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Filraen knows that Lissala, the Sihedron Scion, Lawful Evil goddess of runes, fate, duty, obedience, and reward of service, was once the dominant religion in the Thassilonian empire. She has no known planar home, and her typical worshipers nowadays are rune giants. Her symbol is a sihedron.
He does not foresee an imminent combat, if that answers your question. -Posted with Wayfinder
The shaitan lets out a bellowing laugh. "Little woman, your chatter does nothing to cover your plotting. You should be silent like the dwarf, and take what you want when they don't hear you coming!"
The djinni laughs. "Now as ever, it is the woman who has plans within plans. I assume the wealth will be extracted, whether by mortal labor or by our enjoyment. The question is who will take it in the end."
"You may call me Pasha Jalaal al-Shami," the djinni answers. "And I should know the size of this deposit you would have me appraise, though I see it is big enough for the stonechild to pay attention," he continues, gesturing towards Morgrym. The shaitan sinks into the ground, concealing himself below his thighs as he speaks, now that he is free of the circle's imprisonment.
That's correct. One for the dragon, one for the Pinnacle, and one looking out for Most High Ceoptra. From the sounds of it, our timelines are merged now, as the giants and their minions are watching out for any new information. In the time between then and now, you learn that Ghlorofaex mostly slept in his lair, except for when he came out to hunt for some food somewhere in the mountains.
Here we go... - Since it's Limited Wish, I believe it's DC 29? If so, you've not another new friend.
Filraen's new friend immediately exerts control over his Wardens, and they station themselves near the Pinnacle to watch for Most High Ceoptra. Filraen's other new friend sets up near the dragon's underground lair in the city. Filraen, is there anything else you would like to do before we merge timelines? -Posted with Wayfinder
"They are both stationed in the north side of the city, consolidating their Wardens in preparation for Karzoug's coming. One of them was assigned to the south side of the city until the order came." "The dragon has made his lair beneath what used to be the tax collectors' office. It is a larger building, made of stone and steel with the remains of a large gate." "Most High Ceoptra dealt with the dragon, but he will not take orders from anyone but Karzoug himself. Ghlorofaex would serve as an envoy to other dragons, and in return we were to build and maintain a lair befitting his greatness."
Filraen's new friend knows: -There are five other Rune Giants spread throughout Xin-Shalast (not including the ones in the Pinnacle itself), one of whom serves as Most High Ceoptra's escort.
-Other forces include:
-This giant's last orders were to gather his Wardens, and have them gather their forces, and prepare for Karzoug's coming.
- failure!
or
OK. So, the lamias were away from Xin-Shalast when the party arrived, but there are various giants about the city, the most powerful of which are the Rune Giants. We've already met and slain a few, but there should be more camped on the side of the mountain, within the Occluding Field but outside and below the Pinnacle.
While we continue the quest to save the dwarven souls, let's talk about the allies that have been recruited. -Viorian Dekanti: she'll need a few weeks of bed rest for her mind to restore itself.
All right, so do you have a plan in mind for Karzoug's top lamia minion? -Matt
The results are essentially the same as the previous post.
As wendigos are not ones for leaving tracks, Morgrym's Survival check serves to help the party move at least somewhat towards the omnipresent howling sound, without getting lost in today's snowstorm. It seems to be coming from west of the city itself.
"I should check in with my rune giant about its findings; it has been hunting the wendigo since we first arrived, perhaps it has a better idea where the beast is hidden?" Checking in with the rune giant reveals that his search for the wendigo was fruitless. The thing just didn't show itself yesterday beyond a few hours of omnipresent howling during the night, and by nature, wendigos aren't really big on leaving tracks.
(switching to this alias, 'cause I like the avatar and it's snowing in-game) The group sets out after resting, in search of the wendigo. It's snowing pretty heavily today on the mountain. With visibility lessened, all the party has to work with is the wendigo's howl, which picks up as soon as the group descends from the Spires themselves and towards the city. The howling is very faint at first, detectable by trained ears such as the group's, but as the party descends, the howl seems to be coming from a particular direction, away from the city.
