Zoomba's Trapping the Hag's Claw [Low tier] (Inactive)

Game Master Zoomba

Star’s Deception to Infleunce Revecka: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

In the sands with Revecka Snip’s a bit flummoxed by the intricacies of the chirper and can’t figure out how to get it to shut up. Failure on that first ‘free’ chirper check. Others can still try though!. But he has much better luck with the coils themselves. At the scholar direction Anjo helps get some of the coils and wires arrayed in the sands. The woman nods That’s it. We want them set a bit in the earth to absorb overflow heat but not too deep to mute the field. Perfect, just like that.

While this is happening Atae lays on some compliments on Revecka rather thickly. But while the scholar politely nods, she doesn’t seem nearly as impacted by flattery as Zabu led you to believe…

Success from Anjo (and no impact from Atae). Revecka has 2 Influence Points

—
Back in the tent, Manny keeps talking to the frazzled Narcela. As he keeps speaking with her the changeling does slow down slightly. Voicing each step aloud? All right She paces as she walks, arms occasionally sweeping in wide gestures for emphasis. So, my mother is trying to get the Draught of Dreams to help her plan to usurp the Dreamlands. She has significant resources at her disposal - not only mercenaries and minions but magic and technology as well. Even an airship - likely a second now - that she has made able to travel the planes with those Stasian-powered Umbral Vises she stole from the Ardis scholars. But Revecka’s a genius with Stasian technology Narcela warmly smiles as she speaks of her and so we have been collaborating to develop a new coil array. It is an apparatus merging magic and technology that is going to generate a ‘containment field’ that will harden the boundaries between dimensions and prevent most forms of extraplanar magical escape.

She looks back at Manny. Hmm, saying it out loud is slightly helpful, you are right.

Diplomacy does seem to work (at least sometimes, good ones at least) on Narcela. One Influence Point with her.

"Yeah, I was there and I was interested in your chest, but I can't do heart surgery...unless you're talking about extractions," Zabu replies to Revecka with a mixture of single entendres and pure braggadocio.

"Don't worry. This will all work out fine. The worst that can happen is the plan fails and we just have to kill her the old fashioned way," the gnome says.

Several of his companions come to help as well while he's chatting with her so there may not be much left to do by the time he starts moving stuff around for her.

Athletics (Influence): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37

Hello. You, you appear familiar. Yes, you were one of the ones who found me in the sands. the construct speaks in a slow and ponderous voice. It was very boring there, in one place for so long. Unable to see anything but the sky and stars. You 'Pathfinders' may go and explore and see all the world. I hope you appreciate it. The last months are the first in thousands of them that I have been able to do so. But your other is new. Hello. they add to Itka.

BakBat notices - from both what Star is saying to you and in the chats and answers she is giving to the Ardis Scholars also around - that Star seems interested in both the stars and the night sky (Astronomy Lore/Fortune-Telling Lore and in the wider present-day world of Golarion (Pathfinder Society Lore, or the Lore of a particular settlement/nation)

"Hmp. I am Itka. It's an honor to meet you, Star." Itka begins chatting with Star about the Pathfinder Society and its reach across the globe.

Pathfinder Society Lore: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Hero Point Reroll: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

Zabu joins Revecka and Anjo, for the moment at least down in the sands to help install more of the Stasian cables. The barbarian's bravada is chuckled at but not taken too seriously but his arm strength proves very valuable. As he sets down another heavy set of wires Revecka smiles. There, that's good. Leave a bit of space in between each cable's end from each other. She kneels and pulls form a bag a complex and fragile contraption consisting of multiple crystals wrapped carefully with fine cords. the trap we're making is made of these crystal capacitors see? The Stasian coils and electric relays will channel enough energy that they'll interact - she pauses, then continues a bit louder to be heard over the still chirping clockwork bird. INTERACT WITH ANY ETHEREAL ENERGIES PRESENT. THE RESONANCE FORMS AND EXTRAPLANAR INHIBITOR.

Straightening she smiles 'Cela and I got the idea from something she saw in the Netherworld.

With that Crit Success, that's 2 more Influence Points! (though you sense you could keep going a bit more; I'll let you know when/if an NPC is 'maxed out'

--

Away from the camp in a different direction, Itka introduces herself to Star. An honor? I am just me. the massive autotmaton responds in straight-forward fashion. But they listen intently to Itka's tales about the Pathfinders and her own travels. You have seen so much. The variety of sights. The many types of people and things. And in so short a span. It is remarkable. Living sorts: you start small, then grow, change, develop. My kind were not built to grow, and now I think I may be the only one left.

