stealth(37):1d20 + 27 ⇒ (5) + 27 = 32 Will(31):1d20 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29 Deception(35):1d20 + 28 ⇒ (19) + 28 = 47 deception(35):1d20 + 28 ⇒ (18) + 28 = 46 crit dotn to a normal success for an end score of 6 coins
Cerulean waves their hand under the table knowing that the audience is trying to help cheat for Silverhand and uses their innate magic to create an illusion to hide the true identity of their cards. However kitsune magic seems to be exposed for what it really is when passed through the reflective surface, or at least this kind. Regardless they still manage to play an excellent hand though it could have been better.
Keeping their head in the game Cerulean takes a few moments to answer the trivia question, then goes back to a winning hand once again bringing them back to start in this game. It's looking like it's all up to Timdok now.
performance(37):1d20 + 30 ⇒ (19) + 30 = 49 will(31):1d20 + 22 ⇒ (11) + 22 = 33 deception(35):1d20 + 28 ⇒ (2) + 28 = 30 back to 4 but hey got the 2 entertainment points
Cerulean shows off their showmanship flair, but despite all of the potential attempts to stack or otherwise manipulate the cards, of which there are none. The alchemist's luck remains neutral.
Cerulean takes the shot of absinthe while looking at her cards off-handedly. Then looks expectantly at the one who provided the alcohol. "I thought you said this was potent? Pour me another round of this swill."
The alchemist takes another shot of the stuff doing a horrible thing and savouring it, while most would threaten vapor locking, gives shrugs at the concoction. Then plays a good hand earning their coin back.
"Oh delightful it's a team game?" Will(31):1d20 + 22 ⇒ (4) + 22 = 26
Cerulean begins to strut over to their seat for the game
It takes Cerulean a bit to learn the fundamentals of the game but having spent many nights treating Timdok's wounds and studying his extensive resilience to various toxins they've got some experience navigating the area of card games. Though this particular version of gambling game they seem unaware of.
Cerulean pulls out a spray bottle filled with a vibrant blue paint and moves next to Esirelle. "Hold it steady, this formula is specifically for stage settings. Fast acting, and best of all, mostly completely harmless to people and animals." The alchemist begins spraying the material quickly to not slow themselves down.
Colorful Coating(Blue) ftw, I could quick vial it if necessary but honestly it's also just good for the flavor
Cerulean is thankful to be saved by Esirelle as she flies by. And decides to repay the kindness when the group is assaulted by Dinosaurs.
Their form distorts as they open their mouth to sing and dance through the crowded space. The strange nature of Cerulean's Kitsune heritage pouring forth into the minds of the beasts causing her to appear as something even primal beasts can witness as unnerving and fearful.
burn a 3rd level slot for upcast fear to autopass), which should just get us to the 7th obstacle, just in time for Khayra
Cerulean quickly mixes and drinks a tonic as they reach the rooftops. Wincing at the natural toxicity of the mutagenic chemicals.
"Why is he so fast!"
acro(40):1d20 + 22 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 22 + 3 = 37
Quickly shimmying across the roofspace Cerulean makes a daring leap at the last moment but just catches the edge slowing any progress they would have made up. "Ooow." Quicksilver mutagen i take 32 damage which can't be healed until after the mutagen wears off an hour
Once the group gets beyond the throngs of people Cerulean speaks up though clearly the extra effort is showing on the alchemist at this point.
"Come now, they must be running out of road, or steam.. or both."
Sliding around the next corner they quickly spin on heel and put out their hands ushering everyone back down the 'other' alleyway.
"Nope no not this way nu-uh." Stealth:1d20 + 27 ⇒ (3) + 27 = 30 A roll that's not dogwater in this chase sequence PLEASE PAIZO! Stealth:1d20 + 27 ⇒ (14) + 27 = 41
Actors(Performance):1d20 + 29 ⇒ (1) + 29 = 30 No time for Heroics Actors(Performance):1d20 + 29 ⇒ (18) + 29 = 47
Cerulean moves in to mingle with the actors of the play helping spot read, use props, and otherwise assist as they can with the production. "So has anyone heard of this Fenton fellow?"
"I was... very close to figuring out an alternative to the sun orchid. I can feel it in my bones." They look to the others then continues to speak low as she dusts the table finding the chalk.
"But my equipment is not up to the task." The kitsune in disguise laments quietly at their apparent failure. Then raises the chalk covered finger, "Do we know any tailors who may have an ill repute? Or perchance for stealing fair folk?"
