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Gaius examines Hamilton. Hamilton gives Gaius the stink eye. My word... We've been blessed. An unexpected gift from my goddess! The spell was somehow empowered beyond my capabilities!
...You could stay. We could all pray together.Tulia arches an eyebrow, giggles, and says, "Have you met this dwarf I'm with? No, sadly we have to leave. Raincheck?" Anytime, Lady Azata. I enjoy praying with Desnans--They always know the way to go. Well, as much as I hate it when guests leave as quickly as they come... You have giants to slay, no?
...You could stay. We could all pray together.
When Raen and Vael arrive and meet at the chapel of Calistria in the east wing, they may be surprised by how ordinary the door appears. It is fine wood, banded in metal with the Symbol of Calistria expertly carved and painted. There is what looks to be a small spy-hole in the center of the image. The door opens and you're greeted by a young woman draped in yellow silk. She beckons the pair in and leads you to the center of the chapel. The chapel is exceedingly comfortable. The room circular, and has been sculpted with wood and stone in multiple layers, all descending to an open area. Each layer is decorated with pillows and draped in silks and blankets of materials that vary in texture. Around the room are curtains, sectioning off some areas. The light is soft and warm, and there are many shadows around the space, most of the light being provided by Everburning Torches, some of them tinted in different colors. There ceiling is dominated by a relief of Calistria herself, attended by giant wasps. Gaius is reading a book upon a pillow-bed in the central area. He is shirtless and wearing yellow and black leather breeches, a holy symbol of Calistria dangling from his neck on an amulet. He looks up and closes the book. Thank you, Gwen. Please return to your duties at the temple, convey my affection to The High Priestess. Breakfast together with Edmond tomorrow? Gwen nods with a smile and backs out of the space. The door is heard closing beyond the silks. Gaius stands and motions to you to lay Hamilton upon the pillow bed. It is at this moment that you see his ungloved hands and see that his hands close the wrong way, his grasp curling towards the back of his hands. They are... Backwards... Like... I'm sorry if the decor is not to your liking, he says, mostly to Raen. It's a touch obvious, but the classics are classics for a reason. Please place Hamilton upon the bed. Let us see you all on your way. Gaius anoints Ham's body with oils and waters and lights a stick of incense in a small, comically obscene censor on a small ottoman off to the side. As he works, he continues to chat. This part really isn't necessary. But it helps me to focus, and we should show due respect to what we're about to do. Some priests make a bigger to-do about this, but I do not. The magic is powerful, granted to me by The Lady In The Room, The Savored Sting, but it is not a..., he waves his arms and is searching for the word, ...Big deal. The truth is, as I see it, there are times when this sort of thing is easier. Times when heroes come together to accomplish great things and act as agents of Fate. When there are forces from beyond our worlds guiding our individual actions towards some greater purpose. Pharasma has accepted this delay as the price of doing business at all, and she really doesn't mind. After all... She will get us, eventually. Though I like to imagine... Gaius turns up Hamilton's arm and there is small tattoo you didn't know was there...Iomadae is there in front of Pharasma right now, nearly going hoarse from arguing to have her knight back, while Pharasma just sits impassively, checking her nails and waiting on us. Now, we have Hamilton's body, and you have the diamond. We have the power, and now we will offer Hamilton a choice: Accept the judgement of The Lady of Graves and pass on to what awaits him. Or return here and continue his work. Are we ready? Good. Gaius, begins casting. He begins to gather power and his eyes glow. He lays a backwards hand upon Hamilton's body and he raises the other to the sky, towards the relief in the ceiling and his weird backwards upraised hand begins going through a series of contortions. His voice is calm, and nearly a whisper. He begins in the common tongue and then turns to the language of magic. My Lady, Savored Sting, here lies a dead man with enemies that still breathe, and lovers not yet sated... And a minute later, Hamilton sits up and draws breath.
Gaius stands and wipes his mouth and face on his napkin. Then have the pudding sent to my rooms with hot coffee in two hours time. I will go and prepare the ceremony. My chapel is in the east wing. He bows with a flourish and departs.
