Sebecloki presents Dreamscarred Press' From the Deep Psionic AP

Game Master Sebecloki

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How many Dots does a Transient Dot if a Transient could Dot dots?

How many Dots does a Transient Dot if a Transient could Dot dots?

you're table 1, xonti and company are table 2.

I am here.

Edit: Also, I have a friend who wants to join since you were thinking of re-recruiting.

yes, please invite them

Hello, I'm Storm Dragon's friend. I'm planning on a Dromite Psychic Warrior with the Pathwalker archetype if that's alright? I should have a character sheet up here pretty soon. Is the discussion or recruitment thread opening up? Just need a place to do my stat gen dice rolls

Did we decide what we were doing in terms of gestalt or demi-gestalt?

Also checking in to Table 2 and welcome to the Ophiduan Protectorate, Scavion. ;)

Hello, I'm Storm Dragon's friend. I'm planning on a Dromite Psychic Warrior with the Pathwalker archetype if that's alright? I should have a character sheet up here pretty soon. Is the discussion or recruitment thread opening up? Just need a place to do my stat gen dice rolls

Not entirely sure if there'll be a separate discussion thread for Table 2 but there is a discussion thread here, although much of the rolls were in the old recruitment thread found here.

I've made a decision, I'm going to do a 'half-gestalt', which means you get a free archetype (instead of changing out features, you stack them w/ your base class).

"Tai Leng- should we try to make our way down this pit? I fear that I do not carry any rope upon me- how about yourself?"

Like a fire inching along before suddenly catching some tinder, a red-haired woman sidles slowly up to the trio looking over the edge before piping up.

"My! What a catastrophe! Are you all going down? What brave citizens you are! Have you any rope? I have rope! Ellais Brione at your service! Perhaps you've heard of my Father? Saestre Brione? No? A pity. I can help! The studies are boring, but actual practicals are really so much more helpful. Really, anything to get out of the classes is fantastic. You're working with the Officiate right? Could we get commendations? I think I could get credit for that. Take me with you! Please?" Ellais speaks quickly as though she is afraid you all will suddenly bolt.

Also checking in to Table 2 and welcome to the Ophiduan Protectorate, Scavion. ;)

Scavion wrote:

Hello, I'm Storm Dragon's friend. I'm planning on a Dromite Psychic Warrior with the Pathwalker archetype if that's alright? I should have a character sheet up here pretty soon. Is the discussion or recruitment thread opening up? Just need a place to do my stat gen dice rolls

Not entirely sure if there'll be a separate discussion thread for Table 2 but there is a discussion thread here, although much of the rolls were in the old recruitment thread found here.

Ok, let's try to get this back on track.

Just to set the scene for those joining this table, Tai Po Leng chased a dromite pickpocket, who ended up being infected with a psionic parasite slug called a puppeteer. One of the psionic security forces charged Xonti with investigating the situation further to see if the nest of the parasites could be found. Just as they were about to do that, one of the important psionic seers in the city had some kind of nervous breakdown, then collapsed, and then the ground opened up, destroying a large tiered road that runs through the middle of the city.

Xonti Ensk wrote:

"Tai Leng- should we try to make our way down this pit? I fear that I do not carry any rope upon me- how about yourself?"

Like a fire inching along before suddenly catching some tinder, a red-haired woman sidles slowly up to the trio looking over the edge before piping up.

"My! What a catastrophe! Are you all going down? What brave citizens you are! Have you any rope? I have rope! Ellais Brione at your service! Perhaps you've heard of my Father? Saestre Brione? No? A pity. I can help! The studies are boring, but actual practicals are really so much more helpful. Really, anything to get out of the classes is fantastic. You're working with the Officiate right? Could we get commendations? I think I could get credit for that. Take me with you! Please?" Ellais speaks quickly as though she is afraid you all will suddenly bolt.

"Are you sure you're cut out for this? Taking some untrained student into unknown dangers doesn't sit right with me."

"Ah...Hmmm." Ellais looks a bit perplexed for a moment as she looks Tai Leng up and down.

