Deneb Flynvias's page

Deneb finished his transformation and was ready to release the firepower. That is until he went through his mental list of spells ready. Almost all of the damaging ones would be ineffective. Lightning and fire were his go to and they were extremely resistant. So what could he do? He looked around the battle field. And then at the people they were here to protect. Right. He could do that.

Deneb leapt from his perch and approached the royal offspring. He holds his hands up to indicate non-aggression. He looks at their eleven protector, Alysandra first. "My offense is going to be lacking, may I apply defensive spells to the children?" With an affirmative, he puts on his best smile to lighten the mood and rubs his hands together. "Right. Who wants their own personal tornado?" He looks for confirmation from one of them and touched their chest, saying a small prayer. "Erastil, bless this child and let them walk the eye of the storm unhindered." He backs away quickly as gale force winds surround the child.

Deneb landed on top of one of the shelves with a good line of sight to the hall and monsters bearing down on them. He slowly changed back to his normal self and grumbled, "Ugh. Wish that didn't take so long." The first line of fighters were being overrun already and he could do nothing in that form. Not yet anyway. Fire and lightning danced on his finger tips as he sought out a target.

Above the heads of the fighters, civilians, and even the royal children, Deneb fly as fast as he could to keep up. He had to keep his speed down lest he take a corner too fast and crash into a wall or person.

Flying over heads and tables, Deneb moves towards Alysandra and the children. He mentally went over what spells he had available, their possible effectiveness versus these monsters, and felt somewhat inadequate. The big ones shrugged off most attacks, magical or otherwise, and the small ones seemed at least resistant. And also there was a horde of them. A literal horde. He took one last look behind him at his friend and said a silent prayer. He hoped they'd both make it through this.

Dungeons may also be a problem. But hey, it's your PC, go for it. At least as a druid you have d8 HD and can heal yourself and your bird.

Flying 150' up does mean that Zelligar will never have to worry about stabilizing you...

I assume dungeon's aren't too big of a thing in this campaign. Didn't sound like it by in the player's guide. And it may be a bit gimmicky but I took evolved companion to give his Roc the Skilled evolution. +8 racial to Fly. Wanted to be the best darn flyer around. That and hit most fly DC's without trying, like Hover, 180's, and not to loose altitude after an attack. That should make dungeons easier. Garuda will be the main damage so he won't be at 150ft often. Pop a spell or two then swoop in. Is an animal companion's level 7 advancement an option after we hit max level?

I have heard in PFS "Well I'll stay in the back and not get hit" from players of 10-Con casters (the true glass cannons); for a variety of reasons that isn't going to work here.

What if I'm 150ft above the battle on a creature with a movement speed of 80 and a fly skill of 18?

I think I have most things updated. The backstory is a little long but I decided not to change too much. I just added a bit at the end to explain why he is in Elsir Vale. Basically it was supposed to be a journey of self-discovery that ended with him getting captured thanks to bad luck.

"Hah," Deneb cries in triumph as he finally gets the stupid leather strap off. He turns to the enemies, ready to rain down magical lightning and fire. Only he can't see a damn thing. He cursed his small stature. But over the sounds of combat he hears Alysandra call for aid protecting the King's children. He remembered them being to his right. Deneb focuses on an animal, one of his favorites, and pushes his divine magic into the form. He throws his hands into the air and they instantly turn into great, tawny wings. With a great down sweep, he launches into the air, transforming the rest of the way mid-flight. He gains some altitude to see the rest of the battle and heads for the cloud of fog, assuming the children were hidden within.

Deneb too heard the commotion and witnessed the odd divine caster become almost incapacitated. He looks at one nearby curiously. He looks over to Lyda and notices she has already begun to act. He reaches for his own component pouch and tries to call Garuda through their emphatic link. But his companion was too far away for that to work. He curses the Mayor's paranoia as he spends far too long trying to get his pouch open. He ducks behind a table and tries to seem unthreatening until he can get it open.

:Mordred:
Deneb raised a finder and opened his mouth but shut down the words quickly. He then closed his mouth and began rubbing his temple. Even his patience had limits. He was still bickering now that others were getting involved but he had in no way meant to insinuate that he was better than anyone, just that he was good enough to handle it. When Mordred is finished, he puts on a strained smile and says "I'll do just that." He then walks over to Lyda and begins pushing on her legs to move her away from the group. "On behalf of me and my associate I apologize for an offense given. Maybe we an reconcile later. Have a lovely evening." Lyda resists at first but is allowed to be moved though she still stares daggers, partially ruining his attempted apology. They resort to angry whispers as they leave.

