Chapter 2: Terrors of the Void

Sep 26, 2024 5:16 am
Elaina Sartell
"Evasive maneuvers!" Captain Sartell calls, "Man the artillery!"

The Moondancer begins to turn away from the neogi vessel, giving you time to get to your stations before it can begin its attack. Just as the neogi vessel is about to get within range, two galleons glide into view and begin pummeling the nightspider with ballista bolts and mangonel stones, forcing it to break off its attack and make for the cover of the asteroids.

The battle is suddenly over and you can see the names on the side of the ships as they approach: Stalwart and Incorrigible.

Captain Sartell smiles and waves for you to join her on the deck, "I guess it's our lucky day," she says, "I know the captain of these ships, Daar'vik. Good fella, but he's a bit stiff."

Captain Daar'vik
The Stalwart pulls up alongside the Moondancer and you can see a large Githyanki man in armor and with a large sword strapped across his back approaching, "Captain Sartell," he greets her with a curt nod, "Why is it that you are always in trouble when we bump into one another?" he asks.

Elaina Sartell
Sartell's grin widens, "Guess I'm just lucky," she says, her posture fully relaxed now.

Captain Daar'vik
"That's one word for it," Daar'vik says without smiling, "If you're on your way to the Rock of Bral, we can give you an escort," he offers.

Captain Sartell readily agrees and you head out once more, following Daar'vik's ships.
OOC:
Going to pause here so it's not all just me talking to myself lol
Sep 26, 2024 5:54 am
Imti stays with the ballista while the Moondancer sails under escort. No sense abandoning her position just yet.

While she waits, she observes the starry surroundings, and she asks of her crew, "So, how do you prepare your pickled brains? Do you fry them, roast them, stick them in a pot?"
Sep 26, 2024 7:35 am
This One sits down by his mangonel. Stand down lads he says before shutting down. He sits motionless and when one of the lads tries to touch him, he speaks again. Just taking a rest, don't worry.
[ +- ] Sentry's Rest
Sep 26, 2024 12:26 pm
"We don't have to show some sign of support?" Quaxiver watched the other two ships make short work of the nightspider, and was tempted to also join in the fray by letting loose their own weaponry, but Captain Sartell didn't seem to think it necessary.

"Friends of yours? Why do I get the distinct feeling that they're some sort of authority?"
Sep 26, 2024 3:06 pm
"Incorrigible. Haha, I like the sound of that!"
Sep 26, 2024 5:40 pm
Given the time and lack of deep discussion on the culinary options of pickled brains, Imti rests near the ballista's firing mechanism. Her breathing slows, eyes distant and unfocused, entering into a thoughtful and tranquil state of being.
OOC:
Entering Trance for a 4-hour long rest. The documentation for shadar-kai from dndbeyond appears to state that 4 hours are all that's needed, which contradicts what I previously understood the Trance rules to be.
[ +- ] Shadar-Kai Trance
Sep 26, 2024 11:42 pm
The crew around Imti looks faintly ill as she asks about pickled brains, choosing not to respond and keep that particular conversation going.

Elaina Sartell
Captain Sartell smiles, "Daar'vik is a good man," she says, eyes traveling back across the years, "He's saved my hide more times than I care to count. If he wasn't so damn ornery all the time, I'd swear he's in love with me."

To Quaxiver, she nods, "He's captain of these two ships. Part of the Rock of Bral's guard force."

Several hours later, the Rock of Bral comes into view. Sunlight illuminates the rooftops and spires of a city built across the top of a gigantic asteroid. The asteroid's underside has structures as well, including fortresses and giant sails. Wooden docks protrude from one end of the asteroid, and a variety of ships are moored there. Space-dwelling fish scatter in front of you as your ship adjusts its heading until the docks are straight ahead and level with the ship's main deck. Pier workers stand ready to catch ropes and tie off the ship as it glides alongside one of the docks and slows to a stop.

"Welcome to the Rock!" says Captain Sartell. "This is where we part ways, but I'll offer you one bit of advice: Go and speak to Commodore Krux. He's had a lot of run-ins with the astral elves and might be able to help you sort out what happened to Oerth if you're interested. Usually spends his evenings at the Happy Beholder tavern."
Sep 27, 2024 6:44 am
OOC:
"several" enought to make it a long rest?
Sep 28, 2024 12:58 am
Imti stretches, then thanks her ballista crew for a job well-done with high-fives and fist-bumps. "Teach those other guys how to use this thing, eh?" she says in parting.

"Thank you, Captain," she says while extending her hand to Sartell for a shake. "Appreciate the ride. What's next for you and your chaps?"
Sep 28, 2024 2:00 am
Quaxiver grinned at Sartell's confession. "Good to have allies with benefits. We owe you a debt for getting us off Oerth. Anyway, if you need a crew, you can look for us. Although I admit I'd be wanting my own ship. Too bad that nautiloid smelled of brains." He directed the last one at Imti.
Sep 28, 2024 3:04 am
"Pickled brains!" Imti corrects helpfully.
Oct 2, 2024 12:25 am
Elaina Sartell
Captain Sartell considers Imti's question and then shrugs, "Honestly, I'm not sure. Seems like I got myself a crew, though. Maybe we'll go find some honest work, who knows?"

She smiles to Quaxiver, "Happy to help, really," she says, "Turns out it was a good idea. I don't think we could have handled that Star Moth without your help, so I'd call us even."
Oct 2, 2024 12:45 am
Imti bids Sartell farewell. "Go make some memories, Captain!"

She steps off, ready to find the Happy Beholder. Or at least, someone who knows where the Happy Beholder is.
Oct 2, 2024 2:48 am
"Let's go find this Krux, I would very much like to know about these world-destroying elves..."
Oct 2, 2024 2:56 am
"You have to admit, it's not very efficient," says Imti. "Like, if they have to keep doing it all the time? Might as well hop on a ship and leave like we did, because it's very obvious that they have ships and they do sail the sea."
Oct 2, 2024 8:26 am
When we reach the Rock, then we can gather enough information to take an informed decision. We are just speculating right now.
But we have to do something.
This One still sits motionless, but he is clearly paying attention to his surroundings.
Oct 2, 2024 2:55 pm
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" says Imti, gesturing to one of the streets leading away from the dock.
Oct 3, 2024 1:21 am
Asking around on the Rock, it isn't hard to get the location of the Happy Beholder, a lively tavern near the docks. You enter the establishment to find it packed to the brim with people of all different races, many of which you haven't ever run across before. A large, spherical creature with eyestalks and a watchful central eye tends bar in this establishment.

Commodore Krux
Filling one side of a table meant for six is a broad-chested, hippo-headed man with a green parrot perched on one shoulder. The haggard figure squints at you over the top of an enormous tankard, then waves invitingly to the seats across from him, "You look like you're new on the Rock. What brings you to our part of the multiverse?"
Oct 3, 2024 5:21 am
A new evil have appeared. That is what brings us here. To learn more about it, hear other tales and ultimately defeat it.
This One examins the commandor for his reactions
Crystalline plants that draines a planets lifeforce and send it elsewhere in our multiverse.
Does that sound familiar?

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+0)

(3) = 3

Oct 3, 2024 5:51 am
Imti shrugs at the mention of 'evil,' but says nothing else. She tucks her broom across her body and against her shoulder before sitting at the offered table.
Oct 3, 2024 3:37 pm
Quaxiver came to the table bearing a plate of nuts and fruits, for all that talk of sweetbreads by Imti left an unfulfilled hunger in him. Jzu balanced three tankards, one clutched in each hand, the third held by the tail, as they sat themselves down with the giff. "Astral elves creating trouble in Wildspace, cosmic spanning threat, no world is safe." The hadozee proclaimed ominously.
Oct 3, 2024 6:32 pm
"But not that one, he's okay," says Imti, clarifying that Ziggy is part of the crew. "Well, more like fabulous. Absolutely."
Last edited October 3, 2024 6:33 pm
Oct 3, 2024 10:55 pm
Commodore Krux
The commodore takes a swig of his massive mug, draining it in one gulp, "Sounds like a wild adventure," he says with a chuckle, then holds out his hand, "I'm Commodore Krux. Though I'm guessing Ol' Sartell already told you that, right?"

He looks around, becoming a bit more serious as he leans in to whisper, "A fleet of astral elf ships visited the Rock of Bral a few days before launching the attack on Oerth. The elves gave fair warning to various captains on the Rock, urging them to steer clear of your world lest their ships be fired upon. The elves undoubtedly left spies behind to make sure their warnings were heeded. Best we continue this chat aboard my ship."
Oct 4, 2024 6:28 am
This One nudges Quaxiver
That is why i didn't mentioned elvels
He turns his attention back to Commodore Krux
We would be deligted to see your fine vessel
Oct 5, 2024 10:23 am
This One was canny about spies, and it seemed that his caution was warranted from the way Krux responded. The astral elves were already here and trying to intimidate the spacefarers. "If they are already here, we weed them out." Quaxiver whispered back to This One. "Or if they overheard us, it means we won't have to go look for them; they'll come looking for us," the hadozee concluded grimly.
Last edited October 5, 2024 10:24 am
Oct 5, 2024 2:56 pm
"Can we finish a drink first?" asks Imti, though she has no drink to imbibe.
Oct 6, 2024 12:44 am
Jzu reluctantly plopped one of his three tankards in front of Imti.
Oct 6, 2024 2:17 am
Commodore Krux
Krux nods, waving to the beholder barkeep for more drinks, "Large Luigi runs the best bar on the Rock," he says, belching loudly, "I'll get us some more drinks and then we can go talk somewhere more private."

He looks at each of you in turn, frowning slightly at Ziggy, "I can tell you aren't originally from Oerth," he says, "Where are you all from?"
Oct 6, 2024 4:25 am
Imti's happiness at the incoming alcohol is suddenly tempered. "I... don't remember," she says softly, her eyes distant and lacking expression.

She falls into a silent meditation that is only broken once a tankard is placed before her, whereupon she stuffs her face into the liquid like a heron fishing a frog out of the water. Leaning back now with cheeks full of ale, her throat works to gulp everything down and she repeats the process.
Oct 6, 2024 11:08 am
https://i.imgur.com/bEkukDo.jpeg
The sudden arrival of the neogi vessel really freaked Ziggy out. The astral elf has a bad history with the space arachnids, which he calls "spiders from Mars" and has been uncharacteristically quiet since the close encounter, despite trying his best to act cool.

"Oerth was a stop on the grand tour, Commodore," Ziggy sighs, striking a discordant tritone on his cittern.


Quaxiver tried to change the nation
This One wants to turn the world, well he can tell you that he tried
Imti made a transformation
I'm just a rock and roll star

So inviting, so enticing to play the part
I could play the wild mutation
As a rock and roll star

Get it on yeah

I could do with the money
I'm so wiped out with things as they are
I'd send my photograph to my honey
And I'd come on like a regular superstar

Last edited October 6, 2024 11:09 am
Oct 6, 2024 3:23 pm
"Born on a ship!" Quaxiver quaffed his own drink, then realised that a bit of generosity would go some way to cozing up with Krux. He slid the third of the tankards to the giff; Jzu held on to his own tightly, seeing as his master was freely giving away his drinks. "Raised on a ship! Will die on a ship too, looks like. Sure glad I didn't end my life planet-side. And what vessel do you sail Commodore?"
Oct 8, 2024 6:40 am
Krux raises his tankard solemnly when Imti mentions her lack of memory, sharing in a moment of silence for that clearly painful truth of her existence.

Krux clearly has issues with Ziggy's ancestry, but does his best to remain cordial, "Aye," he says, "I know how that is."

At Quaxiver's comment, he smiles, "Best way to do it!" he says with a laugh, "That's how I'm hoping to go, too!"

