "Speaking of- High Mage, are you one of those fancy crafters? Or do you lean more towards the Metamagic end of things?" She addresses these latter questions to Sparel.

Sparel smirks, "I can make anything." he says in a deadpan tone. You get the impression he's not exaggerating.

"I'm sure that's a handy to skill to have. If we make it out of this alive, I might consider paying you to upgrade some of my gear." Keiko actually looks a tad impressed at the "Everything" remark, though the expression is fleeting.

Lu watches the arena fights with great interest. For one, it was good to get an inkling to what they were up against. Hmm. All the games are different. I *do* wonder if they have a limited number and rotates, or simply have creative minds? ... I wonder how one gets that job ... Also, more importantly, she hadn't seen a good spectacle in a while and this was entertaining! Especially the swordplay. She follows the stalkers with eyes alight with joy as they snuck around. Pointing and cheering in excitement, she interrupted her silence once or trice to comment on the battle.
___

At the trophy comment, she leans in conspiratorially and whispers to Keiko. "Be careful when hanging zings, ze walls are zin..."

___

"'If'?" Lu sniffs "Have a little faith, yes? Zat scroll is useful, but not worth ending our mortal coil for!"

"I'm sure that's a handy to skill to have. If we make it out of this alive, I might consider paying you to upgrade some of my gear." Keiko actually looks a tad impressed at the "Everything" remark, though the expression is fleeting.

"My services are not 'for sale' as such, but if you become a member of the crew we can discuss your gear."

Keiko nods sagely to Lu's expert advice. "I'll be wary, and take light souveneirs."

"Yes, 'If'. I fully expect us to succeed, but lacking knowledge regarding exactly what we are to face, it is possible, however unlikely, that one or more of us may fall. As is the case in nearly any conflict." Keiko responds, very serious. It would appear she has some firm beliefs about the nature of danger and chances.

In response to Sparel's comment: "I'm certainly not going to turn down free improvements, if and when that time comes. You have my thanks." She nods with this last comment.

Prime Material Plane

There are many people looking to get out of Bloodcove at the moment - dozens or hundreds of people no longer feel safe in the Shackles, not since rumours of these zombie attacks came about. But basically noPort Peril's thing, Tris hears - Bloodcove is a merchant town. And any men willing to go fight zombies, Pierce Jerrell is sweeping them up in his employment and putting them on his ship.

The foolish pirate captain thinks its an adventure, to go kill ships full of zombies. He thinks it'll be fun.

The Elemental Plane of Fire

The hours roll by in their cushy prison once the three matches are over. The arena changes back into smooth tile for a few hours, and the four combatants are forced to watch and see nothing. Then, just as something begins to change through the window, the window fades to black and the view of the arena vanishes.

A few minutes later, the efreeti guards knock on and open the door. "It's time." one rumbles, before escorting each of you out of the room. You are led down winding, endless hallways for what seems like an hour before you arrive in a room familiar to Keiko - the platform room.

In the center of a round stone room sits a raised circular platform. "Stand on the platform, contestants. Your bout will begin in minutes."

Can I actually have a complete prepared spells list, Sparel? And any extracts prepared by Keiko beforehand?

To his companions with a stern tone: "Be efficient and don't get cocky. Accomplish the goal and end this with extreme prejudice. "

Sparel has a lot to keep track of so I put it in a spoiler. Given that we haven't had the opportunity to rest and renew spells I'm going with what's on my character sheet already.

As Keiko didn't have her Extracts during the previous fight, she has whatever she had prepared previously.
1st: Long Arm x2, Shield x2, True Strike, [Blank]
2nd:See Invisibility, Alchemical Allocation, Lesser Restoration, [Blank]
3rd:Fly, Greater Recharge Innate Magic
Mutagen: +Dex/-Wis

Keiko takes her place on the platform. She nods in affirmation to Sparel's words, adopting a battle-stance. "Time to start collecting for my trophy-wall." Her legs tense, then she vanishes. (Activating Jump, then Vanishing Move)

I nearly forgot

Sparel pulls out a staff covered in glowing runes and straps an impossibly sharp looking buckler to his arm. The razor edge of the small metal shield seems to writhe of it's own accord occasionally.

