Thank you so much! What an awesome game with the opportunity to really develop our characters throughout the story! We made it!
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Now a high ranking member of the Sarenrae priesthood with a relatively rare experience returned from the afterlife, Flint shares his story and faith with the worshippers at the Radiant Cathedral when he is in “port”, but he spends the majority of his time captaining the newly rebuilt and upgraded Torrent of Embers. Now that he can actually explore the Burning Mother and not just skim its surface, the brash Captain sets about exploring the vast array of new wonders hidden in the solar plasma! This, of course, means working closely with the DCI and providing transport to their scientists, his close friends who helped him save the Archipelago, and members of other cultures within the sun as they take their place among the free peoples of the Burning Mother! Accepting his divine mission to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before, Flint nevertheless keeps out a sharp watch for two opportunities: 1) any sign of Legion aggression or instability in the nascent intra-Solar alliance growing, and 2) a place—perhaps near Ezrod—of surpassing fiery beauty balanced with the dark, cooling barrier that represents the yin and yang necessary for life to thrive. I mean, if he is going to propose, it needs to be something suitably epic and symbolic, right?
Flint tilts his head and considers the conversation, then he responds, ”Indeed, your request makes no sense for us. If your Malikah has a desire to speak to us and is unwilling to exert the minimal effort required to at least meet at a neutral site, she must not be truly invested in having this conversation. Perhaps a virtual communique would better suit her…lassitude.”
”I don’t know if it is my recent experience with the divine, but I am somewhat intrigued. What about a neutral location that is neither here nor at Malikah’s citadel? And guarantees of safe passage for both parties?” asks Flint.
With a lopsided smile at Ordyt, Flint deliberately misunderstands the request and says, ”I don’t know, Ordyt. Three days seems pretty reasonable to me. I mean, after being THOROUGHLY defeated by the united free peoples of the Burning Mother, if Malikah wishes to come here and sue for peace, that should give us plenty of time to take the appropriate…precautions…for her arrival.”
Indeed, the taller person helping with the Mantle is none other than Kingr-General Halaina Lymikin, herself clad in a very similar cloak. Flint walks up and pulls out a an exquisite silvery chain with clasps on either end. He fastens it to the mantle over Bel’s chest, completing the outfit. As he fastens the Sacred Seal and backs away with a smile and a bow, the rest of Belmarniss’ outfit transforms with Iomedae’s religious iconography befitting her station. Flint’s smile grows as he looks at Bel with pride and love.
The days pass swiftly for Flint, who celebrates this return to life with trips to check on those who helped them along the way as well as a less than subtle rekindled romance with Belmarniss. At the party, he circulates with the celebrants and eventually works his way over to Bel. Nodding to her, he hands her a fancy envelope embellished with expert calligraphy. Her name and full title are on the envelope and he says playfully, "It seems your exploits have garnered some attention. I didn't even know there was a rank as high as Knight-General until the 'Valor came into port this afternoon." Nodding to the group of knights who recently arrived and set up camp at an out-of-the-way table, Flint smiles specifically at one with the fanciest armor and a cool-looking cloak, forming a slight bow and adding to Belmarniss as he passes her the card, "I think they want to invite you to a ceremony on their Cathedral Ship. You think I could score a ring-side seat?"
Thoughts on resources/credits for use from our loot or any reward?
Do we have some idea of what resource/cash we have available to us, in case we want to buy anything? Flint is interested in making sure the Corona shields are stabilized and no longer risks irradiating the citizens like Ol' Marya and Miran. Kerschiu (liberated from collar steam mephit) would be worth following up on and see if he has found a place -- maybe with the DCI? All the B-team people, including Atra & friends, Jenan, Ilor, 3 Anassanoi recruits, Hazl, Astino and other rescued prisoners. Flint would like to honor them as heroes as well. Rikard is hopefully okay too now that he is back in the Archipelago. Perhaps he will want to participate in honoring Uzmat. From Ezrod, Flint is interested in the color-blighted verthani we rescued and anyone who might want to become protégé to the Warden.
