All Shook Up

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

The sun rose, silent and red.

Grassy fields and leafy forests sway in the wind.

You all awake inside of your stronghold, ready to plan for the day. After having recently secured a statue of cosmic importance--the statue of the original Lord of the Nine, and discovering one of (and the strongest) of it's many hidden functions.

Unfortunately, not much time remains to enjoy your prize. Across the ocean, a storm is brewing. A similar statue of the little-known creator of the Abyss has already manifested it's Gate, and the demonic armies continue to bulk up with each passing hour.

A rotting scroll in the hand of the statue tells of the six items needed to control the stone man's powers, but the locations are not written.

--The Diamond Helm
--Ivory Breastplate
--Silver Leggings
--Chained Gauntlets
--Chained Boots
--The Soul-Tearer Axe

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

"Seriously, whoever made this thing and the items sure had difficulty finding fitting names. Now, my guess is still that these are supposedly unique items, or close to anyway, because have you ever heard of a fabled statue being able to be controlled by merely armour made out of diamond, ivory, silver and chains? A proper smith working with those materials could make those items for us. Heck, same goes for the Soul-Tearer Axe, most likely a magical axe with a not-unique property by the name of it. But considering this is of cosmic importance, I doubt it all would be that easy." A puff comes from Zaon as he shakes his head. Once again, his mental words from his telepathy fill the head of his companions. "This information seems pretty useless actually. Now, in all honesty, I do not think I have asked around for information regarding such items before, but the likelihood of these specific items being told in legends as opposed to other armour pieces made out of fancy materials, heck, chained gauntlets and boots are even common, is so far off that I do not even know where to start." For a moment, he scratches his clean chin. "Perhaps those folk at the demonic gate have similar items. Though highly unlikely the same, so that will not be of use to us. Anyway, our best option would be to look for some crafted who already made such items since we all know how long crafting can take. Our second best option is to ask around and see if, however unlikely it seems, there is some information about these.. not so uncommon type of items.. can be found. Alternatively, we can study this statue better.."

And with that, the elven figure of Zaon looks up at the others and awaits their response. Zaon himself wields his appearance with flair. An elven figure with graceful and lithe features, dressed in a stylish, purple and long jacket, which falls over his purple overshirt, which is falling over his white shirt in turn. Over that again falls his pure white and long hair, a silken tapestry of snow, merely interrupted by the long ears sticking out of it. He stands in his dark boots firmly, radiating an air of confidence and persuasiveness which fills the room. To neglect his presence seems unfathomable, since he is clearly present, noticeable and paying attention to you. His red eyes leave little to be escaped and whatever does not catch his eyes will certainly catch the eyes of the colossal dragon standing behind him. It is one of the multiple that seem to follow him without error. Without even the slightest order, they do what is in his best interest. Currently, the dragon behind him is a fierce and mighty bronze dragon, towering above the others in his unmoving position. Not even the slightest muscle is flinching, yet he seems more aware and present than the surface betrays at the first eyesight..

[playswithfire]

Thorkild (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=37277)
Agreed, it seems likely these are unique items we are seeking and possibly beyond the ability of anyone we could find to reproduce. Unless the whole thing is some sort of ridiculous riddle, but I doubt that, since there's a statue present that could wear the items present. But where on Earth do we begin? And do we know they're all even on Earth? The large human's voice blends interest and annoyance at the enormity of the task before them. His hardened skin, a testament to dragon ancestry in his distant past, tenses as his fists tighten in frustration, thinking. To have come this far only to be stymied.

Itaravap (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=37319)
Sensing his friend's mood, the slightly built Raptoran puts his hand on Thorkild's shoulder. At present, we do not know where they are, but those who built the statue must have envisioned a time when it would need to be used. And they could not be certain it would be within their own lifetime. So, it stands to reason that, either by oral tradition or by some ancient text we've not yet found, those instructions still exist. We will find them, if only because we're all likely dead if we don't. His wings spread open at this last statement, making it even more visible that he is different from most Raptorans the others have seen. Blue scales blend with lighter blue feathers, though some white still remain, the outward symbol of his study to master the art of dragonfire.

Part of the reason for this devotion, the young blue dragon Tiayan, moves about the circle, accompanied by his rider, Paog.

Poag (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=37301)

Yes, yes, the end of the world. That much we know. That's why we're here. But now what? Have we checked that list in any way other than just looking at it? Hidden text would make sense to me, but I'm not historian. I just want a target, something to move towards. The halfling with skin like pale stone turns to Tiayan and seems to be silently speaking with him. He had never regretted the process that made him what he is, gave him the ability to swim through the earth, and bound him to Tiayan, direct descendant of the goddess Tiamat herself. So long as Tiayan fights beside him, he is prepared for any hardship, but, for now, he will heed the dragon's silent request for patience and hope one of the more learned can give them some insight to the current problem.

[Maldiem]

Twtdi

I imagine that it is far more meaningful and distinctive in its original Infernal. At any rate, I doubt that a mundane item that has the same name would suffice. This is, after all, the first Lord of the Nine. It is entirely possible that all the items of similar names are in fact modeled after these items, if they were the first.

I shall pass the word down the lines of The Great Army of the Sands. We have a large number of Bards and storytellers among our ranks, and doubtless one of them have heard of these items. I will also review my library for any mention of these items.

The elephant-man Twtdi stands 12 feet tall, dressed in simple white and tan robes. A turban sits on his head, and the symbol of St. Cuthbert is tattooed on his forehead. He carries a huge heavy flail, and the palpable tingle of magic flows with his every move.

