[DnD 5e] Playthings in an Interplanar Dollhouse- A Path of the Planebreaker Adventure

[Awful]

Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines Magework Necromancer Darkvision: 60ft AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 6 PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11 Conditions: Pizza Power: Advantage on a Str or Con check until next long rest Savtuan Dream: 1/1 /LR, add Int, Wis or Cha to a physical check, attack or damage roll (before the roll is made) Concentrating on: 5/5 d6 HD Arcane recovery 1/1 Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd Fingerbone staff 7/10 Alchemical treats: 3/7 granting 6THP Goreling count: 7 The Magus shrugged. <They may decide to renew their supplies from the lizards' stocks. Equally possible, they may decide a different point is more useful as a store, without having to eliminate a hundred oversized reptiles to do it. > She clicked her fingers. With a single sharp gesture, one of the servitors presented three hunks of crystal and a silver sounding rod. <In fact, I recently obtained the tool to help. These crystals allow divination of the future. They were to be my wedding gift, but such a detail is no longer relevant, don't you think? Prince, hum at a steady pitch. These require a good resonance, and I studied more important things than musical theory.> Once it was all set up, she followed the star elf's instructions with the chiming rod, and plucked an answer from the future. 'Will taking the two magic weapons from the stone result in harm to us or the local lizardfolk?'

Spoiler: OOC

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Cast augery with the divination crystals for the above question or whatever is closest if that's not how that spell works.

[RandomWombat]

Prince Doredan Human Martial Bard 5 AC: 14+0 HP: 34/33+5 thp: 6 PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9 Conditions: Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter) Pizza Power: Advantage on a Str or Con check until next long rest Savtuan Dream: 1/1 /LR, add Int, Wis or Cha to a physical check, attack or damage roll (before the roll is made) With a hearty chuckle at the wisdom of Bil's ancestors, Doredan states matter-of-factly, "Of course, the commons would not consider long-term consequences such as these. That is our duty," he places a hand on his chest demonstratively. Not one to dismiss the efficacy of strange divination tools after the experience of his twin-mask, Doredan brings up his hand in a practiced motion in confluence with beginning a steady musical hum at the Magus' signal.

[Awful]

[QUOTE=Awful;25964453]

Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines Magework Necromancer Darkvision: 60ft AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 6 PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11 Conditions: Pizza Power: Advantage on a Str or Con check until next long rest Savtuan Dream: 1/1 /LR, add Int, Wis or Cha to a physical check, attack or damage roll (before the roll is made) Concentrating on: 5/5 d6 HD Arcane recovery 1/1 Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd Fingerbone staff 7/10 Alchemical treats: 3/7 granting 6THP Goreling count: 7 What followed was a minute of the Magus tapping the crystals occasionally as they grew, twisted, and changed hue. Finally, the mage leaned back, satisfied. <Hmm. Good.> She nodded briefly to herself and clicked her fingers. With a single sharp gesture, one of the servitors retrieved the crystals and the silver chiming rod. <Weal. Thus it should be safe for us to recover the blades; for us and the lizards.>

Spoiler: OOC

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Cast augery with the divination crystals for the above question or whatever is closest if that's not how that spell works.

[Archmage1]

John Smith Human Eldritch Knight AC: 19 HP: 44/44 PP: 12 PIv: 12 PIs: 9 Conditions: Concentrating: John, who was standing there, holding a pair of former woman's boots in his hands awkwardly, listening as both sides discussed options, finally speaks up. "Don't caches routinely go missing? There were these small rodents that were always losing track of where they had put nuts and things. And refusing to do something that might cause problems for pirates because it might cause problems for pirates, who might cause problems for others seems like a poor argument to me. That line of reasoning suggests that you should just give the pirates whatever they want, so they don't attack other people, but that isn't how raiders and bandits work. They'd be happy to attack the village regardless of whether they need to. They're not pirates because they understand restraint. They're pirates because they think it is simpler to steal from others, and that they enjoy inflicting the suffering and pain they can on others." At first, his voice is a bit diffident, but as something clicks, his voice grows in confidence.

