Children of the Gods: A Scarred Lands Adventure

Game Master Sebecloki

Brunhild strode forward, her arms crossed. She appeared to be both unarmed and unarmored. While more than capable of being diplomatic (a skill learned after many a century of trial and error), this really was the providence of her more shadowy companions. Either they talked or killed their way in. Either way, it would probably be fun.

Casting a long shadow on the glistening grains of the sulfur-hued sands, the great, triple arch which presents the only obvious entrance to the Oasis of Khaldun looms threateningly on the late afternoon horizon.

The arch is raised on a travertine base approached by steps from the Ukrudan Desert's ancient level, when it was a verdant paradise instead of the moisture sapped waste that currently reaches beyond sight in all the cardinal directions.

Undoubtedly, the construction material poses something of a mystery, for travertine is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs, especially hot springs. It often has a fibrous or concentric appearance and exists in white, tan, cream-colored, and even rusty varieties. Travertine is formed by a process of rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate, often at the mouth of a hot spring or in a limestone cave. However, no obvious source for this unusual stone is evident anywhere in the visible boundaries of the Oasis.

The central archway, spanned by a semicircular vault richly decorated with coffering, a series of sunken panels in the shape of a square, rectangle, or octagon in a ceiling, soffit or vault, has lateral openings to each side archway, a feature copied in many Early Modern Ledan triumphal arches.

In terms of dimensions, the arch is about 23 meters in height, and 25 meters in width.

The arch bears two sets of reliefs. Its first set includes four large panels on each face of the attic, while the second set consists of eight panels that are set into the inner face of the four archways.

The three archways rest on piers, in front of which are detached composite columns on pedestals. These columns have volutes, a spiral, scroll-like ornament on the capital of the support, and decorative leaf carvings. Winged Victories are carved in relief in the spandrels, a triangular space, usually found in pairs, between the top of an arch and a rectangular frame.

A staircase in the south pier leads to the top of the monument, on which are statues of the Ledan emperor and his two sons in a four-horse chariot, accompanied by soldiers.

As the party of demi-goddesses approach, the gray-skinned dwarves guarding the entrance stir into guarded readiness.

"This is the rightful gate of the ancient Oasis of Khaldun. Halt, and declare yourselves and your purposes!

Silvertail steps forward confidently, making a sweeping gesture with her tails. "I am Silvertail, and these are Brunhild, Dhaunae, and Ianthe. We have heard from afar of the glory of the Ancient Masters of the Oasis, and are come to offer our services to them."

Bluff: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (19) + 23 = 42
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (6) + 23 = 29

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (10) + 22 = 32

Ianthe grins at the dwarven guards. "Isn't she adorable when she talks?"

Auto Assist: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Dwarven”Hello.”

The angelic young lady bows respectfully to the guards. "We've been traveling for some time now, and would most appreciate the opportunity to rest and recuperate."

1d20 + 22 ⇒ (12) + 22 = 34 Diplomacy. Should we switch to you all aiding Dhaunae or keep with us assisting Silvertail?

As she speaks, she radiates an aura of calm around herself and her companions. Standard action to activate Divine Presence, which acts as a Sanctuary spell with a DC Of 23.

The mysterious gray-skinned dwarfs appear initially to assume an attitude of hostility towards the approaching coterie of demigoddesses. One of their number, a female wearing an elaborate mantle and cape, approaches descends from her elevated position near an ornamented fountain, and approaches the entrance of the gates. She regards this new company, just emerged from the desert wastes, with a careful intelligence, her piercing eyes squinting with the effort of the dwarf's probing attention.

"Travelers, I am Miera, and am one who speaks for the Ancient Ones, who now rules this place."

"Mistresses, this Oasis of Khaldun is now a Sanctuary of the Ancient Ones, and is a respite for those who have the wisdom to offer them what is their rightful due."

She pauses briefly, regarding the small company with studied intent before proceeding,

"Know you that the Ancient Ones shall gladly extend their hospitality to your small band if you have come prepared to render the requisite tribute of blood and treasure to their honor, so what, pray tell, have you to present for your keep?"

Alyln looked on as the new comer confronted her fellows. She kept herself invisible and undetectable by any means. But felt it was her duty to stay near by.

"The treasure of our skills and the blood of their enemies, of course," Silvertail replies, with a toss of her tails. "For what need have they of crass metals or drops of blood? And what treasure could compare to our time and abilities?"

She was really just hoping they'd take them to these 'Ancient Ones'.

Should I roll anything this time?

Looks on waiting to see what they will say in response, if anything ever.