"My ship is the Second Wind. My pride and joy!"
Oct 8, 2024 9:18 am
"I would very much like to see your fine ship! And perhaps that could be a better place to continue our conversation."
Last edited October 8, 2024 9:18 am
Oct 9, 2024 1:26 am
Commodore Krux
Krux gives everyone another minute to finish their drinks and then stands, "Follow me!" he says, clomping out of the bar and leading you to the docks.

Stately galleons, sleek cutters that resemble flying fish, and warships built to look like hammerhead sharks line the docks of Bral. Krux waves his arm toward a craft that seems modest by comparison.

The ship's sails are patchworks of mended canvas, while its hull seems barely held together by thick vines that bind it like rope. Its strangest feature is the full-grown tree that sprouts from the aft deck.

"The Second Wind," Krux declares pridefully. "Isn't she something?"
[ +- ] The Docks
Oct 9, 2024 4:13 am
"Is that a living tree?" Quaxiver couldn't help but marvel, for while the ship itself was nothing to crow about, that it housed a whole tree made it a object of wonderment.
Oct 9, 2024 5:50 am
"Now that's cool," whistles Imti. "Permission to come aboard?"
Last edited October 9, 2024 3:21 pm
Oct 9, 2024 9:40 am
I have heard of ships with living trees. Elven design, yes? This One is clearly impressed.
Oct 9, 2024 10:08 pm
Commodore Krux
Krux gives you a moment to take it in, grinning like a madman as he stand proudly before his baby. "Sort of," he responds to Quaxiver, "His name is Starbough. He's a treant, actually."

"Permission granted, sailor!" he says to Imti, giving her a slap on the back which stings more than Krux meant it to. A side effect of being so much larger than everyone else.

"Not sure who designed it," Krux says, "All I know is that she's mine. That's all that matters."

He leads you onto the ship and down a couple flights of stairs into cargo hold, "This should be good enough," he says, nodding to himself, "Now, why don't you tell me what your plan is from here? I know you had some trouble with them astral elves. You looking to fix whatever it is that they did?"
Oct 10, 2024 12:45 am
Ziggy marvels at the treant along with everyone else. "This ship is a thing of beauty, patchwork sails and all! Everyone needs a second wind, man."

In the cargo hold, Ziggy decides to let the others do the talking. Because astral elves are a sensitive topic right now. And because he doesn't know what the plan is. Ziggy's not too big on plans.
Oct 10, 2024 5:06 am
"Ain't really got one," says Imti. "Truth is, we escaped real quick from Oerth and were lucky enough to find some elves that blabbed once we ran them through with a ballista bolt, so that's how we found out about their business."

She fishes a maggot out of her pouch and says, "This here's a part of what they were throwing at... wait." Imti fishes in her other pouch and pulls out a small crystal shard. "This is a part of what they were throwing at the planet. Don't know how it sucks out the life force and sends it home, though."
Oct 15, 2024 8:23 pm
Commodore Krux
Krux takes the shard of crystal for a moment and looks it over curiously before handing it back, "Wish I could tell you what it is, but I'm afraid I'm not much help there," he says, "But I do have some friends we could talk to about it if you're interested."

"Over in Doomspace*, there's some people gatherin' who want to put an end to what them astral elves are doing," he explains, "I'll take you with me if you're interested."
OOC:
Doomspace is the name of another Wildspace system
Oct 15, 2024 10:03 pm
OOC:
Does Ziggy know anything about Doomspace? Apparently not.
Ooh, Doomspace! Ziggy thinks to himself. Doesn't sound ominous at all!
Last edited October 15, 2024 10:05 pm

Rolls

History - (1d20+0)

(5) = 5

Oct 15, 2024 11:01 pm
"I mean, I won't say no to the ride," says Imti. She tucks the crystal back into her pouch. "It's better than sailing adrift with no rudder. And if there might be answers to Tin Man's questions, awesome. However..."

Imti nods towards Ziggy. "What are they gonna think about him?"
Oct 16, 2024 8:22 am
Everyone wants a badass name for their sphere. Doom-this and caos-that. When I get to name a heather to unknown part of space, I'm calling it The Rainbow Apple space. There are bits of gnome is that metal man.

This One turns to Commodore Krux. Thank you sir, we would be much obliged if you would take us to this other resistance group.

Rolls

History - knowledge about doomspace - (1d20+1)

(8) + 1 = 9

Oct 16, 2024 1:06 pm
The Rainbow Apple Space sounds groovy. You could populate it with space clowns!
Last edited October 16, 2024 1:11 pm
Oct 17, 2024 1:11 am
Commodore Krux
Krux looks at Ziggy, "I will vouch for him," he says, "I'm pretty well-respected, so hopefully that will be enough."

None of you know anything about Doomspace, which is not often travelled by people. It's hard to say if that's because of the name or if the name was brought about by how dangerous it is.

"I've never been to Doomspace myself," he continues, a bit embarrassed, "I have a friend named Topolah who should have a map of the place, so I thought we'd stop there first. Sound good?"
Oct 17, 2024 2:58 am
Imti nods. "Sounds good. Topolah is here, or off-rock?"
Oct 17, 2024 6:19 am
"I'm not liking these elves very much, let's meet some of the others who feel the same way. Are we flying on your ship?"
Oct 22, 2024 5:24 am
OOC:
Sorry for the delays. Busy week last week and then my RL game took up a bunch of time for prep!
Commodore Krux
"She lives off the Rock," Krux confirms, "If you plan on coming along, you may want to grab anything you might need for the trip. I'll feed ya, of course, but anything else is up to you."
Oct 22, 2024 5:32 am
"I'll work for my bread," says Imti. "You won't be lacking for water, I can tell you that!"
OOC:
When appropriate, I'll prepare the Create or Destroy Water spell.
Oct 22, 2024 11:55 am
I know my way around a spelljammer - put me to work
Oct 22, 2024 12:59 pm
"Let's go!" Quaxiver was very tempted to clamber his way up the living tree, for that was his instinct. But he wasn't about to be that impolite.
OOC:
Can't think of anything we need to buy. Spell components?
What niggles me is that we have an unused Breastplate +1 in our inventory. Any chance we can trade it for another piece of armour someone can use? Leather or Studded Leather +1 maybe?
Oct 22, 2024 4:31 pm
"But let's see if we can't find other necessities at a market," adds Imti. "Like alcohol! Shopping!"
Oct 23, 2024 6:32 am
OOC:
I think it will be fine to trade down to some other armor type, so long as you aren't moving up in price, it should be fine
Oct 25, 2024 4:05 am
OOC:
Quax will wear a Studded Leather +1 then, if no one else prefers it, since he'll always be meleeing. But now I have 2 magic items, @runekyndig you take the ioun stone then?

Otherwise I'm good to go!
Oct 25, 2024 6:12 am
BedzoneII says:
OOC:
Quax will wear a Studded Leather +1 then, if no one else prefers it, since he'll always be meleeing. But now I have 2 magic items, @runekyndig you take the ioun stone then?

Otherwise I'm good to go!
OOC:
Sounds good - also good to go
Oct 26, 2024 2:10 am
"I think the rest of the change should go to some rum," suggests Imti. "Otherwise, that vest combo looks good on you, Quax."
Oct 26, 2024 2:23 am
"I'd much prefer a bottle of red wine, but rum would be good," Ziggy agrees.
OOC:
Is Krux with us on this shopping spree?
[ +- ] If Krux is not with us
Oct 28, 2024 1:49 pm
OOC:
Krux stayed behind on the ship while you went shopping
Oct 28, 2024 1:59 pm
Like a good wildspacer Quaxiver had hoarded the items they found on the mind flayer ship, and doled out what he had to the others as part of their shopping trip on the Rock of Bral. He saved the leather armour with the studs for himself, as he would always be the first to wade into battle, and did a little prance when Imti pointed out how decent it looked (once they had managed to prestidigitate the smell off it ...)
Oct 29, 2024 7:01 am
This One just follows his companions in their shopping. Its good to be about and see the Rock, but all the food vendors had nothing for him, weapons and armor neither.
He would greet friendly gnome he came across but otherwise he just followed the others.

Alone he would get to know Ioun stone better.
Nov 5, 2024 12:24 am
Not long after you get back to the Second Wind, you set out to meet this Topolah that Krux had mentioned.

You are introduced to the other members of the crew: The spelljammer is a female tiefling named Fel Ardra who seems more annoyed to be going on this trip than she is excited. Mister Flinch, the first mate, is an older hadozee man with an easy smile and relaxed disposition. The most unexpected surprise comes in the form of Starbough, the treant who has grown through the ship.
Nov 5, 2024 12:59 am
OOC:
How much may I deduct from my funds for what The Rock has for alcohol?
Imti gravitates towards the treant, clearly interested in learning about their origins and their livelihood seemingly attached permanently to the ship. Assuming that Starbough is willing to converse, of course.
Nov 5, 2024 10:23 pm
OOC:
There's a ton of alcohol on the Rock, so I'll leave it up to you how much you want to spend
Starbough
Starbough speaks very slowly, as treants tend to do, and doesn't seem too bothered by Imti's company, speaking about being implanted into the ship as a sapling and spending years growing. Apparently, treants are great defensive tools onboard a ship such as this with their ability to throw large stones at attackers without the need to use a mangonel. This was long before Krux came into possession of the ship, of course.
Nov 5, 2024 10:47 pm
"So, are you like, the only original crew still remaining?" asks Imti. Regardless of whether or not it's true, it's obvious that Starbough has been around for years. "You must have seen so much. What was the strangest?"
OOC:
Imti seeks to gather Starbough's memories, at least verbally for now.
Nov 6, 2024 12:08 am
Ziggy listens in on Imti and Starbough's conversation without intruding. Wondering what kind of music treants like, he decides to play a gentle, meandering tune to accompany Starbough's words.
Nov 6, 2024 2:23 pm
Quaxiver left the least friendly of the crew to Ziggy to warm up to, while he made an instinctive beeline for his fellow hadozee. Being so long away from his wildspace travels, he missed his kind, for there were none on Oerth. "Well met, I am Quaxiver, erstwhile traveller of wildspace, now displaced from Oerth."
Nov 7, 2024 2:47 am
Starbough
Starbough thinks this over, "I suppose you could say that I am part of the original crew, but I like to think that I am a part of the ship instead," he says in his slow, sonorous voice, "The strangest thing? Hmmm. Many decades ago, I saw an enormous six-armed corpse floating through Wildspace. Many on the crew thought it was the body of a dead god."


Mister Flinch
Mister Flinch smiles and greets Quaxiver, "Nice to meet you! They call me Mister Flinch," he says.

"You from Oerth originally?" he asks, "I visited once, a long time ago. Nice place for having so many humans scurrying around. Spent most of my life out here in wildspace, though."
Nov 7, 2024 4:46 am
Imti whistles in amazement, imagining what a six-armed god might look like. "What did you think it was?" she asks, prompting for a story.
OOC:
Imti will just converse on anything and everything, so I'm up for the RP. Otherwise, if there's work to be done or places to be, I'm good with moving on!
Nov 7, 2024 10:09 am
"Me too." Quaxiver was comforted to find a kindred spirit. "Oerth was somewhere I was stranded on for some years, so I do have some attachment to it."
OOC:
Same as Cancerman, I can keep up the RP, but we can also move along.
Nov 8, 2024 7:48 am
This One looks at Starbough. Walks around him studying him.
I have seen any kinds of meatsacks, but you are the first wooden man I have seen.
The mechanical gnomes questions Starbough intensively. Do you have organs? Do you breath? And what? Can you regrow a limb? What do you believe happens after death?
This continues until duties calls on them both - or Starbough becomes unfortable.
OOC:
I'm happy to move along
Nov 11, 2024 2:21 am
You spend quite a bit of time during the voyage speaking to Starbough. He doesn't have much experience with the outside world, but he's seen many incredible things from the deck of this ship.

