"As you may remember, in my search for knowledge, I encountered a long lost tomb. Exploring it, I happened to attract the attention of a representative of the Old Gods. In exchange for cosmic knowledge, Jezzika - the entity, so you say, promised me many things. I would say the hold she has on me should of been a mutual 'student and teacher' relationship until it became more of a 'servant and master' situation. Basically, in exchange for knowledge, I was to do their bidding. Typical Warlock stuff, i'm sure you understand. If I did not do what she wanted, she would grow upset with me..threatening to destroy things I hold dear. I had indeed become a slave. So, naturally, I was compliant. She was, for a while, giving me what I wanted, anyways."
"However, something, lately, has attracted her attention - something more important than me, apparently, so..you could say I have branched out of her grasp. For now. But when she returns and finds out what i've done..I will most likely be in deep deep trouble. We are not talking about a typical angry girlfriend, here. I am deeply involved with a cosmic force that can bend and shape the universe at it's whim. I take this situation very seriously."
Zaf shook his head at truly understanding Warlock stuff. Because between fragmented memories and only really having Jasun as a living example, there wasn't there to go on. Yet, the shake is promptly followed by a 'go on' gesture as he took it all in again. "And yet... they do not... have not. And yet they've chosen to pray upon people such as yourself, rather than simply 'make' things they wish."
"Briefly ignoring the fact that this entity, and entities like them, do have some the reach, and are perhaps -- /perhaps/-..."He said the last word with greater emphasis and a raised talon. "less bound as the deities we know have been by their own rules and so forth.... Why bother with this song and dance at all? Surely as a representative of such powerful forces, she should be able to bend some 'lesser being' to her whims wholesale. None of these threats. None of these promises. Simply make it be so." He states.
"And before you say its simply for their own amusement or by their very nature, their reasoning is beyond any comprehension of anyone... which also begged the question why you expected to learn anything worth learning in the first place from them, but.. that's another matter, I suppose..." Zaf cocked his head to that runaway line, and then shook his head. "No... actually, what information exactly are -- were -- hoping to find? Simply what was in those tombs? If so, now you should know, more or less. But what are expecting to gain from this cosmic knowledge? Again, ignoring their threats for a moment, for in the beginning, you had largely alienated yourself things.. others you might have cared about before, what could they have possibly done to you at that point?" He requested, though soon after seemed almost regretful for a moment and looked away. "Naturally, of course, you don't have to answer if its something personal. It's just... say if we came across a way to free of this entity and protect what little you've come to care for at this point, I found myself wondering... I've been wondering for some time what you would choose."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Jasun opened his mouth to try and answer Bird Person's questions as they poured out, but each time Zaf added more to the conversation. Which was fine. When he finally stopped talking, Jasun did his best to try and answer.
"All Gods need worshippers and thralls, I suppose. Could it be I am a student? Or a victim? I don't know. Perhaps she DOES have an ulterior motive. We cannot disregard this. A more.. mysterious vested interest in the exchange of servitude for power and knowledge with me."he said. "I do not pretend I know, or understand, their intentions. Jezzika clearly more than just an academic interest in me. I have learned many things from her. She has given me knowledge and power. And what kind of knowledge? Truth. Answers. Truth to the universe and everything is comprises. Details to the smallest workings of a living cell and smaller to the revelations about the universe and all it comprises. With truth comes power, and with power comes mastery. Mastery over myself, and perhaps the power to manipulate the universe and become one with it. She was a pathway to achieve such power.
"But I have come to realize the cost is too high. Sure. What I was seeking - how could the price NOT be high? But I have come to realize that perhaps I can have the mastery over myself by, perhaps, looking inward. Not outward. And, for once..be happy."
"I am convinced by going against her wishes will mean my death. And if that is the case, I ask myself, have I truly lived?"
"Not really, considering you've been pressured for so long onto a path of solitude. But such is the sacrifice you chose originally to seek power. Control, at the end of proverbial day. To weave yourself into the greater fabric of things and be its master without concern of it, and those that are but singular fragments of the greater whole superseding your whims and wishes." Zaf replied, as he finally spot to sit down. "While the seeking of Mastery of one's self is... hmm... not a bad thing in itself."
"There are many ways to go about this without tying yourself to such an entity though. One, I imagine, considering their methods so far, is likely attempting to mold you into something. What that is I will not pretend to know. But leaving you with any free will after your initial encounter further suggests this... Or again, perhaps it is that she simply finds you amusing the way you are, and that any goal set by the entity is merely a distraction." The owlackocra shrugged, before then pulling out his star map to begin studying it. "Such is my observations. Such is my curiosity. Such are my concerns as we draw closer to the end of this chapter of our lives... Which I voice now, for I do not think I have much time left. And with what little I have, I would seek a measure of Atonement in helping those that I've walked alongside for so long, but have failed in one way or another."
