3/31/19

dys (GM): rolling 1d10!-15 aging 1360 ( 6 ) -15 = -9 rolling 1d10!-15 aging 1361 ( 10 + 6 ) -15 = 1 no apparent aging either year Guy of Bonisagus: rolling 1d10!-13 ( 1 ) -13 = -12 rolling 1d10!-13 ( 10 + 5 ) -13 = 2 Endrite (GM): Can the Safety score of a lab reduce botch dice to zero? devil's fav demon (GM): unless another gm shows up and overrules me, yes. i cant find anything in the lab customization rules to suggest it can't Endrite (GM): Ok, followup question: can a dog play basketball? devil's fav demon (GM): same answer. Endrite (GM): Also I think we'll need more people to answer this next question: what kind of benefit do you get for building a lab around the giant magical tree? Hmm, are the tree's branches within the magic aura? I could put Alphubel's lab up there. devil's fav demon: Labs built around the tree would probably have Major Structure Virtue: Greater Feature (Giant Tree), granting +2 Aesthetics and a 3 point Specialization on Herbam or Vim. (or both.) Endrite (GM): Wow! devil's fav demon: possibly the Minor Flaw Poorly Insulated as well. giving -1 to Safety and Aesthetics. Endrite (GM): If the tree is alive then underground labs constructed around it shouldn't have insulation problems. devil's fav demon: Oh, I was assuming you were building your lab among the tree branches. Endrite (GM): Oh, I was. I'm just saying. devil's fav demon: I see. Endrite (GM): That would be a different thing. I mean there's all kinds of problems with a tree-top lab. Not least of which is I'm not sure that the aura extends that far. Wouldn't Exposed make more sense than Poorly Insulated? A tree-top lab would also have the Elevated virtue. devil's fav demon: Sounds good to me. Endrite (GM): Of course if any, more senior magus wants to go for it, they should. Is increasing a familiar's Intelligence a Creo Animal or Creo Mentem ritual? johns (GM): yes creo animal Endrite (GM): Thank you. johns (GM): wait int or cunning? uh hmm. gonna say Animal still Endrite (GM): Int. Familiars don't have Cunning. devil's fav demon: The familiar will not die of old age as long as the magus is alive, and it only suffers ill effects from aging when the magus does. If it did not previously have human intelligence, it gains it, with a score of –3. Endrite (GM): Right, but I'm talking about improving it further. devil's fav demon: It's still Animal, though, because Bjornaer magi also have Int. and they are affected by Animal form while in heartbeast shape. Endrite (GM): Bjornaer are special cases. devil's fav demon: The heartbeast just means they're an animal. Endrite (GM): What's the Natural Intelligence of a familiar? It's Cunning score or -3? devil's fav demon: i don't know how Natural Intelligence differs from Intelligence. but i assume -3, since it's a familiar. and that's the base int for familiars. Endrite (GM): Spells that improve an animal's stats can only improve up to 5 greater than the natural stats of the creature. johns (GM): trying to find some last minute art resources and of course everything good has Stock Photo stamps hammered on it Endrite (GM): So a mouse wouldn't have +5 strength even with the most powerful Creo Animal ritual. johns (GM): The Ars Magica discord seems to think you'd use Mentem one the Animal has intelligence. Endrite (GM): Well then Archibald's new spell just got a whole lot more valuable. johns (GM): i believe youd need separate CrMe to target animals or jinn or wahtever than the one you use for humans Endrite (GM): Gah! Anyway I'm thinking of getting a Scintilis for Alphubel's familiar. devil's fav demon: guy 1361 Notes: Neglected to teach Brutus this year. Endrite (GM): It's a magical serpent that dazzles prey with its rainbow scales and then eats them. devil's fav demon: :pepe5: Endrite (GM): It's suboptimal because it doesn't start with high intelligence but it's thematically appropriate. devil's fav demon: (To GM) rolling 1d10!-9 ( 10 + 6 ) -9 = 7 Endrite (GM): Gah! johns (GM): nice aginag roll. Endrite (GM): Should I just give Alphubel a Scintilis or is a multi-hued serpent the kind of thing we might run into in Egypt? johns (GM): I don't know what a Scintilis is. regardless hold off because anyone who wants a familiar might find something interesting in this adventure Endrite (GM): Ok. It's the first stat block in the Dragon section of Realms of Power: Magic. Also I'd like to say that giving Jormungandr 75 Might is an embarrassing indictment of the entire supernatural creature system. Being able to take down the serpent that is larger than the entire world with a single fairly strong spell is so gross. What would be a good Study Bonus source for Mentem besides all the freaky ghosts in the covenant? It feel like "having a mind" shouldn't count. devil's fav demon: A nice chaise longue to take naps on. johns (GM): a brain in a jar Endrite (GM): Does the covenant have any stone statues? johns (GM): there is a statue to Apollo, keeping the rats out Endrite (GM): Ok. That's for next season. Guy of Bonisagus: cant wait to throw some pila Alphubel ex Merinita: Rolling to see if I gain the Highly Organized virtue, since the Spotless Virtue is out of reach except by magical means at the top of a tree. rolling 1d10! + 2 + 4 ( 1 ) +2+4 = 7 Gah! rolling 2d10 ( 8 + 6 ) = 14 Phew. johns (GM): pweened hmm we're missing someone devil's fav demon: rip dys: Thinker of Cum Staler of Turns johns (GM): uhhh how should we handle this then. it isn't good for people to just pop into existence in the middle of a long expedition Guy of Bonisagus: he can play octavia if he arrives johns (GM): are you ok with that dys dys: Wouldn't we be taking Giraldo instead, as a tracker Or... Derfel, lol his own companion grog johns (GM): Shaun have you updated your seasons Alphubel ex Merinita: Oh wait it's CURRENT art score, I didn't even need the brain in a jar. In any case, I should look into making a mobile laboratory. dys: If we're having a grog materialise halfway its probably better to be his own one, unless people are playing two characters at once to keep one warm for him. Shauncat (GM): I don't know what to do with my seasons so no johns (GM): whens the last time you updated your chars dys: that said i dont mind cumthinker playing her, i just think if we're teleporting a grog in it'd make more sense to be his own companion Alphubel ex Merinita: Which is his companion? Guy of Bonisagus: ok, endrite can play derfel dys: Derfel of the Bronze Sheet, endrite Alphubel ex Merinita: It's the roll I was born to play. Rosario of Flambeau kisses Shaq Shauncat: 1359 on Fiorella johns (GM): ok next up pick your crew for this expedition Alphubel ex Merinita: I think the real question is "Who are we leaving behind?" johns (GM): in the past most of you are happy to head out without grogs and companions so i want to be sure how many ppl we have Guy of Bonisagus: guy is going Alphubel ex Merinita: Lavinia and Sabino can probably hold down the fort but we should bring every single shield grog we have. moe: oh baby, water logistics Fiorella of Jerbiton: We need a few grogs to guard the place Dusan of Criamon: Dusan comes along Fiorella of Jerbiton: I'll leave my familiar here so I can teleport back if something happens Alphubel ex Merinita: Also Voda isn't coming because I haven't updated him in a real life year. Fiorella of Jerbiton: I mean, the familiar can tell me if something worth teleporting back for happens Rosario of Flambeau: lol voda... johns (GM): now Archibald asked lavinia to scry a route I think Fiorella of Jerbiton: rolling d10!-5 aging roll 1360 ( 2 ) -5 = -3 rolling d10!-5 aging roll 1361 ( 8 ) -5 = 3 johns (GM): and her route is similar to what Jawal says, except couched in more poetry Alphubel ex Merinita: My new Companion is Vaticanus, a fairy teacher and loremaster with Sovereign Ward: Alphubel. johns (GM): The first stop is Alexandria, then into the desert, find the Blessed Oasis, cross the Scorching Sands, and enter the Marble Palace Alphubel ex Merinita: I meant to make him earlier but computer troubles prevented me from doing it. johns (GM): Ok, Fiorella (no familiar), Guy, Dusan. Who else? Rosario of Flambeau: "A simple matter. Why, we'll by done by the year's end." Fiorella of Jerbiton: Belzer will be busy at Magvillus as Tribunal is coming Rosario of Flambeau: I'm going, but don't usually take grogs with me. Hmm... Guy of Bonisagus: guys familiar will also be staying behind Fiorella of Jerbiton: I'll take five combat grogs If no one else wants to manage it Rosario of Flambeau: Let's take a goat girl with us. Guy of Bonisagus: guys familiar usually stays behind but if fiorella is making this distinction i am too Archibald of Guernicus: We'll take Derfel and Bolad >:) Dusan of Criamon: Far from the healing ability of the Church, the locals would soon become idolators and worship the goat girl Alphubel ex Merinita: We should take Jabier, Ilbrago, Napolino, Tunde, an Zachois with us. Fiorella of Jerbiton: I'll add Morgana for the Leadership bonus to Alphubel's list Alphubel ex Merinita: The Animos should stay behind to guard the covenant and also not move. Rosario of Flambeau: Dusan that would be good That way she can get some vitality and not die. Alphubel ex Merinita: I think we can hire porters in Egypt. johns (GM): Alphubel is going? Alphubel ex Merinita: And we probably should. Yes. Dusan of Criamon: Rosario, I worry for their souls Alphubel ex Merinita: It's dangerous, but it's also quite important. johns (GM): Ok, that's 6 Magi, 7 grogs sounds good gonna quickly scan your sheets for some stuff GM: Archibald's owl is coming too? Archibald of Guernicus: No Better that they're back in the aviary This is no place for an owl GM: Who in this part speaks Arabic and who can read Greek Archibald of Guernicus: Losing his familiar would probably crush Archibald's spirit enough to stop adventuring entirely he's staying home What is happening with Cumthinker, btw Dusan of Criamon: Dusan can read greek and arabic, but not understand arabic Alphubel ex Merinita: Pretty good. Guy of Bonisagus: i have a score of 1 in arabic Archibald of Guernicus: I have a suggestion regarding a companion character that would be appropriate to bring along. We could bring Bolad as a grog, and cumthinker could play him if he doesn't show up before we're firmly in the adventure. Rosario of Flambeau: I have a score of 2. blessed. Alphubel ex Merinita: Well, there you go. GM: ok Rosario of Flambeau: We could bring Bakir if anyone wants to play a companion who can speak fluent Arabic. Archibald of Guernicus: I mean realistically we would be bringing all our best grogs but uh GM: Morgana can only lead a party of 5 Archibald of Guernicus: that has issues with people playing a companion and magus at the same time GM: Ok. Fiorella of Jerbiton: FIorella can speak Arabic Alphubel ex Merinita: Bakir really seems like a good companion yo bring along. But I understand if you would rather play yourMagus. GM: If Cumthinker ever arrives, he is playing Bolad, who is leading the Oread. Fiorella of Jerbiton: Belzer can speak anything GM: ok Fiorella of Jerbiton: It's a notorious magus killing city, so I will bring my magus GM: locking in party as follows: Archibald (no familiar), Alphubel, Dusan, Fiorella (no familiar), Rosario, Guy, 5 Shield Grogs lead by Morgana, 1 Oread lead by Bolad Guy of Bonisagus: guy does not have his familiar either he never brings him but this time specifically its being noted GM: I forgot that he even had one. Guy of Bonisagus: i havent done much with him Fiorella of Jerbiton: My familiar will stay at VT to warn me if anything happens Guy of Bonisagus: he manages the apiary GM: Nice. Guy, Archibald, and Fiorella all leave their +5 strength Arcane Connections unguarded at Vardian's Tomb Off we go Guy of Bonisagus: ambrose is not unguarded Alphubel ex Merinita: Smart call. Guy of Bonisagus: hes got an entire army of bees Alphubel ex Merinita: lol Fiorella of Jerbiton: Unguarded in what esnse? GM: in the sense there is a wizard there who loves abusing arcane connections Alphubel ex Merinita: Please stat up and name his retinue of bee knights. GM: its a joke shaun. relax Fiorella of Jerbiton: Ok but the familiar is sentient, flies while awake, and can take precautions about where it sleeps and molts. So it's not a free AC The expedition crowds into the whale and sets off. GM: wait! I already fucked up. Dusan of Criamon: Guy and a retinue of bees, named in rhyming pairs, like santa's reindeer GM: I forgot whether you were bringing Jawal and his Lamp along. Fiorella of Jerbiton: We're bringing the major adventure hook it's almost safe to say Archibald of Guernicus: Are we? It seems dangerous to do so. Alphubel ex Merinita: I thought we mistrusted him. Yeah. Dusan of Criamon: yeah it makes no sense NOT to risk him escaping our control in his desired magica locale Archibald of Guernicus: In fact, it seems smarter to keep him summoned back in VT. Guy of Bonisagus: wait i thought we were bringing him since hes leading us Archibald of Guernicus: Lavinia found the way Guy of Bonisagus: oh GM: She gave you some weird poetic instructions. Dusan of Criamon: Oh! Guy of Bonisagus: did we even determine his realm GM: A guide would still help. Guy of Bonisagus: i thought someone tested if he was infernal Dusan of Criamon: Weird poetic instructions! I want those! Dibs! GM: someone cast DEO on him to no effect Guy of Bonisagus: if hes not infernal i dont see a reason not to take him back home Alphubel ex Merinita: Even if he's from some other realm he could still be dangerous. Especially if he's from the Otherrealm. Fiorella of Jerbiton: DEO is more of a Pascal's wager thing Dusan of Criamon: We could bind him by oath Guy of Bonisagus: we can just fucking kill him if he messes with us Archibald of Guernicus: Being magical doesnt make something non-dangerous Fiorella of Jerbiton: DEO doesn't guarantee against betrayal but it's free to cast Dusan of Criamon: see, trying to fucking kill him has obvious downsides Guy of Bonisagus: hes not infernal so it is not completely and wholly in his nature to make us suffer, and he can otherwise be reasoned with Alphubel ex Merinita: I mean, it might be. Archibald of Guernicus: We're holding a jar that makes him our slave At the bare minimum he wants to stop being our slave Alphubel ex Merinita: Only while the bottle survives. Archibald of Guernicus: Yes That's my point Dusan of Criamon: Slavery is immoral, and I support his desire for freedom Alphubel ex Merinita: So getting him into a situation where the bottle can break is dangerous. Anyway, Dusan is basically right here. Archibald of Guernicus: We are relying on outside power to keep him enslaved. He absolutely wants to end this power over him no matter what. Dusan of Criamon: Let's bind him by oath Guy of Bonisagus: he could probably be an ally for us in a foreign, potentially very hostile regio as he would be happy to be free Dusan of Criamon: let's tell him what we want, what he wants, and let's agree if either happens, we'll also