Three Goddesses (IC)

[Telasi]

"Seems like we got enough magic here to sink a mountain. I figure we should maybe all sit down to dinner, compare notes. Maybe, tomorrow, we can prepare some magics that'll help keep us all alive. In there."

"I will join you, I think. That seems a wise precaution."

[goken04]

Arcaneus

"Ah! Tactics! Now that's something that Arcaneus can get behind! Tell me when and where and I'll be there."

[Firebrand]

Pauline Blackstone

Pauline looks up from her long black hair and regards her high priestess with dark brown eyes.

High Priestess, she says cheerfully, Do you recommend any particular lodgings?

my thoughts

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Don't worry I'll be more active when there are less people in my group

[MikelaC1]

So, are there any more questions you wish to ask of us? As for lodgings and such, this temple has more than enough rooms for you to stay in, as well as being supplied with all that you would need in terms of food and such. One of us will be here at all times with you, should you need to consult further. Casandra here has volunteered to take the first shift, so if you are done, I and Zanthia will take our leave.

[crowe]

At this point, Dalcar's illusion springs to life, and you see a collection of 10 men, probably the most vilest group of ruffians you have ever seen collected together. They all appear to be armoured, and carring an assortment of nasty looking weapons.

This is the Melias-Morgaz-Rohdan alliance team, and they are coming back for this competition. As you can see, they appear to be all warriors of one type or another, but do not make the mistake of underestimating them, after all, they managed to get 6 cups last time out. From what we know of them, they use swarm tactics, overwhelming casters by sheer numbers, and preventing the casting of spells.

Leanne scrutinizes the faces of these warriors carefully, committing them to memory in case she might need to impersonate one.

"Seems like we got enough magic here to sink a mountain. I figure we should maybe all sit down to dinner, compare notes. Maybe, tomorrow, we can prepare some magics that'll help keep us all alive. In there."

I think that is wise, I also think we need to think of how to secure the cups we do find...or relieve others of...perhaps a secret chest or the like? And maybe, we should see if we can loosen tongues around other temples to see who else is sending teams."

[lostsole31]

There has been a figure that has been standing towards the back this whole time, dressed in black robe and veil-headdress (more like a noblewoman's veil, not a courtesan's veil). She pulls the veil from her face (but it is still on her head as is proper). Description Recap...

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She is a statuesque 6' 1", and weighing a slender (but shapely) 125 pounds. Her shape is well-proportioned and curvy, but not "hyper-feminine" to the point of obscenity in and of itself. She is elegant, almost aristocratic vice low-brow pornographic, and possessed of the charm more of a queen than a courtesan; Lildorrinene masters by words and will moreso than a waspish wasitline. She is very spare with her physical charms, whereas her sisters have trouble diving right into the physical aspects of seduction. It is this false prudishness that makes a target (man or woman, as preferred, as Lil can take on either form) yearn for her so much more desperately. As a corruptor, she is quite adept at using this effect and her patience to ensnare bigger targets than other succubi.

Her hair is sable black, is quite luxurious and full, and as straight, wavy, or curled as she seems suited to fix it. Her eyes are austere and azure blue, far less inviting than her kind, and far more alluring in their own way as a result.

Continuing her break from succubal 'tradition' (which, yes, does occur much more commonly in this chaotic, demonic subculture than popularly thought) is her clothing. Her kin are wont to show damn near everything they have. Lildorrinene, again owing to her uber-classy nature, has a stunningly beautiful black rope with silvered accents. The cuffs and edges (cleavage, back, legs) have diaphanous material, but the main is regal and beautiful and not translucent or anything of the kind. Her cleavage is hinted at, but the shape of the robe and the way she wears it providing far more mystery. She has sleek, black, velvety gloves that go up to just underneath the cuff of her robes, showing only the barest of skin at the upper arms.

At her sash is an inwardly curved blade (kukri) made of black material with a green gloss under candlelight. The pommel has a purple stone with a skull and crossbones in extremely small relief. If she pulls out the blade, the metal on the blade is the same blackness, but adorned with several gems - all of different colors, and all of the highest quality.

