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Proud Tortoise
2013-02-06, 10:15 PM
OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=14665146)

Each of you has been summoned from a different world to meet with Snakeseye at the Dorman Mesa in Hallowed Heart. Each of you stood guard over a different city or town in danger until you got the message: you were to report back to the Heart immediately for reassignment. Now you are waiting together in an antechamber to be admitted into Snakeseye's hall.

Please introduce yourself to the others in your initial post.

Magnera
2013-02-06, 10:33 PM
In the center of the antechamber stood a huge, deep-rocky-red, five headed hydra. The texture of the scales looked rough and uneven, as if the earth its self had covered all of the beast in stone. Each individual neck must have been longer than the entirety of its body. Every head looked in a different direction, covering all lines of sight possible. Oddly enough, they moved in an almost eerie concert.

Noting as to how he was the first one there, the hydra waited for the first guest to arrive. As soon as the doors to the chamber opened, a single head spoke to the guest." Hello, comrade. My name is Vastrath, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Chilingsworth
2013-02-06, 10:45 PM
*A large winged snake slithers into the antechamber. Though his scales span the visible color spectrum, shades of yellow, green, and blue predominate. His eyes are golden hue. Upon being greeted by Vastrath, he performs the herpetlogical equivilant of a polite bow and speaks:*

Ah, greetings Vastrath. Though my name is Dassil'ein'ivix, you may call me Dassil. So, master Snakeseye has called several of us together, has he? It's been some time since I've worked as part of a proper squad. I look forward to it. It's been just Feil and I for too long.


Buffs and Crusader Info:
Stance: Leading the Charge
Steely Resolve/Furious Counterstrike: 0/+0

Fortuna
2013-02-06, 11:10 PM
At the mention of his name, a dragon curled up over the entrance stretches and yawns. Where his deep purple scales had made him seem lifeless stone only seconds before, their scintillation now leaves no doubt that he is very much alive. Stretching delicate wings like gossamer, he glides down into the room to hover about Dassil, sketching a tiny bow. "Feiliacan, at your service. Or Snakeseye's service, I suppose, but yours too on my day off." He grins, bursting with pride at his own cleverness.

Chilingsworth
2013-02-07, 02:33 AM
*Dassil gives a snaky hiss/snort of humor.*

Well Feil, you got here ahead of me afterall.

*He gives off the distinct impression that he would be smiling, if his lips weren't quite immobile.*


Buffs and Crusader Info:
Stance: Leading the Charge
Steely Resolve/Furious Counterstrike: 0/+0

Fortuna
2013-02-07, 02:37 AM
Fei tumbles grinning through the air, the blur of his iridescent wings making him seem almost like a jester in motley until he steadies himself - upside down. "Too slow, my friend, too slow. When have you ever beaten me anywhere?"

Chilingsworth
2013-02-07, 03:26 AM
Well, there was that time I teleported ahead. I suppose that was cheating, though.


Buffs and Crusader Info:
Stance: Leading the Charge
Steely Resolve/Furious Counterstrike: 0/+0

Fortuna
2013-02-07, 03:33 AM
The little dragon looks downright affronted, even going so far as to right himself. "You did not beat me that time. It was all part of the plan for me to remain behind, whatever you may claim."

Chilingsworth
2013-02-07, 03:47 AM
Of course, Feil. Once again, your plans are well beyond my ken.

*he does his equivilant to a polite bow to his friend*

Telepathic Message to Vastrath:
It really is best to just humor him, easier on everyone. I appologize for contacting you like this without warning, but if you're going to work with us, it's something you must know. Also, if you wish to respond to this suggestion, please do so in your thoughts. I'll be able to pick up anything you chose to send, though nothing else.


Buffs and Crusader Info:
Stance: Leading the Charge
Steely Resolve/Furious Counterstrike: 0/+0

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-02-07, 06:01 AM
Little sound precedes the entry of a large winged Sphinx, obviously male by his human face, with tawny fur and graceful steps.
He looks around at the collection of creatures before him. "I am Torneia." His deep voice is kindly, an old man worn with cares.
Introductions done, he steps to one side of the chamber and lies down, head on his paws, watching the others, though not distrustfully, just in a vaguely curious way.

Fortuna
2013-02-07, 06:18 AM
Fei's indignation bursts like a soap bubble with the arrival of the newcomer, darting over to zip about him like a particularly annoying brand of fly. "Oooh, hello. I'm Fei, and that's my friend Dassil, and over there is Vastrath."

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-02-07, 06:57 AM
"Ho-hmm" Torneia responds non-commitally, nodding to the others purposefully. It seemed to be quite a gathering, Sapham-Tet would no doubt soon arrive, and Torneia smiled inwardly at that thought, it had been too long since he had last seen the sphinx.

Magnera
2013-02-07, 03:42 PM
"Dassil, I am glad that you have a more simplistic name. Pronunciation isn't quite my strong suit."

Slightly surprised by the little creature's entrance. Vastrath brings in a second head, so that they may have individual conversations. The second head traces the same pattern that Fei travels in, trying to maintain eye contact. " Out of curiosity, Fei, why does it matter that you arrive first? Certainly there is more to it than competition? Perhaps it is some kind of friendly competition, something to note and tease about"

The first head, the one that spoke to the nigh rainbow serpent stares blankly at Dassil.
" Thanks for the tip Dassil, I will be certain to make use of this Knowlege in the future. So this telepathy ability of yours, I have a small plan with it. Assuming in our next assignment, if needed, we can have me burrow just outside camp to warn you of things who wish to give us a visit, friendly or not"

Vastrath brings fourth a third head, it moves with eyes full of curiosity, to the most recent arrival, Tornia.
"Hello there Torneia, It appears that more than just those of scaly variety will be partaking in this assignment."