Debra, his anthropomorphic whale bodyguard, stands nearby, her 15 ton weapon slung over her shoulder, with the chain wrapped around her torso. She carries a Large falchion in a scabbard on her back, and a Greatsword at her hip like a dagger.

His retinue of Inevitables flanks him, a Marut eyeing Zaon with obvious distaste, but clearly reigned in by a more important mission. Two Kolyaruts stand behind that, and three Zelekhuts behind them. Outside sit his four Emerald Dragon minions, statue-like but alert.

[roll0] Knowledge: History check
[roll1] Knowledge: The Planes check
[roll2] Knowledge: Religion check
[roll3] Knowledge: Arcana check
[roll4] Knowledge: Geography check
((Use those checks that are necessary to find out about the items in question, their history, where they are, what they do, and what could be guarding them.))

Additionally, 1,900 bards in the army make a Bardic Knowledge check, reporting stories of import to their superiors, who will screen the bunk from the possibly correct stories.

[roll5] Gather information check to see what the lieutenants in the army hear from their suboordinates

[Jael_Darkwood]

Gaara

Standing in the shadows is the indistinct form of Gaara. "We obviously must seek out these items, and thwart our foes. One hopes that they will send nobody to interfere... but if they do... I will welcome them." The air behind him shimmers briefly, and you get the sensation of four immense presences. "Or Rather.... We will welcome them."

[Sicarius]

Vayne Tarasil

"If it were that easy, someone weaker would have done it by now. But rest assured any who pay attention will no doubt try to stop us." Unlike the others, this man came alone. Rather tall for a human, he appeared to be built almost entirely out of muscle. Green scales shone with a sickly color where his skin would be, his eyes gleamed with the reptillian nicitating membrane, and a small crest poked up slightly on his head, but was covered by the massive head of unkempt hair that he had. He looked wild, almost feral, with his clothing appearing more oversized and made out of more stitches than cloth. His teeth were sharp, and he looked almost revolting to behold. Yet there was a rugged, primal power in the way he carried himself, as if he went beyond the need for manners. He carried no weapons, although a shield stood behind, floating on it's own.

"Which one shall we seek first?" Mentally, he prepared to inform the Spurned, his elite crew, to cast the appropriate divinations.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

By this time, Zaon has revealed that his long jacket, or coat, was actually hiding his wings. Flaps in the back of the coat were swiped to the side as two large wings unfurled themselves from the back of Zaon. Large draconic wings manifested themselves and casted a shadow over Zaon, of whom some could say it had dark malevolent eyes..
With the draconic wings unfurled, their appearance was strange. Not due to the nature of the wings, for they were draconic, but due to the colours of the wings. They seemed to be a dark, shadowy purple, unlike most, or any, dragons that were normally encountered.

Strong and flexible, these wings lifted the shape of Zaon up in the air, but the purpose as to why Zaon used these wings proved to be far from truly useful. He used his flight to get on the back of his colossal dragon, after which he furled his wings again and lay down on the back of the colossal dragon, resting against the dragon's neck. He seemed to be lying like that a bit lazily for a bit now, though the mental voice of Zaon seared through everybody's heads once more as he responded to Vayne.

"We naturally seek all of them. Why limit ourselves to one or the first? We gather information on them and then determine which one to go after, if not all at once. As I said, however, I find the likelihood of us finding usable information very slim due to the particular naming of the items. And no, I think I can be pretty sure if I say it is not more meaningful or distinctive in Infernal. I think any search for these items will surely result in us finding items, but they need not be the unique sort that this statue most likely seems to require. That, or any type of similar item would work, but that seems so far-fetched. Rituals that seek out such a goal usually require more than such items.

But hey, I could be wrong. I would hope so too.. would make our search easier. Either mundane, alright, masterwork items such as these are required, in which case this should be a breeze, or a unique kind of these items were required and these are pretty known too in the sense that they are not confusable with similar items. If the first is true, that would be great and shows that the creator of this item surely spent a lot of effort in getting that gate running and if the latter were true.. than I severely underestimated the capability of master smiths over the centuries and overestimated the expensive tastes of the wealthy people throughout the centuries. I mean, seriously, what if there had stood "Find the Iron Helmet, the Steel Breastplate, the Copper Leggings, the Chainmail Gauntlets, the Wool Slippers and the Sword of Sharpiness"? Which is basically what it says, just with more expensive materials. Oh wait, it did mention the Chained Gauntlets already. Do you see how ridiculous this is? There are thousands of Chained Gauntlets in existence, how are we supposed to find this specific one if a unique one was intended?" For a moment, you feel what seems to be a mental shrug from Zaon. "But ah well, perhaps Twtdi or his people find something. If not, I will ask my dragon here too."

Meanwhile, Zaon seems to have shifted his position on the back of the dragon and is looking down upon the others from high position once more. "Thorkild, the items could be in the earth as well. As for the rest, let us have patience for now. Anybody up for a game of Chiss in the mean time?"

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

EDIT: I heard from him, he will have more constant internet access soon.

[Sicarius]

Vayne spits, slight steam coming from where the spittle lands. "They ain't going to be things we find laying around." He states this matter-of-factly.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

Careful thought and information sifting yields results: (this information is purposely long and vague, the point is that a lot is found, but finding what matters is difficult)

Twtdi and his followers cannot remember or find any mention of a statue of this kind in any historical works of the Material Plane, nor do any maps show the locations of artifacts as mentioned on the scroll.

