That was a LOT to chew on in a short period of time :-)
But I wanted to get a post up.
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Pak'cha as per usual, does more listening than speaking. "I rejoice that we have been able to free those of you who now join us. BY free I mean to say I feel no debt of gratitude from any of you are owed to me outside of aligning with us for mutual survival in this harsh place. I too am ready to move along from this particular space. One thing disconcerting, if Dregoth was well and truly slain, how have his or her Templars gained power? If Dragoth once more... exists, by what way was the Sorcerer King raised and by whom? Rhetorical questions for now I suppose".
Had the child this week and she was difficult to get to bed every night. Need some time to read through the posts and get caught up, updates tomorrow or Thursday, sorry for the delay but between the boards being craptastic and end of summer vacations posting time has been limited.
Indeed, it seems my short time in these lands have shown my geography to be less than adequate, is the only response Pak grants to the creature on its scolding. "Agreed, if these creatures, much as I despise their methods, are the enemies of the very beings we have been sent to combat, then we should make an alliance with them, even if it is merely one of convenience..."
"The scaled ones? From the City by the Silt Sea? Where do these scaled ones reside? I assume the City by the Sea refers to what are the now ruins above yes? Moreover, you speak of the serpent spiders, what are these beings and why do they oppose you?"
"The Merchant House has no city-state, its tentacles in all city states". "An Outsider then". Pak pauses, could it be that the trouble stirred is by this figure and not another from their own Burnt World?
"We have no Masters Itzpapalotlilamatecuhtli. We are Agents of a great Merchant House as we have already stated. Name this Aerie Master so we can decide if we wish to do business with it or move along in our explorations".
Pak remains silent allowing his allies to negotiate with these beings. Like Rokan he has heard of them and does not trust them.
Pak clacks once more as Kethe seconds Malkaer, "Parley and fight if they do not concede?" He sighs an odd whistling sound, "Very well then. Perhaps my ire is too powerful due to my dislike of these foes in particular".
Pak's mandibles clack in shock, "Safe passage? These creatures seem vile and predatory in nature seeking to sacrifice yon slave to summon a creature from some nether region. We have the advantage, we should not let them recover!"
I will be away Thursday August 3 to Tuesday August 7, please BOT me. Thank you!
As his allies begin to break away, Pak follows the Druids. Why fight from a position where the defenders can attack him? Pak'Cha Action: 1. Free Action - None. 2. Fast Casting - None. 3. First Step - N/A 4. Standard Manifesting - Precognition. 5. First Attack - None, too far for Melee. 6. First Half Movement - N/A 7. Second Attack - N/A 8. Second Half Movement - Follow the Druids up! 9. Remaining Attack(s) - N/A. 10. Final Spellcasting - N/A. 11. Final Actions - N/A
Pak'Cha Action:
As Pak is about to blister the foes below once more, the defenses heretofore unseen begin to move against the intruders, in this case meaning the Thri-Kreen and his allies! Expending his innate powers he casts a spell allowing him to float through the air in case their position is overrun by large ballistic weapons. He then takes a defensive action to ensure that these new weapons cause him much less harm. His attacks will have to commence once more after his own safety is, while not ensured, at the least bolstered, "The defenders see us as pawns of another faction, regardless, this foul ritual must be stopped!"
I have a question for players using arcane magic - are you attempting to disguise that in any way? I know there are checks that can be made to disguise it but at the present moment Pak is not doing so no.
Lobbing bombs here until there are 1 or 2 to question seems to be the most prudent approach for this particular combat. Not sure who has the capability to fly or levitate to save the captive but I figure if we lay waste to all but 1 the captive will likely be saved by virtue of there being no foes left to attempt to slay him. As far as combat goes any way you want to run it is fine by me DM, once a format is agreed upon I'll read and follow the agreed upon procedure.
With the greatest threat neutralized quite permanently, Pak releases another set of Magic Missiles, these not enhanced by his new ring at the same Gorelock his magic already struck. Magic Missile
"I suppose using the lift to slay them all seems prudent but if we kill them all then we shall know no more about this place then we do already. However, if the choice is life or death I choose life and the death of these creatures bent on summoning a horribly wretched creature into our world..."
