(@Kenneth_Locke/Barburry, thanks for sharing the information)
Donavera Isemist
It must be a mentally unbearable task to keep track of so much information without having divine power. For the loreweaver, it can be an emotionally draining experience as well. But, why did he decide to live in a solitary place? Is he unable to leave the demiplane?
Vera finds herself absorbed in her own thoughts after she had managed to read the surface thoughts of Barburry. When she notices the fact, she will quickly dismiss the idea of comparing Thul's condition with Mother Lorinda's condition of captivity. Instead, she will attempt to pay special attention to the expression of Theodor so that she can read his thoughts too, later probing deeper into his mind.
As you focus on and read the surface thoughts of Theodore, Vera, his surface thoughts are mostly covered in intrigue. He wants to learn everything this cave has to offer, and he wants to translate every single word. He's thinking about expanding his company so he can get more archeologists down here to help. But then the block hits. You stop being able to look into his mind as everyone except your group stop moving, and stop reacting. That's when Laurence goes to touch the dwarf's shoulder finding it's stiff, like pushing against a stone sculpture.
"Well rat farts. At least I am clothed this time."
Without thought, Barburry activates his inherent firbolg magic to cast Detect Magic. He intently watches the frozen faculty before looking around for a potential source. Scritches climbs down and tries to sniff around the petrified professors, hoping to steal a snack from any of their pockets, unless their clothes are stone as well. Then the ferret will throw a hissing fit at the foot of the rigid researchers.
They haven't been petrified or turned to stone, they're just frozen in place; Scritches can easily search their pockets. Make an investigation check for Scritches using his statblock.
Barburry
As you can detect magic each of the frozen folks in here are surrounded by a faint aura of transmutation magic, and in the doorway to the only exit is a massive illusion aura, that seems to be outlining a 12 foot tall figure, almost bird-like like an aarakocra, but you don't actually see anyone there, just the illusion aura.
(OOC: I do believe we decided to use the weasel for him.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Scritches Investigation: 3
Barburry gulps as he rattles his brain for what kind of spell the illusion could be. He is staring right at it though, openly with mouth sorta agape.
"Oooooooh, so funny thing everyone. There's some sort of illusion at the exit from this room...sorta shaped like a birdy person? Is that something historically significant?" He can't help his teeth from chattering through his words.
Laurence opens their mouth then closes it again, trying to find words, then finally states the obvious to their towermates: "they are all... not moving." Whispering a little 'excuse me', they lean over to read the research notes the dwarf in front of them had.
Hearing Barburry, they turn around, confused, "I'm sorry? Just now? An illusion of a bird person? I'll... take a look, and would love some company." In an attempt to calm Barburry, they add: "illusions cannot harm us," and in a voice only they themself can hear, "probably." They summon Roquefort, who squeaks a little indignantly, and holds onto it for empty reassurance. They will walk over slowly and check, at a distance.
(ooc: is it a historical figure? also just to confirm we are in that big main chamber right?)
"Ah, it's such a strange phenomenon,(it) reminds me of the statues that we encountered in the courtyard."Vera declares gleefully while observing the elders of the academy frozen in place and time. She wonders if they're under the influence of some sort of dark magic, but doesn't seem to be troubled by the idea.
Thus, she will try to search for intelligent creatures within the range of her spell (Detect Thoughts), paying special attention to the illusion of the bird-like creature.
Hin's face is blanched with a mix of shock, confusion, and fright. Speechless, she tries to open her mouth to say something, but then immediately closes it when nothing comes out. They stand like that for a few seconds, frantically trying to calm down the whirlwind of thoughts that are going around her mind. An illusion? Are we safe? This doesn't seem very safe. I hope Professor Maz and the others are alright. Maybe it might be a good time to let another teacher know before it gets dangerous? Maybe later? Would my companions think I'm a coward if I went and got help? Or not? Should I wait until we have more information before going to get someone, like the Towermaster? I should wait. I'm going to wait. Just, stop thinking. On second thought, should I really wait? What if I'm just overreacting? I trust Laurence, they are the one that knows the most about illusions, out of everyone here, and they say that illusions cannot harm us. But, what if they're wrong? Or right? Just stop thinking, it's not helping. This is my white bear. Think of your brown bear instead. Don't think of thinking. Wait, if I'm thinking, doesn't that defeat the... Oh, this isn't helping!! She shakes her head violently and stamps her foot in frustration. Taking a deep breath in, she blurts, "Everyone, I think that we should notify someone in the academy about this, like Towermaster Silentstep or Hallmaster Thal'rin." She says this a little louder than intended, and lowers her voice a little. "I'm not entirely confident that this will turn out to be entirely safe." She points at the researchers and her Professor, clearly panicking. "That," she gasps, "is not normal."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
(OOC: You are indeed in the main chamber of the cave, Laurence. It's also worth noting no one can see what Barburry is seeing; he's only seeing an illusory aura of whatever it is, due to detect magic. However.)
