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Just popping in to say hello to my favorite group of intrepid adventurers! I'm lurking instead of posting on the boards (I'm doing editing work for Rogue Genius Games, so professional decorum and all that...), but I'm here daily, and I do enjoy keeping up on your adventures. Detect Undead is still a stupid spell :-)
This is a life oracle/tongues curse I ran in an amazingly-run play-by-post here on the boards, before life began to suffocate me to death. I strongly advocate the class, and the curse. It's a LOT of fun to roleplay.
Gwen smiles wanly and gives her head a slight shake. I already tire of treating with these diplomats in priest's clothes. "Crusading clergy who wish to reward those who smite evil" indeed! What other kind of clergy ought there to be? Timid clergy who wish to reward those who coddle evil and feed it a sweetmeat? She scoffs indignantly. I think we should see Jask, or seek out Master Gelik. They at least will not question our deeds or our valor. Gwen is clearly pouting. If we do split up, which I think to be a worthy idea, I will go see Jask.
Gwen sighs, but a look of understanding passes over her face just afterward. Very well, servant of the Master of the Vaults. We greatly appreciate your efforts on our behalf. We are staying at the Sargava Club, should you wish to reach us. If we can conceive of a way to prove our deeds, we may return sooner. For now, we will take our leave. She gestures to the others, and walks into the street. You heard him - weeks. That will surely not suffice. We need to gain influence with some powerful person or group. I can think of several that might be interested to hear what we might be able to tell them - once Ambroze has finished deciphering what he needs to decipher. Jask may be able to get us an in with the government here, and Gelik may be able to introduce us to the Pathfinders. What say you?
I'm afraid that the High Priest doesn't just see anyone; hes an extremely busy man and I can't guarantee he is even in the church at present. I'm sorry, did you say 'Last Priestess of Ydersius'? I'm afraid worship of the Beheaded One is not so uncommon in the Mwangi Expanse and other dark corners of the world, so I must contest your self-proclaimed title madam. What is the nature of your need to see his grace?[/ooc] Gwen flushes at the repudiation of her title, temporarily put off, but is not to be deterred after her companions recover for her. Yes, yes. This curse - for so we believe it to be - was inflicted upon my friend here in the bowels of a temple to Zura, which in turn was likely an older temple to the beheaded god. Although many may call themselves priestesses of Ydersius, I would wager that few indeed are or have been as close to restoring the serpent god to his, shall we say, wholly living state as the priestess we found there. She was, after all, in the middle of a ceremony, and likely minutes away from achieving that unholy act when we stopped her. At this last, Gwen gestures to her companions. I present to you Marcus Alanto, Chi T'reignial, Tun'ada of the Mwangi Expanse, and the scholar Ambroze Zimblethorpe Boddynock. It is to be understood that you fail to greet us with a hero's welcome, for how could you know what we have endured and achieved? But now you know, so I will thank you to observe due courtesy and treat my companion's illness with all haste. As Marcus points out, we have coin. You have vaults. It seems a perfect match to mine eyes.
Gwen leads the party to the temple of Abadar, and requests an audience with the High Cleric. Gwenyth Elise Finley, The Undrowned, Survivor of the Jenavere, Bane of the Last Priestess of Ydersius, Mouthpiece of Life and Friend and Companion to the Castaways kindly wishes to speak with the High Cleric. Will you grant me an audience?
After breakfast is consumed, Gwen asks the innkeep about the local temples - which are the most powerful, which are the closest, whether any have a reputation for corruption. ...and I'll thank you to point me in the direction of one who would know, if you don't, good sir. I'm certain that your knowledge of your city is more than sufficient, however.