"Father says people dressed like you I could listen to...but aren't actually in charge of anything so I should take your words with a grain of salt. Pardon if that's rude? And besides..." Ellais flicks a hand and a ball of flame seems to hover in her grasp.

"I can handle myself! Father said if I really wanted to join the military, a Kineticist is worth at least ten regulars." She grins and really seems like she didn't mean any malice...it kind of seems like the young woman just says whatever she is thinking of at any given time.

Ellais then sketches a curtsy as she turns to Xonti.

Tai Leng frowns at that.

"I take it your daddy never saw action, did he? Artillery casters have their place, but you guys are usually sitting ducks for archers and specialists like myself. The whole unit's there for a reason; we cover each other."

"My Da-...Father is a doctor. A Thought Mender. He doesn't do anything like that. But he knows how to fight too! He taught me a few basics." Ellais fondly pats the sickle on her belt, obscured by her Discipleship bag emblazoned with an intricate gold design.

Ashtab, the ophiduan official who had just delegated the investigation of the supposed puppeteer hive to Xonti Enk, interjects again,

"Well, what are you waiting for deputies? Are you going to investigate the rift that's opened beneath our feet, or are you going to stand around all day?"

"You heard the man! Ellais whistles as she preps the rope, ties it down, and starts abseiling.

"Last one down is a rotten egg!"

Tai Leng sighs, but slides down the rope all the same.

"Well, at least if she dies I can honestly say it won't be my fault."

"You heard the man! Ellais whistles as she preps the rope, ties it down, and starts abseiling.

"Last one down is a rotten egg!"

Do you have a rope or something to aid? I need to figure out what the climb DC is for your action.

Tai Leng sighs, but slides down the rope all the same.

"Well, at least if she dies I can honestly say it won't be my fault."

See above, we need a climb DC.

I have 50ft of Hemp rope from my Pathfinder's Kit.

I have 50ft of Hemp rope from my Pathfinder's Kit.

Roll a Climb check (do you have that skill?). Having rope means you're very likely to pass.

Climbing a rope against the side of a wall is a DC 5 so unless your strength score is literally 0 anyone can auto-pass with a Take 10.

Assisting the others in the immediate area was finished just before the interjection of the official, she sighed and looked over the side where the others were headed. It would not be something that she would say aloud, but she was appreciative of the newcomer. Her kit was back at the barracks— granted, she kept the most important things on her person, but that was not a climb that she would have wanted to make alone. That did beg the question of what was the source of this crack... Something this big should have been seen?

The comment from Tai, following the newcomer was heard, and she was pretty sure that it was said on purpose. "Oi, that'd mean that it's on me! You take that back!", she called after him.

Waiting a few seconds before starting the descent, she sighed. It beat lingering in base, anyway.

Apologies for the extended delay between my posts; nonetheless, welcome to this second table, my fellow soon-to-be rift-climbers, old and new. :)

Ellais Brione wrote:

I have 50ft of Hemp rope from my Pathfinder's Kit.

Roll a Climb check (do you have that skill?). Having rope means you're very likely to pass.

Sebecloki, for those who can attain a climb speed [via powers or racial ability], would a climb check still be necessary in such an event?

Ok, let's try to get this back on track.

** spoiler omitted **

Grimacing just a bit in response as Xonti spies several still bodies below belonging to those poor unfortunates who've had the bad luck of falling through the rifted rent. By the patterns of the Flow, it seems that we may be far too late for those caught down at the bottom! If only we had some rope for our less gifted numbers...

As if the ever mysterious patterns of the Flow themselves seemed to have shifted towards a more favorable outcome indeed, another brave volunteer is revealed from among the bustling throngs of the faceless masses gathered nearby- from what Xonti could tell, an attractive [by human standards, anyways] red-haired female with ready access to some sorely needed rope!