And the rest! - Taza Nepobo. Vice President of Operations (12/20/2020)
And up through post 3000! - Luthyx (5/10/2020, Grandmaster’s Kitchen)
I am making a list of NPC's, but it is going slowly. We have made A LOT of posts. So far: People who we met along the way, some of whom for a season, but some of whom were partners until almost the very end…
Ha! That will take some re-reading for sure. I am pretty bad with names…
Perhaps because of past trauma, Flint will want to get an enhancement to his kit that allows him to detect invisibility.
I think we should make sure the NpC’s who helped us along the way are well-taken care of. I was thinking Meepo the policeman and many others, but it has been a long time…
Smiling, Flint returns the embraces with warmth and enthusiasm. "So, how long have I been gone? Has the Legion been truly and utterly defeated?"
Ulfric notices the moment Flint decides, though his friend himself does not yet realize it. One particular voice breaks through, resonating across the vastness of space and time. Knowing his friend plans to depart as the solarian mouths the name 'Belmarniss', the nordic hero smiles and says, "Go back to her, lad. We'll be here waiting when your destiny is complete." His form fading and becoming immaterial in the Elysian Fields, Flint looks back at his hunting companions, saying, "I shall rejoin you soon enough, heroes of legend--and there'd better be freshly-roasted stag waiting for me!" A surge of ineffable radiance suffuses Flint's mortal coil, growing in power until it suddenly retracts inside his body. Eyes opening slowly and lips parting to take in a first breath, he looks up lovingly at Bel and smiles, saying, "How could I ever say no to you, my love? Eternity itself cannot separate us." Realizing the crowd gathered around them, Flint looks gratefully to the Grand Cleric and levers himself up to a seated position, gently taking Belmarniss' hand and announcing, "Thank you all for calling me back. I shall endeavor to be worthy of your efforts."
“Good hunt today,” sighs Flint contentedly, sitting around the fire with a handful of other warriors. The sky above was dotted with uncountable stars, shining a serene light over the open plain at night. ”Aye, the stag led us on a good chase today,” replies Ulfric, a husky Nordic warrior with whom Flint had hunted these past few days. The proof of their successful hunt roasted on a spit over the fire, crackling as the juices dropped in to the fire, the scent of the cooking meat wafting over the group and making Flint’s stomach rumble. One of the stars above grew brighter, its light drawing his attention. There was something…familiar…about its radiance. Softly, he hears a voice beckoning from the distant star, and a memory tickles his mind. The Burning Mother, the Radiant Cathedral, a life and death struggle to save whole civilizations, both familiar and heretofore unknown…these memories floated past in his mind as if lived by another, narrated by a familiar voice. Flint stands and looks up at the star. It seemed closer than before, and he recalls more of his mortal life, suddenly recognizing the voice as that of High Priestess Novaheart, who led the yearly high holy services in the Radiant Cathedral he attended as a youth. Other voices join the high priestess, drifting down from the star above…
Suddenly a surge of power ripples through the fabric of reality, echoing through all the planes where mortal and immortal dwell. Flint feels a surge of concern for the companions he left behind, but also an indwelling peace that was at once all-encompassing and impossible to properly describe. As the energy ebbs, Flint’s vision clears and he is in an endless expanse of pristine natural beauty, outshone only by the radiant face of a kindly woman approaching from the clouds. Falling down on his face in reverence, Flint hears, ”Arise and take my hands, holy warrior. You have served me well and are wholly worthy of the paradise awaiting you.” Ever the dutiful priest, Flint arises, noticing without alarm that his body is now suffused with photonic radiance that before only dwelt inside him. Touching the Burning Mother’s hands, he sees fresh injuries—a dark stain on the right palm and a matching one on the back of her left hand. In his mind’s eye, he sees his God’s right hand crushing the upstart Efreeti queen, and in her left he sees cushioned and protected from the incomprehensible explosion a minuscule starship—the Torrent of Embers! ”Rest easy, noble one. Your friends are safe, your world is rescued, and your work is complete. Enter my rest with joy.” And just like that, Flint smiles gratefully at her and moves off to meet the figures in the distance, heroes of the past who have done their part to save the world in ages past. Yet a single iridescent tear falls from his eye, a memento to the sadness of what might have been yet done, had he survived to continue his life among his friends.
