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Post by DM-Delfon on Aug 24, 2012 19:54:25 GMT -5
"If you want a horse we could arrange that for you." Tad says with a straight face. After a moment you see the corners of his mouth twitch, then he gently elbows you in the ribs and laughs quietly, "I'm kidding. The person that conjures the food loves horses. She would never allow horse meat at her table."
The dining hall looks much the same as it did the last time you were here, with long simple wooden benches, and the smells of cooking hanging in the air. Again everyone from the the shrine is here, but this time everyone sits in small groups or alone as they see fit. Most eat while chatting idly, while others read, or write quietly. Several are playing games of various sorts. You notice a shelf containing a wide assortment of games against one wall.
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Post by DM Quietus on Aug 28, 2012 13:05:24 GMT -5
The look of surprise is plain on Mortimer's face when Tad jokes about the horse; clearly he's unsure of whether the man is joking or not. When Tad clarifies himself, however, the look remains. "Conjures?", Mortimer asks, "So is that.. uh... the person with the gloves?" He's already forgotten the person's name, but the sight of the magical energy weaving itself about the gloves had burnt itself into his brain. Following that line of thinking, he continues, "Is there anyone else here that is capable of magical healing?"
Once the smells of the dining hall reach his nose, most of those thoughts are lost in the renewed growling of Mortimer's stomach. He isn't particularly picky, and finds himself something hot and rather bland - oatmeal, or something along those lines. Food in hand, he finds himself somewhere to sit, leaning toward any group that Tad pointed out. If there were none to be pointed out, he simply tags along with Tad, unless explicitly called over by someone else.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 1, 2012 6:45:36 GMT -5
While you move along the lines gathering sustenance, Tad responds, "Conjures, yes. There is simply no room for farms this far up the mountain, and the ground is far to rocky anyway. It also wouldn't be feasible to carry food here either. I don't know many merchants that would be willing to take the journey you took to get here..." He trails off, remembering his own trek up to the Light shrine. "The person that conjures the raw ingredients, and the person that is enchanting the gloves in the lab are different." Tad looks around the room briefly, "I will introduce you to one of them in a few minutes." Tad smirks when you ask about magical healing, "I forget how new you are to the Light Shrine. Many of the people here are able to cast spells, even people that couldn't cast spells in the valleys below seem to be able to learn this far up. That is if they're willing to put the time in to learning. I myself can cast a few simple cantrips."
Tad steers the two of you to sit with another fellow, a larger man with a thick beard. He looks like a man that belongs in a cabin in the mountains. The fellow nods, "How ya giten on by? Who's dis young feller?" The bearded man points his chin at you when he says young feller. Tad smiles, "Mortimer," Tad says indicating you, "This is Cory, the fellow making those gloves you mentioned." He adds gesturing to Cory, "I can never understand half of what he says unless he slows down, but he's a knows a thing or two about enchanting items if you can decipher what he is saying..."
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Post by DM Quietus on Sept 5, 2012 14:36:17 GMT -5
"I thought someone said there were other ways up?", Mortimer asks, when his journey is referenced. The thought is quickly buried under continued talk of magic, however, and he finds himself amazed. Magic was common here? Maybe he would be able to find someone else capable of magical healing, and get a few tips from them... the thought relieved him slightly, as it would be far easier to take instruction by example than to try and dig the information out of old, dusty books.
When introduced to Cory, Mortimer offers a handshake, saying, "Good to meet you! I saw your gloves the other day, when I was being shown around. Very impressive!" Admittedly, he'd only understood half of what the larger man had said himself, but he'd seemed friendly enough. "Maybe I'll have to get you to show me how that works, sometime?", he asks, preparing himself to try and decipher Cory's response.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 9, 2012 17:56:30 GMT -5
"The other routes up are much the same as the path you took. One even involves willingly entering into a cave that the opening is styled like a gigantic monster's toothy face. When you get closer it seems to breath, and the eyes even blink." Tad shutters, "I'm not sure I would be standing here today if that was the path I needed to take to get here." He shrugs at that, then smiles once more.
"Yes b'y! put 're der!" Cory replies with enthusiasm taking your hand in his, and squeezing perhaps a bit too firmly for comfort. "Some set ah cuffs wha'! Soon have 'er now. Tanks b'y." He adds after you call his gloves impressive. "I'll learn ya how da do it if yourn tinks you can 'andle 'er?" his voice ends in a question, but what he asked is partly lost in his accent.