[Awful]

Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines Magework Necromancer Darkvision: 60ft AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 6 PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11 Conditions: Pizza Power: Advantage on a Str or Con check until next long rest Savtuan Dream: 1/1 /LR, add Int, Wis or Cha to a physical check, attack or damage roll (before the roll is made) Concentrating on: 5/5 d6 HD Arcane recovery 1/1 Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd Fingerbone staff 7/10 Alchemical treats: 3/7 granting 6THP Goreling count: 7 Hylusi's brief amusement thrummed in the heads of her companions. <And do you not kill for your coin, mercenary?> She regarded the human with a languid glance. <Historically, you will find the difference between the two is thinner than you might espouse, especially when it comes to the matter of late payments.>

Spoiler: OOC

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[Archmage1]

John Smith Human Eldritch Knight AC: 19 HP: 44/44 PP: 12 PIv: 12 PIs: 9 Conditions: Concentrating: John stops, and looks at Hylusi, and shakes his head. "There's more to it than that. I pick my jobs. And I uphold my standards. Escorting someone from somewhere to somewhere else? Perfect. Supporting some tough as they rob innocent travelers? Not ok. At the end of the day? Bandits work for themselves. Mercenaries work for an employer. And they pick that employer." He smiles, momentarily. "You know? I thought the same thing as you did, once. But after the thought was suggested, I did a little research. Sure, there are mercenaries who are bandits, and sometimes, mercenaries become bandits. But if you want quality mercenaries? You go through the guild. They track work history, employer reports, enforce certain standards. Handle escrow for pay, offer legal support, and more. A bandit is a thug. A Mercenary is a professional."

[RandomWombat]

Prince Doredan Human Martial Bard 5 AC: 14+0 HP: 34/33+5 thp: 6 PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9 Conditions: Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter) Pizza Power: Advantage on a Str or Con check until next long rest Savtuan Dream: 1/1 /LR, add Int, Wis or Cha to a physical check, attack or damage roll (before the roll is made) Scoffing at John's criticisms, Doredan rolls his hand, "I do not hesitate to cause problems for the pirates. I am only concerned with where the wrath of those problems is likely to fall. Regardless - the Magus' divinations reassure. Pluck the chisel if you like. And if you would, J., please collect as many supplies as we can carry so we can leave." With the others apparently slacking, the prince rolls up his sleeves and begins collecting as many of the supplies as he can (comfortably) carry. Perhaps leading by example would rally the rest to action.

[Awful]

Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines Magework Necromancer Darkvision: 60ft AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 6 PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11 Conditions: Pizza Power: Advantage on a Str or Con check until next long rest Savtuan Dream: 1/1 /LR, add Int, Wis or Cha to a physical check, attack or damage roll (before the roll is made) Concentrating on: 5/5 d6 HD Arcane recovery 1/1 Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd Fingerbone staff 7/10 Alchemical treats: 3/7 granting 6THP Goreling count: 7 The Magus raised an eyebrow. <An innocent mercenary. These new dimensions do surprise.> What one could want with morals in a mercenary she couldn't guess; it was like a sword that was picky about what it cut. A twitch of her fingers directed her servitors to assist the prince and her gorelings to retrieve the blades. <Well, regardless; it is nigh time to depart.>

Spoiler: OOC

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[jscape2000]

Bil Twilight Cleric of Damh AC: 18 HP: 38 / 33 THP: 6 PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: 5 / 5 d8 HD Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 2/3, 3rd: 0/2; channel 3/3 Bil had already been hard at work, but seeing the prince dive in as well set him to redouble his efforts. "Lady Magus, if you see weal in the fortunes, I'd be willing to give the sword a go." The haregon hops to the top of stone and moves towards the sword, grasping it and pulling it, if no one stops him. Spoiler: ooc Show

[purepolarpanzer]

Savtua Swamp- The Rock of Blades

When the servitors move to secure the builder's plane it won't budge. Annoyed, one masked servant motions for another. Silently, the two of them yank on the plane and try to remove it from the rock. Again, nothing happens. Finally the third servant steps forward, grabs the waist of the second, who grabs the waist of the third, who pulls on the tool. Finally, through all three of their efforts, the builder's plane comes free with a loud CHUNG of ringing metal. Almost immediately a solid grey brick of stone drops from the plane, landing on the foot of the servant holding it, who leaps back, colliding with each other servant in succession. Once they have reoriented themselves, all three stand tall (with an air of indignance) and bring the tool back to their lady.