Raen does not like the way the half-elf expressed his interest, but she decides to let it go. Interesting. Gaius will not push that particular button unless he needs it. You are welcome to our hospitality, but I understand your need and you urgency. You may enjoy the King's hospitality this night and proceed at first light... Or we can have you on your way before dessert. The choice is yours. Indeed you may stay for nearly a fortnight, rest, and resupply if you need. I am powerful enough to call him back from The Boneyard a little later if you need the time. Gaius leans in to Raen. Milady, I meant no disrespect to your friend. We have seen much death here in Korvosa, and levity is often my first response. I assure you... I know and understand.
"The morn? Do it be that lengthy a process? Or is it just that yer cleric dinnae prepare accordingly?" Gaius has suffered a lot today. Ferox. Really. He takes Vael's unintentional insult with a cheshire grin. I am always prepared. Master Inquisitor Ferox does not know the spell, but he can assist us with the componant if we need. I require only a minute, my holy symbol and the requisite material componants. I... Imagine... my Lord The King would be cross with me if I charged you a fee for the casting, so this time I will waive it. Let us finish our meal, and adjourn to my chapel and I will complete the spell. Have you a diamond of sufficient value?
A Half-Elf in yellow swashbucklers garb makes himself known then. Majesty. I am still a cleric of The Savored Sting. It would be my pleasure to lay hands upon Hamilton Renaud. The Stern and Impressive Soldier at his side clearly elbows him in the ribs, but cannot hide her smirk.
Gaius Lirsiiv spent the weeks following the battle of The Sunken Queen calling in every favor and asset he could marshal. He worked non-stop pushing and leaning, tempting and pleading with the provisional governors of Korvosa for rapid and aggressive reform, all supporting his plan to make Korvosa a republic. Power had to be distributed among the peoples of Korvosa, and Korvosa ushered into a new era. The Curse of The Crimson Throne, and what that really meant, were at the forefront of his mind. Korvosa was not yet ready. The Magistrates and The Peerage Review were resistant to change and a Noble Hero--Odric, Hero of Korvosa—was pledging to rule. Dreams of democratic reform died, and Odric The Stout took the throne. Once the outcome was clear, Gaius responded with heavy drinking and public demonstrations against The Throne and The Peerage Review. After a particularly venomous demonstration in Old Korvosa, Gaius was arrested, personally, by Field Marshall Kroft. Kroft dragged Gaius to jail and, after he sobered up and paid his bail, she dragged him home. The lamps in the house were remained lit throughout the night. The next morning, Field Marshall Kroft again dragged Gaius, this time before King Odric The Stout. It was there and then that Gaius bent knee to King Odric, and swore oaths pledging loyalty to the throne. Field Marshall Kroft beamed the whole time, even if some say that Gaius carefully sculpted his words. Regardless, Gaius set to work undoing the damage he’d done and King Odric gained an ally. Soon afterwards, Gaius Lirsiiv and Field Marshall were married two times—once in a private ceremony attended only by close friends, and again in a larger, state affair. Morkeleb The Enchanter stood by his right side at the larger ceremony as, “Best Man”. The Wedding was a pretty big deal for the city. To this day, when asked about the city-wide after-party that followed, any given citizen is likely to blush, giggle and decline to provide specifics. The Temples of Calistria experienced an unprecedented spike in donations and tributes that week. Afterwards, Gaius went to work for The Crimson Throne as His Majesty’s Spymaster and Chief Intelligence Officer. Gaius built a network of informants and spies that saw to the defense of Korvosa and her people. It is whispered that one could only keep a secret in Korvosa if Knight-Director Lirsiiv permitted it. The outstanding charges against Gaius Lirsiiv were dropped, suddenly, shortly after his service began. Gaius made sure to keep in touch with all former members of The Upturned Cup, but none more than Morkeleb. He kept a weekly appointment with the Enchanter, which usually included brunch and a game or three of chess. Also during this time, Gaius studied and taught in the reformed Orisini Academy where he took Tea with Maestro Vencarlo nearly every day. It’s interesting to note that the vigilante Blackjack became active again during this time, and the people of Korvosa always had a champion in him--even if the