Looking over dusty tomes written in alien tongues of the histories of the worlds beyond provides some slight clues. Here and there, there are mentions of statues depicting various gods and greater beings with powers similar to what this one contains. In particular, strong interest in shown by devilish and fiendish 'scholars' alike in the potential of various artifact to open a massive gate to another plane to allow the Blood War to spill over.

Although the extraplanar scholars have but theories and thoughts, the teachings of the darkests gods are more concrete. Several gods, both existing and gone, have taught their followers to search for a way of unleashing demons or devils on the mortal realms. Several artifacts have been recovered over the ages, and all were destroyed in great battles over their powers.

The arcane libraries have contradicted this idea. According to an unnamed tome recovered by one of Twtdi's bards, Mordenkainen himself captured two avatars of the creators of the Abyss and the Nine Hells, and turned them to stone. This may be one of them, however Mordenkainen has no mention of any such item, even in his most private journals--which have been laid bare to the world by the workings of Halastar Blackcloak.

Many conflicting rumors abound, these are the most often (not often) heard ones.

Several of the bards were also able to determine that the paper is not nearly as old as it should be, and that the statue may have been found previously and the orginal scroll translated again and again until it has lost it's meaning. One bard in particular is quick to point out that translated from Common to Elven to Infernal, "Chained" can have up to 12 different meanings.

[Maldiem]

Twtdi shows his colleagues the information he found, then asks them This is most unsettling. It seems these items will be very hard to find. As you've said, Zaon, any divinations will most likely need to be clarified before they are at all useful.

My suggestions are twofold-- we find a great arcane scholar from one of the independent nations, and see if they know more than I. This is doubtful, as I am very, very good, but still possible.

My other suggestion is that we find a way to contact one of infernal scholars who have researched how to open the gates-- they will most likely be very happy to help.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

"Good point. Though let me spare ourselves a trip to a great scholar. I will ask my dragon and if he does not know then you would have to find an arcane scholar that, well, is probably too busy with his or her own epic ventures. As for the latter, I concur, though still rather vague. What I mean by this is that it gives us little to act upon. Perhaps one of you folk is able to do a divination on the scroll and see whoever was the previous owner of it? That way, we can do the long tracking down of previous information. Anyway, I can not do any divinations here." There is a moment of metal pause. "Makes me think why we are doing this again. Ah well." And with that being said, he extracts any arcane lore from his dragon minion versed in such knowledge.

Knowledge Arcana [roll0]

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

Zaon's minion builds upon the arcane knowledge discovered by Twtdi.

The wizened dragon once knew a brilliant fighter who braved the depths of Undermountain and fought Halastar himself as he 'rescued' some of the Mad Mage's library. The unfortunate fighter died opening a cursed book, but among his discoveries was a torn out page of Mordenkainen's journals.

On it was mentioned the very statue that stands before you. Scribbled in the margins, barely legible, was a reference to a "living arcane mark" which was replaced by a mundane scroll before the statue was hidden.

A different hand had circled the mark, and written by it: Mechanus

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

Sharing the knowledge he gained from his dragon minion, Zaon seems to shrug. "Well, more than that we will most likely not find by consulting lore. Anybody have an idea of what it means for us or how this newly found knowledge will be able to guide further steps? I mean, Mechanus is, last time I checked, not the smallest place to look for something."

[Jael_Darkwood]

Gaara

"It seems logical that these artifacts, items which support the cause of extremely lawful evil would be concealed in Lawful and Evil planes... Perhaps we should travel to Mechanus and begin an investigation there..."

[playswithfire]

Thorkild (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=37277)
Doing anything sounds better to me than standing around here. If that means a jaunt to Mechanus, so be it.

Itaravap (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=37319)
Agreed, though I will remain here if there are any who wish to wait and come up with our second idea.

Poag (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=37301)

Tiayan and I won't be much good at new ideas, but hunting down and intimidating sources of information? That we can do. We stand ready to join a group going to Mechanus

[Sicarius]

Vayne

"Anyone going to stay here and watch our place? My crew ain't housesitters."

[Jael_Darkwood]

Gaara

"My minions and I will make the journey. Any who wish to come may do so." He pauses, and looks around. "I have the means to travel there, but no ability to take passengers. So if anyone else wants to come, they will have to bring themselves."

[Maldiem]

Simply charging into Mechanus is an unwise proposition at best, especially if we do not know where to go. I doubt it is simply laying around. Still, it is all we have to go on right now. Let me see what I remember about Mechanus...

Anyway, I can cast Plane Shift, so I can transport whomever cannot transport themselves.


1d20+59Knowledge (the planes) check, to find place in Mechanus that would be well-aligned to our cause, or may have useful information about it. Or, at the very least, won't drop us into the maw of the clockwork tarrasque, or whatever happens to lurk there.

[Maldiem]

[roll0]

Not sure why that didn't work...

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

Mechanus is a fairly well-understood plane by many, and Twtdi remembers the following:

It is a plane based solely on law and order. The inevitables protect various moral standards (honoring contracts, etc.) and act as a police force within mechanus and throughout the planes. The plane itself is made of giant spinning cogs which can be quite dangerous to walk between, although otherwise it is relatively safe.

Chances are that the librarians of Mechanus will be willing to help in return for a service (finding more books for them, most likely) and will not care what you are looking up as long as you do not commit crimes to get the information from them.

