Habololy Forum
Icefian Campaign => Reluctant Heroes => Topic started by: whitesword on July 13, 2016, 11:00:54 PM
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The Warmaster's tower has a more pragmatic feel than the other towers. It has many training rooms, some for teaching aspiring Bladelords to mix ores to make steel, others to practice at the forge and those to fence and spar. It also houses several armories, containing an arsenal of enchanted weapons, forged by the Bladelords over the centuries. The greatest of these houses only Kovan's work. Most of the remainder of the tower is divided into small apartments where young apprentices reside.
The first floor like all of the towers contains an auditorium used for meetings and more commonly teaching. The floor directly above holds the warmaster's chambers and an archive room. The archive room is like nothing most of the Habololians have ever seen. It is dominated by a huge table, it top composed of nine interchangeable tiles (squares and rectangles, no nonagons). The tiles are made of ordinary glass, obsidian or gold, all mirror polished and meticulously etched with the movement of troops in battle. The shelves of the room contain thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of the tiles. When laid out on the table the history of an entire war can be shown or a new battle planned. The gold tiles show victories for the forces of light and good; the obsidian a triumph for darkness. The plain glass for those not yet resolved.
When you arrive one obsidian tile is in place but the rest, only three more, are plain glass. Around the table are Escalon, Tania Falconsoul, Acure Edana and a figure that towers over all the rest of you, even mighty Moebius. Over nine feet tall, with a chain mail vest that reveals impossibly muscled arms protected only by admantium vambraces. On its back are two scimitars. Where Escalon is fair skinned and silver haired, this creature is all gold skin, fur and hair. It's face even at rest is fierce but not feral with clearly feline features. It examines each of you as you enter the room with an appraising eye. When it looks down at Rubius you cannot help but feel as if he is looking at a mouse.
Escalon says "Gentlemen, and lady, may I present Verconis, son of Talisid, greatest of the war pride leaders of Eylsium. He comes with ill news that requires our attention."
The mighty Leonal turns to face you. "Greetings to you all. Many of your names are known to me. Lord Arishimoto and Sir Thaddeus, word of your recent victory in depriving the dark powers of the Throne of Aruvatar has begun to spread among the champions of the light. Though I fear Stasis will find some of the goodly powers can be jealous.
Lords Kerkley and Isolder and Moebius and Lady Alyssa, I cannot express to you how deeply honored I am to meet you and perhaps fight beside you. Your names have been sung for centuries by followers of the righteous ways and cursed in dread by our enemies. That you have returned to us is already a great victory."
Escalon motions all of you over to the table. "The tragic events in the Great Forest are having unexpected consequences. The "walls" of the Beastlands are weakening and word of it has reached the infernal planes. What you see before you is the gate town of -Faunel For the past several months they have seen an increasing number of fiends trying to enter the Beastlands. This has been a problem for eons as wicked creatures love to hunt in the Beastlands. The fiends that have been captured were clearly scouts, not hunters. In most other towns, this would have been a cause for great alarm; Faunel however, is among the most anarchic of all the gate towns and it is only through word of mouth among travellers that any news of it spread."
Verconis says: "Five nights ago the vanguard of a Baazetu army assaulted the town and seized the gate. The Verdant Guild, who nominally govern the town, sent out a call for aid. Though they can be infuriating to deal with, their hearts are devoted to good and they have aided both the Guardians and Guardinials on many occasions. My father dispatched my war pack and we assaulted the devils before they could entrench. We fought them for three nights and retook the gate. Yesterday gnomes from Bytopia and Elves from Arborea arrived and we regained the heart of the town. Now though the Baazetu host approaches and it is clear they mean to destroy the town and invade.
My father and the Guardian council have called upon all that would defend the upper planes to fight. "
Escalon says "I cannot ignore this summons, nor deny my brethren here this chance to do battle against the fiends. Most of us will be going. I have spoken with those high clerics of the goodly powers who would grant me or Midan an audience and we will be taking representatives of many powers with us."