Star's head leans in slightly as it focuses on Itka and Bakbat. The people I have met, other Pathfinders and the people who have visited me, I have heard many them talk about “friendship”. What is a "friend"?

Even as they ask that question Itka's tales seem to have made the construct curious about you all. A Success and 1 Influence Point!

"A friend is someone with whom you share a deep and positive connection. It goes beyond mere acquaintance or functional relationships. You can think of a friend as a designated ally, someone you collaborate with closely and trust in various tasks. This relationship involves mutual understanding, support, and a shared purpose. You would depend on your designated 'friend' for reliable cooperation and assistance in achieving your objectives."

Pathfinder Lore: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Growing bored with Revekah the elf will move on to talk to Narcella and attempt to influence her
Diplomacy1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

"Hmp. A friend is someone with whom you share trust and enjoyable companionship. Despite the vast differences in cultures around the world, the way friendship works is remarkably similar."

Society: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Shortly after this exchange, Itka takes her leave to go find Narcela.

"Uh-huh...uh-huh...uh-Huh," Zabu replies to Revecka's long, boring, incomprehensible explanation, knowing the key to dealing with women is just to let them talk and pretend like you understand, care and agree.

He just keeps moving things where she tells him to, waiting for her to run out of steam.

Athletics: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25

Star listens to Itka and Bakbat as they try to define 'friendship' The half-orc's descriptions about the varied nature of cultural epxressions of relationships doesn't seem to quite enrapture them a Failure on that roll, though Society does seem to possibly work but the war machine seems more keen on the already-familair-to-them Bakbat's words. [bigger]So a friend is an alliance. But of goals and trust? What is the goal is complete, does the friendship end?

While Itka's attempt is as noted above a failure, Bakbat manages to earn another Influence point with Star - two in total with them so far.

--

In the sands by the trap-work Zabu hauls as Revecka keeps directing him. And explaining the science behind what she's having you do, but the barbarian appears to be zoning out for that part. After several more cables have been laid Revecka takes a step back and exclaims Good! that should be enough cables to get a strong energy flow moving through the capacitors. Which will mean we're a bit less dependent on our backup. In fact...

Here she motions for Zabu to join her as she walks a ways away from the trapsite with a reinforced case. Once well clear, she opens it to reveal several arrows and bullets that gleam and glisten. Our work crew aren't experienced adventurers like you, so we were keeping some of this in reserve in case Aslynn of one of her forces broke free. Take a few, might be useful when it comes time for you to confront her. Careful though: they're pretty volatile.
The party is given three (3) pieces of explosive ammunition. Thy type of your choice (given this group assuming arrows, but you never know)

With that additional Athletics success Revecka also has 5 Influence Points. You feel like there may still be a bit more you could Influence her (and if anyone but Anjo has thievery it might be a good time to try that quick free check to get the chirping bird to quiet...)

---

Taking her leave, Atae enters Narcela's tent to join Manny. The changeling introduces herself to the cleric and continues to talk as she picks through the assembled books. Good to meet you as well Pathfinder. As I was telling your friend I am trying to predict as many of my mother's strategies as possible to make sure Ree's trap will work. As Atae and Narcela talk the changeling's expression softens when Atae brings up already having spoken to the Revecka. Ah, you saw her in action? It's quite the sight when she digs into a project that she sets her mind on. We have only recently been finally able to meet in the flesh, but the joy she gets in her work is inspiring.

That Diplomacy check is another Success with Narcela

Third round for Itka, yes?

Limping over to Narcela's tent, Itka taps on the outside. "Hmp. Narcela? I'm Itka Biklest." Her eye falls on a page of device schematics. She hobbles in to take a closer look, hoping to be of help...

Crafting: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

...and has no idea that she's looking at it upside down.

Well, I guess I'm getting my nat 1s out of the way before combat, so yay?

I assume I cannot keep working on Revecka?

Anjo moves on to make observation of Narcela. DIscovery +17 Perception

I assume I cannot keep working on Revecka?

You can keep working on her with normal Influence (or Discover) checks if you want. It's only the free bonus check to try and get the clockwork chirper to stop chirping that can be attempted once per person.

Narcela nods graciously to Itka as the witch joins her in the tent...but her welcoming attitude quickly sours as Itka's help is, well not actual help. Though she tries her best, the witch's interpretations of the schematics of the advanced technology and her thoughts on the Umbral Vise tech she's personally seen are filled with logical flaw and design mis-understandings. Anjo can see Narcela's annoyance rising up quite a bit as Itka inadvertantly scrambles up sorted papers and misfiles blueprints.