do the other Archibald of Guernicus: Unless the exact deal we're making with him is "we will take your bottle here and release you if you guide us" we are going to be betrayed, and might still be betrayed Dusan of Criamon: if he desires to betray former friends, that is his prerogative Archibald of Guernicus: we arent his friends!!! Dusan of Criamon: also his death sentence Guy of Bonisagus: we could rearrange the deal to be, since we know roughly where it is, "we will free you once we are done in the city if you help keep us safe while within" does that work Alphubel ex Merinita: I don't know, does it? Dusan of Criamon: Why city end the plague that's the goal here we don't care about the city, we're after the plague Archibald of Guernicus: He might not trust us (he probably wont trust us) and betrays us anyway, it's a bad idea. Dusan of Criamon: once it's over, he's free Guy of Bonisagus: hes not gonna be much help with the giant corn Dusan of Criamon: Yeah but we get a buffer of time Guy of Bonisagus: i doubt anything he can do will penetrate its resistance Archibald of Guernicus: He might be actually, thats a point you never know Guy of Bonisagus: hm okay, he helps us end the blight and then we free him is that a good deal Dusan of Criamon: look, we bind him by oath for a somewhat long time during which he'll endeavor to cooperate with us Guy of Bonisagus: guy isnt too keen on keeping him a slave when he hasnt done anything to us either Dusan of Criamon: this is existential to both of us: if magic ends, we're fucked, if he doesn't get out of the bottle, he's fucked Archibald of Guernicus: If we take the bottle to the city we will not have the bottle when we leave it lol Alphubel ex Merinita: On the other hand, djinn are enslaved for a reason. Archibald of Guernicus: Whatever Art of the Deal shit we pull, that is the simple fact Guy of Bonisagus: the type that are in bottles are djinn that were used in the war against solomon Alphubel ex Merinita: My guess is because they are mischievous. Guy of Bonisagus: they were just employed/bound by other wizards Jawal al'Ifrit: yeah endrite so the jinn civ leader can whip them for extra hammers each turn Rosario of Flambeau: I did tell the jinn we would bring him to the city. Guy of Bonisagus: he seems like a friendly fellow Alphubel ex Merinita: That's a really strong bonus. Archibald of Guernicus: Unless he failed to get Bronze Working Rosario of Flambeau: What am I gonna do, break a promise? Dusan of Criamon: Look, if we bind him by oath for many seasons in an epic quest, we'll befriend him sooner or later we're a very friendly bunch Alphubel ex Merinita: Ok, if we're resolved to bring the bottle to the city then we had better craft a strong bargain. Guy of Bonisagus: jinn love to negotiate and make deals Alphubel ex Merinita: World of Bargaincraft. Archibald of Guernicus: I think if the intent is to take him to the city we should make it clear we plan to free him so he's less likely to attack us post-freedom, since he is going to attack us for sure if he has to stage an escape, and he is going to stage an escape Alphubel ex Merinita: The issue here is that we all suck at striking bargains. Guy of Bonisagus: thats the point! we make a deal where he helps us with our business, and then hes free Dusan of Criamon: My proposal; defeat the magic plague and his release. Two events, and if one happens, the other party is bound to follow through to the other. Archibald of Guernicus: Does anyone have any good bargaining? Remember that the Gift applies to Creatures of Might too which is why I'm bringing my magic orb Guy of Bonisagus: belzer is our best bargainer we could have him set up a contract Dusan of Criamon: I have intrigue 1 lmao -3 com Alphubel ex Merinita: I have good Charm (Fairies) and Inoffensive to Fairies. But yes I also have -4 Communication. Guy of Bonisagus: guy has +5 comm but no bargain Fiorella of Jerbiton: I think we can just make the bargain ICly, there's no knowledge of markets or such involved. Archibald of Guernicus: Well we need someone to actually uh convince the jinn not to attack and betray us Guy of Bonisagus: i think were being very paranoid about a creature that has so far been nothing but nice Archibald of Guernicus: I'm going to be honest. I think that our party of frogs taking a scorpion in a bottle to scorpion city is a plan with some downsides Fiorella of Jerbiton: Sahir sink a lot of XP into not being betrayed by genies Guy of Bonisagus: agreeing to free him is probably enough incentive for him to not fuck around with us Fiorella of Jerbiton: Usually it's going to happen one way or another Archibald of Guernicus: ive said how i think it should be done if we do the stupid option of taking him its definitely not, lol. he has no reason to trust us Guy of Bonisagus: i mean we did rescue him from the dude who was keeping him for real imprisoned Fiorella of Jerbiton: No amount of Bargain gives you immunity to the GM's plan Archibald of Guernicus: We bought him in a trade! As a slave! Jawal al'Ifrit: i resent the implication shaun Guy of Bonisagus: we could also talk to him Dusan of Criamon: And we're positing to him a plan to end his status as a slave Guy of Bonisagus: and see if hes lying to us when we set up a bargain Archibald of Guernicus: Sure Let's do that then. We could arrange it with uhhh. Charm? Leadership? Surely someone, anyone has social abilities Guy of Bonisagus: i have charm and leadership Fiorella of Jerbiton: Cool Guy of Bonisagus: so what exactly do we want just protection while were in the city, or his help in the magic realm too? Dusan of Criamon: I can write up a contract but i think it's better IC if it's spoken Archibald of Guernicus: We want him to guide us to the city and his protection inside it, and beyond that we'll free him. Dusan of Criamon: i want him bound to our quest until the magic plague is defeated Guy of Bonisagus: okay thats simple enough i think getting him to go through the whole quest will make it harder and also i still dont think this guy is very powerful Fiorella of Jerbiton: Oh right I think Flora gauntleted in 1361 Dusan of Criamon: I submit to the covenant's will Fiorella of Jerbiton: Belzer can probably handle her Mercere test Guy of Bonisagus: i mean yeah we can vote on it but i think just protection in the city is good he will definitely be useful in that regard, and its simple enough for him that he shouldnt have much resistance to the idea Alphubel ex Merinita: Take me down to scorpion city, where the stings are venomous and you get stung all the time. Fiorella of Jerbiton: We can use Circle of Beast Warding to not get stung in our sleep Dusan of Criamon: If it is a tactical choice, I acquiesce. Ultimately, I want his freedom as much as he does. Maybe a little less than he does. Guy of Bonisagus: also since hes from the city of brass he is PROBABLY magic nature now that i think about it Alphubel ex Merinita: It might be a Faerie city. Or maybe Jinn are angels, since they WERE created by God. Guy of Bonisagus: a faerie city is not useful to us jinn are not angels they are roughly equivalent to men anyway are we going with protection while in the city, and helping us find the city? Fiorella of Jerbiton: Faerie cities are useful, they're waypoints for Arcadian Travel Jawal al'Ifrit cries Dusan of Criamon: What's our cover anyway travelling philosophers? Fiorella of Jerbiton: Venetian traders Rosario of Flambeau: this Dusan of Criamon: sure Fiorella of Jerbiton: With philosophers as consultants Alphubel ex Merinita: Do we even need a cover? Fiorella of Jerbiton: Natural philosophers know what sorts of exotic goods are worth picking up in Africa Alphubel ex Merinita: We're going straight into the deep desert. Jawal al'Ifrit: ok guy you want to bargain with jawal? anyone else opposed to guy's plan? Alphubel ex Merinita: How much do we even need to interact with mundanes at all? Archibald of Guernicus: I've brought my orb so I can hide somewhere invisible or somesuch while greeting people without giving off Blatant Stink Dusan of Criamon: As much as they force our hand the poor ungifted wretches, they know not what they do Alphubel ex Merinita: I mean, we need food and water. Rosario of Flambeau: I am not opposed to Guy's plan, but I insist that we actually free him at the end, because I promised. Alphubel ex Merinita: That's basically it, unless one of these places is in the middle of a real city. Guy of Bonisagus: i want to free him too Alphubel ex Merinita: Oh, and bandits, obviously. Guy of Bonisagus: if he turns out to be an okay fellow Archibald of Guernicus: the covenant seems to want to free him, in general Guy of Bonisagus: and doesnt fuck with us Dusan of Criamon: Well, also possible other logistics items Guy of Bonisagus: which i do not think he will do Archibald of Guernicus: We should probably make it clear that if he backstabs us we will not free him Guy of Bonisagus: if theres no further discussion on this ill go ahead sit down at a table and conjure him up oh, did the jinn speak latin? Jawal al'Ifrit: Arabic Guy of Bonisagus: ah ill have bakir translate then Thick smoke billows from the lamp, and then a man clad in smoke and jewelry. Jawal al'Ifrit: "Behold! The Mighty Jawal is here!" Guy of Bonisagus: "Greetings Jawal! I believe my sodales discussed a previous agreement for you to lead us to the City of Brass, in exchange for your freedom." Jawal al'Ifrit: "Jawal remembers, a fair deal from fair people! An honor to be among the honorable!" Guy of Bonisagus: I smile. "One of ours is a diviner of sorts, and we believe we have a rough idea of where the City is. Your help would still be appreciated, as we do have some concerns about navigating the City. Not all are as noble in spirit as yourself, I am sure." Rosario of Flambeau walks out of the room and hopes Jawal doesn't see him Jawal al'Ifrit: "Set your concerns at ease. No place in the world is as welcoming as the City of Brass, and I, Jawal, am your number one guide to this magical place." Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. Guy of Bonisagus: I will Folk Ken my friend Jawal. +2, or +3 if he is a secret magus. Alphubel ex Merinita: He might be. Dusan of Criamon: If he is then his freedom is of even greater importance. Jawal al'Ifrit: (To GM) rolling 1d10+@ ( 9 ) = 9 Jawal al'Ifrit: (To GM) rolling 1d10+2 ( 5 ) +2 = 7 (To Guy of Bonisagus): Your FK is enough to get an impression of a mischievous djinn who is still bound by the letter of the law. Jawal al'Ifrit rolls some dice Jawal al'Ifrit passes a note to a player (From Guy of Bonisagus): mischievous malicious or just mischievous? (To Guy of Bonisagus): The latter Rosario of Flambeau peeks out from behind the doorframe to watch the re-negotiation Jawal al'Ifrit: i recently looked up the Trianoma chapter and they specifically say a low level EF of folk ken is enough to get a general personality description, akin to Counselor Troi's Super Powers, so there you go Alphubel ex Merinita: lol Guy of Bonisagus: "Good! We would like to use your services as a guide as well. Once our business is done in the city, and we are able to leave safely, you will have your freedom." Alphubel ex Merinita: I would say that Djinn are probably good liars. Jawal al'Ifrit: "Jawal is your humble servant, but he asks, what business is this? For certainly there are those who come to the Greatest City of Creation and decide to never leave -- surely you would not wish to enslave your friend Jawal for all time?" Guy of Bonisagus: were going to the magic realm once we get there right thats the plan? Archibald of Guernicus: Are we? I thought we were just mapping a route to the arcana centrum Guy of Bonisagus: okay Archibald of Guernicus: we cant take grogs to the arcana centrum since theyll get warped into oblivion Guy of Bonisagus: yeah Jawal al'Ifrit: i have to check on that dys Guy of Bonisagus: okay, so our business is getting a route to the arcana centrum Alphubel ex Merinita: Sure. Jawal al'Ifrit: i know i had a mundane who spent time in the magic realm and turned out ok last saga Guy of Bonisagus: we could also leave our mundanes under jawals care while we are in the centrum Alphubel ex Merinita: But we can just leave the grogs in the City of Brass. They probably won't get into too much trouble. Guy of Bonisagus: then come back out, free him and leave yeah Archibald of Guernicus: they'll definitely get warped if we take them, anyway. we dont know how long itll take but 10 aura you get warped pretty quick iirc Guy of Bonisagus: city of brass they should be fine to stay in for a little bit Rosario of Flambeau: warping ftw they can take some flaws, it makes things interesting Guy of Bonisagus: we find out how to get to the centrum, have jawal watch them in the city, then collect them on our way out Dusan of Criamon: (despondently) warping ftw Archibald of Guernicus: oh wtf its just 1/month yeah theyll be fine, nvm Guy of Bonisagus: oh okay yeah Jawal al'Ifrit: 1 / season Archibald of Guernicus: aura strength 10 is 1/month Jawal al'Ifrit: it's 1/month if they're there for a full year Archibald of Guernicus: That's bullshit, but I'll believe it Guy of Bonisagus: "Jawal, we seek the Arcana Centrum and believe the City will give us a connection to it. Our business is to pass into the Centrum from the city, perform our task, and then leave again through the city." "We have no intention of keeping you bound for long while we do so." Jawal al'Ifrit: "Once you've found your route, you've no need to bring me along." "So, no need to wait for the return trip, Jawal thinks." "This Aracanum Centrum -- whatever it may be -- such a strange and alien place, what good am I there?" Guy of Bonisagus: "We do not need you to follow us in, we just need to be certain that we can leave the City as safely as we came in." Jawal al'Ifrit: "Very well! Once we've confirmed this, Jawal will take his lamp back and we are all happy." "Now, when do we head out?" Guy of Bonisagus: "We're preparing to leave as soon as possible." Alphubel ex Merinita: "Ask him if he can help us survive in the desert," I whisper. Guy of Bonisagus: "I do not think that this many magi of hermes will find difficult surviving a desert, Alphubel." difficulty Alphubel ex Merinita: "Do we have any magical means of doing so?" I whisper. Guy of Bonisagus: "We can bring along plenty of food and water, and protection from heat is very simple for those who can spontaneously cast." Dusan of Criamon: "It's true that the aquam plague has just hit, Europe at least." Archibald of Guernicus: We should shrink our water to carry larger amounts with us Guy of Bonisagus: we should does an effect protecting from fires up to +15 damage also provide you relief from the burn of the sun in a desert Alphubel ex Merinita: Doubtful. Jawal al'Ifrit: Yes Alphubel ex Merinita: The sun is different than fire. Guy of Bonisagus: ok my talisman keeps me safe is there anything else we need to do Archibald of Guernicus: I have a touch-range sun duration