"I'm thinking if I were to word a wish as to have the senses, defensive abilities, natural armor, spell-like abilities, racial attribute bonuses, special qualities, universal monster abilities, regeneration, and base speed of a Kuwa Oni while retaining my own alignment, memories, and soul, it would provide me with what I'm looking for. What do you think, Cayden?, Zaidel, Jean?" Stratton asks, seeking feedback on the wording.
To Cayden, Stratton replies somewhat hesitatingly "Thank you. Erm, forgive me for not asking you in the first place. it's just I haven't really talked to a god since I was a young man, and certainly none has every spoken a word I could hear with my own ears. It would be a great honor to have you guide me through this process. While your ascension may have been unusual, and luck played a part, there was also skill, bravery, and a willingness to face the unknown, all qualities I admire in a mortal or a god."
He simply says, "Tis true."
"What about' I wish I was a Kuwa Oni, in it's prime, yet I retain my own mind?'" Zaidel offers.
With the blue screen up, he says to Cayden "While a bit of guidance, especially on the wish, is very much requested, some of these things I believe I will need to do by instinct and let my gut tell me what to do. I will join, by their gracious invitation, the Aeria Gloris." his eye wanders from Cayden to the show on the stage, lingering an appreciative moment or two.
And then, to prove to himself, Cayden, and fates themselves the honesty of his words about chosings, he touches the Soul Shard choice, trying to activate it as a choice, as well as the random loot box. "I think the Daily Quest should perhaps wait until after this old body is transformed by the wish, yeah?"
He grunts in response and waits for direct questions or he is just being lazy.
"I'm looking to be transformed into something with a less frail body, one that recovers quickly from wounds and is quite strong and quick.... Trolls are too ugly, but Onis can look like whatever they want, right? What would be the best way for me to wish to have the qualities of an Oni, maybe one that takes on human appearances like a Kuwa? I'd want to gain as many of their abilities/stats/etc as I can while retaining my own personality and not being corrupted by evil like Onis usually are." he looks at Cayden for advice on the proper wishing format. He chuckles a bit. "Plus, that way, I can make myself look like Adrian Paul most of the time to honor Cheryl."
"You could wish for the racial qualities of a Kuwa Oni. You could also wish to be transformed into a Kuwa Oni, retaining your own personality and mind. The second one would likely get you the most but you might have some Oni cravings, which isn't terrible either. Joe or Mia actually has a better grasp on wish format."
He looks at you a bit funny and mouths, *Adrian Paul?*
"I'm thinking if I were to word a wish as to have the senses, defensive abilities, natural armor, spell-like abilities, racial attribute bonuses, special qualities, universal monster abilities, regeneration, and base speed of a Kuwa Oni while retaining my own alignment, memories, and soul, it would provide me with what I'm looking for. What do you think, Cayden?, Zaidel, Jean?" Stratton asks, seeking feedback on the wording.
He agrees, "Oh that sounds pretty good, much more descriptive than what I came up with."
(88, 65, 71) = 224
88= Reroll 2 times, Ignore above 75 for rerolls and add 500 gp
71-73
Minor Tech (cell phone, laptop, ),
61-62
Beneficial Greater minor magical item
wondrous item - wrist
Bracelet, Verdant Vine
Aura faint conjuration; CL 5th; Slot wrists; Price 6,000 gp; Weight —
DESCRIPTION
Consisting of a vine with five green berries, a verdant vine is worn tied around the wrist.
Once per day on command, command word 'Leshy', the wearer can pinch a berry off the vine, and throw it up to 30 feet away, like a splash weapon. Viciously thorny vines erupt in a 20-foot radius from the point of impact, even if the berry misses its target. Creatures within the area must succeed at a DC 16 Reflex saving throw or become entangled, as the spell entangle, as the vines coil around the creature’s legs. The vines persist, but at the start of the affected creature’s turn, it gains a new saving throw against the effect. If the affected creature fails the saving throw, it also takes 1d4 points of damage.
A DC 20 Strength check, made as a standard action, allows an affected creature to break free and end the effect. Failing the check causes the vines to constrict, dealing 1d4 points of damage.