Spoiler: Stoneshaper's Plane

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This enchanted item is the true treasure of the Rock of Blades. By sacrificing 5 ft of movement, the attuned wielder may summon a brick of stone. Each one is precisely one foot wide by by six inches tall, with the statistics of and qualities of stone. This brick can be launched as a Strength based thrown weapon that the wielder is proficient in, doing 1d6+Proficiency+Strength to a target on a successful hit with a range of 30 feet. A brick thrown or dropped in this way shatters on impact, becoming useless.

Sacrificing 30 feet can summon 36'' of stone wall, providing half cover. Using your action in addition creates a six foot wall and provides complete cover and blocks line of sight to a medium creature. Creating a wall in this way blocks spell line of sight and provides advantage on reflex saves that include the user in the area. If the wall is destroyed with sufficient force while being used for cover the force of shattering stone causes the user to fall prone and take 4d6 bludgeoning damage from the impact.

The Plane also allows for the cementing of bricks together. Hypothetically, with time and effort, you could build something as grand as a castle or as humble as a bench. The cement holds strong as well mortared stone, supporting thousands of pounds easily when constructed properly, with each brick shapeable by the wielder as long as the dimensions don't exceed the area of one foot by six inches.

When Bil draws the shining, glowing, magnificent sword from the top of the stone there is a brief chorus sting and a flash of light that blinds all who are looking at it. When the light clears, Bil is replaced by a hulking, muscular human figure wearing furs and bearing much tanned skin. Golden locks fall from his head, along with an impossibly closely shaven face without a millimeter of fuzz on it. His skin shimmers slightly as though he has been freshly oiled. His voice, however, has not changed.

Spoiler: Sword of the Vainglorious Barbarian

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This aesthetically pleasing longsword is crusted with gems and filigreed with gold. It is also cursed to make the wielder appear as it's original owner. The sword can be sheathed (one appears on the wielder's back), but it instantly attunes to the wielder and cannot be unattuned until the curse is broken, either through the proper spell or by solving an as of yet unknown condition. The sword, if wielded, counts as a +1 Longsword that critically hits on a 19-20. As long as you are attuned to it you have advantage on all charisma based checks, and checks purely or mostly dealing with looks are made as though you have a charisma of 20.

Spoiler: Breaking the Curse- DC 15 History

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This sword belonged to Krumb, a wildlands barbarian from another plane. He was famously gorgeously handsome, and battled for a full human life time. Word is that he was incredibly vain and sure of his own beauty, beyond the point of simple vice to a sinful fault.

Spoiler: DC 20

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Krumb was unparalleled in martial combat, as were his boasts and tales. When he declared himself more beautiful than a goddess of love and beauty, the angered goddess created a woman who's entire body reflected with a mirror sheen. Legends say Krumb fell in love with this mirror woman and spent the rest of his days staring at himself in the mirror.

Spoiler: DC 25

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The true end of the tale is told differently. In the true telling, Krumb looked into the features of the mirror woman and saw himself reflected in her features, but a twisted, withered, and weak version of himself that he knew to be his inner self, his true self. The warrior's vanity and envy leapt from his body into his sword, and Krumb the barbarian king spent the remainder of his days wandering the worlds as a penitent monk of the goddess of beauty's service. The curse can be broken by genuflecting oneself before a divine being with a higher charisma modifier than 20, at which point it the wielder's charisma is altered to 20 as long as they are attuned to the weapon, they may wield the sword with charisma instead of strength, and the sword becomes a +2 Longsword that critically hits on an 18-20.

Spoiler: OOC

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Each week the wielder of the cursed item may attempt a check to try to learn the condition to remove the curse and empower the sword. An additional check can be made each week with the proper research environment. If you don't want to indulge the item, you can always just pay someone powerful enough to break the curse or cast remove curse yourself to no longer deal with the item. The curse can only be broken and the weapon empowered by someone under the effects of the curse and attuned to the weapon.

The supplies procured from the cache are surprisingly varied, but not particularly valuable. Exotic food that looks like dried fish jerky, tobacco laced with molasses that smells sweet and bitter at the same time, an herbal alcohol tonic that claims to cure any disease that has a pleasant scent, and ship's biscuits with the consistency of dried cement, along with three barrels of water that smells particularly fresh and sweet, almost as though it had been flavored somehow.