Never having stayed at an inn of any sort, Gwen is clearly taken with the experience. She arrives downstairs in the morning freshly washed and preened, her beauty nearly radiating from her. So many days spent with dirt and mud in her hair and covering her skin had cast somewhat of a pallor over the girl's natural beauty, but those influences now seem a thing of the past. She eats voraciously. As she does so, her attention is focused on Ambroze's account of the translation. As Tun'ada mentions the possibility of seeking out Tazion and Saventh-Yhi, her mind races. Is this well and truly it, then, Gods? Have you led me here into this place with these companions that I might attain the power I need to defeat Mengkare and free my people? Surely, if any facet of Savith's power remains in this hidden place, it would behoove me to seek it out. Mengkare is nearly a god himself, and I will need all the help I can get... She finds herself nodding her head, slowly. Yes, Tun'ada, I think this is a wise course. Although I am saddened to consider leaving civilization nearly as soon as we've found it, we are in a unique position. Such opportunities are best seized. But first, we must do everything we can in order to restore Chi's dignity to her. If the temples can only cast such spells if they owe a favor, let's see to it that they owe us a favor. Bring me to a high priest, I will do my best to talk our way into his favor. With help, of course. Gwen says this last while smiling demurely at Ambroze.
AK, you couldn't have chosen a better time to be slow on updates, my own life is INSANE right now. I am still around, though. When I'm at home tonight, I'll look the spreadsheet over. Gwen is fine with an inn. Beyond fine, in fact.
Gwen embraces Aerys, a bright smile on her face. Farewell for now, ship-sister. If you should ever need anything, anyone to talk to, seek me out. Turn not to the hollow comfort of the bottle - remember your struggles, and come to me if you feel inclined to slip! Remember, drinking poison is, at it's basest level, stupid! And you are NOT a stupid woman! Turning to Gelik, the oracle sticks out her tongue playfully, blowing a raspberry at the bard. She then smiles. We'll talk soon, Gelik. In the meantime, I'll miss your stories and jokes. We couldn't have done it without you, but of course you know that. May you find the Path! Turning to Ishorou, she bows formally, before clapping the man on the shoulder. If there is aught I can do for you, Ishorou, I trust you will seek me out as well. We were honored by your help and guidance. The oracle reaches into a small pouch, pulling forth a strip of dried meat, which she tosses to Sasha's dimorphodon pet. She smiles warmly at the warrior-woman. Sasha... thank you for everything. Your pearl looks lovely! I have forgotten to ask...what did you name this little fellow? After hearing her reply, Gwen approaches Jask, giving him a daughterly hug. Thank you so much, Teacher. Will you be safe, or should we accompany you as Marcus and Chi suggest? I couldn't bear to think of you in chains again, even for a day. Without your guidance and aid, I would be lost...even if I had managed to be found.
Rule #1 of D&D, you never sell the box that nobody can open. It's probably a MacGuffin. Vote to keep. Gwen votes to destroy the soul gems, if it's within our power to do so. She would be unhappy about us making money off of them, so if you're going to sell them (even to a good aligned temple for destruction), do it behind her back and be quick about it :-)
Wandering up to the deck, her eyes fighting the sun, Gwen stands next to the men on the rail. You know, Marcus, this isn't merely my exodus from a shipwreck. This is the first time I won't be on an island in my entire life. I'm...actually not sure what it's going to feel like, not being embraced by the ocean. And these people...I have no idea what people are like outside of Hermea. I feel like I should be frightened, but it's really rather exciting. Oh, and a bath. Definitely a bath. The young oracle grins impishly, giggles, and scampers away.
FYI, I'm going to be mostly out of service today. I'm so busy, my tasks have tasks. *sigh*
Warm food would be quite welcome! But..., her eyes narrow slightly, Your cook isn't overfond of watery soup, is he?
For my part, I would like to keep my chainmail and buckler. Everything else (sans consumables) could go out the window. Not sure where that leaves me. Edit: oh, and the MW Backpack. The ring of swimming, I think we can/should keep, and the candle of truth. Those both might come in handy. The others we can sell. I'd like to say we should keep the mind shielding ring, but... eh.
The scroll of Raise Dead is totally going to screw this up to some degree, though. It'd go in the consumables share, would it not? because, there's no way I'm paying for it. We can sell it if need be :-p
Gods, Max, what a job. Thank you.
I vote option #1, as indicated above. I am not worried about receiving a "fair" share at this point. In general, as a player, I don't care so much about treasure shares. I would prefer that people are given things that they can use. There should still be a goodly amount of gold left when all is said and done. It seems to me like we're relatively poor, too - is that true, or am I just imagining it? It's sort of why I'm suggesting we beachcomb and clear out the other ships.