spell to protect against heat and flames, too So I'll be casting that on everyone every day Guy of Bonisagus: for what its worth: my findings of the jinns personality was that he is mischievous (not maliciously so) and follows the letter of the law Rosario of Flambeau: ty Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. Guy of Bonisagus: the letter of the arrangement is to see us safely through our business which should be enough Dusan of Criamon: I pack my summer cloak Jawal al'Ifrit: Cool. Heading out? Alphubel ex Merinita: Sure. The party packs into the whale. Rosario of Flambeau: "Nice whale." Jawal al'Ifrit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc_xWlI_1Gw 4 days later, your captain rows you ashore to the mighty city of Alexandria. Alphubel ex Merinita: Wow! A tall tower, eh? Rosario of Flambeau: "What a sight!" Dusan of Criamon: Just got here from Rome, and boy is my glass whale tired Jawal al'Ifrit: It's big and crowded. The ruins of the Great Lighthouse are barely more than a mound of mud out in the harbor. Dusan of Criamon: Ah, the greats. GM: Yet every direction you turn you see a minaret, or a new tower under constructions. Alphubel ex Merinita: Sounds boring. GM: Do you keep Jawal out of his jar? He's rather conspicuous Fiorella of Jerbiton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z03ZRYh4GKY Alphubel ex Merinita: Any giant magical waterspouts or living firestorms? Fiorella of Jerbiton: I realized too late that minarets aren't the famous tower but good song anyway GM: Only the crushing presence of Dominion on your backs, and the chattering masses of beggars and merchants and hawkers Fiorella of Jerbiton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOKi6xQmBGM Here we go Arab: dio ftmfw Guy of Bonisagus: lets keep him in his jar until we need him Rosario of Flambeau: "Very religious people here, I've heard." Alphubel ex Merinita: "Which way do we go from here?" I whisper to Dusan. Guy of Bonisagus: his job doesnt really start until we get closer to the City anyway or is it in alexandria Archibald of Guernicus: "Let's be through this place as quickly as possible. Do we have our food and water prepared for the journey?" Fiorella of Jerbiton: "As opposed to whom? Secularism is rare outside Hermetic society." GM: Nay, according to both LAvinia and your guide, you will need to spend weeks in the Sahara to get to the city. Guy of Bonisagus: very well Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. Sounds fine to me. How hot can it be? Rosario of Flambeau: "I guess you're right, Fiorella." Fiorella of Jerbiton: I'll show my setup for mapping to the magi Arab: A hawker presses forth and addresses you in Italian (Venetian dialect). "Hello hello, traders? You need play to stay? Local guide? Help with the officials? I am here to help!" c'thinker (GM): greetings. Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. Arab: hail samog. you can choose a character, if you had come later you would have been stuck playing Bolad >:D Rosario of Flambeau: Why, fancy meeting you here. Alphubel ex Merinita: "He sounds good, we should bind him to our service," I whisper to Archibald. Fiorella of Jerbiton: Which is 1. turn into a bird 2. scan the terrain from above 3. project my memories using Creo Imaginem (Mentem) onto drawable surface 4. trace them over Arab: This is the logical place to bump into Gulielmus on his frequent trips to court of the Sultan thats sick shaun Rosario of Flambeau: "Do you know where we can hire a guide to tour the Sahara?" c'thinker: i was asleep. Fiorella of Jerbiton: I also have a spell that gives you the ability to perceive vis, we can cast this on grogs if we find an aura. Archibald of Guernicus: "Gulielmus speaks Arabic, let's have him keep our 'guide' honest." Arab: "As-Sahara-al-Gharbiyah? Then, I see -- treasure hunters?" Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Who doesn't speak Arabic, these days?" Dusan of Criamon: "Close, merchants. And retinue." Arab: if gulielmus is here then Bolad is not. just in case you need someone to communicate in Ancient Kushite or something. Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmmm. Rosario of Flambeau: Bolad is at home, flagellating Fiorella of Jerbiton: I can repeatedly summon horses so we don't have to worry of them dying of thirst Arab: "Merchants, in the desert? Very large retinue. What are you trading? Surely better price here -- I can help you find it, small fee of course." Guy of Bonisagus: you can repeatedly summon horses and make them die of heatstroke Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i'm going to drink some coffee and review the backlog Arab: well that takes care of a big part of the logistics Archibald of Guernicus: Nice Thanks, Fiorella Arab: Archibald suggested a spell to help with water, do you want to chart that out Archibald of Guernicus: Which one? I think I suggested a magic item but didnt end up making one Fiorella of Jerbiton: I could maybe manage the spell in Magi of Hermes with an item Arab: you could... smirk.... spont it Fiorella of Jerbiton: And using a feather as the transformation Archibald of Guernicus: if its aquam itd cost vis to spont wouldnt it Arab: Yes. oh dont worry about tracking personal vis on your body btw. i'll just assume you brought a bunch of every type Fiorella of Jerbiton: I was thinking about that before today but then I remembered aquam was blighted and got depressed and stopped thinking about seasons Archibald of Guernicus: Turning water into feathers with a MuAq(An) spell sounds like a good plan, though We could convert a load of water into a bag of feathers Guy of Bonisagus: limmius of bonisagus looks distraught Rosario of Flambeau: lol. Arab: let me know if you're doing that or not Fiorella of Jerbiton: I'm looking up the spell right now Rosario of Flambeau: Lets purify some ocean water and carry it with us on camels. Arab: it means I can skip two planned parts of the voyage having to deal with logistics haha. Alphubel ex Merinita: We can't do that for multiple reasons. 1: There's an Aquam Blight. 2: If you drink magic water you'll die of dehydration. Archibald of Guernicus: If we make an item that does it, then its not a problem It's not magic water Arab: You have 23 pawns of Aquam Vis in storage Archibald of Guernicus: It's water magically turned into a feather so that it weighs less and wont evaporate Rosario of Flambeau: You can survive on non-ritual magic food and water if its over moon duration iirc Alphubel ex Merinita: Well, what weighs more, a ton of feathers or a ton of water? Arab: poor rosario burned up half your Muto VIs fighting an inanimate object haha. Guy of Bonisagus: we have infinite horses to carry infinite skins of water Rosario of Flambeau: but it causes warping Archibald of Guernicus: its a real spell for surviving in the desert from Magi of Hermes Fiorella of Jerbiton: The spell is level 20 and I have 39 lab total and it'd need more than 40 for the charges Rosario of Flambeau: hahaha. Fiorella of Jerbiton: Let me see how much when I add focus Rosario of Flambeau: tfw rosario walks into the vault before attacking a wood block Dusan of Criamon: Question: has the aquam blight hit egypt? Arab: aye Dusan of Criamon: Rats. Arab: along with the Black Death and all that other joy Archibald of Guernicus: Oh, so they probably don't have much water in the first place Arab: they have the Nile, which is far too mighty for a piece of corn to trouble it Fiorella of Jerbiton: Oh wait, 47 with focus and Potent Magic (birds) I can do it Archibald of Guernicus: Nice Fiorella of Jerbiton: It's this with feathers instead of teeth https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/516682905649545230/561997229041385492/unknown.png Arab: Ok, cool Fiorella of Jerbiton: I'll write out a post with the seasons in it right now Archibald of Guernicus: good magical solution Arab: thank you shaun Rosario of Flambeau: thats why youre the consul, boss Arab: The petty mundane merchant has nothing to offer it seems Archibald of Guernicus: lol Owned! By the immense power of hermetic magic Rosario of Flambeau: I ask the petty merchant if he has any cool jewelry. Fiorella of Jerbiton: What season did we decide to do the CIty of Brass adventure? Arab: sure Gold, Silver, or Brass? Sumer '62 Archibald of Guernicus: Also, at sunrise each day I'll put a ward against heat and flames on everyone, so we can walk without roasting in the heat Dusan of Criamon: Summer, baby Alphubel ex Merinita: Wait, I thought we were doing this in Autumn. Arab: Summer is the perfect time to wander into the Sahara Archibald of Guernicus: Nope. Summer. Dusan of Criamon: If you're gonna do it, do it right Alphubel ex Merinita: Ok, I need to delete my Menetem points then. Dusan of Criamon: go hard or go home Fiorella of Jerbiton: Wait, what I meant to ask was When did we originally formulate teh plan to come here? Rosario of Flambeau: "Let me think..." Arab: winter '60 iirc Fiorella of Jerbiton: Okay Arab: you were going to head out winter '61 but then the Golden Nail messed things up Gulielmus of Pure Reason: ok im back Fiorella of Jerbiton: Right Arab: Everyone takes Archibald's ward? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: thank you Golden Nail Alphubel ex Merinita: Sure. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: sounds good to me Rosario of Flambeau: "A trinket of brass seems appropriate for the occasion." Guy of Bonisagus: we were going to the desert in the winter, but now we are going in the summer thank you gulielmus GM: As the city disappears behind you on the horizon, Jawal's jar wiggles and he beckons to be released Rosario of Flambeau: I take Archibald's ward, yea Guy of Bonisagus: i release jawal Jawal al'Ifrit: "This feels more like home!" Gulielmus of Pure Reason: let's convert jawal to Christianity, transforming him from a faerie to a dark faerie Jawal al'Ifrit: "When did that big city get there? Regardless!" Rosario of Flambeau: I buy a brass ring with flame engravings from the merchant and show it off to my sodales. "Nice, huh?" Jawal al'Ifrit: "South we go. Not a long trip for a Djinn. For you, well, patience and care." Guy of Bonisagus: "I must admit, I've only heard of the sands of this desert. They have a certain beauty to them." "I hope that this fascination lasts me the whole journey." Rosario of Flambeau: "The desert gets old." Jawal al'Ifrit: The sun burns hot in the deserts, meaning that characters need to take precautions against heat and sunstroke. This includes covering their skin to avoid sunburn and carrying adequate supplies of Jawal al'Ifrit: water to stave off dehydration. The Deprivation check time for lack of water is reduced in the desert to 4 hours, while the sunlight does +1 non-combat damage if skin is left exposed (see ArM5, Jawal al'Ifrit: pages 180–181). Powerful magi can easily protect themselves from the heat and their thirst by using magic such as the Ward against Heat and Flames or Ritual magic to create water. However, some Jawal al'Ifrit: magi may lack these capabilities and there are also the companions, grogs, and pack animals to consider. Rosario of Flambeau shakes some grit out of his armor Jawal al'Ifrit: none of this applies to you haha. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "It seems like your kind of landscape, Guy." Alphubel ex Merinita: Good times. Rosario of Flambeau: Good thing we're such powerful magi. Archibald of Guernicus: That's why we prepped in advance FFM ftw Jawal al'Ifrit: gaH tfw your players prep to avoid obnoxious pitffalls! Guy of Bonisagus: "Aye. Beautiful bronze sand far as the eye can see, and a great heat." Dusan of Criamon: I love my sodales. Guy of Bonisagus: "A poor foundation for building, though." GM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuxHLzwlDY4 With each day you travel south, the vegetation becomes less and less, and the lifeless sand takes up more of the scenery. Alphubel ex Merinita: For sure. Hmm. Rosario of Flambeau: "Good place to think." Alphubel ex Merinita: "Did you find the oasis yet?" I whisper to Fiorella. GM: After 3 days, you reach a remote village of Al-Bawiti -- the last outpost of civilization on the edge of the world. A few goatherders make use of the little grass left. Guy of Bonisagus closes eyes and smiles, imagining this same landscape but its where Severin's home used to be. GM: lmao Your guide interrupts for a moment. "We must head east by southeast for another few days." Rosario of Flambeau: I go ask the goatherders if they have any sidequests. "You need any help, goat men?" (To Fiorella the Raven): The terrain indicated by Jawal is rough, lots of outcrops and high dunes. As a bird you can see some tents and signs of life. The direct route to the south is flat, level and open. GM passes a note to a player Alphubel ex Merinita: Any Berbers? GM: Well, they're villagers, not nomads, Alphubel ex Merinita: Right. Hmm. Well, do we even need to stop here? Rosario of Flambeau: I have Meddler as a personality flaw, so Rosario demands to see if the goatherders need help with anything. Arab: "You should go back the way you came, firenj." Rosario of Flambeau: "I'm afraid that's not possible. The fate of the world is at stake!" Fiorella of Jerbiton: "I found some tents while scouting." "They're out along the route we intend to go." Archibald of Guernicus: "Tents out here? Are they hunters or something more sinister?" Fiorella of Jerbiton: "Alexander of Jerbiton often had to take precautions against bandits when he ventured these sands." Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. Fiorella of Jerbiton: "Including his most famous trick, enclosing hostile beasts within two circle wards around his camp." Rosario of Flambeau: "That's an unfair trick." "No fun either, for that matter." Fiorella of Jerbiton: "Unfair? It's to keep you from getting stabbed in your sleep." "There's no chivalry in these lands." Rosario of Flambeau: "The scum!" Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "A clever bandit could just damage the inner circle." GM: What's next, gang Alphubel ex Merinita: Well, I think we should ignore any mundanes as much as possible, here. Rosario of Flambeau: If none of the Arabs need help, I guess we follow the jinn's directions. GM: Ok. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: we could ask the goatherds who lives to the southeast. for example, if they are cruel bandits Arab: "Cruel bandits" Rosario of Flambeau: They just told me to turn back. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Naturally." Fiorella of Jerbiton: "Oh yes, they could attempt to break the inner circle from outside. But that' sthe other part of the trick, the animals are instructed to attack those who cross inside the rings. Guy of Bonisagus: "Bandits, huh?" Fiorella of Jerbiton: "They wouldn't be hostile to us, that is." Guy of Bonisagus 's eyes flash pilumishly. Guy of Bonisagus: What's the aura out here? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "They could throw a rock, or something." Arab: inside the village its Dom 2 Fiorella of Jerbiton: "There's a reason I put much effort into both Creo and Rego." Arab: out in the desert it is Magic 2 Alphubel ex Merinita: Nice. Guy of Bonisagus: ohh thats pretty good Fiorella of Jerbiton: Let's find some vis Gulielmus of Pure Reason: everyone pick a direction, and fan out. Dusan of Criamon: I love vis. We should have someone dowse for good things Guy of Bonisagus: imaginem vis in all the magical and faerie oasis illusions Arab: i like that plan Gulielmus of Pure Reason: it's a magic aura so there must be vis somewhere in this desert. Guy of Bonisagus: we should send rosario off by himself out here Alphubel ex Merinita: I mean, it's a desert. Guy of Bonisagus: rosario walks off alone and finds his way to the real city of brass instead of the infernal one jawal is taking us to Alphubel ex Merinita: Deserts are notoriously large. Dusan of Criamon: we should creo a bunch of string, and tie some to our camp impossible to get lost now i read this in a fable Rosario of Flambeau: lol Fiorella of Jerbiton: Grog's Eye for Vis InVi 20 R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Vision The recipient can see raw vis (but cannot determine its Art or quantity). It is useful for sending one's apprentice or grogs out to collect or forage for vis. (Base 1, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +4 Vision) Arab: Ok, you'll send the grogs out with that? Fiorella of Jerbiton: I'll cast that on people who want to go explore If the party consents to using out bodyguards like that Gulielmus of Pure Reason: lmao. Fiorella of Jerbiton: It might be better to keep them at our sides Alphubel ex Merinita: Shouldn't we stay focused on finding the City of Brass? Fiorella of Jerbiton: Yeah Guy of Bonisagus: yes Archibald of Guernicus: I think vis gathering would be a good idea between seasons, but not here and now Gulielmus of Pure Reason: you could cast it on your bird, who flies Archibald of Guernicus: brb Fiorella of Jerbiton: True Gulielmus of Pure Reason: and can get the figurative "bird's eye view" Rosario of Flambeau: I will go toward the tents in the distance along our route. Arab: Ok. Fiorella of Jerbiton: I can cast it on a summoned magpie Alphubel ex Merinita: This isn't a good place to find a vis source anyway because it will be difficult to collect on a regular basis. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: it could be nice to have some vis on hand if we can find it quickly Guy of Bonisagus: thats why we harvest the vis and then destroy the site Fiorella of Jerbiton: If the magpie doesn't return its not a big loss Anyway let's just keep going Gulielmus of Pure Reason: similarly we should be able to avoid the bandits with the incredible power of birds Dusan of Criamon: Destroying the site seems a little heavy-handed We want to be greeted as liberators Arab: Jawal's directions lead you into treacherous terrain of steep dunes and tall rock piles Rosario of Flambeau: Cool guy. GM: You're following Fiorella's directions too Gulielmus, she scouted Gulielmus of Pure Reason: better living through birds Archibald of Guernicus: Back GM: You pass by a low tent. There you see a strange creature: It has the body of a man, but no head, and its face is in its chest. It is sitting chained to a stake stuck in the ground just outside the tent, baking in the sun and moaning. Alphubel ex Merinita: Huh. GM: From a distance you can see the tent is full of carpets and cushions and wicker baskets but there's no sign of life Alphubel ex Merinita: That's unusual. No woman though, right? Fiorella of Jerbiton: Let's loot the expensive cushions and carpets Dusan of Criamon: Ooh, yes. GM: No woman. Ignore her ont he concept art haha Rosario of Flambeau: "Hail, strange creature! You look uncomfortable!" Dusan of Criamon: Carpets are good furnishing. Archibald of Guernicus: Maybe this horrifying monster can communicate Alphubel ex Merinita: We don't need loot. Archibald of Guernicus: [gestures to Rosario] Dusan of Criamon: I LOVE loot. GM: uhhh wtf endrite I need a herp emote here for that Fiorella of Jerbiton: Endrite is the last person I'd expect to hear lootshaming from Guy of Bonisagus: alright. lets tie up alphubel to this stake and bring the blemmyes with us GM: From yoru current distance -- say, 30 meters -- the creature doesn't seem to hear you. It is looking east, away from the setting sun. Rosario of Flambeau: I will walk closer. Alphubel ex Merinita: Can it hear anything? I don't see any ears. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Salaam, salve, bonjour!" GM: A potent observation Alphubel (To Rosario of Flambeau): You can see more clearly into the tent now. There is a modest pile of loot in the center -- silver, some gems, some brass lamps. GM passes a note to a player Rosario of Flambeau: I pause to observe the creature more closely. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: is the oasis real Rosario of Flambeau: rolling 1d10!+1+3 awareness ( 9 ) +1+3 = 13 GM: (To GM) rolling 1d10!+5 ( 6 ) +5 = 11 Dusan of Criamon: There is absolutely no way to know if things in the desert are real, sorry Archibald of Guernicus: the sand is probably real (To Rosario of Flambeau): Someone has concealed footprints here recently. The winds have yet to erase them. GM passes a note to a player Rosario of Flambeau: Ooh. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: the blemmye shimmers for a moment and transforms into a giant cartoon meat Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. "We should free it." Rosario of Flambeau: I will smash the chain with my sword. Alphubel ex Merinita: "Oh, thank you," I whisper to Rosario. GM: You surprise the Blemmye. As it gesticulates and gibbers wildly in a foreign language, you note that its ears are in its armpits. Rosario of Flambeau: "Go free, strange creature. Or at least take some rest in the shade." I point into the tent. GM: It points to the tent frantically but is too late -- The wicker baskets pop up and several bandits launch attacks at Rosario. Rosario of Flambeau: Gah. Dusan of Criamon: Oh no! Alphubel ex Merinita: Nice. Should we Roll Initiative? Guy of Bonisagus: once the Surprise Round is over i will launch pila at the bandits GM: i read this in 1001 nights btw. Dusan of Criamon: I charge to Rosario's aid. Alphubel ex Merinita: Classic Basket Bandits. Very canon. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: got em. Rosario of Flambeau: Got my ass. Alphubel ex Merinita: rolling 1d10 + 2 ( 6 ) +2 = 8 Guy of Bonisagus: rolling 1d10!-2 ( 6 ) -2 = 4 Rosario of Flambeau: rolling 1d10!-2 init ( 5 ) -2 = 3 Gulielmus of Pure Reason: Initiative (normal): 1d100 what on earth Archibald of Guernicus: rolling 1d10!+1 ( 5 ) +1 = 6 Gulielmus of Pure Reason: rolling 1d10!+2 ( 3 ) +2 = 5 crikey GM consults statblock Rosario of Flambeau: rip rosario Fiorella the Raven: rolling d10!+8 ( 3 ) +8 = 11 GM: rolling 1d10!+10+9 Group Attack -- thrown daggers ( 6 ) +10+9 = 25 vs rosario Rosario of Flambeau: surprise reduces my defense roll to +0 right rofl. GM: nah not this round I mean you're facing them so it's not a total surprise, they just get to act before you Gulielmus of Pure Reason: oh GM: unless you have Lightning Reflex virtue? I forgot Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i can just type my own initiative directly into the turn order box Alphubel ex Merinita: Yeah. Rosario of Flambeau: i dont have that reflex but i do already have my sword out Gulielmus of Pure Reason: just learned that Guy of Bonisagus: you could do that gulielmus however, that means the gm doesnt have to Rosario of Flambeau: alright GM: Sword doiesn't add to defense against Missiles -- only shield Rosario of Flambeau: oh they're missiles. aha yeah... GM: rolling 1d10!+3 inits ( 2 ) +3 = 5 Gulielmus of Pure Reason: does he get to add his weapon ability Dusan of Criamon: rolling 1d10+2 init ( 5 ) +2 = 7 GM: rolling 1d10!+1 ( 5 ) +1 = 6 Fiorella the Raven: Multicast is -5 per cast, right? GM: i wasnt going to bother with Init until you started rolling haha. Guy of Bonisagus: his defense ability is brawl, presumably Rosario of Flambeau: ok. Alphubel ex Merinita: Oh no. Rosario of Flambeau: i usually defend with my sword but ill use brawl. ha ha ha. Guy of Bonisagus: i mean i dont know Alphubel ex Merinita: What's wit the guy with the turban pin? johns (GM): He can use Brawl, or Single Weapon if he is holding a shiel Guy of Bonisagus: you dont add the weapons defense so, Gulielmus of Pure Reason: rosario spends a round equipping the Dodging weapon Dusan of Criamon: I LOVE to roll init. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: hell i love to roll dice in general. Rosario of Flambeau: rolling 1d10!-1+2 ( 6 ) -1+2 = 7 johns (GM): The turban guy is spending 1 turn poofing out of a lamp. Guy of Bonisagus looks the GM in the eye while timing presses of L2 and rolling my weapon skill. Fiorella the Raven: I roll init so I can sidestep when I hear the sounds of violence Guy of Bonisagus: sorry. L1 Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. johns (GM): Ok, Rosario takes 20 damage pre soak Guy of Bonisagus: oof johns (GM): As 5 knives hit or graze him. Rosario of Flambeau: okay. i take a Light Wound thanks to my large stamina and armor Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. Rosario of Flambeau: "Ow! Fuck!" johns (GM): Muda muda muda Guy of Bonisagus: dont forget your terram form bonus Alphubel ex Merinita: Archibald, can you ask our genie who this is? Guy of Bonisagus: archibald doesnt speak arabic johns (GM): Jawal has retreated into the lamp. Guy of Bonisagus: ah Alphubel ex Merinita: Just shake him out. Rosario of Flambeau: Okay, I take 1 Fatigue with my terram form bonus. ty Guy. Guy of Bonisagus: that right there is why im the best johns (GM): Ok, Fiorella, Alphubel, Dusan, and Archibald can act before the Hostile Jinn does. Fiorella the Raven: I sidestep rolling d10 botch check ( 3 ) = 3 Archibald of Guernicus: Rosario is warded against fire and has good parma, I think the bigger danger is the people stabbing him Rosario of Flambeau: "How dare you bandits make a poor creature like this suffer for bait!" johns (GM): what armor is rosario wearing? he's tough Rosario of Flambeau: plate im probably very hot johns (GM): oh lamo Guy of Bonisagus: you probably arent as you are warded against heat and flames Rosario of Flambeau: this johns (GM): uhhh yeah what the fuck are some bandits going to do against a guy in plate. lol. Fiorella the Raven: Nice Rosario Archibald of Guernicus: lo Bandits: I immediately regret my decision Guy of Bonisagus: i kind of want to hurl a pilum at the genies lamp johns (GM): i could be a real piece of shit and say archibald's ward doesn't keep your armor cool but i wont Guy of Bonisagus: but also, its loot Rosario of Flambeau: literally as soon as you said plate armor was available historically i went "rosario bought plate" lol Fiorella the Raven: It's in the spell description IIRC Alphubel ex Merinita: The Aura is Magic 2, right? johns (GM): Aye Endrite Moe and Archibald? Alphubel ex Merinita: Do they have more knives to fling at me? I'll just go for it here. Dusan of Criamon: I also sidestep, but I want to cast chilling grasp on one of the bandits Alphubel ex Merinita: I'll SUMMON THE FLAME SERPENT for +10 damage to one target. johns (GM): you're all much furhter out of range than rosario Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. johns (GM): okay dusan that's two actions unless you can fast cast roll it Endrite are you targeting a mundane bandit or the smoky Jinn Gulielmus of Pure Reason: Guy of Bonisagus: you probably arent let's see rosario's Presence Archibald of Guernicus: Hm, I still don't have a convenient battle spell, I'll try to open a tunnel to the jinn at sight range. johns (GM): ooooo Gulielmus of Pure Reason: are we in voice range Alphubel ex Merinita: Oh. johns (GM): yeah samog Gulielmus of Pure Reason: ok, i will probably blind some guys on my turn Archibald of Guernicus: rolling 1d10!+36 vs 25 ( 4 ) +36 = 40 Rosario of Flambeau: -1 Pre Archibald of Guernicus: 20 pen Alphubel ex Merinita: rolling 1d10! + 10 + 1 + 2 ( 10 + 3 ) +10+1+2 = 26 johns (GM): Success Alphubel ex Merinita: Wow! Gulielmus of Pure Reason: rosario confirmed not hot. Alphubel ex Merinita: What a roll! johns (GM): nice, now roll damage :) Alphubel ex Merinita: rolling 1d10! + 10 ( 7 ) +10 = 17 Archibald of Guernicus: does 20 penetrate the jinn? ??LAMP MAN?? johns (GM): rolling 1d10!+4 soak ( 3 ) +4 = 7 yeah archibald Archibald of Guernicus: Cool. that was my turn. johns (GM): Alphubel roasts a bandit for 10 damage! dusan sidesteps so Dusan of Criamon: rolling 1d10 botch ( 4 ) = 4 cool johns (GM): The Jinn launches a bolt of fire at Rosario! What is Rosario's Ignem MR? Dusan of Criamon: second cast would be at -5 johns (GM): (including +2 from Aura) Dusan of Criamon: nvm Rosario of Flambeau: 48. gahaha. his Parma is specialized in Ignem. johns (GM): Garfield flipping bowl Guy of Bonisagus: so is mine johns (GM): Gulielmus you're up Alphubel ex Merinita: I love the way Might works! Gulielmus of Pure Reason looks up the house rules Archibald of Guernicus: My parma spec is also in ignem, funnily enough Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i cast 2 flashes johns (GM): booyah I will trust you do to the math on that. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: rolling 1d10!+17+2+3+2 ( 2 ) +17+2+3+2 = 26 rolling 1d10!+17+2+3+2-5 ( 4 ) +17+2+3+2-5 = 23 johns (GM): Success? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: two successes does pen matter johns (GM): nah Gulielmus of Pure Reason: nice johns (GM): rolling 1d10!+1 sta1 ( 9 ) +1 = 10 rolling 1d10!+1 sta2 ( 7 ) +1 = 8 You've blinded one! Gulielmus of Pure Reason: criminy can i fast cast another johns (GM): uhh sure it's -10 right? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i have fast and multi casting. johns (GM): ok Roll away Gulielmus of Pure Reason: hmm do i need to roll quickness johns (GM): No I think that' sonly for opposed rolls Gulielmus of Pure Reason: rolling 1d10!+17+2+3+2-10 ( 2 ) +17+2+3+2-10 = 16 success by 1 johns (GM): rolling 1d10!+1 sta ( 7 ) +1 = 8 You blind another! Gulielmus of Pure Reason: got em. Rosario of Flambeau: nice Gulielmus of Pure Pwnage johns (GM): The blinded bandits sink back into their baskets. Alphubel ex Merinita: lol Gulielmus of Pure Reason channels the forbidden power of Quercus of Tremere. johns (GM): The other 4 jump out and charge Rosario! Alphubel ex Merinita: Would you say baskets are flammable or very flammable? johns (GM): Sorry -- 3 of them do. The other takes cover in his basket. Rosario of Flambeau: "What the hell?" Dusan of Criamon: "Yeah that's right! Hide, you snakes!" Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i have to run to the store. farewell johns (GM): lmao. Dusan of Criamon: ganbare, gulielmus Guy of Bonisagus: i am goign to slay gulielmus johns (GM): rolling 1d10!