vigilante’s methods became more lethal than in the past. Blackjack was reported to be sporting new colors—his traditional black now accented by yellow bands, and a bull whip similarly adorned. In time, “Blackjack”, evolved into Yellow Jacket. It was said that any in Korvosa seeking vengeance or justice or both, could wind a yellow rose around a scroll and give it to a Korvosan prostitute. The Yellow Jacket would find you. Officially a criminal, Yellow Jacket remains at large to this very day. Cressida Kroft, frequently criticized for her lack of zeal and success for capturing him, weathered those criticisms with grit teeth and saintly patience. Gaius Lirsiiv continued adventuring when his duties allowed, making several attempts to get a party together for The Breaching Festival. That is another story. Gaius Lirsiiv worked tirelessly to maintain freedom for Korvosans, particularly those without titles or wealth. Though this work was behind the scenes, he was always present, punishing those who needed punishing and advocating for those who would be left behind. His reputation was for madcap bouts of generosity and kindness and for an uncompromising sword in defense of the common people. During his tenure, Gaius sought out the duplicates of him made by the Drawing of The Three. He found them extremely useful, once cowed, and easily discarded when their use was at an end. He successfully used them to fake his own death, woo a coquettish noblewoman to obtain evidence of her treason, hide his identity during an adventure that could easily be described as a bawdy farce, and on three separate occasions as an alibi. Fun diversions, all. He was known to openly feud with a cleric of Zon-Kuthon, a certain Laori Vaus, who eventually left Korvosa. Kuthonites continued to leave Korvosa, die, or just disappear for decades. Flagg (the whip) grew contented as a fat cat and Kuthonite presence in Korvosa evaporated. Notable as well is the mysterious case of Devargo Barvasi. The official story is that Devargo was killed in an escape attempt from a Korvosan Guard holding cell. Unofficially, a Bard who frequented the Keg and Eagle was known to sing a ballad. The ballad tells how Devargo found his cell door unlocked and so attempted to leave the barracks where he was being held for questioning. In the adjoining alley, he was confronted by veiled women, all prostitutes he had mistreated. They tore him to pieces. That last part was Gaius’ favorite. Gaius stayed in Korvosa, in his position, until the death of his wife. Shortly afterwards, he left without a word in the dark of night, leaving his key ring, and his mythologized ledger to a young spy in his service named Gwendolyn Ceradiss. His final fate is unknown.
Gaius is anxious to get back to Korvosa. He proposes that they make all due haste to Field Marshall Kroft and The Resistance. After we learn what has transpired in the city during this last adventure, we can plan for the future. Gaius has plans, all with the goal of protecting and ensuring the prosperity of the city he loves. The teleportation will work easily. Gaius would prefer to not do the victory walk in, but he also sees the value in it so we can come to terms.
The Crimson Throne is cursed, and maybe the lesson from all of our journeys is that we're better off without it. The Magistrates, Arbiters, and Peerage Review do most of the real work. All the Monarchy has done is die without a clear successor again and again. Oh, and this most recent lawful ruler tried to sacrifice the entire city to fuel the resurrection of an undead horror. I think it's time for a change, don't you?, Gaius says, before a wicked smile overtakes him. There is one I would throw my support behind, but that's only because I would make an *exquisite* Queen's Consort, and I swear that I'd dedicate all of my efforts to breaking the curse and providing an heir. Alas, I'd be surprised if her fortunes played out so. Let us speak no more of this for now. Let us return and see what has happened in Korvosa, and go forward one step at a time.
Her body, the plundered spoils of Korvosa and our tales should suffice. Morkeleb and DM: I will not support Odric The Stout in his bid for The Crimson Throne. I think Korvosa has had enough of thrones altogether, but that is a conversation best saved for when we're safe behind city walls. I will need to learn about the path to succession, and who is in line.
I think I can take myself and three others back with Wind Walk. What's the distance back to Korvosa? And presumably Mork can teleport us with a couple of trips? Gaius takes the harp on the way out.
Should we post our plans here in the thread or email you directly, Boss?