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Post by DM Quietus on Sept 12, 2012 22:18:38 GMT -5
"A giant.. why? That's horrible, and I thought the cliff I had to climb was bad. Wouldn't have survived that without magic, though, and I guess just being scared is better than falling off those rocks." Mortimer says, working through the process verbally. Then again, the other tests he'd been through - walking on thin air, and leaping willingly into an unending pit - were considerably worse than just a frightening face.
When Cory speaks, several seconds go by while Mortimer stares blankly at him, trying desperately to figure out what in heaven's name the man had just said. He does finally piece enough of it together, however, and understanding dawns on his face. "Oh! Maybe? I have to learn to use my own magic first - I can heal wounds, but I'm not super good at it yet. But once I have that down, maybe I'll come see you. It would be interesting to see how that works!", he says genuinely, though even as he speaks a sense of dread falls over him. Spending a great deal of time with Cory would mean a lot of time decoding whatever he's saying, which is no easy feat.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 13, 2012 6:15:14 GMT -5
Tad nods in agreement, "It really is horrible, but there was a time when the temple plateau would be filled with people seeking some form of magical assistance. We thought we were doing good in the world by helping people, but some people were doing terrible things with our blessings. Others simply stopped doing work for themselves, why should they when a few mumbled words from one of us could do the work for them? It got bad enough that a young couple seeking assistance getting pregnant ended up getting pushed off the plateau. Those two deaths were too much for the Lightbringer, we blocked the access routes off that day." Tad takes a moment to collect himself, you can see the anger and grief that had been building slowly drain away, "We still wanted to help people, but we needed some limits. We made it so those using our blessings to further the Dark causes in the world would die if they attempted to reach the temple. We added deterrents so anyone that would attempt the trip was truly in need, and not just being lazy. The access route you took, and the others like it throughout the empire are examples of our work." He shrugs, "All I know is that the process works, now only followers of the Light, or those in true need reach this place."
Cory nods, "I'll be 'bout b'y, spy me when ya have a hankerin' " Tad pipes in with, "If you want to learn a ting..." Tad glares at Cory for a moment as his pronunciation comes out of Tads mouth, for his part Cory just smiles broadly around a sausage. Tad continues when his glare doesn't get the desired result, "If you want to learn a thing or two about healing magic, you should speak to the Lightbringer. That man is by far our strongest magical healer, he focuses on nothing else."
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Post by DM Quietus on Sept 14, 2012 22:37:19 GMT -5
The story about the misuse of the temple makes Mortimer squirm uncomfortably in his seat, his face screwing up slightly. When Tad describes the young couple being pushed off the plateau, he finally nudges his bowl away, still half-full with food. The needless loss of life has clearly cost him his appetite. The tests, horrible as they might be, make more sense to him now.. though the thought of anyone losing their lives, even those championing 'Dark' causes, doesn't sit well with him. Visions of twisted monsters from the tapestries in the halls dance through his mind, and he gives an involuntary shudder.
"I might have to speak to the Lightbringer, then.", he says, forcing his mind off of those dark thoughts. "I think that's the route I'd like to take, but I know almost nothing. I managed that one spell that kept me healed on my way up here, but the Light was shining on me that day. I don't know if I could do that again." The odd touch of Cory's accent in Tad's words throws Mortimer off for a moment, and in the back of his mind, he wonders - did Cory use a spell to do that, or was Tad just picking up his mannerisms?
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 15, 2012 12:59:58 GMT -5
While your speaking Tad is muttering quietly to himself, and shaking his head, "I've got to stop chatting with Cory, his bloody accent is infectious." Shaking his head harder, as if to clear a fog Tad nods, and rejoins the conversation, "The Lightbringer should be in his office. He likes to go over everything he said, and note what worked and what he thinks he can improve upon. It's like he hasn't been doing this for more than thirty years or something."
The three of you end up talking for about an hour about lighter topics. It turns out that Tad knows a little bit about everybody, and is willing to share that information with the slightest provocation. Cory for the most part lets Tad do all the talking, but when he does pipe in the conversation pauses for a few seconds as you and Tad sort through his accent and respond accordingly. A few times your response and Tads do not align, and you have to get Cory to repeat himself. A few other times you both look at each other and continue talking as if Cory hadn't interjected his two coppers worth.