But, the archer also oberves Narcela keenly as she's politely admonishing Itka's 'help'. While the changeling is certainly considering the tech Aslynn could bring to bear Crafting is a possible Influence skill its all a part of her overall concern with trying to anticipate Aslynn's mindset and possible strategies. And even when asking Itka to mabye help in that way a bit less, he notes Narcela is still making sure to bring up her appreciation for the Pathfinder Society's help (overall, if not in this specific case).

Pathfinder Lore and Occultism could be used to Influence Narcela

"Uh, Itka..." Manny notes Narcela's irritation as Itka rearranges a bit too much.

Well, time to get Narcela's attention. "Sometimes the older you get, you lose perspective on what's important. Aslynn is deadset on conquering the Dreamlands, right? For what reason? Not to help her family. Not to protect the Dreamlands. She wants to control through fear, but that never works. It's better to feel like you're loved and admired, more than hated."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
Hero Point: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

"When this works, people will thank you for your help. But you'd be surprised how many people will just want to talk to you, and know you a bit better. Like Revecka will ask a million questions, I'm certain you'll be able to strike up a conversation, right?"

Deeply chagrined at how dysfunctional her assistance was, Itka apologizes, steps aside, and simply listens for a bit. Eventually, the conversation winds its way toward a subject near and dear to her heart: Aslynn's use of occult magic, specifically that which generates fear and control. "Hmp. I have some experience and have researched much on that subject." She goes on to describe how certain somatic components across most fear-inducing spells have the same core elements, as well as theorizing that Aslynn's decision-making process might be influenced that concept. While her attacks all seem very different on the surface, there are certain threads of similarity in their core elements as well.

Occultism: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29

She will continue her diplomatic efforts with Narcela
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Having sufficiently sussed out Narcela's focus, Anjo moves on to Star, hoping to determine some insight into its personality.

BakBat wanders over to Reveka, and attempts to quiet the chirping bird.

Thievery: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

As more and more people move into the modest-sized tent, Anjo excuses himself and goes to see Star. The machine is gracious and happy to see another newcomer, asking Good day. You do not looks dressed like the Ardis. Thought that cloak is very nice on you - was it chosen by you for its value in work, or its value in look? I suppose you are a Pathfinder then? Are you 'friends' with Bakbat and Itka? I have heard Pathfinders join and seperate many times. It must be interesting to see others years after you last met them, to see how they have changed and grown.

Anjo sesne that in addition to the conversational tacks you've already noticed, Star seems curious about how mortals choose to express themselves and their interests (Performance, or some sort of Arts-related Lore). They also like to philosophize on how things can growth and develop as time passes on (Nature)

--

In the tent Anjo just left, Manny works hard to smooth over Itka's accidental faux pas. Narcela listens to the bard and slowly her posture relaxes. Yes, my mother has always delighted into molding others into twisted versions of themselves. Sometimes through whispered manipulations, a rumor here and nudge there to have mortals dance on her strings. Sometimes literally...like she tried to do to me. And she wants the Draught of Dreams so that she can dominate the Dreamlands enough to sculpt countless psyches to her whims.

As Manny mentions Revecka, she smiles. That is sort of how it started actually. I was sent to spy on Revecka's dreams by my mother. But even asleep her mind was so bright, so inviting. We began to communicate, to grow close, to bond. And after that helped give me the strength to break away fro my mother we were finally able to meet here in the flesh on this world. She sighs, a happy one this time.

With Narcela calmed and back in a slightly better mood, Itka carefully tries to share her knowledge again. The changeling listens and nods. Even grabbing a pen to take several sets of notes. That, that is an excellent point. My mother may be crafty, but she does tend to like variations on a theme. Which does lead me to think - Narcela digs into a pile of parchment and pulls out a large schematic. Unfurling it on the table you see it is the design of a large boat, but one that appears to be sailing the sky rather than the sea. Aslynn stole large amounts of Stasian technology from the Ardis Scholars. Technology that she used to allow her own ship - the Gale's Claw to not only fly through the air but through the planes. The Claw was stolen back from her she smirks But I suspect my mother had enough pilfered components to build a second airship. I wouldn not be surprised in the slightest if she had made one by now. the good news is that I and Revecka have studied the stolen Claw - the Stasian trap she's constructing as we speak should stop any ship crafted around similar technology from being able to escape from this plane. Which means if my mother does get overconfident and return to form, her laziness will help trap her.

