(5E) D&D/Moorcock Multiverse Inspiration PBP

[CharlotteOz]

Alan sees the opportunity, and rushes at the wizard...

... but does not attack. Instead, the tailor, the songsmith, and possibly the princess, reached out and plucked the crowd from the wizard's brow...

... and then, stared at it a long moment...

... and then, put it on.

No idea what's gonna happen next, but if this is what belongs to my PC, then this is a golden opportunity to take it back.

 

[JharyOConnah]

Selythin dropped from the air, hacking and smiting the evil wizard, Fib'Karna. The wizard screamed and writhed in pain as the blade found it's mark. The old man continued to blink at an erratic rate.

Alan took a chance while the wizard was toppled to dash over and wrench the crown from the long-bearded magician's head, but not before the remaining alligator-dog snapped, drawing blood. (Attack of opportunity! 4 points damage to Alan!)

Alan, dead queen's estranged progeny felt energy ripple through their body holding the crown. Alan, now glowing, set the crown on top of their curls. Radiant light flickered and pulsed. Magical energy flowed around the young tailor.

Alan/Aloe, princess and true heir to the faerie throne stood revealed in all their inner truth. The magic of the crown showed what the young tailor had truly been the whole time. (I'll let you describe yourself in more detail in your next post, Princess. Also, please check the OOC thread for full details on the magical crown. If/when you get your hands on the sceptre and ring I'll post those there as well.)

The alligator-dog was still hot on princess Aloe's heels. It snapped again but only made a loud noise as it missed, snarling.

The wizard continued to writhe around in the dead queen's torn dress, gripped the ring and rod tighter, screaming: "Never! Never you fools! You'll regret the day you messed with Fib'Karna!"

Suddenly, he vanished from sight, leaving Selythin, Eovin, and Aloe alone with the attacking chaos beast which still glowed with a purple light. The other beast was still outside the bedchamber in the hallway, still affected by Aloe's spell.

(We're still in combat, but the wizard has temporarily vanished! Turn order is still Eovin, Selythin, Aloe, Chaos Beasts, Wizard.)

* * *

 

[CharlotteOz]

There was a shimmer across the tailor, as they set the crown upon their head. And they didn't change so much as... discarded, a falsehood they'd outgrown.

Alan the tailor blew away in glittering faerie dust, revealing a face with no stubble that was softer and more fair, with blazing green eyes, pointed ears and bouncier hair. This face stared down at herself -

"Her?" Yes. "Her." That suddenly felt so right.

- and she stared down at her altered proportions, blushing a little in embarrassment, and then blinking back tears as she smiled, as deep inside her soul, she finally saw the tangled knots; her lifeline, tied around on itself, and then tied again, looping around into a twisted, knotted shape that was the result of a lifetime spent not knowing the truth. And the first of the knots began to slip free, and she knew this: this was the truth, and the truth was beautiful.

She wouldn't forget being Alan. Those experiences would always be there. The frays in the rope from the knots would still be with her. But now she knew that there was more to her. And the possibilities of who she could be... they bloomed.

"Wow," she breathed. "It was - it was all true. I - "

Then there was the snarl of the alligators, and she turned around, and snapped back to the fight. "Oh right. They're still here."

Her rapier flashed, as she thrust it at the beast that was encroaching.

Aloe rapier attack and damage: 1D20+4 = [14]+4 = 18
1D8+2 = [3]+2 = 5

 

[Steve Gorak]

Selythin screamed in anger as the wizard disappeared. He was so close to slaying him! He clearly needs to become stronger so this doesn't happen again. Turning his head, he sees the princess' transformation, and doesn't take time to reflect, as there is a beast to slay. He moves quickly, and attacks the creature with his heirloom sword.

OOC: bonus action: none action: cast booming blade - attack with advantage 19, damage from black blade: 9 slashing, if beast moves it takes 1d6 thunder damage Note, if the wizard moved after teleporting, he should take 1d6 thunder damage. It would be interesting to hear the boom since it would give us an idea where he is. he Has also disadvantage to wisdom checks, so perhaps his judgement isn't as good as normal ;-) Note: Hexblade's curse active on the wizard, concentrating on hex (Wizard has disadvantage to wis checks), HP 22/30, spell slots 2/3 level 1

 

[JharyOConnah]

(Might've been a different spell than teleport, Steve. )

((Just waiting on a turn from Eovin the pixie.))

