|
Post by venger on Aug 31, 2013 18:03:20 GMT -5
Stepping through the portal, Colby finds himself in a small white room. Standing before him are Sherlane and two other men, a non-descript man called Gaspard du Nord and a distinguished older gentleman who is introduced as Luc le Chaudronnier, White Wizard of Perignon.
The room is otherwise empty save for a large mirror set into the wall behind Colby and two concentric silver-inlaid magical circles, circumscribing a pentagram, etched into the floor. Before Luc le Chaudronnier throws a drapery over it, Colby notes the mirror is about 7'x3', silvery-black and the metal frame is wrought to resemble leering serpents. Sherlane explains that the mirror is intelligent and belonged to Merlin. It possesses a great "mental prowess" and sometimes operates on its own... hence the magic circles and pentagram.
Colby is given a brief tour of the castle which, following the eponymous naming conventions of the Forest Kingdom, is constructed entirely from white stone quarried nearby. In addition to the normal features of a large castle: walls, towers, moat, blacksmith, stables, dungeons, etc.; Whitestone boasts an impressive library, a full-time alchemist and a spell-warded council chamber.
Other spellcasters present in the castle are two acquaintances of Colby's, Sionyl the Shadow-Weaver and Argenta the Silver Princess, who recently joined the conclave.
It'll be a day or two before the rest of the magicians arrive, so Colby is shown to guest-quarters in one of the drafty towers.
|
|
|
Post by Ginger on Aug 31, 2013 18:40:47 GMT -5
Shadow Weaver? D'oh! Assuming Chris ever checks into the message board, Colby will talk to her about Friedrich's plan and see if there's a better way to coordinate with Friedrich.
|
|
|
Post by venger on Aug 31, 2013 18:47:33 GMT -5
Colby will talk to her about Friedrich's plan and see if there's a better way to coordinate with Friedrich. Well, she is happy to help but she can only accomplish the work at her house, seeing as that's where she keeps the shadow-loom and her platinum needles...
|
|
|
Post by Ginger on Sept 1, 2013 10:43:32 GMT -5
Well, Colby will do a sending to Friedrich telling him that the Shadow Weaver isn't home, so he can head to Fenhold and I'll report back when she'll be there.
|
|
|
Post by venger on Sept 2, 2013 23:09:35 GMT -5
Over the following days Colby is introduced to more of the conclave-
Istarelle, the Sorceress of Averoigne, and her apprentice Moriamis [More-E-Ah-Mee] arrive in the form of white swans. Istarelle is a tall woman of noble bearing who has about her an aura of power and authority. Her apprentice, while younger and quite pretty (17 CHA), seems very capable.
Zaphora, Chatelaine of Sylaire, appears out of thin air. She has an otherworldly fey aspect about her not unlike the Silver Princess. Sherlane discreetly warns Colby that she "has the power to [magically] charm any male who sees her."
Two men teleport in together:
Ranlou, the Clockwork Magician, who dresses more like a blacksmith than a magic-user... except for the strange optic contraption over his left eye that focuses in and out on Colby seemingly with a will of its own.
and...
Martinus Trismegistus, leader of the conclave and Sherlane's old master; an archetypical wizard in flowing robes, with a long white beard and bushy eyebrows, bearing a rune carved staff. Owen Glendower, the Wanderering Mage, shows up last. He arrives on foot, wearing shabby, travel-stained clothes and a cloak to match.
Roster: (+/-/= indicates level relative to Colby) Martinus Trismegistus + Ranlou, Clockwork Magician + Luc le Chaudronnier [Luke Luh Shod-Ron-Neer], White Wizard of Perignon + Zaphora, Chatelaine of Sylaire + Istarelle, the Sorceress of Averoigne + Moriamis [More-E-Ah-Mee] + Sherlane, Lord of Devonshire = Sionyl the Shadow-Weaver +/- Owen Glendower, the Wanderering Mage - Gaspard du Nord - Argenta the Silver Princess ?
|
|
|
Post by venger on Sept 2, 2013 23:20:49 GMT -5
Colby makes a generally positive impression despite his hissing, evil undead tongue. Before he can take any oath of fealty and fellowship however, that is a concern of theirs. The Sorceress of Averoigne, who seemed to take an immediate dislike to him, suggets Colby's tongue is befouled from all the evil magicks he has wrought... The Clockwork Magican wants to examine the tongue. He draws forth some smithing tongs from his toolbelt.
|
|
|
Post by Ginger on Sept 3, 2013 0:04:23 GMT -5
If Zaphora can magically charm men, I hope the "enthusiastically friendly" roll won't make her develop too much affection.