:Aramil:
"Fair enough on most points. I was really referring to myself in terms of diplomacy. The rest of our group, not so much. It'd be a fair judgement. But she was not talking about us. She was referring to me. So yes, I can and will blame her for that," he says looking at Amavin as he says this. "If she is so amazing at diplomacy she is making a very poor showing."

"Woah. Okay ladies. Let's take a step back and breath." Deneb moves around the side and a little further down the dueling table to at least be seen by both women. I raises his hands in a placating gesture, looking a little fearful between the two. "We're going to be working together from now on so let's not start off, stepping on each others toes." He puts on a winning smile and looks back and forth between them. "Lady Zephyra. With all due respect, you don't know me and it was rather judgmental to say you wouldn't trust me with 'handling' the situation. I do have experience with this and there is a very big difference between handling and being superior. I also do not know you so could very well be better. But you haven't done good job of proving your point." He then looks around as if trying to find someone. "I wonder if the food is ready. I am certainly starving and that always makes me grumpy." He was hoping a distraction and bit of humor might smooth things over.

Lyda just continues to stare, waiting for an answer and certainly not helping.

::Amavin/Mordred::
"Sir. Madam," Deneb says, calling for their attention.He looks back and forth between them until he has their attention. "Where's the trust? You don't think we can handle a few bandits entrenched for the winter?" he says looking at Mordred. "Or assuage their fears and convince them this is a good thing?" switching to Amavin.

"Scouts will be in pairs. Threats will be avoided or observed. They'll wait for support before taking any action. They will not engage unless absolutely necessary," Lyda chimes in with further specifics on her plans. At least for her group that is.

:Acaciano:
"Acorn-y joke if I ever heard one," Deneb counters. "Leave the comedy re-leaf to me okay. You..."

"Deneb." Lyda cuts off any more.

"Right. Why don't we sit together at dinner with the any other scouting groups. We can work out the details then or meet later tonight at one of the fine establishment nearby."

:Theodric:
Deneb nods in agreement. "I have met both but there is a third group that is just as large. Cowards. People to whom banditry came easy because they are big and strong that prey on the weak. Show a strong front and most, will turn tail. The desperate can be bargained with if a show of force is not enough. Food, warm clothes, general survival knowledge. Might even agree to join with us."

Lyda chimes in as the voice for her group. "We're fairly equipped to handle that but we may need some extra resources."

:Chalm:
"I don't think we want this to feel like an invasion do we?" He turns to Chalm for verification.

:Chalm:
"You know this time frame sucks," Deneb says to the king very aware that that is the purpose of it. Planning was going to have to be minimal. Several groups of very ambition people were going to have to work together to make this happen safely. Choas was going to be a close friend for a while.

:Selene:
Deneb shakes the bad thoughts from his head and steps up on the table so he can be seen and heard. "Bandits? Sounds like someone is doubting the scouts. If there are bandits anywhere on this road we will be sure to dissuade them. In my experience, their resolve does not last long against lightning and thunder or arrows from the trees." He looks over at Acaciano for the last part.

:All:
"Thoedric's bandits will be the real threat. For that I think we need to be in communication with one of you fine mercenary groups, preferably your outriders. Any volunteers?"

I use the pfsrd. No giant raven there. Though that brings up the question, can you add templates to animals? Like adding the giant template (increase size by one step) to an eagle (small size). Because of the limitations on Beast Shape, I don't think it would mean gaining a lot.

::Jem::
"Not many druids choose civilization as their region of influence either," he says, wagging an eyebrow to indicate he knows she is an urban druid. "It's not just the mountains either. It was the eastern edge of Gronzi forest to the north. It happened to border the Icerime peaks. We've crossed them before. Another Druid in our group, a dwarf by the name of Bouldershoulder, actually lived within the mountains. I doubt you're only familiar with just a single city or community." The pause before 'quite a bit' gives him pause too. He looks at her, trying to discern if that meant more than was said.

When she asks, what it was like to fly he answers without hesitation. "Magical." He pauses for a while, reminiscing. He then leans over and almost whispers, "Garuda can easily carry two passengers of our size." There is a mischievous sparkle to his eyes as he said it too.