A moment goes by after Barburry warns you all of the invisible illusion, as Laurence begins approaching in its direction, a large figure appears. Standing between all of you and the only exit of the cavern is a 12 foot tall, hybrid of a human and aarakocra. He has a very human physique, and golden skin, but an oversized pair of eagle-like wings hang folded on his back and his head is that of an eagles. He has a gnarled brown wood staff in his hand that matches the brown of his feathers; adorned on the top is a large stinger, similar to that of a scorpion's, only much larger. It's at this point, Vera, that you redirect your detect thoughts towards him.
Vera
You hear in the back of your head "Child..tsk tsk..you can only see what I want you to see, what I want you to hear..your magic is nothing compared to mine, but hear this"
The figure swings his staff, as if striking at the air. Where he does, a tear appears in reality as a portal appears. "You have been summoned" he then gestures towards the portal for you all to enter. Looking through the portal like you had with the very first portal you encountered at the ruins of the observatory, you can see through the other side. Laurence, you being the closest to the portal, since you had began approaching, you see a familiar sight. A simple cottage on the edge of the forest in a field. Where you were just a few weeks ago when you stepped through that pool of water, that turned out to be a portal of its own.
(OOC: Make a religion check if you'd like. Make the check with advantage if you're proficient in religion.)
Mythe backs away from the figure, all previous thoughts about her history forgotten. Raising her arms as if to shield herself, she simply stares in amazement as the strange bird-man rips through reality itself, creating a magical window out of nothing but space.To create a portal with nothing but a raise of a hand.. just how powerful is this thing?Mismatched eyes narrow, glaring icy daggers toward the figure. “What do you mean, summoned? Explain yourself!”
Hin laughs nervously and loudly. "Um, excuse me, summoned?" All potential for a slightly confident farce has completely dissipated. I must still be dreaming. There's no chance that this is actually happening. Her legs and feet seem to be in conflict, the former refusing to support her and the latter not giving way. The result? A completely petrified Hin.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Laurence rears back a little as the figure appears, alarmed even though Barburry said it was an illusion. They open their mouth in surprise as the portal appears and reveals a familiar sight. Hesitantly, they respond rigidly, "right. Of course." Looking back a bit uncertainly to their towermates, they reach behind them for a satchel behind their back and takes out a hollow metallic sphere and a small sculpt knife. They place Roquefort down and tap the sphere, embedding in it a visual effect of the portal, the cottage, and the winged figure. They slip the knife back into the satchel and telepathically commands Roquefort to place the sphere on the table with the research. The opossum skitters off with the sphere between its jagged teeth. Standing back upright, Laurence clasps their hands in front of them politely, "...may we ask, who is summoning for us?"
(ooc: they are using magical tinkering >:3c the sphere is like this! for flavour... the visual effect appears on a veil of mist produced by the sphere)
Mythe, you have no idea who this is, but Laurence, you have an idea.
Laurence
This is Aldir. He's the Lord of Portals. Not much is actually known about him, only some history. He disappeared one day, thousands of years ago, and stopped providing divine power to his clerics.
The 12 foot tall figure lets out a long drawn out sigh "you mortals are so not as much fun as you use to be. You use to show much reverence, now you've no idea who I am." he dismisses his staff, causing it to disappear from sight, freeing both of his hands "do you know how hard it is to be a god, when literally no one knows who you are anymore? It's exhausting. It's all who are you? Explain yourself!" he says in a mocking tone towards you, Mythe. "Never how are you? -- let's just try this again, yeah?" As he finishes speaking he and the portal disappear and you hear "-ough. Perhaps one of the-" from the archeologist who was speaking before they had froze in place, speaking as if they hadn't skipped a beat and suddenly freezing in place again. Professor Maz has a look of confusion on his face as many of you have suddenly, in what to him was a microsecond, moved to a different location. The large winged figure reappears, in the same spot, with his gnarled staff once again in his hand. "You have been--" he sighs and looks down at all of you"it's just not the same"he grunts through his beak. "That was such a cool and menacing appearance and you couldn't just walk through the portal and meet Thul like you were suppose to." He gestures to the spot in front of him where a portal reappears in front of him "Look, Thul wishes for your presence, please, you've ruined this for me, just hurry and step through." He looks towards you, Vera "oh hexling, I'm sorry for calling you child. It just sounded really cool in my head when I responded to you trying to pry into my mind. You probably get plenty of hate from your creator and are probably going to die soon, I wish not to add more, but the rest was true. My magic is much stronger than yours."
