Planescape: Center of All - IC

[Cavir]

Avakuss takes in the sights of Union. He had of course heard of it but hadn't made his way there yet. Now that he had, he planned on exploring it if/when the issue of an evil god being released was dealt with. He kept his mind away from pondering what would happen if one fell off an island into the void without means of being saved. Thinking too much about it could probably drive one barmy as much as being the one falling.

The goliath purchases a trade writ and nods to Center that he is ready to continue on to Bavia. He does steal a look down when crossing the bridge.

[kinem]

Foot traffic is heavy as the party makes its way over to the next island. When Avakuss looks down from the bridge, all he sees is a russet glow from a seemingly endless void. Along the route, the Union Sentinels are easy to spot, in their adamantine breastplates over navy shirts with gray breeches and black boots. Under their watchful eyes, no one is currently starting any trouble.

The Material Gate, as you soon learn that the locals call it, looks quite similar to the Gate you came through from Sigil. As before, many merchants and their wagonloads of goods are lined up, ready to pass through when the Gate opens. Three Mercane are there to perform the opening ceremony, and each is guarded by four Union Sentinels.

There is also a Bavian official present, and he makes an announcement. He uses a kind of horn that amplifies his voice. "Take note. When you enter Bavia, you will be given a one day pass. Your picture will be put on the pass and we will keep copies for our records. Magical disguises will not fool our system, and deception will not be tolerated. You are welcome to come and trade with us, but only if you obey local laws. If you wish to stay longer in Bavia, that can be arranged in some cases, but due to the current situation travel within Bavia is closely regulated. We have an extradition treaty with Union, so criminal activity on either side of the gate will subject you to arrest on either side."

Once the Mercane open the Gate, people from the Union side are allowed through - first foot traffic, followed by the wagons.

The sky is blue in Bavia, with some clouds around the rising sun. The terrain is fairly flat here, but there is a respectable-size city within sight.

As each person enters Bavia, an official uses some kind of box-like contraption, mounted on a tripod, with a small cone protruding, and a glass lens at the tip. A flash of light from glass ball accompanies each use of the device. To those who can see such things, the device has a moderate aura of divination magic.

Another official then asks each of you some questions: Name, race, homeland, purpose of visit, and what trade goods or currency you have brought.

In the distance, you can see two large, armored green humanoids - war trolls. Each carries a very long tube of some sort (with a grip resembling that of a crossbow) which is probably a weapon. The trolls are clearly guards, and wait calmly.

[Archmage1]

Eilyra listens to the Bavian official's explanation of their laws as she patiently waits for the gate to open. Interesting. It seems that should we do anything suspicious, then we'll want to not return via the gate. Losing access to Union, and presumably the Mercane merchants might be mildly problematical, but there are plenty of other traders, should that occur. Still, best to not leave any witnesses, as I doubt they'd allow an outside group to go after this cult.

On the other side of the gate, she looks about the area, noting the nearby city, and the lack of any sort of infrastructure near the gate, and she nods, once, before looking to Avakuss, Rush, and Vanya. "This may not have been such a good idea. But, I suppose we'll find out." She also gives the troll guards a once over. "Looks like they don't care too much about their officials either, as the guards are too far away to do much of anything."

When the official approaches, Eilyra answers the asked questions calmly, if rapidly. "Eilyra, elf, of Cormanthor, research, and a small amount of gold."

[kinem]

There are many travelers to process, and the officials don't spend much time on each, instead relying on their magic and equipment to screen for trouble. The war trolls stroll a bit closer, but hang back so as not to intimidate any wealthy buyers and traders from Union.

Whether because she is protected by the Mind Blank, or her clever response, or for some other reason, you have no way to know, but Eilyra is soon given a pass and sent on her way. "Next!"

The pass is a paper that indeed has her picture on it, as she appears, along with the date 5-4-5669 and the information she just gave, the royal dragon seal of Bavia, and some numbers of significance unknown to you.

Most of those who pass the checkpoint head on to a group of tents where merchandise is on display.

[kinem]

While the others go through the checkpoint, Eilyra heads over to the tents to check out the merchandise.