Obviously skilled in the psionic arts of the mind and quite well mannered and respectful in the ways of the Ophiduan Protectorate, it is little wonder that the one known as Tai is quick to establish his dominant- possibly even amorous- interest in the one introducing herself as Ellais Brione, scion of Saestre. Bowing respectfully back to her curtsey, Xonti replies back in Ophiduan,

Sensing her greater psionic capacity by pure instinct, Xonti almost seems to defer to Ellais, as would be natural given the Ophiduan Protectorate's emphasis of those lesser in the psionic arts to always defer to their betters in the psionic arts. Not sure if this applies just to Ophiduans or to All psionically gifted, regardless of species...

Ashtab, the ophiduan official who had just delegated the investigation of the supposed puppeteer hive to Xonti Enk, interjects again,

"Well, what are you waiting for deputies? Are you going to investigate the rift that's opened beneath our feet, or are you going to stand around all day?"

As luck or, more importantly, the Flow would have it, Ashtab makes his presence known with an imperative that would override any personal concerns of Xonti's about the Ophiduan etiquette regarding psionic standings- after all, as the appointed Ah-Kuhlel, he clearly stands above all in the pecking order, so to speak.

The comment from Tai, following the newcomer was heard, and she was pretty sure that it was said on purpose. "Oi, that'd mean that it's on me! You take that back!", she called after him.

Waiting a few seconds before starting the descent, she sighed. It beat lingering in base, anyway.

Letting the other female human stranger, whose name that Xonti has yet to catch, go on ahead with climbing down the rope after Ellais and Tai, the Cryptic Raveler addresses Ashtab with a query of, "Ah-Kuhlel, I sense that the human female, known as Ellais Brione, holds greater psionic capacity in comparison to myself; should I defer to her greater standing or would you require that I solely retain your authority for now?"

Having recently arrived in town, Yuumka was considering what comes next. She bought a skewer of roast lizard from a street vendor and was approaching her last bite when the ground was torn asunder.

Her long grey tongue sucked the rest of the skewer clean and she tossed it to the street.

Yuumka walks to the crack, smiles, and says. "As Darzozh the Dreamer taught, 'The Flow opens Gates for those with Eyes to see.'"

She stands near eight feet in height, and is dressed in the manner of the Sommaran tribes of the Eternal Desert to the north (where Grendle such as her and Jettur dwell together). Her hair is pulled back in need braids. She has an Ophid glaive and a shield strapped on her back.

Yuumka nods to those who're tying up a rope, but doesn't wait for them. Instead she starts a smooth methodical climb down the cliff face unaided. As she descends, she hums a wordless melody.

Yuumka has a 30' climb speed (racial) and can take 10 at Climbing under any circumstance, which gives her a 26. (Anything a giant spider could climb, she can too.)

Perform(Sing): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 Recognizable to those who are familiar with The Flow as a means of centering oneself.

So, er, what's at the bottom?

"I wasn't expecting to meet so many bizarre individuals so soon." Tai Leng says, shaking his head.

Yuumka flashes the human a (surprisingly winning) tusky smile.

"Bizarre? Everyone seems pretty normal to me."

Sebecloki wrote:

Ashtab, the ophiduan official who had just delegated the investigation of the supposed puppeteer hive to Xonti Enk, interjects again,

"Well, what are you waiting for deputies? Are you going to investigate the rift that's opened beneath our feet, or are you going to stand around all day?"

As luck or, more importantly, the Flow would have it, Ashtab makes his presence known with an imperative that would override any personal concerns of Xonti's about the Ophiduan etiquette regarding psionic standings- after all, as the appointed Ah-Kuhlel, he clearly stands above all in the pecking order, so to speak.

Desidera Tahn wrote:

The comment from Tai, following the newcomer was heard, and she was pretty sure that it was said on purpose. "Oi, that'd mean that it's on me! You take that back!", she called after him.

Waiting a few seconds before starting the descent, she sighed. It beat lingering in base, anyway.

