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Zsófia blinks, reorients herself, and then sketches out a quick bow to Alice while matching her smirk.
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Round 21
The swarm catches her despite her high spirits, and she feels nauseous.
Glad you're feeling better!
Round 20
Parry:
Attack of opportunity #1: Attack of opportunity #2: Attack of opportunity #3: Attack of opportunity #4: Attack of opportunity #5: Attack of opportunity #6: Attack of opportunity #7:
Round 19
Dodging Dance deed: Dodging Dance (Ex) (Chronicle of Legends pg. 5): The swashbuckler moves around her opponents' attacks to open them up for strikes. At 7th level, a swashbuckler can spend 1 panache point to move up to half her speed as a move action. If a creature makes an attack of opportunity against her due to this movement, she can attempt an Acrobatics check with a DC equal to the attacking creature's CMD. If she succeeds, the attack of opportunity misses, and the swashbuckler can make an attack of opportunity against the attacking creature instead. She can attempt to evade multiple attacks of opportunity during this movement, but the DC of the Acrobatics check increases by 2 for each additional opponent that makes an attack of opportunity against her during this movement. If the swashbuckler has an ability that grants her additional attacks of opportunity, she can use them to respond to multiple missed attacks of opportunity with her own attacks. This deed replaces the swashbuckler's grace deed and one other 7th-level deed. Acrobatics check if an attack of opportunity is made against her:
Opportune Parry and Riposte deed: Opportune Parry and Riposte (Ex) (Advanced Class Guide pg. 57): At 1st level, when an opponent makes a melee attack against the swashbuckler, she can spend 1 panache point and expend a use of an attack of opportunity to attempt to parry that attack. The swashbuckler makes an attack roll as if she were making an attack of opportunity; for each size category the attacking creature is larger than the swashbuckler, the swashbuckler takes a –2 penalty on this roll. If her result is greater than the attacking creature’s result, the creature’s attack automatically misses. The swashbuckler must declare the use of this ability after the creature’s attack is announced, but before its attack roll is made. Upon performing a successful parry and if she has at least 1 panache point, the swashbuckler can as an immediate action make an attack against the creature whose attack she parried, provided that creature is within her reach. This deed's cost cannot be reduced by any ability or effect that reduces the number of panache points a deed costs. Attack of opportunity:
Round 18
Zsófia leans against the wall and tries to catch her breath. "Has the priestess betrayed us, do you think? This has the whiff of a trap about it. Why, I doubt even the front gates of Fort Drelev are as well-protected as this underground passage seems to be!"
Round 4 Zsófia backs off quickly as the worms begin to swarm.
Round 2
Did you overlook Zsófia in your summary, or does her absence maybe mean she didn't hit anything? :)
Round 1
Zsófia peers around the corner as she hears the baying of the dogs. "By the light, that sound has an evil tone!" she remarks as she steels herself for the effect.
Recognizing the effects of the sound, she mutters a swift oath to Shelyn: "Lady, an it please Thee, please protect these beautiful souls from the fearful evil that here approacheth!" She blinks after saying this, startled for some reason.
Zsófia bows to the Calistrian priestess in thanks for the information, and moves up beside Ulricha to be ready for trouble.
As the woman manipulates the cliffside, Zsófia looks around and speaks ably without moving her mouth. "Can you tell us anything of what we will encounter inside? For example, does this passage let us into the barracks, or perhaps someone's private bedchambers?"
Zsófia looks around to make sure there aren't any other people nearby before the invisibility spell wears off. "Greetings," she says politely. "Point us and our swords at the villains of Drelev and many of your troubles will soon evaporate."
Zsófia takes Quince's hand in her left and Ulricha's hand in her right, initially awkward as she struggles to fit hers within the giant woman's grasp. "This will be quite the sight for anyone who can see invisibility," she snickers quietly.
Not me, alas! I'm guessing it was Markus and Quince activating them in the diplomatic group?
"Xandarian and Zsofia, she will most likely seek to seduce either of you. Xandarian because she likes booze and is into Paladins, Zsofia because you are beautiful and she is competitive about dancing. I recommend playing hard to get but to be polite." "Thank you for the warning," Zsófia says, with a curl of her lip and a quick prayer to Shelyn under her breath. "I trust we will now proceed to our original purpose?"