 

[jmucchiello]

Eovin sends a poison spray at the chaos beast. DC 14 Con save or take Poison damage: 1D12 = [5] = 5

OOC: I didn't know we were waiting on me.

 

[Steve Gorak]

(Might've been a different spell than teleport, Steve. )

((Just waiting on a turn from Eovin the pixie.))

OOC: I'd think that since Selythin is concentrating on hex on the wizard, he'd know if the wizard had moved more than 90ft because his concentration would have been broken. Well, I don't want to metagame this, so he'll keep thinking that its a teleport until he gets blasted again from a perhaps invisible wizard ;-) Oh, I wanted to mention, we have to be careful, only 1 leveled spell can be cast per character turn. If its a leveled bonus action spell, casters need to cast a cantrip, or do something else that doesn't involve casting. I.e. you can't cast a level x spell as an action, and another level x spell as a bonus action. Cantrips are ok. Reactions don't count because they don't happen during a character's turn

 

[JharyOConnah]

Eovin's poison spray caught the alligator-dog in the back, causing the beast to stagger as Selythin hacked and slashed the thing. There was a loud boom as the chaos beast snapped its jaws one last time, attempting to run away to no avail.

Princess Aloe stood in all her glory, wearing the dead queen's crown, feeling the energetic pulse through her very being. She quickly looked over, striking with her rapier, drawing black blood that sizzled on the ground of the bedchamber as the beast collapsed. One beast remained outside.

There was another loud boom as the evil wizard, Fib'Karna, servant of chaos, reappeared on the other side of the room about twenty-five feet away.

"Gah!" He screamed in pain as Selythin's booming blade did its work. "Never! You'll never win!" The old man clutched at his wounds, swaying in place, still clutching the sceptre and ring. He pointed the vizier's rod right at Selythin, unleashing another torrent of magic. Three glowing missiles spun about and struck the prince. (11 more points of damage to Selythin!)

The long-bearded wizard swooned.

The alligator-dog outside in the hallway made a loud guttural noise.

(Another round of actions!)

* * *

 

[CharlotteOz]

"Selythin!" Aloe looked from the missiles that struck home and then back to the wizard. She advanced on the wizard, intent on drawing his attention, knowing instinctively that the crown she wore - her mother's crown, but that was an emotion too difficult for right now - would protect her a little, from that, at least.

She couldn't think of anything clever to say - everything was too raw, emotionally - so she chose instead to close the gap and attack.

She lunged forth with her rapier...

Aloe rapier attack and damage: 1D20+4 = [19]+4 = 23
1D8+2 = [7]+2 = 9

... and it was expert form, as the princess finally felt at home in her body and how it moved and felt.

 

[Steve Gorak]

Selythin smiles at the princess' concern as he parries the magic missiles with a magical shield. Wasting no time, he flies to the wizard, and strikes again.

OOC: Reaction, cast shield spell. Selythin takes no damage from magic missiles Move: fly to wizard Action: cast booming blade - attack 20, damage from booming blade 13, necrotic damage from hex 1, thunder damage if wizard moves from booming blade 4 Selythin will also divine smite if the attack hits, for an additional 11 radiant damage Damage summary if attack hits: 25 (13 slashing, 1 necrotic and 11 radiant), plus 4 thunder if wizard moves Note: Hexblade's curse active on the wizard, concentrating on hex (Wizard has disadvantage to wis checks), HP 22/30, spell slots 0/3 level 1

 

[JharyOConnah]

(Still waiting for Eovin the pixie if she wants a turn this round, then the remaining chaos beast and the wizard take their turns.)

* * *

 

[jmucchiello]

OOC: Don't let more than 3 days go by before pinging me if you are waiting for me. Sorry.