A bag of coins appears and makes a loud thud sound next to Stratton with the chinking of coins. Within the bag is a vine wrap of some kind that goes around your wrist and a minor technological item.
The soul crystal appears in your hand and feels warm. It changes its color to your favorite color. You know that there is two options and you can always change them at the beginning of the day. It can have two abilities of two Ioun Stones if you toss it into the air. The other option is to touch it to a willing or unwilling creature. If it is willing you gain a connection to that creature and you both gain some bonuses. If unwilling Will Save DC 18, if it fails you can command it as per command Monster spell.
"Oh, I should also add in lifespan, they live quite awhile. Ok. I wish to have the senses, defensive abilities, natural armor, spell-like abilities, racial attribute bonuses, special qualities, universal monster abilities, regeneration, lifespan, and base speed of Kuwa Oni while retaining my own alignment, memories, and soul."
He states after you have said what you are going to wish for, "It sounds like you are ready, now say it holding the wish stone. Mia and Angelica come on over, he is ready."
Angelica keeps working on her crunches, saying, "I should be within range here. So go for it Mia!"
She is all hot and sweaty, she leaves Angelica behind and jogs up to Stratton, and those around him. "Okay, let me hear it again." Once you say it she thinks about the words and concurs, "Yup that was well put together. When you are ready, I just have to be near when you make the wish."
Zaidel holds up his fist in hopeful triumph with Aeria Gloris's newest member.
Jean nods to Cayden, "Sure, you can have whatever comes in the next random loot box. Will it magically depart to you or will I see you again soon to deliver it?" Jean asks.
"Excellent, yes when you get it claim the reward but don't open the random loot box. Instead bring it to me when you can. Well no, it would be safer to leave it unclaimed until you were next to me. So do that instead. Once the wish is accomplished I will walk you to the Dragon Shrine. If anyone else wants a way to get to the Dragon Shrine, make the same deal that I get your next random loot box and you can come too!"
---
To answer Mia's question he reassures her, "Only gods can get to this Dragon Shrine so you just need to let the sands of time wash over you there. If the shrine was being controlled by a nation, which most do, they require you to make a pledge of fealty first, they could also charge you fees and taxes. Some kingdoms are just so greedy."
She likes the idea but then wonders aloud, "I will take that deal, wait. So if we go to a Dragon Shrine what does it cost us?"
---
With Cayden's reassurances, she sighs, then merrily replies, "Oh that is good, I was a afraid what we might need to do. Yes I will take that deal as well! I am sure many of us will."
"It's okay with me, Boss. Will we miss out on the Guy's Day Out by going to The Dragon Shrine, Boss?" The cleric asks.
He exclaims with mirth, "Nope, going to the Dragon Shrine and bringing you back shouldn't take more than a half hour. We are still on for tonight! Stratton will you be joining us?! Mia and Angelica you may join us to see where we are going. You never know what flavors or friends will be there! We are going to the Calistrian Bordello, ran by Calistra herself!"
The human Zaidel smiles shyly, hands raised in a shrug. "You might enjoy yourselves? That's all I'm saying."
Upon his wish, the magic begins to transform him into a hideous humanoid in armor with fangs and bugged eyes. Soon he takes control of his spell like ability and transforms himself into _________.
Mia begins to float, her eyes begin to glow, her head and back arch backwards. The power of the spell courses to her as well. Then she extends her arms and rays shoot from her fingers hitting everyone in the bar.
You will strive for a position of leadership.
You will believe that the position of leadership that doesn’t allow frequent abuse of that power is a waste, and by aiming for less publicly visible positions.
You will try to find opportunities for such abuse.
The accumulation of wealth becomes your primary motivation.
You want to live a life of decadence and sensual pleasure.
----
Upon taking the curse you will double the effect of the ability you chose.
Stratton with your transformation you now have a very fit body, all of your extra weight is gone along with any other previous ailments.
Stratton transforms from Oni form into a handsome, lithe, fit-muscled man with dark eyes and longer black hair, a very handsome face.
