It's funny, you haven't done this in some time.
You sleep and with that you dream. Dreams ethereal and forgotten, images of past, present and perhaps the future mingling together into one vast, ever churning mental stew. Yet it is one endless and beautiful dream, one that soothes the spirit and brightens the soul.
What it is you cannot truly remember, a curious and mortal thing. Yet you feel at peace throughout it, your sleeping face surely smiling.
You must awaken soon, Seira.
Peace. A dream that never ends, but eternally changes into something new and beautiful. A dream that leaves you smiling, a dream that leaves you calm and at peace.
Be strong and be victorious, and know that we shall always be your friend and ally.
You awaken with a yawn, refreshed and in a good mood. Amaryl is curled into you, still asleep and with a gentle smile on her face. Her hair is lightly mussed, framing around her like a sea of blonde.
"Seira?" A knock on your door, Elle's voice, "Sanzha and everyone has some progress, plus Celestia's sent a representative about the slavery campaign."
"I'll be there in... say five minutes?" Seira projects her voice just beyond the door, at a comfortable level for Elle to hear.
Her avatar is getting bored doing paperwork as it is, so it should be a nice change of pace for her!
"Mmm?" Amaryl sits up and blinks, "What a strange thing, sleeping." Sitting up and smiling, "But the dream was lovely, wasn't it? What did Elle want?"
"It's fun," Seira agrees. "Elle has a few reports about the slavers, so mini me is handling those."
"Oh, finally," Amaryl says, "Shouldn't we go see this directly, or is it only minor progress?"
"Right, I forget sometimes you don't already have your own avatar," Seira mutters. "I'm actually good, the real me is only needed if I need to get into a pissing contest with another deity. But if you want to be there in person instead of listening in, by all means. I'll keep them waiting while you get ready, Dear."
Soon enough everyone is gathered. Amaryl is there along with Elle, Donald, Lady Sanzha and Kascha. Your avatar sits and waits as Amaryl gets comfy as your guest waits.
He is a tall planetar, head bald and expression thoughtful. He wears silvery armor and has a sword nearby, at rest. He rises once everyone is here and bows, "I am Jeval," he introduces himself, "A Knight of the Chalice who serves under Romiel."
Seira shifts as he introduces himself, before smiling pleasantly in welcome. "Rise, Jeval, and have a seat," she offers, gesturing at the spare armchair in the cozy meeting room she decided to meet her guest. The room itself is in the shape of an octagon surrounding the round table featured prominently in the center with as many armchairs as might be needed for each individual meeting, its walls filled with one-way windows that all point towards the outside.
Donald flashes you a smile as everyone settles in.
"Thank you," Jeval says, "I bring news and tidings, whenever it pleases you to hear them."
Lady Sanzha smiles slightly, "Oh, more good news, I hope?"
"Let's hear those good news first," Seira tells Jeval. "Then, you'll have the opportunity to bring more of the same back to Romiel."
"Operation Summer Blaze," Jeval begins, rising. "Seven groups, including Duke Moore's, will attack various holdings in Fire. Most will be related to slavery in various ways, but to varying degrees and at least one with nothing directly to do with it. All evils that need to be vanquished, but let them have to react to more and perhaps strain their forces."
"When will it take place?" Seira inquires. "It would be a good chance to see how the timing meshes with our own."
"That will depend on all of you," Jeval says, "We're waiting to coordinate timing with you."
Elle nods a bit at that, "Sensible."
"So in the interests of clarity," Amaryl begins, "How rapidly can you deploy your own forces?"
"Within three hours," Jeval bows his head a moment, lips moving in words of Celestia, silent prayer. "Yes, three hours."
"Ah, I see! This is fortunate indeed. Since the efreet court and their devil allies are already wondering at all the possibilities, we might as well keep them guessing some more. Sanzha, is there an opportunity for us to exploit?"