Gaius visibly bristles at Odric's talk of making a play for The Crimson Throne, but does not vocalize his concerns.
Fortitude Save Vs. Blindness: Gaius stumbles and collects himself, blinking over and over until his eyes clear. "Avoid the light of good and the dark of evil..."
Fort:
Gaius takes the full brunt of the storm and the mental assault of Kazavon. You are all deprived of his unique brand of sexy awesome for a round as everything goes to the Nine Hells.
Blood was coming in from tubes right, Machinery? CAn those be disabled?
14 18 16 Gaius saves... Fort:
Assuming those saves permit Gaius to act... Hearing Morkeleb's words, Gaius curses his ill preparations. Nay, Enchanter. I prepared spells to free one from enchantment, and to restore life to the recently fallen. I lack the power to Dispel Evil this day. If that is what's needed, I have but one recourse. Gaius falls to his knees, and beseeches his Goddess for help. Clutching his holy symbol, he pleads to The Lady In The Room Calistria, Savored Sting, Queen of Vengence, Lust, and Revenge. Hear my plea. Your unworthy servant asks one more miracle this day. You have granted me power enough to dispel this evil, but I have not prepared the incantations. Reveal to me the words to channel and wield your greatness, that I may complete this act of vengeance against Ileosa and the Horror Kazavon, who leave legions of wronged dead and suffering in their wake... Legions who call out for revenge! Revenge we may give now, should you visit upon me the vulgar incantations and gestures to stick in this final blade. Make me that blade, and strike down this worm for Eternity. You teach us to avoid the light and the dark and to dwel in the shadows. I need the light of a righteous spell to bring balance and cast a shadow for us here in the middle. Do this, I pray now, to thee. And if that doesn't work... And it shouldn't, She's done a lot for me already... Gaius stands up, brushes himself off and prepares to channel as much positive energy as he can bring to bear against this horror. Gaius knows well that this job isnt' over until the Happy Ending. FULL ROUND ACTION asking Calistria for one more solid.
The Menotherian casts another dispel magic upon the queen... Check Edit... Wait... Grym is flying so no go. ... Gauls casts Spiritual weapon if he can't reach. Gaius summons a spiritual weapon to battle her highness. A Yellow Ghostly Whip appears... and attacks. SR check : Gross. If that makes it, it will attack.
If Prayer and Gr. Heroism count, tack 5 onto mine for a 26.
Grym Delays until after Gaius. The Menotherian casts Heal upon Gaius, who regains his mental faculties. Gaius narrows his eyes and casts Dispel Magic upon the flying Red Queen, targeting the Mirror Image effect. Check: I swear, I've rolled nothing but sixes in PbP for two solid days.
Morkeleb hears thoughts in his brain. Mortal Enchanter. Can you do anything about that illusion? I need to heal sweet Gaius. Then I will again try to strip off her defenses.
Gaius moves with all due haste to The Herald's side. The Herald buzzes about in her Giant Wasp form and moves to BULL RUSH the red queen into the Prismatic Wall. Bull Rush:
Gaius Save Vs. Feeblemind: Huh. Gaius drools a little but knows enough to try to find The Menotherian for help. Everybody... Never mind that for now. Gaius can't cast spells.
Gaius, Save Vs. Song of Discord: Calistria Preserve Me! I need to know everyone's mental states before I post actions.
30' Up, eh? The Menotherian casts Dispel Magic upon Ileosa. Check: Gaius casts Greater Magic Weapon on the bundle of vials he brought up with him, and relays a telepathic command through The Menotherian. The Entropic Giant wasp picks up the bundle, which currently contains 48 Vials of +4 Alchemists Fire and kamikaze collides with Ileosa [Red]. It'll squeeze the bundle just before impact, to be sure the full bundle ignites. It will smash the bundle against Ileosa as it collides. I call it The Bug Bomb. I think it may catch on.
Herald of Passion, Will Save Vs. Song of Discord: YES CALISTRIA SAVES!