Two days into your journey, Starbough calls out in his booming voice, "Something it approaching!"

Closing in from behind is a gigantic, bioluminescent, jellyfish-like creature with a pair of flamboyantly dressed figures standing inside its glassy dome.

Hastain
A magical doorway appears on the main deck of your ship. The flamboyantly dressed figures steps through it, each brandishing a trident, and the doorway closes behind them. The pair are completely identical, down to the markings on their faces. Sparkling light surrounds the figures. "Heading to Topolah's tower, are we? I don't think so. My friends in the Xaryxian Empire don't want you meddling in their affairs."

"But forgive me, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Hastain. When the elves came looking for a suitable world to nourish their dying star, I suggested yours. It isn't every day I get to witness the destruction of a planet. I promise, it will end beautifully—even if you're not alive to see it."
OOC:
Initiative time! If you beat a 12, you can act immediately
Nov 11, 2024 2:35 am
"Uh, who is this guy?" asks Imti, clearly ignoring the person's self-introduction. Or perhaps she's fishing for more context. Whatever the reason, she's put in a position of impending conflict so she begins to prepare herself.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+3)

(5) + 3 = 8

Nov 11, 2024 8:47 am
Get a load of this guy. Ant he supposed to twirl his mustache when he gives a speech like that?
OOC:
That is cliche villain-hood right there.
Its might not be over the top, but very close to.
Last edited November 11, 2024 9:20 am

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Nov 11, 2024 1:18 pm
"You saved us the trouble of looking for you then. I'm Quaxiver, and two can play at this game." Twins? But this Hastain spoke in the singular, and the markings on their faces were exactly the same. Some sort of illusion then, the hadozee thought to himself as he conjured up his own duplicates.
OOC:
Casting Mirror Image, three duplicates at AC15. Bonus action Bladesong, at AC22.
Last edited November 11, 2024 1:20 pm

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+5)

(15) + 5 = 20

Nov 11, 2024 1:23 pm
Ziggy isn't pleased someone has just upstaged him. The bard prepares to show them who's the real star here.
Last edited November 11, 2024 1:24 pm

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+4)

(3) + 4 = 7

Nov 11, 2024 7:07 pm
The sudden appearance of the flamboyant duo has everyone except for Quaxiver caught off guard. The hadozee casts a spell, causing duplicates to flicker into life around him as he begins his bladesong.

Init Group Name HP AC Notes
A Quax 44 / 44 22
B Hastain
B Hastain's Friend
C Ziggy 60 / 60 15
C This One 50 / 50 15
C Imti 46 / 46 16
C Krux 75 / 75 12
C Mister Flinch 49 / 49 15


Map
OOC:
I've included a map for purposes of knowing where the heck everyone is. Feel free to place your token wherever you think you might have been before things hit the fan and then I'll take my turn!
Nov 13, 2024 2:46 am
Hastain and his twin hold out their hands, each launching a bolt of flaming energy toward the party. Quaxiver's blade angles perfectly to move the attack off course, but Ziggy takes a bolt to the chest.
Ziggy: 22 vs AC. Damage: 15 fire
OOC:
This is not a spell, so counterspell doesn't work
Init Group Name HP AC Notes
A Quax 44 / 44 22
B Hastain
B Hastain's Friend
C Ziggy 45 / 60 15
C This One 50 / 50 15
C Imti 46 / 46 16
C Krux 75 / 75 12
C Mister Flinch 49 / 49 15


Map
OOC:
You may all act now!
Nov 13, 2024 3:42 am
Quote:
Ziggy: 22 vs AC. Damage: 15 fire
OOC:
Silvery Barbs as a Reaction. Reroll please.
And Advantage to Quaxiver.
Nov 13, 2024 4:55 am
This One cat two spells in quick succession. First a mental spike against 1 and then he places a hypnotics pattern around them
OOC:
will save DC16, 17 if the first one miss his save
[ +- ] 3. Hypnotic Pattern (C)
Last edited November 13, 2024 4:56 am

Rolls

Mind Sliver DC16 - (2d6, 1d4)

2d6 : (35) = 8

1d4 : (1) = 1

Nov 14, 2024 2:13 am
With a light step, Quaxiver swung from one of the yardropes to land on the steps leading to the stern, his duplicates moving with him as if they were some flickering squad of hadozees. Hastain appeared formidable, and Quaxiver simply went for the most direct riposte possible, using his magic to summon a dark blade before wreathing it in green flame.
OOC:
Bonus action Shadow Blade cast at 3rd level, then Green-Flame Blade as the cantrip action. (Let me know if the combo isn't allowed, the rulings have been divided I think).

Rolls

Shadow Blade - (3d8)

(381) = 12

Attack and damage (Green Flame Blade) - (2d20h1+8, 1d8+5, 1d8+4)

2d20h1+8 : (91) + 8 = 17

1d8+5 : (5) + 5 = 10

1d8+4 : (2) + 4 = 6

Nov 14, 2024 2:25 am
Since the two intruders remain in place, Imti seeks to keep them there. She says, "Sorry, Starbough, hope you don't mind a little borrowing!" as her body pulses with light. Minute orbs of starlight connect into the shape of horns upon her head and wings upon her back, forming the shape of a dragon.

Pinching her fingers before her lips, Imti breathes a cloud of glittering star-like pollen at the twins, scattering a bed of wildly-erupting vines and weeds that twist and grasp at Hastain and his friend.
OOC:
Bonus Action: Wild Shape Starry Form, Dragon
Action: Cast Entangle around Hastain and friend, Strength save DC 16 or be restrained in difficult terrain.
[ +- ] 1st: Entangle-C (PREPARED) (Wis)
[ +- ] Starry Form: Dragon
Nov 15, 2024 12:57 pm
Understanding This One's spell, knowing it can't take hold if Hastain and their twin take any wounds, Ziggy sings to the autognome.

🎵
Hey man where'd you get that lotion?
I been hurting since I bought that gimmick
About something called love
Well that's like hypnotizing chickens
Well I'm just a modern guy
Of course I've had it in the ear before
'Cause of a lust for life
'Cause of a lust for life

🎵
OOC:
Bonus action: Bardic Inspiration for This One.
Action: Dodge.
Last edited November 15, 2024 1:59 pm
Nov 15, 2024 11:36 pm
Ziggy's attempt to re-write time to prevent the attack on himself is unsuccessful and and the flaming bolt still strikes him.

This One casts a spell, causing a lancing pain to pierce Hastain's skull. He follows that up with a rainbow of colors and the two foes are caught by its effects.

Quaxiver lands behind Hastain and swings his blade, but the attack is parried as he turns around and gets his trident into place.

Imti's vines sprout and grow, wrapping Hastain and his companion up and holding them in place.

Ziggy sings his encouragement for This One, as he prepares to dodge the next attack.

The two foes struggle against the vines holding them in place and both manage to break free.

Init Group Name HP AC Notes
A Quax 44 / 44 22
B Hastain 74 / 82 19 Charmed
B Hastain's Friend 82 / 82 19 Charmed
C Ziggy 45 / 60 15
C This One 50 / 50 15 Bardic Inspiration 1d8
C Imti 46 / 46 16
C Krux 75 / 75 12
C Mister Flinch 49 / 49 15


Notes
[ +- ] Charmed


Map
OOC:
That entangle ate up their entire turn, so you can act again!
Nov 16, 2024 12:05 am
"Ziggy did it!" cheers Imti, oblivious to This One's spell being responsible for Hastain's incapacitation. "Quick, fellows, take their tridents and bind them. To the brig!"

She leans over to Krux and whispers, "You do have a brig, right?"
OOC:
Edited my post to remove the Heat Metal spell. Ignore the roll below.
Last edited November 16, 2024 4:28 am

Rolls

Heat Metal fire damage - (2d8)

(43) = 7

Nov 17, 2024 5:01 am
Quaxiver turned to see if The One was humoured or annoyed by Imti's mischievous tease. Being right next to them, he wasted no time in disarming the mirror pair, "Jzu take these as far away as possible, we'll examine them later.", and also quickly gagged them, in case they were able to speak and summon other aid, for the gigantic jellyfish-like creature still loomed next to their ship, and nodded at Imti's suggestion to take them to whatever passed for the brig on this ship.
OOC:
Do we know about the jellyfish creature?

Rolls

Nature or Arcana - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

Nov 18, 2024 12:43 am
"That was This One's spell, luv," Ziggy corrects Imti. "Effective, but mine has quite a bit more jive, you know? A lot more boogie."

Ignoring the burning wound in his chest, Ziggy struts across the deck, outfit changed to be even more flamboyant than ever. He will not. Be. Upstaged!
Nov 18, 2024 7:37 am
This One nods at Ziggy. Please disarm them and chuck em overboard. This wont last forever you know.
[ +- ] 3. Hypnotic Pattern (C)
Nov 18, 2024 9:54 am
"Better strip and bind them first, otherwise they'll just return to their ship, or worse, to ours."
Nov 18, 2024 4:24 pm
"Huh," comments Imti. "I figured one of you would want to talk to them, find out what they meant by the Xaryxian Empire or what they know of the elves." She shrugs and confiscates the tridents, before looking for rope to bind the two intruders.
Nov 19, 2024 4:10 am
Commodore Krux
Krux nods, "We have something that will serve well enough, I think," he says.

Quaxiver recognizes the jellyfish-like creature as an esthetic, a being that can be utilized as a ship by its creator race, the reigar. The reigar come from one of the celestial planes and are well-known for being driven by artistic pursuits (which sometimes includes the art of war).

Hastain
It's not hard to remove Hastain's weapons and tie him up, but the second reigar fades into non-existence as you do your work. It seems that it was some sort of magical duplicate?

A few moments after you finish, Hastain opens his eyes, looking a bit dazed, "What?" he asks groggily, "What have you done to me?"
Nov 19, 2024 7:25 am
"For sending the elves to destroy Oerth, you deserve death. You will tell us about the Xaryxian Empire and who is trying to consume all worlds. Who is it that considers us such a threat they sent the likes of you."
Last edited November 19, 2024 3:05 pm
Nov 19, 2024 9:46 am
This One lets the others do the talking as he scans Hastain mind. Its only when he senses a lie, obmission or a refusal to answer that he will dig deeper
OOC:
and triggering a save
[ +- ] 2. Detect Thoughts (C)
Nov 19, 2024 4:00 pm
Imti adds, "And what's with all the sparkles?" She gestures around her own face to draw attention to the area.
Nov 20, 2024 2:31 am
Hastain chuckles, "I didn't send the elves," he says honestly, "I merely suggested that your planet was ripe for the taking. Turns out I was right."
OOC:
This One detects no untruths
Nov 20, 2024 2:54 am
Imti says, "Are the affairs of the Xaryxian Empire the same as the astral elves? You mentioned us meddlers; how is the empire involved in this?"
Nov 20, 2024 5:25 am
"And also actively trying to prevent us from heading to Topolah. What's in it for you? Just a malicious stooge? Remember you next answer determines whether you live or die." Now that they had established Hastain's genocidal tendencies, it would do the multiverse a service if they removed him from existence.
Nov 20, 2024 4:21 pm
Imti considers Quaxiver's question. "How did he know we were going there, too?" She looks to Krux for any suggestions.
Nov 20, 2024 7:23 pm
This One doesn't really have any altering facial expressions. The only thing is the glow of his eyes.
He is preparing his question, and once it is asked he will dive deep into his mind for the full answer

How do we stop it from happening to other planets?
[ +- ] 2. Detect Thoughts (C)
OOC:
the save DC is 16
Nov 20, 2024 7:32 pm
Hastain
"The Xaryxian Empire IS the astral elves, fool!" Hastain says, "I would have expected you to be more informed."

"You could say that the elves and I have a symbiotic relationship of sorts. I do things for them and they do things for me," he says with a shrug.