Gwen spends the better part of the next few days consoling Chi, trying to make her see that it is only because of her bravery that she is disfigured. Now, not another word of that, the young oracle says lovingly, with her hands on her hips and a gentle smile upon her face. If not for your bravery, Ambroze would be like to be cursed, and if not him, me. Jask assures me that you're unlikely to get worse, and that we will be able to get rid of the curse once we reach civilization. Wear it like a badge of honor, journey-sister. Your tribe is honored by your bravery; both your new and old tribe, that is. The others will understand your condition - just as you understood Aerys' alchoholism and Gelik's frightened cynicism, just as you saw the truth of Jask's heart, so they will welcome you and accept you despite your temporary cosmetic appearence. Come, I will tell them - and I'll hear NO arguement. Do you share your adventure with the other castaways?
Because I'm not sure how far you're going, I just want to put it out there that I aim to try to persuade the crazy tengu guy (pezok? Is that right?) to come along with us. I was going to go try to roust him before returning to camp, if possible.
Appearing just behind Marcus, Gwen rushes to Chi's side. There, there, dear. It will be as Marcus says, we will have this fixed. Besides, your cat still recognizes you, see? As she turns away from the elf, though, her eyes shine with fury. I'll be back. Gwen, obviously tense, smears another daub of blood onto the stature and floats upward, seeking any type of fissure or vent leading to the surface. She does so first within the hidden antechamber, and then within the unholy temple.
I get your point, but I still disagree. :-p More importantly, Ambroze has a rarely used bonus to saves against glyphs and runes...I'd have let him use it. That's be like me saying, "Hey, I always heal max HP to wounded dire boars named Mortimer", and we subsequently run into a wounded dire boar with a sign around his neck that says "My name is Mortimer", and someone administers a potion of cure moderate to it. Well, not quite THAT egregious, but you take my meaning. :-) Oh well, it's water under the bridge at this point. The whole thing just drives me batty. This dungeon has been bats*it crazy. Too bad we don't have a fireballer in the party, there'd be ample opportunity for material component collection! [/ba dum bump]
Gwen anxiously paces the room below, fully rested from yesterday's ordeals. What's taking them so long? I have a bad feeling.
I'm sad I missed this discussion... a +6(? Right?) Bonus to Saves is an almost guaranteed pass along with a strong Will Save in the first place and Guidance. Ambroze would have been saving (basically) as a 10th or 11th level character against that effect. I'd have lobbied pretty hard to have Broze open the drawer. Oh well, that's what I get for being crazy-busy. bat-Chi. :-P
Wincing, Gwen says, "Go for it, Ambroze. I doubt that a scholar will be killed by letters. Gods be with you."
Gwen moves away from the Gnome scholar.
Gwen smears a smudge of blood on the statue and, once accustomed to the sensation of a gaseous form, maneuvers through the hole in the ceiling.
Gwen smiles at her companions' zest. One thing at a time, one thing at a time. Let's deal with whatever surprises await us on the other end of yonder hole in the ceiling before we worry about much else. At least the carvings in this room have been largely transcribed on those rolls of parchment the serpentwoman had. She shakes her head sadly. Sadly, I believe we must give up on Mawj. The spell on the scroll, while powerful beyond what I can truly comprehend, will not likely serve us in this case...While the spell closes mortal wounds and repairs lethal damage of most kinds, the body of the creature to be raised must be whole. I fear that whatever is left of Mawj is well into the process of...digestion...I don't believe he is capable of our help at this point. Fear not, Marcus, he died a warrior's death, and honored his people and his ancestors in so doing. He would be pleased, I think. I also fear that Uli may ultimately be beyond our help now. For all the aid she granted us, she is a beast now. If the Gods have an end in mind for her, they will see to it that she is able to escape. Much as it pains me to say, I think we should get out of here as quickly as possible and return to the others at the lighthouse. They will likely be worried.
That's...a good point, my friend. A slightly creepy, but good, point. Well, let's see what happens, shall we? I'm anxious to know if that hole represents our way out. Gwen reaches down to the corpse of the serpentwoman, touching one of her more grevious wounds. She holds up two fingers slick with blood, and meanders over to the statue, after pausing briefly to retrieve her morningstar and buckler. Would anyone else care to try this first, or...? She gestures toward the figure in stone. I'll go first if you all wish.