::Jem::
Deneb wasn't sure he heard right when Acaciano said hair to the floor but it was certainly accurate. It was obvious from that alone that she was no wilderness druid. That much hair would cause all kinds of trouble. Which was a shame because it was beauty to behold. Very elegant braiding. But Deneb almost thought he was in trouble before the conversation even started. Insulting the one that thought up the name. Heaven help him. But she didn't seem bothered by it too much. So that meant retract or muscle forward. "Ah. So we have you to blame." Muscle forward it was. "We didn't get much choice." He puts on a bored expression and looks down at an imaginary sheaf of paper. "'Druid. Druid. Druid. Ranger." He marks off an imaginary tally of the leadership. "From Icerime Peaks. Voice of Mountains good? Great. Next." He throws his hands up in exasperation. "I was thinking more like Rolling Stones." He puts on a fake serious expression but cracks quickly.

"Oh I am having a wonderful time. Civilization is where most of my friends and family are. I like to visit. The sky's are my true calling though." He looks up, imagining what it would be like right now to fly high in the cold, night sky and look at the stars. There'd be plenty of opportunities for that. The here and now was just that so best make the most of it. He looks down at her, curious. "What is so surprising about a halfling druid?" he asks.

Ditto

Going by Acaciano's description, Deneb figured he'd find an urban halfling in the nosiest part of the party. That meant the drinking contest. How were they getting drunk off the little glasses he'd seen anyway. Curiosity drew him towards the revelry. After a few minutes, watching, and marveling at some people's ability to consume, he found his target. He approaches the halfling he assumes is Jem and introduces himself. "Jem? Voice of the Trees? My, you are as pretty as your name. Wait. I bet you've heard that one." Deneb takes an exaggerated thinking pose. "Maybe a pun on a precious stone? Ruby? Sapphire? Diamond? Those are hard. And puns are love or hate." He thinks a moment longer and shrugs. "Honesty is probably the best approach. Acaciano said tonight is likely one of the few nights I'd see your true form. I am glad I did not miss it." He then holds out a hand. "Deneb Flynvias. Voice of the Mountains. Terrible names I know."

::Druids::
"Well don't let the opportunity slip by," Deneb says patting his much taller companion on the back of the knee. About the only place a halfling could reach. "I could introduce you to some people if you want but for I now, I best see what Jem looks like for real lest I loose the chance forever, judging by what you said. Take care." With a halfling's grace Deneb slips between people without bumping into anyone.

::Druid's Pow-Wow::
"Well I certainly can't pass up the opportunity," he says switching back to common. It was nice to have a language no one knew for secret conversations, and it was nice to re-familiarize himself with it, but it might make people in the vicinity uncomfortable. "You know it's so hard to find someone with the same interests. Sure most halflings love to wander but usually from city to city. They like their comforts. You disappear for a month or two and things can get strained. So hard keeping up a long distance relationship. You got a beau?" he asks conversationally, as if he hadn't just popped a personal question. If he was going to go back to being alone, drifting on the cold winter wind, might as well get all the fun out of the next few days he could get.

"Ydy hi'n sengl?"

Ah, you did.

I wasn't referring to individual instances. I meant in general, and to me, profiting from being wasteful and using undead both seem like greater offenses than teaching someone druidic. I mean if a weird instance pops up where you are forced to decide between teaching someone your language and letting some loggers start chopping down the forest or a necromancer raise the dead, which is really worst?

"Gwir. Mae'r holl derwyddon arall yr ydym yn gwybod yn hen, yn araf ac yn ddiflas. Rwyf bob amser wedi meddwl tybed os derwyddon o lefydd eraill yn debyg. Mae'r daith yn swnio fel syniad gwell bob dydd."

::Druid's Pow-Wow::
Deneb mental kicks himself for mentioning that. He forgot that druidic was supposed to be restricted to druids only. Lyda was...an exceptional case. One he'd gotten used to already. His self-recrimination evaporated at Acaciano's next words. "Jem? Swnio'n ddiddorol. Arhoswch, yw hi yma? Roeddwn i'n meddwl Tai oedd eich ail?"

Deneb looks a little confused at Acaciano. It takes him a moment to realize that speaking Druidic had been a test. He thought it was obvious he was a druid given his fur attire. Acaciano's walking tree was certainly obvious enough.

::Deneb, Acaciano, Tai::
Deneb smiles at the joke. It seems part of it is lost on him though. Otherwise he'd realize the colorful posturing of the peacock would be incredibly apt.

The last comment is directed at Acaciano's friend Tai.