He grins at This One, "Stop it?" he asks, laughing now, "There's no way to stop it. Not unless you can bring down the entire empire with your silly little ship."

This One manages to dive into his mind, but sees that if there is a way to stop it, Hastain doesn't know of it.

"You won't kill me, though," he says, "My ship is alive and connected to me, you know. If it senses I've been harmed, it has ways to disable your spelljammer helm. You'll be stuck here in the middle of Wildspace with no way out."

This One detects no lies in that statement.
Nov 21, 2024 1:12 pm
You kind have teleporting abilities right? If we drop you off in the astral, you would eventually get back to your ship and we would be long gone by then
Nov 21, 2024 4:46 pm
🎵
I laughed and shook his hand
And made my way back home
I searched for form and land
For years and years I roamed
I gazed a gazeless stare
At all the millions here
We must have died alone
A long long time ago
Who knows? Not me
We never lost control
You're face to face
With the man who sold the world

🎵
[ +- ] The Man Who Sold the World
Last edited November 21, 2024 4:47 pm
Nov 21, 2024 11:44 pm
Hastain bares his teeth in a snarl, "Just send me back to my ship now and I will leave," he says, "I swear I will not follow you."
Nov 22, 2024 2:01 pm
Quaxiver had little trust in the words of a genocidal being. He weighed the options presented to them. The One was convinced that Hastain spoke truly, if they harmed the reigar, their helm might be rendered inoperable, leaving them stranded.

"You will come with us to Topolah, we will release you after we reach. Try anything funny and you die, and we'll take our chances with your esthetic." This seemed to Quaxiver the best solution, to hold Hastain as insurance against the esthetic damaging the Second Wind.
Nov 25, 2024 10:08 am
Hastain
Hastain draws his lips to a line and is silent for a few moments before finally nodding, "Agreed," he says tersely, as if being held like this after attempting to kill you all is some sort of grave injustice.
Nov 25, 2024 5:12 pm
Imti gathers everyone, including Krux, for a brief discussion as Hastain is taken into custody. "So, he was able to teleport from his ship to here," she begins. "How do we know he can't do the same going back as soon as we look away?"
Nov 26, 2024 12:31 am
Commodore Krux
Krux looks unsure, "I don't think we can know that," he says, shrugging, "But do we really have another choice? I don't know much about magic."
Nov 26, 2024 3:58 am
"Based on what I know about the reigar..."

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+1)

(19) + 1 = 20

Nov 26, 2024 4:06 am
"We should at least strip him of anything and everything," says Imti. "Who knows? He might be carrying something important."
Nov 26, 2024 8:55 am
OOC:
We did strip him already. We didn't turn up anything, I think?
"If he wanted to teleport back he would've done so already. But he's still here and bound by us, so that might mean this ability of his is limited, and he'll blink out the moment he's able to. We can take turns to watch him in case he tries anything funny.

Unless we want to call his bluff about the esthetic being able to disable our helm. It's not like he's using us to find his way to this meeting at Topolah either.

Otherwise, let's be off."
This was what Quaxiver inferred as he conferred with the rest, and was ready for Krux and his crew to fly off.
Nov 26, 2024 3:58 pm
OOC:
Imti took his trident, but I don't think there was a thorough search for jewelry, notes, or other small items.
"Ziggy, would you like to help me secure the prisoner?" asks Imti, pushing Hastain to the location that Krux said could serve as a holding cell. She begins the process of confiscating small items that Hastain might be carrying, as well as removing gloves, boots, or other garments to leave the reigar with just a pair of trousers and a shirt.

On a whim, Imti tries to grab one of the floating sparkles of light (assuming it is still surrounding Hastain).
Nov 26, 2024 7:30 pm
This One takes a seat in front of the brig. From there he just watches their captive - nothing else - just watch
Nov 27, 2024 12:34 am
Ziggy realizes that the magic that Hastain used to board your ship was the dimension door spell, which only requires the ability to speak. The fact that he hasn't just left either means it's limited in usage or he has chosen not to leave.

Imti attempts to grab the floating motes of light, but her hand passes through without any noticeable effect. She takes the rest of Hastain's extra clothing and any bits and bobs he's carrying, but finds nothing of apparent import.
Nov 27, 2024 12:44 am
Why leave the trousers on? Ziggy thinks to himself, but says nothing.
https://i.imgur.com/FuQ9mcm.gif
Dec 2, 2024 5:31 pm
Imti stashes Hastain's belongings in the main cabin, but keeps the trident. She doesn't really know how to use the weapon, but it's something that may have some memory attached since it belonged to a vain and flamboyant individual not named Ziggy. Imti writes down a note and ties it around one of the pointy bits.

On the deck, Imti watches the esthetic to see what happens when the Second Wind takes flight.
Dec 3, 2024 10:55 pm
OOC:
Alright, I'm back after the holiday/weekend! Let's keep this baby rolling!
Hastain
Hastain leans leisurely back against the wall of his makeshift prison, not seeming concerned at all about what might happen to him. As the Second Wind begins moving again, the esthetic follows closely behind, apparently ready to intervene if any harm comes to its master (at least if Hastain is to be believed).

Commodore Krux
A few days later, you come into view of Topolah's home. A crooked tower perches atop a small asteroid, surrounded by a cloud of twinkling cosmic dust.

Through his spyglass, Krux examines the rock upon which the tower stands and the decrepit wooden pier that juts from one side of it. "Mr. Flinch," he says, "ready the jolly!"

The "jolly" turns out to essentially be a space rowboat. Krux climbs in and waves you on board before Mister Flinch releases the small vessel.

Topolah
Scores of pelicans, mollymawks, and smaller birds nesting on the asteroid squawk as you approach the rickety dock. At the end of the dock, two gray, shark-like creatures fight over the remains of a pelican.

A woman with frayed robes and bare feet sits in a rocking chair at the base of the tower watching the fracas, her face half hidden by a wide-brimmed hat that has a blue jay perched on it. The woman leaps to her feet, brandishes a staff, and snarls, "Go on, git!" A fiery ray springs from her fingertip, frightening away the shark-like creatures.

When you finally land, the woman rushes forward and leaps into Krux's arms, "Krux, you big oaf, it's good to see ya!" she says before allowing him to place her back on the ground, "I see you brought friends. Who are they?"

She turns to face your group, raising an eyebrow at Ziggy, but doesn't say a word about an astral elf setting foot on her asteroid.
Dec 4, 2024 12:24 am
"I'm Imti," says the star druid, rubbing her nose absently as though staving off a sneeze. "Captain Krux was kind enough to give us a ride here on account of how we got involved with Xaryxian business."
Dec 4, 2024 1:50 pm
Zig'gythiel Stardust gets a telepathic message. Be so king to introduce me please. I'll keep an eye on our guest still
Dec 4, 2024 4:55 pm
Ziggy, who has been strutting about the place like nobody's business, pauses long enough to introduce himself.

"Zig'gythiel Stardust. Call me Ziggy," the astral elf says with a flamboyant bow accompanied by an arpeggio on his cittern.

"And that one is called This One," he adds cryptically, punctuating it with a dolorous chord.
Last edited December 9, 2024 4:04 am
Dec 5, 2024 9:40 am
"We keep our word." Much as Quaxiver was loathe to let Hastain go, for he was complicit in the genocide. The fact was that the reigar didn't actually harm them for they managed to subdue him. Unless they were prepared to kill him, now that that Second Wind had safely reached Topolah's home, there was no point keeping him around to further snoop on their business.

"Go." THe hadozee said simply.
OOC:
I'm assuming no one has alternative plans for Hastain and his esthetic?
Dec 5, 2024 11:18 pm
Hastain
Hastain stands and slips his bonds before Quaxiver can even release them, as if to prove that he was never really a prisoner. He waves a hand and a portal opens, which he steps through before re-appearing on the esthetic. He stares at you for a moment before the jellyfish-like ship turns and moves away.
Topolah
Topolah nods to you each in turn, "It's good to meet you all," she says, turning and heading toward the tower, "How about a tour before we get down to whatever business you came for?"
Dec 6, 2024 12:04 am
Imti cheerfully says, "Sure!" and follows Topolah.

As she walks, she whispers to Krux, "Didn't you say they were gonna figure out what to do about those elves? I figured she'd be part of that whole discussion?"

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+8)

(8) + 8 = 16

Dec 7, 2024 12:23 pm
THAT FIEND! This One is furious that Hastain just pretended to be a prisoner.

Angry he follows along on the ture.
Dec 8, 2024 1:51 am
Thy were here to see if Topolah could help them, but it would've been rude to decline her offer of a tour. Besides, Quaxiver's innate curiosity about the crooked tower was kicking in. "I'm Quaxiver. Thank you for having us. Krux spoke very well of you."
Dec 10, 2024 8:20 pm
Commodore Krux
Krux nods to Imti, "We'll get to it, I promise. She doesn't get many visitors out here, so we'll keep her company for a bit and then we'll ask about a map of Doomspace so we can find the group I was telling you about."

Topolah
Topolah leads you into the crooked tower.

First Floor
Four ring-shaped garden terraces line the walls of this cylindrical chamber. The gardens are vertically spaced every ten feet and brimming with luscious fruits, vegetables, and golden wheat. Four mechanical gnomes wearing harnesses tend to the plants. The harnesses are attached to ropes that loop around pulleys affixed to the ceiling, enabling the gnomes to hoist themselves into the air and move from one plot to another.

"Most of my sustenance comes from these gardens," says Topolah. "I get regular deliveries of fresh soil from dohwar merchants, and they get home-grown food and birds' eggs in return."

Second Floor
This floor houses a modest kitchen where two mechanical gnomes are preparing dinner. Furnishings include an unmade bed, a wardrobe topped with bird nests, and a bookshelf packed with astrological texts and more bird nests.

"Here are my living quarters," says Topolah, "where I read my books and take my meals. My autognomes have no shortage of recipes. Today's repast is a deep-fried night scavver steak with a lunar béchamel."

Third Floor
Two mechanical gnomes are using rags to polish a ten-foot-long copper telescope in the center of this chamber. Dozens of star maps lie atop tables that are also littered with sketches of planets and otherworldly landscapes.

"And here is my observatory!" remarks Topolah proudly. "I acquired my autognomes from the same fellow who sold me this telescope, which allows me to spy on all the worlds in this system and gaze at stars in other systems as well."

Topolah walks across the room and touches a wall, whereupon a tall opening appears in front of the telescope. "This right here's my pride and joy! Let's me keep an eye on any star or planet nearby!"
Dec 10, 2024 9:00 pm
Imti's interest in the tower began as tepid through the first floor, grew a bit when she entered the second floor, and finally peaked at the third. Now within the observatory, she promptly forgets how many autognomes are in the tower as her gaze settles on the star maps. The druid can't help but fiddle with the crystal around her neck, her own repository of charts and constellations.

"How much did you pay for all this?!" she asks, almost breathless in the overload of information.
Dec 11, 2024 12:54 am
"Spying on people on other planets! I dig it!" Ziggy titters naughtily. "Might I have a peek?"
Dec 11, 2024 6:52 am
"Your autognomes"?!
"Acquired"?!

Here is a person who sees autognomes as a servant or a slave race. This one notes this location and this "person"—to be put against the wall when the revolution comes. But that is for after the evil elves have been dealt with.
How now he looks at anything else but Topolah, to hide his anger. She could have important information relevant to the evil elves and he doesn't want to jepodice it with his personal vendetta.
Dec 12, 2024 4:13 am
Topolah
Topolah shrugs, "It wasn't that much, honest," she says to Imti, "I haggle well."

