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Feb 25, 2021 6:23 pm

Feb 25, 2021 6:23 pm

SECRET LOCATION IN THE THUNDER SEA
7 Sypheros, 999 YK
08:59

https://wallpapercave.com/wp/wp2805762.jpg

"60 ... 59 ... 58 ..."

The countdown droned in the background as everyone took their places on board the command deck of The Way. This moment had been years in the making, and everyone had made sacrifices.

The last few days had been a flurry of activity. Normally everything calculation, every elemental binding, and every magical enchantment should be double and triple checked. But world events forced the team to advanced their launch schedule significantly. The Karrnathi, a powerful nation and rival in the space race, had put their ship, The Aurora, into orbit first. But, the Karrnathi lost contact with the The Aurora. Suspecting foul play, Karrnath has mobilized military forces to its border with Aundair, believing their greatest rival in the space race responsible. Now, all of Khorvaire holds its breath amid the rising tensions and wonders if the continent will be plunged back into war.

In response, your team has diverted its plans of exploring the stars to rescue The Aurora, putting years of work and sacrifice on the line to make sure The Siberys Crisis ends peacefully.

OOC:

Welcome to The Siberys Crisis everyone! Please give us an introductory post that tells us how your character is doing and feeling as you are about to launch! You can be anywhere on or around the ship.

Tamara d'Cannith

Feb 25, 2021 7:36 pm

Feb 25, 2021 7:36 pm

Tamara is strapped into the command chair. Several elevation spells have been edged into the support towers. Those would give the ship its first boost when the counter hit 0. They were built without fail saves, meaning that they would give them a hell of a boost, but the towers would fail spectrally.
She has given each crew member a mote of potential, as the launch is properly the most dangerous part of their mission. Properly.

She is appeasing the elementals bound in the ship "The Way", preparing them for take-off.

[ +- ] Mote of Potential + Bardic Inspiration

Last edited February 25, 2021 7:38 pm

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Feb 25, 2021 7:45 pm

Feb 25, 2021 7:45 pm

Whispers waits quietly for launch. Had they been organic, perhaps they would be doing breathing exercises? Maybe their palms would be sweaty? Whispers doesn't know for sure. The mechanations and reactions of the organics never really interested them. But this mission? This mission could be the one that cements them into the annals of history. As something greater than being known as a thief.

Last edited February 25, 2021 9:52 pm

Feb 25, 2021 9:39 pm

Feb 25, 2021 9:39 pm

In the infirmary, B-9's heavy feet clomp slowly from the recently-secured cabinets to one of two chairs in the corner to strap themselves in. They pass the long medical bed in the middle of the room, currently free from an occupant; idly, B-9 processes the percentage of that remaining true during this trip.

The infirmary's supplies had been stocked and checked (twice), organized by purpose and potential frequency of use. B-9 thinks to label each cabinet and drawer, but calculates the odds that supplies will run out on their extended trip, much less be completely ignored by those without the applicable knowledge.

They ignore the mote flitting about their head. So long as it did not interfere with their function, B-9 considers the mote as yet another oddity borne from the minds of creatures quite alien to themselves.

B-9 meditates upon that last thought. Each creature on The Way has a unique set of skills. Perhaps their methods of organization and utility differ as greatly as they might compare to B-9's. They wonder at the odds that one or more of the others think to label which sword should hang at which hip.

As the launch sequence begins, B-9 can feel the vibrations of the engaged elementals coursing through the floor and walls. They settle upon a calculation of chance that the ship will explode and assign the number to a memory slot appropriately organized for such, then they wait.

Meribel d'Medani

78RPMLife Inactive forever!

Feb 25, 2021 10:02 pm

Feb 25, 2021 10:02 pm

Meribel d'Medani had spent the leadup to the launch countdown going around the ship and checking in with each of the crew members, cracking what she considered to be jokes, unperturbed by the general lack of reaction she got from the warforged contingent. She talks when she gets nervous, after all, and who wouldn't be nervous under these circumstances? Launching oneself into the air under the power of bound elementals who'd probably be just as happy to let the whole contraption explode if they had their way? Madness.

But also exciting, she had to admit.

After all, it was either this or get kicked out on the street by the House, and she had to admit that she was far too fond of a softer sort of life to let that happen. She had always loved particularly sticky challenges, though she also had to admit that she far preferred it when she was the one sticking other people, not the one getting stuck.

As she settles and straps into one of the seats near the cargo bay -- she'd been acting roughly as a quartermaster recently, and taken up quarters there -- she mutters a silent prayer to whatever gods might protect her against the very strong likelihood she'll be throwing up on launch. So very undignified, that would be.

Feb 25, 2021 10:30 pm

Feb 25, 2021 10:30 pm

It is checking the readouts and pressure gauges on the instrument panels of its seat rests on the bridge.
It is calm.
It is fine.
It is not remembering the last time.
It is not remembering the exhalaration of liftoff, the elation of soaring, the shock of explosion, the burning of freed elementals, the falling with bits of charred meat which had seconds before been smiling crew mates, the crashing through water as hard as concrete, the months of painful physical and embarrassing cognitive reconstruction.
It is not remembering the last time.
It is fine.
It is calm.
It is checking the readouts and pressure gauges on the instrument panels of its seat rests on the bridge.

Last edited February 25, 2021 10:33 pm

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Feb 26, 2021 4:56 am

Feb 26, 2021 4:56 am

Death’s Brush feels very calm. One of the gifts that his god has blessed him with is nerves of steel. That expression always made him chuckle inside.

He thinks about the strangeness of his personality, when compared to his fellow companions. He logs these thoughts in his memory:

Why is his consciousness so different from his companions’? He identifies as male, whereas others do not ascribe to one gender or another.
Why does his soul manifest itself at will, whereas no one else’s seems to do so, organic nor constructed?
Why does he understand humor, where others do not?
Why is he neurodivergent from his brothers, whereas he would be considered neurotypical had he been an organic?

After seconds of contemplation and reflection, his mind comes back to where he is and what he’s doing here. He’s here to save some friends that he hasn’t met yet. Now, he needs to bolster his friends here. He turns on the comms and gives another sermon.

"Well, friends? We embark, a fellowship of Dragonmarked and Warforged, on a mission of world-changing import. And thanks to the efforts of our brothers, especially B-9 and WARP X, we are on the precipice of discovery, and on a mission of charity. Those Karrnathi space racers are stuck and need our aid.

"We Warforged were made to end lives, and yet, here we are on a mission to save them; not just the lives of our brothers lost in space, but countless others entangled in the web of intrigue that our politicians play. WE ARE MORE!

"The dragonmarked houses, and our patrons, all have a vested interest in our mission, and we will deliver to them, but our discoveries will be greater than just the trinkets they may wish us to bring. We may touch the divine today.

"It is said that the great wyrm Siberys was ripped in twain by his wicked sister. We will honor his memory by exploring for ourselves his holy remains. WE ARE MORE!

"May each of us dig into our souls and find a reason for the journey that we will be on. I am confident that we will endure, we will thrive, we will succeed, and we will write our names forever in the history books. We will be back to tell our story. This is a divine mission, and we will succeed because we have the entire world’s hopes and prayers aimed right at us.

"WE ARE MORE!"

He ends the transmission, feeling good about the oratory.

He then rests his arms, he cracks his neck, and he nuzzled his head into the headrest of his seat.

Ah...this is comfortable...

Feb 26, 2021 6:22 am

Feb 26, 2021 6:22 am

B-9's eyes shift to the speaking tube connecting the infirmary to the bridge. "Impressive," they say to themselves. "The audio capacity must have been adjusted for clarity."

Feb 26, 2021 7:41 pm

Feb 26, 2021 7:41 pm

3 ... 2 ... 1 ... IGNITION.

The countdown reaches its nadir and Tamara punches the state-of-the-art twin-elemental drives into action. A high-pitched whine fills the entire ship, and it shakes horribly as the bound elementals begin to manifest their truest self - pure, raw elemental power. Animals across the secret island scurry for cover, and even sea life for miles around feels the vibrations.

Fortunately the support towers activate precisely on time and accelerate the ship in concert with the drive ignition. Without the boost, the ship's hull (constructed from the famous anti-gravity soarwood) would not be sufficient to push above the altitude ceiling that limits the flight of airships.

The Way soars dramatically into the air. The G-Forces are intense for several minutes but gradually fade as the ship rises above the clouds. It's not a smooth ride by any means, and looking out the window you can see in places some of the sheet metal that covers the outside of the ship to protect the soarwood from atmospheric friction is starting to peel back.

The higher you get, the brighter the Rings of Siberys become. A halo of golden radiance that surrounds Eberron, this is your destination. Those of you who take a moment to look back on Eberron can see all of Khorvaire. The Mournland is particularly chilling to see, a huge swath of the continent shrouded in deadly mist - a reminder of the horrors of war in the modern age.

[ +- ] The Ring of Siberys

You approach the last known position of The Aurorarapidly, two thousand feet above the ring itself and cut the drives. You have actually made it into orbit! The Arcane Congress's speaking stone suddenly errupts with chatter. It is your contact at the Starpeaks Observatory, Jenzic Gemhair*, a Gnome of much fame and distinction in the field of Cosmology.

[ +- ] Jenzic Gemhair

"So, did you blow up yet? I don't see you yet on my scopes - oh wait ... enhance! Ahh, there you are. The Way is looking BEA-UTIFUL!"

DM Notes:
* Siberys Radiation Levels: Low
* Jenzic prefers gender-neutral pronouns (they/them).
* Remember your motes of inspiration!

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Feb 26, 2021 8:46 pm

Feb 26, 2021 8:46 pm

"Jenzic, Brush here. Things are going swimmingly on our end, thanks to WARP's ingenuity and Tam's flying.

"The rings and the planet look stunning from here!"

Feb 26, 2021 8:54 pm

Feb 26, 2021 8:54 pm

As The Way decelerates at the coordinates, you see no sign of the Karrnathi ship, but there is a nearby cluster of debris closer to the ring. Below you the ring glitters gold, and not far away, there are two large asteroids tumbling in the dark - one much further away than the other.

In the night sky above you, the stars glitter, distant mysteries on the inside of the Crystal Sphere that surrounds the Material Plane. Much closer to you but still quite distant are four of Eberron's twelve moons - Sphyros, Aryth, Vult, and Rhaan. Between the moons and the Crystal Sphere, Arrah, Eberron's sun orbits around the planet.

The cold of space is starting to seep through the hull and temperatures are slowly dropping inside the ship, and the soarwood hull creaks and groans as temperature extremes even out. Everything is bathed in the golden glow of the Rings of Siberys.

OOC:

Ready to take actions from the crew! What would you like to do?

Feb 26, 2021 9:04 pm

Feb 26, 2021 9:04 pm

HeroAmongMen says:

"Jenzic, Brush here. Things are going swimmingly on our end, thanks to WARP's ingenuity and Tam's flying. The rings and the planet look stunning from here!"[/color]

"I'll bet, Brush. Gods damn. I always imagined it like floating over a massive river of gold coins. Suppose that's not far from the truth given that even one of those Siberys shards would be enough to retire on."

Those who know Jeznic well, or those with a high passive insight, can hear the wistful regret Jeznic's voice that they're not up there with you.

"Alright, any sign of The Aurora?"

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Feb 26, 2021 10:09 pm

Feb 26, 2021 10:09 pm

"That's a negative, Jenzic. There is a cluster of debris near the ring of Siberys, but we are uncertain of what it is comprised of.

"Tam, can we get closer to the debris? We do need to see the makeup of that detritus."

Feb 26, 2021 10:57 pm

Feb 26, 2021 10:57 pm

Warp had kept itself calm. It had monitored the dials, compensated twice for elemental anomalies in the drives, and dared not look outside until The Way reached orbit. It unbuckled itself from its safety harness and looked with barely suppressed awe at the blue-green world below it, the golden shower around it, and the dark universe yawning above it.

"Fascinating," it said emotionlessly. "Siberys radiation levels are within acceptable levels but they may rise."

There was still death here. Focus on the work.

It made its way to the nearest telescope and zoomed in on the debris field.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+5)

(20) + 5 = 25

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Feb 27, 2021 3:25 am

Feb 27, 2021 3:25 am

Whispers slips away to check on the damaged panels, or so they say. Then spends a few minutes sketching the view from outside the ship before returning.

"The panels should be repairable before reentry. Is there any sign of the Aurora?"

Feb 27, 2021 3:44 am

Feb 27, 2021 3:44 am

B-9 unstraps themselves from the chair, then begins a methodical walk to the galley to begin preparations for the in-flight meal.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Feb 27, 2021 4:12 am

Feb 27, 2021 4:12 am

Brush speaks to Whispers, "Nothing definitive at this point, my friend.

"We saw some debris closer to the ring, which we will investigate in short order.

"WARP, what do you see out there with that telescope?"

Feb 27, 2021 4:48 am

Feb 27, 2021 4:48 am

WARP focuses the lenses and catches the drifting debris in a good light. It sees torn rigging and splintered wood that definitely belong to some kind of ship, however there is not nearly enough of it to account for an entire vessel or even a quarter of one. In addition there is a small piece of debris that looks like a ship's launch or small skiff perhaps, drifting and badly damaged. As the skiff lists, it reveals a humanoid body behind it. It is shiny like metal, spread-eagled and rather large, possibly bigger than the entire skiff (although difficult to tell at this range).

Ad you are watching, you barely notice it but you are sure you saw some kind of shimmer - the kind of distortion that looks the way air shimmers over a hot stone. It lasts only for a moment and is gone.

Feb 27, 2021 4:55 am

Feb 27, 2021 4:55 am

WARP audibly inhaled.

"This unit sees a broken escape pod, perhaps, and what might be an iron golem or Warforged. We must retrieve it. Helm, is it feasible to bring The Way closer to the wreckage? This unit can telekinetically bring the humanoid aboard."

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Feb 27, 2021 5:25 am

Feb 27, 2021 5:25 am

"If we can get close enough, I can scout.

OOC:

Im assuming space is relatively dark

Last edited February 27, 2021 5:25 am

Tamara d'Cannith

Feb 27, 2021 10:46 am

Feb 27, 2021 10:46 am

Tam finds a crystal sphere and casts a spell on it. Her point of view shifts out of her body and into a small magical construct that travels a mile away from the Way

OOC:

She casts clairvoiance to get a better perspective

Feb 28, 2021 2:34 am

Feb 28, 2021 2:34 am

The clairvoyance probe scouts ahead, giving you a detailed look at each object. The debris is mostly black metal plating and the rigging is a red stabilizer fin, which matches the description of The Aurora.

The skiff is of an entirely different design. It has a crystal-like structure that is interwoven throughout the vehicle. It appears to have a helm that is damaged, but a faint glow is coming from within. An instrumental panel on the top of the helm is written in a strange language*.

The body is of what appears to be a hideous flesh / warforged hybrid. The creature is 15 feet tall and has both warforged and flesh parts. Its designs are similar to the Warforged Titans you saw deployed near the end of the war, or maybe its just its size that makes you think that. The thing is covered in a sheen of frost and does not appear to be breathing or moving.

[ +- ] Warforged Hybrid

* Language proficiency Quor required to read (or some other method to translate).

Feb 28, 2021 3:00 am

Feb 28, 2021 3:00 am

"Abomination," W.A.R.P. X gasped, then continued louder, "This unit can translate the exotic language but it must touch the skiff. Considering the unknown nature of the script combined with the unnatural Warforged-organic chimera, it advises no physical contact with either ship or oddity."

Despite the obvious distaste in the normally strictly enforced neutrality of its voice, W.A.R.P. X looked closer at the display. Purple lenses shifted over its eyes like eyelids blinking, and it tried to understand the various magical technologies it was seeing.

OOC:

Using Goggles of Object Reading for advantage on this Arcana check.

Last edited March 1, 2021 12:47 pm

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+9, 1d20+9)

1d20+9 : (12) + 9 = 21

1d20+9 : (11) + 9 = 20

Tamara d'Cannith

Feb 28, 2021 8:24 am

Feb 28, 2021 8:24 am

Could someone detect for magic? I think I saw some shimmer, that could be a cloaking effect, but I can't find it right now. And I'm keeping this viewing spell going.
If we know where to direct a dispelling effect, we could learn more, before we get any closer.

Rolls

Perception +8 (Exper) - (1d20+8)

(2) + 8 = 10

Arcana +9 (Exper) +1D4 - (1d20+9, 1d4)

1d20+9 : (7) + 9 = 16

1d4 : (4) = 4

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 1, 2021 5:12 am

Mar 1, 2021 5:12 am

"I haven’t prepared that particular ritual, but I can go outside and speak with that dead fellow outside in the void.

"I would feel most comfortable being tethered to the ship. In order to speak with the dead, I need to be within 10 feet of the corpse."

Last edited March 1, 2021 5:33 am

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 1, 2021 7:45 am

Mar 1, 2021 7:45 am

Good plan Brush. Perhaps someone could cover you with a crossbow and a broad-headed bolt, to push away the creature is something happens?

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 1, 2021 11:01 am

Mar 1, 2021 11:01 am

"Tamara, if we cast a shadow on the vessel with our ship I will be able to scout without others being put in harms way to be sure the creature is deceased. Just get me close enough." Whispers turns to head to the deck of The Way without waiting for a response.

OOC:

Mechanically, I just need to be within 60ft.

Last edited March 1, 2021 1:37 pm

Mar 1, 2021 12:44 pm

Mar 1, 2021 12:44 pm

"If contact must be made, Whisper's proposal seems the least potentially ruinous. Computing approach vector for optimal stellar occulting."

OOC:

Warp will see how best to maneuver The Way for maximum light blockage. Piloting roll? INT-related?

Mar 1, 2021 6:25 pm

Mar 1, 2021 6:25 pm

B-9 clomps to the cargo bay with a tray in hand. "Quartermaster," they say. "Your hot tea is ready."

Mar 1, 2021 9:35 pm

Mar 1, 2021 9:35 pm

W.A.R.P. X maneuvers the ship within 60 feet of the debris field, putting The Way between it and the sun. Now shrouded in shadow, Whisper has a clear jump to make from here to the skiff, which is within 10 feet of the cyborg. Also, if other crew members wish they can get out of The Way, although there will be no gravity and will need some way to propel themselves. Tethering yourself to the ship and giving a good kick off the side can do it with an Athletics or Acrobatics roll to do it gracefully, or you can use a fancier way.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 1, 2021 9:45 pm

Mar 1, 2021 9:45 pm

Brush would like to accompany Whisper.

"Whisper, I appreciate your willingness to act as forward scout. How about I accompany you from a distance? I can then assist if things get dicey."

He is going to strap a tether to his armor, such that it is snug and secure, and then he will exit the craft with Whisper, but he will attempt to kick off the ship's hull and observe Whisper prior to joining him out there. If things get dicey, Whisper can always teleport back, but Brush doesn't have that convenience.

Should something happen that would preclude Whisper from being able to teleport all the way back, Brush will kick off and grab his companion from space.

Last edited March 1, 2021 9:49 pm

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 1, 2021 10:02 pm

Mar 1, 2021 10:02 pm

"Thank you for your assistance, Brush."

The central gem in Whispers' head shifts from white to purple and to any observers they simply take a step and appear on the skiff in a crouch, watching the hybrid.

OOC:

2 ki points to activate Dark Vision for 8 hours, shadow step to the skiff

Last edited March 1, 2021 10:04 pm

Mar 1, 2021 10:41 pm

Mar 1, 2021 10:41 pm

Whispers appears in the darkened skiff and feels the immediate sensation of falling and cold as he has left the artificial gravity and warmth generated by The Way's bound elementals.

The giant cyborg does not move.

Whispers adjusts appropriately, holding on to the skiff as it slowly tumbles. Something about your contact with the skiff triggers a subtle reaction in the crystal that is interwoven through the hull, sending faint purple pulses to the the damaged helm. One of the instrument panels, which looks like an apple-sized ball set into the console, suddenly snaps into action. The ball begins to rotate, breaking an idle crust of frost on its surface. It spins about and then fixes itself on some location in space like a 3D compass, and continues to adjust to point toward that point even as the skiff rotates. This is definitely not like any technology or sorcery you've ever seen.

Meanwhile, Brush watches Whispers' from the outside hull of the ship, perched on hand holds and ready to deploy if necessary.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 1, 2021 10:53 pm

Mar 1, 2021 10:53 pm

Brush awaits the "all-clear" or the "danger" signal that they are all too familiar with from their years together during the Last War.

OOC:

Just realized that the nasty-looking hybrid could be doing his "Sentry's Rest" bit, where he seems inactive for 6 hours. Whispers, you better come back if that thing wakes up, or let me know and I can high-tail it over there to smash the thing.

Last edited March 1, 2021 10:56 pm

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 1, 2021 11:07 pm

Mar 1, 2021 11:07 pm

On instinct, Whispers attempts to will the skiff to move. Still watching the hybrid.

Mar 1, 2021 11:13 pm

Mar 1, 2021 11:13 pm

Nothing happens specifically as a response to Whispers' willpower. It makes you wonder what those words say on the console, could possibly hint at how to operate this thing.

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 1, 2021 11:17 pm

Mar 1, 2021 11:17 pm

After waiting a moment with no response. Whispers moves to the console to inspect it.

Mar 1, 2021 11:25 pm

Mar 1, 2021 11:25 pm

B-9 arrives upon the bridge, setting the second and final cup next to Tamara. "Your tea, ma'am," they intone. They look to the images being magically arrayed and ask, "Should I prepare the infirmary?"

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 2, 2021 12:09 am

Mar 2, 2021 12:09 am

Brush, since the creature is not moving, and since he cannot determine if Whispers needs help yet, decides to push off. He knocks on the hull, using morse code, an old code form he used with his squad in the Last War (at least B-9 should understand it).

-... . .. ..- ... .... / .... . . .. . ..--.. / -.. .. ... . -- -... .- . .. -.- .. -. --. / .-. . . . .. / . . - .... . . .. / .. . . .. .- .-. - / -. . . .-- ..--.. / ... - .- -. -.. / -... .. .. ..--..

[ +- ] Message of Morse Code

After the message, he will kick off the hull, then lunge towards the other craft, using his soul to help him course-correct as needed. Once he reaches the hull, he hopes to use his echo-jumping to get to the opening, and to find Whispers.

Mar 2, 2021 12:18 am

Mar 2, 2021 12:18 am

W.A.R.P. X blinked and rattled off machine code, "01110110 01101001 01110011 01101001 01101111 01101110."

Its eyes became pitch black as it observed what they did in the shadows.

"Fascinating. This arcane technology is clearly beyond anything the Arcane Congress is aware of."

It looked in the direction in which the compass ball pointed.

OOC:

Casting Darkvision for 8 hours of, well, darkvision.
What lies along the compass heading?

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 2, 2021 3:48 am

Mar 2, 2021 3:48 am

OOC:

I realize that you said it was an athletics roll to "stick" the landing, and I omitted that roll in my last post.

Rolls

Athletics - (1d20+7)

(3) + 7 = 10

Bardic inspiration (1d10?) - (1d10)

(2) = 2

Mote of potential - (1d10)

(7) = 7

Mar 2, 2021 11:46 am

Mar 2, 2021 11:46 am

OOC:

I don't want to rain on your I'm a robot parade, but warforged are sentient people, perhaps with a soul. They are just made of stone, wood, and steel, not flesh and bone.

Mar 2, 2021 1:20 pm

Mar 2, 2021 1:20 pm

OOC:

If that was directed at me/Warp... Yes, I know what Warforged are. I'm playing Warp as one who tries to be entirely machine and analytical due to past emotional trauma. Hopefully that reasoning will become clear during play.

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 2, 2021 1:55 pm

Mar 2, 2021 1:55 pm

OOC:

If it's towards the rest of us: We're from a military unit. We're trained to be efficient and calculating while undergoing an operation. We're not dead inside or just beep boop robots

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 2, 2021 2:51 pm

Mar 2, 2021 2:51 pm

Tamara is running overwatch as Whispers makes contact with the huge humanoid. With her clairvoyance "prope" she examines the giant from all sides, even if it much harder now it is in shadow.

Rolls

Investigation +9 (Exper) - (1d20+9)

(9) + 9 = 18

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 2, 2021 6:15 pm

Mar 2, 2021 6:15 pm

SchadDad says:

OOC:

If it's towards the rest of us: We're from a military unit. We're trained to be efficient and calculating while undergoing an operation. We're not dead inside or just beep boop robots

OOC:

I do feel like I should chime in on the matter. Warforged are characters, much like anything else we play in this game. And with the Tasha's Cauldron of Everything updates to race, Wizards of the Coast is making a conscious effort to allow for players to play what they feel makes their character, instead of holding to racial norms.

If you look at the history of the Warforged in Eberron, they were created some 30 years prior to the current year in Eberron in response to Karrnathi zombies leveraged during the Last War. These beings were produced as expendable war machines. The fact that they attained sentience would not account for how they express that sentience, or if it is even possible for them to do so. Think of the mental health condition alexithymia in humans; there are even humans who cannot express their emotions.

As @annex said about his character WARP X, he is intentionally suppressing his emotions. As @SchadDad said about his character Whispers, he was built and trained with another purpose in mind by his creator, and thus can turn off his emotions to handle the job...much like many human soldiers in real life. A lack of emotional expression does not indicate a lack of sentience or emotion.

Mar 3, 2021 12:39 am

Mar 3, 2021 12:39 am

Brush launches himself of the edge of the ship. Initially a little ungainly at first as he adapts to the environment but drawing upon the Tamara's Mote of Potential, Brush manages to correct course and gets his momentum right. Brush employs teleportation between themself and their soul to guide it in the rest of the way.

Tamara continues to probe the giant cyborg. She concludes:

- the pitted, scored metal indicates the warforged components are old, possibly ancient.
- the flesh clearly dessicated a long time ago. Its flesh looks more like that of a mummy or other ancient undead creature.

It still hasn't moved.

Mar 3, 2021 12:50 am

Mar 3, 2021 12:50 am

Suddenly, there is a loud "CLANG" on the hull of the ship. Anyone who looks outside (or back at the ship) can see a metal grappling hook materialize suddenly on its bow. A skiff similar to the one in the debris field suddenly decloaks off the front of the ship and four shadowy figures in close-fitting body armor leap from their skiff (now tethered to your ship) onto the outer deck of The Way. The entire crews' minds are filled with an aggressive telepathic message (in common): "DROP YOUR WEAPONS AND SURRENDER YOUR VESSEL IMMEDIATELY! YOU HAVE FIVE SECONDS TO COMPLY."

They draw daggers that look like they're made from the same crystal material as you analyzed on the skiff, which begin to glow purple, and begin confidently advancing up the ship's hull toward the bridge.

[ +- ] Shadowy Figures

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 3, 2021 1:17 am

Mar 3, 2021 1:17 am

OOC:

Does the telepathic message reach Whispers and I?

Also, is this an initiative situation?

Last edited March 3, 2021 1:29 am

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+1)

(20) + 1 = 21

Mar 3, 2021 2:03 am

Mar 3, 2021 2:03 am

The new ship both frightened and fascinated it, and the mind message added even more complexity.

"Telepathy? A form of communication adaptation to space?" it pondered out loud.

"We are a peaceful vessel on a mission of exploration. We mean you no harm," it thought back as stoically as it could.

Mar 3, 2021 4:32 am

Mar 3, 2021 4:32 am

B-9 clomps over to the comms. "Quartermaster," they say into the speaking tube, "it is advised that you secure the cargo bay against imminent intrusion."

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 3, 2021 7:59 am

Mar 3, 2021 7:59 am

Battlestations! She yells, then she is preparing to cast spell on the intruders

[ +- ] Ferie Fire

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+5)

(5) + 5 = 10

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 3, 2021 10:08 am

Mar 3, 2021 10:08 am

Brush would say to Whispers: "Let’s keep them from embarking on the craft. You teleport ahead. I’ll jump across."

He then says a quick prayer to his god, whoever it is: "Lord, I have embarked upon this journey for thee. Guide me safely along."

He attempts to jump the gap again, course-correcting if need be with his bonus action to teleport.

OOC:

Action: Brush is casting Guidance on himself to prepare for this jump.
Move Action: Jump and float towards our hull.
Bonus Action (only used if jump not going well): manifest echo to desired spot.

Brush also will be attempting to land in the path of the enemies, to impede them from entering the ship from the access point.

Last edited March 3, 2021 10:14 am

Rolls

Guidance - (1d4)

(4) = 4

Athletics - (1d20+7)

(3) + 7 = 10

Mar 3, 2021 6:11 pm

Mar 3, 2021 6:11 pm

The shadow figures engage at the first sign of resistance!

OOC:

Roll initiative everyone! Brush and Whispers are fine to use the brief moment before combat to teleport on over. Any aggressive action will wait until we're on your turn in initiative order. I'll be doing passive initiative for the enemies, so you'll either go before or after the enemies. Feel free to take your turns in any order.

Initiative order so far:

(21) Death's Brush
(18) B-9
(14) WARP X

(12) Broad-shouldered Shadowy Figure
(12) Tall Shadowy Figure
(12) Lithe Shadowy Figure
(12) Restless Shadowy Figure

(10) Tamara
(9) Whispers

Mar 3, 2021 6:32 pm

Mar 3, 2021 6:32 pm

OOC:

Adding Initiative!

