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Age is... relative. Maika thought. This was not metaphorical - the flow of time could vary between the planes, so actually determining proper, relative ages was a difficult prospect at best. "Deep stone is usually enough. It won't last against concentrated dragonfire, but a few feet should protect against any glancing blasts. Has anyone seen any likely locations for large vaults here? We can always make some if we have the time, too..."
-Glances at the rest of the team- We could not get killed by the dragon. 8D
"I plan to remain here as well." Maika said thoughtfully. "Should the dragon attack, great power will be needed to repel it - and seize its treasure, forfeit to those who slay it as the traditional reward from nations. The more force that can be brought to bear against it, the better."
...Well, how high is your Diplomacy score? (I kid, I kid... mostly. If an idea is genuinely reasonable for a deliberative body to take, I think there's a good chance of talking them into it. But I'm pretty sure no Diplomacy score, however high, will convince the entire senate to give you all of their authority with no strings attached.)
Maika thinks the dragon is the biggest threat, and other problems will either fall into place or be more manageable for locals afterwards. XD So I'd vote for going to deal with that directly as well, albeit after getting some proper preparation and defenses ready.
"Towns can change a lot over time. That wasn't specifically revealed." Maika noted. "Legend Lore is a strange spell that way. As for knowing how the dragon would be here... they've sacrificed many to the dragon over the years, yes? Some good research could have revealed that. And I did not like the color of its breath - black and red flames suggests negative energy along with the flames, and guarding against two powers in a dragon's breath is rather harder than guarding against one."
Interestingly, Maika's Psychic Overload is a little different from those abilities to start with, and it was also written after Paizo's FAQ on the subject and the publisher's own suggestions for making those abilities less completely broken. They did some fun stuff with the new mythic paths - like the Path of the Bound still gets swift action spells (before campaign edits), but it's limited by tier instead of what you can cast normally and you can't do the same spell more than once per day. Kind of cool for a genie-themed character.
That had taken more out of her than she'd expected... but she'd managed to get valuable information out of it. As her search for lore finished, Maika opened her eyes and allowed them to readjust to the real world and bring it back into focus. "Pretty sure the dragon's the main threat." she said as she glanced around what remained of the temple. "Eldran Tath failed in his original quest to keep the people of this town safe. There was a gem, too - likely heavily enchanted, and quite possibly still in the dragon's possession. It seemed to be absorbing power - or perhaps souls - from the slain."
Armed with a significant amount of information, Maika was ready to begin what she did best - obtaining information on subjects. With that, she took out a small item and spun around, creating a magical circle on the floor that she quickly filled in with runes to help collect and control the power. Then she placed a palm down and reached into the well of mystical power within her - not merely magic, but the greater power that set her apart from others and had even led to a small number worshiping her and receiving deific power in return.
Maika rubbed her chin as Rirsa spoke. "Information on this figure... given what we've gathered together, I think a Legend Lore spell would be appropriate and likely to consider him a valid subject. That one is difficult to transact directly, but I can attempt it another way, and faster at that. Targeting him directly would likely take days, but if we use the scene of the attack here as a focus and try to understand it more fully, I believe I can get information in ten to forty minutes of casting."
Maika leaned towards the others. "Yeah, just asking about things is fine. I'll have to help him if anyone tries to touch the things without permission - existing contractual obligations and all." she straightened up a moment later. "Can you review any documents for information about what exactly is going on in this town?" After a moment, feeling that another nudge wouldn't hurt, "The last thing we want to do is pack away something people here want and trigger an attempted robbery elsewhere instead of doing our due diligence to protect the assets of the Bank."
*Whispers* I can probably find a way to cast Atonement.
"The danger of some threats is why fees are priced the way they are." Maika said as she returned to the city, looking over at Rory. "But they are well within our ability to handle. Don't forget that most localities have embraced the defensive escalation strategy to ward off threats - if you can't solve it with your on-site power, keep calling for outside help until someone with enough power intervenes." With that, she strode forward to lead Rory towards the bank, waving away any guards that might come bother the two of them.