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-07, 06:40 PM
A spirit with the head of a raccoon and the body of a lion steps into the antechamber. "Snakeseyes is ready to see you. You can come in now."

Fortuna
2013-02-07, 07:25 PM
Almost before the spirit finishes speaking, Fei is flitting inwards, ever-eager to see what's ahead.

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-07, 08:01 PM
The garden in which Snakeseye holds court is lush with flowering trees and clear ponds, although in fairness this describes much of the Heart. Snakeseyes, an enormous and ancient basilisk, is standing before an enormous plant with huge purple flowers.

Magnera
2013-02-07, 08:01 PM
Ending his conversations, Vastrath lethargically walks into the doors. A single head faces backwards, just to make certain that he knows who else is behind him.

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-07, 08:08 PM
Snakeseyes turns to greet you. He has an odd voice that reverberates in your skull(s). "My friends. How are you these days?"

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-02-07, 08:10 PM
Torneia stands, managing to make the movement seem slow whilst arriving at the door only a few moments behind Fei. His eyes flashed, showing an alertness that age had not dimmed.

Chilingsworth
2013-02-07, 08:20 PM
Dassil respecfully enters he sanctum, performing the snaky equivilant of a deep bow.

I am well, Master. I believe Fei is also, though I wouldn't presume to speak for him. Quite afew of us have been summoned, I see.

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-02-07, 09:12 PM
Torneia is happy to add his silence, knowing that there are no more words that need to be spoken.

Magnera
2013-02-07, 09:48 PM
Each head began to address his masters question, in seamless unison they spoke the hydras mind.
"I have fared quite well! That village you had me defend, it was pleasant and calm, within a few exceptions. The food that was there was also quite nice, not quite my favorite but granite has a wonderful texture! Nice and chunky. It was rather nice of an assignment, and as you probably know, I like good rock." All five heads smiled as Vastrath commented about his taste in geological cuisine.

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-07, 09:51 PM
"I have pulled you from your field assignments for a special mission. Rather than the normal guardian assignment, you are to retrieve two items of power from two separate worlds. We don't know what they are, exactly, but Yaissphor has detected certain energy signatures emanating from those areas. There have also been other groups moving in on these worlds..."

Scow2
2013-02-07, 09:53 PM
Sapham-Tet is fashionably late, entering the Antechamber after everyone had been invited into the garden with Snakeseyes. "What's all this fuss about?" she asks herself, scowling at being called away from 'protecting' the library pf the city she'd practically adopted - potentially losing months on the theorem she was working on because of the interruption.

She's very much a smaller, distaff counterpart to Tornie, in form if not fashion. Although most of her body is that of a winged lioness, her belly, and shoulders swiftly merge with the face, neck, and breasts of a regal human woman. Her annoyed scowl is complemented by her angular features and framed by jaw-length, straight, black (Almost bluish) hair, with her bangs capped by a gold band just above her brow. She wears an Egyptian-style disk-like collar around her neck, spanning from shoulder to shoulder and decorated with elaborate geometric patterns of embroidery and beads mixed with draconic runes (Spellcraft check to identify them!), with an arcane string of Arabic numerals stitched into the cloth along the lower hem of the collar, just above her breasts.

Slinking into the sanctum, she pads over beside Tornia quietly, her large feline paws almost quiet against the grass. "Sorry if I'm a bit short-tempered. I've been working on a theorem the past few weeks, and it was going to take several more months to solve. I hope this mission is important," she glares, crossing her forepaws in front of her chest as she lays down in the grass.

Magnera
2013-02-07, 09:55 PM
The smiles upon Vastrath's head's disappear as he became serious, knowing fully well that there could be whole mountains of rock in danger, and life... life may also be in danger.
"So we have competition, master? As much as I enjoy doing guardian assignments, something to break the mold sure helps. What will we bring? Is there an idea as to what we will be going into?"

Chilingsworth
2013-02-07, 10:13 PM
Spellcraft check to identify Sapham's runes (I also am fluent in draconic)

[roll0]

Fortuna
2013-02-07, 10:53 PM
Fei remains uncharacteristically silent, apparently engrossed in the garden. He flits this way and that, in and out of the flowers - even the fastest eye quickly loses him among the riot of colours.

First roll of the game, and it's a completely frivolous Hide check!

[roll0]

Chilingsworth
2013-02-07, 11:03 PM
*Dassil loses sight of Fei immediately.*

I'm not going to bother rolling a spot check. That hide check is about double what I can get with a 20.

Magnera
2013-02-07, 11:17 PM
Only a single head was bothering to watch the area, the other four were occupied with holding pleasant conversation with Snakeyes. Vastrath looses sight of the miniscule creature as soon as it hides in the grass.
There is no way I could possible make such an insane check. :smalleek:

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-08, 09:30 AM
Snakeseyes keeps a close eye on Fei as he says, "Yes, certain groups are cnverging on both worlds. One object is hidden in a mountainous region while the other is in a forest.

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-02-08, 09:41 AM
"Certain groups? Now don't be coy, who are those of which you speak, and what are the objects that must be recovered? Are we to return them here to Hallowed Heart?" Torneia shows neither anger nor annoyance, his deep rumblings at odd with his words.

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-08, 09:56 AM
"These groups are the regular selection of cults, government and business. We believe someone sent them word of the objects, which, as I mentioned, we have not yet identified. Your mission will be to bring the objects back here for protection."