Eovin repeats her poison spray attack against whichever beast is looking most wounded.

poison spray DC 14 Con save: 1D8 = [7] = 7

 

[JharyOConnah]

Eovin the pixie flew right over the wizard's head. Bright green spray rained down on Fib'Karna. He clutched at his bare arms in the dead queen's bloody, floral patterned dress. He gasped, thrashed, and kicked as he collapsed at Selythin and the true queen Aloe's feet.

The bearded wizard let out a final gasp as Eovin swooped nearby overhead. It was obvious the evil magician, thrall of Chaos, Fib'Karna had been slain.

Cousin Zenythin leaned in a nearby doorway, stepping out only after he stared at the dead old wizard for a few extra moments. "Huzzah! You have bested this skinny, decrepit old man. Bravo. Bravo. He never had a lick of a chance." Zenythin bowed and mock curtsied, waving his arm toward the corpse. He started clapping.

The rod in the wizard's hand rolled away as did the ruby ring. They still pulsed with an eerie energy, a strange magical vibration. The heroes could still hear the items calling out to them.

In addition to the magical items freed from the magician's grasp there are a few chests of coins, jewels, and other objects.

After a thorough search for any other lingering chaos beasts you know that the castle and it's treasures are yours too do with as you will. Aloe has regained her rightful place on the throne. Although her kingdom is in tatters there is a glimmer of hope. Eovin the pixie and Selythin the winged prince stand at either side of the new queen.

Perhaps with their new leadership the kingdom of (choose a name) will regain it's former glory and rise to new heights of power and glory. There are more heroic tales of to be told!

(Congratulations! You all level up! Eovin also inherits the Grand Vizier's Rod and Selythin gets the Lord Protector's Ring. I'll post the rest of the random loot along with the stats for said items on the OOC thread. )

* * *

 

[CharlotteOz]

Aloe breathed easier, once her companions were safe. She smiled at them in turn, and then regrouped with the others. She took the time to give Page a big hug, thanking her for all her help.

Then she spoke. "If you'll have me as a leader, then I believe our first goal is to secure this castle and make sure everyone is fed and healthy. Please schedule a watch, take stock of our supplies, and give me a moment to make some... er, adjustments to my garments." She blushed a little, but mentally pushed it aside. "They are chafing a little."

 

[Steve Gorak]

The wounds from the magic missiles still burning his flesh, Selythin savors this victory. He also feels a renewed sense of power, as more powerful magics flow through his body.

He states to his companions "This is an important first step, and at least we have a stronghold to initiate our reconquest of the realms that survived the onslaught of chaos. I will fly out and let the fey folk outside know that this castle is secure, and is ours. They can tend to it. They are after all your subjects my lady" he says to Aloe, bowing respectfully "Once we are rested and ready, we should venture out, and seek more survivors. We also need to secure these realms: We know there is a troll and an ogre roaming outside, and we also need to locate the portal they told me about."

OOC: Selythin will level up to Paladin Oath of Conquest, making him Paladin 3/hexblade 1. I propose we explore outside, and go troll and ogre hunting! ;-) What say all of you? Lets RP this, ok? This will give us the time to level up.

 

[CharlotteOz]

I am in favor of roleplaying it out!

 

[JharyOConnah]

Fae-folk of all shapes and sizes converged in the palace. The kingdom had been reclaimed. A new queen sat on the throne supported by powerful allies.

Page had been promoted from handmaid to personal assistant to the queen. The cooks went back to the kitchens. Forest pixies, brownies, satyrs, nymphs, and leprechauns brought wine and food and supplies from all parts of the kingdom.

Volunteers from across the fairie-realm helped to rebuild walls and resupply the royal retinue. The royal guard was reinstated with Selythin named as Lord Protector. A panel of special advisors was also reinstated with Eovin named Grand Vizier.

A great feast was thrown for the new queen.

Ceremonies were held in honor of Eovin the pixie and Selythin the devil-tainted elf.

Livestock and gourmet food was gifted to the heroes. The kingdom's coffers grew.

A wandering herd of bariur, relatives of Sirocco the wanderer, took up residence on the little patches of grass on the edges and corners of the large island on the edge of the river and sea. The goat people pledged themselves to the crown and queen, to protect and aid in times of peace and war. They had many sturdy carts and an eagerness to do business.