Laurence, you create your magical message-on-a-sphere and Roquefort leaves it on the table as requested.
(OOC: Sorry about the color choice for him, it's not the easiest for me to look at on a white background, but I've committed and I'm not backing down now!)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Looking towards the other frozen in place academics, then to his tower mates, Barburry comes to a sort of slow but decisive choice. At least he seems to find some comfort. I hope the others do not get upset, but this being is obviously beyond us. We should do what we can, not what we can't (which is fight him and win). Hopefully he means us no harm, he would have just abducted us instead if that was the case....right? This thought resonates in his head a bit. He could obviously have hurt any of us, or just ignored any of our wishes and taken us maybe? Maybe some carrot is in order, not that we have a stick big enough for this being. Still, I hope his intentions are not to harm any of us.
Insight: 16
Barburry places a hand on Hin's shoulder, for mutual support. "I don't know that we would have much of a choice. Thank you, for giving us the choice...or at least illusion of one as opposed to simply taking us. I know I will go, but would appreciate if you would be gracious enough to confirm that our cohorts in this room will be ok. I don't mean to annoy you with this plea, but golly I am just a bit overwhelmed here." He will begin walking towards the portal, at a gate that would allow time to hear response but he won't really stall unnaturally to get one. Scritches at the appearance uncharacteristically doesn't hide in Barburry's apron pouch. Instead the fey familiar climbs to the mat of hair atop the firbolg, standing upright looking over the great being.
"Dook dook, chirp."
"I want eat god food. Has he god food?
Barburry doesn't understand literally what Scritches is trying to convey, but it doesn't take an arcane diviner to see the ferret is looking for a special meal from this deity.
Feeling Barburry's hand on her shoulder, Hin is able to calm down a little. While she's still on edge, she is no longer glued to the same spot. She takes a second, trying to get her head on straight. "Goodness," she whispers quietly to herself. "I'm going to have to side with my companion here. It is a little startling when a being---that is clearly capable of incredible magic far surpassing your own---comes up to you without any warning. Talking about "being summoned"." Finding she can move again, she raises her hands, gesticulating as she speaks. "I mean no disrespect... sir? Do you even call deities sir? Anyways," the more she talks, the less anxious she gets. "Sir, I was taught "stranger danger" and all of that when I was a child and this screams stranger danger." She sighs, taking another minute to collect the last of her scrambled thoughts. "I'm sorry it's exhausting not being known like you used to, I completely understand what it means to not be recognized by other people. If it's any consolation, you nailed the menacing part of your entrance. In any other situation, it would've been great." She nods slightly, trying to walk the thin line between being sympathetic and coming off as condescending. The latter is definitely not her intention. "Now, let us start over. Who are you, and you say we're supposed to meet Thul on the other side of that portal?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
It's hard to tell exactly what spell he is casting because he doesn't go through the normal means of casting spells. There are no verbal sayings, he doesn't make gestures, and there's nothing in his hand save his staff, but the results of the spell do match a spell you've heard of. time stop. It's incredibly powerful, and stops time for everyone except the caster. Seeing as it also is allowing you all to move, you assume this is an even stronger version of the spell. To create the portal, you have no idea what kind of spell it is.
Barburry
You hear in the back of your head "You're right, you wouldn't win. Don't try it."
You get the feeling from your insight check that he isn't lying about what he is saying. He seems genuine in what he's saying to you. He's a little arrogant, but he is a god. You also get the strange feeling he and Scritches know each other some how, and it doesn't seem to be in a friendly nature.
"Everyone is just-" he takes a moment to search for the word "temporarily frozen in time. They'll be fine. Look-- not everyone can handle seeing divinity, and even fewer deserve it. You all would go insane if you saw my real form or just spontaneously combust." The figure turns to look at the ferret atop Barburry and squints his eyes and speaks something in slyvan.