Colby's dignity will allow him to submit to a certain degree to inspection. He will deny having wrought any notably evil magicks, saying that he travels with a paladin and has no qualms about using violence against creatures dedicated to evil and chaos. He'll state that he's open to suggestions for how to restore his tongue.
|
|
|
Post by venger on Sept 4, 2013 18:41:33 GMT -5
If Zaphora can magically charm men, I hope the "enthusiastically friendly" roll won't make her develop too much affection. As if. Colby's dignity will allow him to submit to a certain degree to inspection... Several of the magic-users gather around to examine Colby's ghoul-tongue. There are some mutterings and exchanged glances. Argenta and Zaphora remain aloof. Sherlane looks uncomfortable. He'll state that he's open to suggestions for how to restore his tongue. They'll have to get back to you on that.
|
|
|
Post by venger on Sept 4, 2013 19:45:10 GMT -5
On the third day, Martinus calls the council to order.
After Luc Le Chaudronnier speaks the Invocation to Merlin, Colby is formally presented to the assembled magi. Sherlane steps forward when called, vouching for Colby's ability and sponsoring his admission to the Conclave.
All that remains is for Colby to take the aforementioned oaths of fealty and fellowship.
Will Colby solemnly vow:
1) to forswear the foul practice of Necromancy as it is known that for every undead raised by these dark arts, an innocent must die untimely.
2) to abjure demons, devils and entities of an infernal nature and to guard against their trespasses unto this Plane.
3) to abide by the restrictions of the Conclave regarding the research and use of prohibited magicks, specifically:
--No reality-altering magic; wishes, disjunctions and the more dangerous/esoteric forms of chronomancy- time travel, paradox, etc. --No possession, soul stealing or mind-control. --No polymorphing others into unnatural forms or objects. --No death spells. (including cloudkill)
4) to act as a representative of the Conclave, promoting the good name of magic and defending the peoples of the Forest Kingdom against practitioners of the dark arts.
5) at 12th level to construct a stronghold and clear the countryside in a 10 to 20 mile radius of all monsters, thus ruling an area much as a noble. PHB pg. 26.
6) to aid the Conclave in its endeavors and assist in the destruction of any magic-user who would not swear to abide by this convenant. 7) to never reveal the magical or mundane secrets of the Conclave to the uninitiated.
If you need further clarification on any of these, say so.
#4 is why Sherlane pays lip-service to the Church's ban on offensive magic - the idea being to present magic in the most positive way to the populace, being careful not rub their faces in the fact that these mages can level entire towns...
|
|
|
Post by Ginger on Sept 4, 2013 20:59:08 GMT -5
1. I assume this means to never cast a spell or use an item of the "Necromantic" type. I.e. no Bag of Bones or rod of undead control.
2. Killed tons of demons and devils, no problemo.
3. Do they have a level suggestion for dangerous and/or esoteric? Is Unluck too trivial to be dangerous? I'll stay away from Magic Vortex.
4. Colby has slain evil magic users plenty of times.
5. I would love to clear a stronghold in the area in a year or so. Is there a deserty part where Haddiq could start prostelytizing?
6. Colby will start with recruiting Mary and Youssef, who I'm sure will be interested in joining. He'll explain the current quest, but say that the Shadow Lord and the Zargonites will be the next.
7. Does that include spells? He'll explain the group policy, but if I can't share until they join up, I won't.
This are basically small clarifications. Colby swears the oath.
|
|
|
Post by venger on Sept 4, 2013 21:24:57 GMT -5
1. I assume this means to never cast a spell or use an item of the "Necromantic" type. I.e. no Bag of Bones or rod of undead control. That's a good assumption. Although there are some caveats at high levels - Moriamis has Reincarnation for example. 3. Do they have a level suggestion for dangerous and/or esoteric? Is Unluck too trivial to be dangerous? Unknown spells of lower level might require trial and error. They're not going to take all the fun out of being a magic-user. High level spells are a safe bet. 5. I would love to clear a stronghold in the area in a year or so. Is there a deserty part where Haddiq could start prostelytizing? Not where they want it built... 7. Does that include spells? He'll explain the group policy, but if I can't share until they join up, I won't. As Sherlane shared spells with Colby, so can Colby with his apprentices - assuming he is prepared to destroy them should they go Dark-side or not take that oath. There are a couple proprietary spells that he may not share with anyone which we'll get to later. Good show! Everyone looks on approvingly, Sherlane seems very proud. He presents Colby with a spell scroll and a hearty handshake. This is a proprietary spell:
|
|
|
Post by Ginger on Sept 4, 2013 21:54:47 GMT -5
This is awesome. Colby will ask what the heck a "magic tree" is. Is the ritual part of the "special duration" or is the duration just the one turn it takes to cast all of the spells.