Maika calmly began filling out the form, adding what details she knew of the incident. The church had been under attack before she'd gotten there, and she hadn't been under contract to defend the place, so protecting its own things was the church's responsibility. That was why Maika didn't particularly hesitate to tell them what she thought they should do... or to give them the bill for it. (Not that inner-faith casting services usually got charged, even in Abadar's place. Spells cast for the direct benefit of one's religious organization weren't the same as spells sold for profit, and more than just about anyone else, Maika was aware of the differences.) "There we go." Maika said as she finished a few moments later. "Now, let's get that team."
At the Bank of Abadar, Maika just put a hand on one hip and raised an eyebrow. "First of all, you should be better trained than that, given how often I'm in here." she said. The Bank of Abadar was practically a second home, given how tightly her Guild was integrated with the work of the Lord of Commerce and the tremendous amount of business it collectively brought the bank. Magical items were almost always among the most valuable items bought and sold, period, which meant that a truly mind-boggling amount of cash flowed through the system Maika regulated and managed. "One of the local temples of Abadar on Golarion-" It was rare for individual worlds to be well-known, but as the Cage of Rovagug, Golarion had a very special status, "-was attacked, and I need a manager with the authority and tools to pop open some of the safes so we can investigate and try to resolve it. And a Gate back to the church - don't give me any guff about that, this is an active investigation and you know Abadar has a strong opinion about protecting the contents of things He insures. Wait too long and people might start taking what isn't theirs, and sending out the recovery teams is far more expensive than a fast teleport there."
I like gems, myself. Available in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and values - the perfect disposable wealth trinket!
"I'll be back as soon as I can, then." said Maika... and a moment later, she Plane Shifted to the entry zone of the main Bank of Abadar in Axis, central headquarters of its church and the single best place to go get a manager with the authority and ability to start opening things. Fortunately, she knew how to skip the lines...
"Never face a dragon unprepared." Maika opined as the conversation turned towards the great wyrm. "You need ways to hit it, ways to deal with its spells, and ways to survive its breath. Very ferocious foes... and I do agree that stopping it would go a long ways towards solving the problems of this town. Or rather, they won't be solved until then." "You hired me, Adol, so I'll follow your lead. It's not my place to tell you what to do - just to do my best to support the course you choose. If you'd like my personal input instead of a vote, though, being dragonslayers can do a great deal to convince reluctant locals to cooperate with you. After all, by default, you are more dangerous than what they're already afraid of."
Logically deduced, I think it'd have to be my character level, so 14. And to a maximum of 7th level Wizard and Cleric spells.
Maika was carefully neutral on the behavior of others - she sold to everyone, fair or foul, and in return only demanded they play by the same rules when getting her services. Her home city, precariously balanced between two unfathomably powerful forces, was a testament to the way even things you disagreed with might be more important than you'd like. "Well, if I'm close enough, I can send a Message spell..."
"It's a safety precaution." Maika explained as Adol noted his lack of other items. "Since the transactions are irreversible, it helps to prevent any accidental loss of goods that the true owner does not wish to have lost. Personally, I recommend buying gems in the value you desire to offer - small, easy to hide, and simple to find in major settlements."