[Sicarius]

Vayne

"I'm taken care of. Do we just knock on every library's door? Or is there one that's better?"

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

Sorry about the delay.

There are many libraries on Mechanus, but close to the very center of the plane is a massive cog with a spire run by the Fraternity of Order which contains information donated by practically every writer in the multiverse in return for a look at the stacks. Access is given to the general stacks for free--although a contract the size of a book must be signed. The rarer texts often require a gift of an usual writing to see.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

"Well, I will need some aid in traversing to another plane if we do that. Preferably I would take some of my dragon companions with me in case there are troubles and few may be left behind to guard this place. Would it not be easier to open a Gate instead of Plane Shifting?"

[Sicarius]

Vayne

"That's how I'm getting there. Got a guy who's gonna open it right as soon as I leave here. So, anything else we need? If not, I'm going there."

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

Standing up from his place on the dragon, Zaon once again unfurls his draconic, purplish wings in a grandeur and splendid way, after which he soars down. As he does, the following telephatic question is asked. "Would you mind if I and a number of my dragons tag along?" With the question left hanging, so does Zaon hang higher in the air before Vayne as his wings flap gently to keep him aloft. His red, piercing eyes look down upon Vayne, demanding an answer to the question.

[Sicarius]

Vayne

Vayne looks noticeably less than impressed. "Don't care." He states simply with a shrug.

[Jael_Darkwood]

Gaara

"Then we are decided. I will leave my allies here to defend our sanctuary. To ensure that we all end up in the same location, I will travel through the Gate as well."

lets leave all the minions here, if we get into combat its enough just having our characters... too many extra combattants will just make things too complicated, and the DM will have to throw something way stronger at us :p

[playswithfire]

Thorkild (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=37277)
Looking over at the other two, who knod, Thorkild turns to Vayne
We would also need passage through your gate, if permitted
Our dragon followers will also arrange themselves to guard this location.

[Sicarius]

Vayne

"Right, maybe we can all hold hands and skip around too." Vayne looks around, disinterested. He starts to walk out, motioning to the group he'll be back in a few minutes.

Several minutes later, he returns with a bookish looking man in long robes. The taint of evil is clear on his twisted horns and fangs, marking him as a tiefling to those who understood even the basics about the planes and mixed bloodlines.

"Library of the Fraterinity of Order. On Mechanus. Far enough away so we don't pop right on them." Vayne says briefly. The mage casts an incantation, moving his arms, and a circular hoop forms in mid air, 20 feet in diameter. "You can't fit, it's your problem." Vayne spits out, walking through the portal to Mechanus. Seconds later, the mage walks through as well.

Due to logisitics of it, I'm bringing my mage so he can open a gate back.

[Jael_Darkwood]

Gaara

Checking the loads on his four hand crossbows, Gaara warily steps through the gate.

[playswithfire]

Thorkild (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=37277), Itaravap (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=37319), and Poag (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=37301)
Poag mounts Tiayan and proceeds to enter the gate, flanked left and right by Thorkild and Itaravap respectively.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

With the gate open, Zaon proceeds to enter it with his wings folded, taking on a more gemlike character. As he steps through, a large shadow which seems to be filled with multiple variations of darkness encompasses him and joins him through the gate. This darkness sinks back in the ground once more when he has passed through the gate. Following him through the gate are an Emerald Wyrm Dragon and a Sapphire Wyrm Dragon.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

As you all step through the gate, the massive complex of Mechanus appears.

Giant cogs ranging in size from a few feet in diameter to the size of cities and countries are interlocked in a complicated formation in every direction. Buildings spring from the larger cogs, even on those that are upside down or sideways relative to you.

The particular cog you have arrived on seems to be about the size of a medium sized city, and at it's center is a small town of about thirty buildings or so.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

Having stepped through the gate with his minions, Zaon overlooks the scenery having unfold before their group. He frowns a little, but then shrugs. Looking before him, she sees the town, but wonders. "It is there?" Rings his question through the other's minds. It seems curious that something of such importance would be there. But it could just as well be, he would not know. Hence the question.

[playswithfire]

Thorkild (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=37277)
I suppose all we can do is go and take a look, maybe ask around, unless one of you can determine that from here. Without waiting for a response, the large human begins walking toward the small town.

Itaravap (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=37319)
A good idea, but I think I'll leave the talking to you, Thorkild. I will follow in the air, but be assured I will be ready to help if there is trouble. I need to spread my wings a bit anyway. With that, he spreads his wings and takes to the air, flying in lazy patterns that roughly follow Thorkild's steps.

Poag (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=37301)

What he said. Halfling and dragon take to the skies, flying in much more impressive and sweeping patterns but still heading roughly towards the center of town.

Thorkild (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=37277)
Once the two have left earshot, Thorkild says quietly, almost to himself Probably for the best. They are my friends, but no people skills.


Sorry for taking so long

[Jael_Darkwood]

Gaara

Gaara stands there quietly, looking around at the wonders of Mechanus. After a moment, he follows along beside Thorkild. "We should seek a place of knowledge... there must be some sort of main City on this plane... after all, It IS the plane of order."

[Sicarius]

Vayne

"Do I gotta do everything?" Vayne looks rather annoyed and fiddles with his hat, suddenly appearing as a normal human, without the draconic heritage. He's still easily not the cleanest or most presentable, but he looks like a normal man in need of a good wash. "Come on." He motions to his as-yet unintroduced tiefling wizard companion.