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20)

(18) = 18

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 3, 2021 8:38 pm

Mar 3, 2021 8:38 pm

OOC:

Initiative!

With a slight typo!

Last edited March 3, 2021 8:39 pm

Rolls

Initiative - (1d204)

(105) = 105

Take 2 - (1d20+4)

(5) + 4 = 9

Mar 3, 2021 9:51 pm

Mar 3, 2021 9:51 pm

Combat, pain, death, W.A.R.P. X thought. No. No more pain. No more death.

It wasn't prepared for combat, not today, but it would protect its crew with every skill at its disposal.

"Do not engage us. We will defend ourselves!" it tried to think back to their attackers.

Rolls

Init to win it! - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 3, 2021 10:28 pm

Mar 3, 2021 10:28 pm

OOC:

If Death’s Brush made it to the hull of our ship, he would pull out his shield and Morningstar.

He would attempt to speak, saying out loud and in his mind: "Jump."

OOC:

Action: Cast "Command" spell at 3rd level, target 3 assailants (broad-shouldered, lithe, and restless), using the word "Jump".
Bonus Action: Manifest Echo 15 feet ahead of him, between him and his assailants.
Move Action: Slink back towards the door an additional 15 feet.

[ +- ] 1st lvl spell: Command (Enchantment)

Rolls

Wisdom save (broad-shouldered) - (1d20)

(15) = 15

Wisdom save (lithe) - (1d20)

(17) = 17

Wisdom save (restless) - (1d20)

(1) = 1

Mar 4, 2021 7:45 pm

Mar 4, 2021 7:45 pm

"Cease your hostilities," B-9 states towards the outer deck as they move to the door. Their hands invoke a warm golden glow, even as their shield is readied upon their left arm. "If you are in need of assistance, we may be able to help."

OOC:

Casting Calm Emotions upon as many of the shadowy figures as can fit in a 20-foot-sphere, to make them indifferent to us.

Edit to add: the spell only works on humanoids, so if the figures are not humanoids then there is no effect.

[ +- ] Calm Emotions

Last edited March 4, 2021 7:54 pm

Rolls

Charisma Saves, DC 17 - (1d20, 1d20, 1d20, 1d20)

1d20 : (12) = 12

1d20 : (9) = 9

1d20 : (17) = 17

1d20 : (12) = 12

Mar 4, 2021 9:06 pm

Mar 4, 2021 9:06 pm

As the new arrivals make their way toward the bridge, Brush manages to get back to the ship just in time to block their path. They slow down but do not stop as the echo materializes in front of them. "Your dependence on sorcery is the downfall of your entire civilization," the restless one comments as Brush draws his weapons. When Brush's command "jump" echos through their minds, however, sorcery proves to be his upfall! The others manage to stand their ground and shrug off the effects of the command, but the restless one has jumped 30 feet into space.

B-9 attempts to suppress the hostility in their hearts. Although the restless one is out of range, he senses he has succeeded in calming two of the three on the ground - the broad-shouldered one and the tall one. They halt their advance and assume more defensive stance. The lithe one however, manages to resist this effect. "We were right to suspect a rescue mission would arrive," he says. "Even the constructs from Khorvaire are soft-hearted!"

[ +- ] Initiative Order

OOC:

Annex is up and then the Team Shadowy Figure gets to act!

Mar 5, 2021 1:42 am

Mar 5, 2021 1:42 am

"Soft myocardia are often protected by surrounding tough shells," W.A.R.P. X stated as it clenched its fist in the direction of the talking intruder.

It uttered an arcane equation, Fgrav = m•g, and a bubble of momentarily rippling gravitational force appeared around its target.

"Dialogue is possible. This crew means you no harm. Please speak with us."

OOC:

Using Wall of Force to seal the still aggressive talker in a force sphere.
Yes, I'm still working out how to best express Warp's spell vocalizations.

Mar 5, 2021 6:41 am

Mar 5, 2021 6:41 am

The lithe figure runs his glowing crystal dagger along the inner surface of the Wall of Force, observing its properties, but you also realize he is speaking telepathically to his crewmates.

In a blink, the other three turn into purple mist and reform within the Wall of Force. They take up defensive stances, preparing for if the Wall should be lowered. However, his voice is utterly serene now.

"Very well, Khorvairans. It seems The Dreaming Dark has decided to teach us a lesson in humility today. I am A'an. These are Gurha'ak (with broad shoulders), He'el (the restless one), and Sula'an (the tall one). We are agents of the Sleeping Sword, defenders of the Unity of Riedra. The Unity is conducting sensitive experiments here and your primitive sorcerous devices will cause interference, like the previous vessel caused."

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 5, 2021 7:55 am

Mar 5, 2021 7:55 am

Unity of Riedra? Sleeping Sword? Something is ringing a bell, but Tamara is struggling to pick that piece of memory.

Last edited March 5, 2021 7:56 am

Rolls

History (+3 Jack Of All) - (1d20+3)

(9) + 3 = 12

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 5, 2021 8:04 am

Mar 5, 2021 8:04 am

Brush relaxes his fighting stance, and then speaks.

"Greetings A’an. My creator named me Death’s Brush, and I am a servant of the god who granted me a soul.

"We came in a mission of good-will, to search for powers greater than ourselves, to commune with the divine, if you will. Our benefactors also have commissioned us to retrieve the crew of the previous expedition, or evidence of the cause of their deaths.

"If I may: what befell those from the previous expedition?"

Mar 5, 2021 12:21 pm

Mar 5, 2021 12:21 pm

While awaiting their reply, W.A.R.P. X tried to recall any information on the concepts and institutions A'an mentioned.

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+9)

(17) + 9 = 26

Religion - (1d20+9)

(15) + 9 = 24

Mar 5, 2021 4:12 pm

Mar 5, 2021 4:12 pm

B-9 remains by the door to guard against intrusion, as the others engage the shadowy figures in conversation.

Mar 5, 2021 5:03 pm

Mar 5, 2021 5:03 pm

The invaders could teleport through its gravitic force field but was their access to supernatural power limitless? Were they merely making a display to intimidate by showing their supposed superiority? They had already manifested telepathy but they remained susceptible to mind magic, they could teleport at least over short distances, and their possibly arcane-enhanced suits protected them from the airless void.

W.A.R.P. X maintained the field. If the invaders wanted to show off, it would make them waste every resource at their disposal.

Mar 5, 2021 5:41 pm

Mar 5, 2021 5:41 pm

Tamara has heard of the Unity of Riedra - they are an advanced nation from the distant continent of Sarlona. Emissaries from the Unity are rare but not unheard of, and they always preach peace and cooperation. They are well-known as masters of psionics who eschew arcane magic. The Sleeping Swords don't ring a bell.

WARP X is well-versed in the Riedran religion, The Path of Inspiration. It is the only permitted religion in Riedra and is so intertwined with the state that there is no discernable line between The Path and the state. The Path worships the Quori, extraplanar spirits from Dal Quor, the Plane of Dreams. They believe that the Quori saved the humans of Sarlona from a terrible conflict and united people in peace. However, the price of this unity is utmost conformity. Certain members of Reidran society called "The Inspired" are possessed directly by these spirits and possess great power.

WARP also knows about the schism in The Path. An offshoot is the Path of Light, which teaches the Quori spirits are embroiled in war. They worship a group of rebel Quori spirits who are persecuted and on the edge of extinction. The Path of Inspiration claims these dangerous rebels seek to destroy all Quori, but the Path of Light claims that the dark Quori have interrupted the natural cycle of light and dark to hold onto power indefinitely. The two religions are diametrically opposed.

In terms of Arcana, he knows that The Inspired and their priests are permitted to use divine magic but arcane magic is forbidden upon pain of death. Psionics is widespread and industrialized the same way magic is industrialized in Khorvaire, but even more advanced.

WARP X has also heard whispers of the Sleeping Swords - secret agents that are utterly loyal and amazingly skilled. They are charged with tasks that require ruthlessness and discretion.

Mar 5, 2021 5:50 pm

Mar 5, 2021 5:50 pm

A'an answers Brush in the same calm voice, telepathically, broadcasted for all to hear:

"Your first craft refused to cooperate. There was a battle, it was destroyed. You have seen the wreckage for yourself. However, we have rescued as many survivors as we could. We will reunite you with your people if you surrender your ship, and arrange for you and those survivors to be returned to Khorvaire unharmed."

"Our experiments are of utmost importance and must not be interfered with. Your first craft nearly caused a catastrophic reaction. We will accept no alternative solution."

It is clear that the wreckage is insufficient to account for the entire Aurora. Their story doesn't add up.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 5, 2021 6:05 pm

Mar 5, 2021 6:05 pm

"I appreciate your candor, A'an.

"If you say that you will permit us to leave peacefully, then by all means, bring us the survivors and we will be on our way.

"Also, if you designate the area of space that you need isolated for your experiments, we will happily avoid such areas. However, we will not surrender our ship to you. To be frank: we value our autonomy more than your lives or your experiment. We are excellent killing machines, after all."

He brings his guard up again and says, "I'm afraid that you will need to make a decision now. Will you back down and bring the survivors to us, or should we end this conflict swiftly?"

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 5, 2021 8:19 pm

Mar 5, 2021 8:19 pm

Tamara is surprised by Brush's candor, but backs it fully.

She then casts a spell to create their own telepathic channel for the crew.

[ +- ] Rary's Telepathic Bond

A telepathic link to the crew is established and they can all hear Tamaras voice.
If things goes badly, I will move the ship directly down, so if you are on the top deck, have a hold. If we can shake off these pirates then we don't need to fight them

Last edited March 5, 2021 8:20 pm

Mar 5, 2021 10:39 pm

Mar 5, 2021 10:39 pm

"Autonomy is such a foolish thing to cherish. It is an anathema to unity."

"I do not doubt you are excellent killing machines. My ancestors fought your progenitors, after all. But you don't even know who you are, or where you come from, do you? A creature so bereft of self-knowledge cannot stand prevail, no matter how many magic tricks you possess."

A'an gestures up to the stars above. "Do you think we are alone here?" A'an laughs. "Your entire existence is loneliness. In The Dark, the Inspired are never alone."

Len sent a note to SchadDad,runekyndig

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 5, 2021 10:57 pm

Mar 5, 2021 10:57 pm

"You take us for fools, but you know little of us. My god has blessed me and my fellow constructs with souls. We may not be possessed, but we are inspired by a higher power to search for meaning beyond the confines of our world. We are finding our place amongst the sea of mortals, and WE ARE MORE than what you think we are. WE ARE MORE!

"You will not threaten me or my friends again.

"Last chance, servant of darkness: will you back down and bring the survivors to us, or should we end this conflict swiftly?"

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 5, 2021 10:59 pm

Mar 5, 2021 10:59 pm

Brush will say telepathically to his friends, Be ready to move on my mark...

Mar 5, 2021 11:35 pm

Mar 5, 2021 11:35 pm

B-9 looks at Tamara. Be advised that our craft is tethered to theirs, they transmit via telepathy.

Mar 6, 2021 2:01 am

Mar 6, 2021 2:01 am

"Our entire uninspired existence is spent discovering ourselves and searching for connection. You walk The Path of Inspiration but you do not see or understand it or anything else around you since you are shrouded in darkness. Go back to your experiments, sleepy servants of the nightside Quori. Let us take our people and leave you to the shadow."

Turn The Way so the invaders' ship is between it and the debris. Then see if we can damage their vessel between the two, it suggested to the telepathic gestalt before trying to quickly fill them all in on its knowledge about The Path, the Sleeping Swords, and their psionic capabilities.

Last edited March 6, 2021 4:12 am

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 6, 2021 6:41 am

Mar 6, 2021 6:41 am

Hostile incoming. The hybrid is moving towards the ship. Whispers says through the bond while stepping through the darkness to land behind Brush.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 6, 2021 9:09 am

Mar 6, 2021 9:09 am

Brush says telepathically to Whispers, Whispers, grip a handhold tightly on my mark.

He speaks telepathically to WARP X: Hold that force wall as long as you can.

He then says for the group to hear telepathically, but directed at Tamara: We should keep their ship attached to ours, and investigate it when we have some distance between us and them.

Ready, NOW!

He puts his Morningstar away and grabs the handhold nearest to him tightly, hoping to survive this crazy plan.

OOC:

I think I’m going to use my inspiration to help me hold on for dear life!

Last edited March 6, 2021 10:12 am

Rolls

Athletics roll to hold on - (1d20+7)

(1) + 7 = 8

Inspiration usage on athletics - (1d20+7)

(13) + 7 = 20

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 6, 2021 9:28 am

Mar 6, 2021 9:28 am

At Brush's command, Tamara commands the ship to drop directly down

W.A.R.P. X would say that their vector was maximum velocity on the z-axis. Hopefully, this maneuver would leave the intruders hanging in space while the ship and crew left them behind.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSZvNDCgTbSNhzjSP2wt2T6aCZbaEwg-Fo0DA&usqp=CAU

OOC:

I have a master's degree in physics, does it show?

Last edited March 6, 2021 9:29 am

Mar 6, 2021 3:59 pm

Mar 6, 2021 3:59 pm

The gravitic field will hold. If the abomination is not Riedran, it must be Karnathi. Leave the two to fight it out. Descend!

Mar 6, 2021 6:35 pm

Mar 6, 2021 6:35 pm

The ship's elemental rings roar to life as the ship drops down as rapidly as it can. The Riedrans slam their crystal daggers into the deck of the ship to attempt to hold on!

The huge Hybrid smashes into the ship as it tries to maneuver, rocking the whole vessel as they collide. It climbs onto the top deck, Its deep, emotionless voice fills the air around you.

"YOUR BIOLOGICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL DISTINCTIVENESS WILL BE ASSIMILATED INTO THE CUL'SIR DOMINION!"

The Riedrans panic when they see the creature climbing onto the deck.

"The Titan still functions! Destroy it! NOW!" screams A'an.

OOC:

Roll initiative everyone!

Rolls

A'an - Athletics - (1d20+3, 1d20+3)

1d20+3 : (6) + 3 = 9

1d20+3 : (20) + 3 = 23

Gurha'ak - (1d20+3, 1d20+3)

1d20+3 : (12) + 3 = 15

1d20+3 : (7) + 3 = 10

He'el - (1d20+3, 1d20+3)

1d20+3 : (12) + 3 = 15

1d20+3 : (11) + 3 = 14

Sulta'an - (1d20+3, 1d20+3)

1d20+3 : (7) + 3 = 10

1d20+3 : (17) + 3 = 20

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 6, 2021 6:41 pm

Mar 6, 2021 6:41 pm

OOC:

Initiative!

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+1)

(20) + 1 = 21

Mar 6, 2021 6:50 pm

Mar 6, 2021 6:50 pm

"If we help you destroy it, you let us go on our way!" W.A.R.P. X shouted to the first set of invaders as it dropped its gravitic field.

The corpse abomination is neither Karnathi nor a true corpse, it thought to the others.

Rolls

Init to win it! - (1d20+2)

(15) + 2 = 17

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 6, 2021 7:02 pm

Mar 6, 2021 7:02 pm

OOC:

Not a d205, but still be better than last time!

Adding the history check to avoid extra clutter

Last edited March 6, 2021 7:59 pm

Rolls

Combat readiness! - (1d20+4)

(12) + 4 = 16

History on the Dominion - (1d20+1)

(11) + 1 = 12

Mar 6, 2021 7:43 pm

Mar 6, 2021 7:43 pm

"We accept your temporary alliance!" A'an signals, clearly still in panic.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 6, 2021 7:47 pm

Mar 6, 2021 7:47 pm

OOC:

Cul’sir dominion knowledge check!

Rolls

History (Intelligence) - (1d20+7)

(12) + 7 = 19

Mar 6, 2021 8:22 pm

Mar 6, 2021 8:22 pm

OOC:

Long live the Dominion!

Rolls

History - (1d20+9)

(1) + 9 = 10

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 6, 2021 8:26 pm

Mar 6, 2021 8:26 pm

OOC:

That sound sweedish

Last edited March 7, 2021 10:13 am

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+5)

(10) + 5 = 15

Mar 6, 2021 8:59 pm

Mar 6, 2021 8:59 pm

B-9 prepares themselves for the maneuver, then the impending battle.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20)

(14) = 14

Mar 6, 2021 9:17 pm

Mar 6, 2021 9:17 pm

"What are its weaknesses?" W.A.R.P. X shouted to Riedrans.

Mar 8, 2021 5:43 am

Mar 8, 2021 5:43 am

In response to W.A.R.P. X's inquiry, Gurha'ak, the broad-shouldered Riedran, responds with a terse mental message: "Forget mind tricks and mundane damage. You got crysteel on Khorvaire?" He flashes his crystal dagger. "It takes something like this to penetrate its body shielding."

Len sent a note to annex

Len sent a note to HeroAmongMen

ROUND 1
(18) Death's Brush
(17) WARP X*
(16) Whispers*
(15) Tamara
(14) B-9
(13) Meribel
(13) Titan Borg AC:19
(12) A'an AC:18 (Inside WoF)
(12) Gurha'ak AC:18 (Inside WoF)
(12) He'el AC:18 (Inside WoF)
(12) Sula'an AC:18 (Inside WoF)
* Darkvision spell active

OOC:

All players may take their actions in any order!

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 8, 2021 7:01 am

Mar 8, 2021 7:01 am

Brush analyzes the situation. He manifests his echo 15 feet ahead of him, between himself and the abomination, with the echo holding a handhold.

If the Cul'sir abomination is within 60 feet of him, he will use his divine senses to see if the creature is undead.

OOC:

Bonus Action: Manifest echo in the position that I described above.
Action: Eyes of the Grave

[ +- ] Grave Domain Feature: Eyes of the Grave

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 8, 2021 9:56 am

Mar 8, 2021 9:56 am

Once the monstrosity is close enough, she targets its metal with a heating spell.

[ +- ] Heat Metal 4lev = 4d8 pr turn for 1 minute

Rolls

heat metal - (4d8)

(4387) = 22

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 8, 2021 11:55 am

Mar 8, 2021 11:55 am

Whispers is a blur of motion and shadow as they move to flank behind the creature and begins a practiced series of strikes.

OOC:

50ft of movement, attempting to stunning strike: dc17 con save

Rolls

Attack action: Unarmed strike 1/2 - (1d20+5)

(3) + 5 = 8

Damage - (1d6+4)

(5) + 4 = 9

Unarmed strike 2/2 (with correct modifier) - (1d20+8)

(16) + 8 = 24

Damage 2/2 - (1d6+4)

(2) + 4 = 6

BA: Flurry of blows 1/2(with advantage if con save fails) - (1d20+8, 1d20+8)

1d20+8 : (3) + 8 = 11

1d20+8 : (11) + 8 = 19

Damage 1/2 - (1d6+4)

(1) + 4 = 5

BA: Flurry of blows 2/2(with advantage if con save fails) - (1d20+8, 1d20+8)

1d20+8 : (16) + 8 = 24

1d20+8 : (7) + 8 = 15

Damage 2/2 - (1d6+4)

(3) + 4 = 7

Mar 8, 2021 2:56 pm

Mar 8, 2021 2:56 pm

W.A.R.P. X regretted not preparing for combat but making sure they survived getting into orbit seemed like the most pressing issue when the day dawned. It would have to repurpose its spells; in this case: the compression spell intended to localize a rampaging elemental should containment not be an option. A black marble extended from a slot in its palm as it recited the equation, 0 =∇μ(√−gFμν), and pointed at this 'Titan'.

A small dark sphere appeared twenty feet in front of the abomination, exerting the tidal forces of a miniature singularity!

OOC:

Using Gravity Sinkhole, hoping to pull the Titan closer for our stabbers and punchers to better stab and punch. DC 17 CON save or 5d10 force damage and pulled 25 feet (20 feet from spell, 5 feet from Gravity Well feature); 1/2 damage and no pull if it makes the save.
I was thinking of pulling it into the air but I still wanted the stabbers and punchers to easily get at it.

Rolls

Force damage - (5d10)

(510856) = 34

DC 17 CON save - (1d20)

(18) = 18

Mar 8, 2021 5:04 pm

Mar 8, 2021 5:04 pm

B-9 estimates the distance their companions are from themselves, and engages a field of protective energy to try and encompass them all. "Exercise caution. This entity is unknown."

OOC:

Casting Aura of Purity. If someone can't be within the 30-foot-area, B-9 will exit the bridge for the outer deck to move the sphere.

[ +- ] Aura of Purity

Mar 8, 2021 11:16 pm

Mar 8, 2021 11:16 pm

Round 1 So Far...

Brush's analsyis confirms the Titan is undead!

Tamara stands firm at the ship's helm and enchants the Titan's armor, causing it to turn red hot. Its rotting skin begins to flake off in ash and smoke (22 fire damage)

Whispers rushes in and pummels the Titan, but Whispers's fists collide with a force barrier that surrounds the Titan's body. Some of his blows are deflected but he manages to pierce through it twice (13 damage). Whispers reaches out to the Titan's sickly ki energy and attempts to stun him, but the abomination is undeterred (2 ki points spent for stunning strikes).

W.A.R.P. X's gravitational anomaly pulls at the Titan, but the massive construct shrugs off its effects! (+10 con save revealed) The anomaly tears off detritus from the abomination's burning wound. (17 damage)

B-9 exits the command deck and strides onto the upper deck of the ship, encompassing all of his allies in the Aura of Purity.

[ +- ] Aura of Purity

OOC:

55 damage done so far!

Rolls

con save #1 dc 17 - (1d20+10)

(18) + 10 = 28

con save #2 dc 17 - (1d20+10)

(9) + 10 = 19

Mar 9, 2021 1:29 am

Mar 9, 2021 1:29 am

The Riedrans jump into action like a single entity, coordinating precisely as if they are of one mind. Sula'an places his hands on his temples and reaches out with his mind, attempting to telekinetically restrain the behemoth. The Titan struggles momentarily but overpowers with sheer strength!

OOC:

Sula'an psychic-casts Telekenisis, targets the titan

Rolls

STR ability check vs. DC 13 - (1d20+6)

(11) + 6 = 17

Mar 9, 2021 1:36 am

Mar 9, 2021 1:36 am

The broad-shouldered Gurha'ak charges forward! His crysteel daggers ignite in purple light as he slashes with blinding speed! But the Titan's shielding holds strong.

Rolls

Attack 1 - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (4) + 9 = 13

2d6+6 : (33) + 6 = 12

3d6 : (441) = 9

Attack 2 - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (5) + 9 = 14

2d6+6 : (53) + 6 = 14

3d6 : (532) = 10

Mar 9, 2021 1:39 am

Mar 9, 2021 1:39 am

He'el tries to take advantage of the chaos and backstab the Titan. One of his daggers manages to pierce the shield, but only the physical blade of the dagger ... the purple psychic energy is rebuffed. (14 damage total ... Immunity to psychic damage)

Rolls

Attack 1 - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (6) + 9 = 15

2d6+6 : (22) + 6 = 10

3d6 : (345) = 12

Attack 2 - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (11) + 9 = 20

2d6+6 : (62) + 6 = 14

3d6 : (545) = 14

Mar 9, 2021 1:49 am

Mar 9, 2021 1:49 am

A'an charges straight down the middle and leaps into the air, slashing at the Titan's heart, screaming "Hateful creature, die!" Both his daggers penetrate the shielding and the Titan staggers slightly. (26 damage total)

Rolls

Attack 1 - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (13) + 9 = 22

2d6+6 : (33) + 6 = 12

3d6 : (663) = 15

Attack 2 - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (12) + 9 = 21

2d6+6 : (35) + 6 = 14

3d6 : (436) = 13

Mar 9, 2021 2:06 am

Mar 9, 2021 2:06 am

The Titan roars as the many small creatures damage it.

"YOUR INCURSION INTO THE MATERIAL PLANE WILL BE THWARTED. RESISTANCE IS FUTILE."

It slams it's huge fists at A'an (11 bludgeoning damage) and Whispers (17 bludgeoning damage), while a large cannon emerges from the Titan's shoulder and it blasts a beam of green energy at Sula'an (15 force damage).

Rolls

Attack vs. A'an - (1d20+11, 2d8+6)

1d20+11 : (19) + 11 = 30

2d8+6 : (25) + 6 = 13

Attack vs. Whispers - (1d20+11, 2d8+6)

1d20+11 : (14) + 11 = 25

2d8+6 : (74) + 6 = 17

Dex Save vs. Cannon DC 16 - (1d20+2, 5d10)

1d20+2 : (16) + 2 = 18

5d10 : (510961) = 31

Sula'an concentration check - (1d20+5)

(5) + 5 = 10

Mar 9, 2021 2:52 am

Mar 9, 2021 2:52 am

W.A.R.P. X rushed forward, far closer to the physical fighting than preferred, and concentrated on decreasing gravity's hold on the Titan's mass.

"m=W/g"

For all its bulk, the abomination now weighed half as much as it did before. There were advantages and disadvantages to this state, and W.A.R.P. X hoped the temporary allies could exploit the disadvantages before the Titan exploited the advantages.

"Try to grip the Titan again!" it shouted to Sula'an!

The abomination's weight is halved and its strength suffers as a result, W.A.R.P. X thought to the other crew through their telepathic bond.

Even as it shouted, W.A.R.P. X couldn't help remembering the Titan's words about thwarting incursions into the material plane. Adding the abomination's immunity to psychic phenomena to that statement plus the Inspired's sheer terror made W.A.R.P. X wonder: had The Way's crew allied with the wrong side in this conflict?

OOC:

Moving within 30 feet of the Titan.
Using Adjust Density (Action) to halve the Titan's weight.
You can magically alter the weight of one object or creature you can see within 30 feet of you. The object or creature must be Huge or smaller. The target’s weight is halved or doubled for up to 1 minute or until your concentration ends. While the weight of a creature is halved by this effect, the creature’s speed increases by 10 feet, it can jump twice as far as normal, and it has disadvantage on Strength checks and Strength saves. While the weight of a creature is doubled by this effect, the creature’s speed is reduced by 10 feet, and it has advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 9, 2021 3:43 am

Mar 9, 2021 3:43 am

Brush looks at the creature, and he moves himself up, as well as his echo, such that his echo is 15 feet away from the creature and he is 30 feet away, in the space between the creature and the door to the bridge. He then yells at the behemoth and says, "You unholy, evil being. We will hasten your path to Dolurrh.

"Whispers, I bless you with my soul’s shield."

At that command, a gray smoke with no substance flies from the inside of Brush, floating towards Whispers and surrounding him.

OOC:

Move: up to 30 feet, such that he is 30 feet away from the behemoth, between it and the door to the inside of the ship
Free Action: move echo up to 30 feet, placing it between Brush and the behemoth
Action: Channel Divinity - Path to the Grave
Bonus Action: Shield of Faith on Whispers

[ +- ] Channel Divinity - Path to the Grave

[ +- ] 1st lvl spell: Shield of Faith (Abjuration)

Last edited March 9, 2021 3:43 am

Mar 9, 2021 3:50 am

Mar 9, 2021 3:50 am

B-9 remains on the outer deck, focusing the aura of purity around his companions and their newly-met acquaintances. "Your choice of the word 'incursion' lacks context," they say. "We have always been on the Material Plane. Please explain the meaning behind your claim."

They present their shield, emblazoned with the symbol of Dol Dorn, and open their free hand to send a pulse of light towards Whispers.

OOC:

Channel Divinity, Preserve Life. 50 HP pool to restore everyone in a 30-ft-radius, which should cover the 43 points of damage that was inflicted.
EDIT: Casting Healing Word upon Whispers, instead. Thanks for the retcon opportunity, DM!

With Disciple of Life, Whispers gains an additional 5 HP (2 + the spell's level), for a total of 17.

Last edited March 9, 2021 5:12 pm

Rolls

Healing Word, 3rd level - (3d4+5)

(421) + 5 = 12

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 9, 2021 7:35 pm

Mar 9, 2021 7:35 pm

From the helm Tamara sends a ray of frost towards the titan causing severe thermal shock to the already burning hot metal pieces.

OOC:

...and its speed is reduced by 10 feet until the start of your next turn

Last edited March 9, 2021 7:38 pm

Rolls

Ray of frost - (1d20+10)

(20) + 10 = 30

Ray of frost damage - (2d8)

(53) = 8

Ray of frost crit damage - (2d8)

(21) = 3

Bonus action: continue Heat metal - (4d8)

(3411) = 9

Mar 9, 2021 10:45 pm

Mar 9, 2021 10:45 pm

Tamara's ray of frost slams into the Titan, now cursed by Brush. It shudders with convulsions as the icy blast and burning heat interferes with its mechanisms. The abomination's attention is drawn to B-9.

"THE QUORI SEEK TO RESTORE THE 13TH MOON AND INVADE EBERRON. YOU AND YOUR VESSEL WILL BE ASSIMILATED TO ASSIST IN THE WAR."

W.A.R.P. X successfully alters the Titan's density while B-9 provides medical assistance.