Cerulean had found themselves locked in their lab denying even Fallenta's summons, at first, this day having spent the better part of the last three days performing what they declared. 'Necessary and delicate research only to be disturbed if it was the most important business.'
The alchemist looks disheveled and tired leaning heavily into the palms of their hands, nursing the headache from the lack of proper sustenance, sunlight, hydration, and sleep. "I was so close..." They say weakly in response to the entire situation barely even registering the issue of Oriole missing at least in the moment.
If pressed to address the current goings on, they slowly and begrudgingly pull themselves together. But are clearly of low spirits and unusually quiet and reserved without being approached.
At this point I can literally revive someone from literal death and then make them feel right as rain. While also having regen to rival a trolls(minus the limb regrowing or weakness to fire)
Cerulean uses their prowess of infiltration and deception to infiltrate into areas that they learned the Silken Thread operate within to try and gather more clues.
Ceruelean took a day to come up with decent disguises for themselves, which wasn't hard when one was fluent in changing their identity for various reasons.
Sweeping over to Elengia, Cerulean grips her hands tightly. "And isn't this exactly that, a taste of the stage you so eagerly wanted. Why just think of how this may look were you some stranger on the roadside watching it all play out."
They release a hand and turn splaying their hand across the horizon to paint a picture. "Two lovers of noble houses one believing the other will soon show them scorn due to his lack of significance in the grand stage of the world. The other yearning for one who stands upon the stage, not because she has been passed aside, nor does she wish to jilt her lover, but simply because the call of excitement beckons. And stuck in the middle an up and coming star who's enjoyment of their company in secret leads to a daring plot of intrigue."
Turning back to Elengia they pull slightly leading her on, "Life is but a play that we all are in together, the more we understand one another's parts the better we may play to one another's strengths. You want the thrill of the stage so why not let your dear Alathero join you and your newest companion? As they say, two is a pair, but three is a show."
On approach to the Theater the entire group has caught the argument, Cerulean casts a quick glance to Lux knowing it's difficult to find the right individual. As such the Kitsune in disguise can't fault the nephilim. Just as well being a fellow individual who has been in similar scandalous situations saunters forward with an air of a professional while the others try to find an inroad to the conversation.
Cerulean first interposes themselves into the spat, "Dearest me, it seems we've quite the conundrum here don't we. We've two parties saying they were none the wiser of their partner's wishes and one saying that they were indeed informed."
Moving to Alathero first to address his concerns, she gently touches his wife's shoulder as she passes. "Now now, we will find an agreeable arrangement weather it's money or a peaceful resolution beyond. As I cannot have my lovelies distracted by what the heart wants pulling them from their calling. Alathero my dear, you and our dearest Lux do have chemistry." They flash a look to Lux then back to the man in front of them. "That much is plain for all to see. However, what happens when an individual lies to their professor, scribbles nonsense in the margins of the formula magical, alchemical, or..." A small tilt of the head and shimmy of the bosom is enough to guide even the most headstrong individual to fill in the blank. "Hmm?"
Giving him just a moment to start speaking Cerulean places a finger in front of his lips to quiet him with a soft Shhh. Gently brushing his cheek with their palm as they step slightly aside. "That's right it may fizzle, or it may blow up spectacularly in your face. How much face you have left to save is anyone's guess, though in this particular instance I would say you are luckily untouched as of yet. As there is still time to tame the wild concoction."
Turning to reinclude Lux and Elengia into the conversation properly and no longer take up the large portion of Alathero's view allowing him to really take in what gifts he has.
"So let us start here, you have two ravishing individuals with whom you have had a magnificent time with individually correct? I would have suggested that before you made moves or got around to experimentation you should have had a sit down with all members of your personal enclave."
They motion to Elengia, "T'would be remorse if your colleagues caught wind, and disapproved, or worse got jealous of you showering others in your creative affections now wouldn't it? So let us do what we should have at the start and invite your lovely partner to the study session and get her mind on what's to come shall we." There is a polite but firm press against Alathero's back to pressure him into opening up to Elengia a bit.
"I bet someone could do a good phantom show... and wasn't there a traveling all Amurrun perormance group that we saw in Rahadoum that one time? I will say trying to dress actors up as such probably wouldn't work so well." Cerulean cradles the gently jarred samples in their arms as they join the conversation again.
"Great now we only need a day for the wand to recharge and we may see our way home. As for sequels I do hope we aren't gesring up to go trouncing around the world again so soon. I'd prefer an actual rest after this non-retirement Operatic adventure."