"Absolutely, I would love to go to the Dragon Shrine with you. Will I need a weapon? Because I am sorely lacking in armaments at the moment. And for funding, I have...." he feels the weight of the coin pouch he was tossed....
Zaidel smiles wide, as he casts summon instrument and begins to strum and sing.
"HERE WE ARE!!
BORN TO BE KINGS
WE'RE THE PRINCES OF THE UNIVERSE!!
HERE WE BELONG!!
FIGHTING TO SURVIVE!!
IN A WORLD WITH THE DARKEST POWERS!!!"
"Apropos in many ways, I believe, my new friend." Stratton smiles broadly. "Queen's music is the theme soundtrack to my fantasy life, lol. Has been forever."
Replaying something in his head, Stratton blushes "Oh, crap, did Cayden invite me to the Calistrian bordello or the Dragon Shrine? F$*& it, either way, I'm in."
He points out, "Both, but it merely is an invite, not a command. Shall we head to the Dragon Shrine? Everyone grab a hand, at least those going to the Dragon Shrine."
Once everyone grabs a hand, he teleports the group. You feel like you are in a vortex with bubbles all around. The next moment you are on a white granite platform. Before you can see the path goes to the right, left, and forward. Forward you can see stairs that lead up to another platform. The space is massive. You can see the sand above being held back by glass. You are nearby the largest sand hourglass.
Cayden lets you take in the majesty of the place as you catch your breaths. Then he leads you up the stairs to the other white granite platform which you soon find out leads to the keyhole of the hourglass where the sand flows through. A few attandents stand and sit on the side looking up if you need any help. Cayden waves them off and asks, "Joe you are first step up and show them what to do."
Though you do see two friendly faces there too! "Hail all, long time no see. That misson was a hassle Cayden but it is safe and secure. I passed the torch onto the Hound Archon Brigade. We have our family here for you to meet! Arthur my first son, he is 215 years old, a just emerging adult. Genesis my first daughter she is 200 years old. Jasmine our middle child who is 133 years of age. Finally you see my youngest Ezekiel who is
125 years old." He explains as Alia is glowing and holding onto his arm, "They are full blooded sublime elves. We assume they mature at about 150 years to adulthood."
You see the four fair haired elves being presented to you, they all have the slender build of Alia but the boys have Matthew's facial features. The girl is like a carbon copy of Alia. The younger girl is a head shorter than the family matched by her younger brother.
Nodding to his deity, the human Zaidel produces his original tankard. The cleric casts create water in the tankard, then enhance water to change it to a amber ale. Holding the tankard high above the platform, Zaidel proclaims, "Oh, great and powerful Cayden Cailean, who is so awesome and cool. Take this cool beverage and be refreshed!" The human cleric then pours the blessed ale over the entire platform.
Upon seeing the Matthew and Alia's return, Zaidel takes off his greater hat of disguise and embraces the long-lost warden and druid! "You're back! You're back! And you've been biz-zay!" The satyr smiles wide as he addresses the sublime children, going up to each one and shaking their hands. "Hello, Arthur! Hello, Genesis! Hello, Jasmine! Hello Ezekiel! I am your Uncle Zaidel! I can't wait to get to know you all!"
The children giggle being caught up by Zaidel's excitement. They each ask many questions and they are downed out by each other.
Alia gushes with obvious love for her family and missed friends, tears in her eyes she comes in for hugs, letting her brood settle around Joe she quickly finds Mia's arms. "We have so many stories to tell and we should have plenty of time to catch up. We are actually here for Arthur and Genesis 3rd levels! They are training to be wizards."
Stratton's eyes busily take in this new scene. The Dragon Temple is indeed impressive.
He smiles politely as Matthew introduces his family, not knowing anyone but easily comprehending their friendship with the existing group. When it seems polite to do so, he introduces himself. "Hello, I'm Stratton, newest member of the group. Just getting my footing, as it were." To Matthew and Alia "Sorry, I didn't catch your names." and to the children "It is a great pleasure to meet you {each one by name}."