Wow... With well over four hundred posts in this thread, we certainly had a successful Masquerade! Thank all of you for participating and helping all of us have a good time over the course of this in-character event. -Matt/Master of Games
As the current song reaches its climax, the game has also reached its climactic stage. One player has moved to claim victory, while the one who proposed a coalition has, to the surprise of the Snow Princess, declined his chance to share in that victory. The Merchant of Sands, also in disbelief of the Kuthona Rat's play, has decided to answer that surprise with a dance. The Kuthona Rat, wishing to help the Merchant, as played the Witch, with the intention of swapping his feathers with hers. The Masked Cat, pouncing on her chance at victory, has played the Count. The Frost Witch, leaving herself out of the conflict, examines her card. The Midnight Samurai, in a turnabout, has played the Lion Blade on the Merchant of Sands.
The Midnight Samurai's challenge to the Masked Cat's play of the Count leads to a dramatic moment of anticipation. The Masked Cat's card is revealed, and she is in fact holding the Count. The Masked Cat has acquired thirteen songbird feathers, and is the winner of the game. In keeping with tradition, as the Winter Masquerade is not over, the other players' cards are not revealed. To answer the question of whether that cunning play you noted two turns ago was a bluff, or whether you were actually holding the card you thought, your only resource is the candidness of your friends this evening. Instead, the cards are taken by servants, who deliver them to the Master of Games. She then silently returns the cards to a pocket in her white silk robe, politely curtseys to the players, turns to the hostess to curtsey again, then acquires herself a rather tall drink. The night's dancing, of course, is far from over. At the Winter Drake's signal, a rather festive song begins to be played, an opportunity for guests of all levels of skill to enjoy the music and turn themselves about the floor.
With no challenges to the previous plays, the game has entered its final stages. Who will achieve victory by acquiring thirteen feathers? The Merchant of Sands has asked the Midnight Samurai for a dance. The Kuthona Rat has played the Grand Prince. He receives three feathers. The Frost Witch has played the Witch, choosing the Masked Cat. She swaps her feathers with the Cat's. The Midnight Samurai has also played the Grand Prince. He receives three feathers. The Masked Cat, after swapping her feathers with the Frost Witch, has played the Princess. She receives two feathers. Currently:
There are now three feathers which can be claimed by the Count. As mentioned, since I'll be GMing at a convention over the weekend, the next choices of actions will be due by Sunday night.
As the dance (and the game) continues, it is apparent that victory in this game could still go to anyone, or perhaps everyone, as the Kuthona Rat has proposed. More than one player means to find themselves on the precipice of victory. The Merchant of Sands has asked the Midnight Samurai for a dance. The Kuthona Rat, after another rousing speech, has declared that he holds the Grand Prince. The Frost Witch, having held her tongue and waited for the right moment, has declared that she holds the Witch, and intends to swap her feathers with the Masked Cat's. The Midnight Samurai, intent on forging towards victory, has declared that he holds the Grand Prince. The Masked Cat, her interests perhaps aligned with the Kuthona Rat's, or perhaps setting herself up for a victory, has declared that she holds the Princess. Challenges to the above four actions are due by Thursday night. Since I'll be GMing at a convention over the weekend, the next choices of actions will be due by Sunday night.
With no challenges to the Kuthona Rat, the Midnight Samurai, and the Masked Cat, their actions are resolved. The Kuthona Rat receives three feathers.
The Carpenter's choice to tear up his card and unmask himself is the end of his participation. After the card is repaired, it is given to the Snow Princess, who has hidden it in the sleeve of her gown. The Snow Princess now carries two cards: one in her fan, and the other in the sleeve of her gown. Players who choose to change partners with the Snow Princess may swap their card (or not) with either the one in her fan or in her sleeve. Be sure to specify which when posting. Currently:
There are now three feathers which can be claimed by the Count. Midnight Samurai, check your PMs. The game (and the dance) continues, the Winter Drake directing the music throughout. The next round's actions are due by Wednesday night.
An unusual situation has presented itself. The Kuthona Rat has proposed a truce, while the festivities (and the alcohol) may have finally caught up with the Carpenter.