Vayne begins walking towards the town. If any of the group follow him, he shoots them a nasty glance and picks up the pace so he's not associating with them.

When he reaches the town, he goes over to any sort of passerby, not caring who he finds. "He's looking for a big library. Know where it is?"

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

"It's on the opposite side of this cog. See the series of gears over there? Stepping between those will turn you over so you can reach it. Be careful though, the Blood War may have spilled over a little, and if not, stepping between cogs is dangerous enough."

As the young man speaks, the cog you are all standing on suddenly shudders and turns slightly with a loud snapping noise. The residents of the town appear not to notice.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

"My dragons can probably tag along with you guys, right?" Is the question Zoan mentally asks to Itaravap & Poag. If they agree, the two dragons that accompanied the group will lift off and stick with them on a higher altitude. Zaon himself will go along with Thorkild & Gaara. Seeing Vayne and his companion not stick around with them, reaching the town before they do, Zaon raises an eyebrow. He shrugs slightly and when he, Thorkild and Gaara make their way to the town, Zaon looks at his companions and motions that he will speak one of the residents, unless they absolutely want to do that. This time around, he uses normal speech with an eloquent and friendly voice. Speaking to one of the residents, trying to pick out a friendly face, Zoan asks. "Fair greetings, my good man. I was wondering if you could aid me. Myself and my companions are looking for your center of knowledge in the neighbourhood. Would you be so kind as to give directions?"

[playswithfire]

Paog and Itaravap mentally welcome Zaon's dragons to their airspace.

Thorkild steps closer to hear the answer Zaon receives.

[Sicarius]

Vayne

"Good. Alright." Vayne states simply enough, then begins walking in the direction given. Once far enough, he waits for the rest of them.

"That way."

[playswithfire]

Thorkild

Unless Zaon's passerby gives a different answer, Thorkild follows Vayne and signals with a hand gesture to they fliers to follow them.
Speaking more or less to himself, So far, so good

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

Unless the answer is indeed dissimilar, Zaon will thank the man and then go along with the others ahead to their destination.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

The second answer is indeed the same. The cog you are on remains steady, however those around it are moving, some slow, some fast, some continuously, some haltingly. The vast expanse of gears continues as far as the eye can see, with buildings in places that gravity would normally take offense at.

[Sicarius]

Vayne

Unless otherwise accosted, Vayne will continue walking.

EDIT: That is, until he reaches his destination or the mage begins to tire.

[Jael_Darkwood]

Gaara

Looking around cautiously as he goes, Gaara walks with a fluid stride towards the edge of the cog.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

And along with the others, Zaon keeps moving as well, in an elegant pace towards their destination.

[playswithfire]

Itaravap and Poag
Seeing Thorkild walk to the edge of the cog and begin moving around to the other other side, Itaravap gestured to Poag I guess we know where we're going. Let's follow and be ready to help out if gravity trips them up.. Poag nods assent and the two follow the path of those walking and wave to the other dragons to come with them.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

The walk to the first cog goes without incident, but the SRD doesn't seem to mention how dangerous it is to go between cogs. How many people here need to walk?

For all, I'm going to have the shift in gravity leave you sickened for 2 rounds after. DC 15 fort save negates. Don't bother making a save this time around, there's nothing on the second cog anyway.

For the walkers, I'm not sure yet. Some kind of balance check should probably be in order but I can't decide on a DC which apparently isn't mentioned under the rules of the plane.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

Realising that what they seek is on the opposite side of the cog, Zaon will walk whatever path is needed to get there, and, if necessary, will use his wings to fly along the path. As he goes, he motions towards his dragons, who then follow the group accordingly. As Zaon flies past the different zones of gravity, he does not seem affected by the shift in gravity at all, even frowning shortly when he notices another might be left sickened because of it. If he does notice said effect, he will make a mental note of it for next time.

[Sicarius]

Vayne

After a bit, Vayne lumbers around in bear form instead, finding the four legged form easier for walking long distances. The mage rides. Notably, the bear walks carefully from cog to cog

I'll just take 10 on my balance check. You've got my sheet, you know what it is. Wizard will just ride on my back to simplify things.

[playswithfire]

Thorkild

Thorkild carefully follows in the bear's wake, trusting Vayne to find the optimal path.


Taking 10, my balance check is 26

[Jael_Darkwood]

Gaara

Sliding over the side with great agility, Gaara manages the transfer without any issues. pretty sure I autosucceed the balance check, and the fort check... no access to my sheet from work... but heres a mod-less fort save just in case.[roll0]

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

Took a look at the sheets, and considering the mods on all of them, unless you get dexterity and con drained and then try to run between cogs while fighting, there isn't really a need to make the saves/checks anyway.

So, the first two cogs you pass by are small and uninhabited. The third one, which could not be seen from the town you arrived at, is the size of the decks of a few warships put together. Apparently not much news spreads around between these towns, because no one in the town you landed at mentioned that the next settlement happened to be on fire.

Beyond this cog is a very large one with a massive fortress atop it. In front of you is what was once a hamlet or a thorp--it is hard to tell with the flames. Near it are the remains of a medium-scale battle. Devils and angels lay dead in piles. An occasional destroyed Inevitable is strewn about the edge of the battlefield.

A large group of damaged Inevitables is leading away a what is left of the angelic and devlilish armies. One of the larger ones (a Marut) turns and notices you. It speaks in a slow, cultured, but mechanical voice.

"Your business?"