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Do I have time to visit Arion in the week before we go to the Vale?
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The mighty Leonal turns to face you. "Greetings to you all. Many of your names are known to me. Lord Arishimoto and Sir Thaddeus, word of your recent victory in depriving the dark powers of the Throne of Aruvatar has begun to spread among the champions of the light. Though I fear Stasis will find some of the goodly powers can be jealous.
Parker looks around, "What am I, Kitty-litter? I'm not saying that I was integral to the 'victory' (everyone's sarcasm meter just spiked), but they never would have found the damn thing if not for me. But, fine, whatever.
[after everyone else stops talking]
Fine, yes, I'll help save the multiverse, again. I'm..... I mean "we're".... going to need a few things though. Those of us who need them should replace weapons with silver and or Holy ones. Thaddeus and I need to make a quick stop back to Port Phiam to collect some things and to put certain affairs in order. I have businesses to run after all. Also, a Bag of Holding or two wouldn't hurt. We should stock them with enough provisions to last us a good while, just in case anything goes wrong, which, let's face it, will definitely happen.
Escalon, if you are finished with that sword from the other day, we could probably put it to good use where we're going.
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In case anyone missed it, Asinjin agreed to check in on Ari and Rubius every few days and come rescue them when bad things happen.
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After Asinjin hears of this debacle, he finds those responsible in the forest and adds them to his idiots list.
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In case anyone missed it, Asinjin agreed to check in on Ari and Rubius every few days and come rescue them when bad things happen.
Parker makes mental notes to pack plenty of herbal tea for Asinjin when he arrives.
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Kerkly will prepare an Avoid Planar Effects and a Resist Planar Alignment spell.
A Plane Shift is probably a good idea as well.
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After Asinjin hears of this debacle, he finds those responsible in the forest and adds them to his idiots list.
Reik would be happy have a theoretical discussion about this.
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Reik would be happy have a theoretical discussion about this.
At no point in any plane at any time in any multiverse on any timeline does Asinjin share the same air as Reik.
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At no point in any plane at any time in any multiverse on any timeline does Asinjin share the same air as Reik.
Grumbles something about desert elves being racist...
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When it looks down at Rubius you cannot help but feel as if he is looking at a mouse.
This line was strangely comforting to me because now I know that Rubius wasn't killed in my absence.
So, we're heading back to The Vale?
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This line was strangely comforting to me because now I know that Rubius wasn't killed in my absence.
So, we're heading back to The Vale?
We did spend a short time in the vale.
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Grumbles something about desert elves being racist...
Arcanist
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Parker looks around, "What am I, Kitty-litter? I'm not saying that I was integral to the 'victory' (everyone's sarcasm meter just spiked), but they never would have found the damn thing if not for me. But, fine, whatever.
[after everyone else stops talking]
Fine, yes, I'll help save the multiverse, again. I'm..... I mean "we're".... going to need a few things though. Those of us who need them should replace weapons with silver and or Holy ones. Thaddeus and I need to make a quick stop back to Port Phiam to collect some things and to put certain affairs in order. I have businesses to run after all. Also, a Bag of Holding or two wouldn't hurt. We should stock them with enough provisions to last us a good while, just in case anything goes wrong, which, let's face it, will definitely happen.
Escalon, if you are finished with that sword from the other day, we could probably put it to good use where we're going.
Are you referring to Roland's katana? If so we returned it to him. It was not evil, but of limited use to one without his particular martial training.
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Arcanist
Spits on the ground.. even worse!
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Are you referring to Roland's katana? If so we returned it to him. It was not evil, but of limited use to one without his particular martial training.
If it is the one that made it feel like my soul, such as it is, was being forcibly sucked out of my body with each hit, then yes. if not, then I am talking about another sword.
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We did spend a short time in the vale.