+12+6 Attack + Charge ( 6 ) +12+6 = 24 Archibald of Guernicus: That is your right johns (GM): sorry, +6 from group bonus so 30 vs Rosario. Rosario of Flambeau: rolling 1d10!+13-1+10 I will Exert to defend and take another Fatigue. ( 3 ) +13-1+10 = 25 Gah. johns (GM): grelp Rosario of Flambeau: Almost blocked. johns (GM): rolling 30+5-25 dam pre soak 30+5-25 = 10 Guy of Bonisagus: hes still gonna soak it Rosario of Flambeau: Rosario bats away two swords and the third clangs off his armor. johns (GM): All wizards except Gulielmus the distracted can act Rosario of Flambeau: "Careful, you might step on the strange creature!" "Fiends!" I will activate my scabbard and begin ignoring wound and fatigue penalties. Guy of Bonisagus: i will administer a pilum to a non-blinded and non-hiding bandit screaming and shouting johns (GM): rolling 1d10!+1 morgan init ( 2 ) +1 = 3 Guy of Bonisagus: rolling 1d10!+26 ( 9 ) +26 = 35 johns (GM): Damage? Guy of Bonisagus: rolling 1d10!+15 ( 2 ) +15 = 17 johns (GM): rolling 1d10!+4 soak ( 3 ) +4 = 7 10 dam Guy of Bonisagus: I will shout one of the few Arabic words I have learned. "Burn!" johns (GM): Rosario, Fiorella, Alphubel, Dusan, Archiabld, Grogs? Rosario of Flambeau: I activated my magic item, I thought that took a round. johns (GM): ah right Alphubel ex Merinita: Are the baskets flammable OR very flammable? johns (GM): They're wicker, so the latter. Alphubel ex Merinita: Nice. Dusan of Criamon: Protect the rugs! Alphubel ex Merinita: I light one of the baskets on fire with a spontaneous Creo Ignem spell. johns (GM): One of the occupied baskets? Alphubel ex Merinita: rolling (1d10! + 5 + 5 + 1)/2 (( 4 ) +5+5+1)/2 = 7.5 Yeah. Ok that isn't a high enough roll. I'd need a 10 or more. johns (GM): Sorry. Alphubel ex Merinita: It does happen. Archibald of Guernicus: I'll use this to check in case their jinn is demonic. DEO, level 15 one, touch range through the tunnel I made. johns (GM): Roll it Archibald of Guernicus: rolling 1d10!+31 vs 10 ( 2 ) +31 = 33 28 pen johns (GM): No effect! Archibald of Guernicus: "It isnae infernal, I'm certain." johns (GM): For the grogs, would you like them to charge, to shield you, or something else? Archibald of Guernicus: "A magical jinn." johns (GM): okay shaun and moe went to sleep i guess Dusan of Criamon: I'm here johns (GM): take an action please Dusan of Criamon: not asleep yet I use chilling grasp johns (GM): I only have one trick left and if it doesn't work we can autoresolve Who are you touching? Dusan of Criamon: voice range johns (GM): kewl Dusan of Criamon: any exposed bandit johns (GM): roll it Dusan of Criamon: rolling 1d10+24 ( 3 ) +24 = 27 pass L20 johns (GM): damage? Dusan of Criamon: 10 damage johns (GM): rolling 1d10!+10 ( 9 ) +10 = 19 rolling 1d10!+4 soak ( 7 ) +4 = 11 Ok cool. Rosario of Flambeau: on my next turn i am going to blunt the arabs' weapons, halving their damage, so this will probably be futile. johns (GM): skipping shaun Dusan of Criamon: I hope to bring their humours to an incredible imbalance, thus causing a malady to take them out johns (GM): The djinn twirls in place and casts something Your grogs take a turn Alphubel ex Merinita: Classic djinn. Fiorella the Raven: Sorry johns (GM): oh okay what will you do shaun Fiorella the Raven: I don't have anything terribly important to interject yet I'm just apologizing for not responding johns (GM): Ok. Dusan and Fiorella are sidestepped so rolling 1d6 ( 2 ) = 2 Guy, the grogs attack you. Rosario of Flambeau: lol. johns (GM): Shaun how does the grog group work, I use Morgana's stats and add something? Fiorella the Raven: I included stats for it on Morgana's sheet Guy of Bonisagus: okay johns (GM): okay +12 Guy of Bonisagus: i have my staff of parrying Fiorella the Raven: Since we have houseruled group combat rules johns (GM): how many attacks per turn does that parry Guy of Bonisagus: i dont know, i forget where the item came from johns (GM): wait, there's 1 grog per 1 magi much more sensible that each attacks one target. Guy of Bonisagus: phew Alphubel ex Merinita: I guess? Fiorella the Raven: I'm not sure if Leadership applies when under mind control johns (GM): I will ignore it and say each attacks separately rolling 1d10!+10 vs Archibald ( 3 ) +10 = 13 Archibald of Guernicus: I'll exert johns (GM): rolling 1d10!+9 vs Fiorella (trying to spear a bird) ( 3 ) +9 = 12 that's tunde rolling 1d10!+12 vs guy ( 2 ) +12 = 14 Archibald of Guernicus: rolling 1d10!+1+4+4+1 ( 3 ) +1+4+4+1 = 13 johns (GM): Ilbrago autofails because of sidestep rolling 1d10!+13 vs Gulielmus ( 3 ) +13 = 16 Archibald of Guernicus: atk and def rolls being the same was a hit wasnt it? johns (GM): yeah Fiorella the Raven: Sidestep goes off automatically right? johns (GM): rolling 1d10!+8 vs Alphubel ( 4 ) +8 = 12 Alphubel ex Merinita: rolling 1d10! ( 4 ) = 4 johns (GM): i forgot if you spent a turn putting it on shaun Fiorella the Raven: I did Alphubel ex Merinita: +3 Soak for me. johns (GM): rolling 12+7-4 damage to Alphubel pre soak 12+7-4 = 15 ok cool. Archibald of Guernicus: Okay, my soak is 19 Terram soak I imagine Alphubel ex Merinita: Ouch, that's a Medium Wound. johns (GM): Archibald soaks easily. Archibald of Guernicus: Familiar cord, high terram score, and I wear plate too when on adventures (I have a spell that makes my armour not encumber me) johns (GM): Guy is now parrying with an item and that occupies his attention. Dusan's sidestep trips. Guy of Bonisagus: it does Archibald of Guernicus: also 3 sta Guy of Bonisagus: but at least im not dying Fiorella the Raven: Since I haven't acted yet can I just say I fly out of range as my reaction to our grogs turning on us? johns (GM): Ok! Since I already rolled for Tunde: She is racing after you on horseback, swinging at the air. Gulielmus has 0 brawl and +2 quickness so rolling 1d10!+2 dfn Gulielmus ( 4 ) +2 = 6 Fiorella the Raven: I will vertically ascend as well, noting her horse johns (GM): rolling 16+7-6 Dam to Gulielmus 16+7-6 = 17 Rosario of Flambeau: ffff johns (GM): His soak is 3. Rosario of Flambeau: fucked up johns (GM): Rosario, you are attacked mundanely. rolling 1d10!+12-2+6 ( 10 + 2 ) +12-2+6 = 28 Rosario of Flambeau: fuck. Guy of Bonisagus: lol Rosario of Flambeau: rolling 1d10!+13+10 i will Exert again. Total of 5 fatigue is a KO ( 7 ) +13+10 = 30 ? I am now at 3 Fatigue. johns (GM): yeah You struggle under the weight of your plate armor as you are hammered with blows. All wizards are up again... Rosario of Flambeau: Rosario's face is beet red and he's sweating but he's still acting like he's not tired. "A piece of paper! Your blows are like pieces of paper!" Dusan of Criamon: -- Chairman Mao Zedong Alphubel ex Merinita: Ok, I'll cast Brief Sidestep. Guy of Bonisagus: i am busy parrying my grog it seems Alphubel ex Merinita: rolling 1d10! + 5 + 6 + 1 -4 ( 3 ) +5+6+1-4 = 11 Phew. johns (GM): mmkay Alphubel ex Merinita: Ok that works. johns (GM): Roll concen.... hahahahaha no. Rosario, Archibald, Fiorella? Alphubel ex Merinita: I have no idea why the version in the book is Sun duration. Archibald of Guernicus: I'll try and PeVi the jinn Alphubel ex Merinita: Just to inflate the spell level? Archibald of Guernicus: Archibald's Draining Touch. 10 magic might remover rolling 1d10!+30 vs 5 ( 5 ) +30 = 35 Well the pen is a million it connects johns (GM): he spent 3 on the fireball and 6 on domination, -10 from PeVi Fiorella the Raven: I'll drop a penetrating murder of crows on the genie, after Archibald lowers its might Alphubel ex Merinita: Use it on Jormungandr, IMO. johns (GM): He howls and his smoky form dissipates into, well, smoke. Rosario of Flambeau: rolling 1d10!+15 casting a spell. no penalty for gestures because i have it mastered with Still Casting. ( 7 ) +15 = 22 Fiorella the Raven: never mind Rosario of Flambeau: it casts. Archibald of Guernicus: Nice. Hopefully that ends the domination if he cant relay new orders, otherwise we'll need a new strategy Fiorella the Raven: I'll multicast crows on some bandits Rosario of Flambeau: Rosario bops the leader of the Trained Group on the head with the pommel of his sword and a small rose blooms on it. The target ceases to be able to coordinate a squad of soldiers as a Trained Group. The memories required to use that skill are removed and do not return when the spell ends, but can be regained with simple demonstration and practice, requiring time but not experience. The target is aware that he has forgotten how to lead warriors in battle. Unless another member of the group is able to take over as leader, the squad fights as an Untrained Group instead. johns (GM): nice VERY nice Fiorella the Raven: What was multicast penalty? -5 per extra spell? johns (GM): mm hmm Dusan of Criamon: Rosario kicks ass Fiorella the Raven: Okay, I have three levels of mastery so i think I can cast Murder of Crows four times Aura of 2? johns (GM): Yea the three guys marked with green dots are still inside baskets Fiorella the Raven: Okay, casting three times on the ones I can percieve rolling 63+d10!-10 level 35 63+( 7 ) -10 = 60 rolling 63+d10!-10 level 35 63+( 9 ) -10 = 62 rolling 63+d10!-10 level 35 63+( 10 + 3 ) -10 = 66 No botches johns (GM): The sky fills with birds and the bandits begin to panic. Dusan, I think you're the last one up? Fiorella the Raven: rolling d10!+15 damage North ( 8 ) +15 = 23 rolling d10!+15 damage South ( 5 ) +15 = 20 johns (GM): rolling 1d10!+4 soak North ( 8 ) +4 = 12 Fiorella the Raven: rolling d10!+15 damage Southeast ( 6 ) +15 = 21 johns (GM): actually 10 after penalty rolling 1d10!+4 soak South ( 2 ) +4 = 6 rolling 1d10!+4-2 soak Southeast ( 6 ) +4-2 = 8 rolling 23-10 north damage 23-10 = 13 rolling 20-6 south damage 20-6 = 14 rolling 21-8 southeast damage 21-8 = 13 johns (GM): medium wounds on all Dusan of Criamon: If the djinn is gone I just repeat the spell there's still a bandit up right multiple I assume johns (GM): 3 Bandits around Rosario (being pecked to death), 2 blind bandits in wicker baskets, and one savvy bandit just barely peeking out from his basket Rosario of Flambeau: smart bandit Dusan of Criamon: You know what, I think they had enough Jesus Fiorella the Raven: I'll call the birds off if they disengage from Rosario Guy of Bonisagus: we should do a quick interrogation of the savvy bandit and then let him run away Dusan of Criamon: Seconding the motion johns (GM): Alright Any opposed to mercy? Rosario of Flambeau: I want them to apologize to the weird monster. Alphubel ex Merinita: I don't care. Rosario of Flambeau: Then they can go. "Don't be cruel to those weaker than you!" johns (GM): Outmatched and outnumbered, the bandits surrender. Rosario of Flambeau: I rub a bandit's face in the sand. >_> johns (GM): lol how chivalrous Archibald of Guernicus: Have our grogs calmed down and ceased their attacks? GM: Yeah Archibald of Guernicus: Phew Gulielmus of Pure Reason: greetings. Archibald of Guernicus: "Alphubel, are ye alright?" Morgana: "Sorry! Sorry! I didn't mean it!" Hey gulielmus, you took a medium wound btw Dusan of Criamon: "No hard feelings." Gulielmus of Pure Reason: da fuq Archibald of Guernicus: "And Gulielmus too..." Gulielmus of Pure Reason: what even happened GM: The Djinn used his Domination power to launch a grog attack on you all. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: ah Rosario of Flambeau: "Watch yourselves, sodales." Alphubel ex Merinita: Smart. GM: Then Archibald PeVi'd him to death. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: clever jinn. Alphubel ex Merinita: Anyway, everyone with a Medium Wound needs to either retreat back to Alexandria or Rome. Dusan of Criamon: I disagree, it was very unwise to mess with Archibald Rosario of Flambeau: "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice... Fool me... Can't get fooled again." Dusan of Criamon: lma Gulielmus of Pure Reason: Gulielmus, looking pained, clutches his wound. GM: The Blemmyae tries a few languages before hitting on Greek: "Thank you! I thought I was vulture food!" Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "All is forgiven, Morgana." what's the time scale to heal a medium Rosario of Flambeau: "It speaks!" "Does anyone understand it?" GM: Month Rosario of Flambeau pats the Blemmyae on the head. Uh. The head-ish area. The top of the torso. GM: Dusan knowns Greek iirc? Rosario of Flambeau: Sweet. Dusan of Criamon: I can read it I think GM: if you can read a language in Ars you can speak it too Dusan of Criamon: Unless he's speaking like, macedon Gulielmus of Pure Reason: Let's camp here for one month. Dusan of Criamon: wait WHAT Rosario of Flambeau: :O GM: The effective range for reading a book of a language is 4 Dusan of Criamon: No I understand the writing system Gulielmus of Pure Reason: that means actually reading it, not just knowing the script GM: 3 - 4 is enough of a language to speak meaninfully with people Oh. Dusan of Criamon: I think I got it for lib arts GM: So you know the Greek Alphabet. But you can't actually read anything in it. Lol. haha. hehe. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: gwee, hee, hee Dusan of Criamon: Well, if we can't find a shared language it's hands and feet time Gulielmus of Pure Reason: anyone have any Creo vis Dusan of Criamon: which is useful, because he seems to have two of each Gulielmus of Pure Reason: if lavinia were here she could summon the ghost of aristocritus with her tainted infernal magic the tainted, infernal ghost of aristocritus Archibald of Guernicus: If someone actually does have a CrCo ritual I could return to the covenant ot retrieve vis Guy of Bonisagus: if lavinia were here her corpse could be sprawled out on the sand, blood filtering down through the dunes Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i can bind wounds and prevent them from worsening through activity for, uh, sun GM: The savvy bandit -- he looks to be in charge of this outfit -- speaks up Archibald of Guernicus: The Rational Bandit GM: "Release us and I tell you a place to heal fast." Alphubel ex Merinita: We need to actually heal so that we don't die, is the thing. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: Mr. B, the Gentleman Robber GM: "An oasis with special waters. Not far. You can make it even in your state." Rosario of Flambeau: "How can we take this strange creature back to Rome?" Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. Well, I see no reason for him to lie to us. Rosario of Flambeau: "I can't teleport others." Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Show us the oasis, first." GM: "You give word, our freedom?" Dusan of Criamon: "Who are these people, anyway?" GM: who are you talking to dusan Dusan of Criamon: I think Guli has arabic right Gulielmus of Pure Reason shrugs. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Bandits." Dusan of Criamon: "Yeah but just waiting in baskets? Almost as if in league with our djinn?" "Holding a mystical creature hostage as a lure?" "Would you... ask them for me?" "I mean him." "Singular." Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "If these waters are are as good as you say, then why not?" GM: The leader claps his hands thrice. Alphubel ex Merinita: "I don't think anyone would think this small ambush would have been orchestrated by anyone." Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "But for the time being, my friend here wishes to know where you got your hands on a jinn." GM: A puff of sand leaps up as a hitherto buried camel emerges. What do you do with the Blemmya? Archibald of Guernicus: minecraft tournament commentators: oh my god GM: :) Gulielmus of Pure Reason: lol Rosario of Flambeau: "Can we keep him?" Rosario of Flambeau pats the Blemmya's upper torso again GM: He points to the treasure in the tent, then to himself, then, gibbering a bit humble, to the rest of you. (He, the Blemy) Alphubel ex Merinita: Right. Rosario of Flambeau: "Treasure, huh?" Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. Rosario of Flambeau: "Thanks, little guy!" Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Oh! Are you with the Suhhar?" GM: (what's the suhhar?) Dusan of Criamon: We should share some of our water with the Blemy. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: it's the order of solomon GM: The bandit leader shakes his head. Alphubel ex Merinita: Gah. Rosario of Flambeau: We should, Dusan. Dusan of Criamon: The motion is passed, we share some of our water with the Blemy. GM: He guzzles it thirstily! Archibald of Guernicus: Rosario finds a pet Rosario of Flambeau: I'm going to bind this gross monster as my familiar. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Awfully savvy for a bandit, then." Rosario of Flambeau: Maybe. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: hell yeah. Dusan of Criamon: Vardian's Tomb is all extremes: either we befriend the newly discovered NPC or monster, or we murder it. No inbetweens GM: "The desert is full of treasure for those who know how to seek it. I can tell thats why you came.." Gulielmus of Pure Reason: train the Blemmye as your mount Guy of Bonisagus: blemmyae are basically people GM: Yeah Guy but Rosario is incredibly racist Rosario of Flambeau: lol Gulielmus of Pure Reason: then why don't they speak a civilized tongue Bandit: Leader: "Let's head out." Rosario of Flambeau: if theyre people hmm is it Gifted? GM: He speaks Greek! That's the peak of civilization. Rosario of Flambeau: gahah. Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. Archibald of Guernicus: If peak civilisation is having sex with men, call me Plato Alphubel ex Merinita: Can Fiorella actually find this oasis? GM: yeah probably you know the general direction so Dusan of Criamon: nice. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Very well, lead on." GM: The Blemmy scoops up a bunch of treasure and accompanies you. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "He claims not to be a Solomonic wizard," Gulielmus helpfully informs his comrades. Dusan of Criamon: I sneak a rug, and give it to someone who carries things (possibly a beast of burden) Alphubel ex Merinita: "He has a genie, though." Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Just a man who owns some desert treasures." Guy of Bonisagus: "Had a genie. It's dead now." Archibald of Guernicus: "Well his jinn is gone." GM: Thrice you think you see an Oasis on the horizon, and thrice it disappears as you approach. Then before you know it, you find yourself standing in front of a beautiful oasis of crystal clear water. A lush garden of sweet fruits grows undisturbed. The air is cool with a sweet breeze. Archibald of Guernicus: "I wouldn't have minded freeing the thing instead, but the lives of magi were at stake." GM: At one end of the Oasis "sits" a man -- 2 feet off the ground. Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmmm. Some type of blue man? GM: He smiles friendily to you all. "Salaam aleikum, weary travellers." Rosario of Flambeau: "Aleikum salaam, magical man." Guy of Bonisagus: "These people really should learn Latin." Alphubel ex Merinita: What language is he speaking? GM: Arabic. Da'ud: "You are welcome to whatever you see. I am Da'ud, guardian of the Oasis, and it is my pleasure to give respite to the tired and lost." Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Upon you, peace." Dusan of Criamon: I do a bow, assuming he's greeting us. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Our friend here tells us these are healing waters." Da'ud: "Those who spend a night and a day in the Oasis will feel their pains eased." "This I grant you all, as a gift." Fiorella the Raven: "All magic has a price, and healing tends to be expensive." Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. Ask him who he is. Da'ud: "The blessing of the Oasis is the mercy of Allah the great." Alphubel ex Merinita: But you know, why he is. Da'ud: "(pbuh)" Rosario of Flambeau: I stretch out and take a nap by the water. Guy of Bonisagus: I look upon the oasis and the weirdo with suspicion but will sit and watch over my sodales. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Finally, someone who understands the value of hospitality." Dusan of Criamon: I'm unhurt, but I will join the vigil. Guy of Bonisagus: i will also Folk Ken him, with my score of +2 (+3 if he is a magus) Da'ud: (To GM) rolling 1d10+2 ( 4 ) +2 = 6 (To Guy of Bonisagus): He seems like a nice guy. Alphubel ex Merinita: AFK a sec. Da'ud passes a note to a player Da'ud rolls some dice Da'ud: Spend the night? Fiorella the Raven: I am unhurt so I will spend the night camping outside Gulielmus of Pure Reason sighs Gulielmus of Pure Reason: derfel would have loved this Dusan of Criamon: I stay with my wounded friend. Fiorella the Raven: Or I'll go sleep at VT and teleport back tomorrow morning Da'ud: lol Archibald of Guernicus: I can see perfectly in the dark, so I'll cover some of the night watch. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i'm hurt so i will stay. Fiorella the Raven: I'll keep watch alongside Archibald Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "My friend is curious, Da'ud. How did you come to watch over this oasis?" Da'ud: The Bandit says he's upheld his part of the deal, and asks you release him now. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: I wish peace upon him. Fiorella the Raven: I don't have nightsight but I can do aerial surveillance for when I can see Da'ud: "A strange question? It has been that way since always." Dusan of Criamon: brb need to find my headphones Guy of Bonisagus: farewell bandit Archibald of Guernicus: Let's release the bandits into the wild Da'ud: "Even as the forces of magic ebb like the tide, Allah has blessed me with my task." Bandits exeunt. Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. I feel like my meager Fairie Magic ability is not enough to figure out what this guy's deal is. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "We come from far away, and are unfamiliar with the jinn." Alphubel ex Merinita: We should ask our genie. Da'ud: "Your companion thanks you, by the way." He refers to the Greek speaking Blemy. Rosario of Flambeau snoozes Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Oh, you speak Greek? What about Latin?" Da'ud: "The nature of Jinn is difficult. No two are alike." He has Gift of Tongues, so yes. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: nice. Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. "Is this the route to the City of Brass?" Dusan of Criamon: back Da'ud: "You seek the City? You are not far, but you must prepare yourself." He points to the west with his wand thingy. Dusan of Criamon: it looks cool. Da'ud: "The Sea of Shifting Sands is the barrier between here and the Marble Palace. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: it does. nice wand, da'ud. Alphubel ex Merinita: It's a pennant. Da'ud: Eons ago the Malik entrusted Sorash D'Resh al-Zawba'a as its guardian. But Sorash obeys a darker force now." Alphubel ex Merinita: Ah, the Bjornaer. Da'ud: "'Rest now and we will speak in the morning." Gulielmus of Pure Reason: This guy seems all right. Dusan of Criamon: Yeah, I like him. Da'ud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaOi6ew6BmE Everyone's fatigue is relieved. Anyone who sleeps here can make a recovery roll for their injuries. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: can i use my healing ring, first Da'ud: that's just a staright up boost to the recovery total right? yeah the EF to stabilize a medium is 6 anddd toto improve is 12 Gulielmus of Pure Reason: what do iadd Alphubel ex Merinita: What kind of a roll? Just Endurance? Da'ud: Satmina + Magical Aid + Stress Die Alphubel ex Merinita: rolling 1d10! + 3 ( 6 ) +3 = 9 Gulielmus of Pure Reason: rolling 1d10!+2+6 ( 1 ) +2+6 = 9 gah Alphubel ex Merinita: I guess there's no Magical Aid bonus? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: the ring is +6 Alphubel ex Merinita: Oh. Nice. I'm healed. Da'ud: rolling 1d10 ( 5 ) = 5 no botch Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i'll spend confidence Da'ud: ok Gulielmus of Pure Reason: also restore my confidence. Da'ud: you're up to Light Wounds, another night and you can be cured Nothing happens during the night. In the Morning, your Blemmy companion declares he is heading home with his wares. Guy of Bonisagus: farewell blemmy Dusan of Criamon: I wish him the best of luck on his travels. Da'ud: Spend another day? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: let's Dusan of Criamon: sure Da'ud: During the day Da'ud shares the words of the Prophet with you. Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. Do we know any Muslims? Archibald of Guernicus: Yes. Gulielmus. Alphubel ex Merinita: Besides Bakir. Da'ud: lol Rosario of Flambeau: I wish we could keep the Blemmy but I let him go after another head pat. Alphubel ex Merinita: How convincing is he? Dusan of Criamon: If anyone translates, or he uses latin, I enjoy his tales. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "I wonder where his home is." Da'ud: You can meet the Blemmy in a future adventure, Vardian's Tomb Meets Prestor John With gift of tongues no translation is needed Dusan! Dusan of Criamon: Fabulous. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: Prester John Sacks Rome Dusan of Criamon: (action movie cover) Da'ud: Anything else you want from Da'ud while you're here? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i want a confidence point Da'ud: when did you spend 2 Gulielmus of Pure Reason: a previous adventure Da'ud: oh wait you werent here when I topped ppl off Alphubel ex Merinita: Oh, I know. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: it might have been when i intimidated a child Alphubel ex Merinita: I'll ask him how many other people have come to this oasis. And also if he thinks that we're better than the magi from Mont Mercure. Da'ud: "I have been here countless years and met countless people." "I don't recall those whom you speak of though." Alphubel ex Merinita: Heh. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Are you really made of smokeless fire?" Da'ud: He shifts through a few forms. First as a pillar of smoke, then as a dove, then a beggar, then as himself. Each time he still seems recognizable as his typical blue faced self. Alphubel ex Merinita: Interesting. AFK a sec. Archibald of Guernicus: out of consideration, I'll step a bit away and then activate the orb in full to move over and talk to him Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Shouldn't you rise up to float atop the airy sphere, like ordinary fire?" Da'ud: "That may be my fate when the final judgment comes. We shall see!" Gulielmus of Pure Reason: putting down 1 token since i spent one on the recovery roll hmm Da'ud: Thank you honorable Gulielmus Gulielmus of Pure Reason: maybe it would be better to just stay another night and keep the token. Dusan of Criamon: This guy's complete indifference to his fate and end are inspiring to Dusan. He will treasure the memory of having met this creature. Guy of Bonisagus: yes, lets get another full nights worth of the Bad Effects from this Da'ud: "If you reach the Marble Palace, you will understand everything." Gulielmus of Pure Reason: for every night we spend, one player character is converted to islam Da'ud: Another night passes. You may, in fact, stay here as long as you like. It is up to you what happens next. Dusan of Criamon: I would rather not tempt fate unless we need more healing. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: rolling 1d10!+8 recovery (light wound) ( 5 ) +8 = 13 Da'ud: are folks getting tired? devil's fav demon: Let's head out. I kind of am. Da'ud: gah Archibald of Guernicus: We're fine to move, so we should move. We have a lot of rations but not infinite Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i just wanna recover my wounds Dusan of Criamon: we could cliffhanger here Gulielmus of Pure Reason: then we should move out Dusan of Criamon: it's a nice place to cliffhange Rosario of Flambeau: But that's my own fault for waking up at 5 am today. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: I'm awake and alert. Rosario of Flambeau: I hate doing that! Guy of Bonisagus: lets roll Dusan of Criamon: Rosario: 6am here baby Da'ud: Let's try one more scene at least.. Rosario of Flambeau: Let's. Dusan of Criamon: sure! Guy of Bonisagus: we should have all been thoughtful and napped until nearly 2 hours into the session like cumthinker did Rosario of Flambeau: "I miss my little headless friend." Alphubel ex Merinita: Ok, I'm back and paying attention. Rosario of Flambeau: "Maybe I'll learn Greek in case we see him again." GM: You head west. Shaun, you here? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i should make a token for the grog with fucked up hands (To Fiorella the Raven): After a couple days of travelling, you are out in the open desert. Your bird self detects an incoming sandstorm. GM passes a note to a player Guy of Bonisagus: you should make a sheet for the grog with fucked up bronze eyes GM: lol. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: good lord. GM: You spend 2 days travelling open desert. No landmarks, no vegetations. Only miles and miles of rolling dunes Alphubel ex Merinita: Makes sense, it's a desert. GM: Out in the open ground, the wind picks up. The sand begins to flick annoyingly at your faces. It continues. It is getting hard to see ahead of you. Archibald of Guernicus: "Damn this aurum blight, this could be dealt with easily without it." GM: The desert is howling. All around you is nothing but a storm of sand that whips and cuts at you. rolling 1d10!+5 ( 8 ) +5 = 13 It does 13 damage to all within. Guy of Bonisagus: oh my god Gulielmus of Pure Reason: yikes GM: (Auram and Terram bonuses can help mitigate) Gulielmus of Pure Reason: both at once? GM: either or. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: hmm. GM: So, roll soak folks! Guy of Bonisagus: rolling 1d10!