Zsófia follows Quince, and when she hears her allies say their contact can see them, she shrugs and lands beside him. "The spell will end in a few seconds anyway," she says with an ironic twist of her lip. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, servant of the Savored Sting." She bows floridly, looking Satinder over appreciatively with a professional eye, as one entertainer to another. She wonders how far they can trust this Calistrian cleric, though she doesn't let it show in her features.
Zsófia pulls the collar of her cloak up and leaves the tavern with Ulricha. Seeing Quince outside, she nods in his direction. "What's next, sir?" she says quietly, scanning the area for potential enemies listening in on their conversations.
Zsófia, frustrated at the lack of information possessed/divulged by her unwanted suitors, shoots Ulricha a grateful look. "Ah, I knew it was too good to be true," she says ruefully. "Our time together is at an end, and I have to go. And we didn't even get to find out which one of you was the most worthy! Perhaps next time. Will you boys be here tomorrow?" She looks back at Ulricha again. "Yes, yes, I know, I mustn't keep the boss waiting. Farewell, friends!"
"You lads seem like important men, all of you so strong and hale. Do you work for Lord Drelev?" Zsófia asks the three of them at once. "I have heard he is an inspiring leader, but maybe you just like to fight and drink. As we say at the temple of Calistria, when the body is willing so follows the mind." She winces at the half-truth, but hopes that her goddess will forgive it in pursuit of the greater good. Unbidden by her, a thought forms in her mind: she imagines she can hear words spoken by a soft, lilting voice with a slight Vudran accent. -- Mistress Shelyn does not mind white lies, and She even encourages them if the speaker does so to create something beautiful. -- Perhaps Calistria would be angry that you misrepresent yourself as Her priest, but it is unlikely that She will hear of it. -- For safety, and to maintain harmony between Shelyn and Calistria, and in thanks for the use of Her influence, perhaps you might make a small donation to Her temple? -- Zsófia blinks. She looks around, momentarily off-guard. Was one of her companions using telepathy on her?
Zsófia rolls her eyes and smiles at the thug. "Where I come from, it's customary to buy a lady a drink before you look at what she's got on under her cloak." She winks flirtaciously. Shelyn give me strength, she thinks through her smirk. "Does this place have a dress code all of a sudden? If you buy me a drink, maybe I'll let you share my winnings."
Zsófia follows Quince to the gambling hall, trying to stay disguised in her plain cloak and not draw attention on the way there.
I am thinking Zsofia is asking for a special event to gestalt? Well, not specifically, but I wouldn't complain. :) Mostly something for our eventual downtime to explain why a new temple to Shelyn would be built in Greenwatch. When she finally gestalts, I think she'll become a spiritualist, which suggests that someone close to her or important to her in some way will die or has died recently. (Maybe her father?)
Merry Christmas make a wish for your character! If you insist... ;) I wish for Zsófia to experience a miraculous event at a later point in her story, perhaps having to do with the appearance of a star shining all seven colors of the rainbow above the tower on Candlemere, as if the goddess Shelyn had blessed it. As the story spreads, it might be seen as a good site for a temple to Shelyn, that doesn't intrude upon Erastil's natural affinity with most of the rest of Greenwatch. Bonus time: What is your favorite food for this holiday. There's lots of things I like, but the thing I specifically made today was a drink called Glögg, which I make by pouring a jug of cranberry juice and a jug of apple juice in a big pot and adding orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves before heating it over a small flame for the whole day. It traditionally has lots of alcohol added when you drink it (but I don't).
Zsófia shrugs. "As I said, invisible and flying."
Zsófia frowns at the suggestion she pretend to be a succubus. "No one will believe I am a demon no matter how well I act like one," she scoffs, "but feel free to refer to me however you like. We just need a plausible reason to talk to people and find the cleric who is our contact. If we would prefer not to draw too much attention to ourselves, which strikes me as wise, I think we should just walk in rather than flying or making ourselves invisible. If we appear too powerful, we might get taken directly to Lord Drelev-- and I do not believe we want that!"
Zsófia looks to Quince for direction. "So, it falls to our team to seek out the Calistrian cleric. Do you think we will need to be invisible to enter Fort Drelev? You might be pretty recognizable, my lord commander, even in humble clothing."