Maika put a hand on Adol's for a few moments and focused. As she did so, a swirl of magic darted around her hand, then plunged into her palm. "Like that." she explained. "It is... difficult... to concisely explain the workings, but setting up the accounts is easy enough once learned. Now it must be funded - with a one-minute ritual, I can convert any object you possess that you have owned for one week, believe to be rightfully yours, and is worth equal to or more than one hundred standard gold pieces into wealth within the account. Rare exceptions apply; notably, artifacts and cursed items can't be transacted this way. This technique does include offering bags of coins, but please note that the offering simply fails if an item is ineligible, even if you think it's yours. Please be aware that this transaction is irreversible - when something has been offered, it is gone and you will not get it back." Her tone was mostly business at that point, as if she'd said this a lot. "Fifty percent of the value of any item or items you offer exists within the account and with your authorization, I may use it to cast any wizard or cleric spell up to the seventh level on you, or create any effect from the same to protect you or attack your enemies. The price for any effect equals the cost of a standard scroll for the power, but notably, these spells do not require material components of any value. In this sense, some of the more powerful spells are noticeably more affordable when bought through me. If you do not remember the standard prices of scrolls off the top of your head, I would be happy to write them down for you. I receive ten percent of the value of offered items for my personal use as a commission for this service, and the remaining forty percent pays for the system's functions." "So long as there are funds in your account, I can provide spells - there is no daily limit. If you desire a particular type of effect, I can also consult my references and give you the best selection of options, assuming there is more than one qualifying spell. As a seller of magic, I am contractually obligated to inform you of your options for buying spells with the funds in your account, specifically including any less-expensive options that would have the same effect. The funds in your account persist until you have been dead for one week or the funds are equivalent to ten standard gold pieces or less and either of us chooses to close the account. Please be aware that I do not accept long-term accounts except with proven customers, so if you decide to part ways and do not expect to buy magic from me again in the near future, you must authorize enough spending to close the account." "It is possible there could be unexpected situations that limit your ability to authorize spellcasting at the time, but that you would nevertheless desire to have. If you'd prefer, I can give you a standard preauthorization statement to make that covers healing and resurrection."
As Ulliaza went inside, Maika briefly began to describe some of the traits of her home. "Conjunction of etheral planar energy, basically. Very sensitive to stimuli and capable of near-infinite results. I've seen snow help people craft better items, acidic salt rains, self-igniting jelly, light that turns into weapons in everyone's hands, floating crystals, falling alcohol, liquid paranoia... it's very weird stuff. You never really know what's going to happen, so unless you're particularly dumb, you'll pay attention to the world around you. Fortunately, buildings are usually safe - most everything is built with a material called truestone that helps resist storm effects."
"It's amazing what people can not see when they don't believe it exists." Maika observed. "Less of a problem back home - Radia Storms are weird and dangerous enough that people learn to pay attention."
"Detecting magic is a simple matter." Maika noted. She focused for just a moment, and her vision abruptly changed as she began to concentrate on Detect Magic. "I'll be right back." With that, she moved back towards the guards.
"Ahem." Maika said, coughing slightly.
"I think what Adol means to say is 'I have good reason to believe that some people in positions of authority in this town have abused that authority, and because I care about the fate of these people, I am particularly cautious on their behalf. I am, after all, a stranger in these lands, so I hope you will understand if I seek verification instead of taking everything solely on trust." She paused for a moment, then looked at Adol. "Was that about right?"
Adol is the one who offered her part of a dragon hoard, yes, so she considers him her primary employer. XD And she does give her loyalty to her current employer. In general, she's not going to judge what you do unless you break an agreement with her, and she'll go along with basically anything that doesn't violate her existing agreements.
"I can recite the names and traits of quite a few types of undead." Maika added. "There should be some local books that help to explain them, too - they're enough of a pest in some areas that it's always worth teaching people how to recognize the traits."
....I feel a little irked that I didn't come up with that idea myself. XD It's a good one, and certainly makes sense. Easy to shut off in an emergency, too.
As the guards moved over, Maika stepped forward slightly. "Please wait - these people are in no danger." she called out, not wanting to let an incident be provoked if she could help avoid it. After all, she did want to safeguard her contractors. "May I suggest you listen to what my companions have to say before you reach any conclusions?"
@GM: Quick question! Does the primary Church/Bank of Abadar in Axis have any plane shifting beacons to improve accuracy for visitors? As somebody who A) works there, and B) frequently travels the planes, I feel like Maika would know the best way to get there in a hurry. XD
Maika coughed slightly. "Ahem. As a person who works with Abadar, I can't condone breaking into any of his property, and am in fact obligated to protect it to the best of my considerable ability when aware of a threat. However, I can Plane Shift to the main bank in Abadar and bring back someone qualified to open it and see if the contents are relevant."