She speaks in a voice that somehow both purrs and commands in a manner that is almost godlike. [OOC: It's gauche to post numbers, but it is important for me to do so here so that some perspective can be gained. Her Charisma is 40.]

"For the sake of those here, you may call me Lildorrinene. Don't worry, true name research will show this to be a false name, but the one that has suited me for centuries, so you needn't waste your coin. I am a Mistress of the Witching Words and Winsome Wiles. Tricks and traps: physical and mental, are my specialty. Of course, as a worshipper of Nocticula," - and here she fingers a golden holy symbol around her neck with her long, velvety black gloves - "you can imagine what that means."

She looks up at Dalcar Sontin. "Your Most Exalted Excellency of the Midnight Kiss, I shall assist Madame Dulcinea here, (she signals to the latter) "whose knowledge and prowess and leadership - cool or fiercesome - are to be regarded above all. But I must ask, are we really to go into the tournament as a large group of 15? If it is for the best, then so be it.

"My next question ... is this Tournament held near a town or village or city in which many other contestants might be? Many great contests - such as the Enicom Races - host a heightened carnival atmosphere will celebrity-seekers the world around make a 'lay pilgrimage' to see heroes - if not in action, than at least in person. If this is the case, instead of the quarters you have excellently provided, I wish to go to this place and get a feel for things."

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Gather Information, Disguise, Spot, Listen ... the list to help with this goes on and on ...

[MikelaC1]

Before both Dalcar and Zanthia leave, they gather their respective teams together and perform a short service of their goddess, invoking the deities blessing on you.

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no actual game benefit, just good wishes

In response to your questions, Casandra tells you
There is not believed to be a method of securingthe chests inside the dungeon. You just have to carry them around, and hope no one beats you. You cant leave to store them, its once out and done. Of course, for a single person, that might be an option, getting even one Cup is a matter of great pride.
As for going in as a large team, yes, that is our plan. We each were planning a team of our own, but then the parchment arrived. No one has ever gotten all 10 Cups, and then the statement to divide the haul seems to tell us that is what we must do.
And if you wish to go to the location beforehand, that can be arranged.

[lostsole31]

Lildorrinene seeks to go the location beforehand and scout out any news, gossip, or anything else concerning the competition ... not just our focused competition, but any of them. We aren't performing in a vacuum.

[Stormwind]

The young girl carefully memorizes each of the ruffians shown in Dalcar's illusion paying careful attention to whether any of them might be carrying magical paraphernalia of any kind. She quietly continues to mull over their faces until she suddenly looks up as Cassandra mentions the possibility of visiting the place beforehand, "I would be extremely interested in visiting the place beforehand ... preferably through the use of invisibility such that our opponents are unaware of such a visit if they happen to be watching."

Lia will prepare to spend most of the night on the town gathering information on whosoever might be entering the contest. With her ring, she has little need for sustenance or sleep, and thus she will make the most of all the time she has.

[Gather information: (1d20+26)[36](take 10)]

[Firebrand]

Pauline Blackstone

Pauline decides to go get comfortable in her lodgings and so puts her hood over her hair and floats to her room, but only for a little while.

[Toliudar]

As the priestesses' briefing of sorts breaks up, the big amazon raises a hand.

"Any of you who are veteran spellcasters, who would like to discuss ways to use our magic tomorrow to help the entire group on the day after, come on over here an' we can chat."

She too listens for directions on getting to the site of the competition, and waits a few minutes, and handles introductions for any who choose to gather, before getting down to brass tacks.

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And the conversation about long-term buffs happens. See the OOC thread, anyone who'd care to contribute.

After the conversation wraps up, the four head off on their own for a while.

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Dot will lay on invisibility for each of her menagerie and herself, then the four will teleport to the site of the competition. What they do there is sort of dependent on what they find:

• Are there guards - magical or literal - at the entrance to the site of the test?
• Is it underground? A big building? A forest? An extraplanar portal?
• What does she find out by examining the entrance using Greater Arcane Sight? ie, are there any magics permeating the area of the test? Spellcraft (1d20+26)[45]
• Are there others scoping out the physical area? What do they look like? What kind of auras/power levels (see Greater Arcane Sight) is Dot picking up on them?
• There may be further scouting, based on answers to the above.