A Success from Manny and Itka and a Failure (regular) from Atae bring Narcela up to 3 Influence Points

--
Meanwhile out in the sands, Bakbat sees the cawing chirper irritating Revecka as she takes a temporary rest. Unfortunately, the clockwork gears are wuite finicky and the goblin's not certain how to quiet it without shattering the mechanical bird. Failure to silence the chirper. Though you still have your 3rd roudn action to take

Sticking to what she knows as she continues to hover in Narcela's tent, Itka continues to search her mind for any applicable tidbits from her study of occult magics. "Hmp. With many of the occult spells that attack the mind, there is a particular twisting in how the magical power approaches the target node. There are theories that pulses of polar-opposite resonant power could cause such spells to collapse. From what I've seen in your notes so far, it appears the Stasian technology might have a similar resonance, though they aren't a perfect match. Yet."

Occultism: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

"Ack. Chirping bird. BakBat make you not chirp."

Thievery again: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

Will have longer post up shortly - these are more involved to type - but just letting you know that with that last roll Revecka is fully influenced! (so you don’t waste your last rounds going harder on her for no reason)

With Ravecka helped out and clearly too interested in what she's doing to be interested in more entertaining activities, Zabu wanders over to where Star is located.

"You're a big one, aren't you? Then, again, I guess you were built that way. You didn't have to grow into that shape and size like a tree or a gnome. Then again, if you would have started as a rock, I guess you would have grown down to that size."

Nature: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Narcela's tent is getting a bit crowded. "Narcela, you're doing great. Maybe we can talk more once you're done here. I have a lot of stories about finding your own way. Freedom is taken for granted..."

Manny makes his way to the construct known as Star. They're huge...

"Everyone strives to express themselves in one way or another." He glamours his clothing to a midnight blue, complete with starry sparkles. "For me, it's the struggle between fitting in and sticking out." He glamours again to a sand-colored cloth, trying to match the sands. "Who do you want to be, Star? I'm certain you spend a lot of time pondering on it. Sometimes you gotta just try." Manny peels out into a backflip, because why not.

Performance: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
Performance: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17 Sigh

Manny almost lands on his head and belly flops to save himself. "That... never happens. Really." He hears agents calling for him. "Well, time for me to go. Best of luck to ya. I have a million more questions, but maybe later?"

Thievery: 1d20 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 3 = 12
Manny has no idea how to shut up that mechanical bird.

When Anjo realizes that Star is fascinated by the living, Anjo discuses the growing patterns of living things

Nature: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

A passing Manny also struggles with the non-stop chirper, but Bakbat takes a bit of time to carefully figure out how to silence the darn thing. Eventually the goblin gets it to shut up, and Revecka reacts with a deep sigh of relief.

Thank the Gods. Thing got set off earlier and it's been driving me nuts. She strides over to Bakbat and gives the goblin a playful slap on the back. You know your stuff! Well, don't worry then: I'll make sure the chirper we set up by where you'll put that fancy chalice works without any hitches. And she looks around at the lain cables and set and covered-up projectors Then the switch'll be thrown and Aslynn won't be able to jump out of here and away. In fact a thoughtful expression plays across her face an array like this might even be able to collapse portals too. The Stasian power would need to be running already, but if the limiters are dialed back... She begins to run off towards a workbench, caught in a frenzy of math-testing. Anyway, good luck! she calls as she leaves.

Full success with Revecka!

--

Continuing to converse with Narcela, Itka shows off her knowledge of hags and proposes an interesting train of thought. Narcela considers it Using the Stasian devices to protect the mind? That is an interesting thought. Ree was telling me that she has heard of some researchers testing the application of Stasian coils to the brain, but I think she mentioned so far the results haven't exactly left the subjects in...well the same condition. She frowns, then perks up a bt. though those same scholars have published articles about certain metallic materials wrapped around the craniums impeding the intrusion of outside mental magicks. I do not believe any of them are peer reviewed yet, but I do suppose it might be worth a try.

That is another Success. Narcela is up to 4 Influence Points

--

Out in the sands Star is delighted by the sudden rush of visitors they are getting. Yes. they answer to Zabu. I was built for one purpose, and have always been in this form. I am fortunate that purpose is no longer before me. I did not care for it. But I have not experienced growth before now. the sudden rush of options is daunting. They do seem a bit confused by the gnome's rock comment however. How big of a rock do you mean? Rocks are of all kinds, from a grain of sand to a boulder supporting a mountain.