"I realize, speaking of levels, I have a little bit of homework left to do. Pardon me." Stratton calls up the Blue Screen, clicking the accept button. He then clicks to accept his daily quest and clicks to open up his character sheet, to make sure if there is anything that needs chosing/filling in, he does them. While he's got things open, he also clicks on the splinter of the world tree in his inventory to see what that's about. Lastly, he opens up his current quests to make sure he didn't miss anything else in all the previous bustle.
When it seems polite to do so, he introduces himself. "Hello, I'm Stratton, newest member of the group. Just getting my footing, as it were." To Matthew and Alia "Sorry, I didn't catch your names." and to the children "It is a great pleasure to meet you {each one by name}."
He exclaims as he goes for a warriors shake, "Greetings Stratton. We all have to start somewhere welcome to the group! I am Matthew and this is my lovely wife Alia."
The children are polite in response to Stratton. Though they do ask questions to each other. "He said he was new, right? I don't remember him in any of the stories. Yes that is what he said."
The children giggle being caught up by Zaidel's excitement. They each ask many questions and they are downed out by each other.
Alia gushes with obvious love for her family and missed friends, tears in her eyes she comes in for hugs, letting her brood settle around Joe she quickly finds Mia's arms. "We have so many stories to tell and we should have plenty of time to catch up. We are actually here for Arthur and Genesis 3rd levels! They are training to be wizards."
"Wizards! Wow! Congratulations!" Zaidel beams at the oldest Locke children. "I know. I know. I want to answer your questions and have some of mine answered, but we have to let Arthur and Genesis do their thing at The Dragon Shrine. I've done mine." The satyr then takes the hands of Jasmine and Ezekiel and them them over to the side. "Let's stay over her until Arthur and Genesis are done, okay?"
"So nice to.meet you Alia, Matthew. Cayden has already mentioned you to me, Matthew, positively recommending your mentorship capabilities. I'm sure your children have reaped the benefit of that experience as well." Stratton smiled a friendly smile as he talks. "If you don't mind Hangers On I'd love to stick around while you all catch up and get to know you a little better hear about your experiences. I'm sure I can learn something from what you've been through. But for now I should allow you and your family to have the moment for your children here I'll step inside and let the kids do their thing."
Poof
Eh, its a bar? And I am already semi drunk? I am actually decent at not getting drunk, whats next, a god of booze shows up and owns me at drinking?
Alexandr thought, being rather confused about the situation.
Apparently I am now a substance abusing mutagenic mauler, with better steroids, who has a slight attitude problem. Sounds like some Anime side character or something. If I am not careful, I will become the Liutenant Worf equivalent and get thrown to the wall all the time to establish that X means business hmmm.
He obviously appreciates the words he is hearing and offers, "To future friends! May they be plentiful and supportive. You are apart of our group I welcome you to hang out with us. Though my children have already touched the Sands of Time. They are likely leveled up and now I believe each of you have some business with the Shrine. We will sit over here."
"Right, then, time to take a sand shower." Stratton smiles nervously, approaching the sands of time. In draconic, he intones "May time bring knowledge and good health." and then steps into the shrine, allowing the sands of time to wash over him as instructed.
Stratton leaves the Sands of Time and feels like his steps are a little bit lighter.
One by one, those needing to level up to 5th level enter the sands and exit them. Meanwhile conversations have been popping up.
Once everyone is done Cayden says as he begins descending the stairs, "Come along family, we shouldn't tarry. There is one price to coming to this Dragon Shrine which time passes here differently. A few months may have passed, a few years, we have even heard of decades passing."
Back down to the white granite platform he offers his hand to whoever is closest and once everyone has a hold, you return the way you came. Through bubbles!
You emerge in a dark cold celler. Cayden swears. He then asks, "Matthew would you take point and have a look about before we exit too. Anyone that can go invisible please accompany him."
Matthew pulls the adamantine greatsword from his back and smashes it into the skeletons around him. Cleaving all those within range.