"I want two teams with backups. One team will make contact with, what's her name, the cleric of calistra?" "Satinder Morne," says Zsófia, her ostentatious ribbons and otherworldly beauty hidden by a simple cloak. "I will join Quince in the first team. I believe that my batman Chizzlall would do best to remain here at the camp and keep watch for anything unusual while we are investigating the city." She nods encouragingly at Chizzlall, who sighs and scratches his rivercat companion on the ruff of the neck.
And many happy returns!
While Chizzlall has been helping secure the camp, Zsófia remains near Quince to discuss strategy and speculate wildly about what they might encounter when they enter Drelev. Zsófia is wearing a cloak with a deep hood as a consideration towards subtlety, but in their tents and as long as they are not actively infiltrating their destination, she allows her multicolored hair and ribbons to flow freely. Unfortunately, Zsófia hasn't yet come up with any concrete plans, proposing instead to play things by ear once they get inside, as she often does. She listens with interest to Jorrast's intelligence, fidgeting with the hilt of her dueling sword.
Zsófia follows on the elk she was assigned last time they traveled, continuing to the camp with the rest of the company. Chizzlall rides beside her on Rumbles, causing the elk to give the rivercat anxious looks periodically. Fortunately the journey has no incidents between them.
It's not Thanksgiving for me without cranberry-orange relish, made in a meat grinder so that it's extra-smooth! Zsófia level 8: Swashbuckler 5 / Devoted Muse 3
Chizzlall level 6: Hunter 6
Rumbles level 6: Animal Companion 6
Zsófia nods and gives a playful salute before collecting Chizzlall and Rumbles and heading off to the courtyard.
Zsófia's lopsided grin intensifies. "Thank you, Lord Sulvanii. Your council's trust in my leadership abilities is gratifying." She takes the floating ring and slips it onto her finger in one deft motion.
If we're casting invisibility on folks, Zsófia (and Chizzlall) will gladly join the infiltration team, since her social skills may be useful. (Chizzlall is actually pretty stealthy, too.)
Zsófia gives a lopsided grin at the banter. "While I have rarely needed to be stealthy before, I can be very tricky and have a tolerably long wit. If we attempt to infiltrate Drelev, I might be very useful as we try to explain away our presence if discovered. But I am happy to remain in reserve if that does not seem like it will be necessary."
Zsófia clears her throat uncomfortably. "Lord Commander, it sounds like you would have us go in force to Drelev while we wait for intelligence of the Tiger Lords. Is that correct? Is there anything we can do to prepare for the expedition?" She shakes her head, trying to think of a name, and looks to Chizzlall to see if he has any ideas. He shrugs. "Something about hearts, for Elkheart? The Heartwatch?" She tries to drive it from her mind. "I am sure inspiration will strike, possibly at some meaningful event on our adventure. Shelyn will provide, if she looks kindly upon our goal."
His prayer ended he looks up, "I know folk who look to other gods are here. I would invite you to pray also. It is not insult to Erastil, that other gods might bless our efforts here." He gives space if any others wish to speak. Zsófia can't resist such a blatant invitation. She winks at Chizzlall standing behind her and stands. "Thank you, Lord Commander. I would ask that Shelyn lend us her majesty-- to remind us that there is beauty in everyone, even our enemies, and so justice should always be tempered with mercy if possible." She frowns a bit at this last declaration, as if she wasn't sure quite what she was saying until she finished saying it. Then she gives a deep bow and sits again, her head tilted to consider the ramifications of her prayer.
Sulvanii: Zsófia's eyes widen as she realizes the efreeti is serious. Then she narrows them again suspiciously. "I have heard that your items often have curses," she states. "Would that negatively affect any communication with the goddess? If not, I would be honored to come so close to Shelyn's mind, even a step removed. Such a miracle would be a blessing indeed."
Sulvanii: Zsófia cocks her head. "What do you mean, which avenue? Can you not simply grant it, the way Xandarian's was answered? I fear I know little of wishcraft."