There are a wide variety of items on display. Some are easily recognizable - foods such as roast chicken and sandwiches, books, clothing, paintings. Others demonstrate that the Bavian reputation for mechanical marvels and technology is well deserved. There are horseless carriages, both full-sized ones on display and toy ones that scoot along the ground. There are devices that produce music. There are even boxes with moving pictures on one side of them. In one tent, such a box is being used to display magical items such as wands and everfull mugs that are not physically here, but can be ordered at the tent. There don't seem to be any weapons for sale here.

[Archmage1]

Eilyra looks back, to see where her allies were in line, before idly browsing through the books, looking to see if any were of interest.

Spoiler: OOC

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She's more or less idly looking through. If there more practical books, she might risk a scholar's touch to give them a read, but mostly? Stalling.

[Cavir]

"Yes, using our own transportation is probably a better bet in the future."

Avakuss takes his turn with the official, though has to wait a moment while they adjust the tripod to handle his height. "Avakuss, goliath, from Sigil. Here to explore some, with a handful of gems and some jink... err gold."

[RCgothic]

Vanya gazes round in wonder as she takes in the exotic scenes in Union. "I guess we're going to see a lot of places like this on our planar travels, huh?" she muses, keenly observing all strange people and creatures passing by.

In the queue through immigration she rues her relative lack of protection from mental effects, but it would be a strong mind-reader indeed who could breach her mental defenses. She appraises the war trolls calmly, as there's no reason to think they might accost the party, or that they'd be a particular threat if they did. Honestly, the legal repercussions are more concerning, as it wouldn't be a good idea to start annoying realms so soon after arriving in this time.

"Vanya, Human, originally of Eigersstor - Neverwinter as it's known now. The purpose of my visit is for an archaeological recovery, and I've no trade goods other than a little over fifty-one thousand units of currency and gemstones."

[kinem]

Looking at the books, Eilyra sees that most are labeled as works of fiction, many of which are grouped in numbered series that are apparently popular. However, of more interest, there are some histories and some maps. There are also some games, including one called "Dungeons & Dragons" in which players apparently pretend to be adventurers.

When Avakuss mentions Sigil, the Bavian offical perks up a bit. "Sigil, eh? We're starting to see more folks from there. As for exploring, just remember not to miss the return window. Paryn, the local city, is interesting enough." Avakuss is likewise given a printed pass.

With Vanya, the man is a bit taken aback. "What sort of archaeological recovery? Just as a reminder, nothing personal you know, ancient sites are considered national property. Also, that is quite a lot of cash. We welcome the business, of course, but I must ask, what do you hope to purchase? And, be aware that while our police are efficient, the security of your property is not something we guarantee."

[RCgothic]

Vanya continues to play straight with the border guards, though sensing a possible bureaucratic hiccup she turns up the charm.

"I have no interest in taking anything from any ancient sites, I assure you!" she raises her hands placatingly with an honest smile. "Actually the object in question is a legendary sword stolen from one of my associates in Sigil. I'd heard it might be somewhere here, though I'm not sure yet. I'm hoping to recover it before it makes a nuisance of itself for you, or anyone else for that matter. As for my funds: this is just a little pocket change, though I do appreciate your warning. I'll make sure my purse is well secured."

Spoiler

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Diplomacy (1d20+32)[51]

[Archmage1]

Faced with potentially useful books, Eilyra reaches into her belt pouch, and casts a quick divination, before focusing her attention on the histories and maps, eyeing the covers intently as her graceful fingers trace the lettering.

Spoiler: OOC

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Casting Scholar's Touch, and using it on the histories/maps, hoping to get some idea of the name of the mountain range where the sphere of nope was, and some idea about it's history.

[kinem]

The Bavian official replies "Then you should check in with the police and report the stolen sword. It may turn up if the thieves get caught for some other crime. Go to the green tent with the dragon symbol. Good luck, ma'am. Next!"