The Merchant of Sands and the Frost Witch may examine their own cards. Meanwhile, the Kuthona Rat has declared that he holds the Grand Prince, the first leg of his proposed truce. If his play resolves, he will gain three feathers. The Midnight Samurai has declared that he holds the Lion Blade. If his play resolves, he will be able to examine his own card, as well as the Snow Princess's card, and he may choose to swap them. The Masked Cat, in keeping with the Rat's proposal, has declared that she holds the Princess. If her play resolves, she will gain two feathers. The Carpenter has chosen to exit the game. Thanks to several spells cast by the Master of Games, his card, its face unknown, has been recovered and repaired. Challenges to the above plays are due by Saturday night.
With no challenges to the Masked Cat and the Carpenter's actions, they both resolve. The Masked Cat may look at her own card and the Merchant of Sands's card, and may choose to swap them. The Carpenter gains three feathers. Currently:
Masked Cat, Frost Witch, Midnight Samurai, Merchant of Sands, check your PMs. The next choices of actions are due by Saturday night.
The Masked Cat's realization has caused a lull in the game, with many players wondering just who holds which card. The Masked Cat has declared that she holds the Lion Blade, and she intends to choose the Merchant of Sands. The Carpenter has declared that he holds the Grand Prince. Kuthona Rat, check your PMs. Challenges to the above plays are due by Thursday night. The next actions will then be due by Saturday night as usual.
With no challenges with the two plays, they both occur. The Masked Cat has played the Lion Blade. She can examine her own card and the Snow Princess's card, and may choose to swap them. The Midnight Samurai has played the Priestess. He takes two feathers from the current leader, the Masked Cat. Currently:
Masked Cat, check your PMs. The dance (and the game) continues. The next set of actions is due Wednesday night.
The Merchant of Sands has left a dumbfounded Green Knight behind in favor of a dance with the Kuthona Rat. The Kuthona Rat, after a bout of confusion and giggles from the Priestess, has opted to take the Merchant up on her offer, and dance with her. The Masked Cat has eyed the card hidden in the folds of the Snow Princess's fan, and has declared her desire to play the Lion Blade. The Midnight Samurai, perhaps sensing the Masked Cat's proximity to victory, has played the Priestess in response. Challenges to the Masked Cat and the Midnight Samurai will be due Monday night. The next set of actions will be due by Wednesday night.
The Frost Witch has chosen to swap her feathers with the Midnight Samurai's, after which the actions after hers fully resolve. As we proceed to the next verse: The Masked Cat has ten feathers.
The Carpenter, now appearing as a Biscuit Monster, has issued a rather lively challenge to the Kuthona Rat's play of the Grand Prince. Both players reveal their cards: -The Carpenter is holding the Lion Blade.
Both players lose a feather, adding to the pool of feathers which can be claimed by the Count. The Frost Witch has played the Witch. She may now choose a player and exchange all her feathers with all of the chosen player's. The Merchant of Sands has played the Princess. She receives two feathers. The Midnight Samurai has changed partners with the Carpenter. The Masked Cat has played the Grand Prince. She receives three feathers. The Carpenter has played the Lion Blade. He may examine the Masked Cat's card and decide whether to swap it with his own. Carpenter, Frost Witch, check your PMs. Once the Frost Witch's play is resolved, we will know the current feather totals. As usual, the next actions are due by Saturday night. May the Rose smile upon your costumed endeavors.
--> therefore I believe The Masked Cat must secretly PM me what her card is before I can decide to swap or not... The Masked Cat is correct; I handle this sort of communication. Also, players have an opportunity to challenge the play of the Lion Blade, meaning that the card's effect will be resolved tomorrow morning. If there is any lingering confusion, I recommend a re-read of the game's rules.
With five of the six players declaring a card, the game has become quite lively, as evidenced by the smiles and interest of the Snow Princess. The Kuthona Rat has declared the Grand Prince.
Players now have the opportunity to challenge any or all of the five actions involving declaring cards. Challenges to these actions are due tonight.