Jirel would gather her thrown weapons from the battle scene. When Baknarla would exclaim, rushing to break the ice, the blonde would be ready to lend a hand to assist her. She’d accept the pike with an honourable nod from the warrior as Zaf would send her on her way with his best wishes.
The barbarian would respectfully take up a sentry position to watch over the group as they rested and prepared for what was to come. Jirel would prepare in her own way, settling herself with her weapons, cleaning and tend to them to keep her hands busy. She’d listen with open ears and an open mind while Zaf and Jasun conversed. Just as the other times before, she cared to listen to what they had to say and the time they took to explain. She knew better than to talk or provide her own perspective. It had not been and would not be helpful (and was not her conversation to weigh in on). But an ear to listen, a shoulder to rest on, or arms to catch and carry you, that Jirel could do.
"You are wise, my bird person friend."Jasun admits. "You have given me much to contemplate, believe it or not. As they say: I have made my bed. Now, I must sleep in it."
He scoffs at a notion for a moment.
"If only Jezzika were as kind and as open minded as you. Once, she was. It saddens me to think that I will never see that side of her again."
You take a night's rest and then drop down from the crevasse to approach the gates of Ivoryglass. Standing before it are four barbarians and what looks to be some kind of caster.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rosinitative: 11
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Jirel would brew up some rage as she’d let out a loud growth. She’d kick off into a run, recklessly hurling her javelin into the group of barbarians before following up with a strike of her greataxe.
BA: Rage
Attack 1: 29 Damage: 13 + 3 Rage If it hits, she’d activate the lightning feature. All foes Dex DC 13 or take 14 Lightning damage
Bored with fight after fight after fight, Jasun turns around and blindly lobs three Eldritch Blasts over his head as if they were basketballs, seeing if he can hit anyone.
Pearl Necklace 14 Damage: 13 *****es N Hoes 26 Damage: 10 Jezzika wants the D 13 Damage: 8
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Though nervous and bleeding, Zaf focused past the pain and danced at least a few feet way, buying the team needed to call out, "Arnaldo-o. Dilon. If you would be so kind. We could use the help." He request, causing two motes of star light to flight out and land nearby a barbarian, before then transforming into a pair of silhouettes of bears made up from the night sky.
As he then snaps into a defensive posture, the two bears put on bowler hats and begin trying to ravage a barbarian!
Rose wakes up from her nap and casts Sacred Flame on the caster!
DC17 Dex or take 16 radiant damage!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
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"As you may remember, in my search for knowledge, I encountered a long lost tomb. Exploring it, I happened to attract the attention of a representative of the Old Gods. In exchange for cosmic knowledge, Jezzika - the entity, so you say, promised me many things. I would say the hold she has on me should of been a mutual 'student and teacher' relationship until it became more of a 'servant and master' situation. Basically, in exchange for knowledge, I was to do their bidding. Typical Warlock stuff, i'm sure you understand. If I did not do what she wanted, she would grow upset with me..threatening to destroy things I hold dear. I had indeed become a slave. So, naturally, I was compliant. She was, for a while, giving me what I wanted, anyways."
"However, something, lately, has attracted her attention - something more important than me, apparently, so..you could say I have branched out of her grasp. For now. But when she returns and finds out what i've done..I will most likely be in deep deep trouble. We are not talking about a typical angry girlfriend, here. I am deeply involved with a cosmic force that can bend and shape the universe at it's whim. I take this situation very seriously."
Zaf shook his head at truly understanding Warlock stuff. Because between fragmented memories and only really having Jasun as a living example, there wasn't there to go on. Yet, the shake is promptly followed by a 'go on' gesture as he took it all in again. "And yet... they do not... have not. And yet they've chosen to pray upon people such as yourself, rather than simply 'make' things they wish."
"Briefly ignoring the fact that this entity, and entities like them, do have some the reach, and are perhaps -- /perhaps/-..." He said the last word with greater emphasis and a raised talon. "less bound as the deities we know have been by their own rules and so forth.... Why bother with this song and dance at all? Surely as a representative of such powerful forces, she should be able to bend some 'lesser being' to her whims wholesale. None of these threats. None of these promises. Simply make it be so." He states.