Okay, so what did I miss? Would someone mind posting a recap?
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If it is the one that made it feel like my soul, such as it is, was being forcibly sucked out of my body with each hit, then yes. if not, then I am talking about another sword.
I think you were referring to the sword Sir William was using, Mourneblade. If so, that's not the sword Escalon took. That's Falan's own sword and he took it with him. Roland briefly surrendered his sword, which was in the possession of Mafesseus during the battle.
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Okay, so what did I miss? Would someone mind posting a recap?
Kerkly is downtrodden and doesn't tell a good story right now. Asinjin's version is so unrelentingly biased that it bares only a passing resemblance to the truth.
Benlin's version, "Lord Arishimoto resigned after having most of the Bladelords and clerics removed from the temple for an investigation. About 6 of them are being charged with crimes for their role in the Severing. The black obelisk remains in the temple under as much guard as possible. Some clerics are allowed in only to prevent a riot, which occurred outside the temple after this all happened. The elves of the city are not happy with the clerics."
"We were asked by the Guardians to go to the gate town of the Beastlands to help defend it against the devils. They are laying siege to the city because they sense an opportunity brought on by the Fey War here on Habololy, where the Fey are fighting goodly races and weakening the Beastlands. We agreed and are going with a meaningful contingent of warriors from the vale."
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Kerkly is downtrodden and doesn't tell a good story right now. Asinjin's version is so unrelentingly biased that it bares only a passing resemblance to the truth.
Benlin's version, "Lord Arishimoto resigned after having most of the Bladelords and clerics removed from the temple for an investigation. About 6 of them are being charged with crimes for their role in the Severing. The black obelisk remains in the temple under as much guard as possible. Some clerics are allowed in only to prevent a riot, which occurred outside the temple after this all happened. The elves of the city are not happy with the clerics."
"We were asked by the Guardians to go to the gate town of the Beastlands to help defend it against the devils. They are laying siege to the city because they sense an opportunity brought on by the Fey War here on Habololy, where the Fey are fighting goodly races and weakening the Beastlands. We agreed and are going with a meaningful contingent of warriors from the vale."
Just a reminder: Asinjin isn't here
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Do I have time to visit Arion in the week before we go to the Vale?
bump
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Most baatezu also have fear auras, some make use of illusions or poison, the mid-power ones can "at will" teleport and summon lesser devils.
So fear immunity, high saves, true seeing, dimensional anchor, and magic circles would all also be useful.
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bump
No
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Most baatezu also have fear auras, some make use of illusions or poison, the mid-power ones can "at will" teleport and summon lesser devils.
So fear immunity, high saves, true seeing, dimensional anchor, and magic circles would all also be useful.
Kerkly has a persistent Magic Circle against Evil.
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Kerkly has a persistent Magic Circle against Evil.
Parker asks Kerkly to cast that on him as well and he will make it permanent.
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Kerkly has a persistent Magic Circle against Evil.
Shaar has Armor..and a Glaive.
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Parker asks Kerkly to cast that on him as well and he will make it permanent.
Kerkly casts that on you.
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This might be useful if there are multiple characters that don't have holy weapons.
http://alcyius.com/dndtools/spells/players-handbook-ii--80/blessing-of-the-righteous--2966/index.html (http://alcyius.com/dndtools/spells/players-handbook-ii--80/blessing-of-the-righteous--2966/index.html)
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This might be useful if there are multiple characters that don't have holy weapons.
http://alcyius.com/dndtools/spells/players-handbook-ii--80/blessing-of-the-righteous--2966/index.html (http://alcyius.com/dndtools/spells/players-handbook-ii--80/blessing-of-the-righteous--2966/index.html)
Yes, I will prepare that.
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I have 1 spot for spell storage in my Glaive.. I'm not sure how many levels or spells i can store, but I bet that one will fit, before we go. Or maybe a silver/good spell. Please.. anyone?