I'm kind of assuming this won't work, but I don't think any of us wanted to give treasure or especially blood...

Ianthe smiles, ready to stop concentrating on the magic that's currently shrinking her, and to allow her longhammer Glory to materialize in her hands.

Perfectly content to go to combat rather than give them tribute.

"The treasure of our skills and the blood of their enemies, of course," Silvertail replies, with a toss of her tails. "For what need have they of crass metals or drops of blood? And what treasure could compare to our time and abilities?"

She was really just hoping they'd take them to these 'Ancient Ones'.

Should I roll anything this time?

At this reply, the mysterious gray-skinned dwarf maiden gazes upon Silvertail with a look of slight bewilderment, an unexpected expression which is quickly replaced by... amusement?

Miera regards the fox quizzically, smirking slightly,

"I am content to allow the emissary of the uthriach to furnish an appropriate answer to your proposition."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (17) + 21 = 38

Silvertail sniffs haughtily. "And is this emissary going to come here to deliver that answer?" she asks, seemingly unconcerned...

...but her tails shift just slightly, as she prepares to bring up magical protections at the slightest sign that said emissary is one of the cannons.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (1) + 22 = 23

Readying to throw up a wall of force just beyond the edge of the antimagic zone, positioned so as to intercept any projectiles from the cannons aimed at us--with apologies to the melee fighters.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (3) + 27 = 30

"Does that mean we're allowed entrance? Or must we remain out here, for your emissary?"

Ianthe smirks at Brunhild, thinking, I think you and I know what it means...or will before too long.

Yes, we'll let her go.

Alyln gets up and walks close to the gate but not with in the anti magic parts.
Then she becomes visible. More then that she looks like a goblin carrying pies from a shop. A hole stack of pies, sticked higher then it. She makes a lot of sound to get guards and this Miera looking at her goblin + pies form. Then she starts, its pour slap-stick, a pie slips she grabs it, and puts her hand in it, now shaking one hand to get it off, she tries to balance the stick of pies with the other, one slips under her chin, her goblin head comes down on it, to hold it in place and it too squires, now a pie falls off the top of the stack, but she shoot out a goblin foot and it lands plat on it. there is is balancing now unable to move, the moment is held and then another pie falls off the top of the stack, on instinct shooting out the other foot, off balance now, pies fly everywhere, her goblin form flayales arms legs and falls on to its back. Pies come crashing down, everyone landing on her goblin face. She lays there on her back a mass of goblin and smashed gooee pie mess.

Unexpected Whimsy (Su) [DC25]
As a standard action, you dance, act like a buffoon, or commit some other act of whimsy. When you do, enemies within 30 feet of you that can see and hear you must succeed a Will saving throw (DC = 10 + 1/2 your Godling level + half your Cha modifier) or they collapse into gales of manic laughter, falling prone. Those who fail their saving throws can take no actions other than laughing for 1 round, but are not considered helpless.

Alyln gets up and walks close to the gate but not with in the anti magic parts.

Then she becomes visible. More then that she looks like a goblin carrying pies from a shop. A hole stack of pies, sticked higher then it. She makes a lot of sound to get guards and this Miera looking at her goblin + pies form. Then she starts, its pour slap-stick, a pie slips she grabs it, and puts her hand in it, now shaking one hand to get it off, she tries to balance the stick of pies with the other, one slips under her chin, her goblin head comes down on it, to hold it in place and it too squires, now a pie falls off the top of the stack, but she shoot out a goblin foot and it lands plat on it. there is is balancing now unable to move, the moment is held and then another pie falls off the top of the stack, on instinct shooting out the other foot, off balance now, pies fly everywhere, her goblin form flayales arms legs and falls on to its back. Pies come crashing down, everyone landing on her goblin face. She lays there on her back a mass of goblin and smashed gooee pie mess.

Unexpected Whimsy (Su) [DC25]
As a standard action, you dance, act like a buffoon, or commit some other act of whimsy. When you do, enemies within 30 feet of you that can see and hear you must succeed a Will saving throw (DC = 10 + 1/2 your Godling level + half your Cha modifier) or they collapse into gales of manic laughter, falling prone. Those who fail their saving throws can take no actions other than laughing for 1 round, but are not considered helpless.

So what's the DC then? And that's a (Su) ability -- I don't see how it would necessarily work if they're standing in an anti-magic field.

The DC is 25 (listed in Alyln's post)...but if it's within an antimagic field field then, yes, Su abilities fizzle.

Ianthe looks over and chuckles at Alyln.

So what's the DC then? And that's a (Su) ability -- I don't see how it would necessarily work if they're standing in an anti-magic field.