Pak Mindspeaks speaks, " We should focus all of our power on the priest or cleric conducting the ritual, stop him and we stop the summoning. It will take time for his guardians to reach us once they know we are here and by then the greatest threat to be released into the fray will be trapped elsewhere". Surprise Round Action when Applicable: Mythic Magic Missile - Pak will use 1 MP to make his Magic Missile Mythic - Missiles become more deadly 2d4+1 & bypass Shield spells. MM Damage . Without access to 3rd level evocations this is the best damage option Pak has that does not involve fire, fire would seem to be sub-optimal to use against a priest summoning a fire demon/drake...
I'll update tonight, have some crap to take care of at home first and just can't concentrate right now.
Pak relates what he has discovered, "I can hear some kind of reptilian susurration, perhaps the shifting of scales, in cave opening to the south, as if there were some great, unseen, beasts lurking at the cave entrance. To the north, on the complex on the cliff, there is a cacophony of metallic rustling, like those caused by the use of arms and armor or weapon smithing activities. Some guttural voices can also be discerned speaking in an unknown language". The Thri-Kreen pauses as the procession continues and the Beast appears, "Those curiosities will need to wait. I believe we should interfere with this ritual before whatever it is these creatures are summoning, breaks through into our world". "T'lam, if both of our groups coordinate attacks we should be able to stop this ritual and detain at least a few of these creatures' for further questioning. I am quite interested to know more about your party... Can we work together to defeat these foes? To wait is to invite greater danger".
Pak narows his eyes as an item leaps out at him almost immediately, "Can It be? Here? How did this?" The Kreen took the presence of the ring here as a sign, "This was meant to be. Destiny awaits me or death..." The Kreen reaches out to pick up a ring of Jade carved in the shape of an ouroboros. Bringing it closer to his eyes he sees the faint inscription on the inside confirming that it is indeed what he thought it to be, an item forged in the Green age by his own people's. He slips it onto a clawed hand and the ring resizes as if it was always meant to be worn by him. He steps back to let the others make their selections. --- As the party reaches the summit he peers about to see if there are any creatures' near which take an interest in the band. Perception --- Pak pauses for a moment to gain Psionic Focus. "Once we have selected a path, give me a moment and I will investigate from afar to ensure that the way, at least initially, is clear".
"I thank you Lawgiver, we shall endeavor to stop this calamity, whatever it may be, from taking place". Pak turns to Dalman and points to the sky, "That flying chariot may not have come from the stars but it did not come from our world. Not proof of anything but a suggestion that the possibility of visitors from the stars do exist and that there may not only be one or two sets of such visitors but many. Instead of debating these issues, let us take Canaan Ghajar's advice, let us be off. Perhaps in these ruins we shall find some answer that will provide us with the truth of our own past". Pak considers saying something further but he does not, at least not at this time. ---
---
Pak looks from the Bard to the Druid, "No doubt we will learn much below this ancient ruined city. I should like to see the ruins beneath Tyr with my own eyes".
Pak looks to Dalman, "Reptilian? Are they described or are there drawings depicting them as such? Have any of your order verified the veracity of these wonderful archives?"
The Thri-Kreen pauses and recollects whether he introduced himself, "I am Pak'cha. A wielder of the Way".
Pak cracks an insectoid grin at the rush of power, "Such power, ah, perhaps it is no wonder these beings became so corrupt, this is but a taste..." His mouth is impassive once the process stops. He wants to speak but hesitates to see what other comments those around him may have.
"Then it is settled. Let us attend to our Lady that she no longer continue to concern herself over the fate of her favorite Bard, or us, her most trusted agents. Then to the depths we shall travel to save a world, or what's left of the world anyway. But first, promises to be kept yes Lawbringer?"
Mindmeld: "Often the truth is displeasing, let us hope he, and we, keep an open mind with respect to anything discovered".
"All are equally on danger in this endeavor and none serve at the end of chains among this group. Humble or full of hubris those who can will, those who won't shall find themselves alone amongst enemies. We shall succeed together or fail apart. Athas itself will teach the proud to be humble, it is a harsh tutor ".
Mindmeld: "Patience then. Perhaps if this journey reveals something truths then shall he was blinded will see".
Pak regards the Bard his body language difficult to read, he is a Kreen after all, "We appreciate your wise counsel in this".