+2 ( 10 + 4 ) +2 = 16 Alphubel ex Merinita: Can I improve that with armor? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: rolling 1d10!+2+1 ( 2 ) +2+1 = 5 GM: yes. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: gah. Guy of Bonisagus: can i parry the sand GM: Thou canst. Alphubel ex Merinita: Ok, I'll use Doublet of Impenetrable Silk when the wind starts kicking up. Guy of Bonisagus: "We need to take shelter!" Gulielmus of Pure Reason: should have rolled a muscle wizard for the armor soak. GM: Gulielmus takes a light wound. Alphubel ex Merinita: rolling 1d10 + 10 + 1 vs Level 15 ( 4 ) +10+1 = 15 Nailed it. I can give this to other people, too. It's +3 Soak. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: please do Dusan of Criamon: rolling 1d10+3 ( 3 ) +3 = 6 GM: Do you give it to the grogs? I'll roll for them Gulielmus of Pure Reason: can i get it retroactively Alphubel ex Merinita: rolling 1d10 + 10 + 1 vs Level 15 ( 7 ) +10+1 = 18 Rosario of Flambeau: rolling 1d10+13 ( 10 ) +13 = 23 Alphubel ex Merinita: 6 grogs? Rosario of Flambeau: it appears i soak it. Alphubel ex Merinita: This is with no aura. GM: Gulielmus' Light Wound is downgraded to Fatigue oh there's an aura, one sec Gulielmus of Pure Reason: blessed. Alphubel ex Merinita: rolling 1d10 + 10 + 1 vs Level 15 ( 8 ) +10+1 = 19 rolling 1d10 + 10 + 1 vs Level 15 ( 3 ) +10+1 = 14 rolling 1d10 + 10 + 1 vs Level 15 ( 9 ) +10+1 = 20 GM: Magic 6. Alphubel ex Merinita: rolling 1d10 + 10 + 1 vs Level 15 ( 9 ) +10+1 = 20 rolling 1d10 + 10 + 1 vs Level 15 ( 8 ) +10+1 = 19 rolling 1d10 + 10 + 1 vs Level 15 ( 6 ) +10+1 = 17 Oh then I nail it. GM: rolling 1d10!+15+3 Jabier soak ( 4 ) +15+3 = 22 rolling 1d10!+11+3 morgana soak ( 2 ) +11+3 = 16 Alphubel ex Merinita: rolling 1d10! + 3 + 3 soak ( 4 ) +3+3 = 10 GM: rolling 1d10!+3+6 ilbrago soak ( 6 ) +3+6 = 15 Alphubel ex Merinita: I take a fatigue. GM: rolling 1d10!+5+3 napolino soak ( 3 ) +5+3 = 11 rolling 1d10!+6 tunde soak ( 7 ) +6 = 13 Guy of Bonisagus: "The magic is strong here." GM: You'll have to speak up Guy. There's is a violent sandstorm all around you. Rosario of Flambeau: lol GM: rolling 1d10!+6+3 zach soak ( 6 ) +6+3 = 15 the grogs are find, Napolino is slightly winded. but the storm is still going. Archibald of Guernicus: oh, my soak roll, sorry aurum soak? or terram GM: either Archibald of Guernicus: rolling 1d10!+19 ( 2 ) +19 = 21 GM: The storm is continuing, are you going to do anything before another round? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: " " Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. What about a Terram ward? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i will cast The Alchemist's Illumination Guy of Bonisagus: a terram ward would be very useful guy has nothing that can really help with this Dusan of Criamon: I have good PeTe and wouldn't mind assisting Archibald with something good. Archibald of Guernicus: ReTe Gulielmus of Pure Reason: rolling 1d10!+6+3+2+11+4-0 ( 5 ) +6+3+2+11+4-0 = 31 Archibald of Guernicus: I dont think you can communion sponts, but I'll see what I can do Gulielmus of Pure Reason: spell level is 3. GM: you cannot communion sponts whats it do, gulielmus Gulielmus of Pure Reason: that would be a cool diedne virtue though. GM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3yxnD9Lflw Dusan of Criamon: I mean we could each do a smaller/easier version of a similar spont Archibald of Guernicus: rolling (1d10!+35)/2 Rego Terram spont (( 8 ) +35)/2 = 21.5 Gulielmus of Pure Reason: Gulielmus glows like the moon. Archibald of Guernicus: base 5 to ward against sand, hm I can add +1 touch and +2 sun, who needs it most? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: for easier visibility in the sandstorm, you see. Dusan of Criamon: rolling (1d10+22)/2 (( 9 ) +22)/2 = 15.5 GM: Base 5? base 2 allows warding under your active conscious control Archibald of Guernicus: oh in that case Gulielmus of Pure Reason: huh Archibald of Guernicus: I could make it moon and make it +2 group and get 10 of us warded against sand GM: i assume the difference is, Base 2 cannot be a longterm ward against swords the Terram in question has to be coming Right At You when you cast. Archibald of Guernicus: Anyway, does that sound good, all? Rosario of Flambeau: sounds cool. Archibald of Guernicus: I dont need it myself but I can give it to the weaker magi and our grogs GM: by my count there are 13 people who gets left out Rosario of Flambeau: you dont need to ward me, i'll probably be fine. Dusan of Criamon: Neat. Archibald of Guernicus: so me and Rosario excluded we need a 3rd man hm Dusan of Criamon: I can do it on myself right? Guy of Bonisagus: ward me Archibald of Guernicus: One of the grogs will have to take the hit which of them is the sturdiest? Rosario of Flambeau: i could probably ward a grog GM: jabier is +15 soak Alphubel ex Merinita: My Rego Terram is really awful. Archibald of Guernicus: if so, please do Alphubel ex Merinita: In fact, it's 0. Guy of Bonisagus: what the goddamn Archibald of Guernicus: I'll leave Jabier out of the ward and let Rosario handle his Fiorella the Raven: I can Doublet of Impenitrable Silk my bird body GM: 3 stamina, 3 toughness, 9 full chain armor Archibald of Guernicus: I think it's better to ward the baby bird just in case Doublet won't help much Fiorella the Raven: Hmm Alphubel ex Merinita: Doublet of Impenetrable Silk probably only works on clothing. Archibald of Guernicus: and wounds will suck if we're attacked again with you as the best source of damage Rosario of Flambeau: rolling (1d10!+22)/2 ReTe spont (( 6 ) +22)/2 = 14 Fiorella the Raven: I'll bury myself then GM: Ostritch mode Dusan of Criamon: :rip: Archibald of Guernicus: Dusan, get in the ward! Dusan, get down! That's an enemy sand. Alphubel ex Merinita: Improving soak for an alive animal would probably be a lower level. Rosario of Flambeau: lol Dusan of Criamon: I can spont some for myself, no? I rolled a 15.5 Archibald of Guernicus: Oh, did you? Dusan of Criamon: yup Archibald of Guernicus: That'd be enough for the same effect on yourself yeah Dusan of Criamon: 12:19AM Dusan of Criamon: rolling (1d10+22)/2 (( 9 )+22)/2 = 15.5 Fiorella the Raven: I only wear animal products which transform with me GM: Archibald and Jabier are the only ones unprotected this round? Archibald of Guernicus: In that case we can ward Jabier now GM: First another round of damage Fiorella the Raven: So really I can usually doublet in most cases Archibald of Guernicus: Rosario and I are the only ones excluded it seems GM: rolling 1d10!+5 Sandstorm ( 1 ) +5 = 6 Archibald of Guernicus: lol GM: whatever. Dusan of Criamon: I think I free up room for- OK GM: Roll to ward Jabier? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i'm trying to add an aura to gulielmus to reflect his glow but it's not showing up. there. GM: Gulielmus is a spark of light in a darkening world. Guy of Bonisagus: also, a depressed norman GM: And speaking of darkness, Napolino screams something that is drowned out in the storm and points to the horizon -- Rosario of Flambeau: uh oh GM: A massive dark cloud, extending from the ground to the sky all along the horizone, a sheer wall of whirling sand. And its coming your war. way. Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. Sounds like the guardian of this place. Rosario of Flambeau: sexy. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: is this our old friend Bandit Leader Guy of Bonisagus: hm is voice range lowered in the storm GM: makes sense Guy of Bonisagus: ive got some bad news about my contributions to this encounter, sodales Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i have a plan. (To Archibald of Guernicus): without rolling im assuming you spent a fatigue to spont a ward on jabier Gulielmus of Pure Reason: rolling 1d10!+6+3+2+11+4-0 ( 9 ) +6+3+2+11+4-0 = 35 GM: Whats Alphubel's MR against Auram and Terram btw? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: gulielmus casts Lamp Without Flame on a wooden rod and hands it to a sodalis. (From Archibald of Guernicus): Yes, spent a fagitue. (From Archibald of Guernicus): *fatigue GM: rolling 1d10 botchcheck ( 5 ) = 5 Alphubel ex Merinita: Ok, 15. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: now we have TWO sources of light Archibald of Guernicus: "Sodales, grogs, prepare tae defend ourselves!" I have darkvision GM: If you are going to do something, you should do it now. Rosario of Flambeau: I will activate Sidestep. Archibald of Guernicus: Same Alphubel ex Merinita: Ok, I'll also do that. Rosario of Flambeau: And my magic item to ignore wounds. GM: ignore the concept art of a djinn for the moment. Fiorella the Raven: I sidestep GM: all you see now is a sandstorm. Archibald of Guernicus: Well Gulielmus of Pure Reason: hmm GM: An unnaturally menacing one, albeit Alphubel ex Merinita: Well, my Auram and Terram MR are 21 right now, from the higher aura. Archibald of Guernicus: I really should be activating sidestep every day anyway in this dangerous environment Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i'll cast another spell rolling 1d10!+6+3+2+5+12-0 ( 4 ) +6+3+2+5+12-0 = 32 unraveling the wizard's handiwork, attempting to dispel the sandstorm, assuming it's Magic-based GM: Nice, what's the strength of effect on that? Gulielmus of Pure Reason: rolling 1d10!+10 dispel roll ( 5 ) +10 = 15 feel like this one might not do it. Alphubel ex Merinita: Hell it might. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: pen is 23. GM: Ok. Nothing happens. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: Sad. Rosario of Flambeau: rip Gulielmus of Pure Reason: oh right GM: ummm. hmm. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i need to update the spell description on my sheet since there isn't actually anything saying this effect is realm-specific GM: The dark storm is almost upon you. Guy of Bonisagus: is it within voice range GM: Sure Guy of Bonisagus: alright time for the new and improved guy Alphubel ex Merinita: Hmm. Guy of Bonisagus: after seasons of study, unleashing his most powerful magics Dusan of Criamon: Violence, baby Alphubel ex Merinita: Are the Doublets still up? GM: Ayup Gulielmus of Pure Reason: guy casts a powerful ignem effect, turning the sandstorm into a storm of molten glass Guy of Bonisagus: i cast pilum of flame at the dark storm Alphubel ex Merinita: Nice. Guy of Bonisagus: screaming and shouting Gulielmus of Pure Reason: gulielmus will drop to the ground Guy of Bonisagus: hmm lets say before this i grabbed some sand from the storm Gulielmus of Pure Reason: or at least crouch Guy of Bonisagus: i doubt its an ac to this guy but hell rolling 1d10!+30 ( 10 + 3 ) +30 = 43 is the sand an ac Rosario of Flambeau: nice roll GM: Yes, actually Guy of Bonisagus: i know the answer is probably No oh ohhh how strong of one GM: Permanent Guy of Bonisagus: what is that, x4? GM: x5 Guy of Bonisagus: nice Dusan of Criamon: good lord Guy is about to murder Guy of Bonisagus: okay, my overcast is 23, my pen score is 3, is it just the 3 that is multipled by 5? GM: yeah Guy of Bonisagus: hmmm thatd be 38 pen. what do you think sodales should i conf this guy seems powerful GM: well you're targeting the storm not the guy Guy of Bonisagus: hm thats true its probably going to do Nothing Rosario of Flambeau: lol. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: you can always add the confidence point after the roll is made Guy of Bonisagus: as i cannot actually detect the guy yet ok 38 pen pilum flies off into the storm does anything happen Rosario of Flambeau: gl GM: The dart hits the storm and is immediately dissipated. If it made noise, you can't here it. Guy of Bonisagus: sasuga GM: The storm is upon you. Rosario of Flambeau: Rosario charges directly into it on horse legs. GM: Who has Auram MR of < 27? (remember, +6 from Aura) Dusan of Criamon: auram 1 so i assume Dusan Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i do Guy of Bonisagus sweats MR 26ishly. Alphubel ex Merinita: I don't. Dusan of Criamon: unless we can substitute terram again Archibald of Guernicus: 41 in this aura Fiorella the Raven: 25 base Auram before aura bonus GM: The power as described is CrAu(Te), so, yes, I'd say you can use the higher of Auram OR Terram Gulielmus of Pure Reason: nice. my auram and terram are identical Alphubel ex Merinita: Same. 0. Guy of Bonisagus: perhaps i should have spent a season on improving my parma i have 26 mr in both forms after the aura bonus Dusan of Criamon: 17+6 just 3 shy GM: In other words Everyone but Rosario, Fiorella, and Archibald? Rosario of Flambeau: lol. GM: Ok. Rosario of Flambeau: rip. GM: rolling 1d10!+30 Damage ( 9 ) +30 = 39 Rosario of Flambeau: lmfao. GM: Roll soak, all Rosario of Flambeau: uh Alphubel ex Merinita: rolling 1d10! +3 + 3 ( 8 ) +3+3 = 14 Gulielmus of Pure Reason: Hmm Alphubel ex Merinita: Ok, I'm dead. GM: 25 damage on Alphubel. Rosario of Flambeau: Welcome, Balphubel. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: rolling 1d10!+2+1+3-0 ( 8 ) +2+1+3-0 = 14 Alphubel ex Merinita: Oh wait, 25 is just incapacitation. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: likewise Dusan of Criamon: so it goes GM: Are you adding your Auram or Terram soak, plus 3 from doublet? Guy of Bonisagus: interesting. interesting. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: yes Alphubel ex Merinita: Yes. GM: ok. Alphubel ex Merinita: I have no Auram or Terram soak. Guy of Bonisagus: rolling 1d10!+5 ( 6 ) +5 = 11 Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i have 1 aurum or terram soak Alphubel ex Merinita: It TRULY is what it is. Dusan of Criamon: rolling 1d10!+3 ( 3 ) +3 = 6 Rosario of Flambeau: huh Guy of Bonisagus: this appears to be 28 damage wait Gulielmus of Pure Reason: here's hoping the evil jinn will take us prisoner instead of murdering us. Rosario of Flambeau: johns' newest plot to end the saga is going off without a hitch. Guy of Bonisagus: can i parry this GM: You cannot. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: it's magic GM: I feel this may be a good time to take a break. Guy of Bonisagus: hm can i conf Gulielmus of Pure Reason: yes Dusan of Criamon: Cliffhanger? GM: Also, the attack continues for a full minute, which is 10 combat rounds. Rosario of Flambeau: lmfao. Guy of Bonisagus: i see. i see. Alphubel ex Merinita: Pretty good. Rosario of Flambeau: Interesting. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: does our ward against sand do anything. Archibald of Guernicus: Apparently not GM: No, because this is a magical storm. Archibald of Guernicus: Unless the sand itself has MR, its stopped by a ward Rosario of Flambeau: Okay, let me try something. Archibald of Guernicus: thats how wards work Rosario of Flambeau: O Gulielmus of Pure Reason: yeah. Rosario of Flambeau: Rosario is about to save everyone. Check this out. Archibald of Guernicus: its why fire wards dont need to penetrate to stop magic fires GM: Hmm, possibly. Let's ask the Ars Magica Discord. Archibald of Guernicus: I mean if this is a Being of Sand or something then the ward would have to penetrate MR, which it presumably doesnt as a spont but if this is mundane sand, a ward works Rosario of Flambeau: whats the uh whats the aura again GM: Magic 6 Archibald of Guernicus: or magic sand, even. unless the sand itself has MR its stopped by a ward Rosario of Flambeau: rolling 1d10!