::Acaciano::
Deneb Doesn't seem the slightest bit surprised. He nods sagely. "We're in Restov. There was a duel a day the first few days we were here. They are pretty fun to watch but over so quickly most times." His focus switches abruptly to Tai after stating someone was booted. "Really? That's what that was?" He looks in the direction of the commotion almost expecting to see a man, or several men, in chains. "Wonder what they did?" He turns back to the standoff, listening for changes in tone. "I knew this was a good idea. That's always the fun part after coming back from the forest after a few months. Finding all the things that changed. Sometimes it's good. Sometimes it's bad. But that's life. No point running away."

::Acaciano::
Deneb let's out a sigh of relief as Lyda wisely retreats. He decides now is a good time for a drink. On his way to the refreshments he notices another commotion near the mannequins. He thought he heard the word "duel" too. Grabbing a quick drink he wanders over. He also sees a familiar face. "Mr. Tree? What's a ll the hub-bub?" Deneb does the halfling equivalent of tiptoeing and ducks low to look between people's legs to see who might be at odds over here.

::By the Gear::

Deneb knew Lyda well enough that her purposeful stride meant she was likely going to talk with a bunch of fuddy duddies about something boring like hunting habitat, tracks, and mating cycles. She could listen to a good adventure and start piking it to death with questions about what and why. So he decided to look at something for more interesting. He wanders over to the mannequins and checks out the gear people were bringing along.

Aw man. I want that for Deneb. But Fall instead. Cloak of leaves sounds cool. I hadn't thought about spells as fashion statement.

::Kyras and Axhammer::
"Another Medvyed. And defiantly Erastilian. Adabar better watch out," Deneb says jokingly to Axhammer.

"Oh. That's the one with tree," Deneb says at Lyda's side.

"What?" she asks, following his line of sight. She wasn't sure how he spotted them but ahead in the crowd was a duo, dressed in what you could only call rustic garb. One seemed to have armor either covered or made of leaves. Both also had the tell-tale slightly pointed ears of half-elves.

"Remember, I saw a moving tree in a camp across the river. One of them was even talking to it. I think that's him." She looked down at her friend and had to be impressed with his eye sight. "Let's say high."

"What?" She really needed to expect unexpected things from him. Her vocabulary was suffering. They were walking in the direction of another group that was growing in size. A group that exuded experience and confidence. A group she figured had the greatest chance of being called on to serve Chalm Surtova. As if she wasn't nervous enough.

"C'mon. They look important." He starts walking towards them without a backwards glance. Lyda sighed. He was really intent on drawing her into social situations. He said it was for her own good but she had a sneaking suspicion he enjoyed watching her in uncomfortable situations. She followed anyway.

He approaches the group that was growing at an alarming rate. Even the normal populace was giving them some space, somehow sensing their importance. But halflings were fearless in almost all situations. Lyda followed, double-checking her attire to make sure nothing...concerning was showing.

One of the first Deneb spots is Darivan and his new order. Once he is fairly certain they will stay in one spot, he hopes down from a bench and ambles over. In a teasing voice he says, "Well if it isn't little Darvi? Could see your glow from across the street. And hellp Sylvia," he says looking over at the young wizard. "At least you get prettier each day. Darvi looks like he's just getting shinier."

Before the interviews: As much as he wanted to, Deneb was forbade from circling the city overhead until Winnie came back. When she did he was sorely disappointed. He could neither bring Garuda within or over the city and was also forbade from shapeshifting unless threatened with bodily harm. Boring. But that still didn't mean he couldn't enjoy himself. Even though cities felt a little imposing to his new druidic sensibilities, he was still a people person. He stayed much later than Lyda on the day of the interview to see who was in attendance. Who were the big movers and shakers. Not for political reasons but just to know.

Before Wealday: In the days leading up to the announcement, Deneb got some quality time in high in the sky, either riding Garuda or flying with him as a bird himself. He stayed away from the town but did circle around the outside a time or too. But most of the time was spent organizing the shindig and having fun. He'd bought a few decks of cards and other games ahead of time so the stuffy hunters would have something to do and start up conversations. They were some of the hardest people to get going but once they found something in common, it was hard to stop them. Months alone in a forest will do that.

Wealday: Deneb heads out early on foot (so boring) to find a good spot for the announcement. But being a hafling, there weren't a lot of "good" spots. Even standing on a bench or barrel or crate wasn't enough to see much. So he used these failed opportunities to find people he knew and have a chat. That or just stare at the sky, wishing he could perch as a bird on one of the roof tops.