Spoiler: Eilyra

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Bavia seems to have a colorful and violent history, but most of it does not seem particularly relevant. The history books note that the Bavian government has approved their content. As you recall, Aelcliff is the name of the town you teleported into last time. One of the books has some details on the history of the area, which is in the Lurian mountains, an area deep inland and far from the Bavian borders. The Lurians have long been considered dangerous, being home to monsters including mountain giants and undead, but in modern times cities like Aelcliff have not been attacked. There is no mention of a cult.

[Archmage1]

Eilyra continues her idle browsing, but looks back as she sees Vanya and Avakuss coming through the gate as well, and she walks back, approaching them. "Did either of you have any problems with the guards?"

[Cavir]

"No problems here. Kept it simple. It's just a one day pass, let's get going."

[kinem]

Unfortunately, Rush does not navigate the interview with the same practiced skill the others did, and she is flagged for dishonesty.

She tells you "Sorry, looks like I'm going to have to return to Sigil. It's best not to attract attention by trying to get around this. In the meantime, I'll look for clues as to the group that beat Sernock. Good luck."

[Archmage1]

The half-fiend frowns at Rush's explanation, but she nods understandingly. "Of course. If you find clues, you'll be able to find us."

With that bit of business handled, she turns to Vanya and Avakuss. "We don't have an exact location, but we do have an approximate one. Hopefully, if we are close, we'll be able to determine where to go."

Absent objections Eilyra will cast Teleport, to bring us to as close to the edge of the anti-divination zone as she can manage.

(1d100)[34] teleport

[Cavir]

Avakuss joins the teleport. Right after the teleport he activates more of his defenses then is ready to get into the meat of their next task.

Spoiler: OOC

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Extended Energy Adaptation (resist 30 all, 6 hours) 9PP
Steadfast Perception Extended 190 minutes. 9PP

[kinem]

After Rush heads back through the gate as required, Eilyra, Avakuss, Center, and Vanya explore the area a little. The group of four gets away from the crowd and finds a wooded area. When she's reasonably sure that no one is watching, Eilyra casts the Teleport spell.

The Teleport succeeds, and the group re-appears in a hilly area. The massive cliff that Eilyra had observed from the window of the meeting hall in the town of Aelcliff is visible, perhaps miles away, though such distances are hard to judge by eye.

[Archmage1]

As the teleport fades, Eilyra looks around the hills, and frowns. "And here we are. We suspect the gate is in this area, somewhere, but a more exact location has proven to be challenging."
She pauses, thinking for a moment, before she chants, and a collection of small magical orbs start floating out from her hand, rotating around her head, before she commands them. "Scout the area, pairs of two. Return if the other is destroyed. Two go up, and see further afield. Report on caves and constructions."
The eyes immediately zoom away to scout the area around Eilyra, and she settles down to wait.

"They'll return if they find something of interest. Otherwise, it may be a few hours before they finish exploring."

Spoiler: OOC

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Casting Prying Eyes, (1d4+23)[24] Magical eyes. The intent is for them to pair off, and explore, with one taking the lead. If the lead eye vanishes, then the rear one can report what and where.

[Cavir]

Avakuss

"Will the eyes find you if we move on? We saw those cliffs from the town. It'd make sense to head for them instead of staying here burning daylight. From there we can get a better look from on high. Was there indication of the blocked location relative to the cliffs?"

[Archmage1]

Eilyra nods, but she seems a little dubious. "They can, but they are destroyed if they go more than a mile from me. As for indications of where... no. Just in this area, somewhere. I could attempt to scry, or discern location, but it seems likely that they would still be blocked."

[kinem]

Center says "I'll do it. Like many planar beings, I can teleport myself at will. I will go to the top of that cliff and look around, and will return shortly."

He concentrates ... and nothing happens.

"That was strange. I'd say teleportation into that area is blocked. Could be a dead magic zone, maybe; your guess is as good as mine. I will find a tree branch to use as a club just in case it is."

[Archmage1]

Eilyra smiles, slightly, as Center fails to teleport. "It seems we are in the right area, then." She looks to Avakuss, before she gestures grandly at the cliff. "It seems that we have some walking to do. The eyes should know to keep in range, and explore. There may be a cave, or some structure built into the cliff."