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I have 1 spot for spell storage in my Glaive.. I'm not sure how many levels or spells i can store, but I bet that one will fit, before we go. Or maybe a silver/good spell. Please.. anyone?
Lots of spells I have, but I need to level to make the best suggestion.
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Lots of spells I have, but I need to level to make the best suggestion.
Whitesword, do you remember how many spell levels/spell slots the glaive can store? I found the original email and you just say "spell storing"
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Whitesword, do you remember how many spell levels/spell slots the glaive can store? I found the original email and you just say "spell storing"
Spell Storing: A spell storing weapon allows a spellcaster to store a single targeted spell of up to 3rd level in the weapon. (The spell must have a casting time of 1 standard action.) Any time the weapon strikes a creature and the creature takes damage from it, the weapon can immediately cast the spell on that creature as a free action if the wielder desires. (This special ability is an exception to the general rule that casting a spell from an item takes at least as long as casting that spell normally.) Once the spell has been cast from the weapon, a spellcaster can cast any other targeted spell of up to 3rd level into it. The weapon magically imparts to the wielder the name of the spell currently stored within it. A randomly rolled spell storing weapon has a 50% chance to have a spell stored in it already.
Strong evocation (plus aura of stored spell); CL 12th; Craft Magical Arms and Armor, creator must be a caster of at least 12th level; Price +1 bonus.
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Oh.. nevermind :)
Spell Storing: A spell storing weapon allows a spellcaster to store a single targeted spell of up to 3rd level in the weapon. (The spell must have a casting time of 1 standard action.) Any time the weapon strikes a creature and the creature takes damage from it, the weapon can immediately cast the spell on that creature as a free action if the wielder desires. (This special ability is an exception to the general rule that casting a spell from an item takes at least as long as casting that spell normally.) Once the spell has been cast from the weapon, a spellcaster can cast any other targeted spell of up to 3rd level into it. The weapon magically imparts to the wielder the name of the spell currently stored within it. A randomly rolled spell storing weapon has a 50% chance to have a spell stored in it already.
Strong evocation (plus aura of stored spell); CL 12th; Craft Magical Arms and Armor, creator must be a caster of at least 12th level; Price +1 bonus.
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Spell Storing: A spell storing weapon allows a spellcaster to store a single targeted spell of up to 3rd level in the weapon. (The spell must have a casting time of 1 standard action.) Any time the weapon strikes a creature and the creature takes damage from it, the weapon can immediately cast the spell on that creature as a free action if the wielder desires. (This special ability is an exception to the general rule that casting a spell from an item takes at least as long as casting that spell normally.) Once the spell has been cast from the weapon, a spellcaster can cast any other targeted spell of up to 3rd level into it. The weapon magically imparts to the wielder the name of the spell currently stored within it. A randomly rolled spell storing weapon has a 50% chance to have a spell stored in it already.
Strong evocation (plus aura of stored spell); CL 12th; Craft Magical Arms and Armor, creator must be a caster of at least 12th level; Price +1 bonus.
It says that the spell is cast on the creature damaged by the weapon. Which rules out any spells that affect the glaive itself (so can't use "silver weapon" or "bless weapon"). We've been paling 3rd ed for ~15 years (?) and I still learn something new every time.
Ari has a backup weapon that is spell storing too, which is currently empty.
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It says that the spell is cast on the creature damaged by the weapon. Which rules out any spells that affect the glaive itself (so can't use "silver weapon" or "bless weapon"). We've been paling 3rd ed for ~15 years (?) and I still learn something new every time.
Ari has a backup weapon that is spell storing too, which is currently empty.
We have played that there are different versions.
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It says that the spell is cast on the creature damaged by the weapon. Which rules out any spells that affect the glaive itself (so can't use "silver weapon" or "bless weapon"). We've been paling 3rd ed for ~15 years (?) and I still learn something new every time.
Ari has a backup weapon that is spell storing too, which is currently empty.