Cory excuses himself, "I gotsta put me time in on da cuffs, don't cha know? Nice jabbering with you me boy." He shakes your hand, and you brace for his firm grip. He doesn't disappoint, this time you feel your knuckles grind together a little bit. Tad also excuses himself, "It's my turn to help clean up the kitchen." He makes a couple gestures, and says a few words. You see the magical weave circle around him very briefly and his plate and your bowl begin to clean themselves. "You know you might be able to learn that spell, it is only a cantrip, but it sure is useful."
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Post by DM Quietus on Sept 17, 2012 10:30:26 GMT -5
Mortimer attempts to file away what information Tad offers, but with the regular interjections by Cory, his attention is frequently diverted, and little of that information sticks. Still, he allows himself to get lost in the conversation, picking up what little he can, until everyone needs to tend to their duties. Cory's handshake makes him wince, and he notes that maybe having healing magic around the big man is a lucky break. A grip like that could easily send a person to the hospital wing. And then Tad's use of magic... Mortimer raises a brow in curiosity, watching for a moment. "Yeah, looks like it.", he agrees. "I don't know, though. I'll have to think about it. Learn more about the magic I already have, before branching out."
Exchanging farewells with Tad, he gets basic directions toward where to find the Lightbringer's office, the pleasant distraction of conversation giving way to AngelMelanie's warning about wasting time. As he walks through the halls, he remains lost in his memories, thinking about the conversations he's had with her - such strange encounters, both putting him on edge, and making him feel more at ease. Realizing that he's coming to equate the two Melanies, he decides to refer to his angel - a strange thought, indeed - as Melody instead, inspired by the sound of her real name. The thought causes a smile to spread over his features, and as he comes out of his reverie, Mortimer realizes that he has absolutely no idea where he's ended up. Stopping the next person that he finds, he asks for directions back to the Lightbringer's office, this time paying close attention and making sure he remembers where it is. Once he arrives, he knocks politely, regardless of whether the door is open or not, waiting for an invitation before being invited in.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 17, 2012 11:06:17 GMT -5
(The universal magic spells from the PHB are not represented in the Urutah rules very well. Tad's cantrip in question is Prestidigitation, and would be cast as a standard action at DC 10 by anybody who has access to magic.)
When you stop to ask for directions, the first person to cross your path is a very short, very attractive young woman with shoulder length fiery red hair. She giggles at your request, and takes your hand. Surprised by this you barely get moving in time as she begins leading you off down the hallway. She turns about twenty feet from where you asked her for directions and points down a short connecting passage with a stout door at the end. She giggles again and lets go of your hand, spinning on her heel she darts off down the hall. Just before she gets out of sight, she waves over her shoulder, an you can hear her giggle faintly drift down the hall.
When you knock at the stout door, you hear the Lightbringers stern, but not unfriendly voice respond, "Enter." When you open the door, you see exactly what you expected to see. A warm office with walls lined with shelving. The shelves are mostly filled with tomes, but there are an assortment of supplies stacked neatly in piles as well. The furnishings look comfortable, but are of simple design with little to no decoration. The Lightbringer sits behind his desk with a massive tome open before him. As you enter he sands the page he was working on and sets aside the large book. "How can I help you Mortimer?" he asks causally.
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Post by DM Quietus on Sept 19, 2012 21:59:31 GMT -5
When the short redhead takes his hand, Mortimer blushes a little - at first because he's not accustomed to women being quite so forward, and then brighter when he realizes just how nearby the Lightbringer's office actually is. When she turns to dash off, he stammers out his thanks, unsure of exactly what she was giggling about, but mildly confused by the whole situation.
When he enters the Lightbringer's office, the confusion is hardly lessened. The familiarity of the room, and even of the Lightbringer's manner, is simultaneously welcoming and uncomfortable. Mortimer had found himself in this exact situation many times back in Urutah, though not with this sort of weight behind his questions. Taking a deep breath, he steadies himself, and finds a seat opposite the older man. "I have a few questions, Lightbringer. I was told you're the best person to talk to about healing magic?"