"And before you say its simply for their own amusement or by their very nature, their reasoning is beyond any comprehension of anyone... which also begged the question why you expected to learn anything worth learning in the first place from them, but.. that's another matter, I suppose..." Zaf cocked his head to that runaway line, and then shook his head. "No... actually, what information exactly are -- were -- hoping to find? Simply what was in those tombs? If so, now you should know, more or less. But what are expecting to gain from this cosmic knowledge? Again, ignoring their threats for a moment, for in the beginning, you had largely alienated yourself things.. others you might have cared about before, what could they have possibly done to you at that point?" He requested, though soon after seemed almost regretful for a moment and looked away. "Naturally, of course, you don't have to answer if its something personal. It's just... say if we came across a way to free of this entity and protect what little you've come to care for at this point, I found myself wondering... I've been wondering for some time what you would choose."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Jasun opened his mouth to try and answer Bird Person's questions as they poured out, but each time Zaf added more to the conversation. Which was fine. When he finally stopped talking, Jasun did his best to try and answer.
"All Gods need worshippers and thralls, I suppose. Could it be I am a student? Or a victim? I don't know. Perhaps she DOES have an ulterior motive. We cannot disregard this. A more.. mysterious vested interest in the exchange of servitude for power and knowledge with me." he said. "I do not pretend I know, or understand, their intentions. Jezzika clearly more than just an academic interest in me. I have learned many things from her. She has given me knowledge and power. And what kind of knowledge? Truth. Answers. Truth to the universe and everything is comprises. Details to the smallest workings of a living cell and smaller to the revelations about the universe and all it comprises. With truth comes power, and with power comes mastery. Mastery over myself, and perhaps the power to manipulate the universe and become one with it. She was a pathway to achieve such power.
"But I have come to realize the cost is too high. Sure. What I was seeking - how could the price NOT be high? But I have come to realize that perhaps I can have the mastery over myself by, perhaps, looking inward. Not outward. And, for once..be happy."
"I am convinced by going against her wishes will mean my death. And if that is the case, I ask myself, have I truly lived?"
"Not really, considering you've been pressured for so long onto a path of solitude. But such is the sacrifice you chose originally to seek power. Control, at the end of proverbial day. To weave yourself into the greater fabric of things and be its master without concern of it, and those that are but singular fragments of the greater whole superseding your whims and wishes." Zaf replied, as he finally spot to sit down. "While the seeking of Mastery of one's self is... hmm... not a bad thing in itself."
"There are many ways to go about this without tying yourself to such an entity though. One, I imagine, considering their methods so far, is likely attempting to mold you into something. What that is I will not pretend to know. But leaving you with any free will after your initial encounter further suggests this... Or again, perhaps it is that she simply finds you amusing the way you are, and that any goal set by the entity is merely a distraction." The owlackocra shrugged, before then pulling out his star map to begin studying it. "Such is my observations. Such is my curiosity. Such are my concerns as we draw closer to the end of this chapter of our lives... Which I voice now, for I do not think I have much time left. And with what little I have, I would seek a measure of Atonement in helping those that I've walked alongside for so long, but have failed in one way or another."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Jirel would gather her thrown weapons from the battle scene. When Baknarla would exclaim, rushing to break the ice, the blonde would be ready to lend a hand to assist her. She’d accept the pike with an honourable nod from the warrior as Zaf would send her on her way with his best wishes.
The barbarian would respectfully take up a sentry position to watch over the group as they rested and prepared for what was to come. Jirel would prepare in her own way, settling herself with her weapons, cleaning and tend to them to keep her hands busy. She’d listen with open ears and an open mind while Zaf and Jasun conversed. Just as the other times before, she cared to listen to what they had to say and the time they took to explain. She knew better than to talk or provide her own perspective. It had not been and would not be helpful (and was not her conversation to weigh in on). But an ear to listen, a shoulder to rest on, or arms to catch and carry you, that Jirel could do.
And that’s what she did. She listened.
just an unstable unicorn.
"You are wise, my bird person friend." Jasun admits. "You have given me much to contemplate, believe it or not. As they say: I have made my bed. Now, I must sleep in it."
He scoffs at a notion for a moment.
"If only Jezzika were as kind and as open minded as you. Once, she was. It saddens me to think that I will never see that side of her again."
Area D1
You take a night's rest and then drop down from the crevasse to approach the gates of Ivoryglass. Standing before it are four barbarians and what looks to be some kind of caster.
Barbarian1:4
Barbarian2:22
Barbarian3:15
Barbarian4:13
Nadya:20
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Init: 11
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Initiative: 18
just an unstable unicorn.
Zaniitiative: 13.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Rosinitative: 11
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
"So, in essence, what we can assume is-"
Init: 15
"What the ****! Are we fighting again!??"
At the caster looking one.