Letting the other female human stranger, whose name that Xonti has yet to catch, go on ahead with climbing down the rope after Ellais and Tai, the Cryptic Raveler addresses Ashtab with a query of, "Ah-Kuhlel, I sense that the human female, known as Ellais Brione, holds greater psionic capacity in comparison to myself; should I defer to her greater standing or would you require that I solely retain your authority for now?"

The official's reptilian lips purse in thought before he replies,

"Well... usually the adjudication of such matters would require a psionic duel, but now is not the time or the place."

"If you feel that this newcomer is your superior in the arts of the mind, than for now you must give her deference until the matter can be given a more final resolution."

"Well... usually the adjudication of such matters would require a psionic duel, but now is not the time or the place."

"If you feel that this newcomer is your superior in the arts of the mind, than for now you must give her deference until the matter can be given a more final resolution."

Bowing in respectful deference to Ashtab, Xonti replies to his Ophiduan Superior, "As your will has determined, so it shall be done, Ah-Kuhlel".

Instead of immediately following after the others, Xonti continues to eye the assembled masses still within the vicinity of the crack. Once more, the Ophiduan Cryptic calls out, "For those who still wish to offer their help, feel free to accompany us downwards; the Protectorate welcomes all who will give such aid!" Free and open opportunities for the newer characters to readily jump in. Xonti will eventually climb down using his minor metamorphosis to get a 20' climb speed.

Yuumka walks to the crack, smiles, and says. "As Darzozh the Dreamer taught, 'The Flow opens Gates for those with Eyes to see.'"

She stands near eight feet in height, and is dressed in the manner of the Sommaran tribes of the Eternal Desert to the north (where Grendle such as her and Jettur dwell together). Her hair is pulled back in need braids. She has an Ophid glaive and a shield strapped on her back.

Yuumka nods to those who're tying up a rope, but doesn't wait for them. Instead she starts a smooth methodical climb down the cliff face unaided. As she descends, she hums a wordless melody.

[dice=Perform(Sing)]1d20+4 Recognizable to those who are familiar with The Flow as a means of centering oneself.

Glancing up at the tall Grendle Tribeswoman as she moves towards the mouth of the crack where everyone else is gathered at, Xonti initially offers Yuumka a friendly but quietly cautious nod; as soon as Yuumka sings aloud her words of Darzozh's classical centering recital, the Ophiduan Cryptic's shoulders visibly relaxes in what appears to be relief and reassurance at her song-spokened words- having recognized her as a fellow Adherent of the Flow.

While Xonti still keeps to his initial silence, he does nod approvingly while Yuumka makes her way down the crack independently under her own abilities. It would seem that the Flow has revealed more of its' patterns to us, with foresight freely given to those that can perceive.

Jesus what a dystopia. "I think this little girl might be able to fling fire harder than me we should put her in charge"

How has this society survived this long? That's a...genuine question, now I think of it. WTF?

Most Psions live longer probably. They have big Intelligence.

Seb, are you waiting on us? I'm wondering what we find at the bottom of the crevasse.

Sorry, I've been really busy studying for an exam in an 8 week chemistry class.

The bottom of the crevasse is filled with ruble from the recent tumult. In the midst of the wreckage stands a strange edifice, appearing to be a ring of stones... perhaps a well. All of the stones are ornately carved with the characteristic style of Protectorate architecture -- monstrous, slightly abstract depictions of men and beasts. The portal, such as it is, appears to descend into absolute darkness...

Jesus what a dystopia. "I think this little girl might be able to fling fire harder than me we should put her in charge"

How has this society survived this long? That's a...genuine question, now I think of it. WTF?

The whole psychic duel thing is from the printed material -- and yes, the more of this stuff I've read, the more it's not really clear to me why the PCs would be invested in preserving this society, which is the expectation of the AP.

Best Wishes on the upcoming Exam, Sebecloki.

If Xonti notices that the others are at or near the bottom of the crevasse, he'll activate his minor metamorphosis power to gain a 20' climb speed and, with one last nod to Ashtab, he start climbing down after his appointed charges. -1 PP to activate the power. Should take no more than 2 rounds to make it to the bottom with 60' of climbing movement.

