
Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

Anything from going with Roger and Ole to the Camp of Crystals?

SAINT LYRA {The Divine Mech} |

She followed the hunt flying with them, and when they spotted something she took her time and shot at it as one would a duck on a hunt.
But really this was for Arlo, she kept out of close combat so he could have some fun.

Azzim bin Farouq |

Azzim nodded to Terex and replied, "Don't worry Laurana and I will keep watch. Oh and by the way I think Laurana has invited some of her cousins, so don't be surprised if there's strange Azata around!"

Laurana Starbreeze |

Laurana flitted out from of Azzim's pockets and she said "Oh yes my second cousin Eldaranna Beltago is coming, she's a Brijidine. Don't worry she's usually very careful and probably won't set fire to anything! She's a famous singer you know and a dancer beyond compare. Perhaps we might put on a show?"

Azzim bin Farouq |

Azzim gave her a long suffering sigh and said, "A show? Let's see how it goes eh?"

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

All right, introduce me when I get back! Terexaltherin replies to Azzim and Laurana as he departs with Roger and Ole.

GM Hansj |

So Arlo and Lyra return a Camp Of Doors which now has a substantial company of Azata troubadors providing ambience as well as hourly performances. They somehow work well with Lyra's mechs, smoothing out the rhythm of construction...
Terex arrives at the Camp of Crystals with Roger and Ole. They are met by Molatia, a flowing glass creature with a ready smile who immediately asks the three what job they interested, giving a variety of fascinating tasks that require rather specialized skills in rock shaping and similarly things possessed by Roger and Ole (and which Terex essentially due to his rogue training). As the discussion goes to questions of overwork, Molatia frowns, "That is an important question but I think Galbardo himself should be handle it. He will be returning tomorrow." and she continues with job description and terms.

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

Hmmm... I could help out today to ease your load? Terexaltherin offers to Roger and Ole. Assuming you don't have any objections, of course. I'm small, but I have telekinesis, and I'm really good with fine detail work, mechanical stuff, and even some magic.

GM Hansj |

So as Arlo and Lyra head back to The Camp Of Doors, Dev and Horania thank them with the grace of godlings, "You were a noble addition to the hunt. As I said, we will several more leading up to the festival and you are invited to all though the last will be the most important. It is good our for our two camps to share activities. Invite us soon to your camp of doors. We will even attend the lectures I hear you have though our preference is for action. Still, invite us soon. "
So... Terex begins doing a bit of work at the Camp Of The Crystals. Just four hours a day is enough to lighten Roger and Ole load and begin to get insight into the intricacies of the Camp's processes. Still, Terex soon realizes that Roger and Ole are only one of many laborers working themselves a bit ragged.

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

As he works, Terexaltherin chats with various workers, subtly trying to figure out if the overwork problem is simply an issue of a combination of not enough workers and the workers that are here being very dedicated to their jobs, or if there's some overarching mismanagement going on. After all, overworked people are easier to slip something past, or someone who had been a bit corrupted might be not paying enough attention to the well-being of their 'lessers'.

GM Hansj |

In the Camp Of The Crystals:
In the Camp Of Doors, several of the mechs mention to Lyra that they might also be interested in the planned performance but could use guidance how to perform...

SAINT LYRA {The Divine Mech} |

She looks at her mechs,
"Sorry you want to put on a performance!"
She had made the semi-autonomous but it seemed being here they had grown beyond that.
"I don't see why not, so tell me what do you have in mind."
She hears them and then makes some suggestions. The outcome is a experience ride for the ordnance, where planes came into being around them, or simulations of them, and the Mechs enacted a journey of discovery. Entercation as much as show.

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 24 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 24 + 4 + (3) = 40
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32
Terexaltherin notices a pattern with the worst offenders in the Camp of Crystal... or rather, the worst offender. When he has a moment alone, he carefully studies one of the crystals Narvus brought, checking it for signs of magical or spiritual contamination.
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 24 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 24 + 4 + (4) = 48
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 24 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 24 + 4 + (6) = 50