[playswithfire]

Thorkild

Information, to put it simply. We were given to understand their was a library on this cog with information my friend here can use in his research. Though something far more pressing seems to be going on, now. What has happened?


Gesturing to the wizard when he says friend, particularly if Vayne is still in bear form.
Diplomacy check: [roll0] unless someone has a better mod and wants to do it.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

The same Marut says nothing for a long moment. He then speaks slowly, in an emotionless tone of voice.

"Angels and devils fought over access to the Library. This battle began inside, the devils attempted to steal several writings from the restricted stacks. The angels pursued them into this town. The Fortress is closed at the moment."

The heavily injured Pit Fiend leading the devils seems to concentrate for a moment, the Inevitables appear not to notice. One of Zaon's dragons sees the image of a small, disembodied page appear in front of it's eyes for a brief moment. It says the following:

On the town's altar of Pelor.


Pit fiends have Persistant Image as an at-will spell-like ability.


The Marut turns, the Inevitables continue leading away the armies.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

The dragon who saw that seems to fly a bit closer to the group for a few moments before taking up flying position with the others again. Zaon then transmits his telepathic message to those standing near him, glad that this is a private way of communicating. "One of my dragon's got the message 'On the town's altar of Pelor'. This was most likely from one of the devils. I do not know why he picked one of the dragons, but that is the case. Considering our goal, I suggest we act on it."

[playswithfire]

Thorkild

Hmmph. Ideally, I'd like a little more to go on than 'on the altar,' but I don't see that we have any better leads at the moment. If there are no objections, let's get going. Can anyone see where that altar might be?


with +1 to spot I'm not trying
Thorkild was built to interact with NPCs and boost everyone's combat ability, not to see where he's going

[Sicarius]

Vayne

Vayne continues to pretend to be a trained bear. It was one of his most favorite ways to pull a fast one on anyone. After all, he had a few tricks up his sleeve whilst wearing his wild form.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

The question Thorkild raised was a good one. Within a few moments, the dragon was again hovering closer to the group and through telepathic contact, Zaon learned what the dragon could see. If anybody of this group would be able to see it, it would most likely be one of the dragons. When he learns of the knowledge, he will tell the others the direction.

Dragon taking 10 on spot; end result is 97.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

The dragon looks at the town, ignoring the fire, the burning houses and shops. In the very center, a gold-painted wooden structure stands, flames licking at one side. Atop it is a medium-sized symbol of Pelor, which is beginning to melt.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

"That way!" With that message to the others, Zaon unfurls his wings and makes his way towards the altar of Pelor, with his dragons following him nearby in the air. It is their only lead, so Zaon hopes that they will find at least something of use there.

[playswithfire]

Itaravap and Paog
Hearing Zaon's announcement and seeing him take to the skies, the Raptoran and halfling follow.

Thorkild
Thorkild mutters something about trying to stay together and then begins jogging in the direction the fliers are headed.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

Approaching the church, all of you feel slightly nauseated by the faint holy aura surrounding it. The feeling passes as the symbol of Pelor begins to slag in the heat. The fire is spreading to the roof. The door (for the moment) remains untouched.

[Jael_Darkwood]

Gaara

Gaara looks around to see if anyone is watching, then pushes open the door to the church, instincts and senses fully alert.

[Sicarius]

Vayne

As the chapel was probably not designed for bears, Vayne just stands guard outside.

[playswithfire]

Thorkild

Thorkild follows Gaara, wary of the size of the flames.

Paog
Paog flies Tiayan over the burning chain and small wave of water seems to trail behind them.


Using one of Tiayan's three daily uses of 'create water' as a spell like ability to create a spread of two gallons of water over as much of the roof as possible (i know not that much) in an effort to dampen it so it won't catch fire and collapse on us as quickly

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

Following Gaara, Zaon makes sure the dragons stay on the look out in the sky for any potential approaching danger to their team.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

The door opens, the fire hesitating before it begins to cover the roof as well.

As you approach the altar, the roof begins to creak. Upon the altar are two items, a small scroll, and a silver key.

[playswithfire]

Thorkild

Unless Gaara or Zaon do so more quickly, Thorkild grabs the two items in one hand, holds them close to his chest, covers them with his shield and begins running back towards the door. Briefly looking over his shoulder, he calls back Come on! One of these is what we're looking for, but this doesn't seem like the best place to figure out why!

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

Zaon let's Thorkild grab the items as he stays at the door. It is best to cover their actions as he stands near the door, watching out. With a quick telepathic message to one of his nearby dragons, he makes sure that nothing bad is approaching them. When Thorkild arrives back at the door, one of the dragons comes flying down. "Hop on the dragon, we will be further out of their reach that way." With that messaged, he hops on the dragon himself. To the bear fellow, he makes the telepathic offer that the dragon puts him on the dragon's back. If Vayne agrees, the dragon will grab the bear and put him on his back.

[Sicarius]

Vayne

Vayne notably bristles at this command, growling. He instead jumps and begins to climb the dragons back. Once at the top, he will look at the group, saying nothing.

Taking 10 on Climb for a 55

[Jael_Darkwood]

Gaara

Telepathically : "At this point something 'bad' coming to attack us is almost welcome... we can rigorously interrogate any survivors." When the dragon comes, without asking for permission, Gaara jumps aboard.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

After you make your exit, the roof smashes down upon the temple. The queasy feeling returns, stronger this time, as an impossibly bright, winged angel appears from the wreckage--a Solar. The hulking yet graceful figure draws his Greatsword and speaks in a slow, measured, deep voice:

Abandon the key and the scroll, lest orders wrath befall you.