So.. Smites, or Lightening Bolts. Still useful, maybe not so much against devils.
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http://dnd.arkalseif.info/spells/planar-handbook--79/devil-blight--2201/
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http://dnd.arkalseif.info/spells/planar-handbook--79/devil-blight--2201/
That's nice. Would something like that stack with my Holy Longbow?
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That's nice. Would something like that stack with my Holy Longbow?
They would both effect the devil in the same round.
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It takes the better part of the day for all of the gate spells to be cast and the groups of warriors to organize themselves on the other side. There is a large contingent of followers of Stasis with all classes represented. There similar groups bearing Tfop and Hemator's symbols.
The Guardians are primarily Equinals and Lupinals, with some Avorals and a few Ursinals and Cerdivals. There are also a dozen or so Bladelords. All told the host numbers just over two thousand.
For a few moments Parker, Thaddeus, Shaar and Rubius are disoriented after they emerge from the gate. There is no perceptible horizon at first and no terrain features in sight. After a few deep breaths your perception adjusts and the land takes on the appearance of gently rolling hills. Far ahead of you there is a distant horizon.
Ari and Kerkley perceive things differently. The hills rapidly give way to high grasslands, similar to Yellowia. From your vantage you can see trampled grass and the faint whisps of smoke, the telltale signs of an army's passage and encampment. To your left there is a wide swath of ruin. It looks like countless troops have passed by recently and intentionally tormented the ground on their way. You cannot see the army between you and your destination, which is perplexing.
Verconis speaks with Tania and Acure for a few minutes after the final gate closes. He steps away from them as the troops stand to move out and let's out a titanic roar. In the distance, at the edge of the grasslands dozens of figures rise from the grass and reply with faint lupine howls. Tania leads the Guardian scouts ahead.
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It takes the better part of the day for all of the gate spells to be cast and the groups of warriors to organize themselves on the other side. There is a large contingent of followers of Stasis with all classes represented. There similar groups bearing Tfop and Hemator's symbols.
The Guardians are primarily Equinals and Lupinals, with some Avorals and a few Ursinals and Cerdivals. There are also a dozen or so Bladelords. All told the host numbers just over two thousand.
For a few moments Thaddeus, Shaar and Rubius are disoriented after they emerge from the gate. There is no perceptible horizon at first and no terrain features in sight. After a few deep breaths your perception adjusts and the land takes on the appearance of gently rolling hills. Far ahead of you there is a distant horizon.
Ari and Kerkley perceive things differently. The hills rapidly give way to high grasslands, similar to Yellowia. From your vantage you can see trampled grass and the faint whisps of smoke, the telltale signs of an army's passage and encampment. To your left there is a wide swath of ruin. It looks like countless troops have passed by recently and intentionally tormented the ground on their way. You cannot see the army between you and your destination, which is perplexing.
Verconis speaks with Tania and Acure for a few minutes after the final gate closes. He steps away from them as the troops stand to move out and let's out a titanic roar. In the distance, at the edge of the grasslands dozens of figures rise from the grass and reply with faint lupine howls. Tania leads the Guardian scouts ahead.
Parker sees.......endless adventure??
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Sorry, cut and paste got me. Fixed it.
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(In case it's not clear this is your opportunity to discuss things with Verconis, Acure, etc.)
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So.. Smites, or Lightening Bolts. Still useful, maybe not so much against devils.
Can Kirkley provide a good old fashioned "dispel magic" for Ari's backup sword?
(In case it's not clear this is your opportunity to discuss things with Verconis, Acure, etc.)
So what do we know of our enemy? How numerous are they? What is the composition of the horde? Do we have a plan?
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Kerkly can provide a dispel.
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Can Kirkley provide a good old fashioned "dispel magic" for Ari's backup sword?
So what do we know of our enemy? How numerous are they? What is the composition of the horde? Do we have a plan?