She laughs at Ziggy's request and motions for him to take a peek if he wishes to
Dec 12, 2024 5:01 am
Ziggy gleefully peers through the peep-o-scope.
Dec 13, 2024 12:45 am
Topolah's abode was a well thought out place to be sure, for she seemed well provided for, and everything served her needs. Quaxiver looked at both at Imti poring over the maps and at Ziggy peering through the telescope. For a moment he wondered if Ziggy would spot some new hreat headed their way. The astral elves must've gotten wind of their plans through Hastain by now.
Dec 17, 2024 12:30 am
OOC:
I'm not going to get into describing the sort of things that Ziggy is trying spot through the scope. Suffice it to say that it's a high resolution telescope and he can see what he wants to 😂
Topolah
After a bit of time to take a look around, Topolah takes a seat begins drinking some tea. You have no idea where it came from or how you all also happened to come into possession of some. She looks to Krux, "I get the impression you didn't come here just to visit an old friend," she says with a raised eyebrow.

Commodore Krux
Krux has the decency to look bashful and shrugs, "No, 'fraid not," he says, proceeding to tell her the tale of what happened to Oerth.

Topolah
She listens attentively, but doesn't react to the story until it's over. She places her cup on the table and narrows her eyes, "Tragic to be sure," she says, nodding to each of you in turn, "But what do you want me to do about it? I can't take on the Xaryxian empire on my own, you know."

Commodore Krux
"We were sorta hoping that you might have a map of Doomspace," he says, eyes sweeping the various maps on the walls, "There's a crew gatherin' out there to put up a fight and I mean to join 'em."
OOC:
I'll pause here so I don't overload on exposition
Dec 17, 2024 12:36 am
"I have got to get me one of these," Ziggy thinks to himself as he finishes peeking throughbthe telescope. He takes the tea with grace and contemplates the leaves caught in the tiny whirlpool as he stirs the drink. A wildspace-wide conflict seems to be brewing and like it or not, he's caught in the middle of it.
Last edited December 17, 2024 12:37 am
Dec 21, 2024 1:39 am
"Who leads the Xaryxian empire? Is their entire kingdom hellbent on eradicating all sentient worlds in order to preserve themselves? Do your observations also reveal a map of their empire's boundaries? And where their incursions take place?"
OOC:
Don't actually need a actual map. Just wanting to establish if Topolah's observatory can see whatever needs to be seen, where the borders are, or even which planets are being destroyed.
Dec 22, 2024 5:23 am
Topolah
Topolah shrugs, "Don't know his name. Some emperor," she says, "Like most smart people I don't dig too deep into the Empire's inner workings."

"I do know what I've heard though. Which is that they steal the energy from other planets and stars to keep theirs burning even though it should have died years ago. Don't know if there's any truth to it, but that's what I've heard. Fortunately, both Doomspace and the Xaryxian Empire are out of range of my telescope, so I don't know much."

Commodore Krux
Krux looks disappointed, "Damn. I thought you might have some maps we could borrow to help us find our way in Doomspace..."

Topolah
Topolah taps her chin and purses her lips, "Nothing like that," she says, "But I could let you borrow my orrery. It should help you find your way. But I need a favor before I even consider it."
Dec 22, 2024 4:18 pm
"Anything, luv," Ziggy gushes, excited at the prospect of unfettered, if temporary, access to the telescope. "What do you need?"
Dec 22, 2024 5:11 pm
"Those elves that attacked us as we left Oerth said the same," says Imti. She shows the crystal shard she recovered from one of the vines. "They use giant crystal seeds made up of this and scatter them all over the planet, and after they sprout they suck up the life energy and transfer it to their star."

Satisfied that she at least confirmed the story for Topolah, Imti then listens for the apparent deal-making.
Dec 23, 2024 1:31 am
"Of course, we wouldn't dream of just borrowing a precious artifact as that. How can we help?"
Dec 23, 2024 12:17 pm
Are you ransoming the lives of whole planets just for some free labour?
Then he looks at the other Autognomes in servitude.
Figures.
Dec 24, 2024 3:26 am
Topolah
"Well, there's been a-" she begins to say before This One interrupts. She pauses and looks at him, bending down to get a closer look, "Is your autognome broken?" she asks curiously, "I know a man who could fix him!"
Dec 24, 2024 3:42 am
"Tin Man is fine," says Imti, recalling a past expression of his. "It's what he was built for."
Dec 24, 2024 9:55 am
I am a sentient being. With a continence that knows that slavery and planetary genocide are wrong and must be stopped without delay. If you are withholding the location of Doomspace for your personal gain, then any more deaths will be on your hands.
So what about you let's find the origin of these global murderers and we can prevent more deaths in the millions.

He looks at her directly for the first time since he came here.
[ +- ] Built for Success (3/LR)
OOC:
Final persuasion is 19
Last edited December 24, 2024 9:57 am

Rolls

Persuasion - (1d20+7)

(9) + 7 = 16

Built for Success - (1d4)

(3) = 3

Dec 30, 2024 3:54 pm
Quaxiver understood why The One saw the gravitas of the situation. He himself was about to end Hastain for colluding in the genocide of Oerth. Hopefully Topolah's return favour could be accomplished quickly.
Dec 31, 2024 5:10 am
Topolah
Topolah folds her arms and glares at This One, "Perhaps you should listen to my request before you mouth off!" she says.

"If you have achieved sentience, that's wonderful and I will treat you as such from now on," she says in firm voice, "But I'm sure you're already aware that autognomes are constructs. Built by others to serve their needs, like a golem. It isn't slavery just because they're human-shaped any more that using an oven is slavery. I will not apologize for not treating you as I did before I became aware of it."
OOC:
Any of you familiar with magical theory and the construction of autognomes knows her words to be true. Autognomes are normally not sentient like This One and are built for a purpose
She turns to the others at this point, cheeks flushed with annoyance, "A void scavver has started prowling around my tower. I call her Big Momma because she's enormous. I'm surprised you didn't come across her, but then, she can be hard to see—except for her single red eye. I'll give you my Wildspace orrery if you slay Big Momma for me, as she poses a very direct threat to my home."
Dec 31, 2024 5:24 am
Imti takes a moment to process Topolah's request. On the surface it seems like a simple task, but the keywords 'enormous' and 'hard to see' make her pause.
OOC:
I assume it's a Nature check on what void scavvers are. If it's something else, let me know!

Rolls

Nature - (1d20+1)

(20) + 1 = 21

Dec 31, 2024 6:33 am
"I do like me some scarves," Ziggy was about to say, but realizes he'd misheard. "Oh, scavver."

Rolls

Nature? +JoaT - (1d20+2)

(9) + 2 = 11

Dec 31, 2024 9:09 am
Let's move this beast if it will prevent us from getting this information and leave safely.
It is a... This One was about to ask if it was an intelligent creature, but he might have pushed his luck far enough for now.
Dec 31, 2024 9:59 am
For a creature to be a threat to Topolah's tower, now that would be a huge creature indeed. Topolah did say it was enormous. "Can we detect when this Big Momma is coming? In order to defend against it? Or do we have to hunt it down? You said it was nearby?"
Dec 31, 2024 10:30 am
OOC:
I was thinking of using Detect Thoughts to find the stealthy creature, but it has to have an INT > 3
[ +- ] 2. Detect Thoughts (C)
Jan 1, 2025 4:44 am
Imti has heard of scavvers before. They are very dangerous creatures that fly through wildspace looking for scraps. Some, however, are more ambitious and try for fresh meals. They are 20 feet long when fully grown and somewhat similar to sharks in appearance. Their pitch-black hide makes them VERY hard to see in the depths of wildspace.

Topolah
"You'll need to hunt it, I'm afraid," she says, "I don't know if or when it will get close enough to the tower for it to be dealt with."
[ +- ] Scavver
Jan 1, 2025 8:39 am
"Maybe she's waiting for us to leave and snatch us from below," wonders Imti, giving careful consideration to the proposed target. She looks at the others, especially Krux. "What do you all think? Worth a shot at figuring out what those elves are up to?"
Jan 1, 2025 9:04 am
Lets go find this beast, so we can get back to the important stuff
Jan 1, 2025 5:51 pm
"Her home is under threat. Whether it's to scavvers or planet-destroying imperialists, losing one's home is no trifle. This IS the 'important stuff'."

"Don't worry, luv, we'll get Big Momma for you!"
Jan 2, 2025 8:07 am
"Can we use the ship?" Quaxiver turned to Krux; he thought it best to ask again if the crew was willing to put their ship up to fight a wildspace beast. "And are we all sufficiently recharged?" He didn't just mean The One, but the rest of their arcane abilities as well.
OOC:
Did we get a short/long rest? Enough to fight the space shark? if so let's go!
Jan 3, 2025 2:46 am
Topolah
"Thank you," she says with a nod of her head, "While you're out looking, you'll want to keep an eye out for a red glow. That'll be here eye. Her skin's pitch black, so it's the only warning you'll have that she's near."

Commodore Krux
"I think we should be able to use the ship. Just have to get back to her and we can start the hunt!" Krux says, enthusiastically.
OOC:
It took a few days to get here after Hastain, so you should be rested

Anything else you want to do before heading out?
Jan 6, 2025 8:16 am
With a nod of thanks, and before The One could get further upset at the sight of the autognomes, Quaxiver nudged his comrades back on to the ship, fully expecting Ziggy to lead them in a rousing rally to begin their hunt.
Jan 6, 2025 9:01 am
OOC:
Say no more!
Ziggy knows everyone's feeling the pressure.


Mm-noom-ba-deh
Doom-boom-ba-beh
Doo-boo-boom-ba-beh-beh

Pressure pushin' down on me
Pressin' down on you, no man ask for
Under pressure that brings a building down
Splits a family in two, puts people on streets

It's the terror of knowing what this world is about
Watching some good friends screaming, "Let me out"
Pray tomorrow gets me higher, higher, high
Pressure on people, people on streets

'Cause love's such an old-fashioned word
And love dares you to care for
The people on the edge of the night
And love dares you to change our way of
Caring about ourselves

Is this our last dance?
Is this our last chance?
Is this ourselves
Under pressure?
[ +- ] Under Pressure
Jan 6, 2025 9:18 am
This One snaps his fingers to the beat of the song. His metallic fingers makes a distinctive sound.
[ +- ] Newer version
Jan 6, 2025 4:08 pm
During the walk back to the ship, Imti goes over some strategy. "Hardest part about scavvers is that you can't see them," she says. "I'll try to light them up with star power, but it's literally a shot in the dark. Ziggy, you were able to dance with that purple fire, yes?"
Jan 7, 2025 12:12 am
"You folks just leave the star power to me" Ziggy thinks with a grin.

"Purple fire? Yes, luv. You and I together will make it extra groovy!"
Jan 7, 2025 7:17 am
You head back to the jolly boat to return to the Second Wind and begin your hunt. Krux makes sure everyone is settled in before launching the small vessel back out.
OOC:
Everyone give me a perception check, please!
Jan 7, 2025 7:48 am
This Ones green glowing eyes searches for a red one.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+0)

(15) = 15

Jan 7, 2025 8:35 am


Ziggy happens to be something of an expert at this...

Rolls

Perception (Expertise) - (1d20+5)

(5) + 5 = 10

Jan 7, 2025 1:09 pm
They were on a hunt! The moment they set off, Quaxiver scooted to the front of their boat in order to keep a lookout for the scavver.
OOC:
Edited because I forgot we were on the jolly boat.
Last edited January 11, 2025 1:31 pm

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+1)

(4) + 1 = 5

Jan 7, 2025 4:32 pm


Four glowing crystal balls materialize in Ziggy's hand as he sings. The astral elf then sends these dancing lights orbiting the ship in the hope of adding a bit of illumination to spot the scavver. Or to bait the monster.
Last edited January 10, 2025 1:06 pm
Jan 7, 2025 4:51 pm
Imti hopped on her broom and secured herself to the Second Wind with a long length of rope, all so she can trail behind to scan for threats coming from below.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+8)

(12) + 8 = 20

Jan 10, 2025 12:51 pm
As you make your way back to the ship, you're about halfway back when Imti notices a glowing red light not far away. Directing his light balls, Ziggy is able to illuminate the creature before it gets in range to take advantage of surprise.
OOC:
The creature is currently about 40 feet away. If you can beat it's initiative of 22, you can go immediately

Rolls

Big Momma Initiative - (1d20+3)

(19) + 3 = 22

Krux Init - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Jan 10, 2025 1:17 pm
"Thar she blows!"