Gwen breathes heavily, clearly shaken by the experience of destroying the altar. Her face is pale, and she is shaking slightly. Her outlook, though, is considerably rosier. Well, that was...fun. Now, what's this statue do? Is this serpent blood, here, do you think? She points to the blood flowing throughout the chamber.
I sure hope so! My favorite part about RPing female characters is getting to be excited about shopping!! BTW, I'm on another business trip this week, starting ass-early tomorrow. I'll still be able to post daily, but I have no idea what time I'll be able to post at. I'll be on Pacific Daylight time.
Ambroze isn't able to determine what either of the auras are, but is able to determine the statue emulates a gaseous form spell when the blood of a serpent is smeared upon it... I think we may have found our way out, Chi... if Ambroze is right, we should be able to reach the surface. There has to be a vent or a small fissure in here somewhere, doesn't there? Maybe even that hole in the ceiling... The oracle points just above the altar, to the small hole she called out at the beginning of combat. Regardless, there is one more thing I think we should do... I think we should destroy this altar. I have no idea if channeling into it will accomplish that, but I aim to try. If it does not, please be ready to smash it... I cannot abide this unholy thing remaining in one piece. Stand back, please. Gwen rolls her sleeves up, and channels every last bit of divine power she has remaining into the altar.
Gwen shrugs absentmindedly. I guess I just assumed that this was ultimately a temple to Ydersius, after the encounter with the ghoul priestess under the cannibal camp. We're lucky we have you to keep us straight. Anyway, do you think I should channel into the altar? I don't have much strength left, but I don't see why I shouldn't expend it, if it will cause some good.
Ambroze, can you take a look at that altar? I feel oddly predisposed to channel energy into it, but I am mindful of the fact that we are in a temple to a beheaded serpent god, so I'm not going to do so just yet. Any ideas?
Don't worry, Chi. The poison didn't kill him, and I can make him stronger again, even if it takes a day or two to get him back to his full capabilities. Gwen begins chanting softly, clearly casting a spell she has not cast before. The rhythm of the words is smooth and soothing, and when she finishes the lengthy incantation, her hand glows blue. As she touches Marcus, he seems stronger, and less ravaged by the foul poison.
Frowning slightly, she repeats the process on Marcus one more time.
There, that should be much better. I think we'll need to re-treat tomorrow, but before I exhaust my most powerful dweamors entirely, I'll see to Tun'ada, who was also bitten. She moves to Tun'ada, repeating the process. Str healed for Tun'ada.
Compassion, Chi, is what seperates us from her.
I am a walking potion of lesser restoration ;-)
Marcus still isn't out of the woods entirely. He's got to beat off that poison before he gets to Str 0.
Gwen looks around, halfway expecting the temple to begin to crumble around her. When it does not immediately do so, she focuses on her friends, the wounds they've taken, the blood they've shed. She sees Tun'ada eviscerate the dying serpent woman, but does nothing whatsoever to stop him. In fact, she waits until the fiend has completely expired to allow the healing of the Gods to wash over the group.
She lost, but she was a worthy enemy. Does she have any items that might be of use to us or our friends back at the lighthouse? She has caused a great deal of suffering and death. Perhaps a small amount of that can be repaid in some way.
You mistake me, AK! I very much did enjoy it! I just figured she was going to scamper away and drain a cure potion again, which - while appropriate - might have added another real-time week to the combat, that's all. I very, VERY much enjoy this game, you know that :-)
Moving to get access to Tun'ada, Gwen casts a new and powerful spell recently revealed to her by the Gods. As she lays her hands upon the feral Ranger, an audible thrum of divine power fills the air.
hp healed!
I was wondering why you don't 5 foot and channel, are you fed up of the channel energy playing tricks with you? :) More like I cannot be in melee since I am completely unarmed and have 9hp, and only one of my companions is actually low on hp other than me, honestly. But yes, I have also concluded that channeling is an inconsistent method of in-combat healing.
Last one more round, please, Tun'ada. A CMW shall be your reward. This poison, though - yowza.
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