Lady Sanzha clears her throat, "The efreet are playing this close to the court, which I know you are aware of. The main opportunities are shifts in forces and protections for more outlying issues and noble interests. We need a hard blow to open more possibilities up," she concludes, "Especially if luminaries such as Eblis involve themselves."
"Anything else? What about the dao?" Amaryl asks, frowning. "I was hoping more for the efreet."
"The main concern is a general escalation, a war that could expand quite a ways," Lady Sanzha says, fingers drumming musically on the armrest of her chair. "Real war - the sort that's declared and fought between great planar powers - is far less common than an understood and assumed state of undeclared war between ethical, moral and elemental opposites. The sort that calls on allies officially and cascade until it's like someone set off a fireball amid a cache of alchemist's fire."
A beat for that before Sanzha goes on, "The efreet are nonetheless escalating and calling on allies. At first I thought this was due to inferences that the Aurora may be involved, but perhaps I'm wrong. Perhaps they're hoping we moderate our efforts if there is a risk of a general war breaking out."
"Okay," Donald raises his hand as if to be called on, "Can we walk through that a little more? Official war versus undeclared war? Also hey, you never really answered Amaryl's question!"
"We should be recognized as a power on the Inner Planes, similarly to Eblis on Fire," Seira tells Donald. "Romiel, on the other hand, occupies a position similar to Lixer's in Hell, perhaps. If Eblis or I start a fight on Fire, Kossuth would allow it and let us resolve our differences in-house. But if a truly outside power decides to push too strongly against one of the natives, the natives in question might well declare war formally. That said, I feel this issue is one that would be worth going to war over if we're pressed by the efreet or the dao."
"If we've made our decision there, then so be it," Lady Sanzha says. "Shall I continue?"
Amaryl smiles sharply, "Well, that means more slavers to fall to my bow."
"War. If it comes, we will all have enough of war," Kascha murmurs softly, looking down.
"We've had these uneasy truces for millennia, tolerating all sorts of atrocities with the understanding some things will be beyond the pale for the devils. And yet we have Semyaza and Taelfagn and Bel ignore that when it's convenient, one after the other. We have to make the fiends understand that this peace is in their best interests as well, and that if they want to hold onto it, things need to change for the better."
Having explained her view of things, Seira gestures for Sanzha to go on.
"There's also a reason lately," Amaryl murmurs very softly. "The Prophecy of Primus and..."
"Ahem," Donald quickly clears his throat, "I think what you're saying is fuck Shar. Isn't that right, Amaryl?"
Lady Sanzha watches those two for the moment, a faint smile showing on her lips.
"Donald! I would never put it like that," Amaryl protests, reddening. "That's how some gutter rat of a human would put it!"
"You don't say," Donald retorts, "I wonder why that is. Gee, Elle, can you tell me? I'm stumped, that's a hard one!"
If Amaryl still can't tell when she's being baited Seira will just have to let her learn on her own.
"We all don't like Shar, and with good reason," she says with a grin. "Do go on, Sanzha."
Elle laughs and pats Donald's arm, "You made your point, dear."
Amaryl blushes deeply and further, before exhaling and in elven adding, "Humans!"
"Still the best at seducing elves and pumping out half elves, too," Donald says, "So hey, there's something you all find charming about us." Kicking back in his chair, "But go on, Lady Sanzha."
Jeval looks between all of you, a bit stunned and a bit confused. "Ah...I see..." he murmurs.
"As noted, the dao are dealing with the Xorn matter with a firm hand." Lady Sanzha says, "I don't have a strong spy on the dao court yet, but I suspect there's at least a few informal communications between Fire and Earth on this matter. However, there's no signs of public reactions at all. I paid a visit to Grumbar and his court as well, but he was as verbose as he always is. If you've never met him, he's as talkative as a pile of stones. I did at least get an audience and he didn't warn us off, so he's either uninformed or not interested in acting against our efforts as of now."
"Would he warn us off?" Kascha asks, "I can't do much with Earth, anyway, for decades."