Cerulean busies themselves taking samples as well as the actual amount of lilies they need for the dye to be made.
"With luck the species has become resilient against demonic corruption. In that case we shouldn't be too worried that they'll survive, but just in case I've a few samples to replant."
Things seem well in hand, so Cerulean doesn't see the need to expend any more of their important ingredients, instead grabbing some relatively harmless saltpeter, infusing it with some of their kitsune magic and lobbing it at the last foe.
As Timdok stumbles back from the blow, Cerulean is there pressing into his back to keep him moving forward. "Not the end of the round yet, give em the one-two special."
So careful with the careful application of the hybrid tonic she'd concocted Timdok barely feels a thing, well better certainly.
Stride to Timdok. Single brew(Combined Elixir- Elixir of Healing(Major)+Soothing Tonic(Greater)). Apply to Timdok who heals 69 hp immediately 15 temp hp on top of that, and fast healing 5 for 1 minute. 3/7 vers vials
With everyone gathered up still it's a risky play, but Cerulean knows the makeshift components won't hold for long. And they'd much rather this not go off in their hands.
So they lob the volatile jar of explosioves at the least injured of the demons, before carefully moving closer to the engagement to better aid everyone.
Stupor poisoned Junk Bomb:1d20 + 26 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 26 + 2 = 33 slashing; pers bleed; splash slash:3d8 ⇒ (5, 5, 7) = 173 = 33 = 3 If hit: Main target only must make a DC34 fort save of be affected by Stupor poison this is an incap effect.
"Thank you for helping Timdok, Esrielle. The one affected by my bomb should be much easier to target should the poison take hold!"
"Sorry Timdok dearest, but I've not packed anything for acids unless you count the reflex variety."
Checking in their pouches they work quickly through a few ideas. Grabbing a glass jar, a mixing of scrap bits and bobs and begin cobbling together something awful.
"Ugh I hate thinking i've been reduced to something so crude..."
After their makeshift grenade has been made they whip up another quick concoction and slather the outside being mindful of how they hold the unexpected explosive.
"Clear the field I have no idea if this'll work!"
diube brew Junk grenade and Stupor poison and then apply stupor poison to the grenade which takes all my actions for the round 5/7 vers vials
With the knowledge that we're going into demon territory Cerulean will learn pick up a Cold Iron Blanch Formula(5gp because uncommon level 3) we were going to a once toxic marsh I think it's safe to say Cerulean inoculated everyone with a shot of Major Antiplague(+4 fort against disease)
Daily prep(Timdok, Kharya please read):
10/14 left after the antiplague,
4 Bottled lightnings,
4 Greater soothing tonics,
2 Cold Moderate Iron Blanches(Dolled out to Timdok and Kharya)
Cerulean pinches their nose at the stench, "Ohh well I believe we've found what we're after, let's hope the lilies have survived." Drawing from their flask bandolier and knowledge Cerulean lobs a bomb at the nearest demon hoping to jolt it's reflexes so that the others have a better chance at attacking it.
Bottled Lightning:1d20 + 26 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 26 + 2 = 42 Electricity; splash:3d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 5) = 153 = 3 On a hit, the target becomes off-guard until the start of your next turn. Many types grant an item bonus to attack rolls.
"Sarkorian flowers hm? I mean demons aside we should also very well make sure they aren't pushed to extinction. I have some pretty good knowledge on how that can change alchemical prices and studies."
Deception(DC35):1d20 + 27 ⇒ (11) + 27 = 38Tight fit but she'll fit
Cerulean a long time and expert avoider of Lovers Quarrels swoops in between the two divas. "Heeey, look we can all do this staring at one another longingly like star-crossed lovers thing, but we're here to work." They pull the two closer, "Together... so perk up, and say what's on your mind, weather here or behind doors is up to you." They wink at the pair.
"Remember you are on the payroll so don't make me force you to kiss and make up darlings."
Downstairs
Crafting(DC32):1d20 + 28 ⇒ (15) + 28 = 43
Cerulean provides some comments about their own attire and how they wished they'd have altered this or that when they were adventuring in the equipment. The alchemist seems rather surprised by the tailoring job however, they do go to great lengths of speaking on how a tailed being would prefer some of the cuts however.
Cerulean must be getting too used to the city life given their time recently. "I think it's over-Baff- Ahh!" The Alchemist having been looking back to the party runs headfirst into a low hanging branch with plenty of probably not poisonous ivy.
"You'd think... I'd pick up some more outdoors skills after all these years, to actually cultivate and scour for my own reagents, but it's so much easier to hire out the help to gather anything. You'd be shocked what you could accomplish with only rainwater and mushrooms from very specific areas of the world."