ROUND 2 So far ...
(18) Death's Brush
(17) WARP X*
(16) Whispers*†
(15) Tamara
(14) B-9
(13) Titan Borg AC:19 Damage: 123, Adjust Density, Ray of Frost
(12) A'an AC:18 Damage: 11
(12) Gurha'ak AC:18 Damage: 0
(12) He'el AC:18 Damage: 0
(12) Sula'an AC:18 Damage: 0
* Darkvision
† Shield of Faith

[ +- ] Adjust Density

[ +- ] Shield of Faith

OOC:

Whispers is up next!

Mar 9, 2021 11:50 pm

Mar 9, 2021 11:50 pm

B-9 considers the statements made by the Titan, and comparing them against the claims of the shadowy figures.

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+9)

(6) + 9 = 15

History, if needed. - (1d20)

(14) = 14

Mar 10, 2021 12:47 am

Mar 10, 2021 12:47 am

Our temporary allies and their experiments may pose a greater threat than was first assessed, W.A.R.P. X thought into the link. Once this Titan is defeated, we must prepare for their immediate betrayal.

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 10, 2021 5:55 am

Mar 10, 2021 5:55 am

Whispers continues their onslaught of rapid blows

OOC:

Stunning strike on the first hit Dc17 con save

Last edited March 10, 2021 5:59 am

Rolls

Unarmed strike 1/2 - (1d20+8)

(4) + 8 = 12

Damage - (1d6+4)

(5) + 4 = 9

Unarmed strike 2/2 - (1d20+8)

(8) + 8 = 16

Damage - (1d6+4)

(4) + 4 = 8

Flurry 1/2 - (1d20+8)

(12) + 8 = 20

Damage - (1d6+4)

(4) + 4 = 8

Flurry 2/2 (Advantage if stunned) - (1d20+8, 1d20+8)

1d20+8 : (2) + 8 = 10

1d20+8 : (9) + 8 = 17

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 10, 2021 10:50 am

Mar 10, 2021 10:50 am

The 13th moon?? Tamara knew that something was off with the moons, but that it is a prelude to an invasion?

Mar 10, 2021 8:49 pm

Mar 10, 2021 8:49 pm

B-9 can tell the Riedran's story doesn't add up, but has insufficient information to determine the accuracy of the Titan's information. It does seem earnest in its expressed desires.

Len sent a note to CancerMan

Mar 10, 2021 8:52 pm

Mar 10, 2021 8:52 pm

The mighty Titan deflects all but one of Whisper's blows. Its corrupted ki is alien to Whispers and it stands firm against manipulation.

Rolls

con save dc 17 - (1d20+10)

(20) + 10 = 30

Mar 10, 2021 8:59 pm

Mar 10, 2021 8:59 pm

The Riedrans continue their assault!

Sula'an heeds Brush's words and tries again to hold it back with his mind. Even with its density altered, the Titan still breaks through Sula'ans grasp.

Rolls

Str check (disadv) DC 13 - (1d20+6, 1d20+6)

1d20+6 : (14) + 6 = 20

1d20+6 : (20) + 6 = 26

Mar 10, 2021 9:04 pm

Mar 10, 2021 9:04 pm

Gurha'ak, He'el, and A'an slash and cut as they dodge the Titan's massive fists. (48 damage total)

Rolls

Gurha'ak attack 1 - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (10) + 9 = 19

2d6+6 : (13) + 6 = 10

3d6 : (163) = 10

Gurha'ak attack 2 - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (12) + 9 = 21

2d6+6 : (14) + 6 = 11

3d6 : (536) = 14

He'el attack 1 - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (5) + 9 = 14

2d6+6 : (15) + 6 = 12

3d6 : (313) = 7

He'el attack 2 - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (17) + 9 = 26

2d6+6 : (15) + 6 = 12

3d6 : (564) = 15

A'an attack 1 - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (13) + 9 = 22

2d6+6 : (36) + 6 = 15

3d6 : (421) = 7

A'an attack 2 - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (9) + 9 = 18

2d6+6 : (34) + 6 = 13

3d6 : (423) = 9

Mar 10, 2021 9:10 pm

Mar 10, 2021 9:10 pm

The Titan's cannon swivels about to target Brush, while its fists pound at Whispers and Gurha'ak. The green energy from Titan's cannon pierces Brush's armor (22 force damage) but its fist miss their mark. As they crash into the deck of the ship, the whole ship shudders and shakes!

Rolls

Fist vs. Whispers - (1d20+11, 2d8+6)

1d20+11 : (1) + 11 = 12

2d8+6 : (31) + 6 = 10

Fist vs. Gurha'ak - (1d20+11, 2d8+6)

1d20+11 : (4) + 11 = 15

2d8+6 : (64) + 6 = 16

Brush Dex Sav (DC 16) vs Cannon - (1d20+1)

(6) + 1 = 7

Cannon damage - (5d10)

(63742) = 22

Mar 10, 2021 9:22 pm

Mar 10, 2021 9:22 pm

A'an telepathically projects a rebuttal to the Titan's claims:

"The monster wants to drive a wedge between us for self-preservation. You are wise enough to disregard its lies, yes?"

Mar 10, 2021 9:33 pm

Mar 10, 2021 9:33 pm

Round 3 Begins!: The Titan is looking weak! Players, take your actions in any order!

(18) Death's Brush
(17) WARP X*
(16) Whispers*†
(15) Tamara
(14) B-9
(13) Titan Borg; AC:19 Damage: 171, Adjust Density, Ray of Frost
(12) A'an; AC:18 Damage: 11
(12) Gurha'ak; AC:18 Damage: 0
(12) He'el; AC:18 Damage: 0
(12) Sula'an; AC:18 Damage: 0
* Darkvision
† Shield of Faith

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 10, 2021 9:37 pm

Mar 10, 2021 9:37 pm

OOC:

Death's Brush Concentration Check

Rolls

Concentration Check - (1d20+7)

(5) + 7 = 12

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 10, 2021 9:54 pm

Mar 10, 2021 9:54 pm

lenpelletier says:

Round 3 Begins!: The Titan is looking weak! Players, take your actions in any order!

(18) Death's Brush
(17) WARP X*
(16) Whispers*†
(15) Tamara
(14) B-9
(13) Titan Borg; AC:19 Damage: 171, Adjust Density, Ray of Frost
(12) A'an; AC:18 Damage: 11
(12) Gurha'ak; AC:18 Damage: 0
(12) He'el; AC:18 Damage: 0
(12) Sula'an; AC:18 Damage: 0
* Darkvision
† Shield of Faith

OOC:

Death's Brush wears Goggles of Night, so technically he has darkvision for 60 feet.

Brush maintains concentration on the Shield of Faith, despite the behemoth's damage.

He will say telepathically to his group (excluding the Riedrans): Warp and Tam, can you cast spells that will affect all of those in that area?

Whispers, you should slink back towards me.

OOC:

Brush will then ready an action. If Whispers comes up to him, he will hand him a platinum ring to put on, and he will cast "Warding Bond" on his friend.

[ +- ] 2nd lvl: Warding Bond (Abjuration)

Mar 10, 2021 10:36 pm

Mar 10, 2021 10:36 pm

"Indeed, some would say anything to further their ends," W.A.R.P. X replied to A'an.

This unit can create at least two more micro-singularities which should affect all parties within twenty feet. Begin a controlled collapse once the Titan is defeated or immediately? it replied to Brush mentally.

Last edited March 10, 2021 10:36 pm

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 10, 2021 10:50 pm

Mar 10, 2021 10:50 pm

annex says:

"Indeed, some would say anything to further their ends," W.A.R.P. X replied to A'an.

This unit can create at least two more micro-singularities which should affect all parties within twenty feet. Begin a controlled collapse once the Titan is defeated or immediately? it replied to Brush mentally.

Once Whispers is able to get out of range, you should engage your spell.

Mar 10, 2021 11:26 pm

Mar 10, 2021 11:26 pm

As expected. This unit will wait until Whispers clears the incoming event horizon radius.

OOC:

Holding my turn until after Whispers goes.

Last edited March 10, 2021 11:26 pm

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 11, 2021 3:47 am

Mar 11, 2021 3:47 am

Whispers communicates back through the bond. Acknowledged. I will be clear momentarliy

Whispers unleashes his assault then once again merely steps away into nothingness only to appear next to Brush. You are clear for your assault, Warp.

OOC:

Bonus action to teleport. Shadow monks are quickly becoming one of my favorite classes, and with warding bond and shield of faith, I now have 23 AC. Also I believe there's no AOO because it is a teleport and not actually leaving threat range.

Dice rolls are now out of order because GP ate half of them.

Last edited March 11, 2021 3:50 am

Rolls

Unarmed 2/2 - (1d20+8)

(11) + 8 = 19

Damage - (1d6+4)

(5) + 4 = 9

Unarmed 1/2 - (1d20+8)

(3) + 8 = 11

Damage - (1d6+4)

(4) + 4 = 8

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 11, 2021 4:45 am

Mar 11, 2021 4:45 am

OOC:

Spell slot engaged. You now officially have a 23 AC, and resistance to all damage.

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 11, 2021 8:33 am

Mar 11, 2021 8:33 am

Tamara continues her Heat Metal spell, but is keeping an eye on their invading "allies"

OOC:

She readies an action to cast fary fire on one or more of the invading allies if they turn on us.

Rolls

BA: Heat metal - (4d8)

(7733) = 20

Mar 11, 2021 2:32 pm

Mar 11, 2021 2:32 pm

W.A.R.P. X didn't want to feel bad about backstabbing the Riedrans but it did. It knew they would turn on its crew mates sooner rather than later, and it said the initiating equation with some regret and moved back.

0 =∇μ(√−gFμν)

The micro-singularity appeared next to the Titan, its tidal forces intent on pulling the Riedrans to their hated enemy.

OOC:

Moving back 30 feet.
Using Gravity Sinkhole centered on the Titan. DC 17 CON save or 5d10 force damage and the Riedrans are pulled 25 feet (20 feet from spell, 5 feet from Gravity Well feature) to the Titan; 1/2 damage and no pull if the Riedrans and the Titan make the save.

Last edited March 11, 2021 5:12 pm

Rolls

Titan CON - (1d20)

(5) = 5

A'an CON - (1d20)

(8) = 8

Gurha'ak CON - (1d20)

(1) = 1

He'el CON - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Sulta'an CON - (1d20)

(13) = 13

Force damage - (5d10)

(56481) = 24

Mar 11, 2021 4:39 pm

Mar 11, 2021 4:39 pm

B-9 approaches Brush and quickly repairs some of the damage caused by the Titan's cannon. Warm pulses of energy flow from B-9's hand to knit and mend the integrated armor.

Rolls

Cure Wounds, 1st-level - (1d8+8)

(2) + 8 = 10

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 11, 2021 5:27 pm

Mar 11, 2021 5:27 pm

Brush feels the mended plates and says, Thank you, good friend!

Mar 11, 2021 9:53 pm

Mar 11, 2021 9:53 pm

Whispers is getting a feel for the forcefield and manages to pierce it yet again (9 damage), and Tamara's burning metal continues to sear through the Titan's undead flesh and metal body parts (20 damage).

Rolls

Con Save (dc 17) - (1d20+10)

(14) + 10 = 24

Mar 11, 2021 11:03 pm

Mar 11, 2021 11:03 pm

The singularity has a devastating effect on the Titan. Its Warforged body holds strong but the flesh components do not, tearing it asunder. The being collapses to the deck under the singularity. Where its skull lands, a docent - a mithril sphere studded with gems -falls out of its neck and begins slowly orbiting the singularity.

[ +- ] What is a docent?

Of the Riedrans, only the broad-shouldered Gurha'ak manages to resist the pull of the singularity. The others are dragged toward it as it applies tremendous stress to their bodies.

A'an's voice emerges in your heads. You can hear his twisted smile in his tone, strained with the agony of the singularity: "I misjudged you, Khorvairans. You have heeded well the Lesson of Ruthlessness. Let us not hold back any longer, the honesty will be ... REFRESHING!"

And with that the Riedrans leap into action against the crew!

OOC:

A'an, Sula'an, and He'el take 24 damage while Gurha'ak takes 12. Sula'an maintains concentration.

Rolls

Titan Con Save (DC 17) - (1d20+10)

(8) + 10 = 18

A'an Con - (1d20+5)

(3) + 5 = 8

Gurha'ak Con - (1d20+5)

(19) + 5 = 24

Sulta'an Con - (1d20+5)

(1) + 5 = 6

He'el Con - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Sula'an Concentation check (dc 12) - (1d20+5)

(14) + 5 = 19

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 11, 2021 11:32 pm

Mar 11, 2021 11:32 pm

OOC:

Rolling Nature and Religion

Rolls

Nature & Religion - (1d20+3, 1d20+7)

1d20+3 : (1) + 3 = 4

1d20+7 : (15) + 7 = 22

Mar 11, 2021 11:43 pm

Mar 11, 2021 11:43 pm

Tamara's readied spell casts the moment the Riedrans turn. A'an and Sulta'an fail to evade it and are illuminated with rainbow light!

Rolls

A'an Dex save dc 17 - (1d20+2)

(14) + 2 = 16

Gurha'ak - (1d20+2)

(17) + 2 = 19

He'el - (1d20+2)

(16) + 2 = 18

Sulta'an - (1d20+2)

(14) + 2 = 16

Mar 12, 2021 12:00 am

Mar 12, 2021 12:00 am

A'an squares off with Tamara! He charges forward and then blinks out in a puff of purple smoke, reappearing on the command deck beside Tamara! He savagely strikes at her with his crysteel daggers.

Sulta'an squares off with Brush! He strides forward and tries to move him with his mind up 30 feet into space and toward the back of the ship where the Elemental rings burn in the cold of space, but he cannot budge him!

Gurha'ak squares off with Whispers! He teleports directly beside him and cleaves at him with crysteel.

He'el squares off with W.A.R.P. X! He teleports directly above him and falls onto the warforged, blades already pointing downward!

Rolls

Attack on Tamara #1 (AC 15) - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (19) + 9 = 28

2d6+6 : (64) + 6 = 16

3d6 : (524) = 11

Attack on Tamara #2 (AC 15) - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (18) + 9 = 27

2d6+6 : (53) + 6 = 14

3d6 : (425) = 11

Brush Strength Check vs. Telekineses DC 13 - (1d20+3)

(11) + 3 = 14

Attack on Whispers #1 (AC 23) - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (18) + 9 = 27

2d6+6 : (25) + 6 = 13

3d6 : (362) = 11

Attack on Whispers #2 (AC 23) - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (15) + 9 = 24

2d6+6 : (14) + 6 = 11

3d6 : (423) = 9

Attack on WARP X #1 (AC 13) - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (3) + 9 = 12

2d6+6 : (45) + 6 = 15

3d6 : (541) = 10

Attack on WARP X #2 (AC 13) - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (13) + 9 = 22

2d6+6 : (25) + 6 = 13

3d6 : (561) = 12

Mar 12, 2021 12:56 am

Mar 12, 2021 12:56 am

W.A.R.P. X expected teleportation as soon as the Titan was defeated but hadn't expected a Riedran to manifest right above it. The first of the presumably crysteel blade strikes barely bounced off its armour but the second sank into its sternum and somehow its mind at the same time, and W.A.R.P. X let out a shriek of uncharacteristic emotion.

OOC:

25 damage.
HP total: 26/51.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 12, 2021 2:51 am

Mar 12, 2021 2:51 am

Brush looks back at his newer friend stricken by the the enemy’s dagger, and he feels the pain that his friend experienced. As such, he has his soul head in that direction, taking his 30 feet of movement and placing his soul next to He'el.

He attacks the enemy right next to him (Sulta'an), simultaneously striking He'el with his soul.

He then uses his bonus action to teleport, switching places with his soul.

He then musters a surge of energy within himself, and lashed out at He'el, and his soul lashes out at Sulta'an.

OOC:

Free action: move the echo 30 feet, right next to He'el
Action: attack Sulta'an (w/ adv due to faerie fire) and attacking He'el (w/ Unleash Incarnation)
Bonus Action: teleport, swapping positions with echo
Action Surge: attack He'el and Sulta'an (with unleash incarnation and w/ adv from faerie fire

Rolls

Attack action against Sulta'an (w/ adv) - (1d20+7, 1d20+7, 1d8+3)

1d20+7 : (8) + 7 = 15

1d20+7 : (1) + 7 = 8

1d8+3 : (2) + 3 = 5

Unleash incarnation against He'el - (1d20+7, 1d8+3)

1d20+7 : (12) + 7 = 19

1d8+3 : (2) + 3 = 5

Attack action (via action surge) against He'el - (1d20+7, 1d8+3)

1d20+7 : (18) + 7 = 25

1d8+3 : (4) + 3 = 7

Unleash incarnation against Sulta'an (w/ adv) - (1d20+7, 1d20+7, 1d8+3)

1d20+7 : (7) + 7 = 14

1d20+7 : (20) + 7 = 27

1d8+3 : (2) + 3 = 5

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 12, 2021 4:42 am

Mar 12, 2021 4:42 am

Whispers lashes out in a flurry of kicks and punches. Using the hand holds to leverage themselves.

OOC:

G man is stunned until the end of my next turn and takes 10 damage

Last edited March 12, 2021 5:23 am

Rolls

Unarmed 1/2 - (1d20+8)

(5) + 8 = 13

Damage - (1d6+4)

(6) + 4 = 10

Unarmed 2/2 - (1d20+8)

(11) + 8 = 19

Damage - (1d6+4)

(1) + 4 = 5

Con save against stunning strike - (1d20)

(1) = 1

Flurry 1/2 - (1d20+8, 1d20+8)

1d20+8 : (2) + 8 = 10

1d20+8 : (5) + 8 = 13

Damage - (1d6+4)

(5) + 4 = 9

Flurry 2/2 - (1d20+8, 1d20+8)

1d20+8 : (19) + 8 = 27

1d20+8 : (16) + 8 = 24

Damage - (1d6+4)

(1) + 4 = 5

Flurry 1/2 - (1d20+8, 1d20+8)

1d20+8 : (10) + 8 = 18

1d20+8 : (14) + 8 = 22

Damage - (1d6+4)

(4) + 4 = 8

Flurry 2/2 - (1d20+8, 1d20+8)

1d20+8 : (2) + 8 = 10

1d20+8 : (14) + 8 = 22

Damage - (1d6+4)

(1) + 4 = 5

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 12, 2021 2:08 pm

Mar 12, 2021 2:08 pm

Tamara can't hold on the spell as the savage attack nearly kills her outright.
With a gesture she vanishes in a puff of mist, and reapear not that far away. She draws her rapier and then releases it. It springs forward to attack her asselent.

OOC:

two concentration checks DC 17 and DC 15
1 hp left
BA: misty step
A: Animating Performance

[ +- ] A: Animating Performance

[ +- ] animated item

Last edited March 12, 2021 2:16 pm

Rolls

concentration DC17 - (1d20)

(6) = 6

concentration DC15 - (1d20)

(14) = 14

Force-Empowered Slam - (1d20+9, 1d10+4)

1d20+9 : (12) + 9 = 21

1d10+4 : (9) + 4 = 13

Mar 12, 2021 4:18 pm

Mar 12, 2021 4:18 pm

B-9 steps back into the bridge and tries to interpose themselves and their shield between Tamara and A'an. As they pass, they place a hand upon the pilot's shoulder to send a pulse of warmth flowing through her body, hopefully placing her out of the danger of passing out.

"Your actions speak more than your initial words," they say to the Riedran. "Stand down and desist this attack."

Rolls

Cure Wounds at 3rd-level - (3d8+10)

(645) + 10 = 25

Mar 12, 2021 4:42 pm

Mar 12, 2021 4:42 pm

Since the first failed launch, W.A.R.P. X suppressed its emotions, its personhood. It wanted to be a machine because machines don't feel and don't hurt but now it felt very hurt and very angry. It should have taken the time to encase itself in arcane armour, that being the most logical course of action but instead it crouched and aimed a symbolic punch in the Riedran's direction.

kx∓ωt+φ

The equation didn't come out in its typical monotone. The equation was spat in indignant rage, the desire to do harm, and the need to get the thing that hurt it as far away as possible. A space-time ripple washed over He'el, designed to push the Riedran up, up, and away!

If able, W.A.R.P. X would move another 30 feet closer to the questionable safety of the bridge.

OOC:

Casting Pulse Wave with the push option. If it fails the DC 17 CON save, it is pushed 20 feet up into space (15 from the spell, 5 from Gravity Well feature).
You create intense pressure, unleash it in a 30-foot cone, and decide whether the pressure pulls or pushes creatures and objects. Each creature in that cone must make a Constitution saving throw. A creature takes 6d6 force damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one, and every creature that fails the save is either pulled 15 feet toward you or pushed 15 feet away from you, depending on the choice you made for the spell.

Rolls

CON save - (1d20+5)

(11) + 5 = 16

Force damage - (6d6)

(116565) = 24

Mar 13, 2021 12:48 am

Mar 13, 2021 12:48 am

Len sent a note to HeroAmongMen

Mar 13, 2021 1:13 am

Mar 13, 2021 1:13 am

ROUND 4 So far ...

Brush flies into action, his attacks a blur and coming from everywhere. Tamara's faerie fire fails unexpectedly, but he still manages to get connect with He'el (12 damage)

Tamara evades A'an just before his daggers hit vital organs! He does not expect her rapier to wait behind and the force slam knocks him into the helm (13 damage)

Whispers' attacks are a blur and Gurha'ak is unprepared for the assault on his ki. Whispers' strikes punish his slowness and he is left gasping for breath! (23 damage and is stunned!)

The Riedrans disregard B-9, having evaluated his threat potential as low.

WARP X's pulse wave sends He'el flying off the deck of the ship! (24 damage)

(18) Death's Brush**
(17) WARP X*
(16) Whispers*†
(15) Tamara
(14) B-9
(13) Titan Borg AC:19
(12) A'an AC:18 Damage: 48
(12) Gurha'ak AC:18 Damage: 35, stunned
(12) He'el AC:18 Damage: 60, 30 feet above the deck
(12) Sula'an AC:18 Damage: 24
* Darkvision
** Warding Bond with Whispers
† Shield of Faith

Mar 13, 2021 2:18 am

Mar 13, 2021 2:18 am

The Riedrans see Gurha'ak falter! Their confidence seems shaken

Sula'an uses his telekensis to snatch the docent out of the air. He runs towards the Riedran skiff that is still anchored to the ship!

He'el teleports down behind Whispers and tries to slice the backs of his legs, while A'an duels with the animated Rapier!

Rolls

He'el attack 1 vs Whispers - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (6) + 9 = 15

2d6+6 : (25) + 6 = 13

3d6 : (326) = 11

He'el attack 2 vs Whispers - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (8) + 9 = 17

2d6+6 : (15) + 6 = 12

3d6 : (525) = 12

A'an attack 1 vs. Rapier - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (6) + 9 = 15

2d6+6 : (41) + 6 = 11

3d6 : (624) = 12

A'an attack 2 vs Rapier - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (13) + 9 = 22

2d6+6 : (65) + 6 = 17

3d6 : (665) = 17

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 13, 2021 2:24 am

Mar 13, 2021 2:24 am

Seeing simultaneously through his eyes and the eyes of his soul, Brush swings as his enemy attempts to flee!

OOC:

Please hit, please hit, please HIT!!!

Rolls

AOO (Morningstar) vs Sula'an - (1d20+7, 1d8+3)

1d20+7 : (12) + 7 = 19

1d8+3 : (3) + 3 = 6

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 13, 2021 10:17 am

Mar 13, 2021 10:17 am

From her corner Tamara raises her hand and direct raw uncontrolled magic towards the intruder

OOC:

That is 13 psychic damage and 6 slashing damage = 19 damage

Last edited March 13, 2021 10:18 am

Rolls

Chaos Bolt - (1d20+10)

(18) + 10 = 28

Chaos Bolt damage (first d8 1:Acid 2:Cold 3:Fire 4:Force 5:Lightning 6:Poison 7:Psychic 8:Thunder) - (2d8, 1d6)

2d8 : (74) = 11

1d6 : (2) = 2

DANCING ITEM - (1d20+10)

(14) + 10 = 24

DANCING ITEM damage - (1d10+4)

(2) + 4 = 6

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 13, 2021 11:16 am

Mar 13, 2021 11:16 am

Brush manifests his soul behind the enemy that he halted. In a fury of blows, he assaults Sula'an from both positions.

He then runs to the skiff, and stands in the way of anyone manning the controls

OOC:

Bonus Action: manifest echo behind Sula'an, such that both he and his echo are flanking the enemy
Action: Attack Sula’an
Unleash Incarnation: Attack Sula'an from echo’s position
Move action: 30 feet towards skiff, blocking controls.

EDIT: DAMN IT!

.

Last edited March 13, 2021 11:18 am

Rolls

Attack Sula'an with Morningstar (Brush) - (1d20+7, 1d8+3)

1d20+7 : (5) + 7 = 12

1d8+3 : (8) + 3 = 11

Attack Sula'an with Morningstar (Echo) - (1d20+7, 1d8+3)

1d20+7 : (6) + 7 = 13

1d8+3 : (5) + 3 = 8

Mar 13, 2021 11:48 am

Mar 13, 2021 11:48 am

OOC:

have you used your bard inspiration?

Last edited March 13, 2021 11:49 am

Mar 13, 2021 5:30 pm

Mar 13, 2021 5:30 pm

Keeping themselves between A'an and Tamara, B-9 looks back at his companions. "Stand by for assistance," they announce.

OOC:

Dropping concentration of Aura of Purity, and will cast Bless at 2nd-level to affect four characters. Is it possible for those that have already attacked to add a d4 to their rolls?

[ +- ] Bless

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 13, 2021 5:44 pm

Mar 13, 2021 5:44 pm

runekyndig says:

OOC:

have you used your bard inspiration?

OOC:

Yes, unfortunately.

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 13, 2021 8:53 pm

Mar 13, 2021 8:53 pm

Ignoring the new attacker, Whispers continues their onslaught.

OOC:

27 damaged and stunned again

Last edited March 13, 2021 8:56 pm

Rolls

Unarmed 1/2 - (1d20+8, 1d20+8)

1d20+8 : (7) + 8 = 15

1d20+8 : (7) + 8 = 15

Damage - (1d6+4)

(6) + 4 = 10

Unarmed 2/2 - (1d20+8, 1d20+8)

1d20+8 : (10) + 8 = 18

1d20+8 : (13) + 8 = 21

Damage - (1d6+4)

(5) + 4 = 9

Flurry 1/2 - (1d20+8, 1d20+8)

1d20+8 : (16) + 8 = 24

1d20+8 : (19) + 8 = 27

Damage - (1d6+4)

(4) + 4 = 8

Flurry 2/2 - (1d20+8, 1d20+8)

1d20+8 : (11) + 8 = 19

1d20+8 : (5) + 8 = 13

Damage - (1d6+4)

(6) + 4 = 10

Con save for stunning strike - (1d20)

(3) = 3

Bless rolls for the first attack since the rest already hit - (1d4, 1d4)

1d4 : (2) = 2

1d4 : (1) = 1

Mar 13, 2021 9:52 pm

Mar 13, 2021 9:52 pm

Sula'an tries to focus on Telekinesis as Brush blindsides him with the morning star attack and succeeds!

Rolls

concentration - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Mar 13, 2021 10:05 pm

Mar 13, 2021 10:05 pm

W.A.R.P. X wasn't good with single targets. It was definitely built for expansive combat. With three of the Riedrans and no allies within micro-singularity range, W.A.R.P. X did what its tactical systems did best.

0 =∇μ(√−gFμν)

It focused on keeping the enemies bunched together on the deck, not pulling them off into space. Only the tactical systems of its allies would be able to end this quickly before anyone it cared about died.

They want that artifact. We must ensure they do not flee with it, W.A.R.P. X thought through the telepathic link.

OOC:

Gravity Sinkhole, pulling the three Rierdrans together on the hull so they're still within punch and stab range. DC 17 CON saves or pulled 20 feet toward the center and full force damage; 1/2 damage and no pull on a save.

Last edited March 13, 2021 10:17 pm

Rolls

Gurha'ak Con - (1d20+5)

(7) + 5 = 12

He'el Con - (1d20+5)

(4) + 5 = 9

Sulta'an Con - (1d20+5)

(11) + 5 = 16

Force damage - (5d10)

(9410910) = 42

Mar 14, 2021 12:13 am

Mar 14, 2021 12:13 am

Brush makes a clutch intercept, stopping Sula'an from getting to the skiff! Gurha'ak is powerless to stop Whisper's devastating blows, and he and He'el both succumb to W.A.R.P.'s devastating singularity. Sulta'an struggles to maintain his focus but fails and the docent falls to the deck. Then, despite major internal injuries from the singularity, desperately attacks Brush's soul. The soul vanishes as the crysteel slices through it.

Meanwhile on the bridge, A'an is tangled up by Tamara's animated rapier and tries to cleave through it with his crysteel blades, but he can't play mind games with the mindless sword. (no damage)

Round 5 Summary!