Verconis replies, as you "march",: "Only the 'Loths of the Grey Wastes are better plotters than the Baazetu. Here I think they are spurred on by some haste that we do not yet see. They infiltrated the town with Eyrinies and Assassin Devils, but did not have sufficient warriors to hold the town against our assault. It is fortune that they acted with the main force so far away. The vanguard had many sorts of Devils and nearly broke our ranks but they withdrew when it was clear that even if they prevailed they still could not hold the gate against the forces of Olympus and Asgard that began to arrive."
"Our plan is two fold. First, we must convince the pantheon of the Celts to send us aid. Both the Olympians and the Asgardians respect them enough to set aside their hatred for one another long enough for this fight. That task must fall to you, as it now stands the Dahgada blame Habololy for this and will need to be convinced that your world will do their part to correct the situation. It will not be easy as they are patrons and protectors of the Fey."
Second, regardless of the success of the first part, we must hold the defenses for two to three weeks. The armies of Mount Celestia are on the move but it will take them some time to reach us."
"When we reach my scouts I hope they will have details about the size and composition of the host. I am hoping that the preliminary report I recieved before I left is exaggerated."
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Kerkly asks, "Will our role be a leadership one, as foot soldiers, or as some form of elite task force?" It is clear that once in this military setting Kerkly's already someone formal and rigid style is upped.
Benlin falls in line and says little, taking notes on everything of importance.
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Kerkly asks, "Will our role be a leadership one, as foot soldiers, or as some form of elite task force?"
"Oh, definitely the elite force." says Parker as he quick-draws a wand from his belt, makes it spin and dance around his fingers, and then just as quickly puts the wand away.
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"Oh, definitely the elite force." says Parker as he quick-draws a wand from his belt, makes it spin and dance around his fingers, and then just as quickly puts the want away.
Rubius grimaces with disappointment then bows his head quietly and says a quick prayer to Habastly for the redemption of Parker's soul.
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Rubius grimaces with disappointment then bows his head quietly and says a quick prayer to Habastly for the redemption of Parker's soul.
Kerkly and Benlin generally stay near Rubius during the trip.
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Kerkly asks, "Will our role be a leadership one, as foot soldiers, or as some form of elite task force?" It is clear that once in this military setting Kerkly's already someone formal and rigid style is upped.
Benlin falls in line and says little, taking notes on everything of importance.
"Likely as a strike team of some sort. The vanguard flew no banners so I don't yet know what to expect beyond the fiends. Most likely you will challenge their champions or headquarters. That will come after your visit to Tir Na Nog though."
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"Celts, Olympians, Asgardians, Dahgada, Tir Na Nog...you are using many words I do not understand..."
Anything on the detect evil radar? 4800 ft radius, bypasses most attempts to avoid detection, and Ari can identify the type of creatures triggering it.
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"Celts, Olympians, Asgardians, Dahgada, Tir Na Nog...you are using many words I do not understand..."
Anything on the detect evil radar? 4800 ft radius, bypasses most attempts to avoid detection, and Ari can identify the type of creatures triggering it.
Kerkly says, "They are different groups that inhabit the upper planes."
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"Celts, Olympians, Asgardians, Dahgada, Tir Na Nog...you are using many words I do not understand..."
Anything on the detect evil radar? 4800 ft radius, bypasses most attempts to avoid detection, and Ari can identify the type of creatures triggering it.
Ben Dothan, the tall, uncoordinated Ursinal chimes in: "You see, the pantheons have a proper name and one or more nicknames that primes (that's us) and planars call them. The celts is a short hand for the Tuatha de Dannan. Their leader, a chieftain they call him, is Daghdha. He counted as one of the mightiest of the pantheon heads. He is a native of Arborea but the realm of the Tuatha lies in the Outlands. The Tuatha are the progenitors of the Fey and along with the Eladrin are their staunchest protectors. However, they have long been allies of the Guardians."