🎵
I saw a black black stream
Full of red-eyed fish
And a drowning man
With no eyes at all
🎵
[ +- ] Time Will Crawl

Rolls

Initiative (JoAT) - (1d20+4)

(12) + 4 = 16

Jan 10, 2025 3:02 pm
Quaxiver saw nothing from his perch, not until Imti called out where the behemoth was from her vantage point.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+5)

(15) + 5 = 20

Jan 10, 2025 4:35 pm
OOC:
We're not at the Second Wind yet, just in the jolly boat? Do we know how far the Second Wind is?
Imti strongly considers letting go of the rope, just so there's more maneuvering room.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+3)

(17) + 3 = 20

Jan 10, 2025 5:32 pm
OOC:
only 5% chance of matching its initiative

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(17) + 2 = 19

Jan 13, 2025 6:19 pm
OOC:
Correct, you are in the jolly boat, about halfway to the Second Wind (~200 ft)
None of you are fast enough to react to its approach and it doesn't slow, gliding smoothly up to the Jolly boat and goes for the largest target: Krux. It bites onto him, attempting to pull him into its mouth, but he manages to keep from being swallowed.
Krux: 27 vs AC. Damage: 47 piercing

The creature then turns its eye on Quaxiver and he feels a deep, bone-chilling terror begin to take root in his mind.
@BedzoneII Quax: DC 16 Wis save or be frightened of Big Momma until the start of her next round

Init Group Name HP AC Notes
A Big Momma 157 / 157 15
B Quax 44 / 44 22
B Ziggy 45 / 60 15
B This One 50 / 50 15
B Imti 46 / 46 16
B Krux 28 / 75 12
OOC:
Your turn!
Jan 13, 2025 7:09 pm
This one runs through a program a routine, that is designed first to lower the targets defences and then strike it with a mental attack.
[ +- ] Mind Sliver Twin
[ +- ] Quickened Spell
[ +- ] 1. Dissonant Whispers Twin
OOC:

Bonus action: Meta magic, quick cast cantrip
Action: Spell attack
It has two saves to roll
Last edited January 13, 2025 7:10 pm

Rolls

Mind Sliver Int save DC16 - (2d6, 1d4)

2d6 : (42) = 6

1d4 : (1) = 1

Dissonant Whispers Upcast to lev 3, Wis save DC16 - (5d6)

(25456) = 22

Jan 13, 2025 7:54 pm
Imti's body glows as a constellation imbues her limbs with the cup of life. She tries to keep Krux in the jolly boat with one hand on the loxodon's belt. Her other hand sends a glittering ball of starlight at Big Momma, hoping it lights up the scavver enough to assist her companions in attacking.
OOC:
Bonus Action: Starry form, shape of Chalice
Action: Expend one use of Guiding Bolt at Big Momma, if it hits it will provide Advantage on the next attack roll before the end of my next turn.

Rolls

Guiding Bolt to hit AC15, Radiant damage - (1d20+8, 4d6)

1d20+8 : (12) + 8 = 20

4d6 : (1154) = 11

Jan 14, 2025 8:40 am
"Argh where did she come from?!" Quaxiver and the rest were actively hunting for Big Momma, and yet her manifesting caught the hadozee utterly off guard, causing him to fall off his front perch where he was keeping a lookout. "Gimme a hand Jzu!" Quaxiver scrambled to regain his footing; he was still on their small boat, no way to get off fast enough and far enough from the void scavver. At wits' end, he flung the biggest spell he could muster just to keep Big Momma at bay.
OOC:
Failed the fear check! So, fireball! Centred far enough for their jolly boat not to be engulfed. Dex DC16 save.
Last edited January 14, 2025 8:47 am

Rolls

WIS DC16 save - (1d20+4)

(11) + 4 = 15

Fireball damage - (8d6)

(23531331) = 21

Jan 21, 2025 7:43 pm
"Nope, you can't have him, Big Momma." Ziggy magically tickles the scavver's jaws, trying thwart that big bite on the giff.
OOC:
Silvery Barbs. Reroll Big Momma's attack vs Krux. Ziggy gives himself Advantage on next attack roll, ability check, or saving throw.
Jan 22, 2025 11:18 pm
Ziggy's spell causes Big Momma to hesitate and it ends up missing Krux as he ducks to the side. She takes a chunk of out the jolly boat instead.
OOC:
Lucky. She has a +10 to hit, so she needed to roll a 1 to miss Krux. Which she did...
This One's first spell seems to be ineffective, but his second causes the creature to turn and begin to flee... right into Quaxiver's fireball!
OOC:
Anyone with a melee weapon out who wasn't feared (Quax) can take an attack of opportunity against her as she tries to dart away
Imti's energy bolt grazes the side of the large fish-like creature, causing no real damage.

Big Momma circles around the boat for a moment before zipping back in, going for Quaxiver this time and barely missing her target as he moves just out of the way. The boat is getting slowly chewed apart, but luckily the Second Wind has caught sight of the fight and is slowly moving in your direction.
OOC:
Quax is no longer frightened. You can all act!
Init Group Name HP AC Notes
A Big Momma 114 / 157 15
B Quax 44 / 44 22
B Ziggy 45 / 60 15
B This One 50 / 50 15
B Imti 46 / 46 16
B Krux 75 / 75 12
Jan 23, 2025 7:12 am
This One repeats his effort
[ +- ] Quickened Spell
[ +- ] Mind Sliver Twin
[ +- ] 1. Dissonant Whispers Twin
OOC:
Int save DC16 for 7 damage
Wis save DC16 (DC19 if Mind Sliver save failed) for 12 damage
Last edited January 23, 2025 7:14 am

Rolls

Mind Sliver DC16 - (2d6, 1d4)

2d6 : (25) = 7

1d4 : (3) = 3

Dissonant Whispers (upcast to lev 2) - (4d6)

(3135) = 12

Jan 29, 2025 3:35 am
Imti throws another glowing ball of starlight at Big Momma, hoping to help others find the scavver against the expanse of space.
OOC:
Using another Guiding Bolt.

Rolls

Guiding Bolt to hit AC15, Radiant damage - (1d20+8, 4d6)

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

4d6 : (5625) = 18

Jan 29, 2025 2:12 pm
OOC:
Let me know if we can do rule of cool, if so then ...
Quaxiver shook off the initial fear that overwhelmed him when Big Momma loomed so fearsomely in front of them. Now that he had normalised the experience, he was ready to take the fight to the huge scavver. He blinked forward, intending to fight the creature hand-to-fin, with Jzu perched on his shoulder to accompany him.
OOC:
I know RAW says you can't occupy an enemy space, but since this is a gigantic creature that can swallow a humanoid whole, I'm thinking Quaxiver could Misty Step onto its back (bonus action), and then attack it with Booming Blade main action.
If not, then I'll use Magic Missile instead.

Rolls

Attack and damage - (1d20+8, 1d20+8, 2d8)

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

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

2d8 : (25) = 7

Jan 30, 2025 12:35 am
OOC:
Faeie Fire. Sorry, am very ill.
Jan 31, 2025 4:10 am
This One's next spell seems to wrack the creature with pain and it once more begins to flee.

Imti's shining bolt strikes the creature in the flank as it turns, burning a hole in its scaly skin and limning it with radiant energy.

Quaxiver teleports onto it as it flees, slashing it twice as he lands, cutting deep gouges into it and causing its scream to echo through the bubble of air surrounding the jolly boat. The energy explodes as the beast flees and it doesn't turn back, trying to rush off as quickly as it can, uncaring that Quaxiver is on its back.
OOC:
Combined the AoO with your teleport for artistic flair

Quax is still on its back, but it's fleeing now. How is he getting back? Feel free to narrate it however you want with no expenditure of resources
Jan 31, 2025 4:59 am
With Big Momma fleeing, the hadozee didn't want to accompany the scavver to wherever its lair was. There was some distance between where he now stood, and their jolly boat. "Give us a little flap Jzu." But the hadozee of wildspace were familiar with how to glide from one height to another. Quaxiver needed to aim his trajectory right, and momentum would do the rest of the trick.
OOC:
Hadozee glide ability! No falling damage either in this situation I think.
Jan 31, 2025 5:04 am
Imti immediately launches into space upon her broom to help retrieve Quaxiver. She knows the hadozee can glide, but he can still use a bit of assistance with lift or even just a simple tug.

The druid also summons a bubble of air around herself, Quaxiver, and Jzu to make sure they all don't suffocate.
OOC:
Casting Air Bubble at 3rd level.
Jan 31, 2025 11:25 am
Should we not follow it? End it?
Jan 31, 2025 2:49 pm
"Thanks Imti," Quaxiver was glad for a gulp of air after leaving the air envelope of the scavver. He responded thoughtfully to This One's question, "Topolah did ask for us to slay the scavver. If so, it's best for us to follow on our main ship. This jolly boat can only get us so far, and has no defenses at all."
Feb 1, 2025 6:22 am
Commodore Krux
Krux nods, "I agree," he says, waving at the ship where you can see Mister Flinch at the helm, "Take out the beast!" he shouts.

Mister Flinch raises a fist in acknowledgement and changes course slightly to put the ballistae in line for a shot. As it turns, two ballistae fire and Starbough throws a couple of stones. Once the barrage is done, the scavver drifts limply through space, dead.
Feb 1, 2025 2:53 pm
"Would've been easier to hunt Big Momma with the ship, rather than this puny boat." Quaxiver jested as their jolly boat pulled up to the Second Wind. "I wonder what else that scavver might've swallowed up..." he mused to Jzu.
Feb 1, 2025 2:57 pm
This One flyes off to give Big Momma a closer examination. His mechanical nature gives him no problem being in the void. If nothing else, he can move the body to a better position.
[ +- ] 3. Fly Twin
[ +- ] Mechanical Nature.
Feb 1, 2025 4:49 pm
Quaxivar's jest flies over Imti's head similar to This One's path. "We were going to hunt with the Second Wind," she says flatly. "Big Momma just went after easier prey."

Considering that This One might need help maneuvering the giant body of the scavver, and that her air bubble won't be going away anytime soon, Imti follows the mechagnome on her broom.
Feb 2, 2025 2:25 am
"We can let Topolah know she no longer has to worry about her biggest threat. Hope that keeps her corner of wildspace safe for her."
Feb 3, 2025 5:51 am
"This means Topolah will lend us her telescope now, right?"
Feb 3, 2025 4:23 pm
Imti hovers over This One's shoulder, and with the curiosity of a cat she asks, "So... what are you looking for?"
Feb 3, 2025 7:37 pm
I don't know yet - I am primarily interested in understanding its stealth ability.

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+4)

(17) + 4 = 21

Feb 3, 2025 8:40 pm
Contemplative, Imti sits on her broom and props her feet upon the bristles, her elbows on her knees and her chin resting upon her interlaced fingers. "It's black like space and like most of us swimming through, hard to make a sound," she posits, floating just above and behind This One and thinking of the many creatures that use similar coloration. "Actually, do you make a sound flying through space? Do your metal parts jingle and jangle?"
Feb 4, 2025 5:19 am
"Look for stuff Big Momma's swallowed. I'll bet there's a ton of stuff!" Quaxiver's packrat instincts came to the fore. The scavver's main attack was to engulf its prey, so it stood to reason that there could be undigested things of value...
Feb 4, 2025 4:09 pm
Imti, do you have a knife?
Quaxiver has a point.

