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I hope you're not going through a hospital stay or death of a loved one, mdt. Get well soon!
Still here, I'd rather pause than give up the game. Even with Connor putting his foot into his mouth, it appears (I think I was half-asleep when I did that post). Willing to wait! Will keep checking in. Or you can send an e-mail, mdt!
Just making sure Paizo.com isn't on the fritz again. Sometimes I post, and nothing happens!
Suspected as much. I had Vacation Bible School, then a couple of days on the lake last week! Now for 98F weather in North Carolina...
Yes, happy 21 June. I've always wondered why the days get hotter when they get shorter. Kind of a delayed reaction. Still checking every other day!
Feeling Flann shut down his Vitalist's network, and the attitude from both him and Vim, Connor reflected. High-level magic could detect some psionics, and vice-versa. If the lizardman had its' own magical ability, then a detect psionics on it would active magical awareness. Arcane blood? Perhaps a racial ability? But there should have been nothing wrong with talking among themselves. "All right. Four. Kotsi will stay, given her...concerns." Connor stated. "It will also make it easier, since we can tell the innkeep that Kotsi will keep the suite or move to her own room. I'm ready to go now, warrior - you never did tell us your name."
Final thoughts? Connor flashed over Flann's network. I've been burned in the past by scammers, and we are in Wingless territory here. But I'm inclined to say 'yes', even though it will burn through nearly all the gold I brought.
Sorry to hear you go, Kotsi/Storm Dragon! Like the others, I've been slammed at home. And today you get to see Connor's arch enemy, Mr. Dicebot! Not a single roll higher than 10. Which is why I craft the stuff that gives bonuses.
As always for its' kind, the lizardman was inscrutable behind those glassy eyes. Thanks, Vim. Connor sent over Flann's network. "Actually, there are four of us." Connor stated, glancing at the other room in the suite. "Which, for your prices, would tempt even the most common of thieves. What about half up front, and half upon our safe return to this inn? I've heard there are many dangers under the Surface, and I would want to make sure we have a reliable guide back here." He put emphasis on the words "safe" and "here". Feeling the need to ensure the guide's trust, Connor grabbed that upwelling fire inside himself. He also used his emphatic monocle, looking at the lizardman through rose-colored glass. Connor had been cheated so many times, from the flying islands to Surface mercenaries, that he wanted to be sure this lizardman had a professional attitude.
for mdt:
Reassure both Sanita and Braden that there has not been any fighting...yet. Connor has an account with the local bank, so Steward Warwick can authorize Accountant Aodh to withdraw for daily expenses (this is all on Connor's spreadsheet under "Downtime"). It's only been a month? And the account has 900 gold for 180 days for Warwick and Aodh, plus the 3,450 for the foundations and buildings, and 100 gp spending money with the workers. If necessary Connor can Correspond with the bank executive to arrange another funds transfer to Aodh. (Downtime has the number of days for building each part of Lodging, Museum, Artisan's Workshop, and Temple. Lodging=30 days and should be first, then Museum (over 100 days), A's Workshop, and Temple.) Connor tells Warwick that they're currently underground investigating the Dwarves, so it might be two or three more months.
"True enough." Connor replied to Adran. Turning back to the lizardman, Connor asked "You see, warrior, that we must be cautious. It was bad enough to find out the Dwarves have shuttered their shops. Our particular group has not had good experiences with your...kind on the Surface. Do you have references we can check locally? As in, with our innkeeper? Or the one next door?"
Connor started a new book, entitling it The Gears of the Gnomes and Depths of the Dwarves. Connor paid the innkeep 8 gp for two more days. He also took out the supplies that he brought with him, the crystal masks, dyed-black leather boots, and expensive embroidered vests. Connor talked with Adran and Flann before working on one of the items. ---------------------- "We were hoping for trade, my good...er, warrior." Connor replied, stepping back from the opened door so the rest of the party could see the Wingless newcomer. "My name is Connor of McIntyre, employed by Mintakan Shipping from...the floating islands."
You're doing fine, mdt. I've had a busy week too.
Connor turned and walked away from the dwarves, without even a look back. This place is starting to remind me of they way they treat me back home. he sent to Hero. Connor wandered some more, hoping to see an unboarded window, merchandise behind the glass.