With that said, she starts walking towards the cliff. As she walks, she continues speaking. "If this is a dead magic zone, that will make life challenging."

[Cavir]

"Since you are able to teleport at will that can be to our advantage. Can you can teleport halfway there? By finding out where you can and can't teleport that will map out the effect and give us a better idea of the extent of the effect and maybe tell us the where the center of the effect is, which would point to our destination. Once you find an edge to the effect that will allow us to see if it is a dead magic area before we find trouble. The rest of us can continue walking toward the cliff."

[kinem]

Center replies "Good idea. I'll do some exploring. Wait for me here." He vanishes.

After what seems like a long time, he returns.

"So ... it covers a large area. Miles in diameter. The cliff is approximately at the center. Teleportation is blocked, and so is detection of magic, maybe all divinations. But other magic works. Or at least, some other magic. Magic missiles, no problem."

The description rings a bell with Eilyra as she recalls an obscure legend.

Spoiler: Eilyra

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Weirdstone
These innocuous-looking, fist-sized pieces of faceted glass are among the most highly sought-after items in all of Faerûn. Mages who like their privacy and evil beings who prefer to keep their plans secret are particularly fond of these items, and they often dispatch minions or adventurers to retrieve them.

When placed upon a flat surface and activated by mental command, a weirdstone floats about 3 feet into the air, glowing and chiming softly. While active, it blocks out all of the following within a 6-mile radius (including into the air above and the ground below).

All astral and ethereal travel.
All divination (scrying) spells.
All conjuration (teleportation) spells.
Any spell-like, supernatural, or extraordinary abilities, psionic powers, or the like that mimic these effects.
The weirdstone hampers only effects that manifest within its area. Spells or abilities activated within the weirdstone's area that target an area outside its 6-mile radius are unaffected. For example, a wizard standing right next to a weirdstone could cast a scrying spell to spy on a creature more than 6 miles away, but she could not teleport across the room because the weirdstone blocks teleportation magic within its radius.
Strong abjuration; CL 20th; Craft Wondrous Item, dimensional lock, nondetection, creator must be at least 20th level; Price 230,000 gp. Source: Player's Guide to Faerûn

[Archmage1]

Eilyra's face transforms into a grin at Center's words. "Interesting. I believe I know what we are dealing with, and once we enter the effect, I'll explain more. First, we have a bit of walking to do."

The demonically winged woman resumes her swift walk towards the cliff, keeping an eye out for any returning eyes as she goes.

[kinem]

Spoiler: Eilyra

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Although the rest of it certainly fits, a standard Weirdstone doesn't normally block non-scrying divinations like Detect Magic.

There are no roads in this hilly and wooded area, and walking through it is slow going. You estimate that at a normal walking speed it will take about 6 hours to reach the base of the cliff.

After about a third of that distance, Center tells you that you have entered the affected area.

[Archmage1]

After a couple of hours of walking, and Center's announcement, Eilyra continues onwards for another fifteen minutes, before she finally speaks up. "Based on Center's" She nods in his direction. "Information, I'm fairly sure that we're dealing with a wardstone, which projects a sphere with a radius of six miles. Said sphere blocks teleportation, scrying, astral and ethereal travel, or similar effects targeted within the sphere. We could, in theory, teleport out of the domain within it. However, it would not normally block detect magic."
She then pauses her speech for a few moments, to give that information a chance to be absorbed by her listeners, before she continues. "That also means that if we can find the center of the sphere, we'll probably also find the portal. Or, if not, at least something of interest. The tricky piece is likely to be finding the entrance, which is likely concealed, and if all divinations are blocked, probably covered by an illusion as well."

[kinem]

Center says “That’s not good. Hmm … Remember the time I turned into a dragon? I could sense things around me. Short range I think so it might not help much though.”

[Archmage1]

Eilyra looks back at Center as she continues to weave through the wilderness. "There are a few forms like that we could use, but first, I'm afraid we need to get closer. I hope everyone brought shoes they can walk in. I don't think flying there is wise either."