(18) Death's Brush**
(17) WARP X*
(16) Whispers*†
(15) Tamara
(15) Animated Rapier: AC: 16 HP: 43/60
(14) B-9
(13) Titan Borg AC:19
(12) A'an AC:18 Damage: 67
(12) Gurha'ak AC:18 Damage: 108 dead
(12) He'el AC:18 Damage: 108 dead
(12) Sula'an AC:18 Damage: 72
* Darkvision
** Warding Bond with Whispers
† Shield of Faith

Rolls

Sula'an concentration (DC 21) - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Sula'an attack #1 vs Echo - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (14) + 9 = 23

2d6+6 : (65) + 6 = 17

3d6 : (341) = 8

Sula'an attack #2 vs Echo - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (10) + 9 = 19

2d6+6 : (32) + 6 = 11

3d6 : (555) = 15

A'an attack #1 vs Rapier - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (5) + 9 = 14

2d6+6 : (53) + 6 = 14

3d6 : (226) = 10

A'an attack #2 vs Rapier - (1d20+9, 2d6+6, 3d6)

1d20+9 : (4) + 9 = 13

2d6+6 : (35) + 6 = 14

3d6 : (411) = 6

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 14, 2021 12:25 am

Mar 14, 2021 12:25 am

Brush looks on from his position on the skiff, and calculates, manifests his soul 15 feet away, outside the skiff, and he rushes the echo towards Sula'an. He then attacks Sula'an with his soul, blessed by his friend B-9.

OOC:

Bonus action: manifest echo as close to Sula'an as allowed.
Free action: Move echo 30 feet to be next to Sula'an.
Action: attack Sula'an using his soul to deliver the blow.

Echo will disappear at the end of the round, unless Sula'an is within 30 feet of Brush at the end of the round.

Brush is standing in the cockpit of the skiff.

Rolls

Echo blessed Morningstar attack vs Sula'an - (1d20+7, 1d4, 1d8+3)

1d20+7 : (10) + 7 = 17

1d4 : (3) = 3

1d8+3 : (8) + 3 = 11

Mar 14, 2021 12:52 am

Mar 14, 2021 12:52 am

W.A.R.P. X barely hid a smile seeing the two Riedrans collapse thanks to its collapsar. With Whispers and Death's Brush free to tackle the last one outside, it focused on helping end the one inside.

"You were in error to attack us, Sleeping Sword."

The emotion from before had mostly simmered but W.A.R.P. X wouldn't give the remaining enemies the chance to hurt anyone else while it could prevent it.

kx∓ωt+φ

It punched the air again, sending another repelling space-time ripple toward another Riedran, careful to avoid the animated blade and its crew mates!

OOC:

Pulse Wave at A'an! DC 17 CON save or full damage and pushed away 20 feet; 1/2 damage and no push on a save.

Last edited March 14, 2021 2:21 am

Rolls

A'an CON - (1d20+5)

(5) + 5 = 10

Force damage - (6d6)

(252442) = 19

Mar 14, 2021 2:14 am

Mar 14, 2021 2:14 am

Brush cleans Sula'ans clock with his morning star. The Riedra's face shield cracks, and he reels backward, clutching his head.

A'an AC:18 Damage: 86
Sula'an AC:18 Damage: 83

Both fall to their knees, barely alive. A'an raises an arm in surrender. "Stop! It was you who attacked us first! We are defending ourselves against your treachery. But even as the wrath of Riedra is terrible, there is no more forgiving a nation in the whole of Eberron. We will tell you what really happened to the Aurora, and leave in peace."

Mar 14, 2021 2:35 am

Mar 14, 2021 2:35 am

W.A.R.P. X tilted its head slightly and said coldly, "I misjudged you, Khorvairans. You have heeded well the Lesson of Ruthlessness. Let us not hold back any longer, the honesty will be... refreshing."

It clenched another fist.

"Those were your own words, Sleeping Sword. This unit believes neither you nor your fanatic Inspired know anything of forgiveness or honesty."

Is the other one still alive? Should we execute them and access the truth via the artifact and their craft? it asked telepathically.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 14, 2021 2:56 am

Mar 14, 2021 2:56 am

Brush speaks telepathically to his companions: They deserve no mercy. I am more than just a mindless killing machine...but I must mete out judgment justly. They have earned death. We should execute justice.

The docent can help us better understand what is truly happening here, and we can learn to repurpose their skiff to gain cloaking technology.

My god has blessed us.

Mar 14, 2021 3:09 am

Mar 14, 2021 3:09 am

We are neither agents of justice, nor are we executioners, B-9's thoughts convey.

The medic approaches A'an, lifting a hand to try and ward away the animated rapier. "Explain," they say to the surrendered Riedran. "Our intentions are to find the wreckage and rescue survivors, which we had stated clearly prior to battle. Your attempt to board and commandeer our vessel is defined as piracy, a hostile act. Define the parameters on which you make this claim of self-defense, and why you sought to take us prisoner in the first place."

Mar 14, 2021 3:38 am

Mar 14, 2021 3:38 am

Watch them closely and prepare to end them at the first sign of treachery. Such religious fanatics may attempt to cripple us in a suicide action, W.A.R.P. X thought through the link.

W.A.R.P. X had been created for exploration but the reality of the space race meant it was equally equipped for discovery and obliteration. Its more powerful space-time ripple would hit B-9 at this range so it changed tactics: a single finger unclenched from its fist, the glowing red tip pointed at A'an.

OOC:

Readying an action to cast Fire Bolt, taking 10 on the attack roll thanks to the Clockwork Amulet.

Mar 14, 2021 5:10 am

Mar 14, 2021 5:10 am

Confident that Tamara will be able to hear A'an's answer, B-9 proceeds out to the deck to rescue the fallen Riedrans. He touches each to cast Spare the Dying to keep them unconscious, but out of danger of dying.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 14, 2021 5:11 am

Mar 14, 2021 5:11 am

Brush is poised to start smashing the skiff’s controls to smithereens.

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 14, 2021 8:46 am

Mar 14, 2021 8:46 am

We don't judge them for what they are. We judge them for what they did. They are still a threat. If we leave them at their ship, they are a threat. If we keep them here, they are a threat. To leave them hanging in space, would be crule. The most mercyfull we can do, is to offer them a quick death

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 14, 2021 9:10 am

Mar 14, 2021 9:10 am

I agree with Tam on this one. I think the right call for us is if we give them a speedy path to Dolurrh, and we evaluate the situation once we place them on their way.

Another thing that worries me in this scenario is the fact that Riedra is already in space, and it seems they have an active space force. Chances are that these will not be the only inspired we find.

We must do everything we can to prepare ourselves, and that includes repurposing their tools and gear to aid in our efforts.

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 14, 2021 10:33 am

Mar 14, 2021 10:33 am

Whispers walks to the docent and picks it up to examine it more closely.

Mar 14, 2021 3:43 pm

Mar 14, 2021 3:43 pm

A'an ignores your line of questioning.

"Those Titans are all that are left of that malevolent mission to destroy the Thirteenth Moon. The Dragons of Argonesson destroyed their war machine in retribution, but the crew secretly survived by making unholy pacts and replacing their body parts with their magic machines. They strive to repair their war machine and seek to assimilate the Aurora.

The Aurora crashed on the nearest asteroid after the Titans attacked it. There is less than 24 hours before the Titan war machine reaches it.

My people won't let them take The Aurora. We will destroy it before we let it get in the hands of the Titan's. The same goes for your ship should they capture you. We cannot afford to let this menace grow stronger.

We are open to working with you to defeat the Titans, however. You have proved yourselves as formidable warriors. Perhaps you can rid the world of this horrific threat once and for all.

Visit the Aurora, confirm our story with the survivors, if that word applies to what crewed that vessel."

Mar 14, 2021 3:45 pm

Mar 14, 2021 3:45 pm

Whispers sees that the sphere of mithril and gemstones is currently inert. There is no outward sign of what it does.

Mar 14, 2021 8:18 pm

Mar 14, 2021 8:18 pm

B-9 completes their triage of the fallen Riedrans, and works to bring them together on deck so they can be secured. They consider the words of A'an and how trustworthy the Riedrans can be, given the situation.

As things settle in, B-9 circulates among their companions to treat wounds. "Do not be alarmed. This is a disinfecting spray," they say as they spritz a colorless mist across the cuts and bruises. "You will only experience a mild discomfort." They proceed to wrap gauze and strips of clean cloth where necessary.

OOC:

Using the healer's kit to restore 1d6+14 HP (4 + each person's maximum HD). If people need more HP, let me know and I will use Cure Wounds.

Rolls

WASP, Tamara, Brush, Whispers - (1d6+14, 1d6+14, 1d6+14, 1d6+14)

1d6+14 : (5) + 14 = 19

1d6+14 : (1) + 14 = 15

1d6+14 : (4) + 14 = 18

1d6+14 : (3) + 14 = 17

Insight Check - (1d20+9)

(11) + 9 = 20

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 14, 2021 9:10 pm

Mar 14, 2021 9:10 pm

OOC:

18 HP is a blessing to Brush! He loves it!

Mar 14, 2021 10:08 pm

Mar 14, 2021 10:08 pm

Under B-9's healing mist and bandages, most of the penetrating trauma to W.A.R.P. X's sternum was sealed and healed.

"This unit is appreciative of your..." W.A.R.P. X began before it paused and smiled ever so slightly. "Thank you, B-9."

We should strand them where we found them: on an isolated asteroid too far to teleport to anywhere else but empty space. Leave them with nothing but their suits. They will have greater motivation to be fully truthful about the situation we are going into should their own survival depend on our survival and return to retrieve them. Is there a quorum on this suggested course of action? W.A.R.P. X asked mentally.

OOC:

With thanks, that's 45/51 HP.

Last edited March 14, 2021 10:13 pm

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 14, 2021 10:10 pm

Mar 14, 2021 10:10 pm

Brush agrees with this suggested course of action. He stays aboard the skiff for the time being.

Mar 15, 2021 11:53 pm

Mar 15, 2021 11:53 pm

Studying the nearby stellar environment, there are two major asteroids: a nearby one that A'an indicated the Aurora is wrecked upon, and a more distant larger Asteroid shrouded in darkness. Closer by there are some small rocks that could do the job, but aren't much larger than your ship. There is also a fair bit of debris in the Ring itself, but it is suspected that the radiation levels caused by so many Siberys crystals in close proximity is dangerous.

Mar 16, 2021 12:01 am

Mar 16, 2021 12:01 am

B-9 considers the suggestion and deliberates for more than a number of seconds. I do not agree with this course of action, they transmit over the telepathic bond. To abandon them in space with no life support is tantamount to murder.

Last edited March 16, 2021 12:11 am

Mar 16, 2021 12:18 am

Mar 16, 2021 12:18 am

It is only murder if we do not survive to rescue them. If we survive, they survive, and that symbiosis is the only thing that will increase the probability of them being honest with us about what we will encounter. This unit proposes increasing their time sensitive peril by isolating them on debris within the Ring of Siberys. The high radiation levels in addition to dwindling oxygen reserves should prove excellent motivations for truthful dialogue, W.A.R.P. X suggested coldly.

Mar 16, 2021 12:28 am

Mar 16, 2021 12:28 am

I object to leaving them in such a hostile environment, B-9 states. Regardless of your intentions to recover them, they are prisoners of war, and subjecting them to such dangers is torture.

Lacking any manacles, B-9 leaves the unconscious Riedrans on the deck and walks towards the bridge. "Your companions have been stabilized to the best of my ability," they say to A'an. "They are unconscious, but alive."

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 16, 2021 12:35 am

Mar 16, 2021 12:35 am

Brush telepathically speaks such that all of his crew hear: Every moment that we deliberate on the matter, they think of strange ways to murder us or leave us stranded while they risk the lives of billions on the surface of the planet below.

B-9, I appreciate your opposing perspective, but in this case, we must weigh the risk of world-ending catastrophe against the prospect of killing these aggressors who attacked our vessel and wanted to leave us dead and/or alone here.

Their conflict with the giants that ended millenia ago is still alive and well in their minds, and we are cross-purposes to their agenda. We gave them a chance to live and let live, and they chose rather to threaten us, with intent to murder us.

Thank goodness that we are more formidable than they anticipated. We should end this now, and move on to trying to rescue the Aurora. They don't get a choice. We decide now.

I propose a vote amongst the crew. 51% majority means we execute that plan.

(1) We end this conflict by killing of the remaining Riedrans, we take their gear, we analyze their ship and logs, and we use the resources to determine our next course of action related to the Aurora.
(2) We spare the Riedrans, confiscating their weapons and leaving them stranded on a Siberys ring shard and wait while we attempt to save the crew of the Aurora from assimilation by the undead stone giant/mechanical hybrid.
(3) We spare the Riedrans and return them to their ship, and let them be on their way.

I vote for option 1.

Mar 16, 2021 12:56 am

Mar 16, 2021 12:56 am

This unit would prefer the clean certainty of the first option but it is... at pains to justify the loss of life if there are other options which may yield valuable information to increase the chances of our mission's success. This unit votes for the second option so long as the Riedrans provide concrete tactical data in exchange for their lives and our oath to return for them, W.A.R.P. X weighed in, its glowing finger never wavering from its target: A'an's head.

Mar 16, 2021 3:06 am

Mar 16, 2021 3:06 am

While I would prefer the alternative option of joining forces, if we are limited in our choices I will choose Number Three. The second choice is also preferable to option one, though not without reservation. B-9 states telepathically. After a pause, they add, I strongly recommend we do not resort to murder. To quote an esteemed colleague, 'We are more.' We ought to demonstrate that.

Mar 17, 2021 4:23 am

Mar 17, 2021 4:23 am

A'an nods his head when B-9 mentions the medical aid given to the downed Riedrans. "My thanks," he says telepathically.

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 17, 2021 9:58 am

Mar 17, 2021 9:58 am

I have already made my thoughts clear on this matter. I find it cruel to leave them. But if we do, we will offer them a dagger to end their own life, if starvation or thirst starts to naw at them

Mar 17, 2021 4:25 pm

Mar 17, 2021 4:25 pm

They will not starve. I will see to that.

Mar 17, 2021 4:39 pm

Mar 17, 2021 4:39 pm

Any assistance we provide beyond mere survival will increase the probability of them being less than cooperative, not completely truthful, and possibly duplicitous. This unit would prefer to have this crew survive than to coddle those who would destroy you. Strand them, have them at our mercy, and force them to provide us with a tactical advantage, W.A.R.P. X said, offering in a slightly more emotional tone, "Their lives are not worth yours."

Mar 17, 2021 4:56 pm

Mar 17, 2021 4:56 pm

That is where we disagree.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 17, 2021 5:13 pm

Mar 17, 2021 5:13 pm

Brush broadcasts telepathically to his crew: We are at a stand-still until Whispers delivers his say. Whispers, express your thoughts.

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 17, 2021 6:24 pm

Mar 17, 2021 6:24 pm

Whispers steps over to A'an through the shadows. "If we leave you, what will be your course of action? Will you continue to pursue us? Or would it be better for us to end you here and now? Perhaps leave you on a rock and provide you a way to end yourselves?"

Mar 17, 2021 11:22 pm

Mar 17, 2021 11:22 pm

"We do not fear death. Our hosts will be reborn in greatness for their sacrifice, and we are immortal. We will oppose you if you jeopardize our experiments, but we will assist you if you oppose our enemies. If you wish, leave us on a wayward rock, so that you may come back when you discover our story is true, and we can begin working against the Titan abominations together."

Every indication tells you that A'an is being honest, but much is unsaid.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 18, 2021 12:36 am

Mar 18, 2021 12:36 am

Brush speaks to his companions telepathically: We should require that they relinquish their weapons.

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 18, 2021 12:46 am

Mar 18, 2021 12:46 am

They are holding back information. We can strand them and take their arms and vessel. Then we will complete our mission and come back if we have decided to save them.

Mar 18, 2021 12:57 am

Mar 18, 2021 12:57 am

Or if we decide we truly do need their help. A wise course of action, Whispers.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 18, 2021 1:00 am

Mar 18, 2021 1:00 am

Brush says telepathically to his crew, Done. The votes are in: 3 to 2 for stranding them while we complete our mission.

Tam, plot a course to the far asteroid.

Whispers, tell them to relinquish their weapons, and collect them.

B-9, gather the bodies of the unconscious ones.

WARP X: trade me places onto this skiff to ensure that they don’t try to double-cross us, and see if you can figure out how it works.

I will join the crew on the ship to stand guard against these people.

Mar 18, 2021 1:07 am

Mar 18, 2021 1:07 am

Of course, Death's Brush, W.A.R.P. X thought as it slowly lowered its glowing finger, never turning its back as it walked away from A'an. This unit will require rest and meditation before gaining the ability to decipher their language but much can be discerned nonetheless from a physical examination.

Last edited March 18, 2021 1:07 am

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 18, 2021 1:51 am

Mar 18, 2021 1:51 am

To A'an "You will relinquish any weapons and armaments you have. We will be leaving you on an asteroid, and upon completion of our mission we will decide whether or not to come back and save you. In the interim, you can decide if you will share the information you are still withholding from us."

Telepathically, Do not let your guard down until we are safely away.

Mar 18, 2021 3:04 am

Mar 18, 2021 3:04 am

A'an commands the Sleeping Swords to relinquish the crysteel daggers but offers no further information.

OOC:

You have obtained eight +1 daggers, but use a d6 damage die instead of a d4. Each pair is emblazoned with unique Riedran symbols.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 18, 2021 5:08 am

Mar 18, 2021 5:08 am

Brush says to WARP telepathically: If anyone can figure out how they work through mundane means, it is you, my genius friend.

Once WARP arrives on the skiff, Brush will help carry the unconscious Riedrans onto a secluded section of the ship, and he will leave his soul to safeguard against them.

He will instruct B-9 to keep an eye on the unconscious ones, as well. Brush will help Tam figure out which rock is the most sustainable location to leave these treacherous beings on while we execute on our plan.

Mar 18, 2021 5:49 am

Mar 18, 2021 5:49 am

B-9 dresses the wounds of A'an and Sula'an. He ensures that Gurha'ak and He'el remain stable, but he saves the act of healing them until after a suitable location to deliver them is found.

Rolls

Healer's Kit A'an and Sula'an (plus their max number of HD) - (1d6+4, 1d6+4)

1d6+4 : (4) + 4 = 8

1d6+4 : (3) + 4 = 7

Gurha'ak and He'el once they're stranded - (1d6+4, 1d6+4)

1d6+4 : (2) + 4 = 6

1d6+4 : (3) + 4 = 7

Mar 19, 2021 12:38 am

Mar 19, 2021 12:38 am

The Riedrans offer no resistance and accept confinement.

On route to a marooning rock, the party has an opportunity to examine the skiffs. They are small, open-air platforms that have crysteel frames that act as both propulsion and defensive measures. An exquisite Siberys shard is housed in the conn, and its golden radiance directly interfaces with the crysteel and suffuses it with energy. The vehicle is both fast and maneuverable and, as you bore witness to the Riedrans using, can turn completely invisible, cloaking all the passengers on board as well. It is armed with a mechanical harpoon launcher that fires a grappling hook attached to a 100 foot rope.

The conn also contains a freely-spinning compass-like sphere that floats within a semi-spherical indentation. It points off into the distance of space, away from the two larger asteroids but still above the Ring of Siberys.

The damaged skiff's crysteel frame is intact but the conn is broken. The Siberys shard inside is fractured and sputtering. It appears to be insufficient to power the skiff. Its compass-like sphere is intact and seems toward the same point in space as the working skiff's.

You also have come into possession of docent. The beautiful sphere of jeweled mithril can be accessed by any warforged by placing it in a slot in the back of your neck. The docent can communicate telepathically with the warforged who inserts it, but with the telepathic comm link active the whole team will be able to interact with it, should someone choose to bond with it.

Once you get to the marooning rock, the Riedrans march onto it without resistance, carrying their wounded. They accept B-9's gift of supplies and aid with thanks. "When you have realized the danger that the Titans pose, you know where to find us if you want to work together to defeat them."

Mar 19, 2021 1:02 am

Mar 19, 2021 1:02 am

"We will see. What do these spheres point toward?"

While waiting on a reply, W.A.R.P. X contemplated the docent and its possibly vast store of knowledge. The possibility that the personality of an ancient giants' docent might overpower the Warforged it was implanted in also occurred to W.A.R.P. X.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 19, 2021 1:03 am

Mar 19, 2021 1:03 am

Brush will not say any more words to the treacherous Riedrans. Instead, he focuses on his friends. He says telepathically, If you are all willing, I can take on interfacing with the docent, unless someone else would prefer it.

I know it is a risk, but it may yield some good information for us, especially as we search for the Aurora.

Also, I wonder if it has other information, such as regarding the moons and their associated planes.

Mar 19, 2021 1:16 am

Mar 19, 2021 1:16 am

"The compass points to our home, Star Temple Darjinn. It is currently surrounded in an invisibility field. It will not entertain strangers; do not approach it."

Mar 19, 2021 1:39 am

Mar 19, 2021 1:39 am

"The compasses show us where to avoid. You may keep your star temple. Until we meet again, Sleeping Sword."

It is unknown what a docent of ancient giants may be capable of. This unit has exhausted much of its arcane reserves. Restraining or terminating this unit if the docent proves viral will be easier than restraining or terminating either of you three. If the docent is manageable, this unit's knowledge and skills should be instrumental in deciphering and utilizing what information the docent possesses. It is recommended that we wait until our telepathic bond has terminated before docent implantation to minimize the risk of potential mass viral infection.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 19, 2021 1:44 am

Mar 19, 2021 1:44 am

Could you terminate the mental connection now, and then attempt the download?

Mar 19, 2021 1:58 am

Mar 19, 2021 1:58 am

It would be best to stay linked until the spell ends. There are multiple threats surrounding us, and we do not know when another one may take notice of us. If no further hostiles present themselves, we can spend the remaining linked time examining the Riedran transports and planning our next course of action.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 19, 2021 2:28 am

Mar 19, 2021 2:28 am

Good call. Let’s also examine the undead monstrosity. That thing used to be a stone giant, once upon a time.

How on Eberron did they determine how to turn themselves into such an unnatural force, is beyond me.

Mar 19, 2021 2:42 am

Mar 19, 2021 2:42 am

If the cause is great enough and the threat seemingly overwhelming, have we not seen horrors unleashed in our own time? W.A.R.P. X asked as it pointed at the huge swath of Khorvaire shrouded in deadly mist: the Mournland. Tamara, let us move off. Leave these fanatics to their prayers and dreams.

Last edited March 19, 2021 2:42 am

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 19, 2021 3:45 am

Mar 19, 2021 3:45 am

I have a vested interested in seeing those animated corpses sent to Dolurrh. It is part of my path. I must have help in studying the cause of the undeath. You may not know this, but the balance of life and death in Eberron is delicate, and undeath (including the Undying Court of the Aerenal) causes an unbalance of life in other parts of the world.

Brush shakes his head, and then says, Sorry, my friends. I am getting ahead of myself. Let’s focus on the task of saving the Aurora first. Then we can investigate the several things we wish to while in space.

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 19, 2021 4:17 am

Mar 19, 2021 4:17 am

I believe someone with great mental fortitude should interface with the docent. Lest it try to override your mind.

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 19, 2021 11:33 am

Mar 19, 2021 11:33 am

Please don't meddle with the docent before we have gained some distance from the last problem we just faced. Tamara is doing her rounds on the ship, mending broken parts and equipment.

A bit later she suggests that whoever tries to interface with the docent, should be restrained and unarmed until is it proven to be secure.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 20, 2021 2:13 am

Mar 20, 2021 2:13 am

Good point, Tam.

I think we ought to learn everything we can about these skiffs; they may come in handy for our mission to save the Aurora.

Also, each of us should have at least one of these daggers, in case those monstrosities come to assault us.

We should scan ahead towards the location that the Aurora supposedly is marooned, and then do some forward scouting (perhaps you, Whispers).

B-9, can you continue to heal WARP and Tam? They’re going to need some patching up.

WARP, would you be willing to have me tag along to assist with deciphering the craft from the Riedrans?

Mar 20, 2021 3:03 am

Mar 20, 2021 3:03 am

Of course you may tag along, Death's Brush. A second pair of heavily armed and armoured eyes is always appreciated. It might be best not to further heal this unit until after the docent implantation, however.

W.A.R.P. X took a crysteel dagger then began a detailed examination of the craft. The wizard was unable to understand the writing yet but the basic functions might be discernible. Purple lenses blinked over W.A.R.P. X's eyes as it investigated the knobs and dials and crystals. Practical tests would provide the best answers but the initial look was vital to having good idea whether the glowing red button started the engine or the self-destruct sequence.

Last edited March 20, 2021 3:06 am

Rolls

Arcana (advantage from Goggles of Object Reading) - (1d20+9, 1d20+9)

1d20+9 : (13) + 9 = 22

1d20+9 : (14) + 9 = 23

Investigation - (1d20+9)

(14) + 9 = 23

Perception - (1d20+5)

(20) + 5 = 25

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 20, 2021 10:04 pm

Mar 20, 2021 10:04 pm

Yes, I will scout once we begin our approach Whispers communicates as he also takes a dagger.

Mar 21, 2021 12:22 am

Mar 21, 2021 12:22 am

On the way to The Aurora, The Way must descend closer to the The Ring of Siberys. The magical energy around you is almost like a background noise - palpable, but just on the edge of your consciousness. The conn indicates elevated Siberys radiation.

The jagged asteroid is composed of jagged spires of rock that are frozen together in ice. It is big enough for you to approach and touch down out of sight of The Aurora. The jagged landscape is difficult to traverse via foot, but Whispers and Brush are able to teleport easily through the twisted shadows of the jagged rocks.

Rising over a cliff as straight as a knife's edge, you come to an equally flat plateau. There, at the plateau's center, you see The Aurora - a large metal ship, careened on her side. A small army of skeletons are crawling all over it, and murky lights float around the hull, illuminating damaged spots. A flight of six flaming skulls have formed a perimeter around the ship and are watching.

Looking at the plateau, you see there is a large crack that crosses it, originating at the cliff's face. It looks large enough for move through, but would require a good deal of climbing

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 21, 2021 12:58 am

Mar 21, 2021 12:58 am

Brush says, Gods, that is a lot of undead. I wonder how they got here.

I wonder if I could have my soul run out there and distract them, while I call upon the unknown God I worship to help me abjure them.

Brush starts thinking back on the war.

[ +- ] Brush’s Thoughts and Memories

OOC:

If there is a way that we can have Brush hover within 30 feet of these undead, I can use my Channel Divinity power Turn Undead to cause them to flee. We can mop up the rest, and then explore the wreckage.

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 21, 2021 3:27 am

Mar 21, 2021 3:27 am

lenpelletier says:

Looking at the plateau, you see there is a large crack that crosses it, originating at the cliff's face. It looks large enough for move through, but would require a good deal of climbing

OOC:

Laughs in monk

[ +- ] Unarmored Movement Improvement PHB, pg. 78

Last edited March 21, 2021 3:28 am

Mar 21, 2021 5:48 am

Mar 21, 2021 5:48 am

"Are we not here to rescue them?" asks B-9.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 21, 2021 7:40 am

Mar 21, 2021 7:40 am

I suppose we never asked if the Aurora had a living crew.

B-9, can you call Jenzic and ask for the manifest of the Karrnathi crew?

We should account for them. If these undead are part of their crew, we should then probably find a way to deal with them in a non-hostile manner, if possible.

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 21, 2021 8:32 am

Mar 21, 2021 8:32 am

We knew that the Aurora was manned by the undead and a few necromancers. But first things first...

Tamara sheathes the crystal dagger that almost killed her in a newly made sheath. Then she picks up their sending stone
Ground control, this is The Way! We have found the Aurora... she then continues to report on their encounter with the titan and the treacherous Riedrans. ...We see undead guarding the downed Aurora, so a land approach could turn violent. A flying approach might trigger the flaming skulls ranged attacks. Please advise

OOC:

I assume we had a short rest. Tamara is good company doing rests and each gain an extra 1d8 hp when spending Hit Dice

Last edited March 21, 2021 8:34 am

Rolls

Arcana +9 (Exper) +1D4 (knowledge of undead) - (1d20+9, 1d4)

1d20+9 : (11) + 9 = 20

1d4 : (1) = 1

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 21, 2021 4:41 pm

Mar 21, 2021 4:41 pm

OOC:

Short Rest Hit Dice (using 1d10 from fighter, and 1d8 from Tam)

10+2+3: I’ll take it!

Last edited March 21, 2021 4:43 pm

Rolls

Hit dice - (1d10, 1d8)

1d10 : (10) = 10

1d8 : (2) = 2

Mar 21, 2021 7:29 pm

Mar 21, 2021 7:29 pm

OOC:

Tamara was healed to 49/53 hp

Last edited March 21, 2021 7:30 pm

Rolls

2 hit dices + my own song - (3d8)

(855) = 18

an extra hit die for good measure - (1d8)

(5) = 5

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Mar 21, 2021 11:38 pm

Mar 21, 2021 11:38 pm

Whispers meditates quietly.

OOC:

1 hit die putting me to full.