Since Ferox is targeting the dragon, Gaius and The Menotherian act thusly: Menotherian asks Sandor and Odric for consent to touch them. They're inclined to agree, because of the strong pheromones hitting them from the bear-sized wasp. If they don't agree, cool. Menotherian will appear adjacent to Ileosa [Green] and that's her turn. If they DO agree, She brings Odric and Sandor with her through Dimension Door, and puts them where I've placed them on the map. A giant, Entropic Wasp appears adjacent to Ileosa [Purple] and attacks her. Smite Law:
Gaius, lashes out with Flagg. First he feints... Bluff: Vs 10+BAB+WIS or 10+Sense Motive, whichever is higher. (improved feint, move action) Then he lashes out again, and swiftly channels negative energy into the lash... Ugh. I think those are gonna miss. IF they don't: Sneak Attack (if Feint successful):
Sandor and Odric hear, in their minds Mortals. If you are willing, I can transport us to the other side of Morkeleb's Prismatic Wall. You can continue to wage your war over there. Do you agree?
I'll wait till Ferox shoots. I reckon that will change the battlemap a little.
All Fear. Hey... This probably isn't magical fear. It's probably just the naturally occurring fear caused by a rotting giant reptile the size of a small house.
Gaius and The Menotherian already made their saves. :) My actions this round will depend heavily on Grym's Will Save result. Oh! Nevermind! He made it. I'll still wait for Grym Fandango over there.
UGH Just made it. Menotherian Will Save: WOO HOO!
Menotherian has Spell Resistance. Puruple Ileosa needs to make a check, please. Will Save, Gaius: Gaius, surprised by the spells cast in rapid succession by a woman he wrongly assumed to be an illusion, is humbled. But the magicks do not cloud his mind.
Gaius turns to Morkeleb. You couldn't have done that from over there? Somewhere that wasn't right behind me?
Gaius stares blankly at the uninjured queen before him. He's seen Ferox shoot, and there's no way in this world or any other that she's completely un-phased by arrows fired by the inquisitor. Gaius thinks his senses are being fooled. Can I get an Amen and a Will Save?:
He steps back and casts Summon Monster IV at the end of the round an ENTROPIC GIANT WASP appears. The Menotherian, shifts back and casts Insect Plague defensively, not sure if the devil can reach her with his long arms. Three swarms of wasps appear on the other side of the prismatic, where The Menotherian remembered the blood blob and two of queens. As the giant wasp appears, Gaius thinks a telepathic message to The Menotherian: I have summoned our mutual friend. Could you relay a message for me, Mistress?
AoO Vs. Devil from Menotherian with Stinger:
Fortitude Save for Gaius:
Reposting for convenience:
The flames fail to touch Menetherian The Strict, the fiends magic just dies as it approaches the Herald of Calistria. Gaius... , seemingly guided by forces beyond your ken, just dances out of the flames and is untouched as he leaps and spins through the air, before landing in a crouching lunge, his left hand stretched behind him as if he just brushed the fires away. His long hair hangs down, hiding his face. Gaius slowly raises his head and flips his hair back and around, his eyes glowing an unearthly yellow. My Turn he snarls, and he speaks a word that is anathema to Evil itself, as his outstretched left hand traces three sacred sigils in the air, and he activates the Bead of Smiting. Holy Smite bursts forth, catching Ileosa (black), The Undead Dragon, The Devil, and Evil Odric. DC 17 Will Save for Half Damage and no blindness.
Gaius then bolts for the corner. Menetherian's faceted eyes glimmer. Her wings buzz with volume and frequency enough to shake the walls. She unleashes all her beastly fury on The Devil. Bite:
Claw 1:
Claw 2:
Sting:
Morkeleb! Are these queens illusions? Is there a way to tell without going up and smacking one?
Bless 140 rounds
DM: UNLESS you're meaning that Planar Ally+Bead of Summons calls Menotherian. I am exceptionally pleased with the generosity of Calistria and would not push my luck so to speak.