Scow2
2013-02-08, 11:54 AM
@Chillingsworth (And GM, of course)If Proud Tortise is fine with the idea:
The 'runes' indicate that the collar's actually an elaborate, abstract spellbook, with what seem to be fragments of cantrips and assorted low-level spells woven in between apparently-decorative beads... and patterns in the fractured words hinting at more powerful spells. It will take closer study to actually figure out how it works, though.

Sapham-tet sighs at the news. "Do you have any more information AT ALL about this? I need names - Identies of the individual cults, the name of the objects... anything affiliated with the objects in question could be useful. Even details that seem insignificant could save valuable time," she requests.

Magnera
2013-02-08, 01:28 PM
The one head that lost track of Fie turns to look at everyone. It turns to face each and every spirit in the area, counting them." Master, there is an odd amount of fellows we have here. Fie, Dassil, Sapham, Torina and me. That makes five of us, one group will have three and the other will have two. It seems like a rather strange amount, unless you intend of all five of us to go upon the same assignment? If so, then this is probably going to be one of the hardest missions that we have gone on. Is there anymore information that we could possible use, master?

Fortuna
2013-02-08, 03:27 PM
Fei lurks in the shadows, watching wide-eyed.

Chilingsworth
2013-02-08, 06:19 PM
(invests the piddling amount of attention required to keep aware of Feilican's position via mindsight [assuming he's within 90ft.])

*snaky bow to Sapham*

I take it you're our intelligence specialist, Miss...?

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-08, 07:30 PM
Glaring at the bush standing before him, Snakeseyes says, "I don't know personally which groups are involved. You can talk to Yaissphor before beaming down. As for the objects in question... Yaissphor will know them when you see them. I'll be supervising both expeditions, and I will tell you when you see them."

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-02-09, 05:21 AM
Sapham-Tet is focussed on Snakeseyes's answer, and so Torneia responds himself; "She is Sapham-Tet. And yes, she just loves to know things..."

Chilingsworth
2013-02-09, 05:28 AM
*bows*

A pleasure to meet you, Sapham-Tet. I am Dassil'ein'ivix, though please feel free to call me Dassil. The bush at which Master Snakeseyes is glaring is the current hiding place of my friend, Fei. He and I are a humanoid infiltration team, until recently stationed in the city of Sharn, on world 2004b, "Eberron." We were monitoring the recent cessation of major hostilities on the primary inhabited continent of that world.

Atemus
2013-02-09, 10:44 AM
The patter of heavy footsteps rumbles through the door as a long, steely blue legged serpent enters the garden.

"I apologize for being late. I was slee- I mean studying a bit of magic. I hope I didn't miss too much.

I am Rith."

The long serpentine figure coils himself up, waiting for Snakeseye to continue.

Magnera
2013-02-09, 12:52 PM
While the four heads that have been paying attention continue to do so, the fifth swivels around to meet their newest arrival.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Rith, my name is Vastrath. With you our pretty party makes up six, the largest I have even been a part of."

Chilingsworth
2013-02-09, 12:58 PM
Master Snakeseyes, should we be expecting any other agents? If so, I'll wait to introduce myself to them.

J-H
2013-02-09, 05:59 PM
Some of the tree branches behind Snakeseye move, and a large spider-like creature fades into visibility among the shadows.

"I'll be helping, too."
http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091016034351/dungeons/images/5/5d/Aranea.jpg

The Aranea picks its way down from the tree, walking straight down the last 10' of bare trunk.

"Ah, yes. I am Rak Per. Most people do not call me that, because they do not see me."

Chilingsworth
2013-02-09, 08:50 PM
*Dassil shows very little surprise at Rak's appearance.*

Hmm, I thought I sensed an eigth mind in the vicinity. Greetings, Rith, Rak Per. I am Dassil'ein'ivix. Please, call me Dassil. My associate, Feilican, is hiding in the bush at which Master Snakesyes is glaring. I'll let the others introduce themselves.

*bows*

(To Master Snakeseyes)

Master, I seem to remember hearing something about an accident with the Yaisphorr Engine. Is this true? And if it is, would I be correct in deducing the victim was meant to be the eigth member of our team?

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-10, 10:45 AM
Snakeseyes frowns. "It was not an accident with the engine; the agent was trying to get back to the transport point when they were slain by a dragon that had been lurking nearby..."

"In any case. You will have to split into two teams, the organization of which I will leave to you, as there are two worlds to travel to. The first is called Shalnae. The object is located in a dense forest. The second world is Duhrk, and the object is located in a range of warm mountains. Let me know how you choose to split up." He wanders off into the garden.

Atemus
2013-02-10, 10:56 AM
"I am quite accustomed to stone cliffs. Who is coming with me to the mountains?"

Scow2
2013-02-10, 11:42 AM
Sapham-Tet speaks up. "Dassil, Fei. and Spider-man should take to the forests. Tornia, Vastrath, and I shall take to the Mountain, where our size is less of a hindrance and we can actually use our wings. We're not as nimble fliers as you, Dassil.


(Sorry for shortness, wanted to get this out of the way before I have to leave my comp for a while)

Chilingsworth
2013-02-10, 12:54 PM
*nods to Sapham-Tet*

And I'm nowhere near as nimble as Fei.

In any case, that makes sense. So, Fei, Rak Per, and I shall head to Shalnae. You, Tornia, and Vastrath shall head to Duhrk.

That leaves you, Rith: Which world do you believe yourself best suited for?

Also, let's see how much I know about these planes:
Knolwedge (Planes) Checks:
Shalnae
[roll0]
Duhrk
[roll1]

Atemus
2013-02-10, 01:11 PM
"I'll be in the mountains as I said, my winged brother. I'm quite well adjusted to climbing through such terrain. I hope you can make do without me."