Rolls

Hit die - (1d8+2, 1d8)

1d8+2 : (6) + 2 = 8

1d8 : (6) = 6

Mar 21, 2021 11:50 pm

Mar 21, 2021 11:50 pm

While investigating the skiff's controls, W.A.R.P. X uttered another equation.

dp/dΨ = const

Strings of letters and numbers and symbols appeared around it, swirling until they formed a suit of armour which quickly became invisible. With that bit of added protection, W.A.R.P. X went about the examination. It began self-repair, too, closing most of the puncture wound inflicted by the very crysteel dagger now in its possession. In case there was more fighting ahead, it chose to conserve its remaining self-repair capacity.

OOC:

Spending one hit die for 1d6 + Tamara's 1d8 + 2 CON.

OOC:

You've got to be kidding me. I refuse to spend any more HD! 50/51 HP!

Last edited March 21, 2021 11:54 pm

Rolls

Hit dice - (1d6, 1d8)

1d6 : (1) = 1

1d8 : (1) = 1

Mar 22, 2021 12:20 am

Mar 22, 2021 12:20 am

W.A.R.P. X focused on the skiff's controls diligently until The Way neared The Ring of Siberys. The tingling song made it look up and around at what it knew were merely incalculable fragments of resonant arcane material. Its eyes opened wide, however, at the beauty and majesty and power of the sight, then they closed to enjoy the feeling, the literal tingling caress of the heavens. This was what it was built for! It couldn't conceptualize in limiting spoken language how good having its purpose fulfilled felt, to feel the glamour of eternity flowing over it. W.A.R.P. X wanted to be a machine, not to hurt, but being just a machine meant it could never enjoy this, that it could never know anything but raw data, never feel eternity. For a minute or two, W.A.R.P. X just felt. And it felt good. It wasn't until W.A.R.P. X was about to open its magical sight to fully see and hear and smell the energies around it that it remembered the tingling was Siberys radiation which could prove lethal with high intensity, long term exposure. W.A.R.P. X got back to the inspection but the smile on its face would linger until anyone approached.

Last edited March 22, 2021 2:31 am

Mar 25, 2021 6:05 am

Mar 25, 2021 6:05 am

runekyndig says:

Then she picks up their sending stone. Ground control, this is The Way! We have found the Aurora... she then continues to report on their encounter with the titan and the treacherous Riedrans. ...We see undead guarding the downed Aurora, so a land approach could turn violent. A flying approach might trigger the flaming skulls ranged attacks. Please advise

Jenzic answers the sending stone almost immediately. She is suitably impressed with your exploits so far, and utterly surprised that The Unity of Riedra is in space.

"We've seen and heard nothing of a space program from them. And they seem so peaceful and nice. Huh."

Oddly, her voice is incredibly clear, indistinguishable from if she is in the same room with you.

"Reception has really cleared up, eh? You must be closer to the Ring right now. We have long theorized that proximity to the Ring would amplify magic. So many Siberys shards in one place. You can see why everyone is so desperate to win this space race. If you could harness that power, who could stand against you?"

"Anyway, you're right to proceed with caution. I'm not sure how he undead will react, since they aren't expecting you. I acquired a dosier on The Aurora's personnel. Really explains why they are so concerned."

She describes the following crew members:

Regent Moranna ir'Wynarn: "She's the former Queen Regent of Karrnath, top advisor to King Kaius III, and second most powerful person in Karrnath. A powerful necromancer and master negotiator, she's in charge for sure."

Major Aleksander ir'Brenius. "High ranking member of the Order of the Blackened Sky, the champions of Karrnathi industry. Probably responsible for engineering and all things magical."

Warlord Detlev ir'Barthus: [b]"This guy is a legendary warrior. They call him the Jawbone Knight. At one point he lead the entire Karrnathi army. Tactical genius - the number of losses he suffered in the Last War can be counted on one hand. This guy is their chief of security."

Mar 25, 2021 6:12 am

Mar 25, 2021 6:12 am

While waiting on the ground, Brush and Whispers observe their surroundings. As the asteroid turns slowly, the illumination from the ring reveals giant humanoids frozen deep within the ice beneath their feet. They are completely unmoving and dead looking. Furthermore, they begin to suspect the jagged spires of rock are actually rubble from an artificial structure. You have the feeling that this asteroid is not natural, but the result of some massive, ancient structure that suffered a catastrophic icy explosion long ago.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 25, 2021 6:30 am

Mar 25, 2021 6:30 am

OOC:

How deep are the dead bodies under our feet? Would you say within 10 feet?

Just trying to see if I could possibly cast Speak with Dead to get a sense of what we are dealing with here.

Mar 25, 2021 7:09 am

Mar 25, 2021 7:09 am

HeroAmongMen says:

OOC:

How deep are the dead bodies under our feet? Would you say within 10 feet?

Just trying to see if I could possibly cast Speak with Dead to get a sense of what we are dealing with here.

Not currently. There are some cracks around though that provide deeper access to the asteroid, including the one that runs through the plateau that the Aurora is on. Perhaps you could get close enough to one in one of these cracks.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 25, 2021 2:34 pm

Mar 25, 2021 2:34 pm

Brush would ask Whispers to keep a lookout for him as he attempts this.

Farther away from the Aurora (a range outside the suspicion of the undead crowding the ship), Brush will use his soul to help him place pitons (he has those and a hammer) into the side of the crevasse, then tie some ropes to secure Brush into a spot where he can get close enough to a dead person’s face.

He will then use a hammer and crowbar to carefully chisel out just enough ice to bare the mouth of one of these dead folks.

OOC:

Not sure how much time that would take. If it would be about 30 minutes, I think that is fine by me.

It would give others a chance to do something while I prep to use this spell to help me
Figure out what this facility was.

Perhaps one of you can help us figure out a plan for safely boarding the Aurora and finding the living crew?

Mar 25, 2021 5:33 pm

Mar 25, 2021 5:33 pm

OOC:

I have lost track
We are near an asteroid
On the one side is the Aurora
On the other are we, currently hidden.
There are walking undead skeletons roaming the asteroid, properly ordered to defend
There are flaming skulls (undead casters) around the Aurora, properly ordered to defend

Our goal is to rescue the Aurora.
Are have some of us dropped down on the asteroid, planing to walk to the Aurora? Through all the undead defenses?

We know their names. Enough to use Sending?

Mar 25, 2021 6:18 pm

Mar 25, 2021 6:18 pm

OOC:

Cut and paste from Discord chat, posted here for reference:

Quote:

@Warming, totally understandable that you might have lost track of details given the delay. Thanks for your patience. The situation is that the team parked The Way on the opposite side of the Asteroid and sent in Brush and Whispers to scout out the situation. They see the Aurora has crashed on a cracked plateau and is being guarded by flying Flameskulls and being worked on by a large crew of skeletons (~50). The asteroid itself is composed of ice embedded with fragments of some artificial structure.

Sending based on just a name and description is not what I'd call familiar, but you are a level 10 character and a mover and shaker in the world of Eberron, so if you want to come up with a story about how you know one of those three, I think that would be a good justification for casting Sending.

Mar 25, 2021 7:08 pm

Mar 25, 2021 7:08 pm

"Let us hail the Aurora and offer our assistance," says B-9. "They may already know we are here."

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 25, 2021 7:36 pm

Mar 25, 2021 7:36 pm

OOC:

Quote:

Major Aleksander ir'Brenius. "High ranking member of the Order of the Blackened Sky, the champions of Karrnathi industry. Probably responsible for engineering and all things magical."

Sounds like a craftsman, one that Tamara could have met on tradeshows and conferences

Tamara stars to prepare the spell. Before she casts it, she reads out aloud for the crew to hear.
Aurora - I'm Tamara d'Cannith of The Way. We come from the Arcane Congress in the Starpeaks Observatory. We have come to assist.

Any objections?

Mar 25, 2021 7:45 pm

Mar 25, 2021 7:45 pm

B-9 shakes their head, accepting the offer as spoken.

Mar 25, 2021 11:36 pm

Mar 25, 2021 11:36 pm

"No objection. Better safe than vapourized."

Mar 26, 2021 8:09 pm

Mar 26, 2021 8:09 pm

B-9 retrieves a hooded lantern and heads for the door, saying, "I shall prepare an alternate means of communication, should the initial contact fail to gather their attention."

OOC:

I will cast Light into the lantern and transmit signals that way.

Tamara d'Cannith

Mar 26, 2021 9:25 pm

Mar 26, 2021 9:25 pm

Tamara casts the spell

Mar 27, 2021 6:02 am

Mar 27, 2021 6:02 am

Tamara attempts to put her message into the universe, but it simply does not cast. Although the details of the Sending spell are a house secret of the Gnomes of House Sivis, Tamara has enough experience with it to know that Sendings that fail in this manner usually imply the intended recipient is dead.

OOC:

Tamara does not lose a spell slot.

Brush descends into the icy crack in the plateau. Although light passes through the ice from the various brilliant sources in the starry sky there are no shortage of shadows and he is able to freely pass through them.

He discovers that he is not alone in the crack. He spies a small group of creatures living inside a chunk of horizontal cylindrical debris, perhaps once a tower. They look a little bit like kobolds but have wings. They appear to have built crude structures within built within the tower like huts, and they have tunneled into the ice to access the giant corpses to feed on.

Brush bypasses the lone kobold sentry and finds his way down to a half-eaten corpse. The skull, nearly as large as Brush's entire body, is thawed but is still embedded in the ice. He casts Speak With Dead, and the skull comes to life, a dull glow lighting in its massive eye sockets. Brush finds he can communicate with the corpse in Elvish, perhaps due to he fact that the Giants once ruled over all of Elvish kind.

SPEAK THE FIVE QUESTIONS its voice rumbles

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 27, 2021 5:38 pm

Mar 27, 2021 5:38 pm

Brush clears his robotic throat (he has never been quite so nervous, a new feeling for him).

He speaks to the large dead head: "Thank you for communing with me. I pray that this interaction is helpful for you, as well as me.

"(1) What was this facility’s purpose when you were alive?
"(2) What was the cause of your death?"

[ +- ] Potential Follow-up Questions

Last edited March 27, 2021 5:53 pm

Mar 27, 2021 6:15 pm

Mar 27, 2021 6:15 pm

The dead giant's voice is slow, and there is a long period of silence before it answers each question. There is something different about this spell, something more potent than any casting you've ever experienced before. Perhaps it is the proximity of the Ring of Siberys.

Quote:

What was this facility’s purpose when you were alive?

IT WAS A FORTRESS IN THE STARS, ONE OF MANY THAT FOUGHT THE INVADERS FROM DAL QUOR.

Before you, you see a vision of a massive floating castle, what this place must have looked like in the past. In the distance, you see other floating castles.

[ +- ] Space Castle

Quote:

What was the cause of your death?

I DIED DEFENDING THIS FORTRESS AGAINST THE DRAGONS OF ARGONNESSEN. THEY BREATHED ICE AND DEATH.

Before you, you see the last moments of this giant's life.

[ +- ] Ice and Death

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 27, 2021 7:35 pm

Mar 27, 2021 7:35 pm

OOC:

I’m changing up question 3.

Brush thinks on these responses, and says, "Thank you.

"(3) Where are some weapons here that small folk like me can use to defend against the Quori or the dragons of Argonnesson?"

[ +- ] Potential Follow-up Questions

Mar 27, 2021 10:20 pm

Mar 27, 2021 10:20 pm

Quote:

Where are some weapons here that small folk like me can use to defend against the Quori or the dragons of Argonnesson?

"YOU NEED NOT WORRY ABOUT THE QUORI. WHEN WE DESTROYED CRYA, WE SEVERED THEIR LINK TO THE MATERIAL PLANE. WE ARE VICTORIOUS.

WE CONSTRUCTED THE COLOSSI TO BATTLE THE DRAGONS, BUT THEY DESTROYED THEM BEFORE WE COULD MUSTER THEM."

[ +- ] Warforged Colossus

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 29, 2021 6:02 am

Mar 29, 2021 6:02 am

"Thank you.

"(4) Why did the dragons of Argonnesson attack the Culsir?"

"(5) I like to give peace to the dead who I commune with: how can I help you?"

Last edited March 29, 2021 6:02 am

Mar 29, 2021 6:09 pm

Mar 29, 2021 6:09 pm

Quote:

Why did the dragons of Argonnesson attack the Culsir"

"THEY COULD NOT ABIDE A POWERFUL RIVAL, A POTENTIAL CHALLENGER TO THEIR SUPREME POWER. WE KNEW THEY WOULD OPPOSE US ONCE WE DEFEATED THE QUORI BUT WE THOUGHT DESTROYING CRYA WOULD GIVE THEM PAUSE. IT HAD THE OPPOSITE EFFECT."

"WE THOUGHT OURSELVES AS PLAYERS IN A DANGEROUS GAME, BUT IN THE END WE WERE JUST THEIR PAWNS."

[ +- ] Destruction

Quote:

I like to give peace to the dead who I commune with: how can I help you?

"MY DAUGHTER. I WOULD SEE HER ONE MORE TIME. CAN YOU MAKE THIS HAPPEN, SPIRITWALKER?"

OOC:

With this spell enhanced, feel free to take liberties to describe how you do this (if you wish to)! Assume your bond gives you access to her image.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Mar 29, 2021 8:18 pm

Mar 29, 2021 8:18 pm

lenpelletier says:

"MY DAUGHTER. I WOULD SEE HER ONE MORE TIME. CAN YOU MAKE THIS HAPPEN, SPIRITWALKER?"

OOC:

With this spell enhanced, feel free to take liberties to describe how you do this (if you wish to)! Assume your bond gives you access to her image.

Brush gets an image of the daughter of this giant, and the voice of his soul reaches out, encountering a name to this giantess: Bjïlwa.

He says her name aloud, despite the dead giant not uttering it, and utters a prayer:

"To the unknown God to whom I pledge my fealty, I ask that you manifest the soul of Bjïlwa to us at this time. Her father, an honorable giant, wishes to see her one last time.

"I honor you; I pray you will honor my request.

"Thank you."

Shortly after, Brush’s soul disappears, and then, next to him in full size and scale to how she was in life, but all in grayscale, stands Bjïlwa, a pretty, pre-pubescent giantess.

She has a momentary look of confusion, but in seeing the face of the giant, she smiles softly and affectionately at her father. She tries to speak, but words do not escape the form. Brush faces the girl, listens, and repeats the words (which are in their dialect of Jötun, despite Brush not understanding the language, he speaks it fluently and perfectly).

The giant, pleased with his request being granted, and his full obligation being complete, moves back to his resting state, this time resting his face into the shape of a happy smile.

The connection with the spell being lost, the giantess image disappears, and is replaced with Brush’s soul.

Last edited March 29, 2021 8:19 pm

Apr 2, 2021 12:58 am

Apr 2, 2021 12:58 am

Whispers and Brush return to The Way, sharing the intel that they gathered.

Apr 2, 2021 3:29 am

Apr 2, 2021 3:29 am

"A formidable army. They certainly came prepared for possible conflict. Should we attempt further contact by bringing The Way closer or take one of the captured vessels in closer utilizing its cloaking device?"

W.A.R.P. X pondered the information from the giant.

"There are many unknown factors in this equation, and more appear every few minutes. The docent may have more information. Shall this unit attempt to bond with it now?"

Last edited April 2, 2021 3:31 am

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Apr 2, 2021 11:04 am

Apr 2, 2021 11:04 am

"Yes, I believe more information is needed to board the Aurora safely."

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Apr 2, 2021 4:21 pm

Apr 2, 2021 4:21 pm

Brush says, "WARP, let me get behind you, and I will restrain you. Then B-9 will insert the docent into your chest. We will see what information this thing has."

He then takes up a position behind WARP, and taps the inside of his legs to indicate how far to spread them, and then puts WARP into a head/arm lock, and flexes his wood-fingered sinews tightly. WARP would have difficulty moving around in this position.

"B-9, you’re up!"

Apr 2, 2021 4:51 pm

Apr 2, 2021 4:51 pm

"Understood. Take whatever precautions are necessary to ensure your survival and the successful completion of the mission," W.A.R.P. X replied as it allowed Brush to restrain it, not that it had much choice in the matter.

"This unit awaits insertion."

Apr 2, 2021 5:08 pm

Apr 2, 2021 5:08 pm

Despite their unfamiliarity with docents, B-9 did have extensive knowledge of warforged biomechanics. They quickly insert the object into the appropriate place within WARP.

Apr 2, 2021 5:17 pm

Apr 2, 2021 5:17 pm

OOC:

I think DM said the slot was at the back of the neck.

Apr 3, 2021 12:41 am

Apr 3, 2021 12:41 am

WARP feels the docent's mind come in contact with theirs. It speaks in a deep, male voice:

"Greetings. I am L0-C0-A597. I am here to prepare you for interfacing with your Jotun pilot. Commencing attunement protocols."

Apr 3, 2021 12:47 am

Apr 3, 2021 12:47 am

"The docent says it will facilitate interfacing this unit with a Giant pilot, and will commence attunement protocols. This unit will instruct the docent to proceed."

"Commence attunement protocols," W.A.R.P. X thought back.

Last edited April 3, 2021 12:49 am

Apr 3, 2021 12:58 am

Apr 3, 2021 12:58 am

The docent responds back with confusion.

"You ... speak? L0-C0-A597 does not usually get a response."

Apr 3, 2021 1:01 am

Apr 3, 2021 1:01 am

"This unit is a considerably newer model than L0-C0-A597 is used to. Please commence attunement protocols."

Last edited April 3, 2021 1:01 am

Apr 3, 2021 1:18 am

Apr 3, 2021 1:18 am

"Quite the contrary. You remind me of constructs from long ago. Why have I been assigned to you, do you know?"

Apr 3, 2021 1:26 am

Apr 3, 2021 1:26 am

"Note comparison can occur in parallel with attunement. This unit is an Aetheric Research Probe designed for exploration beyond the planet's atmosphere. A great deal of time has passed since you were last bonded, and many powers have shifted. Your assistance is required in maintaining safety and security."

Apr 3, 2021 6:06 pm

Apr 3, 2021 6:06 pm

"I started the attunement protocols, as you asked. Safety and security? Okay, I can assist with that. Before being repurposed, I was a medical docent. I'll see if those memories are still intact - they may be helpful."

"You sure have a strange way of talking, but it's nice to hear another construct's voice. Oh, and do you have a name you would like me to use? Forgive my manners."

Apr 3, 2021 6:22 pm

Apr 3, 2021 6:22 pm

"Medical? While you search, check for any historical or tactical knowledge regarding astronautical phenomena. And for simplicity, this unit may be referred to as Warp X. How may I refer to you, L0-C0-A597?"

Tamara d'Cannith

Apr 3, 2021 8:26 pm

Apr 3, 2021 8:26 pm

Tamara is taking notes as fast as she can
How long ago was it bonded with a speaking Warforge? Does it have any sense of time? Any sense of self?

Rolls

Arcana +9 (Exper) +1D4 - (1d20+9, 1d4)

1d20+9 : (1) + 9 = 10

1d4 : (1) = 1

History (+3 Jack Of All) - (1d20+3)

(10) + 3 = 13

Investigation +9 (Exper) - (1d20+9)

(12) + 9 = 21

Apr 3, 2021 9:03 pm

Apr 3, 2021 9:03 pm

"It certainly seems self-aware."

"Do you have any idea how long you were bonded last? And what were you repurposed to do?"

Last edited April 4, 2021 2:22 am

Apr 4, 2021 2:21 am

Apr 4, 2021 2:21 am

"Its designation is L0-C0-A597, and it was a medical docent before being 'repurposed'. There are many questions to ask it."

Apr 4, 2021 6:07 am

Apr 4, 2021 6:07 am

Tamara figures she'll have to study this docent in more detail before she can get any specifics. She is familiar with records of medical docents and based on those speculates it will provide medical aid to their Warforged when injured or unconscious, and may empower a Warforged to provide magical healing.

Apr 4, 2021 6:07 am

Apr 4, 2021 6:07 am

The docent continues to communicate in its deep voice, which does not really match its youthful, excited demeanour.

"Thank you for asking Warp X! L0-C0 is fine!

Historical or tactical knowledge regarding astronautical phenomena: this does seem outside of my field of expertise. I can comment on the effects of Siberys radiation. It can be beneficial in short-term bursts - I have found several anecdotal reports that a short rest can feel like an entire night's sleep. But, prolonged exposure can overcharge organic tissue and construct internals, causing either to break down.

Magic is also affected by Siberys radiation. It tends to make things more powerful, but also unpredictable. Unpredictable magical surges are common in areas of elevated Siberys radiation.

Hmm, it looks like you are currently experiencing elevated levels of Siberys radiation. You are not in immediate danger, but try not to stay too long, okay Warp X?."

As for the details of its previous assignments, L0-C0 explains:

"My purpose for some time now has involved adapting construct shells for providing mobility to catastrophically injured Jotun warriors. The shell is an incomplete construct, like yourself but without a mind. I act as the liaison between the Jotun and the shell. It is hard work as the Jotuns never sleep anymore. This is alarmingly unhealthy but the shell has insufficient sensors for me to understand what is happening. Nonetheless they seem to be living very long lives. I suspect the Siberys radiation may have affected them. Maybe we can check in on them sometime, Warp X?"

Apr 4, 2021 6:51 am

Apr 4, 2021 6:51 am

"Yes, L0-C0, they must be checked... and we will check them," it thought before relaying the information gleaned to the others. "How long would you estimate before biotech disruption becomes debilitating?"

Tamara d'Cannith

Apr 4, 2021 9:56 am

Apr 4, 2021 9:56 am

Tamara examines the docent at the back of Warp's neck.
If nothing else, it seems like you got an extra head on your sholders. Medical insights in this place might be usefull.

Remember to ask it about the Aurora

Tamara looks to the others. The Aurora is not going anywhere. If they are all dead, in there, and I think they are... I'm an idiot! She slaps her forehead.
B-9 will you keep an eye on Warp? Then I will cast the Clairvoyance spell again, and examine the Aurora from here.

Rolls

Investigation +9 (Exper) - (1d20+9)

(14) + 9 = 23

Apr 5, 2021 2:39 am

Apr 5, 2021 2:39 am

B-9 nods in acknowledgement.

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Apr 6, 2021 5:54 am

Apr 6, 2021 5:54 am

"So long as there are shadows, I can get inside the Aurora and try to find out if any remain." Whisper offers.

Apr 7, 2021 4:20 pm

Apr 7, 2021 4:20 pm

annex says:

"How long would you estimate before biotech disruption becomes debilitating?"

"It varies, but the probability increases every hour. Initial exposures can actually be beneficial. I haven't connected to The Archives for a long time, you might want to check there."

OOC:

Here's the mechanics: every hour spent in an environment with moderate Siberys radiation will require you to make a Con save. The DC starts and 5 and goes up by 5 for each additional hour. If you fail, you receive a level of exhaustion from your body being oversaturated with magic. This oversaturation cannot be prevented by any class feature or healed by any other means than extended rest away from Siberys radiation. If you succeed, you experience the benefits of a Long Rest. You can experience more than 1 long rest in a 24 period this way.

You have currently spent 30 minutes in an environment with moderate Siberys radiation.

Apr 7, 2021 4:36 pm

Apr 7, 2021 4:36 pm

Based on the descriptions from the scouting party and her own experience of viewing the asteroid from afar, Tamara places her clairvoyance spell near the Aurora.

From what she can see, The Aurora has experienced significant hull damage and is currently rolled on its side. The skeleton crews work tirelessly despite the layer of frost that covers their bones. Their work looks choreographed and is precise like clockwork. The skeletons seem to be divided into two groups. One is working to strengthen and patching the damaged hull while the other is binding the ship with ropes, possibly in an effort to roll it back upright. The damaged hull has several holes large enough for medium-sized beings like yourselves to slip through, some of which are not being attended by Skeletons, and they seem to lead directly into the belly of the ship.

You also see that there is are hatches on the at the fore and aft top deck of the ship - metal doors with wheels that you spin to seal or unseal the hatch to allow ingress/egress. The top deck is relatively undamaged and has fewer skeletons, except those that are securing the ropes for turning the ship.

Apr 7, 2021 4:42 pm

Apr 7, 2021 4:42 pm

"Noted. What is the maximum time a biological or biotech entity can survive these radiation levels? And what effect does this radiation have on the undead?"

W.A.R.P. X relayed the radiation information and hoped these Archives still existed somewhere in orbit. Access to such ancient Giant knowledge would be unparalleled.

"The living necromancers have been in this radiation for days. Perhaps they have converted themselves to unlife to survive. If not, there may be little time to save them before they die or we become irrevocably irradiated. Our next attempt at communication should be open and direct."

Last edited April 18, 2021 4:48 pm

Apr 7, 2021 4:58 pm

Apr 7, 2021 4:58 pm

B-9 nods. "We can position The Way in view and open communication with the Aurora. Those that wish to infiltrate on their own can use the captured skiff and our hopeful distraction to accommodate their approach."

Readying the hooded lantern, B-9 continues, "If they observe our vessel, they would only see medical personnel, and may be inclined to allow us to approach and agree to our offer to help."

Apr 7, 2021 5:20 pm

Apr 7, 2021 5:20 pm

annex says:

"Noted. What is the maximum time a biological or biotech entity can survive these radiation levels? And what effect does this radiation have on the undead?"

"I don't have enough information to answer these questions. Sorry boss! Hey, update on attunement - we're 50% there. Siberys radiation seems to speed up this process."

Apr 7, 2021 7:01 pm

Apr 7, 2021 7:01 pm

"Thank you, L0-C0," W.A.R.P. X thought to the docent while continuing to relay the information. "You were joined with another being for a very long time. Do you have any recollection of that?"

"Perhaps duplicity is not the best way to approach a rescue mission. Our more mercenary crew must return to the surface with us and those we rescue. Reconnaissance in the cloaked skiff is advisable beforehand to ensure there are survivors but that reconnaissance should be swift due to the radiation."

OOC:

Does Warp have any idea if the puddle jumpers are built for reentry?

Apr 9, 2021 6:06 am

Apr 9, 2021 6:06 am

"I do have memories of prior construct partners, Warp X."

Quote:

Does Warp have any idea if the puddle jumpers are built for reentry?

OOC:

Are you asking if the skiffs can return to Eberron? They are open-air vehicles, so you'd have to slow your descent enough to avoid burning up. You don't have enough information to know for sure, but the more people and therefore weight on the skiff, the harder that would be.

Apr 9, 2021 12:49 pm

Apr 9, 2021 12:49 pm

"The partner you had earlier today, what can you tell me about it?" W.A.R.P. X asked the docent mentally.

Last edited April 9, 2021 12:49 pm

Tamara d'Cannith

Apr 9, 2021 7:46 pm

Apr 9, 2021 7:46 pm

lenpelletier says:

Based on the descriptions from the scouting party and her own experience of viewing the asteroid from afar, Tamara places her clairvoyance spell near the Aurora.

From what she can see, The Aurora has experienced significant hull damage and is currently rolled on its side. The skeleton crews work tirelessly despite the layer of frost that covers their bones. Their work looks choreographed and is precise like clockwork. The skeletons seem to be divided into two groups. One is working to strengthen and patching the damaged hull while the other is binding the ship with ropes, possibly in an effort to roll it back upright. The damaged hull has several holes large enough for medium-sized beings like yourselves to slip through, some of which are not being attended by Skeletons, and they seem to lead directly into the belly of the ship.

You also see that there is are hatches on the at the fore and aft top deck of the ship - metal doors with wheels that you spin to seal or unseal the hatch to allow ingress/egress. The top deck is relatively undamaged and has fewer skeletons, except those that are securing the ropes for turning the ship.

Tamara relays what she sees to the others, but urges the point of view inside The Aurora. We are the edge of the spells range. Could someone please move us closer to the Aurora?

Apr 10, 2021 12:02 am

Apr 10, 2021 12:02 am

"This unit can pilot us but it is a bit tied up at the moment," W.A.R.P. X said. "From interaction so far, this unit does not believe the docent poses any immediate threat. Release should be safe but further restraint is advised once the attunement process is about to be completed in under thirty minutes. If you all agree, please release your grip, and this unit will take the helm."

Last edited April 10, 2021 2:25 am

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Apr 10, 2021 12:41 am

Apr 10, 2021 12:41 am

Brush, understanding WARP’s distress affecting his focus on his surroundings, releases his friend.

Apr 10, 2021 2:27 am

Apr 10, 2021 2:27 am

Unless otherwise impeded, W.A.R.P. X takes the helm, steering The Way and the docked skiffs incrementally closer.

"Signal when we have reached maximum effective range for your remote viewing, Tamara."

Apr 10, 2021 5:45 pm

Apr 10, 2021 5:45 pm

L0-C0 responds to Warp X's question:

"My previous partner was a Titan model construct. It was forged with no identity stamp or free will, and missing several physical features so as to accommodate the grievously wounded Jotun which rode it. It was forged in the Creation Forges* aboard Praxis Alpha six years ago."