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 19, 2012 23:00:03 GMT -5
The Lightbringer smiles his fatherly smile, and you're struck by how much this man looks like your own Lightbringer back in the valley. Then your mind fixes that thought. How much your Lightbringer looks like this man. The thoughts bring back that your Lightbringer, this man's son, is dead now. You firmly crush that line of thinking before it can dig up the freshly buried wounds. Once you've taken your deep breath, and centered yourself somewhat you ask your question.
The Lightbringer nods his head slightly to one side, "I have studied healing magic since I first found out that I could channel the weave. I have specialized my magical knowledge to that one narrow field, and found it rewarding. Before we dig into that however, why don't you ask all your questions. I can see you come to me with a heavy heart and the weight of the world on your shoulders. If I know all that you seek, perhaps I can better answer your questions."
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Post by DM Quietus on Sept 20, 2012 14:37:27 GMT -5
"You're right, there's a lot I'd like to know.", Mortimer admits, closing his eyes to help him focus on what those questions were. "Ellsman Nishant - I saw his robes, and I'll have to go to the library to learn more about him. Tad said something about him being an Exalted One, what does that mean? And this place.. I heard someone saying something about it being 'protected against'... um.. invasions? And that it was only safe for those who walk in the light, or something?" Mortimer's tone and mannerisms are slow and careful, as he's unused to trying to hide the truth, and he finds himself certain that the Lightbringer will see through his attempt at misdirection. ((Bluff check 12 to misdirect the Lightbringer about the source of that question))
Continuing to talk, he attempts to hide his poor misdirection with, "The rest of my questions are all about magic, I guess. I don't know anything about it, and was only able to use it by the grace of the Light on my way up here. There's other stuff I'm dealing with, but that's just.. well.. a lot's happened recently.", he finishes lamely.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 20, 2012 19:36:55 GMT -5
The Lightbringer leans back in his chair to listen as you ask your questions. He tents his fingers in front of his chest, and rests his chin on his extended fingers. Once you have finished talking the Lightbringer continues to sit motionless for a full minute before speaking, and when he does he starts quietly, but quickly builds in fervor, "Ellsman was an Exalted One to be sure, and you're related to him unless I'm mistaken." He raises an eyebrow in question, but continues quickly, "To be an Exalted One, one must hold to the most stringent standards of morality. Most people do not have the spiritual fortitude necessary to do what is demanded of them. It means helping others without reward, or thanks. It means unselfishly giving of yourself to those in need, whether it be physically helping someone who isn't able to complete a task themselves or providing financial assistance to the destitute. It means tending to the wounds of others, whether it be gashes, cuts and scrapes. Diseases, or poison. Healing is an extension of your innate goodness, and should be shared with the world." The last bit he adds even more emphasis to, although at this point he could be preaching to a room full of non-believers by the loudness and manner in which he speaks, "It means sacrifice, not just championing the causes of good when it's convenient for you, but when it is not convenient or puts you at risk." He lowers his tented hands and places them flat on the table, leaning forward to drive home the power of his words, "It means showing mercy, even to those who have wronged you. Even to your worst enemy, no matter how much it pains you to do so. It means showing forgiveness. Forgiving those that have wronged you. Show them what walking in the Light is truly about!" The man stands, leaning heavily on his desk, pausing only for a moment to take a breath, before adding in a near whisper, which makes it seem all the more important for it, "And above all else, bring hope. Have hope ride upon your shoulders, and bring it into the worst places imaginable. For that glimmer of hope might be all that others can use to guide themselves back to the Light."
The Light bringer stops talking, and the light of zealotry leaves his eyes. While he spoke he seemed like a hero from stories, or a general leading a charge against overpowering odds. While you listened your muscles tensed, and your heart began to race. If evil were to present itself right now, you would punch evil in it's stupid face! He seems to realize for the first time that he is standing, and leaning almost over his desk toward you. He leans back, smiles self-consciously, and then sits once more. "As you can see, the Exalted among us bring out the passion within me. The thing that sets apart a true hero from an Exalted Hero is his vows. Some speak their vow alone, some shout so the whole world can hear them. Others, the truly blessed, speak their vows in front of a Celestial Servant of the Light. Regardless of how these vows are spoken, they are spiritually binding."