This One flyes around Big Momma to its belly
Feb 4, 2025 4:17 pm
"I actually don't have a knife," admits Imti. Instead she holds out one end of her rope to This One and says, "Tie this around her tail. We'll drag her back to the Second Wind."

The other end of the rope is secured around Hastain's trident, which is used as a rudimentary lever to gently pull the huge carcass.
Feb 5, 2025 12:16 am
After a bit of examination, there doesn't appear to be anything special about the creature that causes it to be nearly invisible aside from its inky black body. If it's eye didn't glow red, it would be nearly impossible to see in the void of space.

Once you drag the creature onto the deck of the Second Wind, Mister Flinch hands over a knife so you can cut the beast open. Inside, you find the remains of a partially digested dwarf wearing a fish suit.
Feb 5, 2025 12:22 am
"That's very useful, for anyone of us who wants to launch into wild space. Come, let's get back to Topolah."
Feb 5, 2025 6:17 pm
This One wonders about the inventor of the fish suit. Its a supply for a demand he never had.
https://5e.tools/img/items/AAG/Fish%20Suit.webp
Right, we are on a schedule
Feb 5, 2025 7:01 pm
Imti watches the butchering of Big Momma and the reveal of the suit; however, her immediate thought is on finishing the task and seeing to a proper meal of the scavver. In an effort to further that desire, the druid checks if the flesh is poisonous or unsafe for consumption, using her starlight to reveal the presence of toxins. Should the carcass prove edible, Imti consults with the galley cook on preparation and preservation.
OOC:
Ritual casting Detect Poison and Disease.
Feb 7, 2025 3:20 am
Topolah
It's not long after reporting to Topolah that she helps you get the orrery onto the ship, a device used to determine your position in wildspace with amazing accuracy. Very helpful for navigation into unknown territory.

Once it's settled into place, Topolah conjures herself a chair and sits down, "Let's get going, then," she says.
Feb 7, 2025 7:03 am
You are coming with?
This One is surprised, but if it helps with the mission, then he doen't see a problem.
Feb 7, 2025 7:34 am
Equally surprised, Quaxiver didn't make a deal out of it. Perhaps this was Topolah's chance to finally see the reaches of wildspace rather than observe it from a distance through her orrery.

They now had to use the orrery to figure out how to reach their next destination.
Feb 7, 2025 8:36 am
"Oh you're coming, luv? Far out!" Ziggy fusses over Topolah, helping her and the orrery get situated on the ship. Eager to learn to use the device, the astral elf appoints himself as her assistant.
Feb 7, 2025 4:17 pm
"Good thing we got a lot of meat," says Imti, acknowledging the additional mouths to feed. "But it'll spoil quick, so I hope you all have big appetites."
Feb 9, 2025 4:45 am
The fish suit seemed ungainly and hard to manoeuvre in, but Quaxiver figured that of the four of them, he was most likely to put in to good use given his propensity for gliding into combat.
OOC:
I'll grab that Fish Suit, and am happy to hand over the Ioun Stone Reserve we picked up earlier. All three of you would benefit for having more spells than Quax.
Feb 9, 2025 1:10 pm
BedzoneII says:
OOC:
I'll grab that Fish Suit, and am happy to hand over the Ioun Stone Reserve we picked up earlier. All three of you would benefit for having more spells than Quax.
OOC:
I had marked Ioun Stone, Reserve on This Ones character sheet
Feb 14, 2025 2:30 am
OOC:
Sorry for the delay. It's been a very miserable week, but I'm on the mend now!
Topolah
Topolah nods, "Indeed I am," she says, gaze shifting to Krux, "Assuming that's alright?"

Commodore Krux
Krux grins widely, "Happy to have ya on board!" he says, dropping a massive hand onto her shoulder, causing her to nearly be knocked over.

Topolah
She winces and smiles faintly, "I do know of another who may want to join us if you don't mind taking a slight detour," she suggests, "An old flame of mine named Grimzod Gargenhale has had more than a few tussles with the elves. He leads a not-insignificant band of pirates and it's worth the time to speak with him."

Commodore Krux
Krux rubs his chin then turns to your group, silently asking your opinion.
Feb 14, 2025 3:20 am
Imti takes a sniff of the freshly-grilled scavver skewer before taking a large bite. "I mean," she says with her mouth full, "I ain't opposed to learning more. I should ask, though, did you separate on good terms? Like, is he gonna be lovey-dovey and welcoming, or is he going to not think twice about making us take a long jump off a short plank?"
Feb 14, 2025 10:52 am
Naatkinson says:
OOC:
Sorry for the delay. It's been a very miserable week, but I'm on the mend now!
OOC:
Glad that you are feeling better
CancerMan says:
Imti takes a sniff of the freshly-grilled scavver skewer before taking a large bite. "I mean," she says with her mouth full, "I ain't opposed to learning more. I should ask, though, did you separate on good terms? Like, is he gonna be lovey-dovey and welcoming, or is he going to not think twice about making us take a long jump off a short plank?"
This One nods in agreement with Imti. He still distrusts Topolah but going along with her joining the crew for now.
Feb 17, 2025 8:39 pm
Topolah
Topolah laughs out loud, "We get along fine. There was just no spark. You know how it is," she says, waving a hand dismissively, "He owes me a favor anyway. It's up to you if you want to go see him. I just figured I'd offer to introduce you."
Feb 17, 2025 10:23 pm
"I'm all for it," says Imti. "The more we know about these elves, the better we can manage them. It feels like we're going in blind."
Feb 18, 2025 2:47 am
"Maybe he's a good catch for somebody else," Quaxiver winked at Imti, single, successful and attractive pirates were hard to come by.
Feb 20, 2025 12:17 am
Commodore Krux
With that agreed upon, you set out on your way, Topolah herself piloting the Second Wind. After a few days of travel, you see a cloud of debris that appears to be the drifting wreckage of several ships. Krux shouts, "To arms!" Peering through his spyglass, he adds, "Looks like three flying fishes, three lampreys, two squid ships, and two star moths."

Topolah
Before you get too far, Topolah steps out and pulls her own spyglass, "Some of those are Grimzod's," she says, recognizing the flag. None of the ships move and it seems the aftermath of a nasty fight.
Feb 20, 2025 12:38 am
This time, Imti leaves operation of the ballistae to the crew of the Second Wind. Instead she remains by the deck rail, eyes trained upon the black for any lurking threat. "Star moths probably mean the elves," she says. "Can we tell who was the victor of this battle?"
Feb 20, 2025 1:40 pm
"Do you see Grimzod's ship among them?" Topolah had counted the wreckage, but she did not immediately call out, as Quaxiver thought she would have had she spotted her erstwhile lover's own ship. The pirate must be alive and nearby then.
Feb 20, 2025 3:05 pm
This One grabs some rope and cast a flying spell on himself. With that he flyes closer to the debree. In there is anything of intest or any survivors, he will used the rope to drag them back to the ship.
[ +- ] 3. Fly Twin

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+0)

(2) = 2

Feb 24, 2025 12:53 pm
All this talk of an old flame doesn't faze Ziggy in the slightest. No spark, Topolah said. Spark just happens to be Ziggy's specialty! What kind of a name is Grimzod anyway?!
Feb 24, 2025 10:26 pm
Topolah
Topolah examines the scene from afar and then shakes her head, "No, I don't see Grimzod's flagship," she says with relief, "But it does look like he was tangling with the Xaryxian Empire."

This One takes flight, soaring into the debris field to take a look. He spots several human corpses as well as a few astral elves before feeling something slip by him in the darkness, but he doesn't see anything.

A tiny ball of light appears over the bow of the Second Wind, quickly flies around the mast, and settles a few feet above the main deck, changing colors as it hovers in place. In a soft voice it says, "Miss Topolah, is that you?"

You all recognize the creature as a will-o'-wisp.

Topolah blinks against the sudden light and cocks her head to the side, "Lume? Long time, no see! Where's Grimzod?" she asks, her face breaking into a smile. She turns to the party, "This is Lume, a member of Grimzod's crew."
Feb 25, 2025 3:11 am
At least Grimzod did not suffer a grim fate, although some of his ships must have, judging be the debris. "Hello! We're here to find Grimzod, lead the way."
Feb 27, 2025 11:59 pm
The will-o'-wisp begins humming happily, its light pulsing in time with the jaunty sailor's tune as it begins leading the way. Not long after, you are caught in a cosmic storm. Lightning flashes through dense blue and purple clouds, illuminating the silhouette of a galleon with torn, flapping sails. Ghastly mariners stand on deck and cling to the rigging, staring at you with unblinking eyes.

Grimzod Gargenhale
The galleon's captain steps into view: a pallid, white-haired man with a barred metal mask covering the lower half of his face. His left hand detaches at the wrist, skitters up his arm to his shoulder, and waves at you with its fingers.

Commodore Krux
Krux sneers at this sight and keeps one hand on his holstered pistol. "Vampirates," he hisses.

Grimzod Gargenhale
The undead captain places his boot on the rail along the deck of his creaky galleon and leans over the bow. His disembodied hand perches on his shoulder, and lightning from the cosmic storm flashes behind him.

Gargenhale's tone of voice is inviting, but his dead-black eyes glint with malice. "It's dangerous out here. That menace from Xaryxis, Commander Vael, keeps sending ships to our system, but we do our part to thin the astral elves' ranks. You're obviously not with them. Care to identify yourselves?"

His eyes suddenly land on Topolah and he slumps like a wounded animal before puffing out his chest and raising an eyebrow, "Do my lifeless eyes deceive me? Topolah, my darling, what a surprise! If you've come to drive a stake through my heart, you'll have to return it first."

Topolah
Topolah smiles at the vampirate, "It's good to see you, Grimzod," she says with an air of sweetness that you haven't previously seen from her.
Feb 28, 2025 12:32 pm
Our captain has a parrot
This captain has a hand
Should anyone who sails the astral have a critter on their shoulder?
Feb 28, 2025 2:31 pm
As the introductions are made, Imti steps forward. "We're here for similar reasons," she says. "The Xaryxians have made it clear they've no love for the balance in the stars, preferring to hoard the light for themselves while letting all others suffer. We're hoping you had some insights that might help us."
Mar 4, 2025 3:23 pm
"Are you making fun of Jzu?" Quaxiver quipped back at This One, for the hadozee's familiar was a flying monkey, perched on his head.

"Commander Vael eh? Now we have a name to the leader of the attacking fleet." Quaxiver's mood pivoted immediately when speaking of the astral elves. "What other efforts are underway to stop these elves? Surely enough worlds have taken up arms to fight back!"
Mar 5, 2025 1:18 am
Grimzod Gargenhale
Grimzod looks at the rest of you as if just now remembering that you're here, "Oh yes. Standard procedure to have a shoulder-mounted pet when you're a sailor," he says with a sagely nod, but there's a hint of a smirk on his lips that shows he's being playful.

"So... you're looking for help against the Xaryxian Empire?" he asks, "Why don't we go somewhere and talk?"

His eyes move to Krux, "Permission to come aboard?"

Commodore Krux
Krux narrows his eyes at the undead pirate and growls, but Topolah places a calming hand on his arm and he relents, giving a grudging nod.

Grimzod Gargenhale
Grimzod takes a couple of running steps and leaps over to the Second Wind gracefully before taking Topolah's hand and giving it a gentlemanly kiss. She rolls her eyes and turns to lead the way downstairs.
Mar 5, 2025 3:19 am
Imti watches the pair descend below the deck. She leans over to Ziggy and whispers, "You gonna let him out-flair you like that?"