Any still-living bodies present at the bottom of the crevasse that we could help with or are they all beyond help at this point?

Jesus what a dystopia. "I think this little girl might be able to fling fire harder than me we should put her in charge"

How has this society survived this long? That's a...genuine question, now I think of it. WTF?

Scavion wrote:

Most Psions live longer probably. They have big Intelligence.

Admittedly, I was initially worried that it'd seem a bit too "ooc" for Xonti to instantly determine the relative psionic strengths of everybody present, like it was some weird kind of 3.x Class-Tier debate, but I figured that some of the symbols emblazoned on Ellais' belongings would indicate some sort of impressive control of/standing in the Psionic arts.

That being said, there does seem to be some kinda caste-based divide between the psionics and non-psionics. Wonder if Xonti eventually taking an oath of loyalty to the Ophiduan Protectorate would help to tie things to the Protectorate's favor? ;p

Admittedly, I was initially worried that it'd seem a bit too "ooc" for Xonti to instantly determine the relative psionic strengths of everybody present, like it was some weird kind of 3.x Class-Tier debate, but I figured that some of the symbols emblazoned on Ellais' belongings would indicate some sort of impressive control of/standing in the Psionic arts.

You're not wrong, it's in my appearance block. Plus, she looks rich and I imagine in a True Psionocracy wealth is relative to Psionic power.

Once Ellais reaches the bottom, her eyes are drawn immediately to the strange edifice and quickly approaches.

"Oh what's this?! Seems quite sturdy if it survived the collapse." Ellais cocks her head to the side as her senses begin to expand before looking around.

Detect Psionics

Sorry, I've been really busy studying for an exam in an 8 week chemistry class.

The bottom of the crevasse is filled with ruble from the recent tumult. In the midst of the wreckage stands a strange edifice, appearing to be a ring of stones... perhaps a well. All of the stones are ornately carved with the characteristic style of Protectorate architecture -- monstrous, slightly abstract depictions of men and beasts. The portal, such as it is, appears to descend into absolute darkness...

Tai Leng concentrates for a moment, splitting off his Soul Candle, brightening it to an almost blinding radiance before sending it down into the well. He looks over the lip to track its progress.

Spending Swift actions constantly while it's going on to add more points of Illumination and keep its brightness up; it sheds light out to 15 ft. as Bright light after the first Swift, and double that as normal which I imagine should illuminate the entire radius of the well or whatever it is. It can be moved at a pace of 30 ft. up to 1 mile away from me.

Sebecloki wrote:

Sorry, I've been really busy studying for an exam in an 8 week chemistry class.

The bottom of the crevasse is filled with ruble from the recent tumult. In the midst of the wreckage stands a strange edifice, appearing to be a ring of stones... perhaps a well. All of the stones are ornately carved with the characteristic style of Protectorate architecture -- monstrous, slightly abstract depictions of men and beasts. The portal, such as it is, appears to descend into absolute darkness...

Tai Leng concentrates for a moment, splitting off his Soul Candle, brightening it to an almost blinding radiance before sending it down into the well. He looks over the lip to track its progress.

Spending Swift actions constantly while it's going on to add more points of Illumination and keep its brightness up; it sheds light out to 15 ft. as Bright light after the first Swift, and double that as normal which I imagine should illuminate the entire radius of the well or whatever it is. It can be moved at a pace of 30 ft. up to 1 mile away from me.

The psionic illumination descends down the aperture, throwing the narrow confines of the slick tunnel into stark relief. How long had it been since any thinking being had passed through this portal into the depths of the earth. Tai is struck by a slight, and then overcome by a heavy, foreboding as the light continues beyond any depth even could have imagined. It continues to descend to the absolute limits of his abilities, coming to rest a mile within the crust of Ksaren.

Best Wishes on the upcoming Exam, Sebecloki.

If Xonti notices that the others are at or near the bottom of the crevasse, he'll activate his minor metamorphosis power to gain a 20' climb speed and, with one last nod to Ashtab, he start climbing down after his appointed charges. -1 PP to activate the power. Should take no more than 2 rounds to make it to the bottom with 60' of climbing movement.