The Masked Cat is correct. Once players have an opportunity to challenge the play, and the action is resolved, I will handle the details over Private Messaging.
The unusual nature of this verse continues to express itself. Not only are both Priestesses unchallenged, but the Carpenter literally jumps back into the dance (and the game) after downing a glass of wine from the Winter Faerie's tray. The Kuthona Rat's play of the Priestess goes unchallenged. The Masked Cat gives two of her feathers to the Kuthona Rat. The Midnight Samurai's play of the Priestess goes unchallenged. The Merchant of Sands gives two of her feathers to the Midnight Samurai. The Masked Cat has offered her hand to the Midnight Samurai. The Cat has the opportunity to swap cards with the Samurai. PMs have been sent to the Frost Witch, Carpenter, and Merchant of Sands, as they are examining their cards. Currently:
The next verse begins, and the game continues. Next actions are due by Wednesday night.
The two actions (including challenges) will be resolved sequentially. This means that after the first Priestess's effect occurs, the leader may change, and the second Priestess's effect can involve taking feathers from a different player.
As the first verse of this song concludes, a rather interesting situation has arisen. Both the Midnight Samurai and the Kuthona Rat have claimed to have the same card, just as the Masked Cat has grasped the Samurai's hand for a dance. As these are two separate plays, players can challenge either or both of them. This means that players can either: -Challenge the Kuthona Rat but not the Midnight Samurai
The Kuthona Rat can choose to challenge the Midnight Samurai's play.
Meanwhile, the Carpenter has exited the game, perhaps due to physical exhaustion or perhaps due to his mind being boggled by the plays. His card is now held by the Snow Princess. When a player chooses to change partners with the Snow Princess, he or she now has two choices of cards to swap with (or not):
Challenges to the Kuthona Rat and Midnight Samurai's actions are due by Monday night. As usual, the next action is due by Wednesday night.
The Merchant of Sands plays the Princess. She receives two feathers. The Kuthona Rat's play has been challenged by the Frost Witch. When both players reveal their cards, the Kuthona Rat is actually holding the Count and the Frost Witch is holding the Lion Blade. The Rat loses a feather, while the Frost Witch may use the ability of the Lion Blade. Frost Witch, check your PMs. The Midnight Samurai plays the Priestess, and reclaims his two feathers from the Masked Cat. The Masked Cat plays the Grand Prince, and receives three feathers. After all that resolves, the Carpenter examines his own card. Carpenter, check your PMs. Currently:
Since the game is starting to heat up, so to speak, I will re-post the descriptions of the cards' abilities:
The next actions are due Saturday evening. Until then, the next song begins, so enjoy the dance...
The second song has run its course, and the guests are becoming rather acquainted with each other. Pleasurable words are shared between dance partners, and anonymous friendships are forged. The Frost Witch, perhaps unsure of her next move, or perhaps confirming her plan, examines her own card. The Merchant of Sands, confident in her play, declares the Princess. If she is not challenged, she will claim two feathers. The Kuthona Rat also exudes his own brand of confidence as he declares the "Lying" Lion Blade. If he is not challenged, he will have the opportunity to examine his own card and another player's, as well as choose whether to swap them. The Midnight Samurai, eager to return the slight inflicted by the Masked Cat, declares the Priestess. If he is not challenged, he will take two feathers from the leader. The Masked Cat, meanwhile, seeks to push into a greater lead by declaring the Grand Prince. If she is not challenged, she will receive three feathers. The Carpenter, perhaps unwilling to dive into this conflict, examines his own card. Challenges to the four actions above are due tonight. Tomorrow morning, they will all be resolved, and we will see who claims the lead. Frost Witch, check your PMs.
The Merchant's declaration goes unchallenged, and she now has the opportunity to look at both her card and the Kuthona Rat's card, and decide whether to swap the two. A moment later, the Kuthona Rat takes the Frost Witch's arm, and they begin their turn in the ballroom. The Midnight Samurai returns to his first partner, the Snow Princess, perhaps to acquire her card, or perhaps out of a to be in her company once more. Sensing that the Carpenter is sending glances her way, his intentions as plain as his overalls, the Masked Cat examines her own card. Just as she does, the Carpenter bows in greeting, and takes her arm for an energetic turn. Currently:
The next actions are due Wednesday evening. Merchant of Sands, Masked Cat, check your PMs.