[Hazzardevil]

Eliza scrutinizes the warriors attempting to judge which is the best.
Then raises her own hand.

I shall join you, I have a few tricks up my sleeve of my own.

[Telasi]

Taleira wanders over to the amazonian woman suggesting magical collaboration. "You wished to arrange magical coordination? I will come along for at least the first portion of that conversation."

[MikelaC1]

The guards respond that the rules of the competition are simple, enter, collect Cups, leave.
Any and all equipment is permitted, however, cohorts or similar are not. The test is for you, not for your assistants.
There is no restriction on spells that can be cast before or during, however since Find the Path refers to a locale and not an object, it will not be useful in the dungeon.
Any individual can leave at any time, with or without a Cup, and it can be singly or in a team. All that someone has to do to leave is to verbally or mentally express his desire to leave. When all the teams have left the dungeon, with Cups claimed or unclaimed, the competition is over.
The test takes place in a dungeon like setting.

[Toliudar]

Peridot smiles. The blonde amazon smirks.

"You keep saying that the rules are simple, but every time I ask, there are more of them. How many representatives can a god send into the competition? Does a 'cohort' include such things as the animals that follow nature-priests around? Do they include creatures summoned into the dungeon after the competition begins?"

[Simba]

Szer Elem

The red haired archer listens to all the talk, but contributes little. She seems to be sad and ashamed for some reason and keeps close to the other representatives of her goddess.

[MikelaC1]

Peridot smiles. The blonde amazon smirks.

"You keep saying that the rules are simple, but every time I ask, there are more of them. How many representatives can a god send into the competition? Does a 'cohort' include such things as the animals that follow nature-priests around? Do they include creatures summoned into the dungeon after the competition begins?"

The rules on sending representatives has changed, and now there are no restrictions on how many people may enter the dungeon. Of course, its known to be quite dangerous and highly competitive, which tends to keep the riff-raff out.
As for cohorts, its quite simple. You, and you alone may enter. No cohorts, no companions, no nothing. And you will find that any summonings you attempt in there will fail.

[lostsole31]

LILDORRINENE

[OOC: The player is demoralized at having lost a big post last night with a) spell tactics and list, and b) intentions for recon. The following is a flavorless recap ... see OOC for spell list.]

Lildorrinene will travel with the group that goes for pre-recon, but will then split off. Additional data she mentions is that two other gifts given to her are telepathy (100', good for party co-ordination), a polyglot ability allowing her to speak with any sentient, and the ability to change shape into any Humanoid of Medium or smaller size (yes, any gender).

As a cap to her giving intel on herself, she adds, "Now, while I have the full gamut of a beguiler's illusions - which I have, of course, used in my time - my real specialty is the aspect of enchantments. *laughs mildly* I know that everyone here is willing to say the same. My dossiers are such that I can tell just from your manners of speech that while none of you possess my pure will in ruling and persuading others, still you have magics to help you overcome that with foci on negotiations, subterfuges, and the like.

"However, my own power is such that while I may not be the very best at any one of these things effectually - given your use of magic in mundane situations - none of you can compare to the ability of my magics to batter down even the strongest of minds. Too, unless you have spent your life studying two approaches to magics - as many of you no doubt have - I have vastly more mana available for overall spellpower. Combined with my focused skills on feints and subtle manipulations, I am even more expert at the same and even at overcoming inherent magical resistances.

"I do not say this simply out of vanity. I say this as a statement of tactical fact. If there is a beguiler or a mindbender or any other similar enchanter among you, recognize that I possess powerful inexhaustible magics backed by an almost equally full reserve of magics, compounded by an unearthly will. So, if there is a 'top mind' that needs to be subverted ... or imploded ... I am best served in that capacity, and the rest of you (minus one or two backup) are for the rest of them.