+21 ( 6 ) +21 = 27 rolling 27-15+4+1 penetration 27-15+4+1 = 17 gah. rolling 1d10! ( 9 ) = 9 R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind This spell will cancel the effects of any one Terram spell whose level is less than or equal to (spell level +15 + stress die (no botch) (Base effect, +1 Touch) Spell Level 39 Rosario of Flambeau: probably not enough to do anything. but i will cast it when the storm hits me. i mean its a spell of level 15, but it dispels Terram spells up to level 39. I learned it formulaic to give a study bonus to a Terram Ward-destroying effect for my talisman but it might work here. GM: That would be helpful rosario. Rosario of Flambeau: also, i canonically charged ahead of the group and got hit first. GM: Can you roll it now, please? Rosario of Flambeau: i just did. GM: What level effect did it dispel? Rosario of Flambeau: that was what i rolled. Alphubel ex Merinita: Classic Osymandius. Archibald of Guernicus: I'm fairly certain the ward does work here, though, which means our grogs aren't all killed too. Rosario of Flambeau: i mean its a spell of level 15, but it dispels Terram spells up to level 39. GM: Ok, cool. Rosario of Flambeau: spell level +15 +stress die but i rolled a 9. GM: The wall of sand loses cohesion and just flops on top of you. Rosario of Flambeau: Sick. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: there's a guy in the ars magica discord who has only ever played it as a larp in awe Archibald of Guernicus: The coolest dude in the ars discord Rosario of Flambeau coughs and hacks Alphubel ex Merinita: Oh my god. GM: After unburying yourself, you find the coast is clear. Goongrats all. You did NOT die. Guy of Bonisagus: no, thats still the guy who uses sex magic Gulielmus of Pure Reason: are we incapped Guy of Bonisagus: we are warded from sand and are not hurt Gulielmus of Pure Reason: what if the sex criamon and the ars larper were the same person. Rosario of Flambeau: get this: you take no damage because rosario charged ahead of the group. gahaha. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: Thank you Rosario. Rosario of Flambeau: flambeau ftw. Dusan of Criamon embraces Rosario GM: You were saved by Rosario. You all hahaha owe him your hahaha life. Alphubel ex Merinita: Sigh. Guy of Bonisagus: -1 int, +5 heart Rosario of Flambeau: rofl Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "Incredible, Rosario!" Rosario of Flambeau: GM: You were saved by Rosario. You all hahaha owe him your hahaha life. Alphubel ex Merinita: Really hoped to get murdered by a creature of Might the one time it's possible to do so. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: "That storm would have stripped the flesh from our bones!" GM: Next week: The Marble Palace, the City of Brass, adn Beyond. Guy of Bonisagus: that palace appears to be made of stone you cant fool me Archibald of Guernicus: "Certainly a nasty trap right before the gates." Alphubel ex Merinita: Oh you mean like marble? Rosario of Flambeau: thats a badass palace. Alphubel ex Merinita: AKA a stone! Guy of Bonisagus: marbles are made of glass Gulielmus of Pure Reason: it's brass with stone plating. GM: I didn't want to kill everyone, really -- I thought mass grog death would be cool though. Rosario of Flambeau: im really happy that by total coincidence the flambeau i made is the perfect guy to raid the desert mass grog death would have been badass. Alphubel ex Merinita: Also mass magus death. GM: +30 damage 10 times over. sigh... I'll just secretly have to add 50 might and 10 penetration score to everything from here on Dusan of Criamon: Dusan was dead by the first second Gulielmus of Pure Reason: look, Dusan of Criamon: Props, Rosario. Endrite: It really goes to show you that there's only really two kinds of effects in Ars Magica: the ones that you resist and the ones that are instant kills. Rosario of Flambeau: pretty much Gulielmus of Pure Reason: i need to learn a stronger dispel Dusan of Criamon: High level play Endrite: Soak isn't a very useful number, honestly. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: cant believe rosario upstaged me, gulielmus of pure reason Endrite: It's tough to get it high enough to not worry about strong magic. Archibald of Guernicus: It's great when high enough, which you can achieve. I've got a lot of it Gulielmus of Pure Reason: the armored magi can shrug off a lot of minor things that would have posed a problem for the normal magi or could, since one of them was murdered by condottieri GM: For reference, when Mont Mercure faced this particular being, everyone stayed safe by hiding inside the magic boat they used to get here, except Prinny's character, who had Immunity to Harm and just stood outside to mock the GM. Rosario of Flambeau: lmao. Guy of Bonisagus: god should have smote him Rosario of Flambeau: mont mercure sounds like it was a fun group Dusan of Criamon: That's a good move. Guy of Bonisagus: yeah, it sounds like a great ti-drowned out by the sound of a rope kid tremere Fiorella the Raven: I think Parma would have to be akind of HP if you wanted magic resistance to not be all-or-nothing Gulielmus of Pure Reason: lets recruit the larp guy for the fallen fane. Fiorella the Raven: Or save-or-die as they say in D&D GM: Gulielmus of Pure Reason: lets recruit the larp guy for the fallen fane. Gulielmus of Pure Reason: we only need 20 more Endrite: Hmm. I really think MR could work in a more interesting way. GM: Yeup. have you read the Bonisagus chapter? They have some breakthroughs of new ways PM could work that are cool Endrite: Also, this way is a much more dramatic solution to the problem, even as much as I complain about anti-magic spell and Vim in general. Fiorella the Raven: Parma being able to no-sell effects is part of the setting really, peace through mutually assured pilluming. Endrite: Really too bad that they started with "Arma Magica" and didn't just make each other breakthrough a different first syllable. Fiorella the Raven: Or lack therof Endrite: But the problem is that's not very interesting because then you just have people standing around not worrying about magical attacks until one penetrates and they die. GM: Farma Magica. Endrite: Reading these different kinds of parmas is interesting because they do feel like an attempt to change the rules of Parma Magica without changing the rest of the game, so none of them work right. "Oma" Sophia : i like the balance between low power high penetration effects and vice versa but i feel like it isnt as swingy as i'd like devil's fav demon: whoops Endrite: Like the Parma Ablativa is interesting but you still are in the space where a penetrating spell kills you and absurdly high penetration is simple enough to achieve. Archibald of Guernicus: Also, the creature of might houserules means that high might monsters cast +30 damage spells at basically teh same pen as low damage ones, ha ha. Endrite: I mean, good. Archibald of Guernicus: It's not good at all dude what the hell why would they ever use anythign but the most insanely powerful effects? Endrite: Might creatures are so wimpy anyway that they need the boost. Because they want to do less damage. Archibald of Guernicus: this one almost killed every single grog and magus besides 3 characters dude Endrite: Yeah and it was really scary and tense. Very exciting. GM: so as written in RAW, he has 35 might, and his Mastery of Desert power is specced in penetration, but because of RAW rules his penetration fo rhis most powerful feat is 7. Archibald of Guernicus: it wasnt tense, it was a game over and 3 players re-rolling over something they couldnt have stopped from happening! Gulielmus of Pure Reason: under raw it would have almost killed every single grog and every magus would have ignored it GM: this is from a book of adventures meant for wizards 50 to 60 years past gauntlet. yes this well dys I mean they could have put up a shelter Archibald of Guernicus: alphubel and gulielmus would have died GM: I feel like I gave you lots of time to do something, or ask the friendly jinn what to expect from this guy Archibald of Guernicus: they took an incapacitating wound and no-one knows chirurgy GM: or go in twilight. or teleport away. or bury yourself etc Endrite: If there's no risk of dying then it isn't fun. And if there's a risk of dying then that means you can die. Dusan of Criamon: Burying yourself seems like a bad idea GM: however im pretty sure if you all actually died that would be the end of the saga as everyone quits. Archibald of Guernicus: anyway by RAW it would have done jack shit because the ReTe ward blocks that power, i saw you mention how the power works in the discord GM: so i didnt want that to happen either. devil's fav demon: lol Endrite: I wouldn't quit over something like that. Archibald of Guernicus: Wards block everything without MR devil's fav demon: I'm very glad everyone didn't die. Archibald of Guernicus: thats why they can block pilla thrown by might 100 ultramen Gulielmus of Pure Reason: yeah we would have been fine under the ward devil's fav demon: I wasn't concerned about a solution because I figured Rosario would be fine but after people actually started rolling damage I was going over my sheet like a nut. GM: The Ars Magica discord seems to back you up so there you go. i thought it weird the way things are phrased in the book Gulielmus of Pure Reason: the sandstorm was dangerous but we used magic to solve the problem Endrite: I don't like the idea of the Ars Magica Discord running this game. Archibald of Guernicus: yeah. well, we got lucky, really. if we didnt have the ward every grog would have died. they arent running this game, its already a troupe game and our own discussions are that the ward works. cause it... does. i mean thats the rules for a ward. devil's fav demon: yeah GM: this is what mixed me up The sandstorm is completely natural and Magic Resistance provides no protection, although Auram or Terram Form Bonuses add to a magus’ Soak roll. On the other hand, as it is completely GM: natural, Rego Auram and Rego Terram spells can provide complete protection. the "as it is completely natural" caveat Endrite: I mean, grogs dying is definitely cool and scary monsters should kill like one grog just whenever we meet them to show off how cool they are. devil's fav demon: gah GM: that's for the first storm, not the second storm which is the jinn's power at work Archibald of Guernicus: ars is an impenetrable mess, i dont see a problem asking for outside advice on weird rules interactions we dont have a firm grasp of, in case some obscure splatbook has the answer and they know it Endrite: I think you can take a lot of ideas about grogs from Only War's Comrade system where they can tank hits for a player but then they also die if they take damage twice. devil's fav demon: lol i kind of wish grogs just worked like that instead. let's further simplify the rope kid grog system GM: oh this guy could also just walk up invisibly and start flaying people to death with his touch too but thatd be another combat sequence so fuck that Gulielmus of Pure Reason: lol. GM: was secretly hoping you would avoid the bandits outright. gah. Endrite: They'd have a LOT less personality that way, which would hurt the conception of this game where you build a little village with your covenant and fill it with eccentric characters, but in terms of combat I think it would streamline things immensely. GM: ya Endrite: Of course having a living Comrade was useful because they'd help you do suppressing fire or aim or whatever and a Commissar could execute people's comrades for morale buffs, that kind of thing. So it helped make situations seem more dangerous because there was always a body count, but it wasn't PCs dropping dead all the time. GM: ok thank you for this session not ending in tears in drama all good night Endrite: Farewell. Dusan of Criamon: much love Archibald of Guernicus: gn Endrite: Until our paths cross twixt moonlight and copse. Dusan of Criamon: smell you all later, thank you for another cool game c'thinker (GM): rolling 1d10 making a roll from 1353 ( 9 ) = 9 sick rolling 12d10 ( 9 + 3 + 8 + 3 + 9 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 10 + 3 + 8 ) = 62 cripes. rolling 1d10 ( 5 ) = 5 rolling 2d10 ( 10 + 3 ) = 13 Guy of Bonisagus: (To GM) rolling 420d69 ( 39 + 27 + 62 + 19 + 62 + 31 + 23 + 5 + 6 + 47 + 59 + 10 + 57 + 6 + 8 + 23 + 2 + 24 + 40 + 19 + 59 + 29 + 63 + 4 + 30 + 9 + 31 + 65 + 46 + 45 + 60 + 20 + 43 + 24 + 43 + 38 + 36 + 43 + 56 + 11 + 10 + 31 + 9 + 66 + 43 + 47 + 50 + 23 + 54 + 54 + 46 + 40 + 60 + 7 + 2 + 67 + 22 + 33 + 47 + 11 + 11 + 64 + 17 + 51 + 12 + 59 + 9 + 50 + 47 + 42 + 63 + 56 + 58 + 54 + 47 + 56 + 33 + 38 + 46 + 62 + 61 + 27 + 37 + 61 + 52 + 4 + 66 + 15 + 33 + 8 + 56 + 40 + 6 + 23 + 35 + 46 + 57 + 45 + 17 + 15 + 20 + 11 + 16 + 64 + 41 + 32 + 42 + 29 + 23 + 21 + 45 + 67 + 1 + 1 + 67 + 65 + 12 + 14 + 36 + 31 + 65 + 29 + 35 + 25 + 37 + 57 + 19 + 35 + 9 + 47 + 54 + 64 + 59 + 5 + 29 + 45 + 52 + 39 + 52 + 42 + 4 + 39 + 34 + 3 + 26 + 37 + 10 + 47 + 26 + 61 + 24 + 27 + 61 + 38 + 62 + 55 + 50 + 69 + 51 + 69 + 61 + 68 + 53 + 18 + 41 + 50 + 19 + 52 + 7 + 47 + 57 + 4 + 41 + 44 + 10 + 4 + 69 + 40 + 62 + 68 + 67 + 39 + 37 + 61 + 12 + 9 + 12 + 31 + 38 + 59 + 47 + 66 + 39 + 20 + 41 + 46 + 47 + 42 + 68 + 19 + 57 + 53 + 54 + 32 + 29 + 19 + 10 + 10 + 14 + 24 + 14 + 23 + 56 + 2 + 67 + 66 + 14 + 40 + 55 + 56 + 69 + 8 + 26 + 24 + 10 + 53 + 51 + 10 + 28 + 31 + 16 + 21 + 65 + 52 + 47 + 31 + 60 + 42 + 67 + 58 + 69 + 6 + 36 + 27 + 28 + 60 + 29 + 25 + 69 + 41 + 43 + 59 + 52 + 47 + 39 + 54 + 64 + 17 + 14 + 68 + 37 + 16 + 63 + 10 + 10 + 32 + 5 + 21 + 3 + 22 + 42 + 13 + 24 + 63 + 34 + 36 + 14 + 8 + 27 + 27 + 44 + 43 + 45 + 39 + 60 + 46 + 28 + 35 + 48 + 12 + 18 + 26 + 4 + 33 + 53 + 11 + 57 + 13 + 12 + 35 + 46 + 10 + 20 + 54 + 14 + 34 + 24 + 2 + 44 + 42 + 30 + 28 + 2 + 46 + 7 + 48 + 31 + 4 + 42 + 38 + 59 + 64 + 24 + 34 + 13 + 7 + 29 + 54 + 44 + 46 + 26 + 13 + 38 + 4 + 2 + 8 + 1 + 21 + 5 + 8 + 7 + 60 + 52 + 5 + 17 + 8 + 11 + 3 + 22 + 22 + 57 + 51 + 52 + 22 + 66 + 16 + 9 + 13 + 59 + 7 + 57 + 40 + 7 + 24 + 49 + 60 + 35 + 23 + 3 + 24 + 62 + 43 + 44 + 5 + 25 + 7 + 50 + 32 + 19 + 47 + 59 + 25 + 3 + 52 + 21 + 57 + 40 + 63 + 17 + 21 + 34 + 36 + 7 + 6 + 58 + 38 + 16 + 20 + 50 + 41 + 4 + 8 + 4 + 14 + 17 + 39 + 18 + 49 + 44 + 3 + 65 + 35 + 20 + 33 + 8 + 22 + 39 + 69 + 18 + 62 ) = 14466 johns (GM): thats two botch die beardbeard rolling 2d10 ( 1 + 6 ) = 7 Ah, shit. Ya botched. Endrite did you do your homework
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