If someone would like to narrate the mortal side of the resurrection, Flint will describe his return from the spiritual side—looking at you, Bel…
It truly has been amazing! Heroic sacrifice and all—and we won! Once more around the ‘verse before we hang up out spurs? Yes please!
Elsewhere: Blissfully unaware of the dire events in the mortal realm, Flint slowly drifts forward into the ever-brightening light, though somehow his eyes adjust even faster! His vision is starting to clear and he can make out shapes, including one large central one with arms stretched open wide in welcome. At peace, Flint continues to drift forward, then…something happens, behind him.
A deific ping far behind him grabs the attention of all, and the being’s head turns aside. In his mind, Flint hears, ”Hold please,” as his forward progress stops. He can swear he hears the same music played in the lifts at the Radiant Cathedral, and he starts humming along, content for the moment even if some curiosity begins to creep in.
(Maybe ask about the range of the explosion, whether it would harm the sun, etc. I like the idea of disabling the blockers against current deity interference, as Sarenrae may want to weigh in…
Wow!
Rising up once more Flint slashes with his solar scimitar at the evil General Khaim, but his blade passes through with no effect, though it glows more brightly than ever before. Only then does Flint see his body, crushed and broken on the ground. Realization hits him hard even as the sun’s plasma grows brighter and the scene before him begins to fade. Flint smiles sadly and reaches out an insubstantial hand towards Belmarniss as the scene before him fades into a welcoming golden light.
Once more into the breach! Any flanking buddies want to help Flint get +2 on those attacks?
Waking up with a start, Flint finds he is still in combat! Briefly considering going for the god-egg as a distraction for his fellows, he instead focuses on reestablishing his photonic power, aligning himself with Sarenrae's power as he glides into the fog after the general using his jetpack to propel him along the nearby wall. Coming into sight of the outlined Khaim, Flint moves under cover of the fog and gets close enough to strike! With the magic of the Haste spell still affecting him, he finds himself able to strike twice. "Burning Mother, guide my blade," he breathes as he uses the holy weapon's frost fusion to convert the fire damage to freezing damage, though he does not have time to invoke his powerful Plasma Sheath.
There are a few med serums on Flint's person, if Uzmat thinks of that. Though even if he gets up with a handful of hp and no RP, Flint is unlikely to be able to get an attack off before being sliced up... IF Flint is healed enough to act again and approaches through the fog, can he close with the general without provoking an attack of opportunity? Alternately, he may fly towards the god-egg and slash at it trying to draw the general out...
There are a few med serums on Flint's person, if Uzmat thinks of that. Though even if he gets up with a handful of hp and no RP, Flint is unlikely to be able to get an attack off before being sliced up...
Up to you guys. I think we need Bel to engage him. With more stamina/hp, displacement and mirror image she has the best chance right now.
Flint is already down and dying, so he loses his last RP if his turn comes up this round without healing. Flint took Luminescent inquisition at 12th level to counter invisibility (move action to grant the Aurora property to his weapon), and that was his next move if he can land a hit on the general. Otherwise the cloak is our only chance I know of.
Well, crap. Flint is down and dying with only 1 RP left. Make his death worth the sacrifice, you guys!
If Belmarniss moves to engage the invisible foe, exiting the fog cloud to do so, and takes an AOO, she *might* have a decent idea where the general is and be able to use her dispel. If not, she can at least try whacking him with her blade a couple of times (thanks to haste) and clear the path for Ordyt.
Flint watches carefully, trying to determine the source of the general's next attack and/or monologue--plus any obvious movement afterwards. He needs a target for his next Stellar Rush, after all.