"Physically, however, all of this spell and personal power comes at a cost. I have some rudimentary training in a deceptive martial art that I use more for defense. My skills at magical subterfuge are nearly backed up by my more physical and mechanical skills: safecracking, trap detection and disabling, and the like. Still, it is laughable to imagine me standing toe-to-talon with any physically capable creature. I imagine that my stamina is not nearly the same as anyone else's here.

"I advanced far beyond my sisters because instead of a mere manipulator, I was a full-fledged ...... strategist. However, this group's mission and size and composition are something to which I am not used to dealing. As such, I shall be the advisory position to Madame Dulcinea, whom I put forth as overall leader. I also put forth Peridot, based on her keen tactical knowledge, as a tactical advisory. I shall be primarily focused on physical and political infiltrations."

[crowe]

As the priestesses' briefing of sorts breaks up, the big amazon raises a hand.

"Any of you who are veteran spellcasters, who would like to discuss ways to use our magic tomorrow to help the entire group on the day after, come on over here an' we can chat."

Indeed, Let us do so.Leanne nods to the others gathering. I am Leanne Brithael, Illusionist and Priestess of Sabrina At this point, Leanne casts False Vision on the meeting hall, giving anyone who snoops on the meeting magically a wonderful view of a sapphic orgy, because, you know, that's all those love priestesses do anyways.

[Telasi]

Indeed, Let us do so.Leanne nods to the others gathering. I am Leanne Brithael, Illusionist and Priestess of Sabrina

Tali nods in greeting. "Taleira Ulharvyth. As far as you need be concerned, I am a warrior, though I have a certain native talent for magecraft. I have a small selection of defenses and enhancements in my repertoire, a few of which may be useful."

[Firebrand]

Pauline Blackstone

Pauline wakes up from her regular 2 hours of sleep and goes out to find others of her team. She finds Szer who seems sad.

"Well I can't be having that!", Pauline says as she approaches Szer and then suddenly jumps and hugs her, Szer! How have you been? You seem sad! Is there anything I can do to help? Pauline says with genuine enthusiasm and concern.

[Ladorak]

Elisa

Elisa kept her pose and charm as she bid Zanthia goodbye, privately relieved that such august figures were leaving. Cassandra was the least unnerving of the three High Priestesses and simply glancing in her direction left Elisa feeling drab and boring.

She spoke with the other spellcasters for a while, just listening for the most part, placidly watching the others as they discussed tactics. Once the conversation had broken up he left to commune with the goddess and seek direction.

[Kalirren]

Aunt Melinda - perhaps sometime earlier

At an opportune moment on the way to dinner, Melinda pulled Arcaneus slightly aside. "Listen, Ark, I'm going to go with Lil...what's her name...Lildorrinene to the competition site to gather some rumors, and I think Peridot's going too, so I wanted to leave a message with you," She smiled her best. Arcaneus had seen better, even from Melinda herself. "I understand this may be a big favor upon you to ask."

"Ten cups. Three goddesses. The Queen's here right now, so I'll ask her myself, but I don't plan to be here when the other two are having their rotations. What I'm asking you to do is to ask the other two, when they're away from the others," and she glanced over her shoulder left and right, "as competitors, for we all have a right to know as our faiths' chosen champions, what their plan is for the last Cup if and when we get it." Melinda's face went serious. "Will you do this for me? It may seem like a frivolous question to ask but I have a hunch it's going to be important."

[lostsole31]

Lildorrinene

The competition site. She comes in with Aunt Melina, Peridot, and any other pre-facers to the party. She simply looks at the others and says, “Love, leisure, and luck to all.”

From her previous glance of the Melias/Morgaz/Rohdan champions, she has a pretty solid idea of what type of knuckleheads she’s likely to encounter. Her form is that of a dark-skinned, exotic “party-trailer,” one of those women whom, like peddlers, shows up to get the best markup on her wares. She goes to find the M/M/R camp, as that group is likely to be an earnestly hell-raising group. She will appear slightly ‘inebriated.’ Her apparent beauty will be marked down to a mere 16 Charisma’s worth … very beautiful, likely the best-looking from whatever village she came from … but not a pageant-winner. Perfect for someone who was beautiful … but not enough necessarily to land a husband with means and wealth … nor the apparent background to be combined into a ‘trophy wife’ … so the kind that had to turn to a living in which she had to sell her only apparent commodity. Oh, and yes, she will have the appropriately sized endowments for such a visceral bunch. She really doesn’t need a Disguise roll, since her role is generic and not specific to a person that might be beyond her normal means. If it matters, her Disguise is (1d20+34)[54]. But, since that is a “basic, all-purpose” modifier, I expect that this most iconic type of role should get a pretty fantastic bonus. I mean, unlike doing a Disguise that is off the cuff, this specific type of role is one she’s perfected for the better part of three centuries.