The Lightbringer returns to his tented fingers position, and continues answering your questions, "The Light Shrine is protected against interference from those that walk along the the path of shadows, and those that truly follow the Dark tend not to survive attempting to trespass upon our grounds." The soul searching gaze that you're forced to meet lets you know that he has seen through any attempt at evasion of the truth, but for some reason doesn't call you on any lies or omissions. You do however feel slightly guilty, and also feel as if this is the only person you could tell your entire story to, and be met with a real response. The Lightbringer puts your feelings into words, "If you want to talk about anything that is going on with you, or your recent escape from dire circumstances I would be happy to be your listening post." He seems quite genuine in his willingness to listen.
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Post by DM Quietus on Sept 20, 2012 23:55:34 GMT -5
With the feelings of guilt that the Lightbringer calls up within him, Mortimer thinks again - Melody had asked him only to refrain from mentioning the task she'd set out. She'd seemed intent on having him speak to the Lightbringer himself, she couldn't have meant for her involvement as a whole to be a secret, could she? Either way, the older man's speech brings tears of relief to Mortimer's eyes, his experiences being supported by someone who actually knows something about .. well, this.
"I think I'm one of these Exalted Ones.", Mortimer says, his voice barely above a whisper. "The Melanie I was looking for, I think she's one of those celestial beings. She saved me from being captured by turning me invisible, and she taught me how to use healing magic - that was how I got up that cliff. When she gave me that magic, I re-said my prayers from when I first joined the church, and she called me an Exalted One. I didn't know what it meant.. I'm still not sure I do." The realization of what all that means comes crushing down on Mortimer, and though he feels pride in being given that honor, he responsibility of it makes him feel incredibly small.
"That's why I want to learn how to use this magic. I don't want to waste this gift, not even for a moment. I don't know what it can actually do - I learned it can't fix broken wooden things - and so far I've only really cast a single spell myself. It doesn't feel right, when it was a gift from an angel. And yes, I'm a descendant of Ellsman. Melody told me so." It still feels strange for him to be taking Melody's word as truth, but with the Lightbringer backing up everything that she'd told him so far, it somehow feels more comfortable, like the personal intervention of an angel hasn't just been a bright, shiny dream that he'd made up.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 21, 2012 11:44:13 GMT -5
The Lightbringer takes everything you say stoically, the only question he asks is to clear up the name change from Melanie to Melody. Again once you finish speaking he remains silent for more than a minute. "You have been chosen by the Light. You are truly blessed Mortimer. I will be happy to teach you everything I know about healing magic."
The Lightbringer leads you out of his office, and down to a training facility. This room looks remarkably solid, with a faint shimmering across all the walls. "Before we begin, you must know that the weave can do miraculous things. It can heal near fatal wounds in moments, without leaving a scar. It can cleanse the blood of poison, or cure the worst of diseases. However, the weave can also be terribly dangerous to those that draw too much of it, or those who use it incorrectly. I have seen the weave burn out a caster so that they could no longer touch the weave at all. I have seen it turn a living being into a husk, that when touched broke apart as if made from ash and drifted away on the breeze. Knowing this, are you still willing to continue?"
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Post by DM Quietus on Sept 21, 2012 21:22:09 GMT -5
Relief is clear in Mortimer's face when the Lightbringer agrees to teach him magic, though it lasts only long enough to hear how dangerous magic can be. Melody hadn't warned him about that... why would she skip over something so important? Then again, he'd made it this far. Maybe the Light had, quite literally, been looking down on him when he'd cast his spell.
That thought, along with the mission he'd been given, combine to make him feel very, very small. Despite that fact, he can feel a restlessness inside him, a glimmer of light, and he knows that despite the challenges ahead, he wouldn't be happy just sitting back and seeing where things end up. If he'd agreed to be one of these Exalted Ones, even unknowingly, he would do his best to uphold his vows. Nodding in response to the Lightbringer's question, he says, "Where do we start?"
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 23, 2012 11:16:20 GMT -5
The Lightbringer smiles, and nods, "Very well Mortimer. Now that I have instilled some caution within you, you should know that this room is designed to give those with no knowledge of using the weave an advantage.* So you can feel a little safer while practicing here." The man than asks you a great many questions about what Melody has already taught you. He then goes on to ask you other questions to see the extent of your knowledge. This process takes about an hour, and you're surprised by the breadth of this man's knowledge concerning magic. You also get hints about what magic is capable of from the questions he asks, and the world of magic seems even more vast and complex than it did before he started.