Sulvanii: He quickly intersects, "Straight to the point without any pleasantries. I had higher hopes for you... maybe your mind is dull like a club. As many 'smashers' have done in the past. But I digress." Zsófia shrugs at the interruption. "No doubt," she lies. If she still resents him for his uninvited visit to her mind, she gives no sign of it. "Though I prefer to think of it like a diamond," she adds cheekily. At the wish he ponders on it for a moment. The he muses, "Shall we ask before making such a wish? You are not a divine class are you?" Zsófia blinks. "You have some way to ask the goddess directly? I have prayed upon it, and though I am not a cleric or priest, I feel confident in my heart that Shelyn would approve. Though of course Her ways are not ours, and perhaps I could be wrong."
Sulvanii: Zsófia accepts the ring with only slight hesitation and slips it on her finger before striding confidently into the room. She is slightly distracted and off-balance by the creatures skittering about, but she somehow manages to handle herself with aplomb. "Greetings, Lord Sulvanii," she says pleasantly, sketching a slight bow as to a colleague. "I am here to redeem my reward for joining Greenwatch and faithfully serving the defense of the realm. I have already signed your contract and so all that remains, I believe, is to state the terms." She takes a deep breath, pausing a moment in case the efreet wishes to interject anything. "I wish, if Shelyn does not object, to summon one of Her celestial servants to follow me and act as my guardian angel for at least one year, or longer if mutually agreed upon; to guide me, advise me, and ensure that my actions in defense of Greenwatch and in all other matters are in concert with the will of the goddess."
Sulvanii:
Zsófia frowns. Outsider, you need not invade my thoughts to learn my opinions! she thinks with a hint of anger. You could simply ask me! She has powerful doubts, for she assumes that he has already read her mind and she worries what he has found there. She wonders if the wish was triggered when she said "I pray that the goddess guides my hand to defend our lands to the best of my abilities." She wants to serve her goddess, but also she selfishly wants Shelyn to notice and reward her piety, and she fears that such a wish would make her look proud and superior, so she intends to pray on it and make her wish in private, if possible. She believes it is essential to appear humble and congenial at court, because she wants to impress the council in the hopes that when she brings up the matter of her title they will be well-disposed toward her. Zsófia leaves the gathering with a troubled look. She returns to her rooms, with Chizzlall in tow, and once they are inside she explains to the gnome what happened. "I must pray, to ask for guidance and to marshal my thoughts. Perhaps together we can work out how I should word my intentions for that fiery wishcrafter's contract. I would ask to receive one of The Eternal Rose's celestial servants to watch over me and give me wise counsel, and to help protect me against my rash or base instincts that would not be pleasing to the goddess. As I navigate the choppy waters associated with obtaining title to my father's lands, I feel that her influence would help me maintain an even keel in the face of adversity. What do you think, my friend?" Chizzlall shakes his head. "It sounds to-Chizzlall like you already have-thought it out, bright-lady. Not much-help is Chizzlall." "And anyways Chizzlall knows-nothing about-boating. Chizzlall has a bad sense of it, for-boating." The next day Zsófia seeks out Sulvanii to formally make her wish, and then explores the capital city. Firstly on her mind is finding other Shelynites, preferably with some sort of shrine or temple, though in this she is disappointed. She tours the mercantile areas, seeing what sort of wares Elkheart has for sale, though she has no intention of spending any of her wages yet. When possible, she asks about the other council members, to get a sense of how they govern. She would dearly love to sit in a tavern and listen to all the gossip of the realm, but she worries she doesn't have the time to really learn much, and she doesn't want to get distracted from her focus on what is happening in Drelev. She also learns a bit more about Chizzlall's origins and what brought him to Tazlford. She makes a mental note to look into the trolls in the southwestern Narlmarches as soon as she has leisure to pursue a personal quest, in gratitude for his loyal service so far.
Zsófia shrugs. It's no skin off her back if Vandomir chooses not to avail himself of a magical wish, and she could hardly protest since she was herself waiting to make her formal request in a more private setting. Though she uncomfortably felt that something had happened when she announced her intention and signed the contract, even though she had been careful not to use the word "wish." Can this genie read my intentions? she wonders. She would have to pray on it, later. She perks up at Quince's mention of 'new blood' and 'fresh hands'. "Forgive me, Lord Commander, but are you suggesting that you might invite new members to serve on your council?" |