Rith turns his head to Snakeseyes

"When are we departing?"

Chilingsworth
2013-02-10, 01:36 PM
So you did. My appolgies, I was distracted by news of the harm that had come to our comrade.

So, Rak Per.. what is you specialty? As I believe you heard, Fei and I usually specialize in the infiltration of humanoid groups. We're both also competent sorcerers. Fei is also a manifester, and as you can see, can be very stealthy when he wishes to be. I am also a practitioner of the Sublime Way, and have a (very) little bit of healing ability. Fei and I also each have other talents, but those are, I believe, the most relevant.

Magnera
2013-02-10, 01:37 PM
"Wonderful, I am glad everyone had chosen their own place. As for the mountains? I am made from the earth its self, there are few better places for me." One of the hydras many heads turns towards Sapham-Tet. "I fear I might be one of the few beings here that cant fly, with out magic at least."

J-H
2013-02-10, 07:36 PM
Rak Per speaks with a raspy, odd voice. "I fight from treess, walls and cornerss. Magic and mind powerss to disable, weaken, disorient, and trap my enemiess. It comess naturally."

It turns to the hydra. "I do not fly either, but I climb wallss and ceilingss."

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-02-11, 12:57 AM
Torneia nodded. "Sapham-Tet is astute as ever, though less verbose than normal. To the mountain world of Duhrk then."

Chilingsworth
2013-02-11, 03:50 AM
Alright, it appears our teams have been formed. Shall we go to speak with Yaissphor so Mistress Sapham can acquire some intell for us?

Magnera
2013-02-11, 09:03 AM
Vastrath walks out of the meeting room and begins his travels to the Yaissphor engine, he wanted to get started and see what the area held for him and his stomach.

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-13, 09:57 AM
You arrive at one of the nodes of the Yaissphor Engine as an antelope and a bear arrive through the portal.

Chilingsworth
2013-02-13, 07:09 PM
*nods to the other spirits in passing*

Sapham-Tet, care to ask your questions? You know best which questions are needed, after all.

Scow2
2013-02-14, 10:53 PM
Walking up to the engine, Sapham-Tet would place a paw against it. With the physical contact creating a telepathic bridge between her mind and the Yassiphor engine, she probed and explored the engine's knowledge of Duhrk, rebuilding her sprawling city of memories and thoughts to accommodate the knowledge of the new world - When she was done, the world was as familiar to her as her own world.

Only after gaining preliminary understanding of the world she was destined for, she began to focus her thoughts onto the mission at hand.

Thought-questions for GM What are these artifacts we seek? When were they crafted, by who? Do they have names? An image of my Tell me of the warm mountains of Duhrk and Forests of Shalnae these artifacts can be found. What cults, gods, and powers oppose us? Who else seeks the artifacts?

Chilingsworth
2013-02-14, 10:58 PM
Dassil likewise attunes himself to Shalnae, though not being a diviner he has no specific questions.

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-14, 11:24 PM
What are these artifacts we seek?

[I]
When were they crafted,
[PRINT] Artifacts were crafted within one million standard years of multiverse's creation.

by who?

[I]
Do they have names?

[I]
An image of my
[ERROR: SYNTAX]

Tell me of the warm mountains of Duhrk and Forests of Shalnae
[ERROR: SPECIFY QUERY]

these artifacts can be found.
[ERROR: SYNTAX]

What cults, gods, and powers oppose us?
[ERROR: SYSTEM ERROR]

Who else seeks the artifacts?
[PRINT] Presently, two other groups persue the artifacts:
1. The White Order of Peace
2. The Scarlet Brotherhood

J-H
2013-02-14, 11:45 PM
Rak Per walks up behind Sapham-Tet and waits, compound eyes unblinking.

Two of his legs occasionally shift position. The web spinneret at the back of his abdomen pulses and clicks a few times and more webbing is prepared. His respiration changes briefly, in what could almost be described a yawn.

Magnera
2013-02-15, 01:05 AM
Vastrath stays a little behind the group, he didn't mind the using the Yassiphor engine. For when someone else could do it the hydra simply waited, relaxing and enjoying the simple basics of life such as not having to do anything at the current moment.

Chilingsworth
2013-02-15, 01:42 AM
While he's attuning himself, Dassil thinks of some questions:

Thought questions:
What gear and facilities are available on Shalnae?

What are the most common threats on Shalnae?

What are the nearest settlements to our entry point on Shalnae?

What are those settlements like (size, racial composition, major industries, power groups, moral and ethical tendancies)?

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-15, 09:36 AM
[COLOR="Teal"]What gear and facilities are available on Shalnae?



[PRINT] Shalnae has an average-powered base near your objective. You will receive 50 000 GP in equipment of your choice.

What are the most common threats on Shalnae?



[PRINT] Wild animals are quite common. It is also home to enormous spiders.
What are the nearest settlements to our entry point on Shalnae?

[PRINT] There are no large settlements within 50 miles of the base. Small villages of elves and humans are scattered throughout the forest.
What are those settlements like (size, racial composition, major industries, power groups, moral and ethical tendancies)?

[PRINT] Small villages of elves and humans are scattered throughout the forest.

Chilingsworth
2013-02-16, 02:05 AM
Additional Querry:

Please display visuals of common inhabitants of the region of Shalnae we will be entering. (both sentients and otherwise.)

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-16, 09:55 AM
Please display visuals of common inhabitants of the region of Shalnae we will be entering. (both sentients and otherwise.)