As he speaks, the flames fade momentarily and a small group of about ten transcluscent figures appear. They are petitioners of Pelor. Since they are so weak as to be noncombatants, the Solar's power must simply attract them.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

Direct to the group, Zaon's telepathic message spreads - thus does not include the Solar. "Seems like you are served upon your demands, Gaara." Then, Zaon turns to the Solar. "No. Lest you wish to face us, you better head our demands and tell us what is going on here and for what purpose." That was stated so whimsical, as if Zaon deigns the Solar unworthy of even his attention. With it, it carries an implicit threat of power that would far surpass the Solar. When Zaon does glance at the Solar, it is as if he looks down with piercing eyes, trying to make the Solar realise that he is nothing but a soft leaf that stands before him and would be swiped away with one simple blow. As Zaon forms his fist, it seems as if he is ready to unleash terror upon the Solar if it does not back down.

Taking 10 on intimidate, giving a result of 72.

[Jael_Darkwood]

Gaara

Casually studying the Solar, Gaara keeps his crossbows pointed down and away.

Telepathy, to all group members, but first to Zaon : Keep him talking. All creatures have a weakness. Death soon follows its discovery.... also... see if you can convince him we wish to talk... Surprise will make it all the sweeter.

carefully study = assassin death attack countdown, just to be clear. I select... paralyze.... I've always wanted to implant a solar with my offspring

[playswithfire]

Thorkild,Paog and Itaravap

Keeping the key and scroll held tightly in his one hand, Thorkild uses the other to climb aboard the dragon when instructed and then signals to Paog and Itaravap who fall into a loose formation with Zaon's dragon.

Paog readies his lance, keeping it aimed in the direction of the Solar. Itaravap idly flicks wands in and out of his wand bracers. Seeing the others are ready, Thorkild draws his sword. Clearly, there has been much conflict here today. We did not come seeking any of it, though you can see we are prepared for it. Would you have battle or would you discuss that which you seek openly and without threats of your wrath?


Diplomacy [roll0]
(though I'm fine with a fight)

[Sicarius]

Vayne

Unlike the others, Vayne makes no overt motions to talk. The bear rises to stand on two legs, and the front paws notably become shorter, more clawed. The hind legs become those suited for a biped, rather than a quadraped. His face retains the ursine characteristics, his body retains it's fur. He stands fully in his hybrid form, a literal engine of death and combat. His claws, also, notably appear larger than normal for a bear of his height. His stance indicates he is ready to defend himself, if necessary.

His wizard companion dismounts and hides behind Vayne, ready to cast defensive spells on himself.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

The Solar sweeps his eyes around the group facing him. Zaon's show of bravado clearly startles the Solar, who appears not to have been expecting even a fifth as much to deal with. This weakens his resolve, and Paog's diplomatic manner seems to convince him that fighting is not an option at the moment.

The thralls appear absolutely terrified--and they don't even have faces.

The greatsword the Solar holds angles downward, the tip lightly resting on the ground. The solar considers the situation for a moment and then speaks.

Very well. We will talk for the moment. Be warned that I am but one of the angelic host. Should you attempt any treachery, my fellows will hunt you down.

OOC Info:
playswithfire

Diplomacy check succeeds only partially because Solars are opposed to all of your alignments and quests. However, you can tell you have convinced him that fighting is not the immediate solution. (From hostile to unfriendly)


Zweanslord

+62? The Solar can't match that rolling a natural 20.


Jael_Darkwood

1 round has gone by for your countdown.

[playswithfire]

Thorkild
Lowering his sword but not unsheathing it, Thorkild continues to address the Solar. Well, let's start with something simple, then. Why are you so interested in these objects?

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

The solar inclines his head and says simply:

"To prevent those who would steal them. What is your interest?"

[playswithfire]

Thorkild

From where I'm sitting, I'm the one that just saved these objects from fiery destruction. As for our interests... we came here seeking information that we had reason to believe could be found in the library on this cog. The library, as you no doubt know, was unavailable, but we were redirected here. We found the temple in flames and preserved what we could. Then you arrived, an event for which we still don't have a very satisfactory explanation. Unless you'd rather these items were destroyed than removed?

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

"I would rather they remain where they were until Pelor may identify their use. I say again: Why do they interest you?"

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

Zaon remains clam and seated, letting Thorkild do the talking since he had already established himself as the intimidating figure towards the Solar. While he now sits in a normal fashion, looking at the Solar without ill intent, he feels it is better to just let Thorkild do the talking for this meet up. As the Solar speaks, Zaon frowns a bit about letting the items remain.. in a burning temple? He mentally shrugs to himself and glances at Thorkild to see his reaction and response.

[playswithfire]

Thorkild

Having tried unsuccessfully to avoid answering certain questions, Thorkild tries a new approach.
To be honest, if only because you won't believe me anyway, I'm not sure how interested we are in these items. We are in search of several specific items to achieve our goal; a goal you'd support, if not necessarily our methods: saving existence on the material plane. We understood there was information that could help us find them in the library. When we got here and asked, we were told that wasn't an option and then that we'd find something useful on the altar of Pelor. We hadn't had the time yet to determine how much, if any, usefulness these items have for us before you arrived and demanded we turn them over. So what do you say to all that?

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

The Solar's impervious expression slips slightly at these words.