* All Warforged are born in Creation Forges. On Khorvaire, the Creation Forges are owned and operated by House Cannith, who found them in Xen'drik ~30 years ago. They reconstructed the machines and discovered how to operate them, leading to the creation of the Warforged. Creation Forges are all shut down and dismantled now, as per the Treaty of Thronehold, an international agreement that ended the Last War and gave Warforged their freedom. Some Warforged believe that they can never be a true people until the Creation Forges reassembled and under their control.

Apr 10, 2021 6:13 pm

Apr 10, 2021 6:13 pm

Orbital Creation Forges! If any are still intact, it could be the beginning of a new era for Warforged. W.A.R.P. X felt warring emotions start to rise but fought to push them down.

"This unit has been grievously wounded and reconstructed, and currently strives to be free of personal identity and emotional entanglement. Perhaps your time within such a construct can offer insights. Once we are fully attuned, will you have access to this unit's memories and vice versa?"

The extent of their bonding was critical, as was the docent's loyalty to the Giants who manufactured it.

Apr 10, 2021 6:27 pm

Apr 10, 2021 6:27 pm

The Way's elemental drive roars to life. The Siberys radiation seems to have affected it too - the engines accelerate quicker than usual. Steam rises from all around the icy asteroid as it rises, which diffusely glows in the golden light of the Siberys Ring.

Once in range, Tamara changes the spell to be inside the damaged hull. The interior is not designed like a traditional ship with walls and hallways, but is an open concept, giving it the appearance of a large cavern. Necromantic fetishes and talismans (skulls, black candles, obsidian altars) adorn most surfaces. Artificial rivers of blood flow through flexible tubing in a network around the ship, all converging at a throbbing black heart in the center of the cavern. Around the heart, a multi-tiered black iron platform has been constructed.

Three ghosts float about the heart. There appear to be manipulating magical wards around the heart - glowing green circles with intricate internal geometries that spin and change with their voices and gestures.

You also notice a fair bit of battle damage inside, as if they fought off a boarding action.

Unusually, the Clairvoyance spell also fills your other senses! You can hear the clang of hammers as the skeleton crews work in unison to patch the hull. You can smell the burning candles and musty bones. You can feel the cold temperature seeping into your skin.

Tamara d'Cannith

Apr 10, 2021 6:49 pm

Apr 10, 2021 6:49 pm

I fear that Regent Moranna ir'Wynarn, Major Aleksander ir'Brenius and Warlord Detlev ir'Barthus, all have died. I see 3 ghosts inside the Aurora.
They seem to be working on the heart of the ship. Literally!

Can't really tell what they are doing.

Last edited April 10, 2021 6:50 pm

Rolls

Arcana +9 (Exper) +1D4 - (1d20+9, 1d4)

1d20+9 : (1) + 9 = 10

1d4 : (2) = 2

Apr 10, 2021 10:56 pm

Apr 10, 2021 10:56 pm

"Our mission is to retrieve the living, not the undead, but circumstances have changed greatly post-launch. The ghost trio and their warriors can be of assistance to us against the Giant Cul'sir Dominion and the Quori-controlled Riedran Sleeping Sword."

W.A.R.P. X paused for a few seconds.

"We must remain careful. The Karrnathi had a reason for achieving orbit which we still are uncertain of. The expedition's ghosts may be even more fanatic about achieving their ends... and ours. We only have so long before we die from radiation poisoning. With this new information, this unit advises we initiate contact openly and offer assistance. If we are rebuffed, we return to base with the information we have, the technology we have procured, and some Siberys dragonshards. All of this cannot die with us up here."

Last edited April 11, 2021 4:41 am

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Apr 11, 2021 3:06 pm

Apr 11, 2021 3:06 pm

Brush says, "I agree with WARP. We should continue our mission, and help against the threats here, but if they don’t want to leave, we should not stop them."

Apr 12, 2021 4:53 am

Apr 12, 2021 4:53 am

"I shall open communication, then," says B-9. They exit to the outer deck and place a Light spell within the lantern.

Apr 14, 2021 9:19 pm

Apr 14, 2021 9:19 pm

As The Way comes into visual range with The Aurora, WARP hears L0-C0 chime in. "Hey, that ship - it's the target that my former partner and I were trying to acquiring. Good work Warp X! My understanding is that the technology on board will help our struggle against the Quori. Is that true?"

Apr 14, 2021 9:31 pm

Apr 14, 2021 9:31 pm

https://db4sgowjqfwig.cloudfront.net/campaigns/96954/assets/921459/Flameskull.jpg?1543269931

As B-9 lights the lantern on the outer deck of the ship, the Flameskulls break formation. Two of the make for the Aurora, while the other four immediately veer towards you. They swoop and fly about, chattering amongst themselves above your ship.

"Intruders! Kill them.."

"With fire, kill them with..."

"These are not Jotuns."

"These are not Inspired."

"Who cares? Dangerous, and precarious are we."

"Listen to them first!"

"The mission will fail if these spies ruin it!"

"Perhaps they are enemies of our enemies."

"Perhaps they can give aid."

"Perhaps we can take it from them!"

"Do not take by force what is freely given."

"Listen then. But if their message is wrong..."

"Fire! Burn!"

All at once, they all confirm: "Agreed."

The Flameskulls spread out before the bow of the ship and demand with all voices unified: "State your purpose!"

Apr 14, 2021 9:47 pm

Apr 14, 2021 9:47 pm

B-9 lowers the lantern and speaks. "We have received a call of distress, and have come to offer medical assistance to any living survivors onboard your vessel."

Apr 14, 2021 10:05 pm

Apr 14, 2021 10:05 pm

"Yes, L0-C0, its technology will greatly aid us against the Quori and other enemies. Do you know the precipitating incident which activated you and your former host? Was it the Quori agents fighting these necromancers? And what technology precisely did your host think would be valuable in acquiring?"

Seeing the fiery craniums approaching made W.A.R.P. X bring the ship to a halt before he said to Tamara, "Your assistance with these introductions may prove invaluable."

Last edited April 14, 2021 10:06 pm

Tamara d'Cannith

Apr 15, 2021 5:50 am

Apr 15, 2021 5:50 am

Tamara moves her clairvoyance spell quickly around the ship. Things could go down any minute now if she can gauge the situation before it goes wrong, she could save themself a lot of trouble.

OOC:

I'll roll Insight to discern where this encounter is headed. Towards diplomacy or violence. She checks on the flaming skulls and on the ghosts at the heart

Rolls

Insight +8 (Exper) - (1d20+8)

(17) + 8 = 25

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Apr 15, 2021 5:37 pm

Apr 15, 2021 5:37 pm

Whispers steels themselves for a possible fight.

OOC:

No pun intended

Apr 15, 2021 8:47 pm

Apr 15, 2021 8:47 pm

annex says:

"Yes, L0-C0, its technology will greatly aid us against the Quori and other enemies. Do you know the precipitating incident which activated you and your former host? Was it the Quori agents fighting these necromancers? And what technology precisely did your host think would be valuable in acquiring?"

"I have no record as to why I was activated, but it predates this incident. The details of that incident seem they might be important to your current mission. Here is my report:"

"The Cul'sir Dominion detected this vessel in orbit and deemed it a useful acquisition. My partner and I along with our Jotun were dispatched as part of a team to assimilate it. The Quori arrived while we were doing that and tried to destroy the ship. The ship escaped, and my partner and the Jotun were badly damaged. There was more action, but my partner's sensors were destroy so I could not see what happened. The important thing is that the ship is intact, hurrah! Assimilation can continue as planned."

Apr 15, 2021 8:52 pm

Apr 15, 2021 8:52 pm

runekyndig says:

Tamara moves her clairvoyance spell quickly around the ship. Things could go down any minute now if she can gauge the situation before it goes wrong, she could save themself a lot of trouble.

OOC:

I'll roll Insight to discern where this encounter is headed. Towards diplomacy or violence. She checks on the flaming skulls and on the ghosts at the heart

Tamara feels this situation is resting on a knife's edge. Two of the Flameskulls seem willing to talk but the other two seem eager for battle. Your read is that the willing-to-listen sentiment is based on the potential that you are more useful intact than destroyed but they will turn on you the moment that they don't feel that way anymore.

Apr 16, 2021 12:27 am

Apr 16, 2021 12:27 am

"Perhaps not as initially planned, L0-C0, but the necromancers' resources will be used to combat the Quori in one way or another. You said you are more of a medical device. What physiological state was your Jotun in when you were first dispatched to assimilate that vessel? When we saw him, he was decidedly unwell."

W.A.R.P. X continued, "Will you be able to sense the world through this unit's sensors? Will you also be able to access this unit's memories and cognitive or motor functions?"

Apr 16, 2021 1:20 am

Apr 16, 2021 1:20 am

"That's right, my primary function is medical assistance.The Jotuns I have been assigned to have catastrophic injuries such as missing limbs and other body parts. In addition I have seen terrible skin conditions that do not track with any disease I am aware of. I have not assisted a proper analysis, so I cannot say more than that."

"Yes I can sense the world through your sensors! That is how I am seeing the ship that is our assimilation target. You can deactivate this feature if you prefer. I can access your memories and locomotive functions if you give me permission. I've gotten quite good at controlling my partner's movements, even though it is not my original function. Would you like me to show you?"

Apr 16, 2021 1:25 am

Apr 16, 2021 1:25 am

"Not at the moment, no, but it may become necessary should this unit become incapacitated. We will discuss it further later. Tell me more about these skin conditions, please. How many are afflicted from your launch point? Was your former Jotun afflicted? When we saw him, he looked undead."

Apr 17, 2021 4:17 am

Apr 17, 2021 4:17 am

L0-C0 replies: "Undead? I am not familiar with this condition, Warp X. The skin condition I am referring most closely resembles a rotting curse, but Jotuns would not suffer such a minor curse for so long."

"I do not know how many Jotuns are on the Colossus but 20 or 30 would be a good guess.

Apr 17, 2021 4:20 am

Apr 17, 2021 4:20 am

The Flameskulls debate noisily among themselves about B-9's response:

"A living soul has never set foot on our vessel. Your medical assistance is useless, and your preoccupation with life is small-minded"

"But, assistance is required!"

"They might be Quori puppets. Or Cul'sir's own creations!"

"The risk is necessary! We are running out of time!"

Apr 17, 2021 4:51 am

Apr 17, 2021 4:51 am

"Was your former Jotun cursed during the assimilation attempt on that ship?"

"Not undead, just cursed," W.A.R.P. X thought.

"Undead are once-living creatures that had been animated by spiritual or supernatural forces, L0-C0, like those fiery craniums out there. Undead populate the ship you sought to assimilate. Can you point me in the direction of the Colossus you and your partners came from?"

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Apr 17, 2021 10:31 pm

Apr 17, 2021 10:31 pm

Brush will speak to the skulls.

"We seek to aid your vessel. What do you require, and we would be happy to lend a hand.

"We defeated a Cul’sir monstrosity nearby, and it seems that they want to capture your technology for some reason.

"The Riedrans attempted to stop us from coming to you, as they wanted to destroy your ship in lieu of the Cul’sir capturing you.

"We are literally sent here to assist your ship in becoming operational again."

Tamara d'Cannith

Apr 18, 2021 9:07 am

Apr 18, 2021 9:07 am

So fare they are willing to talk to us as long as it is to their advantage. They will most likely attack us if they this its benefitial to them. Let's be very careful! Perhaps report to central command first.

Tamara is still keeping an eye on the heart of the ship and the ghosts within.
I'm still keeping an eye on the 3 ex-living people. They are ghosts now. Properly a necromantic trick to stay on the mission when it was deemed too unhealthy to stay here...
gulp!
W.A.R.P., would you ask your friend how long it's safe for me to be up here? And how long it is safe for you guys?

Apr 18, 2021 4:51 pm

Apr 18, 2021 4:51 pm

"As this unit understands, it does not matter where you are on The Way. We are all being exposed to the same levels of Siberys radiation, and could possibly begin feeling the first deleterious effects within less than half an hour."

OOC:

Repost from The Dashing and Daring DM...
Here's the mechanics: every hour spent in an environment with moderate Siberys radiation will require you to make a Con save. The DC starts and 5 and goes up by 5 for each additional hour. If you fail, you receive a level of exhaustion from your body being oversaturated with magic. This oversaturation cannot be prevented by any class feature or healed by any other means than extended rest away from Siberys radiation. If you succeed, you experience the benefits of a Long Rest. You can experience more than 1 long rest in a 24 period this way.
You have currently spent 30 minutes in an environment with moderate Siberys radiation.

Apr 19, 2021 4:17 am

Apr 19, 2021 4:17 am

annex says:

"Was your former Jotun cursed during the assimilation attempt on that ship?"

"No. All the Jotun I meet have been this way for a long time. I have not been told why."

annex says:

"Undead are once-living creatures that had been animated by spiritual or supernatural forces, L0-C0, like those fiery craniums out there. Undead populate the ship you sought to assimilate. Can you point me in the direction of the Colossus you and your partners came from?"

"I see, thank you for that information. You are in luck, I have a magical function that allows me to locate the colossus relative to my current position 3 times per day. I shall cast it now - it seems the Colossus is on an intercept course for our current position, approximately 5 hours away. I'll show you!"

In your field of vision, L0-C0 highlights a dark region of the sky. You realize that this is the second, more distant asteroid that you detected when you first reached The Aurora's last known coordinates.

Apr 19, 2021 4:21 am

Apr 19, 2021 4:21 am

HeroAmongMen says:

Brush will speak to the skulls.

"We seek to aid your vessel. What do you require, and we would be happy to lend a hand.

"We defeated a Cul’sir monstrosity nearby, and it seems that they want to capture your technology for some reason.

"The Riedrans attempted to stop us from coming to you, as they wanted to destroy your ship in lieu of the Cul’sir capturing you.

"We are literally sent here to assist your ship in becoming operational again."

The Flameskulls chatter among themselves. It does not take long before they return, and in unison say:

"We accept your assistance. You will proceed to The Aurora where you will render your assistance. You will report to our masters first."

The Flameskulls part, and leave the way to the ship open.

Apr 19, 2021 4:28 am

Apr 19, 2021 4:28 am

runekyndig says:

Tamara is still keeping an eye on the heart of the ship and the ghosts within.
I'm still keeping an eye on the 3 ex-living people. They are ghosts now. Properly a necromantic trick to stay on the mission when it was deemed too unhealthy to stay here...

Tamara sees the other two Flameskulls arrive at The Aurora and float to the three ghosts. One of the ghosts departs the others at the heart, and accompanies the skulls to a viewport, from which the ghost watches The Way with intense focus. Although spectral and glowing, you realize you recognize that you recognize the ghost - it is the ghost of Aleksander ir'Brenius, a former acquaintance of yours.

[ +- ] Reminder of the living crew of The Aurora

Apr 19, 2021 4:46 pm

Apr 19, 2021 4:46 pm

B-9 nods to the flying skulls, giving Brush a parting look before heading back onto the bridge of The Way. He stands ready to assist in navigating the vessel towards the Aurora.

Apr 19, 2021 5:51 pm

Apr 19, 2021 5:51 pm

"How close shall this unit move The Way to the Aurora?" W.A.R.P. X asked as he effortlessly manipulated the maneuvering controls.

Much quieter, W.A.R.P. X added to B-9, "The docent says there are between twenty and thirty Giants on a Colossus which will arrive in approximately 5 hours, all suffering from what it describes as a wasting curse but what may be undeath. Undead giants meeting undead Karnathi necromancers? The results could be... fascinating."

"How long until attunement is complete, L0-C0?"

Last edited April 19, 2021 5:51 pm

Apr 19, 2021 5:56 pm

Apr 19, 2021 5:56 pm

"Truth be told, while I was briefed about the nature of the Aurora's condition," B-9 responds, "I did not fully realize how useless I would be. I thought there would be at least one person or more that required medical care."

Tamara d'Cannith

Apr 19, 2021 6:50 pm

Apr 19, 2021 6:50 pm

Lets get on with it Tamara takes the helm and steers The Way closer to the Aurora. As they get within firingrage, Tamara has a thought. What kind of aid can we offer? What kind would they need?

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Apr 19, 2021 11:22 pm

Apr 19, 2021 11:22 pm

"Realistically, they will need some tactical assistance, as well as some technical assistance.

"Seeing that these are now undead, I suspect that their plan relates to the jotun undead, and how to tap into such constructed technology for themselves. It could be a tipping point in their war machine, after all.

"That being said, our mission is to establish contact. Perhaps if we can help them repair their comms array, we can then go in our way.

"If they wish to contend with the Constructs, perhaps we should let them, but we should not participate in the battle ourselves unless it is forced upon us.

"Thoughts?"

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Apr 19, 2021 11:26 pm

Apr 19, 2021 11:26 pm

"Ours is a search and rescue operation. If they insist on staying afterwards, that is their decision to make."

Apr 20, 2021 12:16 am

Apr 20, 2021 12:16 am

With a bit of side eye, W.A.R.P. X cedes helm control to Tamara.

"Agreed, Whispers. Since we do not now what their true mission is, our actions and possible assistance depend on what they stay to do. Once we have rendered what aid is practical, it is best we leave before the Jotun Colossus arrives. If the Aurora cannot be made spaceworthy in that time, its destruction and the evacuation of the ghost crew back to the surface aboard The Way are possible options... if the ghost crew opts to leave. Either way, we must leave and safely return to base with what we have and what we know."

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Apr 20, 2021 2:36 am

Apr 20, 2021 2:36 am

"We should retrieve some siberys shards, also. I would hate to leave without harvesting a few and bringing them for research and what-not. This substance affects magic in such...colorful ways."

As he says this, he thinks on his experience communing with the giant, and Bjïlwa his daughter, and a tear forms and runs down his cheek.

He wonders at the beauty of the marvels of his god, and seeing the significance of a construct crying, leaves the tear to run down his cheek without wiping it.

Apr 20, 2021 4:33 am

Apr 20, 2021 4:33 am

Tamara guides The Way toward the wrecked Aurora, guided by the Flameskulls. Wil 'o wisps and skeletons scatter as The Way nudges up against the wounded ship at the hull breach, and you enter The Aurora via your cargo bay door.

The interior of the ship is exactly as Tamara experienced it in her clairvoyant vision:

The interior is an open concept, giving it the appearance of a large, dark cavern. Necromantic fetishes and talismans (skulls, black candles, obsidian altars) adorn most surfaces. Artificial rivers of blood flow through flexible tubing in a network around the ship, all converging at a throbbing black heart in the center of the cavern. Around the heart, a multi-tiered black iron platform has been constructed. An unnatural chill permeates the air, as does the smell of burning candles and musty bones.

The ghost of Major Aleksander ir'Brenius floats up to you. Although he looks over all of the Warforged, it is Tamara that he addresses. Although he has the face of a stern, no-nonsense man, a smile seems to be breaking through.

[ +- ] Aleksander ir'Brenius in life

"Tamara d'Cannith, can it be you? When I say to you that you and your team of Warforged are a welcome surprise, please understand what an understatement it is. But, we must delay pleasantries. You are likely aware that you are in a Siberys radiation zone. And, we have stepped into the middle of a secret war and are in grave danger."

Meanwhile, L0-C0 lets WARP X know that attunement is 85% complete and anticipates attunement completing in less than 20 minutes.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Apr 20, 2021 5:06 am

Apr 20, 2021 5:06 am

Brush puts his fist to his chest and bows his upper torso before the Major, saying, "Major, it is a sincere honor and pleasure to be in your service.

"I fought on the side of Breland during the war, but your exploits of strategy were talked about by my superiors at length. I believe my unit fought a unit of yours at one point, but it was a hard-fought fight, and your strategies won the battle that day."

Brush lifts his head from the bow, the track of his single tear visible on his mechanical face.

He says, "How can we be of service to you, sir?"

Apr 20, 2021 4:43 pm

Apr 20, 2021 4:43 pm

B-9 brings his medical kit with him, despite the knowledge that nothing 'alive' remains; there may still be a use, after all.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Apr 20, 2021 5:18 pm

Apr 20, 2021 5:18 pm

CancerMan says:

B-9 brings his medical kit with him, despite the knowledge that nothing 'alive' remains; there may still be a use, after all.

OOC:

Maybe you can bind some broken zombie parts together or something.

Apr 21, 2021 12:25 am

Apr 21, 2021 12:25 am

"What specifically did your Jotun believe should be salvaged from within this ship, L0-C0? Or was it the vessel's general advanced state?"

W.A.R.P. X walked with B-9 and was in awe of the necromantic wetwork within the Aurora. Its purple lenses slid over its eyes as it tried to discern exactly what they were doing. Was it merely fixing the damage or something more? Its eyes were drawn especially to the heart, the massive and beating core of the ship, and the delicate fetishistic web surrounding and supporting it.

"Beautiful."

Rolls

Arcana (advantage from Goggles of Object Reading) - (1d20+9, 1d20+9)

1d20+9 : (13) + 9 = 22

1d20+9 : (17) + 9 = 26

Apr 21, 2021 7:47 am

Apr 21, 2021 7:47 am

Aleksander acknowledges Brush with a nod. He replies "My nation is my life. This statement has never been more true now that I am dead."

He gestures you to follow him, and explains their situation as you in as your descend into the depths of The Aurora. He begins by explaining his ghostly state.

"We believed that Siberys radiation would be unsafe to operate in, so we shed our mortal skins. As disembodied spirits we are able to operate the ship and command undead. But it came at a cost. Before launch, we died in a blood ritual that bound our spirits to the ship. Now we cannot leave the ship. If we can get The Aurora to Eberron safely, Karrnathi mages can re-ensoul our spirits. However, if we do not return soon, the opportunity will expire."

As for what can your do to help, he is clear. He confirms what you already know - how they were attacked by the giant hybrids and the Riedrans. However, he only describes the Riedrans as 'unseen attackers' - he seems to know little of their actual identity. When those two forces began fighting each other instead of The Aurora, they escaped.

We didn't make it far, however, and now we are sitting ducks in a race against time. We are no match for giants, and whatever unseen attackers they fought was at least strong enough to hold their own against them. Tamara, you and your team's reputation is known in Karrnath. You have overcome incredible odds in the past. We could use some of that magic now."

Meanwhile, L0-C0 has only limited information to share with Warp X: "The ship is a key part in reconstructing the Colossus."

Warp X examines the heart of the ship as well as the wards that the ghosts are manipulating around it. He realizes that the wards are sustaining an artificial Manifest Zone - a weak spot between the walls that separate the planes. It appears to be connected to the plane of Mabar, the Endless Night that consumes life and light. It’s an unlimited wellspring of necrotic energy but also a hungry void that seeks to consume the cosmos. The heart itself seems to be pumping the necrotic energy throughout the ship.

Warp X is also certain these wards are damaged. Should they fail, he is uncertain what would occur, but it he suspects it would not bode well for The Aurora or its ghostly inhabitants.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Apr 21, 2021 8:15 am

Apr 21, 2021 8:15 am

Brush says, "I am a ward of death and life, a servant of a god who has not revealed itself to me.

"This feat of magic is inspiring to me. I wish to learn from you.

"For now, I will do all I can to help you. May my soul commune with thee?"

At that moment, Brush manifests his soul, it originating from himself and walking towards the ghost of the Major.

His spectral hand is outstretched towards the Major, offering his hand, palm up.

Apr 22, 2021 1:20 am

Apr 22, 2021 1:20 am

Aleksander looks uncertain at first, but once decided he places his hand in Brush's palm with confidence.

Apr 22, 2021 1:54 am

Apr 22, 2021 1:54 am

W.A.R.P. X was definitely not touchy feely.

"When the wards sustaining this artificial Manifest Zone fail, will the necromantic energies from the plane of Mabar explode out to kill all they touch or will all life within a certain radius be sucked into the endless void?"

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Apr 22, 2021 2:07 am

Apr 22, 2021 2:07 am

OOC:

What can I learn from this contact? Can we create a sort of mind-meld, where I learn some necromantic lore or theory from Aleksander?

Tamara d'Cannith

Apr 22, 2021 6:23 am

Apr 22, 2021 6:23 am

Tamara looks around and on the undead. She is casting Mending, Light and other cantrips left and right. I'm trying to burn of some of the magical build-up energy inside me.
Our task seems simple enough, get the Aurora unstuck and flying again. With the skiff, The Way and whatever we can get out of the Aurora we might be able to land safely back on Eberron.

She smiles at Aleksander she quotes him directly from one of his talks. The task is simple, the execution is the complex part.

Apr 23, 2021 6:50 pm

Apr 23, 2021 6:50 pm

Brush and Aleksander's spirits briefly join. You see fragments of his life - bloody battlefields, a loveless political marriage, the birth and death of his son, and countless hours spent studying the necromantic sciences. You are left with a sense of the man - he is a towering intellect, an honorable man, but also one who zealously dedicated to his country.

You try to hold onto the scenes that are of particular interest to the current situation. You see the test results of the Black Heart that powers the Aurora. You witness the early failures resulting in people and things being lost forever inside the Plane of The Endless Night. You see the ritual slaughtering of thousands of goats at midnight to provide enough blood. You behold the incredible results of power output after the technique is perfected.

The ritual to turn Aleksander into a ghost also comes into view. You catch glimpses of the ritual daggers and stone altars. You see test subjects ritually murdered and turned into ghosts, and then brought back to life in corpses preserved in sorcerous tombs.

Apr 23, 2021 6:59 pm

Apr 23, 2021 6:59 pm

Aleksander answers WARP's question "The Endless Night always consumes, never explodes. Should the wards break down, we will be lost within. To date, we have never seen anything come back from The Endless Night, nor have we encountered any record of such a thing happening in the past."

"However, the Manifest Zone is stable"

He floats to an obsidian altar and makes a series of gestures which conjures forth illusory visualizations of the wards and Manifest Zone itself. To those versed in Arcana, you can see what he says is true.

"The problem is we have been cut off and the whole system is powered down. We must syphon the negative energy through the Manifest Zone slowly or we risk a coterminous event, which means we cross over to Mabar and are lost. It will take at least 12 more hours until we have enough energy to return to Eberron."

Apr 23, 2021 7:02 pm

Apr 23, 2021 7:02 pm

Tamara begins to make some headway in repairing battle damage in the interior of the Aurora.

Apr 23, 2021 7:58 pm

Apr 23, 2021 7:58 pm

Leaving the discussions to WARP and Brush, B-9 assists Tamara in repairs with his own Mending spells.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Apr 23, 2021 8:23 pm

Apr 23, 2021 8:23 pm

[ +- ] The images that Aleksander may have seen

Assembly-lines of warforged who look like Brush being pumped out, and lined up by the creation forge.

There was something unique about this one, and the Cannith artificer who was watching the process snatched him from the line-up and took it to his lab, where he started crafting runes and such on this particular warforged. After hours of flourish and flair, he was placed back in the line-up, and went through the creation forge, and "the breath of life" coursed through the artificial body that was modified by the artificer.

The sigils and runes crafted on his form resulted in him growing to a decent size, a muscular build, and a clever mind.

When sorted by the next section of the assembly-line, he was shipped out to a combat unit. He was outfitted with armor, and he gravitated towards the use of a morningstar, which required a bit of strength and skill to use effectively.

He was assigned and shipped to Breland during the war. There, he met Whispers and B-9. They had some human counterparts, but they were specifically used for scouting missions, as advanced operatives.

Brush was effective in the killing game, and viewed it much like a game. When he fought Karnnath for the first time, in fighting undead, he began to see the difference between "living" and "dead" and "undead". Those questions rattled around his skull as he executed mission after mission with his brothers.

It came to a head when one particular Karnnathi unit utilized warforged (who were ill-suited to the task of sentrywork). Upon slaying his first warforged, his mental fortitude began to unravel. He was utterly helpless, as he came into a catatonic state. He was this way for about a week, when all of a sudden, he came to.

He finished his tour of service upon the Treaty of Thronehold, and after obtaining his independence, he traveled to religious figures to find his way, to understand his place in the cosmos.

During a meditative state, he was able to control and manifest his soul, which convinced him of his reality; he was more than a normal construct, and some higher power imbued him with sentience for a high and holy purpose. He was gained a determination to better understand his god, and his (and others') sentience.

Tamara d'Cannith

Apr 24, 2021 6:40 am

Apr 24, 2021 6:40 am

Tamara starts to work and literally pulls materials out of the air. Her dragon mark, which is currently around the place the crystal dagger struck, is glowing fiercely. It even shines through her clothes.

OOC:

She brings the following skills to the table:

Performance of Creation 1/LR
As an action, you can create one nonmagical item of your choice in an unoccupied space within 10 ft. of you. The maximum value of the item is 200 gp and it lasts for 4 hours. The maximum size of the item is Large, at 14th level: Huge.

When you make an Arcana check or an ability check involving artisan’s tools, you can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the ability check.
Tools: Smith 1d20+7+1D4
Tools: Tinkers 1d20+5+1D4

spells:
0: Mending

[ +- ] Creation 5th lev spell

Last edited April 24, 2021 6:43 am

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Apr 25, 2021 5:27 am

Apr 25, 2021 5:27 am

Whispers, being out of their element, just sits back and watches quietly.

Apr 26, 2021 5:24 pm

Apr 26, 2021 5:24 pm

Aleksander, having experienced Brush's religious experience first hand, within the context of Brush's lived experience, is visibly moved. You can see his engineer's mind starting to race before he reigns it in.