After the Lightbringer has drawn every last scrap of your knowledge out of your head he pauses to think for a few minutes. "I suspect based on what Melody taught you, that she was grooming you for battle. Since the only magic she instilled into you was from the Heal spell, I gather that she plans to send you after undead creatures. With that in mind, I think I will teach you how to put undead creatures to rest once more." He gestures to the side, and you're surprised to see a person standing about ten feet back from you. Something is terribly wrong, this person has entire sections of their flesh rotted away, and some of their intestines are hanging limply out of a gash in their stomach. Then the smell hits your nostrils, it smells beyond horrible, like meat left out to rot for weeks. This creature raises it's hands, and you can see it's overlong finger nails. Those nails seem like talons, as a different light fills its eyes - the light seems murderous.
The creature takes one shambling step toward you, and than another, and you stumble back in horror. That's when the Lightbringer's clear calm voice reaches you, "This is a zombie, an abomination against the Light. This poor creature has had it's very soul corrupted by the Dark. Use your healing magic to put it to rest."
Init happens, but the Zombie gets 0. So you will go first even on a nat 1.
(*+10 circumstance to spellcraft checks while within this room. Since Mortimer doesn't know that, please cast normally.)
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Post by DM Quietus on Sept 23, 2012 20:09:02 GMT -5
While the Lightbringer questions Mortimer, he's remains careful not to let on about the task Melody had set before him. The comment about training him for battle, however, leaves Mortimer taken aback - battle? After he'd decided to be a strict pacifist? The thought troubles him, and it no doubt shows in the way his features tighten with that news.
He doesn't have much time to think before the zombie appears, however, and immediately he finds himself gagging at the stench. When its shambling steps bring it nearer, his first thought is to flee, to leave this horrific thing behind. The Lightbringer's words, however, stop him mid-step, and Mortimer steels himself as best he can. With great effort, he focuses his mind, reciting words and phrases that Melody had taught him, twisting his hands through the air and finding the weave easier to grasp here than it had been when he'd cast his regenerative spell before. His motions are thorough, but much more rapid, and as he finishes the spell, the tendrils of energy he'd forged reach out and wrap themselves about the zombie, seeking to bind its horrific wounds with the same energy Melody had first talked him through channeling.
((Spellcraft mods : Healing 3 HP : DC 12 Full round action DC -5 Close range DC +5 Total spellcraft check : 27 Ranged touch attack : 9
Add five-foot step of stumbling away from the zombie.))
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 26, 2012 9:43:13 GMT -5
The zombie shambles up before you, and swings a meaty arm at your head. You were so focused on casting the spell correctly that you didn't even bother to attempt to avoid the blow. It connects with surprising power, (3 damage) and for a moment stars twirl before your eyes. Instantly a ray of golden light, like the rays of the sun itself hits you from the direction the Lightbringer is standing. The only evidence left that you were ever hit, is some mushy flesh that came off of the zombie on impact.
(I will need a concentration check DC 13 to avoid loosing the spell.)
The Lightbringer calls out, "Do not worry about healing yourself, I'll make sure you survive this. Focus on the magic. Try to split your attention between avoiding it's attacks and working with the weave. If you concentrate you should be able to do both. (Teaching Mortimer about casting on the defensive)
Whether your spells goes off or not, it will still be your turn again.
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Post by DM Quietus on Sept 27, 2012 14:40:03 GMT -5
Despite the weight of the zombie's blow, Mortimer pushes through and completes his spell, the weave of magic lashing out to strike the unnatural creature. Following the Lightbringer's advice, he attempts to cast again, this time wary of the zombie's presence, and finds himself distracted - the patch of mush on his face, the smell of rotting flesh, and the abrupt appearance of such a terrible creature inside the Shrine converging to overwhelm his mind. As he intones the necessary words, the left-behind flesh attempts to slide into his mouth, and Mortimer instinctively wipes it away, and the magic he's weaving shatters around him.
Feeling the Lightbringer's healing surge through him, Mortimer mumbles his thanks, deciding to test himself - if this room would help him avoid those mishaps, then this might be the best chance to try things. Rushing himself, he stumbles through a second spell, forming and completing his weave more quickly than before, though putting less power behind it. This time, he manages to keep his concentration while casting, and driving the resulting light directly into the zombie's chest.
((Spell from last round completes, concentration total 29 - I forgot to include the +caster level in the damage done, so that would have been 4 points of healing.