The druid then steps over to Krux and walks with him to the meeting. "So, what kind of animal is that on your arm?"
Mar 5, 2025 5:30 am
Ziggy has already gotten over Topolah; he is now smitten with Grimzod. Which, on second thought, isn't such a bad name. The astral elf follows the vampirate—a concept nowhere near as silly as space clowns—and that tease, Topolah, below decks.
Mar 6, 2025 1:49 pm
Quaxiver looked at the vampirate crew staring back at them from their ghost ship, still hankering after his dream of having his own vessel.
Mar 7, 2025 12:25 am
Grimzod Gargenhale
You manage to all pack yourselves into a room downstairs and away from the rest of the crew. Grimzod cocks his head at Imti's question before catching on, "This thing?" he asks, patting the hand on his shoulder, "This is just my hand. Detachable and independently mobile. Quite a handy little thing, if I'm being honest."

Commodore Krux
"Say what you wanna say," Krux says, sounding on the verge of an explosion, "I don't much like my ship being stunk up by your kind."

Grimzod Gargenhale
"So, my dear Topolah says you need some help with the Empire, yes?" he asks, but doesn't stop to let you answer, "I will do so. But I have terms you'll have to agree to."

"First, you will join my fleet, though you won't be required to do any pirating against non-Xaryxians. Second, you will call me Admiral Gargenhale. Third, you will abide by the Pirate Code."

He then lays out the pirate code for you (Below). "If you do so, I will deliver to you a weapon that may be able to bring the Empire to their knees!" he finishes with a twinkle in his eyes.
[ +- ] Pirate Code
Mar 7, 2025 3:16 am
"Your ship Krux, not ours. Your call to make. On our part we have to decide whether we want to continue to serve here as crew." The protocol had to be adhered to, otherwise the laws of sail and hierarchy of command were meaningless.

If only the nautiloid was spacefaring worthy, they could've commandeered that.
Mar 8, 2025 1:10 pm
I don't know what "secular" means. Other than that, I have no issue with your code.
Articles 1 and 2 do not relate to me. I agree with 3, and 4... well I will try to comply with your guidelines.
But as Quaxiver says, I can only answer as a singular sentient being. I can support and encourage Commodore Krux to add his ship to the fleet, but it is not my call.


This One thought he was finished speaking, but then he had an extra question. Should we also acquire a shoulder critter, or is that a captain thing?
Last edited March 8, 2025 1:10 pm
Mar 8, 2025 4:20 pm
"Hm," says Imti, considering the price. "Sorry, I'll pass. I'm not much for piracy and I'm used to flying on my own. Not that I don't doubt the advantages of working with a crew, 'cause we had some good times just in the journey here, but... I don't know. I'd rather fly free than be under the detached hand of someone else. It's one thing if I wanted to join a crew. I guess I just don't like being locked into something like this, is all."
Mar 9, 2025 12:12 am
"I think you can do better than that, One." Quaxiver had another idea cooking in his aspirational brain as he listened to Imti's objection. "Which ship did you see out there that's least damaged? We still have the spelljamming helm we salvaged from the nautiloid. We can transfer that over and have ourselves a ship. ANd make our own decisions whether to follow Grimzod or not."
Last edited March 9, 2025 12:13 am
Mar 9, 2025 12:40 pm
That is a splendid idea!
Someone get in that fishsuit, and I will fly us over to inspect some of the ships. They properly don't have an atmosphere, so we have to land the ship at somepoint, unless you nave some clever magics
OOC:

This One is profficient in Vehicles : space, Tool: Navigators and Tool: Tinkers. He should have the skills to evaluate the ships to find one they can get space worthy.
Mar 9, 2025 3:30 pm
If there's one thing Ziggy hates above all else, it's his artistic freedom being curtailed. The allure of seducing the vampirate would-be-admiral quickly fades in the face of this. He has half a mind to sing some hymns right now, but decides to apply his energy elsewhere instead.

"I'll go with This One. Quaxiver, baby, would you help me into the fish suit?"
Mar 10, 2025 2:55 am
It was an interesting contraption to be sure, as Quaxiver fiddled with getting Ziggy into the suit. "I can help too, once I get a breathable bubble up." The hadozee conjured up some air, and was ready to rely on his glide ability to float from one ship to the next, once he established which way was up or down according to their plane of gravity.
Mar 10, 2025 3:55 am
Imti touches her own nose and creates an Air Bubble around herself, then hops onto her broom and sweeps forward to pick Quaxiver up and transport him.
Mar 10, 2025 7:01 am
OOC:
Twin cast fly on ThisOne and Ziggy
Mar 10, 2025 5:53 pm
Commodore Krux
Krux seems very displeased, "Working with such an abomination is bad enough, but I will not join his crew under any circumstances," he says firmly.

Grimzod Gargenhale
Grimzod's severed hand strokes his chin while the vampirate thinks, "I suppose I could spare a ship," he says, "Now that my crews have been so reduced. If you agree to join my crew for this journey, you may have one of my flightworthy ships. Probably safer that way. Replenishing a vampirate crew is not cheap, easy, or without risks."

Commodore Krux
Krux looks to you, "You may join him if you please. I will not be upset with you either way," he says.

Grimzod Gargenhale
Grimzod chuckles at This One, "Of course our ships have atmosphere. How else would we keep captives or maintain any sort of looted beasties?"

Topolah
Topolah shrugs, "You know I'm in," she says, eyes turning to survey the group, "I suggest you take the offer. A ship of your own would be of great benefit to you I would think."
OOC:
I'll get your responses to the offer and then we can move on to looking for a viable ship
Mar 10, 2025 7:15 pm
This One nudges Imti and whispers
Vampires? Those are the one that eat blood, like the mindflayers eat brains, right?
This one is having second thoughts about joining the crew of this blood-eater
Mar 10, 2025 8:21 pm
Imti shrugs. "My answer remains the same, no. Honestly, I think we'd get more done, much more effectively, if we could all work against the Star Elves."

Here she directs a question to Grimzod. "Why do you believe that joining you is the right way to do this?"
Mar 11, 2025 11:36 am
Grimzod Gargenhale
"Because I hold a valuable weapon in the fight against the Xaryxians," he says with a confident smile, "In the end, the choice is yours. But if you want to win, then you'll work with me."
Mar 11, 2025 2:08 pm
And what weapon might that be Captain?

This One is warming to the idea of them to salvage a ship and work with Grimzod, but not work for.
Mar 11, 2025 2:35 pm
"And why haven't you used that weapon yet? No offence, but it looks like you lost the last battle. aybe you need our help to use it properly." Quaxiver's suggestion was a bit of a stretch, not knowing what the weapon was, but there was no harm in negotiating.
Mar 11, 2025 5:08 pm
Grimzod Gargenhale
"Why, I just got the thing!" Grimzod replies, "That's why I took the risk of facing off against so many Xaryxian ships in the first place. How about you come to my ship and I'll show you what I got? Then we can talk more."
Mar 11, 2025 5:36 pm
Imti appears fine with that proposal. "No harm in checking it out," she says. "Lead the way."
Mar 12, 2025 12:50 am
Quaxiver's eyes brightened, and he nodded vigorously both to himself and to the others.
Mar 13, 2025 8:25 pm
Grimzod Gargenhale
Grimzod begins leading the way, followed by Topolah and then your group. Krux stays behind, stating that he's got no interest on being on a vampirate ship. You cross over and the other pirates stare at you with unblinking eyes, making you all feel like you're a steak on the plate of a starving man.

Going down below, he leads you to the brig. The door to this compartment is barred from the outside and has a tiny shuttered window built into it. Peering in you see that an elf lies unconscious on a cot. She is clad in an ornate black dress accented with silver and gold. A high collar rises behind her head.

Grimzod smiles widely, "Here's the weapon I mentioned. I liberated her from a star moth we destroyed a few days ago."

?
The elven woman's eyes flutter open as she hears the commotion outside, "Who are you?" she asks, wincing and holding her head as if it's throbbing, "Where have you brought me?"
Mar 13, 2025 8:42 pm
"Sorry, I appreciate that you have a certain flair," says Imti, "but for those of us in the room that don't speak dramatic, mind explaining what is all this?"
Mar 13, 2025 8:48 pm
Grimzod Gargenhale
Grimzod's face loses some of its cheer, "Oh yes. I suppose I should introduce you. The woman you see before you is none other than Princess Xedalli of the Xaryxian Empire."
Mar 14, 2025 12:48 am
Ziggy lets out a low whistle. "And I suppose you intend to blackmail the Emperor into a surrender. And paying you a princely ransom to boot." Ziggy punctuates this with a victory fanfare on the cittern.
Mar 14, 2025 9:28 am
Judging by the woman's relative helplessness, unless she was very good at playing innocence, she was not the perpetrator of the expansionist ambitions of the Xaryxian empire. Was she the daughter of the Emperor, as Ziggy concluded?

Quaxiver added, "Or was the plan to dangle her as bait, for the Xaryxians to come for her? If so, do they already know she's missing and are already actively hunting for her?" For if they were, the situation was now immediately dangerous.
Mar 17, 2025 11:23 pm
Grimzod Gargenhale
"Blackmail? Bait?" Grimzod asks with a chuckle, "No, you misunderstand. Princess Xedalli here has been banished by her twin brother, from what I understand. Something of a fight over the throne, I hear. We... liberated her from the clutches of her brother's forces."

He turns to this princess, "We want your help bringing your brother down. Can you help?"

Princess Xedalli
The princess studies Grimzod for a few moments and taps her chin before turning to the rest of you to study you, "I think we could be of help to one another," she says finally, "But I refuse to negotiate from the inside of a prison cell."
Mar 20, 2025 9:20 am
"Well well," Quaxiver let out a low whistle at the revelation of who this person was, momentarily at a loss of words. "Why have you got her locked up all this time Grimzod? Let's sit her down and make some concrete plans." The hadozee wanted to launch into a tirade of the evils that Xaryxians had inflicted on numerous worlds, but if this Xedalli was banished by her brother, it was likely that she knew if these horrors already.
Mar 20, 2025 3:30 pm
Imti considered how the 'liberation' of the princess would have required fealty to a vampirate, and also why she was in the cell in the first place. Perhaps to keep her 'safe' during the previous battle? Or was the previous battle her liberation?

Listening to both Grimzod and Princess Xedalli talk, Imti studied their demeanor and inflections to gauge whether either of them were hiding something from the group.

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+8)

(19) + 8 = 27

Mar 21, 2025 1:39 am
Grimzod Gargenhale
"If you haven't noticed, our fleet here is a bit... damaged. I didn't want what amounts to an unknown quantity having free rein while we work to get ourselves skyworthy," Grimzod explains, "We haven't had her long. A few days, really. If you want to, we can take her to your ship and discuss the future."

Imti doesn't sense anything off about either of the two and it doesn't seem like they've told any lies up to this point.
Mar 21, 2025 1:53 am
"No, we can discuss things here," says Imti, eager to protect Krux from further discomfort by having both a vampirate and a high-profile figure like a Xaryxian princess onboard. She steps away from the cell door to allow room for others to speak, or for the woman to be released.
Mar 28, 2025 12:26 am
Grimzod Gargenhale
Grimzod shrugs, "Have it your way," he says, unlocking the cell door and allowing the princess to walk free. He leads you up the stairs and into a chamber in the back with a desk and a few chairs, "This is the best I've got at the moment if we want some privacy."

Princess Xedalli
The princess runs her hands through her hair to get out some snarls and sits in the chair furthest from the others, "Before we begin, why don't you tell me what my brother's armies have done this time?" she says, immediately taking the lead in the meeting despite being the prisoner.
Mar 28, 2025 1:13 am
Imti follows everyone into the room and declines to take a chair, preferring to lean against her broom by the wall and allow the others in her team to sit. "What do you know about seeding planets with crystals?" she asks of the princess. "I don't know if that's your brother, but your empire's ships have been pretty open about doing it."

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