Aov Oovin, wrinkly old pixie and former grand vizier and advisor to the dead queen, decided to stay around the palace in case anyone had any questions about how things should go to run smoothly. He complained incessantly about his aching back and hobbled around on a cane taking flight for only small distances.

Sir Ralph Crenshaw, the dreaming knight, made it clear that his new glowing sword was singing to him inside his head. But, that's a good thing, dude! It was the most beautiful song, he claimed, and it was giving him instructions to get the humans back to their homes and then set off to another universe entirely. He kept humming the sword's tune as he talked excitedly about his new adventure.

Bradrick, Jim, and Bo were eager to follow the dreaming knight, hoping that his sword really did know the way. They set off together once things settled down at the castle and promised to send word if they found a way across realms.

Queen Aloe was inundated with royal requests and duties and expectations and ceremonies and so many decisions to be made. It began to be exhausting quickly.

Cousin Zenythin agreed with Selythin's plan of action. "Troll and Ogre hunting could bring us more information about how to get back to OUR universe, dear cousin...I would like to know what's become of the place... Whether it's there or not... Although I will be sad to leave. They do make decent wine here, don't they?"

* * *

 

[Steve Gorak]

Selythin had promptly settled his quarters on the top floors of the south tower. From there, he could easily fly to the the various location his function asked of him, and he had an eye on the surrounding lands. His attendants, being pixies, also didn't have a problem to reach the location.

Up to now, he had tolerated the fanfare and celebrations. He didn't care much for them, but knew they were necessary in the rebirth of this kingdom. He also tolerated his role as lord protector. His rightful place was to lead, control and conquer, but part of him was glad he wasn't the sovereign of these frivolous fey folks. He didn't see how he would organize an effective army here, and it was obvious that neighboring lands would need to be liberated, and martially oriented and more disciplined allies needed to be found.

He had organized a makeshift castle guard, but this was no army. The guards were well intentioned, but their fey nature lead them to much mischief and overall lack of seriousness. He was however glad the Bariaurs had taken residence close to the castle. Selythin had taken much time to build a relationship with the tribe's leadership. He respected the sturdy creatures, and knew they would be instrumental in defending the nascent realm.

OOC: I am assuming that all party members are together for this conversation

Cousin Zenythin agreed with Selythin's plan of action. "Troll and Ogre hunting could bring us more information about how to get back to OUR universe, dear cousin...I would like to know what's become of the place... Whether it's there or not... Although I will be sad to leave. They do make decent wine here, don't they?"

Selythin pondered his cousin's words as he savored the sip of wine he had just taken. Would my brethren be worthy of me? Some may have the fortitude, but the decadence and the pervasiveness of evil would be a problem. Besides, there were more urgent matters to address in the short term.
"What say you, Queen Aloe, can you take leave from your royal duties and would you join us in this hunt? And you, Grand Vizier Eovin? The castle is organized enough that our absence wouldn't be harmful. We need to further secure the realm, and need to find allies, as I doubt that your subjects would be able to fight off a direct attack from a chaos beasts army"

 

[CharlotteOz]

Aloe gently and gracefully dealt with the requests and the ceremonies, but it was clear that the pressure was wearing on her. She retired to her bedchambers, half expecting to awaken and be back to the way she was before.

But morning came, and everything was the same, and Aloe found herself have a mild panic attack over how much had changed, and how quickly. They were happy changes - okay, mostly happy - okay, at the least, what had happened when she put the crown on was nice - but still, very overwhelming. She did what she often did when she needed to relax and quickly assembled something to wear, and while the results weren't fancy, they were supportive, and that was the big thing she needed at the moment.

She emerged in a simple gown, and heard Selythin's words, and exclaimed, "Yes! Absolutely, I would love to - I mean, for the good of the realm, let's do precisely that." She ducked back into her makeshift chambers, and then emerged in adventuring kit, and managed a smile. "Let the quest begin!"

 

[jmucchiello]

Eovin says, "I should probably advise against this. You have responsibilities here. But I also think getting away from the stuffy palace is a good idea."