*Looks at d20pfsrd and PDF copies of Deep Magic* O_o *Looks at Hero Lab* Okay, THAT'S weird. It's not in the PDF, but it is in the official Hero Lab files. (I did a search to see if any other spell would cure it, and that popped up...)
Meanwhile, I'm making it easy and just not using Leadership. 8D ...Probably for the best, really.
Ahem. I believe you mean to say 1400 GP each if you buy from me. ...Kobold Press material is allowed, and the 4th-level Stalwart spell from Deep Magic ends Feebleminded. XD
If they have the funds, I have basically unlimited Heals. o wo/ It'd take a bit of time to set up an account, transact a valuable, and cast the spell for each one, but that is an option.
Maika listened with polite appreciation as Calxakti launched into his stories. Every now and then, her expression grew slightly distant and she tapped something on her arms, seemingly content to see how things played out for now.
At Adol's words, Maika just waved a glimmering golden holy symbol, and two pulses of positive energy swept over the group.
"I'd need funds in an account for stronger healing, such as regeneration or resurrection, but I can still do that a few more times." she noted. With that, she moved towards those planning to head out.
Maika paused in the midst of using some basic magic to tidy up the place. She worked with Abadar - often directly - and had a very personal interest in his churches. Her own people often worked in them. "I'm probably most useful near greater threats." she noted. "Especially for anyone who wants to prepare. Before that, however, would the injured care for a little healing?"
Maika was pretty sure the others knew they could get various extra magics from her if need be, and it was annoying if you constantly pushed the matter. With that, she settled for keeping an eye on things, though she did begin to move around and give some rites to all of the bodies as the others considered what to do.
For what it's worth, if that regen is based on his undead body, I'm pretty sure polymorphing it will disable it and allow for permanent death.
"I can send him to another plane if you want me to." Maika noted. Plane Shifting was well within her powers, and undead generally didn't enjoy the experience of going somewhere like the positive energy plane. After a moment, she added, "With funding, I could also attempt polymorphing him into a vulnerable shape. If his regeneration comes from his body, that would shut it down entirely. I can't guarantee it will work if this effect comes from another source, though..."
Maika's disruption of the initial teleport did succeed. Of course, he could always have another trick, but I think you're good to post for now. XD
The moment she saw her spell take effect, Maika began to gather more energy around her hand, ready to disrupt a second attempt to magically dart out of the way. She'd given him an offer - if he refused it, well, that was his decision. She was only the hired help, though, so... "How would you like to handle this?" she asked the others, fully committed to supporting the efforts of those who'd bought her services (even if not all of them were directly paying). Maika didn't just sell her magic; she offered her loyalty, too, and would do her best to uphold both the letter and spirit of her employer's objectives as she understood them.
@GM: Maika's using her readied spell to try and disrupt the foe's escape attempt. Pretty sure the Concentration DC is 10 + 25 (Damage) + 4 (Spell Level), totaling 39... assuming no unexpected modifiers, of course. XD You never know what might pop up at higher levels.
"How about no?" The moment Maika saw what he was casting - she was capable enough with Spellcraft that she really couldn't have failed to recognize it - she let her readied magic missiles loose to punch into him and see if she could disrupt his casting. She had no intention of letting him get away quite that easily.
"If you need a chance for something, I can probably sell you a spell strong enough to do it!" Maika called out. "There's no need to go through all of this when there's a better, easier way! Surrender now, and you may find it to be by far the better choice!"
"I know a great many things." Maika said, turning from the greenish spirit that had cast at her. She snapped her fingers a moment later and the magic surrounding her began to twist and churn, forming into a complex pattern that she poked at a few times. Five bolts of force energy shot out of the runic circle, striking unerringly at the man who'd attacked her with them. "...For example, how to cast that better."
High-level battles do tend to get a bit crazy, yeah. XD Luckily, my part will be somewhat simplified starting next level - the Eldritch Godling's primordial magic stuff is fairly straightforward blast/heal/defense stuff with spell slots and likely to be the majority of what I actually use them on.
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