This round - fail first attempt at defensive casting, concentration total 9. Pass second, total 20, casting touch-range move action healing for 2 points, Spellcraft 19 vs DC 15. Touch attack total : 19))
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 30, 2012 20:12:56 GMT -5
Your ray of healing energy strikes the mobile corpse squarely, and you think you see a hazy blackness overlaying the creature for a moment. The blackness covers the creature from head to toe, except the area around where your heal spell landed. The Lightbringer comments, "Your focus is strong when faced with pain, but not so much with zombie meat near your mouth, eh Mortimer?" You can hear the smile in his voice, and you manage to catch a glimpse of his face out of the corner of your eye.
His sweaty brow is furrowed, and all of his attention is focused on the fight before him. Between comments, and instructions a constant stream of arcane words leave the man's mouth. The torches that light the room are not as bright as the weave of magical energy surrounding the man. (Spell craft if you want to bother identifying what he's up to.)
When you cast twice in a single round, the Lightbringer cheers, "Well done Mortimer! In battle that can make all the difference. An attack spell and a healing spell for yourself. When fighting multiple undead, try using a burst effect. It not only heals you, but hurts them." You catch a distinct gesture from the Lightbringer, and pivot just in time to see four more zombies blink into the room.
The zombie in front of you swings, but you duck under the clumsy attack. The other four begin to shamble toward you...
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Post by DM Quietus on Sept 30, 2012 21:36:33 GMT -5
"Spent yesterday falling down a mountain", Mortimer says, by way of explanation. In comparison to sharp rocks digging into him as he'd tumbled down nearly 50 feet of cliff, the dull thud of a zombie's blow - no matter how truly dangerous those blows could be - was more an annoyance. Rotting meat-mush in his mouth, that was new. And disgusting.
The rest of the Lightbringer's comments garner only a soft sound of acknowledgement, as he focuses on the threats appearing around him. Recalling the way he'd used his magic before to gain long-term healing, he attempts to cast a similar, but shorter-term effect, and feels his magic wrap briefly, warmly, around him. Gritting his teeth, he steels himself against the inevitable strikes, preparing himself to cast only once their blows are a true risk to him - the spell he prepares in his mind taking the form of a wave of healing energy, cast outward from himself.
((First spell cast as move action, defensive casting succeeds (Total 11 vs. DC 11). Spell succeeds due to room, total 16 vs. DC 13 (Personal, Regen 1, move action, 1 round duration). Mortimer gains Regeneration 1 for one round. Hopefully 1 free healing next round?
Second spell, readying standard action, set to go off after taking 4 points of damage. Defensive casting succeeds (Total 25 vs DC 16), spell succeeds (Personal, 10 foot burst, 3 points of healing +1 caster level, standard action, total check 28 vs. DC 15. Save DC 13.))
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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 3, 2012 9:20:07 GMT -5
Your first spell goes off and you see the weave sink into your limbs just before the shambling horde descend upon you. At first all of your attention goes into dodging clumsy zombie fists, but then you get into a rhythm of dodging and casting at the same time. Before long you are surrounded with an intricate lattice of magical energy, which coils tighter and tighter until it explodes outward in a wave.
Between the Lightbringer's healing spells and your own burst of magical healing, you recover from the injuries you received at the undead fists of the zombies. As your wave blasts out you once more momentarily see the overlay of shadowy negative energy surrounding the zombies. It's this perversion of the natural order which keeps the zombies moving even though they are dead. It is this perversion which angers you. The corruption of ones soul from positive energy to negative energy that is undeath. It's not right, and not every undead creature was given the choice to live on past their death.
The Lightbringer pipes up between castings again, "Good, you can handle yourself while surrounded. Now pump enough healing into one of the zombies to eliminate it, and then eliminate the first zombie who is weaker with a second casting! When alone, you need to remove damage sources as quickly as you can."
(Spell 1 Note: I'm going to say this works as intended because of intent, but I think it should have happened this round for a round.)