[DISPLAY] http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20071117024130/witcher/images/4/41/People_Toruviel.png https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/3189444398/5bb0baeb7f1238991bd22168607f0707.jpeg https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/2912231173/d822c03c62eb4ded7ae93d0d6518ca01.jpeg https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/2685212459/126e76676753d8440d7f306c804ff647.jpeg http://24.media.tumblr.com/avatar_8f1fc4766c9b_128.png

[QUERY] Is it necessary to continue? :smallamused:

Chilingsworth
2013-02-16, 10:53 AM
Reply.

That is sufficent, thank you Yaissphor.

Right. Mistress Sapham, what intell can you offer us?

Chilingsworth
2013-02-16, 08:35 PM
Alright, another question for the engine:

What were the conditions of the multiverse during the first million years of its existance? Also, what entities existed during that period?

(Also, Let's see how much along those lines Dassil knows himself Note, since I'm not certain which knowledge skill would cover this, I'll roll all skills I think might reasonibly be useful.)

Arcana:
[roll0]
History:
[roll1]
Planes:
[roll2]
Religion:
[roll3]
Psionics:
[roll4]
Nature:
[roll5]

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-16, 10:44 PM
You know almost nothing about the universe at that time. Almost no entity does, in fact.

What were the conditions of the multiverse during the first million years of its existance?

[PRINT] The planes were relatively newly created and were not yet completely stable.

Also, what entities existed during that period?

[INFORMATION UNAVAILABLE]

(As the Engine was only created several hundred years ago, it doesn't know much more about this time period than you do.)

Fortuna
2013-02-17, 03:45 AM
Fei flits out of hiding, evidently bored by all this waiting and moving slowly and waiting some more. "Come on, come on. We're wasting time. The enemy knows more than us, we'll springboard from what they know. This is pointless. And worse, boring." Hovering forward to rest a claw against the engine, he impatiently fires the questions he deems important at it until they are attuned and it can answer.

What are the stated and believed primary goals of the White Order of Peace and the Scarlet Brotherhood? Is either aware of the other? Where on the target worlds can their most significant local bases of operation be found? Why are you so slow?

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-17, 02:08 PM
What are the stated and believed primary goals of the White Order of Peace and the Scarlet Brotherhood?
[PRINT] The White Order desires to end war in the multiverse. They go to great lengths in their efforts to do so.
[PRINT] The Scarlet Brotherhood is a secret order of aesthetics originating from the world of Greyhawk. Their goals are unknown.
Is either aware of the other?
[PRINT] There is a(n) 83% chance that they are not.
Where on the target worlds can their most significant local bases of operation be found?
[PRINT] Neither is known to have bases on either world.
Why are you so slow?
[ERROR: SPECIFY QUERY]

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-02-17, 04:57 PM
Torneia absorbed each piece of information silently, happy to let Sapham-Tet learn what she could: hers was an inquisitive mind and the great Androsphinx knew better than to disrupt her often volatile trains of thought.

"Helpful as always Yaissphor," he intoned powerfully, not bothering with the mental communication the others were using to speak with the machine. He didn't particularly care if he was heard or not.

"Sapham-Tet. Is there anymore you believe you can discover? We will be well equipped when we arrive there."

As the two other spirits pass him by Torneia turns to them and examines them in case he recognises one of the creatures.

Magnera
2013-02-17, 05:22 PM
Vastrath walks up to the Yassiphor Engine and brings all five of his heads together, forming a pyramid without a tip. As they touched the wondrous machine, the hydra relaxed his body and laid down, his heads also resting upon the ground..

"Regarding the more mountain like region, where is the artifact in question located?

What is it that protects the artifact?

What are we to do when we find the artifact?

Is there something we can use to gain the trust of those who live in the area in question?

Are there other parties involved? If so what are they? What can we do to gain help from these parties?

What is it that we should be looking for?

What could possibly threaten our group during and after the search for the artifact?"

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-17, 06:39 PM
Regarding the more mountain like region, where is the artifact in question located?

[INFORMATION UNAVAILABLE]

What is it that protects the artifact?

[INFORMATION UNAVAILABLE]

What are we to do when we find the artifact?

[PRINT] SNAKESEYES will be supervising this mission. He will give you your instructions when you locate the objective.

Is there something we can use to gain the trust of those who live in the area in question?

[INFORMATION UNAVAILABLE]

Are there other parties involved? If so what are they? What can we do to gain help from these parties?

[PRINT] Apart from the Order and the Brotherhood, no other groups are known to be involved. Either may be your allies or your opponents.

What is it that we should be looking for?

[PRINT] Any signs of an ancient artifact being concealed in the area. The artifact's energy signal may or may not aid in locating the target.

What could possibly threaten our group during and after the search for the artifact?"
[PRINT] Indiginous species, the Scarlet Brotherhood and the White Order are known threats.

Magnera
2013-02-18, 03:20 PM
" Okay, I know all the information I need. Who else is ready to move on? We should proceed quickly as there is a chance that time is of the essence."

Chilingsworth
2013-02-18, 03:33 PM
Indeed. Sapham, is the information gathered so far adequate for any of your divinations? If not then I don't believe there's any point in our further tarrying here, wouldn't you agree?

Chilingsworth
2013-02-21, 04:08 AM
*sighs*

Right, I suppose we don't actually have the time to wait for poper intelligence gathering. Fei, Rak- let's go!

*to the members of the other team*

Good Luck with your end guys, see you when our missions are finished!

*enters node and begins preparations for transport, waiting for his companions before activating it*

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-02-21, 07:54 AM
"Fare you well," Torneia mutters. Once the trio was gone he rose and called to his own team: "Sapham, Vastrath, Rith, let us depart."

Torneia strides into the machine, hearing it whir around him as it focussed on their destination.