[jscape2000]

Bil Twilight Cleric of Damh AC: 18 HP: 38 / 33 THP: 6 PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: 5 / 5 d8 HD Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 2/3, 3rd: 0/2; channel 3/3 Bil runs an appreciative hand over his new body. "Thank you, sweet Damh for these blessings. Look how I glisten in the sun." He leaps to the ground, and flexes experimentally. He cranes his neck to get a view of his now finely chiseled posterior. Turning to Doredan, he says, "My prince, I may need a few days of privacy to understand this transformation. Perhaps a few nights in the company of ardent and affable people of Timeborne will grant me clarity." Spoiler: ooc Show

[Archmage1]

John Smith Human Eldritch Knight AC: 19 HP: 44/44 PP: 12 PIv: 12 PIs: 9 Conditions: Concentrating: Watching the strange servants try to pull out the chisel, John almost misses Bil jumping up and pulling out the sword. He does, however, recognize the distinctive appearance that could be only one man. Luckily for everyone involved, Bil's voice coming from the mouth of the image quickly demonstrates that this is not Krumb, but merely an imitation of him. John's voice is almost diffident in the wake of the proud voice of Bil. "Huh. You know, that looks a lot like how Krumb was supposed to look. He was this barbarian adventurer, did all sorts of things, but was also really, really obsessed about his appearance. Apparently, so much so that he pissed off a goddess of love and beauty. Story says that she provided the perfect women, a mirror of himself." He pauses, thoughtfully. "It might not be the best thing to go around looking like an infamous barbarian. I think he left behind a lot of enemies." Spoiler: OOC Show Rolled a 22 on the know: History check.

[jscape2000]

Bil Twilight Cleric of Damh AC: 18 HP: 38 / 33 THP: 6 PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: 5 / 5 d8 HD Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 2/3, 3rd: 0/2; channel 3/3 Bil listens to John's history lesson, crestfallen. "I have no interest in being mistaken for a villainous warlord and stabbed in my bed. What a tragedy, to have wasted these pectorals in pursuit of evil. How could a bicep like this be used for anything but the pleasure of the world?" Spoiler: ooc Show

[RandomWombat]

Prince Doredan Human Martial Bard 5 AC: 14+0 HP: 34/33+5 thp: 6 PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9 Conditions: Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter) Pizza Power: Advantage on a Str or Con check until next long rest Savtuan Dream: 1/1 /LR, add Int, Wis or Cha to a physical check, attack or damage roll (before the roll is made) Watching the rabbit's transformation, Doredan maintains a posture of royal dignity in spite of his surprise. He must never look to have been caught off guard, after all. "I expected something like this to happen," he boasts, half-truly. "But if the Magus' divination is true, then it is surely to our advantage in some way." "Yes, I imagine you would like some... privacy, to... appreciate your new form," the prince drawls at the merry-priest's rather thinly veiled, but appreciably decent, request. Hefting a bag of supplies onto his back with a huff of passive-aggressive indignation, Doredan quietly looks forward to seeing if any of these exotic rations are any good. If they are to be traveling more, they may as well be eating well on their journey. "If his appearance be reviled, then perhaps do your appreciating on your lonesome. Shall we go?"

[Archmage1]

John Smith Human Eldritch Knight AC: 19 HP: 44/44 PP: 12 PIv: 12 PIs: 9 Conditions: Concentrating: Realizing what the problem was, John shakes his head at Bil and Doredan's misinterpretation of his warning. "I don't think he was reviled. He did, however, tend to leave problems in his wake. Typically of the cuckolded variety. Who might be interested in seeking revenge, or closure. Enough time might have passed to handle some of it, but it was one of those timeless stories. I don't know how long ago he was active. But yes, I don't think there is any reason to tarry here."

[Awful]

Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines Magework Necromancer Darkvision: 60ft AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 6 PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11 Conditions: Pizza Power: Advantage on a Str or Con check until next long rest Savtuan Dream: 1/1 /LR, add Int, Wis or Cha to a physical check, attack or damage roll (before the roll is made) Concentrating on: 5/5 d6 HD Arcane recovery 1/1 Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd Fingerbone staff 7/10 Alchemical treats: 3/7 granting 6THP Goreling count: 7 The Magus scowled at the three servants. Putting her hands on her hips, she brought them up before her. Her mental voice <Be more careful, you fools! I'll have to repair the binding on that foot. Do not forget your fragility! Or the dignity of your station. You represent the sight of my house in these foreign lands...> She sighed in irritation, taking the chisel, and glanced at the others - and then took a second glance in a double take. As the prince expected, indeed! Considering how he had argued against it, she favoured him only with a brief skeptical expression before turning back to the scene at hand. The hare had turned into a near-nubile sculpture of a man, a portrait of oiled and and excessive biceps. It was not, overall, unpleasant, or at least, less so than the majority of unwashed, lumpy human forms. <indeed, that blade may well be a boon rather than a curse. Improved appearance aside, that sword is a potent weapon. If you can render the curse null, even more so. Of course, you may have to grovel before a deity or other divine being - if you know one in the area.> she finished dryly.