BHEjjejh: 17 Damage: 6
HRgbbpph: 28 Damage: 7
PbffPhth: 12 Damage: 7
Barbarian2(22)(110),Nadya(20),Jasun(20),Jirel(18),Barbarian3(15)(110),Zaf(13),Barbarian4(13)(110),Rose(11),Jasun(11),Barbarian1(4)(110),Caster(1)(58)
Barbarian2 attacks Zaf and Nadya!
Attack: 19 Damage: 17
Attack: 23 Damage: 16
Barbarian2(22)(110),Nadya(20),Jasun(20),Jirel(18),Barbarian3(15)(110),Zaf(13),Barbarian4(13)(110),Rose(11),Jasun(11),Barbarian1(4)(110),Caster(1)(58)
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Jirel would brew up some rage as she’d let out a loud growth. She’d kick off into a run, recklessly hurling her javelin into the group of barbarians before following up with a strike of her greataxe.
BA: Rage
Attack 1: 29 Damage: 13 + 3 Rage
If it hits, she’d activate the lightning feature. All foes Dex DC 13 or take 14 Lightning damage
Attack 2: Attack: 29 Damage: 16 + 3 Rage
Brute Crit: 3
just an unstable unicorn.
Bored with fight after fight after fight, Jasun turns around and blindly lobs three Eldritch Blasts over his head as if they were basketballs, seeing if he can hit anyone.
Pearl Necklace 14 Damage: 13
*****es N Hoes 26 Damage: 10
Jezzika wants the D 13 Damage: 8
Dex:18
Dex:15
Dex:7
Dex:19
Dex:21
(That last one shouldn't have had advantage. He fails with an 11)
Nadya takes aim at the caster as well and casts Hunter's Mark
Attack: 21 Damage: 7
Attack: 15 Damage: 12
4
Barbarian2(22)(93),Nadya(20),Jasun(20),Jirel(18),Barbarian3(15)(110),Zaf(13),Barbarian4(13)(110),Rose(11),Jasun(11),Barbarian1(4)(110),Caster(1)(35)
The barbarian attacks Jirel and Rose
Jirel
Attack: 20 Damage: 8
Rose
Attack: 28 Damage: 14
Barbarian2(22)(93),Nadya(20),Jasun(20),Jirel(18),Barbarian3(15)(97),Zaf(13),Barbarian4(13)(110),Rose(11),Jasun(11),Barbarian1(4)(110),Caster(1)(35)
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Though nervous and bleeding, Zaf focused past the pain and danced at least a few feet way, buying the team needed to call out, "Arnaldo-o. Dilon. If you would be so kind. We could use the help." He request, causing two motes of star light to flight out and land nearby a barbarian, before then transforming into a pair of silhouettes of bears made up from the night sky.
As he then snaps into a defensive posture, the two bears put on bowler hats and begin trying to ravage a barbarian!
Action: Cast (3rd level)Conjure Animals, summoning 2 Star Drop Bears.
Bonus Action: Enter Patient Defense - Dodge.
Bearnitiative: 2.
(For when their turn rolls around)
Bear #1 - Multi-Attack on Barbarian(3).
Bite - Attack: 11 Damage: 6 piercing.
Claw - Attack: 17 Damage: 16 slashing.
Bear #2 - Multi-Attack on Barbarian (3).
Bite - Attack: 22 Damage: 8 piercing.
Claw - Attack: 26 Damage: 19 slashing.
(I assume Barbarian's had reckless attack, so here's the adv. rolls just in case:)
(Bear #1s - Bite: 26, Claw: 21, Bear #2s - Bite: 21, Claw: 15.)
(Claws Crit Dmg: 8+11 for total:
1819.)When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Barbarian2(22)(93),Nadya(20),Jasun(20),Bears(18),Jirel(18),Barbarian3(15)(97),Zaf(13),Barbarian4(13)(91),Rose(11),Jasun(11),Barbarian1(4)(110),Caster(1)(35)
Barbarian4 attacks Jasun and Seraphina
Jasun
Attack: 19 Damage: 8
Seraphina
Attack: 28 Damage: 17
Barbarian2(22)(93),Nadya(20),Jasun(20),Jirel(18),Barbarian3(15)(97),Zaf(13),Barbarian4(13)(91),Rose(11),Seraphina(11),Barbarian1(4)(110),Caster(1)(35)
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Sera opens her palm, taking 2 damage as she attacks the caster.
Attack: 14 Damage: 18
Attack: 11 Damage: 14
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Rose wakes up from her nap and casts Sacred Flame on the caster!
DC17 Dex or take 16 radiant damage!
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\