SAINT LYRA {The Divine Mech} |

She brings up a AR system that models a possible performance so she can design what they are asking for.
"So a stage and PA system with SFX."
^Kn (Engineering)(Int)1d20 + 1d8 + 37 ⇒ (18) + (4) + 37 = 59
"Next, we need to tell a story, and as we are all about planes, then lets tell the story of the City of Doors and the planes around it."
Kn (History)1d20 + 1d8 + 25 ⇒ (17) + (7) + 25 = 49
Kn (Planes)1d20 + 1d8 + 25 ⇒ (18) + (6) + 25 = 49
"Next, set and costume deign"
Craft (Set)1d20 + 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (15) + (6) + 15 = 36
Craft (Costume)1d20 + 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (13) + (2) + 15 = 30
"Then choreography"
Acrobatics 1d20 + 1d8 + 31 ⇒ (14) + (2) + 31 = 47
"Last of all music and song"
Perform Sing 1d20 + 1d8 + 7 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + (8) + 7 + (1, 2) = 22
"Ok the songs may need some work but this is the outline. We tell the story of a Elf boy alone, losing everyone to war, who finds a magic key, they lets him open doors to another plane, There he meets a human princess and the fall for each other, but her father has already sold her in marrage to a evil mage. They are hunted by both but the key lets them run form plane to plane, meeting amazing indaviuels who join them and in the end confront and kill the evil mage. The king now freed form the evil mages power lets the elf boy marrie his dughter on a plane where all races are represented."
She hands over the scores and script.
"Now we build the set, and cast the show, Any questions"

Laurana Starbreeze |

Fascinated, Laurana flutters by and says "That music is shaping up well, but perhaps I can suggest a couple of tweaks? You can spice up the chorus a little by adding another voice, and I think the composition will work better with bridge between the second and third verses..."
Perform Sing: Aid another: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Arlo Brighthammer |

Arlo stands wide-eyed in amazement to see Lyra just whip up an amazing story and play!

SAINT LYRA {The Divine Mech} |

"Thank you Laurana, please by all means take over the music and songs"
Then to her husband
"Don't look to shocked dear, I spend my nights tellings stories to our sons, and doing my best to entertain them, so I have some practice."
She says with a wink.
"Thinking you should play the evil mage"

GM Hansj |

The performance of the azata and mechs together has an evocative and beautiful quality, filled with ironic contrasts and complex stories with touching ending. The presentation alternates between subtle and powerfully explosive...
Meanwhile, Terex examines the crystals and there is nothing insidious about any one of them - magically or spiritually. It is only their arrangement, their arrival, etc, that might insidious or might be just poor planning...

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

Terexaltherin notes that he's definitely going to have to talk with this Narvus when he gets the chance... carefully. He doesn't want any agents who might be working on the earth spirit to figure out he's onto them. Of course, at this point it might still be nothing... but it's the first lead he's gotten so far, so he's definitely going to pursue it.
Chatting with the other workers, he casually works into the conversation a few questions about when and where Narvus has been seen.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 19 + (2) = 36

GM Hansj |

It turns out Narvus was only seen the first and second day of the six days the Camp Of Crystals has been active. He seems to stay now in the plane of Helaronthrop, where time supposedly moves faster and he can find and craft more things. Other spirits visit him and take the things he crafts to the camp, especially the rock spirits Ramuel, Santha and Obrono - who are extremely impressed by his elaborate work. It turns out also that the standard path to Helaronthrop requires one the meld into stone to pass into it, though the plane itself is airy, not solid rock.

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

Hmmm... a dead end for now, Terexaltherin definitely doesn't have enough to go off of to go through the trouble of trying to infiltrate yet.
Well, he should probably report back to the rest of the group. He returns to their camp.
So, there's definitely some problems with overwork in the Camp of Crystals. It seems like there's an earth spirit, Narvus, that's going a *little* crazy with his crystals. It might be just being overenthusiastic, or there might be something more going on. Narthus is working through intermediaries, though, so it's hard to be sure.
He pauses. I suppose I could investigate the intermediaries, but I don't want to seem *too* inquisitive. Maybe if I'm gradual about it...

Azzim bin Farouq |

::Narvus? Interesting...:: replied Azzim over the link as he considered if he'd ever heard of that earth spirit before.
Kn: History: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (9) + 30 = 39
Kn: Planes: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (13) + 35 = 48
Kn: religion: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (1) + 33 = 34

GM Hansj |

Azzim thinks. Narvus? Well regarded, old. But something nagging. Consulting a library would be very useful... The Camp Of Roses is reputed to brought a vast store of books as part of their display... a short stroll brings Azzim to the camp, featuring a series of small, remarkable baroque fey-style castles built of cobwebs, moon-ivory, snail-pearl and similar materials where he is greeted by the fey Monal Dovinare, who bows and opens with "Greetings my friend, I recall you are of the fascinating Camp Of Doors. May I give you a tour of our project or do you have more specific interest here?"