Spoiler: OOC

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[purepolarpanzer]

Savtua Swamp- The Rock of Blades

Cursed blade and carpenter's blade sorted out, the party uses one of their Path charms to open the way back to Timeborne. The misty, milky, ethereal path is as solid as ever, but remembering Doriana's story of being attacked on the path makes the journey back to the roaming moon a bit more tense. However, you remain unaccosted, simply walking across the universe, both known and unknown, and ending up at the Landing, the welcoming area to the city that the Path tokens naturally bring people to. Above you the airship towers you investigated earlier do middling business, with three ships of various sizes and shapes floating at dock.

"Fresh fish! Fried fish! With slaw and sauce!" A vendor pushes a cart that smells of salt and lemon juice, while another offers some sort of strange candy that size of your forearm that looks like deep brown amber but smells like maple syrup. Both start shouting particularly loud as other people travel in and out of Timeborne, off for adventures in the wide and winding worlds the Planebreaker is connected to. A pack animal struggling to haul a cart of bricks, a trio of fashionably dressed elves wearing masquerade finery, and a lizard folk not unlike the ones you just assisted move into the city.

Vassan hisses with excitement, tasting the air and his freedom in equal measure with his reptilian tongue. "I... am... free! Well... almost free." He turns to the group and clicks his long claws against his barbs. "Tell me, bondsmen, where do you wish to discuss Jin the Fist and his... benefactor? I wouldn't do it in public, but it has been a long time since I have been to the Cantina here. I would pay your weight in gold for a proper Styx-based ale." He looks like he wishes to bolt into the crowd, but oath bonds mean more to devils then most, and he simply clicks claws to barbs and waits for your decision.

[RandomWombat]

Prince Doredan Human Martial Bard 5 AC: 14+0 HP: 34/33+5 thp: 6 PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9 Conditions: Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter) There is something to be said for not telling the devil where they live nor inviting him in, and so Doredan weighs the benefits to costs of discussing at the Cantina in scarcely better privacy. Not as though they were terribly subtle last time. "The Cantina sounds pleasant," he responds. "The taste of bog air still remembers in my nostrils and upon my tongue. I would partake of a palate cleanser."

[jscape2000]

Bil Twilight Cleric of Damh AC: 18 HP: 38 / 33 THP: 6 PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: 5 / 5 d8 HD Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 2/3, 3rd: 0/2; channel 3/3 Bil does his best to contain his excitement as they complete their journey back to Timeborne. At the suggestion of the Catina, and the prospect of sweet, long abstained refreshment, Bil gives voice to his enthusiasm. Once firmly ensconced at a table with a beverage in hand, Bil will be attentive to Doredan's conversation with the devil. But he will also press Hylusi and John to share what they seem to know of the sword and the barbarian whose form he seems to have taken. "Damh would certainly grant me the means to discard this form and the sword. But you say that to overcome the sword's curse I might humble myself before a divinity devoted to beauty? Damh's sister Verenestra might grant me such an audience, especially if I can persuade a nymph or dryad to vouchsafe me and present Verenestra with a present that speaks to her vanity in a way that satisfies her expectation to be charmed and flattered. Do you know of another deity I might approach? Or another path to assert my will over the sword?" Spoiler: ooc Show

[Archmage1]