Normally, she has Nystul’s magic aura running on her three magical items to make them seem non-magical. So, nothing but a potion should appear magical. It’s not unheard of for someone to pay for services in barterable items vice hard currency, and a potion is not very dangerous magic. The presence of low-level magic even should enhance her role, rather than detract from it. The same holds true for her gloves of dexterity +4 …. Part and parcel of her function as a rogue of her level (see below). Her kukri is concealed: Sleight of Hand (1d20+20)[38].

She also normally has undetectable alignment running, but this is one time she doesn’t. Let someone read her alignment as chaotic evil – a thoroughly reprehensible gutterwench with a black heart – otherwise, true neutral might seem a little too detached.

She will seem to be someone who has ‘been around’ and is experienced at low-level cons and such – a low-level rogue. This is in line with a whore who has had to live by her wits. Otherwise, how does an “unmanaged” whore manage to brave the elements to find such a place for her business? I’m shooting for around 5th-level as a rogue … solid experience, but nothing at all threatening. Glibness will have been cast, so her Bluff in maintaining this ruse is (1d20+63)[82]. See skill usages in Complete Adventurer for this.

Now, without specifics to run off of, I have to be generic here. I would hope you look at her intellect and fill in the holes that I cannot specify for this mission. Also, I (as a player) have only a fuzzy idea of how much time is allotted.

For rolls and functions not specified above, here we go ….

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Appraise (1d20+15)[35] and Sense Motive (1d20+16)[29] … because knowing what people want, value, or protect is important.

Bluff … for the lies she tells. (1d20+63)[68] Please note that her glibness being ineffective in zones of truth and the like is balanced by the caster needing to beat a DC of 30.

Bluff … for seduction; note that glibness does not apply to this. (1d20+33)[52]

Diplomacy … not as important overall, but there are times when she might need above-board discussion and persuasion. (1d20+26)[39]

Disguise for ‘supporting cast.’ The above is her primary form, however, she may have to change forms (and genders) as necessary to guide into more advantageous positions. Besides, unless she finds herself in a point of particular trust, folks are likely to tell different things to different people based on appearance, gender, background, and the like. Disguise (1d20+34)[52] and Bluff (for changing around apparent ‘level of skill’ as appropriate) (1d20+63)[79].

There might be times she has to do some old-fashioned skulking. Bluff (to create a diversion to hide) (1d20+33)[40], Hide (1d20+20)[37] and Move Silently (1d20+20)[35]. She will use low or conflicting lighting and ambient noises to assist in this. If absolutely necessary, she will set up a silent/stilled major image to give her cover or distraction (and thus, hopefully, higher bonuses). She is fully aware that an equally capable group has good ‘hound dogs’ such as rangers or rogues or others with keen senses and will not overestimate them … thus she is careful as above. In the same vein, she doesn’t do anything as silly and ‘overt’ as cast invisibility or go ethereal, as the ability to pierce such illusions are relatively easy. Casting silence, however, is just fine.

If in the role of ‘supporting cast’ it becomes necessary to do a little shakedown action (obviously on someone that is not too tough or highly placed), old-fashioned Intimidation will help. (1d20+22)[42]

A field agent might depend on an analyst for insight into information gleaned. However, having a body of lore to draw on will help in knowing which information might be of interest.
K: Arcana (1d20+11)[12]
K: Engineering (1d20+11)[20]
K: Local (1d20+11)[16]
K: Nobility (1d20+11)[15]
K: Planes (1d20+11)[14]
K: Religion (1d20+11)[14]
Spellcraft (1d20+13)[28] … if she comes across a scroll, add +2 to decipher, but also she has read magic. Mundane wins, as she will absolutely attempt to downplay any spellcasting herself.