As Manny asks Star what they want to be (while demonstrating that if Manny wants to be an acrobat that career may not be in the cards) the construct replies solemnly I want to see more of this world. But that is an action, not a being. I think..I think I am still trying to determine what to be if not what I was made for. But there are few places for a machine like me. And I do not wish to return to war.

Star listens to Anjo and Zabu's discussions of nature and engage back with both of you, as they also observe and talk to Manny. But while the automaton's mechanical expression is sometimes hard to read, it doesn't seem as though you're making much deeper connections.

three Failures there unfortunately (though not a crit fail with the 2nd Hero Point use Manny)

Bakbat and Atae: you each have one more Infleunce attempt.

The elven emissary attempts a diplomatic discussion with Narcela in a way that only a Calistrian can do.
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32 diplomacy

Being done with her discussion she walks to Star's location just in time to hear Manny biff his attempts at diplomacyas a quick almost unseen smirk crosses her face and quickly disappears.

BakBat will go to Star, and will talk of being is expressed through action...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

Stumbling over his own words, BakBat will make a heroic effort to recover the situation.

Hero Point: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

Zabu's brows furrow and he cocks his head to the side. "Yeah...that's what I'm saying...trees grow but rocks shrink. Those grains of sand were once parts of mountains."

He shakes his head. "But was that rock meant to be a boulder and lost its meaning or was it supposed to be sand all along and had to become what it was meant to be?

"I think the answer is neither. It's not meant to be anything, it just is. And you can be too. Don't try to be something, just be and find a purpose in that...or not."

Nature: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Zabu I see you having already made 4 rounds' worth of checks (Narcela discovery, two Athletics to influence Revecka, and one prior Nature v Star)

Atae continues talking to Narcela in her tent. The Calistrian's words prove soothing to the changeling, who sighs and says. Yes, I know revenge is satisfying. Of course this isn't just about revenge: my mother is an active threat to so many. but the revenge part will be nice. She digs out a grey instrument and hands it to Atae and Itka. Aslynn hates this stuff. When it is finally time for the direct application of force to come into play, feel free to think of me when striking her with this.

Meanwhile out with Star, Bakbat converses again with them. Though at first the goblin's choices of situations and phrasing seems to fall on deaf metal ears, he notices and quickly digs deep and adjusts. Star listens to the wizard intently. [b]Actions, not just intent. I understand. It is not enough to think a thing, but there are expectations to execute to advance that belief. But their head cocks slightly to the left With friends you say they cooperate for a common purpose. With actions. But can the steps needed to meet a friend's purpose become too much? Can a friend ever 'control' another with the demands of their goal?

Not the simplest question to answer. And feel free to do so if you wish, but also:

As you have been moving about the encampment for hours, conversing and planning with your new and makeshift allies, an iruxi meggenger races about touching base with each of you.

Agents! Waterfall said to tell you it's time. 'The Dreamer is about to sip their milk and its time to tell the bedtime story' he shrugs. They wanted to make sure each of you heard that. Now where did the rest of your group go...

Eventually he has given each of you the Waterfall's coded notice. It's time to grab the Draught of Dreams and set off the scheme to trap the night hag!

Feel free to position yourselves about the map slide as you wish. (the Draught icon is on the rock you're to place it on after you open the portal). And to decide what you want to write/communicate to Aslynn to get her to come.

"Party time." Manny bids Star goodbye. "See you when we get back. I'll show you a few dance moves later on."

He looks at the draught. So much torment, so much struggle... for this. He shakes his head.

"Let's write a message to her. Maybe claim we're betraying the Society, want to defect to her side, and we brought her a gift."

Anjo unable to establish a bond with Star with his talk of nature, responds directly to the creature's query.

"Humans, as with other ancestries, tend to only make great demands...on friends. Asking me for a great favor would tend to make us friends, should I accept."

Anjo takes the exploding ammunition as arrows.

"Alright. Action time!" Zabu says, clearly pleased to be moving on to the conflict part of the mission.

"'Dear Aslynn, please come to our absolutely not a trap party. There will be punch and pie. XOXO, your pals the Pathfinders,'" he unhelpfully suggests when the question of what to write in the message comes up.

Who wants the +1 Striking Shifting cold iron sickle? It looks like our party isn't much for one-handed weapons.

"Hmp. I assume you'll bring the punch, Zabu?" Itka shakes her head in mock disappointment at the pun. "Hmp. How about: 'Aslynn: We stole the Draught of Dreams. Care to bargain?' Make us seem unscrupulous, greedy, and overly confident in our ability to defend ourselves against her. That might tempt her to just come grab it from a bunch of cocky fools."