"My apologies if my curiosity offended, goodwoman!" Connor exclaimed, partially opening his wings and extending them near his sides like a feathered cloak in a half-bow. "I have flown such a long way, on rumors and myths of the depths and riches of your fine city, only to discover houses boarded up against a hurricane! Must I return, with only silence as my remembrance of Barda Koxka, and my ignorance pristine?" he wistfully asked.
Long weekend, and on the lake today - will post tonight!
Connor thanked the proprietress and went up the many stairs. The gas lamps were eyebrow-raising, and Connor flapped his wings a few times, keeping the inner doors to the suite open, to dissipate the gas. "I think there's a market here for crystal light. And resist toxin until then." he muttered out loud. Reading the levers' labels, Connor announced "Hero, under no circumstances are you to use the third lever." ---------------- Leaving his backpack, psicrystal staff, and Hero in the room, Hero doing his usual walkaround, Connor went back down the stairs to the greatroom. Ordering a plate of bear, he joined the others. "Even with the shops shuttered, I don't believe it will hurt to wander the city tomorrow." Connor opined, eating.
Still here! I understand how daily life can keep you away from the Pazio boards for a while.
I think we've established a room. Will the innkeep give us a key or show us the suite?
With a look at Kotsi, waiting for a barely preceptable nod, Connor reached into both side belt pouches, handing over 16 gold. "One suite, four nights. If we cannot get any trade within three days, we'll take the train out of here back to the Surface." he said.
Alfaerisca frowns. "Not sure I'd be the expert in doing things that would get my inn shut down. After all, admitting to that would get it shut down. Now, in theory, there might be some people who do such things, but from what I've overheard of people talking too loudly and too loosely after some wine or ale here in the tavern, these types of people find you, not the other way around." She responds to Connor and Kotsi.
Once again, Connor reached within himself to add that white-hot fire to discern what the hostess was really saying. "Hardly a secret worth keeping, strangers who want to trade, despite the sudden difficulties!" he said jovially. "Now about those rooms. We'll be wanting a suite; how far do we need to pay in advance?"
All right, me being traditional doesn't advance the game. I should make more power stones of all these possible powers.
Technically you're right, there's nothing in the rules that state "you must choose a 4th Level power if you have a 4th Level slot". It'd be easier than going back five levels to change a 1st-level power. Psychic reformation has some weird text to prevent choosing a 2nd-level slot with a 4th-level power (I believe this applies with Expanded Knowledge, so you do have to be careful to not lose a slot). But I think it goes against the feel of the system. 1st-level powers should go in 1st-level slots. Expanded Knowledge, a few other feats let you get more powers, but they are specific to lower-level slots. Connor would be treated as 3rd Level for 24 hours to change a 1st-level power. Harsh, I know. I don't have to use psychic reformation to get the power! I can use the Emphatic Monocle instead, but that's one/day.
Connor heard Vim's request. "Angry? What could possibly make a Dwarf, whose stoic approach to life is akin to mountain stone itself, angry?" Connor asked out loud. His eyes followed where the knife was now stuck in the wall, even as he talked a bit lower, so fewer would hear. "And more importantly, Innkeeper Alfaerisca, since you are a more permanent resident, do you know how to get past the trade posts and inside the city proper? Perhaps for a fee? Or for information beyond the gates that you can then sell to others? Asking as a fellow merchant." Connor reached inside of himself, attempting to gain the woman's trust.
Hero, Connor mused, I'm going to need broker after all. Especially if we need to persuade a Dwarf to let us into the city tomorrow. I'll have to use psychic reformation tonight. He did not look forward to the period of sickness the power demanded. Connor knew he should have taken the time to craft a coin of brotherhood to bribe a guard with.
"My apologies." Connor replied to Alfaerisca. "We're traders, hoping to open up a new market for our employers. But I scarcely land outside and all the news is about how the Dwarves have closed their shops! So rather go home empty and contractless, I'd at least like to ask what happened to cause the Dwarves to retreat even further into their mountain range?"