Speak Sylvan?
"I know you. Don't make me kill you again; I'll erase you from existence this time."
The figure then cocks its head to the side as it looks in your direction Hin"My magic is far superior to yours, in fact, I'm the one who taught you mortals how to create temporary portals. I'm the Lord of Portals!" As he says this his wings shoot out to the side almost fully extending, but instead pushing up against the walls of the chamber creating a massive wall of feathers. "The name is Aldir, and seriously, Thul is waiting for you. Please step through and return to his realm so I can go. I really don't want to be here anymore; it's boring me. Perhaps if you catch me at a better time I'll humor anything you wish to ask."
Laurence wasn't sure of the deity's identity, since historical records only speak of Aldir a handful of times and he never gets mentioned again. They wouldn't want to mix up the names of guests not-important-enough-to-be-given-special-attention, much less the name of a deity, that's like adding salt to a wound. To hopefully un-ruffle Aldir's feathers, they concur with him, "ah, Lord Aldir, forgive us, your entrance was simply too breath-taking and we could not greet you properly," they bow a little, "such magnificent display of magic too, unfathomable for us mortals." They make a mental note of some truth bomb Aldir just dropped about Vera. They blink incredulously as Scritches of all people/creatures seem to be most familiar with Aldir.
Everyone else's questions and Aldir's answers have sated Laurence's suspicion. They are also worried he'll really just wipe them out from annoyance if they ask more. Looking to everyone, they extend a hand to present the portal, as if saying 'you don't get opportunities to meet god every day'. The gods are clearly powerful enough to squash them all, even Professor Maz, yet they chose not to. Laurence gains some confidence that they'll all be safe- unless proven otherwise. "As Lord Aldir has come all the way to extend Lord Thul's invite, I would be honoured to accept." They snap their fingers and Roquefort is back in their arms. They walk through the portal.
(ooc: im screaming scritches is a legend)
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(@Kenneth_Locke/Barburry, thanks for sharing the information)
Donavera Isemist
It must be a mentally unbearable task to keep track of so much information without having divine power. For the loreweaver, it can be an emotionally draining experience as well. But, why did he decide to live in a solitary place? Is he unable to leave the demiplane?
Vera finds herself absorbed in her own thoughts after she had managed to read the surface thoughts of Barburry. When she notices the fact, she will quickly dismiss the idea of comparing Thul's condition with Mother Lorinda's condition of captivity. Instead, she will attempt to pay special attention to the expression of Theodor so that she can read his thoughts too, later probing deeper into his mind.
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
As you focus on and read the surface thoughts of Theodore, Vera, his surface thoughts are mostly covered in intrigue. He wants to learn everything this cave has to offer, and he wants to translate every single word. He's thinking about expanding his company so he can get more archeologists down here to help. But then the block hits. You stop being able to look into his mind as everyone except your group stop moving, and stop reacting. That's when Laurence goes to touch the dwarf's shoulder finding it's stiff, like pushing against a stone sculpture.
"Well rat farts. At least I am clothed this time."
Without thought, Barburry activates his inherent firbolg magic to cast Detect Magic. He intently watches the frozen faculty before looking around for a potential source. Scritches climbs down and tries to sniff around the petrified professors, hoping to steal a snack from any of their pockets, unless their clothes are stone as well. Then the ferret will throw a hissing fit at the foot of the rigid researchers.
They haven't been petrified or turned to stone, they're just frozen in place; Scritches can easily search their pockets. Make an investigation check for Scritches using his statblock.
Barburry
As you can detect magic each of the frozen folks in here are surrounded by a faint aura of transmutation magic, and in the doorway to the only exit is a massive illusion aura, that seems to be outlining a 12 foot tall figure, almost bird-like like an aarakocra, but you don't actually see anyone there, just the illusion aura.
(OOC: I do believe we decided to use the weasel for him.)
Scritches Investigation: 3
Barburry gulps as he rattles his brain for what kind of spell the illusion could be. He is staring right at it though, openly with mouth sorta agape.
"Oooooooh, so funny thing everyone. There's some sort of illusion at the exit from this room...sorta shaped like a birdy person? Is that something historically significant?" He can't help his teeth from chattering through his words.
Laurence opens their mouth then closes it again, trying to find words, then finally states the obvious to their towermates: "they are all... not moving." Whispering a little 'excuse me', they lean over to read the research notes the dwarf in front of them had.