Any still-living bodies present at the bottom of the crevasse that we could help with or are they all beyond help at this point?

Storm Dragon wrote:

Jesus what a dystopia. "I think this little girl might be able to fling fire harder than me we should put her in charge"

How has this society survived this long? That's a...genuine question, now I think of it. WTF?

Scavion wrote:

Most Psions live longer probably. They have big Intelligence.

Admittedly, I was initially worried that it'd seem a bit too "ooc" for Xonti to instantly determine the relative psionic strengths of everybody present, like it was some weird kind of 3.x Class-Tier debate, but I figured that some of the symbols emblazoned on Ellais' belongings would indicate some sort of impressive control of/standing in the Psionic arts.

That being said, there does seem to be some kinda caste-based divide between the psionics and non-psionics. Wonder if Xonti eventually taking an oath of loyalty to the Ophiduan Protectorate would help to tie things to the Protectorate's favor? ;p

It takes only a moment for Xonti to realize that the hole extends far, far deeper into the earth than he had originally envisaged. In fact, his progress so far, illumined in some part by Tai's manifestation of light, appears to have barely encroached upon the abyssal depths into which the portal descends.

The well, or whatever it is, is at least a mile down.

Xonti Ensk wrote:

Admittedly, I was initially worried that it'd seem a bit too "ooc" for Xonti to instantly determine the relative psionic strengths of everybody present, like it was some weird kind of 3.x Class-Tier debate, but I figured that some of the symbols emblazoned on Ellais' belongings would indicate some sort of impressive control of/standing in the Psionic arts.

You're not wrong, it's in my appearance block. Plus, she looks rich and I imagine in a True Psionocracy wealth is relative to Psionic power.

Once Ellais reaches the bottom, her eyes are drawn immediately to the strange edifice and quickly approaches.

"Oh what's this?! Seems quite sturdy if it survived the collapse." Ellais cocks her head to the side as her senses begin to expand before looking around.

Detect Psionics

Do you mean you're using the ability Detect Psionics?

** spoiler omitted **

"Interesting!" The tall, lanky grendle cocks an eyebrow as the light continues down and down. "I wonder..."

She picks up a pebble and tosses it down the hole.

Then she leans experimentally over the edge, both listening for it hitting the bottom and judging if she could safely scale it.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Climbing (to assess climbability, given her climb speed): 10 + 16 = 26 *At a 26, her climb is equivalent to a giant spider. Whatever it could climb, she should be able to as well...but it does look smooth and deep, so...
.
Oh! How wide is the well?

Tai Leng uses his iron grip to grab the back of Yuumka's shirt before she goes climbing down for the second time.

"That hole is at least a mile deep. If you hit a slippery patch halfway down and fall, we won't even be able to hear your screams by the time you hit the bottom."

@GM: Your second spoiler for Ellais is borked and doesn't open; you'll probably need to repost it.

Yes, that was me using Detect Psionics.

"Amazing! This is like super old stuff down here. Like back in the 'olde' days when people chanted a bunch of silly words and stabbed folks to get their blood for sorcery. I read they used to throw bat poo at people to make them explode. I wonder if there are any horrible monsters still alive down here." Ellais stares down into the yawning well.

"That's super deep." She adds helpfully.

Yes, that was me using Detect Psionics.

"Amazing! This is like super old stuff down here. Like back in the 'olde' days when people chanted a bunch of silly words and stabbed folks to get their blood for sorcery. I read they used to throw bat poo at people to make them explode. I wonder if there are any horrible monsters still alive down here." Ellais stares down into the yawning well.

"That's super deep." She adds helpfully.

Round one-detect psionics. There is no psionic energy coming from the portal.

Looking around, is there anything else of note?

Seb, 1) did Yuumka she hear her pebble hit solid ground? 2) can Yuumka tell with confidence if she could climb the walls of the well?