"I prefer to 'spread my wings and fly free'...but there's 'never such a thing as too much humor', especially with talkative floors that refuse to stay quiet." Connor quoted back at the female drow, smiling. "That would involve my third question about this city of Dwarves, Innkeep Alfaerisca. But I would defer to asking two new questions before hearing the answer to my third."
for mdt:
I know, Tenfa - our first real halfling here on the Surface this time! But I can look for museum/temple workers as we go along. Connor replied. Privately he would hate to "force" himself to be recognized by a priest of Tenfa or other godling. There had been too much of that in Masiaarin. It would blow whatever cover they had here. Connor inwardly shuddered at the Wingless pricing themselves so blatantly. Would their prices rise or lower if the Dwarves' drought continued? As sisters they had nothing to worry about from him, unless they grew wings. "Do the suites have wider windows, Innkeeper Alfaerisca?" he rumbled, trying to show deference after Kotsi. The accommodations were expensive, either for a room or a suite. Hero, tell our countryman and woman, politely this time, we're not saving much if we go separate, and we can always use telepathy inside a suite. We'll need three days, could be longer if the Dwarves are mute. Connor sent.
Connor recognized the majority of wood paneling present was the lighter Darkwood. Outlawed automatically on Atalantia, Connor considered eating at the magic-imbued tables as appetizing as using barrels of gunpowder for furniture. Someone had this much Darkwood? Hero, he sent to his other self, tell Vim to pass on to the others we're surrounded by Darkwood in here. Connor looked expectantly at Kotsi for introductions.
Flann, Adran, Connor sent over Flann's network, I hate to split our group, but the situation is being forced upon us. Kotsi, due to your...complexion, you may get a similar familiarity at the other inn. Outwardly, his shoulders tense with the effort of keeping his wings folded as small as possible, Connor stated "Well, honorable innkeep, we were warned, but we had hoped to stay together. Vitalist Swallowtail, I'll contact you after we've made...other arrangements." He began to awkwardly turn back to the double doors. I just hope it's Southern Drow at this inn, and not the half-psionic, half-magical Northern tribe. Connor told Hero. There's no way I can hide our psicrystal staff, or our universal items.
It depends. Connor sent through Flann's network. Miss Gearloose undoubtedly has contacts among the local gnomes here as well. If they had any clue as to what was making the dwarves close their stores, it would be the locals. They would have told her already. We need to find an even higher, or in this case, deeper, source.
"Drow." Connor repeated uncertainly. He hefted his backpack. "Well! The Golden Goat it is then!" The young man looked at the others.
"Flann! Calm down." Connor urged his countryman. He chuckled. "You should have been with us in the North with a certain underground city. Being chased by monsters, hoping there's a turn in the corridor ahead. Or at least no traps." Connor felt the mountain slide around them inside the tunnel.
------------------- Connor knew Greta Wrenchbender could also be a source of information, theirs or Iskara's. "Have you been able to see any other countries coming or going here to Barda-Koxka, Miss Wrenchbender?" he asked politely after Vim's discussion. "Any new people in town? I'm expecting the Dwarves to stare at our wings, at least." Still seated, Connor kept one hand holding his psicrystal staff, the Diplomacy stone orbiting in a tight circle under Hero topping the translucent material. He also reached deep inside himself to stroke that core of white-hot otherness, to add to his effort.
Interesting! What did you want to make the gloves into?
Yes, I forgot. Thanks, Flann. I'm always worried about what I call the "Big Three":
So we're covered on #1 and most of #2. Being Mythic can cover #3, eventually.
That's a valid question, actually. Who among us does not have sustenance, cannot access it through touch telepathy or networking? Tattoos of sustenance cost 150 gp of materials to make for just 1 day, so it's more cost-effective to buy a bag of storage and fill it with trail rations and jugs of water. Remember, Atalantians are anti-magic, so a ring of sustenance is not a solution.
As long as Connor doesn't have to carry someone again. :)
Connor with his 21 INT will run screaming from any mind flayers. As for a "supercontainer", do you mean extradimensional storage? I've been using a templated character equipment list now for years for all my characters. It's more for magic than psionics, but the Excel spreadsheets remind me about storage, living, writing, crafting, etc. For instance: yes, Bags of Holding/Storage are nice, but don't do much for liquids. Hence the clay jugs (3 or more), plus the Collapsible Bathtub (Ult.Equip.) (15 gp, 20 lbs.). Just in case mdt pulls another dungeon full of magic freezing water. ;) One campaign, I even made Buckets of Holding. When the decanter of endless water simply cannot be found/crafted.
for mdt:
Connor is going to agree with Braden and change the shifts to two weeks. But security on the ship includes a minimum of a two-man guard on the locked-and-chained vault at all times. They don't have to stand there and do nothing all day, but work in the hold nearby and make sure invisible thieves don't pick the lock. Or a Shaper making constructs to randomly march around the lockbox. (correspond is one of those "you know if the person you've sent it to is alive, but they don't have to respond" powers. So interactive, if the person has anything to say.)