He casts a quick series of spells (below) then takes out a wand and touches everyone in turn, including himself last, when they are ready making them vanish from sight. (Invisibility 13 Min or until you break it)

- Circle of Protection from evil - 110 Min
- Comp lang - 110 Min
- Darkvision - 13 Hours
- Stoneskin (DR 10/Adamantine 130 Pts) 130 Min
- Invisibility

"I would never...!" Lu grins and flourishes her sword.

"I would never...!" Lu grins and flourishes her sword.

Spare can't help but quirk a smile, but says "Finish the job, then gloat. I imagine the lord of the arena has some tricks in store. Lets not consider ourselves finished until we're sure. "

I assume that means comprehend languages? I'll have the first arena-introduction post finished soon.

I assume that means comprehend languages? I'll have the first arena-introduction post finished soon.

Yes. Sorry.

With a rumble, the disc (laden with all four combatants) begins to rise up through the circular hole in the ceiling towards the arena. It rises slowly and without support, obviously magical in nature. After about a minute, it goes into the hole and about a minute later, it emerges into what seems to be the arena.

The lighting is dim - moonlight, in fact. Stars and a half moon shine from above. The horizon can even be seen, although it's obviously an illusion - you've seen the bounds of the arena, and if you look closely, you can see the shape of the dome that covers it.

You are near the edge of the arena, just at the bottom of a large, steep hill. The hill is mostly dirt, and it rises a couple of hundred feet. At the crest of the hill, you can barely see by the moonlight, is what looks like a rickety wooden house. Multiple stories, probably falling apart, with curtained and dark windows.

The voice of the Lord of the Arena booms out from above. "Find the way out, and you will earn your freedoms, as well as a new servant. Fail, and you are MINE."

Perception, the hill: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (5) + 26 = 31

Perception, the wall: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (1) + 26 = 27

"So, a labyrinth game. Exciting! The hills are marked. Clue - or distraction?" Lu looks around and comments. She seems somewhat disappointed that nothing or no-one is attacking them already. But then, makes sense. I doubt the haughty lord would want us killed if we were to lose... "Spa, perhaps you should try one of your little tricks? Ze one zat sees ze truth of zings might be helpful ..."

Perception, hill: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28
Perception, wall: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35

"Labrynths? Been there done that. And what markings are you talking about? Do you mean the square on the wall?" Keiko traces the square with one claw, pointing it out to the others. "And yes, any means of revealing further clues would be very nice." Keiko downs her Extract of See Invisibility. "Lucrecia, can you see alright in the dim light? I have some torches and sunrods, if you'd like one."

(Assuming that she successfully identified the spells Sparel cast and as such isn't worrying about his vision)

(Also reminder that Arcane Sight is active, as always, in case that becomes relevant)

"Yes, I manage. What square?"

Keiko remembers her invisibility and face-paws. She pulls a piece of charcoal out of her Haversack and lightly traces the square on the wall. "There. That, on the wall. Actually... There might be a mechanism for this." Keiko begins looking at the square more closely, searching for any immediate mechanism by which the section could slide or pivot. As she does so, she speaks to Sparel. "High Mage, do you have a preferred plan of attack? The house would seem to be the obvious destination, though there is obviously more afoot. I am very adept at reconnaissance, if you'd like me to scout the top of the hill. I will defer to your judgement."

Perception, searching for hidden door: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25

The little outline on the wall is probably a hidden door, and there aren't any hidden handles or catches or anything on it. No evident way of opening it. The only thing Keiko finds is a little circular hole in the very center of it.

"We just have to get out of the arena? Seems too simple. I suspect trickery and respect that, naturally. I think we should consider out-of-the box solutions. Namely, if we play the game we'll probably lose. It's time to cheat. "

Sparel looks appraisingly at the situation.