John Smith Human Eldritch Knight AC: 19 HP: 44/44 PP: 12 PIv: 12 PIs: 9 Conditions: Concentrating: Following the path laid out, John remains extremely alert, having clear memories of the ambush. On reaching the city, he stops, just a few steps from the exit, and just stares at the wonder before him. The towers full of airships, the crowds, the hawkers... it's all quite new to the man with few memories and less experience. He goes along with the flow, following Doredan, Vassan, and Bil to the Cantina. Along the way, he talks with Bil. "I don't know. The sword's cursed, and Krumb's legend is fairly clear in that he offended a goddess of love and beauty. I'm assuming that the two things are connected, but I can't be sure of that. I also don't know which goddess he offended, but I presume that they probably talk to each other? If you know this Vernestra, perhaps she could either break the curse or at least point you in the direction of who can? I can tell you more of his legend, but those are the key points. Well, that and the mirrored woman who the goddess created as her vengeance." Spoiler: Sword knowledge Show This aesthetically pleasing longsword is crusted with gems and filigreed with gold. It is also cursed to make the wielder appear as it's original owner. The sword can be sheathed (one appears on the wielder's back), but it instantly attunes to the wielder and cannot be unattuned until the curse is broken, either through the proper spell or by solving an as of yet unknown condition. The sword, if wielded, counts as a +1 Longsword that critically hits on a 19-20. As long as you are attuned to it you have advantage on all charisma based checks, and checks purely or mostly dealing with looks are made as though you have a charisma of 20. This sword belonged to Krumb, a wildlands barbarian from another plane. He was famously gorgeously handsome, and battled for a full human life time. Word is that he was incredibly vain and sure of his own beauty, beyond the point of simple vice to a sinful fault. Krumb was unparalleled in martial combat, as were his boasts and tales. When he declared himself more beautiful than a goddess of love and beauty, the angered goddess created a woman who's entire body reflected with a mirror sheen. Legends say Krumb fell in love with this mirror woman and spent the rest of his days staring at himself in the mirror. There was a DC 25 as well, but John didn't roll that well.

[Awful]

Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines Magework Necromancer Darkvision: 60ft AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 6 PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11 Conditions: Pizza Power: Advantage on a Str or Con check until next long rest Savtuan Dream: 1/1 /LR, add Int, Wis or Cha to a physical check, attack or damage roll (before the roll is made) Concentrating on: 5/5 d6 HD Arcane recovery 1/1 Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd Fingerbone staff 7/10 Alchemical treats: 3/7 granting 6THP Goreling count: 7 <I do not trust the Cantina. It is an obvious place to conduct business - which means it is the obvious place to install means of spying. Let us hope, then, that the masters of the place do not hold friendship to our foe.> She scowled. <I will see if any magic is active within the room before we speak of matters - though of course that is hardly foolproof.> If they got a private room, the servitors would take up position - one outside the door, to prevent someone listening at the keyhole. If it was just a booth, they would stand to block the view of anyone looking at the sitting party. When their business with the devil was concluded, and the talk turned to Bil's slightly new form, she added her own contribution. <The barbarian became a penitent after their encounter with the mirror-creature.> she told the rabbit.<Bowing before that goddess may well be sufficient. I have little interest in gods, not desiring to beg for scraps from their table - so you would likely know better than I in how to approach them.>

Spoiler: OOC

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She'll Detect Magic in the place before they start and take a look.

[purepolarpanzer]

Savva's Crossplane Cantina

When the party makes it's way through the door of the biggest watering hole in Timeborne, John sees more exotic species and beings than he ever has before. Currently a unit of uniformed creatures with large, muscular purple bodies and mouths that look like they could swallow a child whole have filled the ground floor of the bar, and when you all make your way inside an impromptu hostess with vibrant purple skin with fluorescent orange scales around her eyes and mouth shouts over the din of singing, drunken soldiers.

"The deck above is quieter, friends. Plenty of room... and plenty of privacy..." When she said the second half of that sentence her eyes drifted to Vassan, who, while not out of place as far as this place goes, warrants specific notice from the staff.

When her direction are followed, you find the deck quietly occupied by only a few scattered patrons- a couple nuzzling at each other in one corner, three hooded figures doing business in another. The world that Timeborne orbits is lit by a sun as red as a coal, basking the entire rogue plane in a crimson light. Here, atop one of the larger buildings in the small, mostly vacant city, the view of both Timeborne and the pleasant blue and green orb below you are breathtaking. Magic senses reveal no spying or divination magic, and Hylusi is somewhat reassured by the presence of abjuration magic that prevents precisely those types of snooping.

The waitress who shepherded you before follows you up sometime after, apologizing for the rowdy, bulky military folk below and asking for your drink or food orders. Vassan smiles wickedly at her and says "I will have an Utter Essence Ale. My friends here are buying."