As the next verse concludes, the Frost Witch is the first to make her move on her chosen partner, placing herself right in the path of the Kuthona Rat with the intention of sharing a dance with him. Just a moment later, the Merchant of Sands has declared her intent to play the Lion Blade. If her play is not successfully challenged, she will be able to examine her own card and another player's card, and can choose to swap them. Since I was a bit late in posting today, challenges to the Merchant's play are due by Monday night, instead of tonight. As normal, the next actions are due by Wednesday night. Masked Cat, Kuthona Rat, Midnight Samurai, and Carpenter, your actions will occur after the Merchant's is resolved.
With no challenges to the Cat's play, the Cat receives two feathers from the Masked Samurai. The identities of the rest of your cards is being sent to you over Personal Messaging. Currently:
The next actions are due by Saturday evening. Until then, enjoy the dance...
The second song, a lengthy waltz, has concluded its first verse, and the dancers are getting acquainted with each other.
The Masked Cat is the first to act, declaring her intentions just as the opportunity presents itself. She has declared that she holds the Priestess, and seeks to take two feathers from the leader. Since there is currently a six-way tie for the lead, the Cat has chosen the Midnight Samurai. Players have the remainder of Thursday to challenge the Cat's play if they wish.
The first song has ended, and as is customary, the dancers all change their partners. As this is the winter season, bringing with it a new year, there is a silent tradition of curiosity about, as dancers venture forth and experience new partners, their masks protecting them from the sting of an untimely misstep. When one's reputation is vital, anonymity encourages bravery.
The Midnight Samurai makes the first move, giving the Merchant of Sands a chance to escape her partner, a Corsair of Cassomir and bane to her persona's countryment. However, the Merchant, in a manner fitting of her character, shows her designs on the Green Knight, or rather his green armor. The Masked Cat, perhaps impressed by the boisterous nature of the Carpenter's movements, or perhaps due to the curiosity of her character, approaches the Carpenter for dance with him. The Frost Witch is apparently happy to have the Samurai take her hand. Rather than having to change partners with him, the partners in her way swapped themselves. Meanwhile, the Kuthona Rat, perhaps out of an interest in rescuing the Cat, perhaps out of a desire to answer the Corsair's challenge regarding unlikely pairs, or perhaps simply out of an interest in a dance with her, takes the Cat's hand just as the next song begins. As the next song begins:
All players have six songbird feathers. All players, when they swapped dance partners, also had an opportunity to swap each their held cards with their chosen player's card. Whether or not a swap actually occurred is only known to the player. Thus, all seven cards are now hidden, and the full game begins. There are now three choices of actions:
The next choice of action is due by Wednesday evening. If a player announces that they are carrying a particular card, challenges to that claim are due by Thursday evening. Best of luck to all of you.
All six of the game's players have chosen a dance partner, and all seven cards have been dealt: The Masked Cat, dancing with the Lord Tiger, was dealt The Grand Prince
Meanwhile, a non-player also carries a card:
From here on out, all cards are hidden from all players. Next, all players will choose another player and change dance partners with that player and his or her partner, and will choose whether to swap cards with that player. For example, if The Masked Cat chooses to change partners with the Frost Witch, the Cat will find herself dancing with the Green Knight and the Frost Witch will find herself dancing with the Lord Tiger. The Masked Cat will have the opportunity to either swap her card with the Frost Witch's or not. Only the Cat knows for sure. PM your choices on card-swapping to the Master of Games, so I can keep track of who has which card. As a different example, if the Kuthona Rat chooses to change partners with the Merchant of Sands, the Rat and the Merchant will find themselves dancing with each other, and the Rat will have the opportunity to either swap his card with the Merchant's or not. Also, a player can choose to change partners with the Snow Princess, who is carrying a seventh card. To keep things moving, let's all make sure to have our choices posted by Saturday evening. Best of luck to all of you.
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