That afternoon, Connor will take a train to Iska and go shopping in the Jeweler's area. He'll take the last train back to the outlying area near Telv's estate.
"If anybody goes to town before tomorrow's trains," Connor requested, "see if you can find a map of the dwarven city. A travel brochure. Places to visit and eat at. Anything." Connor will get his stuff from his bedroom, and fly to the Wandering Elephant. for mdt:
Things to do on the ship. - tell First Mate Braden and the other Mates about the change to the schedule; indefinite rotating 1/3 liberty in Iska, 1/3 skeleton crew, 1/3 Telv's Estate making a drydock. One day each. Skeleton crew to focus on repairs & security. - unlock the vault onboard, take out 9,000 gp. Give 1,000 gp to First Mate Baden for liberty pay & ship repairs, replenishment (if not from Telv's Estate). Keep 8,000 gp for specialsts to use in Dwarven lands. (See Cargo/Gold Allotment). - pack stuff back into backpack (see Google Docs - Equipment List). - use correspond back to Sanita and give her details of the gnome/dwarf metals problem. Iska's version of criminal punishment. Tell her about having to go to Barda Koxka, 'Place of Exchanges' in Dwarven. Also about Telv's Estate, which should be an Atalantian "safe house" now on the Surface.
Wow, my sympathies, mdt. I go to Lowe's Home Improvement because they were in my area first over Home Depot. But I have a truck so I can move stuff myself (yes, I've hurt myself doing that too. Getting older.). Another reason to stay away from Home Depot.
Up until my neighbor remarried and the new husband bought a chainsaw last week and felled said tree, I was the only person in my neighborhood with a chainsaw. Hurricane Michael (Sep 2018) dropped about six trees among me and two other neighbors. My ash tree (60 ft tall) took me about 3 weeks. My apple tree that went from 0-degrees to 40-degree tilt is a "when I get around to it" progress work. The neighbors' trees took about two weeks, but I just finished the fifth burn pile for the twigs. Then the new hubby for my neighbor decides he wants to clear out the back acreage with about 40 oak, pine, cape myrtle, and scrub trees. I like to call it "chainsaw therapy". There ain't nothin' like the feel of a brand-new chainsaw chain for the first 30 minutes.
My neighbor decided to drop an oak tree across the gravel road in our cul-de-sac, and I've spent the last two days cutting it up. Getting the trunk off of the newly-poured gravel (honest; it was just last week) only took 3 hours, but cutting up the thickest branches and wood into fireplace-sized chunks took yesterday and today. And two chainsaw chains. I've got an elderly friend in town who uses a wood furnace to heat his house, so this is charity work for me. Will post tomorrow.
Upon his return, Connor stated "All right, instead of a weeks-long vacation with leisurely walks along Iska's streets, enjoying the delicacies, we've got a new mission." He clapped his hands together for emphasis. "It's just us going to Barda Koxka. I'll have the First Mate keep the Elephant in the nearby lake. Meanwhile, we can keep the crew busy constructing a drydock on Telv's estate. Is that good with you, Telv? The Elephant will be more secure the closer to the estate we keep it." "Everyone, back to the ship - we've got to pack. We leave on the first train to Barda Koxka tomorrow morning, if no one has any objections. Vim, Adran, Flann - if you want, you can hit the inns and bars again, this time looking for Dwarven information." Connor said. "Ishthraxa, Kotsi - pack anything you think we might need for either a daily stay or a monthly stay underground. I don't know if we'll be able to get an inn or not. We'll have to play it by ear, maybe use our charm." He flipped up his emphatic monocle and down again suggestively. "Let's go!" Connor finished, looking at the pendulum clock in the room.
"Thank you for the information. Perhaps going just as we are, a company from the floating islands desiring trade, would be good enough." Connor concluded. "Allow me to escort you outside." he offered, half-spreading one white wing towards the door along with an arm. <Last chance, everyone!> Connor telegraphed through Flann's network.
Nothing from home. Hence the decades-old gears, and those were common metal. You're free to ask Miss Gearloose yourself. Connor replied over Flann's network, looking thoughtful. |