Flint moves over to the shredding form of Uzmat and intones, "Not on my watch. Sarenrae, grant us your ultimate healing!" As the Captain focuses, the blazing aura around him drains from him in golden tendrils, gathering the shredding form of the noble fire elemental back together, denying the specter of death itself! Flint is left totally unattuned, looking drained and haggard by his channeling of the massive radiant energy...but Uzmat has been knit back together, if only just.
"Get to cover!" Flint urges to the barely integrated Uzmat.
Flint is also waiting to see the ruling on Stellar Rebirth and the dispel check—especially if Bel moves in and soaks the opportunity attack…
Would this work on Uzmat? https://www.aonsrd.com/StellarRevelations.aspx?ItemName=Stellar%20Rebirth Flint is fully attuned and wishing to do this, but the “body” has to be somewhat intact.
Quietly to Uzmat, Flint says, ”Go to the body of Nurleth and grab one of the hag’s cloaks she took. They have the power to dispel invisibility. Reveal our foe, then find some cover that you may preserve your own life.” Calling upon his connection to Sarenrae and the power of the sun, Flint says, ”Burning Mother, your sons have need of you. Bless us as we fight for the lives of all your children!” Pulling from his last reservoir of power, Flint heals himself and ends his copious bleeding, then channels some of that healing into Ordyt!
( plus Flint’s 36 hp after bleed plus 36 hp healing; total divided by two and sent to Flint and Ordyt equally) ”Get up, brother. It’s time to finish this,” Flint says as Ordyt awakens.
Bel -- don't forget your +2 for flank and the critical damage from that second strike!
"Hang on Ordyt!" calls Flint to his unconscious ally, relieved to see his chest still rise and fall. Badly wounded himself, he looks to Belmarniss and says, "For victory!" Slashing at the Blue Khaim with vigor, Flint's eyes blaze with photonic power!
Flint then moves carefully (guarded step) to hover over Ordyt's prone form protectively.
Flint jets quickly through the air over Bel's head to get into a double flank with Uzmat on the Blue Khaim, saying, "High-Low maneuver!" in an odd non-sequitur to confuse the likely cybernetic creature. Worried about Ordyt, Flint attacks twice with his scimitar, hoping to take down the dangerous automaton before it can finish the job!
Yes, I am. Did we lose track of Nurleth (aka white Khaim)? “Ordyt rushes in and finally gets revenge for the many tricks and cruelties the efreeti Nurleth played over the last several months. She gasps as the bayonet pierces her side, once, twice. She grits her teeth, but her wounds are too much and she collapses.” If we survive this, Flint hopes to get the robes back from her to keep his promise.
Wow! Thanks for the haste and the blessing of the dice!
Flint steps in carefully to reengage the purple Kalim, saying, [”I’ll try to hold this one here!. With newfound speed from the Haste Spell, The wounded captain strikes twice with his holy scimitar!
Reeling from the massive attack, Flint puts two and two together, deciding to ignore the cyborg and focus on the true enemy. "Focus attacks on the White Khaim," he grunts through the comms to his allies. Carefully stepping out of the flank and putting a solid wall at his back, he slashes hard at the White Khaim, praying that the Burning Mother guides his hand!
His eyes glowing with the vigor of battle, Flint invokes his Plasma Sheath, then kicks in his jetpack, sending himself towards the purple general with a mighty burst of acceleration. Narrowly missing multiple obstacles, Flint closes with the foe and slashes mightily with his holy scimitar, shouting, "For Victory!"
Nodding in agreement with Belmarniss’ words, Flint adds, ”The damage you have done to our home and our people has been great in your feckless pursuit of godhood for you leader! You have conquered and enslaved, murdered and tortured—all to serve your selfish goals!” Drawing his blade and preparing for combat, Flint resolutely stands, intoning, ”How much more suffering will you cause if you succeed? NO! We will stop you! Your path of wickedness ends here!”
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