"Sounds good, I like it. We're betraying the Pathfinder Society, we stole the Draught, we want to bargain with her and her alone."

Manny realizes he's the best person to use the cold iron sickle, as most people fight at range, and Zabu is more of a hands-on type.

He takes the sickle, snaps his wrist and the sickle unfurls into a whip. "Nice..." He coils it on his waist.

I have a +1 Silver Disruptive Whip, so I'll gladly take the +1 Cold Iron weapon if no one wants it.

She has a scorpion whip but isn't the best at its special abilities

With some discussion on the exact verbiage though I'm seeing agreement on the overall tone and style you write your message upon the rock.

The steel-grey chalk's script gradually changes color to a dark blue hue over several seconds. After a few more moments more words appear in the rock, these in an arcing font whose deep red letters look like blood seeming to seep out directly from the stone:

My, an unexpected treat! A Wonder for me, to give when we meet? I am open to bargain, should your offer be real. So what is it you want: speak clear your appeal.

"Huh, what would we want? Power? Money? The hearts and minds of our eternal fans? We were warned not to agree to any specific terms..." Manny thinks aloud. "Okay, how about we offer to show the chalice is real? And WHEN she sees it works, THEN she can name her offer. After all, she's sooo awesome it would be folly to make demands of her." Manny rolls his eyes.

"You know it," Zabu answers Itka, raising a hand to shoulder height then slowly curling the fingers into a fist.

"Money, power, respect," Zabu replies to Manny's question. "It's the key to life and she knows it. She'll appreciate the quality of that request and think she can get the better of us in a bargain since she is sure that she knows more about it than anyone else."

"Hmp. Makes it sound like we didn't think this through. She might send minions at first, but when we trounce them she'll have to come herself. Good enough, I guess, depending on what the minions do to us. ... Hmp. What if we say we want to be granted high-ranking positions in her campaign against the Society? With guaranteed benefits for achieving certain goals. Details to be hashed out once she herself has verified that we have the real chalice."

Anjo, overhearing the discussion, calls back, "Appeal to her vanity. Let her believe we want to serve her because of her own mastery."

The cleric agrees with Anjo.

So I'm hearing some votes for acting like you wish to join her, and some to offer to prove the draught's real and then offer to discuss the exact terms after you've demonstrated it.

Is that how we're going forwards?

"So, we lie to her. Then lie some more. Then talk about our lies to her. Then we beat her into submission. BakBat like this!"

"Alright. So here's the story: We want to join her, because we think she's awesome. We offer the draught and are willing to demonstrate it to her, provided she comes in person to see it."

You can scribe some fawning words into the stone, mentioning your revelation that perhaps she is the winning side. Aslynn's response follows soon thereafter again in blood red lettering:

So some of you are wise after all, jumping a ship before it finishes its fall. For I rule a whole network, have immortality, power! Your old Society's leads hide their faces in a tower. I am happen to come and hear a price you may name. Assuming you actually have what you claim.

The Draught's power touches dreams in ways well know to me. If you have it then use it. then I'll come treat with thee.

Always with the rhyming... Manny sighs.

"Sounds like it's time to use the chalice." Manny stands up. "We ready? Once we pour the chalice and open a hole into Zarta's dreams it's showtime. The final curtain call for Aslynn."

"Hmp. Dithering won't serve our purposes. I'll as ready as I can be in ten seconds." Itka says, then casts Mage Armor on herself and Heroism on Zabu.

As Itka casts some boosting spells on herself and her ally, Manny follows the ritual instructions and spills out the draught's contents. The swirling pink and purple liquid flows out across the sands to cover a low and flat area. As it begins to pool its hues begin to coalesce and shimmer before dissolving into a smooth crystal-blue sheen that expands outwards into a vague oval shape. The opaque portal sits shining in the desert sun's rays.

With that done you get into position and ready yourselves to treat with Aslynn.

And ready yourselves

And ready yourselves

As the minutes tick by the portal still shines - and glancing at the draught of dreams it already seems to be refilling itself with liquid - but the queen of the hour stubbornly fails to appear.

What do you do?

Also, as you're out here in the desert sands (and in general, though feel free to change yours later) what are each of your Exploration activities?

The hunt is on.

Manny begins to Scout for danger. "Should we tell Aslynn we've used the chalice?" He returns the chalice to the designated rock. "She mentioned it touches dreams in a way she's familiar with."