Zaidel
Mia
Locke
Alia
Jean
Stratton
Angelica
Matthew
Alexandr Sergeyevich Meier
skeletons
25 skeletons
20 Jean
19 Stratton
17 Matthew
13 Alia
10 Zaidel, 10 Locke, 10 Angelica, 10 Alexandr
7 Mia
Come at me boney boys
Zaidel quickly tells the Jasmine and Ezekiel to stay down here, as the satyr ascends the stairs two at a time. Once in the room, the cleric pulls out his holy symbol and lets loose a channeled energy to turn undead.
During the period of conversations at the Dragon Shrine, Stratton finds a quiet time to pull up the store on the blue screen and equip himself for an adventurer's life,
durable arrow (10), studded leather, shortbow, wakizashi[UC], artisan's outfit (something with a leather apron and lots of pockets/straps to hold tools), cold weather outfit, courtier's outfit (something nice to wear at the bordello), explorer's outfit, masterwork thieves' tools, peasant's outfit (exercise clothing) cost 249 gp/498 in blue screen store
As one who can become invisible, Stratton follows Matthew closely.
As a swift action, he enters Primal Warrior Stance. Since Matthew has smashed the nearby skeletons, he draws his weapon and makes a wave-like motion with it, performing the Iron Wave martial maneuver, allowing him to strike a creature within close range as if he was in melee with them. He attacks one of the skeletons close to the poor unarmed stranger in the bar (Alexandr). He then re-sheathes the blade.
With electrical dragon breath, smashing weapons, and a channel from your cleric the undead are no more. The bones of the skeletons fall to the ground from all the attacks.
He asks worried, "Everyone alright?!"
Then with a relieved sigh he states with mirth slowly creeping into his presence, "I believe Zaidel finished them off for us. Though from our impressive attacks we could have taken them easily... It just would have taken a few rounds. Thanks Zaidel! Stratton, you can go invisible?! Go check outside and see what is around us. Jean would you take an ariel view and see if you can gather where we are. Come on up, the coast is clear and it sure is safer to stay with us rather than wait for something to happen."
Zaidel goes to Matthew's side and pats his shoulder, then calls down to the basement. "All clear. Come on up."
The satyr then turns around and notices the buff looking human
"Hello, friend. Are you okay? Are you injured?"
A handsome satyr with brown fur and blue eyes, who looks more like a bodybuilder walks up. He's wearing excellent chainmail, with a panpipe flute and a holy symbol on his neck. A masterwork rapier hangs on his sword belt over his tan tilt. He's also wearing a headband, a circlet, and a gold bracelet on his wrist.
Pretty hard to hurt me with attacks, mother Russia has made me tough and buff! Da! He says
I wanted to be wolverine, why do I look like Colossus? He thinks.
Exactly where and perhaps when are we? I am somewhat confused.
"Ah! Russia! That's a new one! So, you're a Chosen, formerly from Earth? Me too. About a third of our number are. I was once a human from the US. My name is Zaidel The Benevolent, Easier of Pain, aaand humble cleric of Cayden Cailean."
Zaidel looks around the tavern. "We don't know where we are either. You'd think we'd be used to it by now. Until we determine where we are, you are welcome to join us. What's your name?"
"Only just the once a day, I'm afraid. But I do have some skill at sneaking around. I'll check things out. I'll give a shout if I get in trouble." Stratton offers in response.
He heads to the exit door, carefully opening it a crack and peeking through before opening it wide enough to slip through and out into the street. He does a perimeter sweep of the block.
"Good luck, Stratton." Zaidel calls out before the oni slips away outside. Looking to the others, the satyr comments with a wry smile,
"Someone who's that into Highlander can't be all bad."
Down the alley you come to another alley that would be barely big enough for a cat to.get through. The buildings are of poor make obviously you are in some slums.
Down to the next alley three buildings down, it opens at most 10 feet. The smell of death makes you gag.
Those downstairs ascend the stairs, weapons ready in case they are needed. Alia and her two youngest come up last.
After sheathing his greatsword on his back he slowly approaches the newcomer. He offers his hand saying, "I am Matthew Locke. Where? We don't know. When, it should be 15,870 unless we got time warped too."