Perception 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (4) + 24 = 28

He then casts a spell to see through any illusions and looks again. (True Seeing-120')

Perception 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (14) + 24 = 38

Then he casts Detect magic and looks specifically for lingering auras that may prevent any of his magics including, but not limited to Summoning and teleportation.

Spellcraft 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (8) + 25 = 33

Does Sparel recognize the symbols? Are they a language or just markers of some kind?

Experimentally Sparel finds a few lose stones lying around, or coppers from his pocket if needed. With a wave of his Staff/Hand this way and that he tosses a few of them around. One straight up to hit the ceiling, one towards the hut, one at the symbol behind them. He's curious if there'll be a barrier or other unpleasant discharge.

"Hmm. Yes, I see it now..." Lu nods and studies the 'door'. "Zere is plenty of stone markers scattered about, so perhaps a shell game with ze key hidden somewhere? And nasty tricks under ze rest. Not to mention how a shell game usually works!"

Keiko stands by, awaiting the results of Sparel's investigations.

"That seems possible... If that is the case however, then could our High Mage, or anyone else put in this circumstance for that matter, not use the simplest of summoning magics to call forth a creature to do such potentially hazardous checking for them?"

Keiko stands by, awaiting the results of Sparel's investigations.

"That seems possible... If that is the case however, then could our High Mage, or anyone else put in this circumstance for that matter, not use the simplest of summoning magics to call forth a creature to do such potentially hazardous checking for them?"

As he goes about his investigation...

The ceiling is hundreds of feet up, and the building similarly distant, making it very difficult for Sparel to throw coins accurately all the way. The one that he throws at the wall, however, simply bounces off and hits the ground. In addition, Sparel cannot read anything that might be on any of the markers without climbing the hill at least a bit first and getting quite close. With his darkvision and excellent sight, those, he can see at least one of them has discernible writing on it.

true seeing allows Sparel the luxury of knowing that the "horizon" behind them and the "stars" above are mere cloaks for a plain stone dome.

detect magic allows Sparel to notice a pretty strong aura of abjuration upon the "secret door" that the party has found, along the wall, as well as faint auras of necromancy adorning the few stones within the reach of his spell.

"Humm.." Sparel says appraisingly.

Calling upon his Mythic power Sparel Casts a powerful summoning spell (SM7) to call forth 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3Erinyes

I'll write descriptive text based on the success or failure of that.

A round later, Sparel finishes his spell and a trio of Erinyes devils appear, fierce and feminine and carrying their infernally flaming bows. Their red eyes appraise Sparel and the situation, and await direction.

A round later, Sparel finishes his spell and a trio of Erinyes devils appear, fierce and feminine and carrying their infernally flaming bows. Their red eyes appraise Sparel and the situation, and await direction.

"Interesting. Apparently conjuration works."

Looking to the fierce trio of furies Sparel calmly commands, "Tear a hole in the stone ceiling. Kill anything except this group that threatens you." Sparel indicates his companions.

Furies will last 16 rounds.

To his companions:
"Given that conjuration magic works I have a number of ideas that will probably get us out of here, though Teleportation specifically may be blocked. I'm assuming it is anyway, seems a rather grand oversight otherwise. Anyway, If the ceiling is not immune to damage as we'll soon see the simplest idea is to break a hole in the ceiling and fly out. I don't expect the Erinyes to fully succeed, but if they can chip the thing then we can finish the job. Does everyone have a means of flight?"

15 rounds*, but I get the idea.

Each of the three erinyes nods and flies up towards the ceiling at speed, their dark wings pumping hard. They sling their bows across their backs and draw longswords. It takes them thirty seconds to rise to the starry ceiling, at which point they begin to bash at it.

It's impossible for anyone to clearly see it, as it's three hundred feet up and nearly completely dark (and darkvision doesn't extend that long), but the sound of metal clanging against stone is quite audible. Loud, even. However, the sound doesn't quite persist - the duration of the summoning spell hasn't quite expired when the bodies of the erinyes fall from the sky and land heavily among the pirates. Their shadowy impression-forms fade back to the realms from which they came.