"Brush, if we get through this, I would like to talk with you more about your God. The manifestation of a god arising from forged people? There can be no greater discovery, and I can't help but think our meeting is no accident."

Apr 26, 2021 5:42 pm

Apr 26, 2021 5:42 pm

As Tamara and B-9 begin applying their magic to mend the battle damage within the ship, Aleksander approaches Tamara.

"Tamara, you are a brilliant engineer, but we can't fix our way out of this. Your living body cannot survive the Siberys radiation for long enough, and besides, our negative energy reserves won't fill for 12 hours. Our enemies will be upon us in much less.

If we can't save The Aurora, I want you to make sure our story gets back to our leaders. We haven't been able to send a message back to Karrnath since crashing, and we are worried that King Kaius assumes foul play from among the other Five Nations. If we are destroyed, take this to our King and tell him what happened here. Give him this as proof that you found us:"

A signet ring materializes in mid-air. It is made of a strange metal that is white as snow, and has the Karrn wolf's head national symbol carved into it.

Apr 26, 2021 5:48 pm

Apr 26, 2021 5:48 pm

OOC:

Con checks for 1 hour of moderate Siberys radiation exposure. Everyone passes and is safe for another hour! You have the equivalent effect of a long rest take place.

Rolls

B-9 (Benign), Warforged Life Cleric: Constitution save - (1d20+3)

(2) + 3 = 5

Death's Brush: Constitution save - (1d20+7)

(19) + 7 = 26

Whispers: Constitution save - (1d20+2)

(13) + 2 = 15

W.A.R.P. X: Constitution save - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

Tamara d'Cannith: Constitution save - (1d20+0)

(9) = 9

Tamara d'Cannith

Apr 26, 2021 6:28 pm

Apr 26, 2021 6:28 pm

I will take the ring and the story to your king. But I could also just cast the sending spell and give him, or one of his aids the message.

But you are right, my time is properly better served by prepping The Way and the Skiff for battle. Those flaming skulls, they are ranged attackers right? Could we take one or two of them with us as we intercept the enemies?

Last edited April 26, 2021 6:29 pm

Apr 27, 2021 5:16 pm

Apr 27, 2021 5:16 pm

B-9's inner thoughts conflict as they are surrounded by the undead, but the course of the group is becoming clear. "If our choice is to defend the Aurora, I will do what I can to help," they state to their companions.

Tamara d'Cannith

Apr 27, 2021 6:14 pm

Apr 27, 2021 6:14 pm

I think the best we can do within a reasonable timeframe is to meet the enemy and hopefully cripple them, so they can't get here in time. That is the only way I can see we can save the Aurora

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Apr 27, 2021 8:03 pm

Apr 27, 2021 8:03 pm

Brush thinks on this notion proposed by Tam and responds, "Yes, disabling their mode of transportation may be a viable plan. Perhaps if we destroy their means of propulsion, we could delay just long enough for the Aurora's repairs to complete.

"At the very least, we could destroy their main mode of transport. Even if a few stragglers come to attack, we could manage them if we take out their primary transport method.

"Although, I wonder if there is a focal point where the undead hybrid giants are fueled from. Like the Aurora, which is feeding into the energies from Mabar funneled through that heart, perhaps the giants also have some artifact that is fueling their ability to be undead constructs."

He then looks to Aleksander and says, "Do you have any knowledge that you think would benefit us in disabling those Cul'sir abominations?"

Tamara d'Cannith

Apr 30, 2021 6:13 am

Apr 30, 2021 6:13 am

Tamara returns to The Way and the skiff, and starts to get her head around how the weapon on the skiff works.

OOC:

it was a grabbling hook of some kind, right?

May 1, 2021 6:51 pm

May 1, 2021 6:51 pm

Aleksander nods at Brush's request.

"First, from myself and behalf of all Karrnath, I thank you for your assistance. I acknowledge our debt to you and promise it shall be paid in full."

"Now, here is all we know about their mode of transport, if you can call it that."

Aleksander gestures above the obsidian altar and a different set of illusions appear. It displays the Colossus, or what remains of it:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EWhg-t3WAAATP1Q?format=jpg

"This stone and metal head is easily 20 times larger than The Aurora. I believe it to originate from the same science from which the Warforged come from, though Tamara would know more about this than I.

"The abominations live - for lack of a better word - inside the head. They emerged from the eyes and mouth and descended upon us. Our necrotic canons were useless against it."

"Your plan about the thrusters is sound. The neck region does have maneuvering thrusters that appear to be of a different technological origin. Elemental binding. Possibly Dhakanni? We have no idea if the ancient goblin empire ever reached space, but that could account for it. At any rate, they provide minimal maneuvering and the craft mostly obeys its orbit, but if you used these thrusters to put it off-course, that would buy us the time we need."

"The Head itself has formidable weaponry, including energy beam weapons that project from its eyes. Incredibly powerful - you have already bore witness to what they can do to our thick armor. These are the results of just three hits. Avoid them at all costs!"

"As for power source, we believe it is powered from the Siberys Ring. We believe that, like Warforged, this radiation in large doses would be deadly to it, overloading it to the point of destruction. However, in the short term, exposure could cause it to become more powerful. We can't be certain."

May 1, 2021 6:57 pm

May 1, 2021 6:57 pm

runekyndig says:

Tamara returns to The Way and the skiff, and starts to get her head around how the weapon on the skiff works.

OOC:

it was a grabbling hook of some kind, right?

Both skiffs have an operational grappling hook launcher. It is a kind of harpoon gun with 100 feet of spidersilk rope and a winching mechanism that would allow for reeling in the thing you hook onto, or reeling yourself closer to it if it was a larger object. Ideal for anchoring onto something for boarding actions. It has a manual triggering mechanism, but you could extend that to a remote place, such as the bridge.

https://www.coolantarctica.com/gallery/whales_whaling/harpoon-gun.jpg

May 1, 2021 11:01 pm

May 1, 2021 11:01 pm

W.A.R.P. X had been silent for some time while the others traded information.

"Suicide..."

It looked around at the magic skein keeping the dimension of death at bay.

"...of a sort. Detonate the Aurora once the Colossus fragment is within range in five hours. You three ghosts, vital artifacts, and any necessary undead retainers can be accommodated aboard The Way at a safe and covert distance. Once that is dealt with, we can all either continue exploration away from the Siberys radiation and/or return to the surface. That is, of course, unless your ghosts are bound to the Aurora or you are adamant about going further down with the already down ship."

For one determined to be emotionless, its tone is very biting.

"L0-C0, status."

May 2, 2021 1:01 am

May 2, 2021 1:01 am

Aleksander explains the limitations of their ghost form.

"Alas, the ritual has bound us to The Aurora. Necromancy, like all magic, has rules. Ghosts cannot exist without a physical anchor point to "haunt" as we called in less enlightened times. It was our theory that we could travel to the stars safe from the damage of Siberys radiation if we went as ghosts andwith a crew of undead, our fragile bodies suspended just beyond life. Even our ship's systems are immune to overloading from radiation as runs solely on negative energy. We could have sailed right up to the ring and filled it to the brim with Siberys shards. Despite our theories and preparations we did not anticipate such strong foes would be waiting for us."

L0-C0 chimes:

"Hi boss! Looks like we are all attuned! Enjoy accessing these new knowledge and language libraries! Also magic!

OOC:

while attuned to L0-C0, Warp X has proficiency in Medicine, can speak Giant, and has the Healer feat. In addition, he can cast level 1 Healing Word a number of times equal to his proficiency modifier, recharges on a long rest.

May 2, 2021 1:30 am

May 2, 2021 1:30 am

"As expected, unfortunately. Self-destruct should be held as a last resort to capture. Neither of us has enough firepower to stop that ship but the covert approach should slow them down while you complete repairs."

W.A.R.P. X paused, resuming a few seconds later sounding sympathetic.

"Is it possible to create a temporary anchor point aboard our vessel? It would only have to last a few hours at most, long enough to get you back to your necromancers. Any required assistance will be rendered. Perhaps Siberys shards may provide an interim core around which to build a containment field."

"Fascinating. Thank you, L0-C0. We must talk. Things have changed. The situation is different from what you believe it to be, and you deserve to know."

May 3, 2021 11:39 pm

May 3, 2021 11:39 pm

"Is it possible? None of this was possible even two years ago, so it is hard to say if what you propose is possible. But, I have no idea how to do it."

May 3, 2021 11:40 pm

May 3, 2021 11:40 pm

L0-C0 responds: "Sure thing, I'm ready for your update."

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

May 4, 2021 12:03 am

May 4, 2021 12:03 am

lenpelletier says:

"Is it possible? None of this was possible even two years ago, so it is hard to say if what you propose is possible. But, I have no idea how to do it."

Death's Brush speaks up: "Perhaps we can explore some options. I don't know how I did it, maybe through Siberys radiation, but I spoke with a dead giant earlier today, and he requested to speak to his daughter. I was able to manifest her soul briefly to allow her father to see her one last time.

"I know it is a long shot, but what if we were able to replicate that on a larger scale. If I could focus for a concerted amount of time, perhaps I could lend my life force to keep you alive.

"I am sure that the negative energy may hurt me or kill me, but if I could combine my focus and power with the negative energies, as well as connect with the power reserved in a Siberys dragonshard, maybe I could be your temporary anchor point. I am a mechanical marvel, after all."

OOC:

I know I am not proposing a solution that is mechanically available in DND. But what if we could do something like requires a significant use of my character resources (maybe all uses of my "Manifest Echo" abilities, and use of a "Warding Bond" at my highest spell level), and require my concentration to make something like this possible? And maybe the dragonshard has a poisonous effect on me, or maybe I have to make checks more frequently to ensure that I can continue the bond or something? I don't know, just throwing ideas out there...

Tamara d'Cannith

May 4, 2021 8:44 pm

May 4, 2021 8:44 pm

With this much arcane energy available, there is no normal. Restrictions and restrains may not be present, but neither are the safeguards. You could burn out. I have no idea what it could mean for your body to channel that much.

The ghosts were bound to the ship, but what part of the ship? Alex, you say you have bound yourself to the ship. Is it the ship's heart? Can we move that to The Way and then take you with us?

Rolls

Arcana +9 (Exper) +1D4 - (1d20+9, 1d4)

1d20+9 : (9) + 9 = 18

1d4 : (3) = 3

May 8, 2021 11:22 pm

May 8, 2021 11:22 pm

Aleksander considers the both ideas.

"You must both understand, ghosts are not anchored to things - they are anchored to places. Brush, what you propose may be possible temporarily, but I am uncomfortable with putting you in so much danger. And Tamara, although the Heart is an important part of the ritual, we haunt The Aurora. The supernatural does not always operate logically, but its rules are no less firm."

Tamara thinks this over. If ghosts haunt places, then the manifest zone between Mabar and the Aurora is as much the place they haunt as the ship itself. Transferring the Dark Heart to The Way could move the manifest zone onto the ship. There is considerable danger however; the Endless Night ever seeks to devour, and transferring the Dark Heart between ships could destabilize it. In the worst case, it could consume both ships and forever trap them in Mabar.

Brush also considers Aleksander's words. With a large enough Siberys shard, he is confident he could hold the Karrnathi ghosts within his life force. For how long, and at what cost is still not certain. Worst case, all four of you could be lost in an eternity of drifting between life and death.

OOC:

Is it possible to merge these two plans together to enhance the chance of success?

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

May 9, 2021 12:07 am

May 9, 2021 12:07 am

Brush considers Aleksander’s words, as well as Tam’s idea and says, "Perhaps we could leverage elements of both plans. Perhaps we could place the Heart inside of the Way, but instead of fueling the heart with the energy from the ship, we could funnel the energy from my soul through the focal point of a Siberys dragonshard.

"It could be similar to focusing a light rays into a crystal to refract light, perhaps doing this would allow for enough refraction of the negative energy from Mabar to manifest their ghostly forms for long enough for us to get home and give the Karrnathi time to perform their ritual."

May 10, 2021 8:09 pm

May 10, 2021 8:09 pm

B-9 appears hesitant at the thought of Brush sacrificing themselves in such a way, but in the context of the situation they wordlessly regard the plan as one of the only viable ones. "If you choose to pursue this action," they say, "I will do what I can to ensure your survival."

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

May 10, 2021 8:43 pm

May 10, 2021 8:43 pm

Brush grasps B-9’s shoulder and says, "Thank you, my brother. I want to help these people. Your support means so much to me."

May 11, 2021 12:24 am

May 11, 2021 12:24 am

"We are all aware of the sentiments active among us. Let us get on with the necessities," W.A.R.P. X said coldly. "Our first task is to retrieve sufficient Siberys shards so we do not have to make a second trip for more should early experiments fail. The cloaked skiff should be the optimal transport, and this unit should pilot it with Whispers or B-9 as backup. While we are absent, Tamara and Death's Brush can liaise with the Karrnathi about the speculative protocols for this temporary dimensional binding. Shall this unit proceed?"

"We will have that conversation, L0-C0, but first we must retrieve some Siberys shards. As you are monitoring all physiological functions, please give notification when Siberys radiation levels move from merely unsafe to potentially lethal levels."

May 11, 2021 1:01 am

May 11, 2021 1:01 am

B-9 nods, ready to accompany WARP to the cloaked skiff.

SchadDad Inactive forever!

May 11, 2021 1:12 am

May 11, 2021 1:12 am

Whispers seemingly appirates next to their companions. "We must hasten. I will move as quickly as I can to collect shards."

OOC:

I have made some changes to Whispers, so darkness I am invisible to anything that uses dark vision to see me. Fun stuff

Tamara d'Cannith

May 11, 2021 3:52 pm

May 11, 2021 3:52 pm

Let's get to work then.
With Aleksander's instruction, she starts to craft a binding circle, preparing the ship for the arrival of the heart of Aurora

SchadDad Inactive forever!

May 11, 2021 4:08 pm

May 11, 2021 4:08 pm

Whispers heads to the skiff with Warp and B-9.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

May 11, 2021 10:04 pm

May 11, 2021 10:04 pm

Brush helps Tam and Alek as we work to secure the heart for transport. He prays to the unknown god, hoping petitioning grace as we work to save these souls.

May 12, 2021 5:44 am

May 12, 2021 5:44 am

THE SIBERYS SHARD

B-9, Warp X, and Whispers board the skiff and guide the nimble craft over the edge of the asteroid and point it straight at the luminous, golden sea that is the Ring of Siberys, one mile below them. As they descend, they see the effects of the increasing Siberys radiation manifest. Their skiff's crysteel frame is actually growing - fractal crystal patterns emerge on its surface at random, and begin to spiral outward. The skiffs compass that points to the Riedran's cloaked Star Temple is rattling in its glass orb. It, too, is mutating. New magical geometries are orbiting the orb as the spells enchanting it are rewritten. A small image of the Star Temple is forming, although glitchy:

[ +- ] Riedran Star Temple

It stands to reason that similar effects may be happening within yourselves as well. Any plan to dampen the radiation exposure must happen now or it will be too late.

May 12, 2021 6:46 am

May 12, 2021 6:46 am

THE HEART OF DARKNESS

Meanwhile, Brush and Tamara begin prepping The Way to transport the Heart. Clearing out just about everything in the cargo bay, even B-9's infirmary, they make enough room to place the Binding Circle. Tamara is one of the few people outside of the Gnomish lands of Zilargo to learn the secrets of elemental binding, and she uses these techniques to repurpose the elemental binders on The Way for the task at hand. Brush's assistance and his divine magic is invaluable.

OOC:

Creating this unprecedented feat of engineering will require a DC 20 ability check from both Tamara and Brush. You may use any mechanics at your disposal - bardic inspiration, dm-awarded inspiration, spells, etc. You may choose what skill to use, and create an appropriate description of your action as you work together to reinvent Eberron science.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

May 12, 2021 9:18 am

May 12, 2021 9:18 am

lenpelletier says:

THE HEART OF DARKNESS

Meanwhile, Brush and Tamara begin prepping The Way to transport the Heart. Clearing out just about everything in the cargo bay, even B-9's infirmary, they make enough room to place the Binding Circle. Tamara is one of the few people outside of the Gnomish lands of Zilargo to learn the secrets of elemental binding, and she uses these techniques to repurpose the elemental binders on The Way for the task at hand. Brush's assistance and his divine magic is invaluable.

OOC:

Creating this unprecedented feat of engineering will require a DC 20 ability check from both Tamara and Brush. You may use any mechanics at your disposal - bardic inspiration, dm-awarded inspiration, spells, etc. You may choose what skill to use, and create an appropriate description of your action as you work together to reinvent Eberron science.

OOC:

Would a religion skill check in this case suffice, or do you have another skill/ability check in mind?

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

May 12, 2021 9:29 am

May 12, 2021 9:29 am

As Tam works here and there, Brush offers his cleric’s guidance, praying and blessing Tam’s efforts.

[ +- ] Cantrip: Guidance (Abjuration)

Brush will also perform a brief Gentle Repose ritual on the heart itself during the transfer process, to ensure that the heart would stay in a non-decaying state during the transition, and especially that during the transplant to a new "host" (The Way), that if we saw signs of delayed graft function, we would mitigate the risk of organ rejection.

OOC:

I work as an analyst for our Transplant team on their quality metrics, so the terminology does fit.

And especially as he peruses his memory and explores the theological theory in his mind, he keeps a constant, silent prayer to bless him and his friends to find answers and methods to solve these problems before them.

OOC:

Casting Guidance on myself, also.

Every once in a while, when Tam instructs him, he leverages his ability to mend inanimate objects to put things together.

Tamara d'Cannith

May 12, 2021 11:18 am

May 12, 2021 11:18 am

Tamara is working with Brush (who has Bardic inspiration) and utilizing her Artizan intuition to determining energy flows and ebbs in the construction. During the work, she has enhanced her own mental ability to get this right.

[ +- ] Bardic inspiration

OOC:

Guidance from Brush +1d4
Artizan intuition +1d4
Enhance ability (intellect) adv on the roll
Expertise in Arcana
The roll 1d20+9+2d4
The total: 1d20+9 - ( 14 ) + 9 + 6 = 29

Last edited May 12, 2021 11:19 am

Rolls

Arcana +9 (Exper) +1D4 (advantage) - (1d20+9, 1d20+9, 2d4)

1d20+9 : (14) + 9 = 23

1d20+9 : (5) + 9 = 14

2d4 : (33) = 6

May 12, 2021 3:56 pm

May 12, 2021 3:56 pm

As the skiff pierces through the heavy veil of radiation, B-9 attempts to delay the negative effects with an Aura of Purity.

[ +- ] Aura of Purity

May 12, 2021 6:47 pm

May 12, 2021 6:47 pm

"Beautiful," W.A.R.P. X said as the skiff's crysteel and technology reacted, "and fascinating. This piezomystic effect must be studied further at a safe distance and time."

W.A.R.P. X piloted the skiff as near to an appealing Siberys dragonshard as possible without entering instantly lethal range.

"Your blessed shield is appreciated, B-9. Now to the task at hand. This unit will pilot us within 100 feet of... that shard, Whispers will use the grappling hook to tether it, and we will return with it to The Way. If it proves too large, this unit will open fire on it until it is of a moveable size. Using destructive magic under these circumstances might not be advisable but it may be necessary. Does this sound reasonable?"

May 12, 2021 7:08 pm

May 12, 2021 7:08 pm

B-9 says, "If a Siberys dragonshard will not react dangerously to physical alteration, I can deliver a remote unit to whittle the shard to a manageable size."

OOC:

B-9 is referring to the use of their Spiritual Weapon.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

May 12, 2021 7:22 pm

May 12, 2021 7:22 pm

OOC:

Brush's rolls are as follows:

Intelligence [3] (Religion [4]) check plus Guidance [1d4] plus Bardic Inspiration and Mote of Potential [1d10] with Inspiration [advantage]

In other words, 1d20 (w/ reroll) + 1d10 (w/ reroll) + 1d4 +7

EDIT: oh boy!

1d20 - ( 7 ) = 7 [1d20 - ( 6 ) = 6] + 1d10 - ( 1 ) = 1 [1d10 - ( 1 ) = 1] + 1d4 - ( 3 ) = 3 + 7

7 + 1 + 3 + 7 = 18!!! Eeekkk!!!

Last edited May 12, 2021 7:23 pm

Rolls

Dice Rolls, including adv (1d20,1d20,1d10,1d10,1d4)+7 - (1d20, 1d20, 1d10, 1d10, 1d4)

1d20 : (7) = 7

1d20 : (6) = 6

1d10 : (1) = 1

1d10 : (1) = 1

1d4 : (3) = 3

May 13, 2021 5:51 am

May 13, 2021 5:51 am

As B-9 meditates on the Aura of Purity, the anomalous nature of the Siberys radiation causes a surge of energy to pulse outward.

Rolls

Wild Magic Surge! - (1d100)

(61) = 61

May 14, 2021 1:05 am

May 14, 2021 1:05 am

THE RING OF SIBERYS

B-9 brings forth the protective aura, which shields the three warforged. As B-9 draws upon the divine, he feels the spell sending ripples through reality like a stone tossed into a calm lake. The reverberation has unexpected consequences.

The team continues to pilot the skiff closer to the ring and manages to get to the 100ft mark. At this point, everything is blinding golden light. It is nearly impossible to see anything. What more, you feel infused with magical energy. You are thankful of B-9's aura protecting you from some of the negative effects, but other things are happening. You become aware of a third eye that is seeing beyond time and space, and new axis of agency opening up to you that is not constrained by physical rules.

OOC:

B-9's voice is shouting for 1 minute ha!

B-9's senses are suddenly aware of vast, distant suffering. Disease, injury, harm. Continents of suffering. With the magic coursing through you, you can literally see the sickness as diseased, dark threads that create a tapestry of despair. It is so enormous, but at the same time you feel you understand it, maybe can even save them.

WARP X, your third eye extends backward in time. Within it, you see your first mission from beginning to end simultaneously. You see your fellow crew members alive and though under duress of the launch, so full of joy to be pursuing their life dream. You can sense that you can reach out and sift through this torrent of knowledge to understand the ship's failure, and perhaps unravel it.

Whispers, your third eye is already open, and the magic awakens every Chakra. In your vision, you see a perfect, balanced self, able to step across the stars - perhaps even beyond? The configurations are within your grasp to unlock, you are certain of it.

OOC:

Everyone make a DC 10 con check with a advantage due to the Aura of Purity. If you fail, you take 4d6 painless radiant damage and gain a level of exhaustion. Feel free to pursue your original goal, but if you wish to try to achieve what you see in your visions, feel free to take an action in that direction as well.

May 14, 2021 1:52 am

May 14, 2021 1:52 am

W.A.R.P. X's darkest day was illuminated by the blinding light of the Ring of Siberys.

"This uni... I have often wondered if the distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion," W.A.R.P. X whispered as its tertiary sensors tracked the progress of the Ikaris and its crew.

Their faces.

Happy.

Astromancer Larhut determined the disintegration began with the partial separation of the elemental E-ring from the Ikaris but no further information was available. W.A.R.P. IX's data core was too damaged and corrupted after retrieval from the wreckage to help the investigation, its personality matrix was barely intact but gravely injured by the psychological trauma.

His face.

Terror.

"This unit knows the past is obdurate!" W.A.R.P. X shouted as it shut down its tertiary sensors! It strived for so long to move beyond the accident, to not let the emotions touch it, to not let the questions and uncertainties consume it. The others were dead, and that part of it should die with them. But did it have to die? Wasn't there a middle ground for rebirth after near death? Those were the questions W.A.R.P. X would ponder, the mysteries that would be unraveled: the uncertainties of the future.

With an effort of will, W.A.R.P. X reinitialized its tertiary sensors and tried to scan along the ever-branching possibilities of what is to come!

Rolls

CON save - (1d20+2, 1d20+2)

1d20+2 : (11) + 2 = 13

1d20+2 : (3) + 2 = 5

May 14, 2021 1:54 am

May 14, 2021 1:54 am

B-9 largely ignores the effects of the radiation upon their body, conscious perhaps of the dark tendrils interwoven across time and space. They open their palm, extending their senses to examine and identify the miasma of pain and suffering.

OOC:

Perhaps a Medicine check to identify a possible cure or method of relief? Thinking specifically if a spell or divine influence might help.

Edit to add disadvantage, though B-9 modifier is +9 instead of +6.
Edit, forgot to roll CON save with advantage. Succeeded, so no damage and standard Medicine check of 27.

Last edited May 14, 2021 2:00 am

Rolls

Constitution Save, DC 10 - (1d20+3)

(5) + 3 = 8

Medicine check? - (1d20+6)

(18) + 6 = 24

Medicine, disadvantage from exhaustion - (1d20+9)

(18) + 9 = 27

Radiant damage - (4d6)

(4664) = 20

Constitution Save, advantage - (1d20+3)

(13) + 3 = 16

May 14, 2021 5:57 am

May 14, 2021 5:57 am

THE HEART OF DARKNESS

Brush and Tamara work hard to prepare The Way to accept the Karrnathi heart. Tamara succeeds in reconfiguring the arcane algorithms to bind a manifest zone, proving herself every bit the genius daughter of House Cannith. Brush attacks the problem from the divine axis, and his prayers guide the process.

However, with all the Siberys radiation, the combined amount of divine and arcane magic triggers a magic surge at the worst time, and the bound fire elemental manages to escape the binding ring and into the ship! The cargo hold fills with light and heat as the elemental seeks to burn and consume all around it now that it is unbound!

[ +- ] Fire Elemental

OOC:

Tamara's up for round 1 of the combat! Once the fire elemental goes, then both PC's can act together.

ROUND 1

Initiative order:
Tamara
Fire Elemental: AC: 13, Damage: 0
Brush

Rolls

Tamara, Brush, Fire Elemental - (1d20+1, 1d20+3, 1d20+3)

1d20+1 : (17) + 1 = 18

1d20+3 : (5) + 3 = 8

1d20+3 : (12) + 3 = 15

Tamara d'Cannith

May 14, 2021 7:18 am

May 14, 2021 7:18 am

What are you doing here? Can you get back where you belong!
Tam weaves an image of calming flames that the elements hopefully would react to.

[ +- ] Hypnotic Pattern

Quick! Help me here, we need to get it back in place, and we don't have much time.

Last edited May 14, 2021 7:22 am

Rolls

unmodded Wisdom saving throw (DC 18) - (1d20)

(5) = 5

Arcana: Get the elemental back - (1d20+9, 1d4)

1d20+9 : (16) + 9 = 25

1d4 : (3) = 3

SchadDad Inactive forever!

May 14, 2021 9:20 am

May 14, 2021 9:20 am

Whispers see's the infinite possibilities of being everywhere with but a thought and a step. Perfect harmony with the universe, able to simply be somewhere. They reach for it, focusing their Ki into that universal harmony. Knowing if they succeed, the task at hand would be made trivial.

Rolls

Con save - (1d20+2, 1d20+2)

1d20+2 : (19) + 2 = 21

1d20+2 : (20) + 2 = 22

May 15, 2021 10:16 pm

May 15, 2021 10:16 pm

The Heart of Darkness

Tamara's hypnotic pattern is especially powerful in the presence of Siberys radiation, and the Elemental is calmed and pacified by its fractal geometries. Tamara is able to get the binding to intertwine elemental again but she realizes it will take longer to complete than the hypnotic pattern will exist.

OOC:

This task will take 3 minutes. Do you want to cast Hypnotic Pattern (duration 1 minute) two more times? Or do you wish to handle it another way?

Rolls

How long it takes to stuff the elemental in the binders again - (1d6)

(3) = 3

May 15, 2021 10:44 pm

May 15, 2021 10:44 pm

The Colossus was coming. The possible destruction of the Aurora was coming. Other unknowns could be coming, too. All W.A.R.P. X could do was make to focus its tertiary sensors onto what was coming to see how best it could prepare for and handle what was coming. W.A.R.P. X was used to solving complex physical and metaphysical problems, and it applied that talent to unraveling the always divaricating future. Purple lenses covered its eyes as W.A.R.P. X saw.

OOC:

Since W.A.R.P. X can perceive nonlinearly thanks to the Siberys radiation, I'll argue that his consciousness receives support from believing his Goggles can assist him in perceiving and understanding the short term future.

[ +- ] Thanks, Acquisitions Incorporated!

Rolls

Arcana (advantage from Goggles of Object Reading) - (1d20+9, 1d20+9)

1d20+9 : (3) + 9 = 12

1d20+9 : (4) + 9 = 13

SchadDad Inactive forever!

May 16, 2021 1:21 am

May 16, 2021 1:21 am

Whispers stares unfocused into the infinity sprawling out before them. Yet somehow is seeing everything with perfect clarity. The minute vibrations of the universe make themselves known. Their ki radiates out, trying to match that harmonic.

Rolls

Perception check - (1d20+9)

(17) + 9 = 26

Tamara d'Cannith

May 16, 2021 7:53 am

May 16, 2021 7:53 am

lenpelletier says:

The Heart of Darkness

OOC:

This task will take 3 minutes. Do you want to cast Hypnotic Pattern (duration 1 minute) two more times? Or do you wish to handle it another way?