Spot (1d20+19)[25] or Listen (1d20+19)[39] to pick up anything of note. Also, Spot (1d20+19)[38] or Listen (1d20+19)[32] to determine if there are any trails on her (or to trail others) at a distance. As such, see things she will do above to make sure she breaks a tail. If absolutely necessary, break contact and change form. The spell mislead is also useful for break contact evasion.

Now, it is not her intention to go rooting around where she might get caught, but you never know what happens … Search (1d20+16)[33], and add +2 if it relates to secret doors or stonework, Disable Device (1d20+23)[27], and Open Lock (1d20+18)[34].

Sense Motive. Different from determining valuations, this one is for piercing general Bluffs used against her. (1d20+16)[23]
Sense Motive again, but for determing general worth of skill. (1d20+16)[33]. Be sure to note that she will use her old-fashioned eyeball for seeing any obvious signs of capacity on someone, and then adjust the Sense Motive check as appropriate.

Sleight of Hand, specifically for keeping her spell component pouch concealed as such – again, usually as a finely accessorized purse. (1d20+20)[36]
Sleight of Hand, as she might find the need to palm something of interest … or to frame someone to cause strife and discord in the ranks. (1d20+20)[28]

Use Rope (w/ bindings) …. Not for any mission critical reason, but for fun. I mean, really … she does expect to get laid on this trip, or how can she say she is an ardent worshipper of Nocticula? (1d20+10)[27]

Magics used ….

She will try to minimize magics, and yet she will liberally use detect thoughts. DC 27. However, assuming that she has ‘surprise’ as such and detect thoughts isn’t visible (as an SLA, she has to concentrate … but that doesn’t mean a stare-down) and she has Bluff (1d20+33)[46] to feign (and does so as a swift action), she can pretty much bet on a DC of 29. Overcome SR = (1d20+17)[28]

(Greater) arcane sight to help get a bead on power levels and abilities (see Sense Motive, above). Obviously, with the glowing blue eyes, this would only be done as 'supporting cast.'

(Greater) dispel magic, if necessary to drop something. Doubtful, but just in case. CL check (1d20+15)[28]

(Mass) suggestion for a group of dolts, but a bad idea for major players. Only highly believable suggestions will do. Bluff(1d20+33)[49] to feign. DC 31 (or 33 if feign successful). Overcome SR = (1d20+17)[20].

Deep slumber might be useful for getting one of her ‘patrons’ to go to sleep (especially if they had been drinking, where the spell will be attributed to having passed out). I’ll let you figure out the details, but Bluff (1d20+33)[45], swift action, to feign for +2 DC and +2 SR to caster level checks to overcome SR.

Clairaudience/ clairvoyance. Duh.

Nondetection will be used if it looks like my cover is blown wide open.

Charm Monster, but only on non-major players. Note that the charm lasts 15 days. Also, only the slightest twists will be used, nothing major. This will not be used on major-players, but those that can provide advantageous position. Prefer mundane tactics, but sometimes the strongarm has to work. Note that this is not a compulsion, so the charm is even effective in the radius of the many magic circle spells as it is not ‘active control.’ Bluff (1d20+33)[38], swift action for surprise casting. DC 29, or 31 if feign successful. Caster level check (1d20+17)[34], but reduce by 2 if feign unsuccessful.

Use any other spells that might seem necessary at the time, but otherwise her magic will be minimized.

Finally, after noting everything above in spoilers at her command, these are merely secondary means of the real meat and potatoes of what I’m doing. Note that skill ranks in Gather Information do NOT assume all of the above abilities, but basic intel gathering. As such, I’d like to hope that whatever this roll equals will be adjusted based on above successes.

Final Gather Information roll, before DM-granted bonuses (or, gods-forbid, penalties) … (1d20+26)[32]

[Toliudar]

After having nosed about at the entrance, and chatted with the guards, Peridot and her colleagues check in at the nearby inn. At dot's request, 'Zippy' has changed from a young girl into a dashing young man, complete with cape and tabard.