J-H
2013-02-21, 08:45 AM
Rak Per enters the machine and settles into a comfortable spot in the corner.

Fortuna
2013-02-21, 03:24 PM
Fei takes up his usual perch on Dassil's back, ready for excitement and adventure and really wild things.

Chilingsworth
2013-02-21, 05:11 PM
*With his team assembled, activates the Engine*

DESTINATION: Shalnae artifact retrieval base.

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-21, 05:18 PM
Your party flickers once and disappears.

Your party will be in this thread. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=272666)

Magnera
2013-02-21, 11:04 PM
Raising all five heads, Vastrath walks right into the machine and gets ready to go off into the mountains of the world in question.

Gear list needs some slight edits, will be ready by tomorrow

Proud Tortoise
2013-02-26, 08:41 PM
Your party appears in the center of a circle of standing stones on top of a rise. Mountains rise up in every direction, capped with snow in most cases. From the top of the rise you can see a small camp, with some wagons arranged nearby.

Magnera
2013-02-26, 11:53 PM
Vastrath looked around, each head moving in different directions, examining the surroundings of the land. Every head turned at once towards a large, orange, clumpy, rock with odd, sharp looking individual stones. It rested just off the side of the rise, away from the direction of the near by camp. Smiles formed upon each head as they examined the jutting sediment. It looked as if a horn from the land itself pierced from the ground, certainly it couldn't have been any bigger than a good sized troll.

"In all the grey sediment that covers mountains, it is an uncommon sight to find Breccia exposed! Oh those tiny, little fragments of stone dig right into my gums just the right way, it feels wonderful when I gnaw upon a huge chunk for days upon end."

With his statement the hydra moves off the platform and begins to gnaw upon the large rock, each head chewing upon a different section of the sedimentary rock. Soon enough the matrix that holds the individual fragments of rock began to melt away, the acid of Vastrath's mouth taking its effect. I wouldn't be very long until his meal melted away, leaving little left.

Proud Tortoise
2013-03-04, 09:24 AM
But do you actually... do anything?

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-03-04, 10:25 AM
Torneia steps from the matrix and his body flows and changes, shrinking to become a middle aged man with a shaggy mane of brown hair. He waits for the others to join him in one form or another, before heading towards the camp to discover what he could about this world.

Magnera
2013-03-04, 01:46 PM
I move away from the Matrix, specifically away from the camp. Then I roleplayed my character into a spot where he might not be seen. I had Vastrath occupy himself while everyone else made their posts.:smallbiggrin:

Proud Tortoise
2013-03-10, 09:11 AM
As Torneia approaches the camp, four men stand up from their positions around the fire. "Are you lost?" one of them shouts to Torneia.

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-03-11, 05:32 AM
"That really depends..." Torneia begins but mentally gives himself a kick and starts over, attempting to avoid his natural impule to bandy words. "Are these the mountains of Duhrk? If so I am in quite the right place. Unless you too are lost in which case..."

Proud Tortoise
2013-03-11, 09:11 AM
The men look at each other incredulously. "The mountains of Duhrk," the spokesman says, "are quite a large area. Something like thirty percent of the world is mountainous. It is, in actual fact, possible to be lost within the mountains of Duhrk."

Magnera
2013-03-11, 09:55 AM
With a powerful chomp, crushing the remaining rock, Vastrath looked up and realized that his indulgance may have caused him to loose Toreina. As he finished chomping down upon the remains of the rock, he decided to alter his form into one more befitting this land.

Vastrath's body flows and changes, shrinking to become a strong, middle aged man with a shaggy mane of red hair. He chases after Toreina, hoping to catch up with his ally before he found trouble.

"Are you lost?"

When Vastrath heared this, he stopped dead in his tracks and listened in. Knowing that they were talking to Toreina. A debate forms in his mind to dicern wether he should join his friend or transform again and dig into the ground to follow from under the earth.

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-03-12, 06:34 AM
"Haha, well quite," Torneia responds with a small amount of mirth; he'd forgotten quite how much he enjoyed talking to others, and having been stuck as a gigantic stone monolith for the past century he was quite enjoying this freedom.

"Well I thank you for your help so far; could you aid me then? What useful landmaks are there nearby that would help us to orientate ourselves?"

Proud Tortoise
2013-03-12, 08:52 AM
"You have no idea where you are?"

Roll Sense Motive.

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-03-13, 09:37 AM
Sense motive [roll0]

Torneia shakes his head; "As you say these mountains are vast, and it is easy for one to become lost in them, especially one of my age."

Proud Tortoise
2013-03-13, 05:09 PM
You notice the men's hands inching toward their weapons. "It's quite dangerous up in these mountains for those who don't know where they are, you know..."

Magnera
2013-03-13, 05:55 PM
Vastrath listens in onto the groups conversation, hidden behind a rock no more than thirty or so feet away. From his position, he can hear quite clearly but cant see a darn thing. Hoping to find a moment in the conversation where he could reasonably jump in, the transformed hydra sits and waits.

"They better have not seen my approach, otherwise my cover is blown and all I am doing is waiting for nothing!"

Proud Tortoise
2013-03-15, 09:25 PM
"So, does anyone know you are here?"

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-03-16, 06:20 AM
That's annoying, I think the forum ate my last post...

It was clear to Torneia that these men intended to rob them or worse and he didn't intend to make his first action on this world to kill some foolish humans.

"My god knows I am here," Torneia announced piously, though in truth he respected only goodness, not a particular deity, and then he muttered words of prayer and hope and a floating ring of blades appeared around him, swords that wove and danced about his body.

Cast ring of blades. Level 3. Lasts 8 minutes.