"The Solar's are comparatively few among the followers of Pelor. As such, He has imparted to me the knowledge of certain... artifacts... of multiversal proportions. You seek information on the dormant portal created by the first Lord of the Nine, I believe? I will tell you where the information is in the Library, and you may keep the scroll you were sent for--but you must give me the key."

[playswithfire]

Thorkild

If you bring the information we seek to us or lead us to it and can satisfy me that this key is not also important to our task, I see no reason to object to your terms. I will insist on maintaining possession of the key until I lay eyes on the information we seek, however. Turning to those near him, Thorkild asks That seem reasonable to all of you?

[Jael_Darkwood]

Gaara

Gaara nods, studying the Solar intently. His voice raspy from lack of use, and with a curious screechy inflection, "I believe we have a compact." His eyes, however, seem unable to stop watching the Solar.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

Joining Gaara in movement, it is Zaon who nods as well. That seems like a reasonable deal to him. More than a nod he does not give however, letting things be as they may. He sits comfortable on the back of the dragon, watching things around them, as do the dragons.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

The Solar appears both upset that his terms were not taken verbatim, and relieved that the situation did not end in somewhat one-sided violence.

"Very well. However, the Library is still closed, I believe. In any case, more paperwork than you have ever seen in your entire lives is required to find the information you are looking for. We wil be a while, I believe."

[playswithfire]

Thorkild

Though he would have enjoyed testing his skills against the Solar, Thorkild realized that this was more likely to be effective in their larger goal. Well, it takes as long as it takes, but we all want it done as quickly as possible. You want this key out of my hands and in yours and we have our own time-critical goals. So, any influence you have that gets the building open faster or the paperwork less onerous would be appreciated. Unless threats or actual physical violence can influence those in charge of the paperwork, in which case we can probably handle it ourselves. Remember, we keep the key until we have what we need.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

The scroll is in a way only a half of the writing. The lines that are on it are partial letters, another scroll inside the Library should complete them when laid over it. At any rate, we should probably head there now. It may open soon, it may not, but the closer we are when it opens, the less of a wait we most likely have.

[Sicarius]

Vayne

Notably happier since they stopped talking and started moving, Vayne perks up quite and goes back to his bear form.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

When the solar seems to be ready to go, the dragon with its passengers follows alongside, while the second dragon follows the first dragon at some distance. If the Solar is moving much slower than the dragon can be, Zaon will offer the Solar a ride on the dragon so they can speed up, since, after all, the solar seems to not mind the haste.

[playswithfire]

Thorkild, Paog and Itaravap

Thorkild stays on the dragon. Paog and Itaravap fly in the general direction of the others, maintaining a slightly higher altitude. Thorkild keeps a tight grip on the key and scroll.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

The journey to the Library is short, taking less than five minutes. Standing guard at the gate is a complement of a few dozen Inevitables. The fight inside had happened less than a half hour ago, but the fires are already out, and there are several humans painting over the burnt window frames.

The large Marut at the point of the guards does not react to seeing this odd group, and instead informs you in a monotone:

"We are closed, and will re-open in twenty seven minutes, thirty six seconds."

[playswithfire]

Thorkild, Paog and Itaravap

Thorkild takes advantage of this pause to convene with Paog and Itaravap, while Tiayan extends his wings to prevent the Solar's view. Thus secluded, he pulls out the scroll to see if any of them can read it.

((sorry; this one slipped my mind; hope it hasn't died))

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

[Don't think it has, it hasn't been that long.]

As the Solar mentioned, it isn't even possible to tell what language the scroll was written in, because the letters are only partial.

I think I am going to have to be a slow poster for the next week. During that time, since we're at sort of a break, maybe you all could work on your plans for your stronghold? I'll still be posting, but it will move slowly. Ending next Sunday.

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

"Hmm.. you beat me again." States Zaon to one of his dragons as he finishes another game, this time chess, that he was playing with the dragon. This he has been doing for the majority of the waiting time, filling his time as they waited for the doors to open.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

Almost back with internet. Story will move along monday, possibly tommorow.

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

The Marut's prediction is accurate to the second if anyone counted, and the doors swing open, revealing the entrance hall for the Library. It is about a hundred feet long, and half that wide and tall. The ceiling is elaborately painted with realistic depictions of scenery from all planes, and the pillars are all brilliant marble encased in silver and gold patterns. At the end of the hallway sits an old man at a large desk, his face mostly nondescript and human, but with a ticking gear where his right eye should be.

If no one speaks first, the Solar talks to him, requesting access to what you are looking for. The man informs him:

"Certainly, you all must simply sign these wavers here, here, here, here... (he continues, mentioning about fifty different contracts ranging from the length of a paragraph to nearly as thick as some books) ...using this pen, this one, NOT that one, and not signing here.

Also, do not forget that the ink of your signature on the final paper will fade unless you have brought some form of recorded knowledge to this library which we do not currently possess--a prospect which becomes more difficult by the minute."

The Solar lifts his hands in slight frustration--Pelor donates copies or original versions of all important texts already.

[Jael_Darkwood]

Gaara

"Any form of recorded knowledge?"

[Sir *TIM!!!!!!*]

The man:
"Yes."

[Zweanslord]

Zaon

"Well, I unfortunately do not have anything to contribute with recorded knowledge. Though I will go through the bookwork if nobody else wants to and we have something to donate." Says Zaon telepathically to the others of his group as he finishes up his last game with the dragon.