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

Would Azzim mention this library to Terexaltherin? :D

Azzim bin Farouq |

Azzim sends Teresa a message ::Narvus is old and generally well regarded, but there's something I can't quite put my finger on. I'll need to consult a library. I heard Monal Dovinare at the Court of Roses has a large collection, want to team up?::
Azzim replied warmly to Monal Dovinare, "Oh I expect a tour would be lovely. I have various interests, let's chat on the way?"
While not being too obvious Azzim brings up the topic of old earth spirits, inquiring if there are any books or scrolls on the subject.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (12) + 23 = 35

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

Azzim sends *Teresa* a message ::Narvus is old and generally well regarded, but there's something I can't quite put my finger on. I'll need to consult a library. I heard Monal Dovinare at the Court of Roses has a large collection, want to team up?::
I chuckled at the autocorrect typo
Wait, the Court of Roses has a library? I'm definitely coming! Terexaltherin replies.
He waits impatiently on Azzim's shoulder as he talks with Monal Dovinare.

GM Hansj |

Monal gives Azzim, Terex and whoever else a tour of The Camp Of Roses. You follow winding paths past secluded gardens, dark green copses and fancifully designed marble and wood building. Frequently you pass lovers having rendezvous or nobles discussing honor and dignity. It is poignant, passionate and very fay. Indeed, the library itself, despite it's size and quality, is something of a backdrop for scenes the various players are enacting. But with some gentle diplomacy, Monal, Azzim and Terex are able to get time alone in the stacks.
The investigation begins

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

Terexaltherin makes appropriately appreciative comments, but of course he's not particularly interested in romance or honor. The library, however, is plenty to get him excited. He flits among the books, looking for things that his personal library doesn't cover well.
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 24 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 24 + 4 + (6) = 51
Well... here's some more solid evidence, at last, Terexaltherin comments to Azzim after studying several tomes he thinks relevant to the case at hand. Narvus seems to have vanished thousands of years ago, so someone's probably playing the impostor. We'll probably want to arrange an infiltration... have any pass through stone spells? From what I can gather he's hidden off in some earth plane that would be hard to traverse without that kind of ability.

Azzim bin Farouq |

::Oh interesting! Yes that's the kind of subtle angle I'd expect them to try. Anyway I can arrange for that kind of magic Terex, just let me know when.:: replied Azzim.

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

Hmmmm, I should check when the next shipment is due, I might be able to stealthily tag along or something, Terexaltherin suggests. Let's see, I wonder if there's anything else here...
...Terexaltherin is probably just making an excuse to stay in this library for longer, but he *is* looking for anything else that might be relevant.

GM Hansj |

As Azzim and Terex researched the question, Monal Dovinare seemingly made a point of giving you undisturbed space. Now, towards the end of the day, as the golden fairy sun shines through the whimsically design stained glass windows, Terex and Azzim compare notes. At that point, the scholar fairy strolls in leisurely and asks "What luck in your research? Anything I need to be aware of? I know our ensemble may seem a bit flighty but we have heritage of many thousands of years and I can keep secrets if need be"
Meanwhile, the performance in The Camp Of Door was such a success that performers of camps are frequently visiting and taking notes on the Camp.

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

Hmmm, well, have you heard of an earth spirit named Narvus? There seems to be a big gap in the records about them, Terexaltherin replies. If Monal Dovinare is all they seem to be, they might be able to point out something he'd missed. If not... then this is an opportunity to catch them trying to bluff and cover for another agent.

Azzim bin Farouq |

Azzim nods and watches Monal's reaction closely.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (10) + 31 = 41

GM Hansj |

Monal looks more serious than usual and subtly glances about to verify no other camp members are nearby in the ostentatiously baroque library building. "Interesting and possibly disturbing information, it seems" The fairy looks straight at Azzim and Terex and you feel a moment of mutual sizing-up. Azzim can sense a steely character and trustworthiness to Monal that isn't obvious on the surface. "The camps are quite social. Rumors and gossip are not always bad but in this case, the information should be handled delicately. Perhaps I could return with you to your camp for further discussion if you would be willing"

Azzim bin Farouq |

Azzim nodded, "Yes lets, and I agree discretion is called for. Saint Lyra has set up secure areas warded from prying ears and eyes, in the camp of Doors." [i]Azzim had added some of his own magics designed to frustrate scrying and planar travel. Whether they'd truly prevent a power from spying he couldn't say, but he figured it would stop mortal minions."[/b]

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

That does sound like a good idea, Terexaltherin agrees, cautiously. Shall we come up with a cover reason for a social visit?