Spell's normal casting time plus one round nixes most combat use, but 2 Knock spells would make it very useful.
|
|
|
Post by venger on Sept 4, 2013 22:03:25 GMT -5
This is awesome. Colby will ask what the heck a "magic tree" is. Is the ritual part of the "special duration" or is the duration just the one turn it takes to cast all of the spells. Spell's normal casting time plus one round nixes most combat use, but 2 Knock spells would make it very useful. Crafting the staff is an exercise in and of itself. A quest if you will... Merlin was a druid, so he negotiated with a mighty treant. There was a tree in the center of the Blightwood containing the spirit of an ancient witch that might qualify. But that might not be so easy. Tree of Life in the DD&G. ETC. The duration is special because the spells last until cast or dispelled. When you're in combat it's probably too late to be putting spells in the staff.
|
|
|
Post by Ginger on Sept 4, 2013 22:14:45 GMT -5
Well, we can get 4 of them, so it'll be a pretty efficient trip. I assume that when you level up you can just add another 1000 GP in finery and don't have to construct a fully new staff?
Colby will ask what kind of portal Sherlane used to get us here. Is that something I can use? I assume Sherlane shared my Perfect Iron Circle Book with them already, but if not, Colby will.
Any other good spells? I hope it's not crazy to assume that between us all we have all the PHB spells that are level appropriate.
Are there other members who couldn't make it today?
|
|
|
Post by venger on Sept 4, 2013 23:06:58 GMT -5
I assume that when you level up you can just add another 1000 GP in finery and don't have to construct a fully new staff? No, ideally one would make a 9000GP staff on the first go so that when one reached 27th level one could store one's 9th level spell in it. Assuming it wasn't destroyed by a fireball before that. Colby will ask what kind of portal Sherlane used to get us here. Is that something I can use? Maybe Colby didn't pick up on how he arrived at the start of the thread. Luc Le Chaudronnier and Gaspard du Nord scried Sherlane using Merlin's Mirror (of Mental Prowess, DMG pg. 150). Sherlane used Sending and Detect Invisibility to coordinate the travel through the invisible portal. Voila. I assume Sherlane shared my Perfect Iron Circle Book with them already, but if not, Colby will. Martinus is going to have to confiscate that... There are some issues relevant to the Forest Kingdom and a few other matters (Colby's ghoul-tongue) the Conclave will discuss before adjourning to the cocktail reception and everyone going their separate ways. I will enumerate those items in my next post. Any other good spells? I hope it's not crazy to assume that between us all we have all the PHB spells that are level appropriate. What spell is Colby looking for? These magic-users don't share a communal spellbook nor does the oath require such. They follow the traditional master/apprentice method of spell acquisition as handed down for generations. Between the lot of them, they do possess most every spell in the PHB and a bunch in the UA and they trade fairly amongst one another. As a rule, they won't give Colby a spell more powerful than he can cast. Are there other members who couldn't make it today? Yes. Calloway of Gramarye Theophrastus Parsalion The Ambers (Isodore, Charles, Catherine, Gaston, Steven, Guillame) who are unfortunately trapped under the effects of a strange fey curse...
|
|
|
Post by Bolo on Sept 5, 2013 7:07:06 GMT -5
--No reality-altering magic; wishes, disjunctions and the more dangerous/esoteric forms of chronomancy- time travel, paradox, etc. Wishes etc. have saved our butts at least a couple of times. Does this restriction just mean that Colby can't cast such spells himself, or will he (and by extension, we) now be unable to use wishes provided by someone/something else?
|
|
|
Post by venger on Sept 5, 2013 7:57:51 GMT -5
Magicks (wishes) that alter or could alter the fundamental nature of reality or cause a paradox are prohibited* and Colby is oath-bound to prevent them.
If used to replicate the effects of a lower level, non-prohibited spell then a Wish is probably OK. But frivolous uses of extremely powerful magic are discouraged and can draw the unwanted attention of extraplanar entities...
*Unless the Conclave has authorized their use, which happens sometimes in the event that they must reverse a fundamental alteration of the nature of reality or paradox.
|
|
|
Post by venger on Sept 5, 2013 8:01:56 GMT -5
Lest anyone get the wrong impression, when it comes to this Oath, Colby is bound only by his alignment/loyalty to these magic-users and their compact. He is under no magical compulsion.