[RandomWombat]

Prince Doredan Human Martial Bard 5 AC: 14+0 HP: 34/33+5 thp: 6 PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9 Conditions: Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter) When the devil places his order on their tab, Doredan gives the server a glance and then states, "I don't recall drinks being a part of the deal," leaning forward, he asks the server, "My hospitality depends upon the price. How much is this ale?"

[Archmage1]

John Smith Human Eldritch Knight AC: 19 HP: 44/44 PP: 12 PIv: 12 PIs: 9 Conditions: Concentrating: Walking through Timeborne, John continues to resemble an inexperienced Tourist, his head turning every which way as his eyes take in the many sights and strange creatures present in this place. "So many different people. Surely if running into your duplicates were so bad, it would already have happened in a place like this." His voice is low, pitched soas to not travel far, almost an idle musing on his part. Before long the Highly Experienced(tm) mercenary follows the group into the Cantina, and he continues to take in the sight, although the shepherding is enough to get him upstairs. As the discussion of prices becomes highly relevant John, buoyed by months of practical mercenary experience looks around the popular Cantina for a menu and prices.

[Awful]

Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines Magework Necromancer Darkvision: 60ft AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 6 PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11 Conditions: Pizza Power: Advantage on a Str or Con check until next long rest Savtuan Dream: 1/1 /LR, add Int, Wis or Cha to a physical check, attack or damage roll (before the roll is made) Concentrating on: 5/5 d6 HD Arcane recovery 1/1 Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd Fingerbone staff 7/10 Alchemical treats: 3/7 granting 6THP Goreling count: 7 On their journey through Timeborne, Hylusi heard the mercenary's musings and was almost impressed. It was almost as if the tattooed lump of beef had a brain within his skull. She sent her whispery mind-voice to rattle within said skull. <One would think, human. Indeed, I can think of several forces that would have an interest in weaponising such a potent force. Certainly, I do not believe I have ever heard of the like - and my knowledge is quite extensive.> The Cantina Insisting on checking for spying magic, the ex-elf was somewhat mollified by the presence of counter-scrying arcana. It might not stop a cunning ear, but at least, it suggested that it would stop a casual listener. Acceptable risk. Nonetheless, the servitors took up position to keep an eye on things. At ordering drinks, the Magus simply replied without giving the serving girl much thought beyond a brief glance. <Wine. A good vintage.>

Spoiler: OOC

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[jscape2000]

Bil Twilight Cleric of Damh AC: 18 HP: 38 / 33 THP: 6 PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: 5 / 5 d8 HD Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 2/3, 3rd: 0/2; channel 3/3 Bil's head swivels, taking in the exchange between the demon and the prince. He'd never had this ale, and if the price is right, he'll order one for himself. Otherwise, a nice bitter would be bracing after the time in the swamp. Spoiler: ooc Show

[purepolarpanzer]

Savva's Crossplane Cantina

The waitress raises an eyebrow when Doredan asks about the price. "It's cheaper here than anywhere else in the 'verse, but still more expensive then most care to pay. Four gold a bottle." Turning to Bil and noting his interest, she also adds "It's made with water dredged out of the Styx, and filtered through the soul essence of the damned. If you buy them in Hell the souls are still intact and served in the bubbly bottle. Here we only have U.E.A. Lite, with the souls used for flavor but not captured. I'd never touch the stuff." She takes the rest of the orders amiably enough before heading down below to place the order. Whether his ale is comped or not, Vassan will begin nervously scratching at the table, his claw eliciting a small sliver of shaved wood from the tic. He begins speaking and doesn't stop for several minutes.

"Jin the Fist was once a deck hand a muscle for another captain. In an attempt to flee authorities on their homeplane, they did the ol' bag of holding double trick. Didn't go well. They ended up in the Reach, a planar hellscape where a black hole is slowly eating all that remains of a long forgotten plane. The plane was cursed by a demigod who presumed that it had the power to punish all who annoyed him. But the demigod, a being known as Aesul Myrak, didn't have the juice to destroy an entire plane and everyone who resides on it, so he tapped into the primal power of entropy to summon a world eater black hole to it's position. Only problem for him is that all the gods of the Reach didn't take kindly to their world being eaten."

He sip his beverage before continuing. The foaming brew emits a skull-shaped cloud of smoke and a quiet moan of damnation.