GM Hansj |

"Well then let us go", then, sensing a bit of hesistation on Terex part "and I come and go to various camps regularly, visiting your Camp shouldn't cause much comment. But still, perhaps I should go separately and meet you at the anti-gravity demonstration that Mex47E will holding this afternoon" he say demonstrating startlingly intimate knowledge of Lyra's operations...
And so, later that afternoon (actually early evening), Monal and the party find themselves in one of the highly reception rooms scattered about the Camp Of Doors. "I should more fully explain myself. I am extraordinary investigator of Sely Court working currently with King Ulambanius... My task to rout out some evil within the very processes of creation. I know you are investigative committee of some sort and this is all I need to know. I would like to work with you. Keep in mind, nearly all here are noble and well-intentioned. Some might be offended at being questioned but would ultimately work with us. Are you willing to tell me what have you learned so far?"

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 19 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 19 + (3) = 37
Well, as you've guessed, we *are* also investigating the same subject, Terexaltherin 'says' to Monal. I'd noticed there was something 'off' about the crystals 'Narvus' was sending to the Camp of Crystals. Nothing directly harmful, but...
He shares some images of the overwork problems the camp was suffering and the subtle ways the crystals were contributing. So that's why we started digging into Narvus's history, and found that Narvus was thought dead for long enough a sudden reappearance like this is *very* suspicious. The question now is, is anyone else involved? This 'Narvus' has been hiding out on Helaronthrop the last few days, working only through intermediaries. Are they agents or just duped by a clever deceiver?

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

Yes... who can be trusted to keep a secret there? Not to jump into action too quickly? Anyone you know personally? Terexaltherin asks.

Azzim bin Farouq |

Azzim casually asks Monal "Plans involving the tainting of creation have wheels within wheels. Have you ever heard of a group that calls themselves the Dark Traders?"
He watches Monal's reaction carefully.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (3) + 31 = 34

GM Hansj |

To Terex, Monal says, "I believe Galbardo could be trusted, for example. Still, we should investigate more before contacting anyone I think..."
When Azzim mentions the Traders, Monal sighs, not concealing his feeling, "These entities or similar ones, may indeed behind the pollution one finds in certain worlds. I hate to admit it but yes. Of course, some worlds die simply because living creatures are free to choose evil as a part of life. So it is a complicated question...
Meanwhile, one of the spirits, Brinix, from the Camp Of Crystals seeks out Arlo Light Bringer. "You might find this rock interesting. We have so much fascinating work now, we're contracting out to all known crafters...

Azzim bin Farouq |

Azzim nodded and replied sadly, "Free will and all that, but if you go looking at the records of the multiverse even so, a very clear pattern of tampering emerges. We're not talking a few planes here either, there's thousands we know of..."

Arlo Brighthammer |

Appraise + Race Modifier: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Craft (weapons): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28
"I could make a decent blade out of this crystal", Arlo offers.

Terexaltherin, Pseudodragon |

Azzim nodded and replied sadly, "Free will and all that, but if you go looking at the records of the multiverse even so, a very clear pattern of tampering emerges. We're not talking a few planes here either, there's thousands we know of..."
But the Dark Traders aren't the *only* such group out there. We shouldn't assume it's them too early, Terexaltherin cautions. We need to investigate more thoroughly. So the first question is, is there more for us to investigate here and now, or is our next step to track down our impostor?

SAINT LYRA {The Divine Mech} |

Lyra sat in her office, her bots come in with paperwork and notes from the teams. Running this place was more like work then a mission. But they had to had the place as a cover. Her hubby was off making new mates. And the two investigators where off doing research. She got up and walked over to the vast penthouse balcony of the Gateway skyscraper and looked down at the masses below. Standing 12' tall she had a good view. She could hear the throng of talking and smell the food stalls even up here. This hole divinity thing was new to her, she made her mind up to go find a like minded Devine being tonight and see if they would be willing to talk about all this. Her mind made up, she turned and went back to the mass of paper on her desk.
KN local 1d20 + 1d8 + 25 ⇒ (12) + (1) + 25 = 38 To find such a devine being

GM Hansj |

Arlo begins working on the crystal,
Meanwhile, as Lyra sits musing when Runethia of The Camp Of Plants saunters into her central sculpture garden. Runethia is a gentle and calm plant being who nearly pass for aged human grandmother. "I can sense the disturbance of a young godling even from the other side of the camp. I have lived many eons and can answer some questions. You may think a plant and a mech are far apart but we share man qualities... "
Meanwhile, Monal says [b]"Yes, there are many enemies of creation. We must keep vigilant. Tell, how may one reach Helaronthrop? We should perhaps pay Narvus a social call, just size them up...