Magnera
2013-03-16, 03:54 PM
"This is not the best of circumstances for us to be in, I hope I can burrow quietly!" Thinks the earthy hydra as he comes up with a plan to get over next to his friend.

Vastrath's arms morph into his front claws, made perfectly for digging and digs into the ground. His humanoid form definitely didn't look all that humanoid as his arms were rather big, he had less than ten seconds to dig down before he would transform fully into his actual form. But that was all he needed!

Once Vastrath goes down so he has plenty of room to move around, he travels the short distance to where he thinks his foes are. As soon as the hydra arrives, his main head snakes upwards so that he was only two feet or so from the surface. From here he could listen to loud noises and feel the weight of those above him. A second head psionicly focuses its energy into manifesting a Force Screen in front of the body.
Move Burrow Silently [roll0]

Casts Force Screen giving me +4 AC for 1 power point and lasts 11 minutes.

Vastrath moves from thirty feet away, to down twenty feet and where the enemies position is, or at least where he thinks they are.

Proud Tortoise
2013-03-16, 04:02 PM
The men cry out, leap to their feet, and run down a narrow path nearby. This leaves their caravan unguarded, however.

Magnera
2013-03-16, 06:48 PM
At the cry of the men Vastrath's head, that was only a few feet from the surface, pops out of the ground. It twists and turns looking for the foe, only finds only the dust trail the group left behind.

" Well that could have been much worse. Here I am, hiding underground, thinking that we would have had a problem! Way to go my friend. "

Vastrath transforms back into his chosen form, it looks quite similar to Torneia with few differences. Most notable characteristic, the hair, matches the red coloring of the hydra's flesh.

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-03-17, 06:10 AM
"Well those men were less than helpful," Torneia announces lightly; "Let us examine their caravan to learn what they might have known. And perhaps we should redistribute their almost certainly ill gotten gains."

Torneia climbs into the caravan and begins to search.

Take 20 for 22 on Search check.

Proud Tortoise
2013-03-17, 09:09 AM
You find a total of forty silver pieces- worthless, as you can't take it back to the Heart- but you also find two rods of metal, which experimentation reveals are immoveable rods.

Magnera
2013-03-17, 01:14 PM
" These are a unique find, what would these be doing here?" Wana wait for our not so friendly friends to comeback so we can scrounge up some information?"

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-03-18, 12:48 PM
"That would seem to be our only course: if the Yaissphor engine was unable to reveal the location of this item, and neither was Sapham-Tet, I doubt that my divinations will yield much. Let us wait for their return and remain in hiding until then."

Magnera
2013-03-20, 08:17 PM
"Indeed! Im going to bury my self underground, do you want to join me and hide there? Or do you have other plans?" If you do plan on joining me, then come on down and ill make room for two! Vastrath moves to behind the rock where he listened in upon Torneia's conversation and proceeds to use the softened dirt to dig his way down again.

Following the exact same path as before, the red hydra uses an odd acidic saliva to mold a rather large room under the ground. As the acid steams upon the dirt and rock, they melt just a little and then return to a hardened form. In a short amount of time, a rather large cavern is built and molded from the hydra's skill.


Craft Masonry[roll0]
I didn't just get it cause it looked good! :smallbiggrin:

Its up to you DM to determine how strong this makes our cavern, but noting that Vastrath does this commonly, I wouldnt be very surprised to find it done with great ease.

Proud Tortoise
2013-03-21, 08:49 AM
After a time you notice the group of men sneaking through some scrubby shrubbery near the wagons.

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-03-21, 09:01 AM
Torneia declines Vastrath's offer, and remains within the caravan, carefully looking out but attempting to remain unseen.

Hide [roll0]

Also, can we adopt any human shape we like, or are we restricted to one default form?

Proud Tortoise
2013-03-22, 04:47 PM
You are restricted to one form, unless you have shapechanging powers from another source.

The men- five in all- step softly around the outside of the wagons and to the doors.

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-03-23, 07:33 AM
As they open the doors, Torneia steps forward, both arms raised as though he is about to gesture as part of arcane spell. "I would move no further if I were you," he states simply, hoping that Vastrath would appear and lend him some support in keeping these men from moving: short of hamstringing them he didn't have a great plan.

Proud Tortoise
2013-03-23, 11:10 AM
They freeze and turn to look at you.
Are you inside or outside the wagon? Also, make an Intimidate check.

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-03-24, 12:15 PM
Just stepped outside of the wagon. Intimidate:[roll0]

Magnera
2013-03-24, 12:43 PM
A few moments after the silence from Torneia, every head bursts from the ground, in a semi-circular fashion, entrapping the men between Torneia and Vastrath. "Our master is right, you should stay still and help him." Says the middle most head.

"No, let them run so we may eat them!" Speaks the head just to the right of the middle most one.

"Yes, your flesh looks strong and meaty. Run to your devouring!" Shouts the head to the left.

The two other heads at the very ends of the semi-circle lick their chops and smile. Meanwhile the middlemost head looks to Torneia with a small wink.

Oddly enough, Vastrath didn't like flesh. It always melted in his mouth, and nothing was hard about it except the bones, which were brittle anyway.

Proud Tortoise
2013-03-25, 06:44 PM
The men gulp and stay where they are. "Wh-what do you want?"

Magnera
2013-03-28, 04:05 PM
"We want your flesh! But our master has other things in mind for you..."

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-03-29, 07:23 AM
"I'm afraid you rather failed to help us before. First of all we want your names and affiliations; who do you work for?"

"And now we want to know if there is anything strange within these mountains? A particular site renowned for its magic? Or if there have been strange travellers here who are looking for something?"