Inside, Dot is pleased to see Melinda and Lildorinene already there. Not wanting to interfere in case either of them already have some kind of cover story in play, the four take up a table on their own for the moment, content to support the other two and be there in case anything goes awry. Dot wasn't sure whether the tournament of the cups drew much public attention, and tried to ascertain whether there were many observers or followers of specific faiths.

The four ordered a meal and sat, chatting quietly and listening to the flow of conversation around them.

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Listen checks (Dot, Clyde, Tasha and Zippy): (1d20+1)[11] (1d20+11)[13] (1d20+19)[33] (1d20+22)[41]
Spot checks: (1d20+1)[6] (1d20+11)[29] (1d20+23)[26] (1d20+22)[36]

[lostsole31]

Inside, Dot is pleased to see Melinda and Lildorinene already there.

Lildorrinene set up her disguise after she left the party. She will only give as much notice to Peridot as anyone else might, depending on her entrance and any eccentricities or idiosyncracies. She is just part of the scenery (hopefully).

[Stormwind]

The following morning, after a couple of hours sleep, Lia wanders around the temple looking for Dalcar.

On finding the priestess, the young girl asks, almost nervously, "Perhaps this is just a silly idea, but why don't we locate every competitor we can and place a suggestion on each of them that they leave the competition as soon as it starts. We could also cloak the suggestion effect itself from divinations. Even if we don't get everyone, it should give us a playing field much more to our liking, and thus improve our chances immensely ... or is there some reason that wouldn't work?"

[Simba]

Szer Elem

Pauline Blackstone

Pauline wakes up from her regular 2 hours of sleep and goes out to find others of her team. She finds Szer who seems sad.

"Well I can't be having that!", Pauline says as she approaches Szer and then suddenly jumps and hugs her, Szer! How have you been? You seem sad! Is there anything I can do to help? Pauline says with genuine enthusiasm and concern.

Szer at first keeps stiff and cold but then warms to the embrace. A small smile lights her face as she returns the hug, taking care not to hurt Pauline.

"I have just returned from what was once my home and visits to the empty vale still depress me. It will pass, it always does, especially with friends around. How have you been? Long time..."

[lostsole31]

LILDORRINENE

Results of information gathering ....

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You find that there are four groups competing for the Cups, yours, the M/M/R group, a group of monks from both Varinn and Kiang, and a group of mages from Kotep. The monks are highly focused and very difficult to subvert with your type of blandishments. However, you do find a few "cracks in their armour" and from what you can tell, they are not a great threat to you and your team. They are not highly thought of.

The Kotep casters are a secretive bunch, no one knows much about them, and from what you can tell, they have not even arrived yet. Definately third runners as best you can make out.

As you expected, the MMR camp is easy to penetrate, and with what you offer, information flows easily. The MMR group contains no casters, divine or arcane, they are fighters, and in most cases the other side of their gestalt is rogue. Do not let these guys get sneak attacks on you, with their fighter training and backing, they would be devastating. Their leader is Kervin Bloodhawk and his #1 is Arius Pendwing. They are back to top their record, and when they learned that TS&N formed a team together, they were ecstatic at the chance to pound some more "stupid sluts". On the subject of the sisters that were lost at the last competition, you gain the following intel. The sisters have been banished by the use of a 'special sword', you were never able to actually see it, as it is their most preciously gaurded secret and item. You have never in your years of study heard of its like, but you do know that if you could get it from them, your sisters could be freed from whatever it is that prevents their resurrection.

[MikelaC1]

Dalcar gives the young girl a seductive look.

I like your way of thinking. It does have a chance, you might want to give it a try. Im not sure what teams are going there, outside of the MMR group, so you might want to liaise with your team mates and see who might be your best targets for such a strategy

OCC: Scouting information has been passed to Peridot and Lil as to what they find out, so I will let them post up whatever they see fit to share. After that, the rest of the group should either ask any final questions of the High Priestesses or start making their way to the competition. (there is always one of them there to teleport you)