OMG, Im not being funny here but your game stalled because you backed us PCs into a 'nothing will work' postion. She is OUTSIDE the anti magic field on the other side of the gate. She is acting as a distraction SO the their player can ACT! The DC is right there in the post. Unexpected Whimsy (Su) [DC25] I even put a description of the effect. Look you can do one of two things, stall the game again my blocking players OR let things happen so we can all move on. take you pick

Silvertail rolls her eyes and sighs. What did Alyln think she was doing? At least wait until the guard captain was gone some distance away before... well, it looked like a distraction.

She glances over at the other godlings behind her. "I think she's trying to give us an opening to attack," she whispers, with an air of quiet disdain.

Retconning

Silvertail waits until the the one guard is out of earshot before turning to another. "While we're waiting... just who is this emissary? One of your masters, or a mere underling?"

She sniffs. "And who thought the invisible wall of lava was a good idea? The point of being ostentatious is to show off, but if you make it invisible you can't exactly do that. What, are you expecting threats to walk into it?"

Retconning

Silvertail waits until the the one guard is out of earshot before turning to another. "While we're waiting... just who is this emissary? One of your masters, or a mere underling?"

She sniffs. "And who thought the invisible wall of lava was a good idea? The point of being ostentatious is to show off, but if you make it invisible you can't exactly do that. What, are you expecting threats to walk into it?"

Miera chuckles slightly,

"The emissary is the power and will of the uthriach made manifest, as you shall soon know for yourself, stranger."

She pointedly ignores the other query.

A silent moment passes, as if the whole world had been subjected to some kind of funeral pallor. Then... it appears. It is something like a hideous parody of a centaur, the humanoid torso growing from a clot of six splaying limbs. Instead of a head, the entity possesses simply a black spike at the end of a long neck.

Suddenly, a booming voice enters the minds of all present,

"I AM THE EMISSARY OF THE MIGHTY AND TERRIBLE UTHRIACH, WHO COMES HITHER TO THE OASIS OF THE ANCIENT ONES, AND WHAT OFFERING DO YOU BRING TO THEIR HONOR AND GLORY?"

Silvertail tilts here head to one side slightly and sniffs disdainfully.

"Pagentry," she murmurs, then looks back at the others.

"What do you think, is it worth it? I thought they might have a serious chance of it, but given they apparently don't even have a proper spy network I'm starting to think they're doomed even with our help," she says to the others, not even bothering to lower her voice.

They do seem awfully proud of themselves, but while all this is impressive, it's not much compared to the titans or even the gods, she thinks to herself as she speaks.

”Hate pompous fools. Not bowing to them or handing anything over.” The muscular dwarf shrugged her shoulders. ”Want them dead or do you ladies want to talk to them first?”

"Now, now, no need to jump straight to violence," Silvertail murmurs soothingly. "They might still be able to see some sort of reason."

The strange creature begins to speak again,

"DOST THOU PROFFER THIS THY BOUNDEN DUTY UNTO THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE MASTERS?"

Silvertail turns back to the creature. "We offer an alliance. We're a bit tired of being stuck in the gods' and titans' little family feud, so we were looking for a third party to ally with to keep us out of the craziness until the time comes to take advantage of them weakening each other. We thought you might be such a third party, but..."

She sniffs disdainfully. "Quite frankly, I'm not very impressed. You clearly don't have a proper intelligence service, and your defenses seem more suited to dealing with stupid mortals than anyone with real power. The suggestion that you have to magically bind your servants just to get them to work for you just makes you look even worse. As does trying for the ridiculous 'fancy old words' style, I might add. Just why should we work with you?"

Silvertail turns back to the creature. "We offer an alliance. We're a bit tired of being stuck in the gods' and titans' little family feud, so we were looking for a third party to ally with to keep us out of the craziness until the time comes to take advantage of them weakening each other. We thought you might be such a third party, but..."

She sniffs disdainfully. "Quite frankly, I'm not very impressed. You clearly don't have a proper intelligence service, and your defenses seem more suited to dealing with stupid mortals than anyone with real power. The suggestion that you have to magically bind your servants just to get them to work for you just makes you look even worse. As does trying for the ridiculous 'fancy old words' style, I might add. Just why should we work with you?"

"A NEW WORLD IS DAWNING, WHICH IS LIKE UNTO THE WORLDS OF OLD. THOSE WHO PLEDGE THEIR TROTH TO THE ANCIENT ONES SHALL ENJOY A CHOICE PORTION IN THIS NEW WORLD, AND THOSE WHO STRIVE AGAINST THE ANCIENT ONES AND THEIR ANNOINTED SHALL BE DRIVEN OUT AND UTTERLY CUT OFF FOREVER FROM THE LAND OF THE LIVING."