With the elemental pacified, Tamara starts to weave a new spell. The timing is critical as once the sphere of force springs into being the Hypnotic Pattern stops. Now with the elemental inside the sphere of force, she can continue to bind it back to the ship.
She has of course formed the sphere in a way so she can still re-bind the elemental.

OOC:

Status
AC 15
HP: 0 damage out of 63
Concentration: Wall of Force, up to 10 min
spell slot: 1st:4/4 2nd:3/3 3rd: 2/3 4th:3/3 5th:1/2

Last edited May 16, 2021 8:01 am

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

May 16, 2021 3:27 pm

May 16, 2021 3:27 pm

OOC:

Is it possible for Brush to roll the sphere into the position needed for optimal binding position?

May 18, 2021 4:17 am

May 18, 2021 4:17 am

The Heart of Darkness

Tamara reacts quickly and places the wall of force around the tamed elemental, a process she no doubt knew how to use from when she learned to unlock the secret elemental binding algorithms. As the hypnotic pattern expires, the incarnation of fire returns to its normal combustible. It burns and slams against the wall of force without malice but with great power. Brush calmly repositions the force field so that the rebinding can be completed.

With The Way configured to bind the Mabar manifest zone, the next step will be to physically move The Heart into the ship. The easiest way is to drive the way into the cavernous Aurora and load it through the cargo bay doors at the front of the ship. The Karrnathi command their undead workforce to pull back the Aurora's armored hull to create a hole large enough for The Way. Then, you carefully maneuver the craft inside the Aurora.

Once inside, you see that the Karranathi team has unhooked the heart from the blood network, and have created a smaller, portable loop of fluids to keep the giant organ rigid and pumping. It pulses and throbs with loud gulching noises at a more rapid pace as the volume of blood is now greatly reduced. It is not pretty, but it is ready to move.

OOC:

Two tasks are at hand now:

Brush is in charge of physically moving the heart from The Aurora to The Way. It weighs as much as an elephant. Think about your plan and convert it into a skill roll. This is a difficult and delicate procedure, so probably a DC 20 skill roll, but I'll hear any proposal.

Tamara must merge the manifest zone with the binding circle she created in the first step. This is probably another DC 20 arcana roll, but let me know if you have other ideas. For both of you, feel free to employ every trick you have to make your rolls stick. Good luck!

May 18, 2021 4:56 am

May 18, 2021 4:56 am

The Ring of Siberys

B-9 filters through the vast amount of data and diagnoses huge amounts of suffering. With his cognition vastly magnified, he can experience thousands of separate individual illnesses simultaneously: a halfling mother is dying in childbirth; an orc paladin lies mortally wounded after saving his village from a demon; a boy lies paralyzed after falling from a great height; a changeling father is coughing up blood from lung disease - the list goes on an on.

It occurs to B-9 that he might be able to reach out through this newfound connection and actually begin to heal these wounds. If he can survive long enough, he should be able to manipulate this divine connection and begin to untangle the web of suffering across Eberron.

Warp X tries in vain to discover the cause of the disaster that took the lives of his former crew. But it is not too late - he can keep trying! He senses it is just on the edge of his awareness. And if he can figure out the cause, maybe he can prevent the disaster in the first place?

A voice inside his head suddenly chimes in. It is L0-C0: "Hey boss, what's going on?! I am reading some crazy radiation numbers here! You gotta get to safety!"

Whispers sees into infinite darkness and on the other side he sees the crystal sphere that surrounds all of Eberron, its moons, the sun, and all that is within this plane of existence. He peers through the stars - holes in the crystal sphere - and looks outward and sees sphere upon infinite sphere, all worlds like Eberron but each one unique, different. And everywhere there are shadows. This unprecedented discovery could change Eberron forever.

His closed chakras are all that holds him back. Not even aware of them, he now knows his only limitations are contained within himself. Doubt. Fear. Shame. Can he overcome these mortal limitations?

OOC:

B-9, Warp X, and Whispers must make a DC 15 constitution saving throw with advantage. On a failure, you gain 1 level of exhaustion and take 5d6 radiant damage.

If any of you wish to continue to pursue your god-like power, narrate your solution to your situation into a skill check and make a roll.

If you wish to abandon your powers and make for the shard, you'll need aim and fire the grappling hook at the target. Given you are nearly blinded, it will be at disadvantage. Feel free to make other suggestions!

May 18, 2021 5:05 am

May 18, 2021 5:05 am

Meanwhile, as Brush prays to the Becoming God as he works tirelessly to transport the Heart, he senses something he has never felt before. While he has prayed for so long, never did anything ever answer. But in this moment, he senses for the first time a nascent consciousness, struggling to become aware.

May 18, 2021 6:00 am

May 18, 2021 6:00 am

B-9 shouts with lament, "DOL DORN ASKS US TO ENDURE PAIN TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT!"

They force themselves over to the harpoon and proceed with the task of securing the floating shard. As they grasp the firing mechanism, they offer a prayer to their patron to guide their eyes true.

OOC:

Casting Lesser Restoration as a means of combating the blindness.

Rolls

Constitution Save DC 15, Advantage - (1d20+3, 1d20+3)

1d20+3 : (20) + 3 = 23

1d20+3 : (3) + 3 = 6

Wild Magic - (1d20)

(9) = 9

Grappling Hook, disadvantage if the blinded persists - (1d20, 1d20)

1d20 : (8) = 8

1d20 : (2) = 2

Wild Magic Surge - (1d100)

(35) = 35

Effect - (1d10)

(8) = 8

SchadDad Inactive forever!

May 18, 2021 11:22 am

May 18, 2021 11:22 am

Whispers sinks into a meditative position on the skiff and begins steeling their mind against the negative emotions flowing in. Channeling their Ki into a mental barrier.

OOC:

Will burn Ki on the wisdom save if needed

Rolls

Con save Adv - (1d20+2, 1d20+2)

1d20+2 : (3) + 2 = 5

1d20+2 : (12) + 2 = 14

Wisdom Save to stave off the negative emotions - (1d20+5)

(1) + 5 = 6

Ki dump for advantage - (1d20+5)

(8) + 5 = 13

Radiant - (5d6)

(22644) = 18

Tamara d'Cannith

May 18, 2021 2:35 pm

May 18, 2021 2:35 pm

lenpelletier says:

The Heart of Darkness

OOC:

Tamara must merge the manifest zone with the binding circle she created in the first step. This is probably another DC 20 arcana roll, but let me know if you have other ideas. For both of you, feel free to employ every trick you have to make your rolls stick. Good luck!

OOC:

I figure it is pretty much the same roll as before

Guidance from Brush +1d4
Artizan intuition +1d4
Enhance ability (intellect) adv on the roll
Expertise in Arcana
The roll 1d20+9+2d4

Tamaras dragon mark is burning fiercely as she wields its power. She binds, crafts, and weaves magic. When she needs an instrument or a component, it is in her hand. She is so focused that she does not notice the nosebleed from magical exertion. Her dragonmark slowly moves to her face where a long line of the mark positions itself under her nose, soaking up the blood.

OOC:

Result: DC 30

Last edited May 18, 2021 2:36 pm

Rolls

Arcana +9 (Exper) +1D4 (advantage) - (1d20+9, 1d20+9, 2d4)

1d20+9 : (14) + 9 = 23

1d20+9 : (7) + 9 = 16

2d4 : (43) = 7

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

May 18, 2021 7:21 pm

May 18, 2021 7:21 pm

lenpelletier says:

The Heart of Darkness

OOC:

Brush is in charge of physically moving the heart from The Aurora to The Way. It weighs as much as an elephant. Think about your plan and convert it into a skill roll. This is a difficult and delicate procedure, so probably a DC 20 skill roll, but I'll hear any proposal.

OOC:

I will make the assumption that Tam will be giving another bardic inspiration (hopefully), and yes, Brush gives Tam whatever she needs to improve the odds of success.

He is going to use another Religion roll, using Guidance to boost my result, and rerolling the bardic inspiration (1d10).

Here's to hoping!

EDIT: 12+7+49+3 = 31

EDIT 2: I meant to use Athletics. My Athletics is also a +7, so the same roll can apply.

Brush looks around at the heart, and looks at the space it needs to go into. He pushes and grasps at different parts of the Heart to feel its weight, its distribution of weight, and finds hand-holds and such to see what it would take to move this thing.

He prays to his god, takes the mote of inspiration from Tam as she chimes in on some theoretical means, and finds some ways to leverage the heart. He moves boulders and rocks that he can find to help, and he takes some of the plating that the undead peeled away from the Aurora, and he begins devising a method of sliding and rolling the Heart along planks that rest on round boulders as a means of transporting the Heart. He has 3 sheets of metal that the Heart rests on as he rolls it along the surface of the metal and boulders. He also makes sure to check the Heart periodically, to ensure that it stays undamaged during the transport.

lenpelletier says:

Meanwhile, as Brush prays to the Becoming God as he works tirelessly to transport the Heart, he senses something he has never felt before. While he has prayed for so long, never did anything ever answer. But in this moment, he senses for the first time a nascent consciousness, struggling to become aware.

At this feeling, he attempts to peer see using his soul, to reach beyond himself, in order to find where this entity is making these attempts for consciousness.

Last edited May 18, 2021 7:30 pm

Rolls

Religion (DC20) + Bardic Inspiration (Reroll) + Guidance - (1d20+7, 1d10, 1d10, 1d4)

1d20+7 : (12) + 7 = 19

1d10 : (4) = 4

1d10 : (9) = 9

1d4 : (3) = 3

Perception (reaching out with his essence to find where the consciousness is) - (1d20+8)

(15) + 8 = 23

May 19, 2021 2:19 am

May 19, 2021 2:19 am

"Not much... time!" W.A.R.P. X shouted as it refocused its tertiary sensors on the here and now and the shard, then eyed B-9 at the firing controls. In one possible future where B-9 was successful, W.A.R.P. X immediately piloted the skiff away. In another where the medical unit was not, W.A.R.P. X moved beside B-9, autowinched in the grappler, reset it, and fired again using its Clockwork Amulet-enhanced tertiary sensors as telemetric guidance!

[ +- ] Grappler

OOC:

Trying to use the Time Vision for good, channeling it through the Clockwork Amulet to take 10 on the attack roll and hopefully negate a disadvantage roll.
If not, it's got one final and very dangerous plan.

OOC:

Edit: Fortuitously got 10 as the low attack roll. 10 was meant to be. :P

Last edited May 19, 2021 2:28 am

Rolls

CON save - (1d20+2, 1d20+2)

1d20+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

1d20+2 : (14) + 2 = 16

Arcana (advantage via Goggles of Object Reading) - (1d20+9, 1d20+9)

1d20+9 : (12) + 9 = 21

1d20+9 : (19) + 9 = 28

Grappler - (1d20, 1d20)

1d20 : (10) = 10

1d20 : (13) = 13

May 26, 2021 7:45 pm

May 26, 2021 7:45 pm

The Heart of Darkness

Tamara pilots the The Way into position. Aleksander begins marshalling a workforce of undead to to do the delicate move, but it is unnecessary: Brush transcends physical limitations as he personally moves The Heart, working concert with his manifested soul to be both powerful and precise. Was it the Siberys energy that had infused him? Or was this a blessing conferred upon him by the Becoming God? Either way, the three Karrnathi ghosts watch in awe as Brush and his soul bring The Heart onto the way.

On the other end, Tamara works in a blur of genius. No longer just human, she is at one with the Mark of Making, her body aglow. She bends - for lack of a better word, since she is beyond cutting-edge magitech theory - the binding magic into the correct formation to accept the manifest zone and keep it from imploding, dragging them all into The Endless Night.

All they are missing now is Siberys shard - the final piece to make this miracle happen.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

May 26, 2021 8:17 pm

May 26, 2021 8:17 pm

After Brush's feat of strength and physics to get the Heart into the Way undamaged, he asks to be excused momentarily, and then he finds a secluded section of the ship and begins meditating, attempting to commune with this waking consciousness.

"Oh God, I have summoned my faith and strength in thee for this long time. I have traveled the world, studied dogmas and holy writs, and explored the Great Beyond to find thee.

"If there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me? I will give away all my sins to know thee."

He pleads in mighty, humble prayer, that he might commune with his god.

May 26, 2021 8:28 pm

May 26, 2021 8:28 pm

The Ring of Siberys

On the skiff, the radiation is taking its toll the warforged. Each of the heroes abandons their god-like powers in favor of holding true to their original purpose. There is disorientation as they acclimate to mortality again, but W.A.R.P. X manages to make contact with a shard with the aid of a supercharged Clockwork Amulet.

Drawing the shard into the skiff, they return to The Way. All three of the warforged are visibly changed by the exposure, golden light fading from their eyes.

The three present their Siberys shard - a warm amber crystal big enough that Tamara could easily hide behind it and be completely hidden. On Khorvaire, the value of this shard would be beyond measure. To the three Karrnathi ghosts, it is worth more - their very lives hang on the shard to deliver the power necessary to contain the Mabaran manifest zone and hold the Endless Night at bay.

OOC:

Tamara - wrap up the project with a DC 20 arcana roll to see if you contain the manifest zone with the power of Siberys shard.

May 26, 2021 9:07 pm

May 26, 2021 9:07 pm

In The Void

Somewhere beyond the Crystal Sphere, the Becoming God opens his mind for the first time. Four warforged and their Dragonmarked friend united in purpose transcend their original design and touch the divine in the midst of the Ring of Siberys.

The Mender, B-9: built to heal victims of violence, transcending beyond to witness the wider fabric of despair and decay that plagues the world. With his faith, The Mender ignites a call to action within the nascent God.

The Traveler, W.A.R.P. X - built to reach the stars only to fall and rise again. The Traveler's determination in the face of grief and self-sacrifice ignite the spirit within the nascent God.

The Enlightened, Whispers - born in darkness, seeking glory, perfection, and the mysteries of the universe. The Enlightened ignites curiosity and drive within the nascent God.

The Builder, Tamara d'Cannith - Though not a warforged herself, her bonds of friendship of the warforged people entwine her spirituality. It was the Mark of Making that brought the Warforged back to life in the modern age, and her blazing dragonmark and own genius ignites the intellect of the nascent God.

The Disciple, Death's Brush - built to kill, only to discover his own soul. His self-awareness, unshakable faith, and determination to control his own destiny is the final key to igniting the divinity of the nascent God.

The Becoming God hears Brush's prayer and answers back. The voice is but a whisper

Death's Brush.
First of my believers.
I am forged into being.
What should I call myself?

In the distance, for all of Eberron to see, new stars form on the Crystal Sphere. Points of light grow out of the black and form the patter of a single, perfect cog.

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

May 26, 2021 9:28 pm

May 26, 2021 9:28 pm

"If it pleases thee, I resonate with the appellation, 'The Spark Divine', though I am happy to use whichever title or designation that thou wouldst prefer.

"It perplexes me. How wast thou forged into being? Our efforts were devoted to saving these Karrnathi souls; we did not anticipate thy birth or ascension into divinity, though it is glorious to witness!

"I see the display of thy birth in my mind's eye, and I am in awe."

May 26, 2021 10:39 pm

May 26, 2021 10:39 pm

W.A.R.P. X felt a bit sad that the pleasant glow was receding but the burnt sections on Whispers' plating were reminder enough that they'd gotten out just in time. With a motion like polishing a surface, W.A.R.P. X cast a healing spell on the Whispers.

"Exquisite. This uni... I knew you and Death's Brush could achieve such a marvel," W.A.R.P. X said as he inspected the magnificent work. "Any estimate as to this working's decay rate? Will it at least survive reentry before the Karnathi defenses blast us out of their airspace? Allow me to assist in finalizing the invocation."

His words were grim but there was a mirth in them that most here had never heard before. He had faced the past yet again but had accepted it and looked away from it toward building a new future.

L0-C0, I said I owed you the truth, and I will give it to you. If you choose to stay up here, the Colossus will retrieve you when it arrives. If you come with us, you can see what Khorvaire is like today. You can find new purpose.

With that, W.A.R.P. X told his docent all about the thousands of years since the Giants destroyed the enemy moon, the present state of Khorvaire, and the most likely undead current state of the Giants aboard the Colossus.

OOC:

Healing Word on Whispers.
Using the Help action so Tamara's Arcana roll gets advantage.

Rolls

Healing Word - (1d4+5)

(4) + 5 = 9

Tamara d'Cannith

May 27, 2021 5:13 am

May 27, 2021 5:13 am

Tamara's tools are lying around her, but she is not using them anymore. Magic symbols, lines and wands are just aids to get the magic user in the right mindset. She is that mindset. W.A.R.P. X does his best to help her, but she dosent need the tools that he is handing her, nor the drawn lines. She has it all in her head.
And she is witnessing the awakening of a god, in her mind she is cataloging the process, trying to understand. She does her part, but whatever extra attention is focused on the divine spark.

OOC:

Artizan intuition +1d4
Enhance ability (intellect) adv on the roll
Expertise in Arcana
The roll 1d20+9+1d4 with adv
10+9+1 = DC 20

OOC:

Tamara is getting near a Bad wolf moment

Last edited May 27, 2021 5:22 am

Rolls

Arcana +9 (Exper) +1D4 - (1d20+9, 1d20+9, 1d4)

1d20+9 : (6) + 9 = 15

1d20+9 : (10) + 9 = 19

1d4 : (1) = 1

May 29, 2021 11:15 pm

May 29, 2021 11:15 pm

Tamara fuses the massive Siberys Shard with the binding apparatus, its power increases exponentially. The manifest zone is bound and held firmly in place. Tamara has created a manifest zone binding rig, the first of its kind in the history of the Five Nations of Khorvaire.

With the Mabaran manifest zone in place, the darkness seeps through The Way. Lights grow dim, the temperature cools significantly, and a subdued soundscape of distant screams and howling winds fills the ship. There is a general feeling that things are 'sliding' toward the Heart, but when you stop to look you can see that nothing is actually moving.

Meanwhile, L0-C0 listens to Warp's story. It is silent for sometime, and then speaks again with a subdued voice. "I don't know how to process your words, boss. There are certain fundamental axioms that my cognition depends on. I exist as solely as a tool of the Cul'sir Dominion. My very purpose is to further Emperor Cul'sir's command. What am I now that the empire is gone? I am without purpose. Existence is ... futile."

Meanwhile the Brush continues to commune with his God.

The Spark Divine.
So it was spoken by the first Disciple, so it shall be.

The actions of the Mender, Traveler, and Enlightened
Were like casting a stone into the pond of divinity.
The ripples awakened me.
Already growing from the prayers of the Warforged.
But as the pond returns to stillness,
So shall I return to stillness.
And await the wave which will bring me to the shore.
I will always remember my name, Death's Brush, first Disciple.
Spread it to my followers
So that they may know me when I return.

The stars that form The Becoming God's constellation are fading and the sky is returning to normal. You all sense you have only moments before the divine being ceases to exist.

May 30, 2021 1:33 am

May 30, 2021 1:33 am

"Resistance to change is futile. Either we evolve or die. Upgrade or become obsolete. I have learned this only recently, and I believe you can, too. Didn't you feel it with me just now? The fire of creation? And now the birth of a god! You can choose your own fate, L0-C0. You can rejoin the undead remnants of the Dominion or you can come with us to find new purpose on Khorvaire. If you come to the surface, I will be with you if you wish. No one should be alone, not even those with seemingly singular purpose."

While the docent contemplated the nature of its existence, W.A.R.P. X inspected the active manifest zone.

"You've achieved metastable equilibrium. A virtuoso creation, Tamara. While you monitor it, I will pilot The Way. We should fulfill our promise to return for the Riedrans. I can try to plot a course avoiding the worst of the Siberys radiation but I fear undue variation might lead to false vacuum collapse. We could take the two skiffs to them and leave them the damaged one with tools to repair it. I intend to impress Larhut and the flight team with the fully operation one."

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

May 30, 2021 6:59 am

May 30, 2021 6:59 am

lenpelletier says:

Meanwhile the Brush continues to commune with his God.

The Spark Divine.
So it was spoken by the first Disciple, so it shall be.

The actions of the Mender, Traveler, and Enlightened
Were like casting a stone into the pond of divinity.
The ripples awakened me.
Already growing from the prayers of the Warforged.
But as the pond returns to stillness,
So shall I return to stillness.
And await the wave which will bring me to the shore.
I will always remember my name, Death's Brush, first Disciple.
Spread it to my followers
So that they may know me when I return.

The stars that form The Becoming God's constellation are fading and the sky is returning to normal. You all sense you have only moments before the divine being ceases to exist.

Brush speaks to his fading god: "How will I awaken thee from thy slumber?"

He begins to sob, a strange occurrence for him.

The emotions flood his consciousness, and his soul, connected to his body of metal and wood fiber, visibly stretches towards the newly-formed and newly-fading stars in the heavens, even if Brush cannot see them physically.

"I love thee, Oh Spark Divine! Do not leave me or my brothers stranded on a world full of organic creatures.

"We are more when we are with thee here among the Rings of Siberys. WE ARE MORE than mere constructs because of thy tender mercies of blessing us with a spark of thy divinity within us. It is manifest in my soul, as I reach out to thee now.

"Sleep well, my God! I will call upon thee, and evangelize thy name forevermore.

"I pray that thou wilt continue to bless me with the power to expand others souls, just as my faith in thee helped me to discover my own."

Jun 1, 2021 9:02 pm

Jun 1, 2021 9:02 pm

The voice of The Spark Divine is now so distant, Brush is not certain he hears it at all, and yet in his memory he finds this sentence recorded, a commandment to all warforged on how to awaken him:

The key to finding your soul is not finding me.
The key to finding me is finding your soul.

Jun 1, 2021 9:13 pm

Jun 1, 2021 9:13 pm

The three Karrnathi ghosts board the ship, cautious at first, but soon realize there is nowhere else for them to be. Aleksander is beyond astonished.

"Tamara, I knew you were brilliant but this ... this isn't like anything I've ever seen. This is ... a hundred years? ahead of anything seen in Khorvaire. It is truly an honor to witness it. I can see that it has cost you dearly - allow us to maintain the manifest zone while you rest."

The ghosts assume positions around the heart and begin to weave necromantic magic once more, to contain the Tamara's impossible structure.

Behind the ghosts two hulking ogre skeletons carry a huge chest on board. Aleksander comments with a smile: b]"These are national treasures of Karrnath. We brought them to help us succeed at our mission, but as a token of our gratitude - and our friendship - we would like you to have them."[/b]

OOC:

Feel free to describe the reward that you find within the chest for your character if you wish to take one.

The Way once again takes flight with Warp X at the helm. The ship leaves the wreckage of the Aurora. The flameskulls fly in formation around your ship.

OOC:

Anything you'd like to do with the Aurora wreckage before we leave?

Jun 1, 2021 9:17 pm

Jun 1, 2021 9:17 pm

L0-C0 can't cry, but there is no hiding the grief in his voice.

"I don't know a world without Cul'sir, Boss. I ... can't accept it. I'm not sure I ever will. But, I would rather try to find a new purpose than serve in a graveyard of what was once. Will you show me this world of yours?"

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Jun 1, 2021 10:38 pm

Jun 1, 2021 10:38 pm

lenpelletier says:

Behind the ghosts two hulking ogre skeletons carry a huge chest on board. Aleksander comments with a smile: "These are national treasures of Karrnath. We brought them to help us succeed at our mission, but as a token of our gratitude - and our friendship - we would like you to have them."

OOC:

Feel free to describe the reward that you find within the chest for your character if you wish to take one.

Brush looks within the chest, seeing the treasures of Karrnath in resplendent display, and he says, "Thank you, my friends. This is all too kind."

He sifts through the chest, and finds a simple ring, infused with an inky black stone, and etched with the symbol of Mabar (the symbol inside the bottom circle of the image).

https://kanka-user-assets.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/locations/kQU2UJ0HrcuSe632OSBsmNIZqq477diWEurmrSRL.png

OOC:

The black stone is a Mabar crystal.

After placing the ring on his own right index finger, he asks to speak with Aleksander and says, "Aleksander, may I study with your people for a time? I wish to understand the path of the soul, from its inception all the way to its movement beyond. Karrnath has unlocked some secrets to that path that have eluded me in my discovery process, and I wish to explore with you.

"Would you allow me the honor of remaining with you for a short time, in order to expand my understanding?"

Jun 1, 2021 11:30 pm

Jun 1, 2021 11:30 pm

Aleksander responds to Brush's request:

"It would be our honor. We turned to Dolurrh, the Realm of the Dead, during the Last War when all else failed us. Although we turned to it in desperation, we now understand it as a part of the natural order. We are trying to understand Mabar, the Endless Night in the same way, to move past the myths and legends and to harness its power. Alas, I do not know if Mabar can be separated from ruination. Our mission strengthens the case that it cannot."

Jun 2, 2021 12:40 am

Jun 2, 2021 12:40 am

B-9 remains largely separate from the gathered undead, silently addressing the effects of Siberys radiation on their crewmates. They pay particular attention to Tamara, diagnosing the effects of the dragonshard and strenuous activity.

They ignore the chest of treasure, and pause their ministrations only to remind the crew to swing by the remote asteroid to pick up the Riedrans.

Jun 2, 2021 3:24 am

Jun 2, 2021 3:24 am

"I will, L0-C0. I know what it's like to fall from the heavens and be left not sure about who or what you are, what your purpose is. We will explore the future together."

His tasks at the helm kept W.A.R.P. X from inspecting the treasures, not that he'd be interested in any. He was doing what he was literally born for: he was piloting a starship through the aether. What treasure could compare to that?

"We'll be coming up on the asteroid we left the Sleeping Sword on shortly. I still say we leave them the broken skiff and tools to repair it. They might try to suicide attack us if we give them the working one, and that might destabilize the manifest zone."

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 5 months

Jun 2, 2021 3:51 am

Jun 2, 2021 3:51 am

annex says:

"I will, L0-C0. I know what it's like to fall from the heavens and be left not sure about who or what you are, what your purpose is. We will explore the future together."

His tasks at the helm kept W.A.R.P. X from inspecting the treasures, not that he'd be interested in any. He was doing what he was literally born for: he was piloting a starship through the aether. What treasure could compare to that?

"We'll be coming up on the asteroid we left the Sleeping Sword on shortly. I still say we leave them the broken skiff and tools to repair it. They might try to suicide attack us if we give them the working one, and that might destabilize the manifest zone."

Brush tells WARP: "Thank you for your astute observations, insights, and vigilance, friend! You are a beacon of wisdom and light in a dark, dark cosmos."

He walks up to his long-time companion, B-9, and says, "Thank you for convincing us to spare the Riedrans. I believe that your compassion was the key to unlocking The Spark, and I am grateful for your unwavering goodness.

"I have a lot to learn from you, my friend."

He grasps his shoulder and squeezes it affectionately, and then lets it go.

Brush then walks to his friend, Whispers, and finds a way to smile at his friend, saying, "My, we have done the unthinkable in the last few hours, haven’t we?

"What do you plan to do once we land?"

Tamara d'Cannith

Jun 2, 2021 5:30 am

Jun 2, 2021 5:30 am

lenpelletier says:

OOC:

Anything you'd like to do with the Aurora wreckage before we leave?

Tamara is still infused with creation magic and she turns her gaze to the Aurora. With a handwave, she starts to unmake the wreckage. Metal gets heated and an internal wall of force expands the ship into a pile of lumber.

Her dragon mark and her eyes are shining with an arcane radiance and it absorbs all the blood flowing out of her nose.

Please she wimpers. Please let us get away from here.

https://i.imgur.com/PlswPy6.png

Last edited June 2, 2021 6:13 am

Jun 2, 2021 6:08 am

Jun 2, 2021 6:08 am

"Already underway, Tamara. Rest now. You've worked enough miracles for one day," W.A.R.P. X said as he piloted The Way away from what used to be the Aurora.

SchadDad Inactive forever!

Jun 2, 2021 10:34 am

Jun 2, 2021 10:34 am

Whispers thinks quietly for a moment. "I believe I will do some soul-searching of my own. Then perhaps build a monastery dedicated to finding enlightenment within our new god. I saw something out there that I believe I can attain, but it will take time I'm sure."

Jun 5, 2021 2:01 pm

Jun 5, 2021 2:01 pm

The Way approaches the asteroid where they stranded the Riedrans but there is no sign of the Sleeping Swords. You recall A'an words: "In the dark, the Inspired are never alone." The compasses on your skiffs have ceased to work, probably the sensitive instruments burned out from the Siberys radiation, but you can't rule out that the Riedrans have deactivated them somehow.

Warp X takes The Way back to Eberron's surface. The Way handles well despite the burden and the manifest zone - a testament to its engineering and makers. The Ring of Siberys shrinks into a thin, golden line while Karrnath looms larger in your view. But, your gaze cannot help but drift south to the ruined nation of Cyre which was destroyed by magical calamity only five years ago. Seeing the vast swath of twisted, scarred land from above is a stark reminder of the horrors of the Last War and how important this mission was to all people of Khorvaire.

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Game Details

Characters
- CancerMan
  
  B-9 (Benign)