Sacred Prostitute:
Unchained. I'm taking the 27. ;) With that... Giaus negotiates for her to partake in the coming battle. The next morning, Gaius also uses the Bead of Summons to summon another of Calistria's servants to serve him for 1 Day. I wonder what that will bring? He casts Remove Fear[i] on Odric, Sandor and Grym. (10 minutes) He casts [i]Death Ward upon himself. Bless upon the party. He uses the Bead of Karma upon himself. He casts Align Weapon upon The Kegerator He works to pack 48 vials into a bundle, which he secures with strips of cloth and rope. He will weave a Master's Illusion around the party just before they take the disc-o-vator up. Off the cuff, I'd say we can look like Erinyes. I think I'm good. :) Will The Dungeon Master be controlling Menotherian or is that on me? And for whatever the Bead of Summons brings. Let's go.
Level Up HP: DARN IT... !
Gaius lists specific instructions for Morkeleb, who will be casting the Manse spell... There must be a large chamber, built for comfort. Large, plush pillows and chaise lounges. Silk curtains creating smaller divisions that offer comfort and a *small* amount of privacy, but that are all linked and adjoining to permit some potential places for voyeurs and permitting occupants to move about and explore. Small tables with drinking vessels and trays for spirits and snacks. Fresh fruit, wine, honey, cheeses, strong drink. Lighting should be soft, diffused lamps and the oils should produce pleasant aromatics. In the center of this chamber thee should be a sort of soft, silken arena. A larger division, where the casting of the spell will happen. A Calistrian alter should be in the center--a piece of furniture that has multiple purposes and can be retasked for nearly anything imaginable. We shall also need extra servants. I'm going to just float this here and quote this line from the Unseen Servant description, "...The servant can perform only one activity at a time, but it repeats the same activity over and over again if told to do so as long as you remain within range" Which I think we can put to use. Hopefully, Gaius can be descriptive enough to Morkeleb to get what he needs from the spell casting. That night, in The Manse, Gaius goes to this chamber and does what he can to sanctify it. Gaius begins casting the spell. He starts with a sacrifice, and his options are limited. But he lays his masterwork whip, hand crossbow, dagger, some precious stones, and a dose of poison on the alter. That should be enough. Gaius disrobes and bathes, anointing his body with oils and perfumes. He makes his appearance as pleasant to the eye, nose, and touch as possible. Any party members choosing to take part are instructed--sternly--to do the same. He then chants, and begins what looks to be yoga. What they are, really, are poses and forms from The Book of Joy, everything he can accomplish solo. If any of the party choose to take part, Gaius instructs them and will take that instruction as far as it can go, pending consent from the participants. In a nod to Calistria's role as a trickster goddess, Gaius makes use of Alter Self and silken veils to shift his appearance into shapes that please and are decidedly not Gaius. Ahem. Sex is like Chinese food. It aint over until everyone gets their cookie. Ah... Everyone who wants a cookie, gets their cookie, as part of the spell casting. With the requirements of the spell fulfilled, Gaius casts Planar Ally and beseeches his mistress to send an agent. Then he pours himself a glass of wine and he lounges, taking in the sensations around him while he waits for a response.
Once we set up the manse, would any of you come with me for a ritual? It is a sanctified ceremony to Calistria. I can promise a pleasurable experience. Only of your own free will. If no, so be it. I will perform the ritual myself. I intend to call upon her and ask for the service of her divine attendants.What is the benefit of this ritual? And what kind of pleasure? Gaius sorry I have ta ask but some of your ideas of pleasure don't measure up ta mine. I hope to summon one of Calistria's servants, and bargain. I hope to enlist them as allies in the upcoming battle. As part of this ritual, I will need to make sacrifices and then negotiate payment for services. My Goddess rules Trickery, Lust and Vengence. I will need to respond in kind. I am a Templar of The Lady In The Room. Pleasure of The Flesh is my trade and it is one of the coins I will offer to these outsiders. Specifics will be... We'll kind of go with the flow, but there's a long tradition of channeling physical love and passion into a kind of power on the eve of battle. I believe it will benefit you, but as you say... It may not be your cup of proverbial tea.
Once we set up the manse, would any of you come with me for a ritual? It is a sanctified ceremony to Calistria. I can promise a pleasurable experience. Only of your own free will. If no, so be it. I will perform the ritual myself. I intend to call upon her and ask for the service of her divine attendants. |