"Well we aren't going to go trouncing through the wilderness without preventative measures taken first."
Finally buying an expanded alchemist's toolkit for that +2 craft bonus(and affixing it to my invention).
Crafting notes:
Lots of stuff here so spoiling it for sake of compression.
Buy Formula for Bioluminescence Bomb(uncommon level 1; 3gp).
Craft 8(craft in batches of 8 items) 3gp each total cost of 24gp, initial investment of 12gp.
Crafting(DC17):1d20 + 28 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 28 + 2 = 39 Crit, so each additional day spent gives me my level+1 at legendary prof meaning i'll only need one to spend one extra day to finish these, and I'll make 36-24, 12 gold back after everything on excess production.
days spent 2
Bought the formula for these ages ago and never got around to rolling them up, yay executive dysfunction. I'll make the potions on our next DT though because they are Pricy and I don't wanna deal with having to shill out 3200gp out of my pocket, or hold up our search for the oriole for a month XD.
Craft(DC24):1d20 + 28 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 28 + 2 = 40 Crit as above, I'll spend an additional 4 days giving us a week to prep to find the bird seems reasonable bringing the price down 400-144=256gp
Total days spent 7, total gold spent 252
Production:
8 Bioluminescence bombs
8 Moderate Potion Patches
After a week of preparation Cerulean hands everyone a pair of delicate glass orbs, filled with a swirl of algae filled liquid.
"These should help us track the bird once we've spotted it, tag it with the liquid inside, throw it near enough to the creature and the compounds inside will do the rest making it easier to follow for a day. Since we'll be chasing a flying creature the entire time as well I'll be supplying us with equipment to slow it down. Biodegradable as well so no harm should come to it beyond a mildly rough landing."
Everyone gets 2 Bioluminescence Bomb(DC 34), to use to try and tag the bird if we see it, they're super cheap use em lol.
Each day during the hunt Cerulean will brew up a batch of Major antiplagues for everyone to drink at the start of the day. You gain a +4 item bonus to Fortitude saving throws against diseases for 24 hours leaving 10 free alchemical items per day to be made still.
I will also craft 4 Greater glue bombs with temp ingredients for each of us to snag the bird so it's easier to catch leaving me with 6 free's.
Cerulean brings their A-game to the first day of searching for the elusive Twilight Oriole. While no bird enthusiast themselves it means the day isn't a wash of being in the completely wrong area.
Perception(dc36):1d20 + 21 ⇒ (19) + 21 = 40
Cerulean laughs at Timdok's open joke, "Ah yes we all have our various vices, such is the adventuring life. I've got detailed notes on what would work well for props, but I'm no master of engineering with stage pieces. Just 'tonics'."
Cerulean moves to accentuate what is proposed by the others. "Of course, and we already have a wonderful cast lined up, many sponsors. All of Kintagoro will be in attendance I'm sure."
Moving to pantomime some of the features of the opera's plot Cerulean continues. "Well we can't share all the details, but it involves our adventures against the nefarious Ahk'nathal, his slew of followers, lieutenants, and such. It shall be a tale filled with drama, trauma, and betrayal abound."
Cerulean had been hoping to hear the performance but seeing that Vaerthilde thought even the start of it was heartless she wondered how hard this was going to be.
I have a feeling performance will be the hardest skill even then a +29 is gonna be hard to pass up(man auto legendary on performance is nuts)
Striding down towards the orchestra pit Cerulean speaks calmly to the conductor, beginning the negotiation while the others studied for the best means to do so. "Hello, it's so good to see that Fallenta's message has been received so quickly. We are indeed looking for a masterful conductor to work alongside our joint production. We've secured a masterful venue for you to practice your craft, and if needs be we shall search the varied lands for those who meet your requirements for instrumentation as well. Should you have interest in working with us."
Seeing a bit of the Monkey Goblin's routine rings well with Cerulean, though there are also some parts that even the kitsune thinks may be a bit off-brand.
Leaning over to discuss with Timdok, Cerulean offers "I know you may not have seen it, but it's hardest to judge ourselves right? I think Lux would do fantastic as your doppleganger on the stage."
"Come now, Dearest Esirelle, you know 'my' tonics work all sorts of wonders, even aside from the fun side effects." She pitches to the halfling hoping to see a good response.
Cerulean looks at the others before the audition performance is even over and gives a very tiny shrug, "I think we've found a perfect Kharya fit honestly."