Hearing Barburry, they turn around, confused, "I'm sorry? Just now? An illusion of a bird person? I'll... take a look, and would love some company." In an attempt to calm Barburry, they add: "illusions cannot harm us," and in a voice only they themself can hear, "probably." They summon Roquefort, who squeaks a little indignantly, and holds onto it for empty reassurance. They will walk over slowly and check, at a distance.
(ooc: is it a historical figure? also just to confirm we are in that big main chamber right?)
Donavera Isemist
"Ah, it's such a strange phenomenon, (it) reminds me of the statues that we encountered in the courtyard." Vera declares gleefully while observing the elders of the academy frozen in place and time. She wonders if they're under the influence of some sort of dark magic, but doesn't seem to be troubled by the idea.
Thus, she will try to search for intelligent creatures within the range of her spell (Detect Thoughts), paying special attention to the illusion of the bird-like creature.
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Hin's face is blanched with a mix of shock, confusion, and fright. Speechless, she tries to open her mouth to say something, but then immediately closes it when nothing comes out. They stand like that for a few seconds, frantically trying to calm down the whirlwind of thoughts that are going around her mind.
An illusion? Are we safe? This doesn't seem very safe. I hope Professor Maz and the others are alright. Maybe it might be a good time to let another teacher know before it gets dangerous? Maybe later? Would my companions think I'm a coward if I went and got help? Or not? Should I wait until we have more information before going to get someone, like the Towermaster? I should wait. I'm going to wait. Just, stop thinking. On second thought, should I really wait? What if I'm just overreacting? I trust Laurence, they are the one that knows the most about illusions, out of everyone here, and they say that illusions cannot harm us. But, what if they're wrong? Or right? Just stop thinking, it's not helping. This is my white bear. Think of your brown bear instead. Don't think of thinking. Wait, if I'm thinking, doesn't that defeat the... Oh, this isn't helping!! She shakes her head violently and stamps her foot in frustration. Taking a deep breath in, she blurts, "Everyone, I think that we should notify someone in the academy about this, like Towermaster Silentstep or Hallmaster Thal'rin." She says this a little louder than intended, and lowers her voice a little. "I'm not entirely confident that this will turn out to be entirely safe." She points at the researchers and her Professor, clearly panicking. "That," she gasps, "is not normal."
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
(OOC: You are indeed in the main chamber of the cave, Laurence. It's also worth noting no one can see what Barburry is seeing; he's only seeing an illusory aura of whatever it is, due to detect magic. However.)
A moment goes by after Barburry warns you all of the invisible illusion, as Laurence begins approaching in its direction, a large figure appears. Standing between all of you and the only exit of the cavern is a 12 foot tall, hybrid of a human and aarakocra. He has a very human physique, and golden skin, but an oversized pair of eagle-like wings hang folded on his back and his head is that of an eagles. He has a gnarled brown wood staff in his hand that matches the brown of his feathers; adorned on the top is a large stinger, similar to that of a scorpion's, only much larger. It's at this point, Vera, that you redirect your detect thoughts towards him.
Vera
You hear in the back of your head "Child..tsk tsk..you can only see what I want you to see, what I want you to hear..your magic is nothing compared to mine, but hear this"
The figure swings his staff, as if striking at the air. Where he does, a tear appears in reality as a portal appears. "You have been summoned" he then gestures towards the portal for you all to enter. Looking through the portal like you had with the very first portal you encountered at the ruins of the observatory, you can see through the other side. Laurence, you being the closest to the portal, since you had began approaching, you see a familiar sight. A simple cottage on the edge of the forest in a field. Where you were just a few weeks ago when you stepped through that pool of water, that turned out to be a portal of its own.
(OOC: Make a religion check if you'd like. Make the check with advantage if you're proficient in religion.)
Mythe backs away from the figure, all previous thoughts about her history forgotten. Raising her arms as if to shield herself, she simply stares in amazement as the strange bird-man rips through reality itself, creating a magical window out of nothing but space.To create a portal with nothing but a raise of a hand.. just how powerful is this thing? Mismatched eyes narrow, glaring icy daggers toward the figure. “What do you mean, summoned? Explain yourself!”
Hin laughs nervously and loudly. "Um, excuse me, summoned?" All potential for a slightly confident farce has completely dissipated. I must still be dreaming. There's no chance that this is actually happening. Her legs and feet seem to be in conflict, the former refusing to support her and the latter not giving way. The result? A completely petrified Hin.