Proud Tortoise
2013-04-01, 09:44 PM
"I don't work for no one!"

"Yeah, we're freelatchers, we are."

"What're you telling them that for? They gotta pay us if they want information."

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-04-02, 06:25 AM
"I have divined your intent, and I now judge you guilty of crimes long and bloody. Your speech now will pay for your crimes. Answer my questions three, truthfully, and you will live."

"Is there something strange within these mountains?"

"Is there an object of known magical significance?"

"Have there been others here, strangers beyond the ordinary?"

Sense Motive: [roll0]
Intimidate [roll1]

Proud Tortoise
2013-04-02, 09:40 PM
The men look confused, but slowly they answer:

"These mountains are strange, in general like. I don't know about objects of significance, though. And we ain't seen anyone come by for a while."

He seems to be telling the truth in his first two answers, but he is hiding something when he answers the last.

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-04-03, 07:03 AM
"Except for us, and we were most certainly out of the ordinary I can assume, unless these mountains have a concealed population of hydras..."
Oh no, giving the DM ideas!

Torneia had no patience for this babble and pressed onwards with the interrogation: "I do not believe you: answer me! Who has past this way, or what? I won't hold any of your actions against you, but I must know: did you assist them or hurt them? TELL ME!"

The last was said with roar as for a moment Torneia's head became his true, leonine sphinx head, with a wild, shaggy mane, before he returned to his human form.

Intimidate [roll0]
Sense motive [roll1]

Magnera
2013-04-03, 10:02 PM
At the very moment Torneia altered his face, Vastrath took his chance and exploded out of the ground. The red, rocky, body of the hydra became much larger than what was previously thought, the very shadow eclipsed the ground beneath the foolish beings under the behemoth. With an impeccable sound of gargantuan proportions, each head yelled down to the puny humans.

"DO NOT, lie to our master!" Roared Vastrath with a massive maw, the size of which was far beyond what it was a mere moment ago.


Intimidate [roll0]
Sense Motive [roll1]
I use a single point of my Power Points for Expansion to get one size category bigger. Size is now Gargantuan, which probably earns me bonus Intimidate. Reach is also 25 Feet, so they are not running away any time soon.:smallsmile:

I dont think I could sense the motive of a guy stabing me in the face with a sword!

Proud Tortoise
2013-04-04, 06:00 PM
Their apparent leader regards you coolly. "What will you give in return for that information?"

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-04-05, 05:41 AM
"You are brave in the face of overwhelming odds sir," Torneia states coolly; "I will give you your life, and if your information assists us in finding what we seek, I will return and give you all the wealth that I discover on this world."

Proud Tortoise
2013-04-05, 05:02 PM
The man raises an eyebrow. "How can we be sure you'll keep your word, though?"

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-04-06, 07:42 AM
"I am a spirit from higher plane; you cannot know, but you must hope that I hold to loftier ideals than you."

Proud Tortoise
2013-04-06, 10:14 PM
The man snickers. "All right, this has gone long enough," he says, drawing a long, serrated knife.

Magnera
2013-04-06, 11:02 PM
"Mortal, consider this idea. Join us, follow and enable us to find what we seek. The few things you have now are petty in comparison to the possible riches that may follow your actions. I am powerful and great, my master is far beyond my strength and his god is leagues beyond his own. Or you may fight and suffer greatly. Even if you win, we have exceeded death its self and will return to smite you down once again..."

Diplomacy[roll0]
Honestly, I want to fight and have some fun throwing these men around like ragdolls.

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-04-07, 05:09 AM
Torneia stretched his shoulders absently: he was not an old man, nor even a human, he would have no trouble gutting these upstarts for their recklessness; this man was a fool besides, he had seen that Torneia could conjure weapons at a thought, and that Vastrath fought beside him- who would willingly battle that?

Torneia transformed, allowing his full leonine physique to burst forth.

Proud Tortoise
2013-04-09, 08:57 AM
The man gazes at you for a moment. "All right, then, get out of me sight." He enters the wagon with his men.

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-04-10, 06:31 AM
Vastrath!" Torneia roars, his bloodlust wakening: "Let us not let these godless men continue to defy us, it will be good to feel the warmth of blood within my jaws!"

Magnera
2013-04-14, 05:26 PM
With a simultaneous roar of grand ferocity, Vastrath bites into the top of the caravan in hopes of making room for his ally to satiate his bloodlust.

Yeah, I want to fight something now!

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
Seriously? Two 1's and a 3?!

[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

Power Attacking for -5

Proud Tortoise
2013-04-20, 09:25 AM
The wagon's roof tears like wet paper in your jaws, causing two of the men to scream and hide under a bunk. Three of them pick up their weapons and look nervously out the hole you have created.

al'Lan Mandrag
2013-04-22, 12:08 PM
Torneia darts forward, claws outstretched and suddenly vanishes from sight, but the men don't have time to react before he suddenly materializes above them, claws slashing and raking.

Swift: Ghost Step, Invisibility.

Attack each of the men in turn until they die...

Unarmed Strike: [roll0]
Damage [roll1] Sneak Attack [roll2] Sudden Strike [roll3]
Unarmed Strike: [roll4]
Damage [roll5] Sneak Attack [roll6] Sudden Strike [roll7]
Unarmed Strike: [roll8]
Damage [roll9] Sneak Attack [roll10] Sudden Strike [roll11]
Claw Attack: [roll12]
Damage [roll13] Sneak Attack [roll14] Sudden Strike [roll15]
Claw Attack: [roll16]
Damage [roll17] Sneak Attack [roll18] Sudden Strike [roll19]