Pak, distracted by the Druid and trying to hear the insights of the others is finally able to process and respond to the various points being made, "A journey through the ruins overland will be interesting but not memorable, I am much more interested in seeing parts of this doomed city that have been subject to little exploration. I too vote for the underground ways, through the tunnels, we seek to prevent a foe likely more powerful than we from unleashing another catastrophe on an already devastated world, we will need to be as fresh as possible for such encounters. Battling our way through guardians above and agents sent from the other Sorcerer-Kings will only weaken us and make our task that much more difficult".
Tyrian Druid Pak'cha - Mindmeld: Pak remains staring at the Lawbringer as the thoughts of the female human grace his mind, "You are astute. I fear I do not recollect your name but I am Pak'cha.
I was indeed present for the Bards tale. My clutch hails from the Hinterlands, ours is an old order with our own theories on the history of Athas, I am a budding Sage of the Blue Age. Due to my age I was tasked with making the journey east. It is fortuitous that we meet, there may be much we can teach one another and much more for each of us to learn in the exploration of these ruins, pertaining to both of our historical interests. Tell me, is your companion as close minded as he appears to be?"
Shizuka the Man Without Fear!: It is quite clear from the subtle vibrations and movements of this creatures' body that is is no mere humanoid but a Thri-Kreen. The shifting of its claws on the floor indicates that the creature is likely well balanced and traveling lightly. It certainly smells like a Thri-Kreen but not quite like any one you've encountered before, this one is not from around here as they say. Its body exudes an energy source, multiple sources, likely arcane and psionic. The way the Kreen shifts gives the impression that it is always alert for a threat, an awareness like that of a finely trained warrior or rogue or a paranoid individual, judging from the energy signatures of the Kreen, it's the latter not the former that is the case here.
OK, I'll update my Avatar! :-) Vigor
Need to know if Pak, Canaan & Kethe introduced themselves to each other prior to the current scene? I assumed that they did when they stepped up. I would say yes but we are all strangers to one another regardless.
Pak keeps his revelation to himself, for now, regarding the revelations of the servants of old, "Very well then Lawbringer, I accept your offer to utilize this Pavilion to empower me against whatever forces we find in these ruins. I have long wished to visit them, not under such circumstances but as the Humans say, 'be careful what you wish for, you just might get it'. Once your "gifts" are bestowed Lawbringer, we must retire to Lady Almah and inform her of what has transpired here. Thereafter, I think those who wish to avoid more catastrophic results shall join us in shutting this gate down and ensuring balance, whether that is for good or ill is not for us here and now to decide, among the Sorcerer-Kings". Pak nods to Slavathras.
DM: On the failed Engineering check Pak manifests Call to Mind allowing him to gain a new check with a +4 bonus recalling what was buried in my subconscious. I will do so on the failed Lore - Blue age check as well. Cost 1 PP per use.
Engineering Lore
Pak'cha speaks, "Forgive this intrusion Falcuun, the Lady Almah was getting worried that there was no response form her initial delegation and bade we come to inquire as to what the delay in negotiations could be. It is clear by your demonstration that what we are involved in is no petty dispute over the ownership of ruins and trade routes. You have shown this to our delegation for a reason, I beg your indulgence to explain once more what you seek from House Vordon and what the House as well as what we as delegates can expect in return for any services you may wish us to render or rights you wish for the House to accede. Furthermore, if this is indeed what you state, a gate to another world, who or what is now operating this gate? And what is that object?..." Knowledge Engineering - Pak takes in the demonstration and tries to square what he has seen with what he already knows... Lore - Blue Age
Knowledge Nature
Canaan Ghajar, Kethe Cinderfell, Pak'cha: Pak studies the carvings in their new light to ascertain if there is more information he can glean from them. Lore - Blue Age
--- As the Lady Almah calls for volunteers, Pak steps away from his inspection of the carvings and strides (or scuttles as could be described when observing the movements of a Thri-Kreen) to stand before her throne. Pak has a brownish reddish carapace whose tone is slightly different than that of Thri Kreen which are normally encountered in the Tablelands. On his back are two what appear to be vertebrae that occasionally twitch as if there were once appendages attached to them. Almost as if he had wings at one time but has them no longer, an odd birth defect perhaps? Astride his shoulder blades sits a kes’trekel which eyes all around it balefully. He carries a quarterstaff in onw claw and has a sack draped around his abdomen, within its handle peeking out is a well crafted crossbow. "Lady Almah, I would be honored to assist in this task. I should like to view this ancient being with mine own eyes. The Bard shall be returned to you safely".
I'll have my first IC post up today. |