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
Religion: 12
Laurence rears back a little as the figure appears, alarmed even though Barburry said it was an illusion. They open their mouth in surprise as the portal appears and reveals a familiar sight. Hesitantly, they respond rigidly, "right. Of course." Looking back a bit uncertainly to their towermates, they reach behind them for a satchel behind their back and takes out a hollow metallic sphere and a small sculpt knife. They place Roquefort down and tap the sphere, embedding in it a visual effect of the portal, the cottage, and the winged figure. They slip the knife back into the satchel and telepathically commands Roquefort to place the sphere on the table with the research. The opossum skitters off with the sphere between its jagged teeth. Standing back upright, Laurence clasps their hands in front of them politely, "...may we ask, who is summoning for us?"
(ooc: they are using magical tinkering >:3c the sphere is like this! for flavour... the visual effect appears on a veil of mist produced by the sphere)
Religion: 13
Mythe, you have no idea who this is, but Laurence, you have an idea.
Laurence
This is Aldir. He's the Lord of Portals. Not much is actually known about him, only some history. He disappeared one day, thousands of years ago, and stopped providing divine power to his clerics.
The 12 foot tall figure lets out a long drawn out sigh "you mortals are so not as much fun as you use to be. You use to show much reverence, now you've no idea who I am." he dismisses his staff, causing it to disappear from sight, freeing both of his hands "do you know how hard it is to be a god, when literally no one knows who you are anymore? It's exhausting. It's all who are you? Explain yourself!" he says in a mocking tone towards you, Mythe. "Never how are you? -- let's just try this again, yeah?" As he finishes speaking he and the portal disappear and you hear "-ough. Perhaps one of the-" from the archeologist who was speaking before they had froze in place, speaking as if they hadn't skipped a beat and suddenly freezing in place again. Professor Maz has a look of confusion on his face as many of you have suddenly, in what to him was a microsecond, moved to a different location. The large winged figure reappears, in the same spot, with his gnarled staff once again in his hand. "You have been--" he sighs and looks down at all of you "it's just not the same" he grunts through his beak. "That was such a cool and menacing appearance and you couldn't just walk through the portal and meet Thul like you were suppose to." He gestures to the spot in front of him where a portal reappears in front of him "Look, Thul wishes for your presence, please, you've ruined this for me, just hurry and step through." He looks towards you, Vera "oh hexling, I'm sorry for calling you child. It just sounded really cool in my head when I responded to you trying to pry into my mind. You probably get plenty of hate from your creator and are probably going to die soon, I wish not to add more, but the rest was true. My magic is much stronger than yours."
Laurence, you create your magical message-on-a-sphere and Roquefort leaves it on the table as requested.
(OOC: Sorry about the color choice for him, it's not the easiest for me to look at on a white background, but I've committed and I'm not backing down now!)
Looking towards the other frozen in place academics, then to his tower mates, Barburry comes to a sort of slow but decisive choice. At least he seems to find some comfort. I hope the others do not get upset, but this being is obviously beyond us. We should do what we can, not what we can't (which is fight him and win). Hopefully he means us no harm, he would have just abducted us instead if that was the case....right? This thought resonates in his head a bit. He could obviously have hurt any of us, or just ignored any of our wishes and taken us maybe? Maybe some carrot is in order, not that we have a stick big enough for this being. Still, I hope his intentions are not to harm any of us.
Insight: 16
Barburry places a hand on Hin's shoulder, for mutual support. "I don't know that we would have much of a choice. Thank you, for giving us the choice...or at least illusion of one as opposed to simply taking us. I know I will go, but would appreciate if you would be gracious enough to confirm that our cohorts in this room will be ok. I don't mean to annoy you with this plea, but golly I am just a bit overwhelmed here." He will begin walking towards the portal, at a gate that would allow time to hear response but he won't really stall unnaturally to get one. Scritches at the appearance uncharacteristically doesn't hide in Barburry's apron pouch. Instead the fey familiar climbs to the mat of hair atop the firbolg, standing upright looking over the great being.
"Dook dook, chirp."
"I want eat god food. Has he god food?
Barburry doesn't understand literally what Scritches is trying to convey, but it doesn't take an arcane diviner to see the ferret is looking for a special meal from this deity.