"What exactly does pledging one's 'troth' entail?" Dhaunae asks, uncertain what the emissary is asking of them.

Seb, do we have a sense of what exactly this emissary is proposing?
(I'd imagine one of our knowledge-specialists can read between the lines if Sense Motive isn't sufficient. I'll confess that with the relaxed posting rate on this game--and me being relatively new to the party--I'm not 100% sure who this is.)
.
BTW, it occurs to me that when I stepped into the antimagic shell, I'd have grown from Medium to Huge, in case it matters soon.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (6) + 21 = 27

Ianthe squints, trying to understand just what this self-important emissary is proposing.

"Strong words, but we'd like some proof of your capability before making any decisions we might later come to regret," Silvertail says, flicking a tail dismissively.

The mysterious creature gestures at Aylyn,

"WE SHALL ACCEPT THIS SOUL OF TWO NATURES AS THY BOUNDEN DUTY UNTO THE HONOR OF THE ANCIENT ONES."

Alyln stands and brushes herself off.

”Funny thing about those who challenge the gods. They die. Or they hide. What can you show us to prove the former won’t happen and that we aren’t seeing the latter?”

Seb, do we have a sense of what exactly this emissary is proposing?

(I'd imagine one of our knowledge-specialists can read between the lines if Sense Motive isn't sufficient. I'll confess that with the relaxed posting rate on this game--and me being relatively new to the party--I'm not 100% sure who this is.)
.
BTW, it occurs to me that when I stepped into the antimagic shell, I'd have grown from Medium to Huge, in case it matters soon.

[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+21

Ianthe squints, trying to understand just what this self-important emissary is proposing.

Alyln stands and brushes herself off.

** spoiler omitted **

Aylyn smiles and the group and changes to her true form, waves with a smile at the others.

"Well now my fellows. This here is Uvuudaum, a meat puppet in all but name of its maste... Sorry I should say Owners. and there is very little point talking to it as you will get as much free will from an automation or stone. Its been a thrall of THE ANCIENT ONES for so long I doubt if even remembers having free will. Is that not right Uvuudaum,. Which means the TAO, want two of us dead. To that end we have to decline Uvuudaum but have a consolation price."

She blinks out of being and reappears next to Uvuudaum slipping a card into his hand, and then is gone again, unseen and away.

Surprise, all GodBound powers, and so Corona of Fury 1d8 ⇒ 2 = 2 Orange 5d8 ⇒ (4, 7, 3, 5, 7) = 26 points acid damage (*Reflex half DC25), then Flickering Advance, to and from him. And not wanting to be a sacrifice, this should get things started, its show time team

Brunhild smiled as her bow, Grudgebreaker, formed in her hand. From the sound of things this would be a worthy fight.

Silvertail sighs. "Some people just like to take the fun out of things," she grumbles. "Would the rest of you object to taking the fight elsewhere? I'd rather not try to fight my way through this anti-magic zone myself, and it wouldn't be hard for us to attack from just about anywhere else."

”Makes sense. Let’s head outside the barrier then, they will likely come to us.”

Aylyn smiles and the group and changes to her true form, waves with a smile at the others.

"Well now my fellows. This here is Uvuudaum, a meat puppet in all but name of its maste... Sorry I should say Owners. and there is very little point talking to it as you will get as much free will from an automation or stone. Its been a thrall of THE ANCIENT ONES for so long I doubt if even remembers having free will. Is that not right Uvuudaum,. Which means the TAO, want two of us dead. To that end we have to decline Uvuudaum but have a consolation price."

She blinks out of being and reappears next to Uvuudaum slipping a card into his hand, and then is gone again, unseen and away.

Surprise, all GodBound powers, and so Corona of Fury 1d8 = 2 Orange 5d8 points acid damage (*Reflex half DC25), then Flickering Advance, to and from him. And not wanting to be a sacrifice, this should get things started, its show time team

I'll say you have a surprise round to keep this moving so I'll count these actions, but everyone needs to roll Initiative now. That attack barely scratches him.

Init 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

Init: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (1) + 23 = 24

Ianthe--who has been 24' tall since she walked into the anti-magic field--smiles at Brunhild, hammer in hand.

"I guess I'm not too particular about where we do this."

I thought we were still outside the anti-magic field? Silvertail in particular wouldn't have stepped in it.

Init: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Ini: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12