Though he knows these mages are pretty serious and if he is caught flaunting these rules he will probably end up dead or worse...
|
|
|
Post by Ginger on Sept 5, 2013 8:13:32 GMT -5
So the wish we used to rewind time 30 minutes would be impermissible, but mimicking the effects of a raise dead or restoration spell is ok, I guess.
|
|
|
Post by Ginger on Sept 5, 2013 8:51:30 GMT -5
I assume that when you level up you can just add another 1000 GP in finery and don't have to construct a fully new staff? No, ideally one would make a 9000GP staff on the first go so that when one reached 27th level one could store one's 9th level spell in it. Assuming it wasn't destroyed by a fireball before that. Maybe Colby didn't pick up on how he arrived at the start of the thread. Luc Le Chaudronnier and Gaspard du Nord scried Sherlane using Merlin's Mirror (of Mental Prowess, DMG pg. 150). Sherlane used Sending and Detect Invisibility to coordinate the travel through the invisible portal. Voila. Martinus is going to have to confiscate that... There are some issues relevant to the Forest Kingdom and a few other matters (Colby's ghoul-tongue) the Conclave will discuss before adjourning to the cocktail reception and everyone going their separate ways. I will enumerate those items in my next post. What spell is Colby looking for? These magic-users don't share a communal spellbook nor does the oath require such. They follow the traditional master/apprentice method of spell acquisition as handed down for generations. Between the lot of them, they do possess most every spell in the PHB and a bunch in the UA and they trade fairly amongst one another. As a rule, they won't give Colby a spell more powerful than he can cast. Are there other members who couldn't make it today? Yes. Calloway of Gramarye Theophrastus Parsalion The Ambers (Isodore, Charles, Catherine, Gaston, Steven, Guillame) who are unfortunately trapped under the effects of a strange fey curse... I didn't pick up on the mirror of mental prowess. That's a great item and I'll keep it in mind. Once we're done fighting the world-ending evil force we're facing in the south, Colby hopes the Conclave could help the party use the mirror to enter the Forest Kingdom to jump right into the fray up here. Hopefully this heads off some of what they wanted to talk to me about. When it comes to spell swapping, I was hoping to get some good trades for this awesome high level spell book I brought. Colby has basically no use for those spells(and absolutely no use for the evil stuff!), since he's a ways away from casting any of them, but I believe that's our only copy of Wall of Force, and I hope I can get something in exchange for voluntarily bringing them such a powerful item. As for particular spells, I'm looking for Telekinesis, Transmute Rock to Mud, Dimension Door, and Enchanted Weapon. If they can give me or let me copy those, Wall of Force, and throw in another, I'll consider it an even trade.
|
|
|
Post by venger on Sept 5, 2013 10:48:36 GMT -5
So the wish we used to rewind time 30 minutes would be impermissible, but mimicking the effects of a raise dead or restoration spell is ok, I guess. The organization is lawful good, each of the wizards leaning one way or the other on that scale to varying degrees. They don't all actually agree on what is permissible and what is not. It really depends on the circumstances. Like who are you raising from the dead and why. Should also note that wishes from gods and the like aren't strictly prohibited because they are entirely unique and follow their own cosmic rules and there's nothing the wizards could really do to stop them anyway... One further comment on Raise Dead vs. Resurrection. In this campaign there is a pretty big difference. Raise Dead is rare and most closely resembles the effect from Princess Bride, where Miracle Max revives Westley to death's door. So with Raise Dead the character is only "mostly dead," which for all intents and purposes is the same as dead, though the body has to be intact and not injured beyond sustaining life. The soul lingers for varying reasons (true love, for one) to be recalled by the raising cleric. Resurrection is a whole nother story, way more powerful and practically unheard of outside of legend. Colby hopes the Conclave could help the party use the mirror to enter the Forest Kingdom to jump right into the fray up here. Hopes are quickly dashed. Colby is not to reveal the existence of the mirror to anyone. It's a secret. Also they are very cautious with its use, as it is very powerful, has a will of its own and an unslakable curiosity, often scrying people and places it has seen previously, reading minds and opening portals with potentially disastrous consequences... When it comes to spell swapping, I was hoping to get some good trades for this awesome high level spell book I brought. ... I hope I can get something in exchange for voluntarily bringing them such a powerful item. As for particular spells, I'm looking for Telekinesis, Transmute Rock to Mud, Dimension Door, and Enchanted Weapon. If they can give me or let me copy those, Wall of Force, and throw in another, I'll consider it an even trade. They'll safeguard the spellbook until Colby is ready to cast these spells. "And throw in another one." Amusing. They'll give Colby those spells on a scroll or in a spellbook, whichever he chooses, as well as whatever fills the remainder. 5/7 spells on a scroll or 23/36 spell levels in a book. If he chooses the scroll he can have two spells up to 8th level, assuming one of the wizards has them. If he chooses the book he can have any 13 spell levels of spells up to 5th level.
|
|
|
Post by Ginger on Sept 5, 2013 12:12:40 GMT -5
2 additional spells up to 8th level? One Cacodemon and one Death Spell, please.