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Post by DM Quietus on Oct 3, 2012 23:10:13 GMT -5
Gauging his abilities, Mortimer pushes himself to perform a spell just as difficult as the one he'd cast as a burst before, but this time focuses the resulting energy into his hand - a glowing ball of healing energy, bright enough to startle him. That momentary loss of concentration causes the magical energy to dissipate, breaking apart before he can follow through and strike any of the shambling corpses. A brief litany of phrases later, and he produces a second ball of glowing energy, but fails to connect with it in any meaningful way, his discomfort with violence and the abrupt exposure of the whole situation causing his aim to fail spectacularly once more.
((Both defensive castings succeed, totals 13 and 14 against DC 11. Both Spellcrafts succeed, totals 19 and 29 against DC 15. Both touch attacks fail, with a nat 1 on the first and a nat 2 (total 3) on the second.
Worth noting - DC 15 is roughly where I'll be aiming at with Mortimer's casting once he levels up, as that will cause a mishap only on a natural 1. He can fail at casting those in this room, but cannot cause mishaps; If it weren't for the room's +10, his first casting attempt this round would have triggered a mishap.))
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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 10, 2012 11:21:51 GMT -5
(Mishaps are really fun too, but incredibly dangerous. If you want to add/change the current mishap chart, I'm game. Part of me wants to make a caster with only 1 rank and see how far I can take him, failing all the time.)
You learn something new about magic, the first spells energy doesn't begin to disapate until you begin to cast the second spell. More aware this time, you realize that your hands still glow with blue white energy after you miss touching the undead creature before you. "You can hold that energy indefinitely Mortimer, but touching anything with that hand will discharge the spell into it."
Abruptly the zombies all vanish, as do all traces of them from the room. "That's enough for today. You've done well Mortimer. I think this experience has given you much to think about, and a deeper understanding of how magic works. Once you've had a chance to learn on your own, I'll teach you more about poisons and diseases."
(Welcome to level 2)
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Post by DM Quietus on Oct 12, 2012 1:34:28 GMT -5
As Mortimer stares at the blue-white energy still glowing in his hand, he seems far more comfortable with magic than he had when they'd started. Apparently, the "Crash course" style of teaching works well with him, where studying would not. With the zombies gone, he clasps his hands together in front of him, feeling the increasingly familiar flow of energy through him as the spell goes off. "Thank you.", he says reverently. "I've learned a lot, and I'm sure all of this will be useful."
A moment passes while Mortimer considers his situation, and despite his growing ability with magic, he still finds himself feeling vastly under-prepared for what Melody has asked of him. When he speaks again, the fear of what lays ahead has crept into his voice, though his body language suggests he's not intending to give in to that fear. "What if I fail as an Exalted One? What if I can't succeed at what Melody needs me to do?"
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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 12, 2012 13:28:25 GMT -5
The Lightbringer laughs, "Oh Mortimer, you are refreshing." Clapping a Han on your shoulder he leads you toward the door, "In less than a weeks time you have had everything you have ever known flipped on its head. You've personally met a celestial being, and she has taken a direct interest in you. You've found out that magic is real, not just something from a story. Not only does it exist, but you can wield the arcane forces yourself." He pauses just outside the closed door to press his hand against it for a moment, and you hear an audible click, the Lightbringer explains, "This room is quite dangerous if not controlled. Those figments can cause real harm." Gesturing you forward he resumes what he was saying before, "With all that, you accept and move forward. Your main worry is failing your angelic task mistress."
Although his voice jests he sees the genuine concern in your eyes, and adds, "Fear not your fate Mortimer. Think about our scriptures. All the heroes start from humble beginnings, all the more to show how powerful walking in the Light is. You have a personal guardian angel Mortimer. Some of us have to have faith that we are protected, you've actually met your protector!" The man is so heartfelt, and passionate when he speaks that you can't help but feel better.
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Post by DM Quietus on Oct 15, 2012 11:16:48 GMT -5
The Lightbringer's words do help ease his concerns somewhat, but Mortimer can't help but think about the urgency in Melody's commands, and how she'd been cut off abruptly. In some ways, it felt more like he was supposed to be her protector. If a celestial being needed his help, though, he would certainly do his best to provide it, even if it meant facing horrific creatures like those zombies on his own.
"I just feel... overwhelmed.", he finally admits, meeting the Lightbringer's gaze. "I don't know anything about what's going on. I've got a better grasp of magic now, but what about being Exalted? I feel I should learn more about Ellsman, and Exalted in general. I only know the stories that your son taught us in Urutah, and I hadn't heard anything like what I saw on that plaque for Ellsman."
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