Feeling Barburry's hand on her shoulder, Hin is able to calm down a little. While she's still on edge, she is no longer glued to the same spot. She takes a second, trying to get her head on straight. "Goodness," she whispers quietly to herself. "I'm going to have to side with my companion here. It is a little startling when a being---that is clearly capable of incredible magic far surpassing your own---comes up to you without any warning. Talking about "being summoned"." Finding she can move again, she raises her hands, gesticulating as she speaks. "I mean no disrespect... sir? Do you even call deities sir? Anyways," the more she talks, the less anxious she gets. "Sir, I was taught "stranger danger" and all of that when I was a child and this screams stranger danger." She sighs, taking another minute to collect the last of her scrambled thoughts. "I'm sorry it's exhausting not being known like you used to, I completely understand what it means to not be recognized by other people. If it's any consolation, you nailed the menacing part of your entrance. In any other situation, it would've been great." She nods slightly, trying to walk the thin line between being sympathetic and coming off as condescending. The latter is definitely not her intention. "Now, let us start over. Who are you, and you say we're supposed to meet Thul on the other side of that portal?"
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
As a reaction, can Vera identify the spell being cast by the bird-like creature?
Arcana 17
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Vera
It's hard to tell exactly what spell he is casting because he doesn't go through the normal means of casting spells. There are no verbal sayings, he doesn't make gestures, and there's nothing in his hand save his staff, but the results of the spell do match a spell you've heard of. time stop. It's incredibly powerful, and stops time for everyone except the caster. Seeing as it also is allowing you all to move, you assume this is an even stronger version of the spell. To create the portal, you have no idea what kind of spell it is.
Barburry
You hear in the back of your head "You're right, you wouldn't win. Don't try it."
You get the feeling from your insight check that he isn't lying about what he is saying. He seems genuine in what he's saying to you. He's a little arrogant, but he is a god. You also get the strange feeling he and Scritches know each other some how, and it doesn't seem to be in a friendly nature.
"Everyone is just-" he takes a moment to search for the word "temporarily frozen in time. They'll be fine. Look-- not everyone can handle seeing divinity, and even fewer deserve it. You all would go insane if you saw my real form or just spontaneously combust." The figure turns to look at the ferret atop Barburry and squints his eyes and speaks something in slyvan.
Speak Sylvan?
"I know you. Don't make me kill you again; I'll erase you from existence this time."
The figure then cocks its head to the side as it looks in your direction Hin "My magic is far superior to yours, in fact, I'm the one who taught you mortals how to create temporary portals. I'm the Lord of Portals!" As he says this his wings shoot out to the side almost fully extending, but instead pushing up against the walls of the chamber creating a massive wall of feathers. "The name is Aldir, and seriously, Thul is waiting for you. Please step through and return to his realm so I can go. I really don't want to be here anymore; it's boring me. Perhaps if you catch me at a better time I'll humor anything you wish to ask."
(Ooc: can retcon pending Mythe and Laurence reactions.)
Scritches gets huffy, folding their fore paws in a very human fashion before hopping in Barburry's apron pocket. "Doook hiss Doook dook chitter."
Scritches says
You steal God crumbs one time and they just become whiny as$%*&les.
Laurence wasn't sure of the deity's identity, since historical records only speak of Aldir a handful of times and he never gets mentioned again. They wouldn't want to mix up the names of guests not-important-enough-to-be-given-special-attention, much less the name of a deity, that's like adding salt to a wound. To hopefully un-ruffle Aldir's feathers, they concur with him, "ah, Lord Aldir, forgive us, your entrance was simply too breath-taking and we could not greet you properly," they bow a little, "such magnificent display of magic too, unfathomable for us mortals." They make a mental note of some truth bomb Aldir just dropped about Vera. They blink incredulously as Scritches of all people/creatures seem to be most familiar with Aldir.
Everyone else's questions and Aldir's answers have sated Laurence's suspicion. They are also worried he'll really just wipe them out from annoyance if they ask more. Looking to everyone, they extend a hand to present the portal, as if saying 'you don't get opportunities to meet god every day'. The gods are clearly powerful enough to squash them all, even Professor Maz, yet they chose not to. Laurence gains some confidence that they'll all be safe- unless proven otherwise. "As Lord Aldir has come all the way to extend Lord Thul's invite, I would be honoured to accept." They snap their fingers and Roquefort is back in their arms. They walk through the portal.
(ooc: im screaming scritches is a legend)