I'm inclined to take the scroll. Two Teleport Without Error spells would be nice, since at such a high level it could probably get the whole party with appropriate reducing and polymorphing. Any suggestions?
|
|
|
Post by Wolfgar on Sept 5, 2013 12:52:27 GMT -5
If you went with the book you could get some combination of Armor, Mount, Audible Glamer, Vocalize, Invisibility 10', Phantasmal Force, or Enchanted Armor (Ranlou must have it).
|
|
|
Post by Ginger on Sept 5, 2013 14:12:03 GMT -5
13 levels gets us Armor, Run, Mount (I think the DM has already said he won't allow this spell), Vocalize, Enchanted Weapon and Enchanted Armor (hopefully!) with one to spare. For PHB spells, I assume Haidar will progress quickly and be able to learn all of the PHB spells we still need. Besides, Audible Glamour and Vocalize can be copied for free from the College any time we get back to Barb-el-Shay.
Does the Conclave have any other suggestions for getting a group of a dozen strong fighting men up here quickly? The 6 or 8 teleport spells required are a little risky.
|
|
|
Post by Wolfgar on Sept 5, 2013 14:33:12 GMT -5
Enchanted Weapon is already included in the 23/36. Vocalize is in UA so I don't think it is available at the College.
|
|
|
Post by Ginger on Sept 6, 2013 14:39:45 GMT -5
Conclave Spellbook: (35/36) 1st: Armor, Mount, Run 2nd: Vocalize 3rd: Invisibility 10' Radius 4th: Enchanted Armor (If no one has something like this, then Leomund's Secure Shelter), Enchanted Weapon, Dimension Door 5th: Telekinesis, Transmute Rock to Mud, Wall of Force
There's one slot open, which I'll leave for whoever writes the book to add something unusual they want to share.
|
|
|
Post by Bolo on Sept 6, 2013 14:59:46 GMT -5
Beware! Raining mounts ahead! There's one slot open, which I'll leave for whoever writes the book to add something unusual they want to share. Good one.
|
|
|
Post by venger on Sept 6, 2013 15:20:27 GMT -5
Conclave Spellbook: (35/36) 1st: Armor, Mount, Run 2nd: Vocalize 3rd: Invisibility 10' Radius 4th: Enchanted Armor (If no one has something like this, then Leomund's Secure Shelter), Enchanted Weapon, Dimension Door 5th: Telekinesis, Transmute Rock to Mud, Wall of Force There's one slot open, which I'll leave for whoever writes the book to add something unusual they want to share. Unfortunately nobody has Mount or Vocalize. Otherwise not a problem. Enchanted Weapon is easily converted to the Enchanted Armor variant because why not. That's 32/36. As far as Leomund's spells go, they have both the Secure Shelter which will fit in the book now, or the Secret Chest which would take an additional spell level and require dropping Armor or Run.
|
|
|
Post by venger on Sept 6, 2013 15:23:27 GMT -5
Unless you still want to leave a spell level or two for something "unusual."
Martinus Trismegistus is going to copy these spells personally... Writing 36 spells levels is going to take him a few days at least though.
|
|
|
Post by Ginger on Sept 6, 2013 15:45:08 GMT -5
Conclave Spellbook: (35/36) 1st: Armor, Mount, Run 2nd: Vocalize 3rd: Invisibility 10' Radius 4th: Enchanted Armor (If no one has something like this, then Leomund's Secure Shelter), Enchanted Weapon, Dimension Door 5th: Telekinesis, Transmute Rock to Mud, Wall of Force There's one slot open, which I'll leave for whoever writes the book to add something unusual they want to share. Unfortunately nobody has Mount or Vocalize. Otherwise not a problem. Enchanted Weapon is easily converted to the Enchanted Armor variant because why not. That's 32/36. As far as Leomund's spells go, they have both the Secure Shelter which will fit in the book now, or the Secret Chest which would take an additional spell level and require dropping Armor or Run. Colby will definitely defer to the archmage if he has four levels of unusual spells to bestow. Otherwise, I'll take Secure Shelter.
|
|