"The Reach isn't the only one who was cursed. Aesul Myrak, Shatterer of Worlds, conducted his ritual in the main temple of a patriarchal father god of that world, and from now until the plane finally gets consumed by the world eater Aesul Myrak is stuck in that temple chamber. He can't leave the room. One day he'll be eaten along with the whole Reach, but the process seems to have slowed down a whole lot towards the end. So time passes. The gravity of the Splintered Reach, it's MORE than just a physical pull. Any interplanar travelers who get their by accident, like Jin and his crew, are either eaten by the native planar creatures or wait their turn to be digested by the world eater, because there is NO escape."

Another sip. Another groan of despair from the bottle.

"But Jin, he didn't accept his doom so readily. So even against his Captain's orders, he approached the remains of Aesul's temple. Those who bothered the demigod bound to the throne room almost always ended up getting chucked into the world eater, but somehow Jin convinced Aesul to give him a boon. A wish. A Jin, being the wily bastard he was, didn't just ask for a way to leave this place- he asked for a way to leave and COME BACK at his will. So Aesul gave him a magical rudder that can resist the pull of the Reach and do what not even the demigod could do- come and go from the Reach as he pleased. So Jin killed the Captain, took control of the ship and his crewmates, and now every time the authorities, like the Mantis or a Devil Lord or agents of Heaven, gets upset with him, Jin turns tail and runs to the Reach for a few months. No one wants to risk getting trapped in a perpetual end of days, so no one follows Jin. And so his outlaw *** has been a thorn in the side of everyone in the multiverse for decades now."

He finishes his drink.

"But boons don't come lightly. Jin exchanged a promise for that rudder, and he's been paying off that debt for some time now. Aesul wants nothing more than to leave the Reach, and rumor is that now Jin is bound to help free the demigod from his prison. So while Jin will run off and do his own thing for a few years, pillaging and pirating, eventually the leash gets yanked and he begins doing his real work. Secret work. A plan known only to him and Aesul. I suspect, based on what I've heard of all of you, that your target probably was taken in furtherance of Aesul's plan to escape. Though that's above my pay grade. Now if you want to answer questions I will, as promised, but I want another beer. But I don't know a whole lot more." Vassan hisses out a perverse form of laughter, then burps loudly.

[Archmage1]

John Smith Human Eldritch Knight AC: 19 HP: 44/44 PP: 12 PIv: 12 PIs: 9 Conditions: Concentrating: Listening to the explanation delivered by Vassan, John nods, before taking a sip of his water. "It sounds like someone needs to just take the rudder, and he would be trapped? How hard would it be to remove a rudder? Ships aren't that big?"

[RandomWombat]

Prince Doredan Human Martial Bard 5 AC: 14+0 HP: 34/33+5 thp: 6 PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9 Conditions: Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter) Though he winces at the description of the literal devil's drink, Doredan waves a hand at the price. Pocket change for folk of their stature. "Very well, I will cover the cost of one drink of this... ale. Any further are on your tab." The thought of drinking the flavor of damned souls is repulsive, the metaphysical implications not withstanding. Still, these souls either got themselves damned somehow, so his sympathy is limited. Fighting against arcane ale is not a battle worth picking. "Grape juice, for me. I am not feeling alcoholic today." Nursing his own wine glass of non-wine (it good important to cultivate appearances) and taking the occasional sip, Doredan's expression remains a level frown as he listens to the tale of Jin. Was his brother taken to this dying plane? "Were it so easy to steal this rudder, Jin would not have escaped so many pursuers," he reasons at John's comment. "It sounds as though Jin has no shortage of enemies. Still, one does not conduct business without clients, I understand. Do you know any of the pirate's allies?"

[jscape2000]

Bil Twilight Cleric of Damh AC: 18 HP: 38 / 33 THP: 6 PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: 5 / 5 d8 HD Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 2/3, 3rd: 0/2; channel 3/3 At the description of the ale, Bil pivots to a simpler beverage. "If this World Shatterer could grant a boon of passage," he reasons, "then other deities could do the same, with the right effort. I suspect that Jin, while a nuisance, has not angered another power enough to devote the necessary resources to his elimination. But the pending liberation of Aesul Myrak seems a different order of magnitude. Vassan, can you tell us more about the enemies of Aesul Myrak and Jin the Fist? We may have common cause with patrons we have not yet met." Spoiler: ooc Show