"He will, he's straightforward with his threats," Lady Sanzha says, "Especially if you come to him before you commit to something."
"That's good news," Seira notes.
"It is," Lady Sanzha concurs, "I made contacts with the djinn afterwards, subtly seeing if any of them had an idea. I didn't get any sign of it, but the djinn can be rather airy," Sanzha concedes, a soft sigh after. "Water flows but in a way that can be understood. The air so often goes whichever way it wishes, no matter what you think."
"Here, too, it sounds as if we'll need to strike a blow before generating the sort of momentum you were looking for," Seira finishes for Sanzha. "Have we heard back from Zaaman Rul? That could be just the sort of chance we need."
"We have, while you were resting," Elle speaks up. "There's signs it's agitating Akil. According to his source, he's been pacing at home for hours at a time, all with Razalim in hand."
Seira nods slowly. "Alright, and Donald, no hints of the Great Xorn so far? Amaryl, how about a decent lead on smiteable Sharrans?"
"Nothing we can chase down, like we said. He's laying low," Donald says, "Or dead, take your pick. Sendings haven't worked, which could mean many different things." He gestures at Elle, "We just don't know enough, unfortunately."
"Let's add three native forces to Summer Blaze," Seira decides. "I'll lead one of them. We'll strike at devil interests on Fire. Between their hellfire research and various holdings we should have plenty of suitable targets. Sanzha, I'm putting you in charge of selecting those targets and overall timing."
Lady Sanzha nods, "Of course," she says, "Are there any targets you want to prioritize or avoid?"
Kascha looks up at that, "We're striking hard. We should stress all of them by this, hopefully hard enough."
"Like I said, devil targets on Fire. Since Akil is their liaison, it will put extra pressure on him to deal with it. And since we're not the ones striking at slavers, the efreet will waste their time wondering about the connection between our actions or about our endgoal. As for priorities, let's aim for anything run by those related to the Benfal or Lifasa campaigns, with Hellfire research being second."
"Then it's a matter of determining timing," Lady Sanzha says. "Jeval, how much time do you need?"
"We are ready within three hours," Jeval says, "We wait on your efforts, ma'am."
Lady Sanzha hums softly, "12 hours should be sufficient, and to limit time to respond if the information is divined or leaked somehow."
"In that case, it sounds like we've got a plan."
Okay, OOC time to settle a few things. What role will named NPCs and yourself have in this plan, if any?
Since Kascha's back, I'm thinking she, Xera, Donald, Elle, Amaryl and myself will form our three teams. We can round them out with a third person, there's Yandrazrt, Lumenbur and Omni just to name a few names.
Okay, go ahead and form up the teams for me, would you? Choose who goes where and we'll work from there.
It's hard to say who goes where when I haven't received the 'where', but okay. Elle+Donald+Lumenbur after devil target 1, Kascha+Xera+Omni after devil target 2, SeiraPrime+AmarylPrime+Yandrazrt after devil target 3. If given the choice, I will personally prioritize going after Hellfire research. SeiraAvatar will hold the fort down and be helpfully available should Zariel want to chat.
Oh right, that's a good point and me just skipping a mental step. Okay.
"I have four targets we can choose from," Lady Sanzha announces. "Lanaeriel's Lookout, Arcana Inferna, The Firepit and Zalbass&Almodos. Are you familiar with them, Seira?"
"Give me a brief rundown so I don't miss something important?"
"Of course," Lady Sanzha smiles and chuckles.
Amaryl glowers at Sanzha there, something that flows right off of her.
"First of all, Lanaeriel's Lookout is a perch for fallen with an affinity for Fire and who are at a political disadvantage in Hell. They can spend a few centuries learning there and letting whatever put them on the back foot quiet down." Lady Sanzha says, "While not directly tied to hellfire, it trains devils as capable fire slingers and lets them network with the efreet. It's run by Overseer Lanaeriel, a fallen tulani who renounced both chaos and good."
"Secondly is Arcana Inferna. Here various siegeworks are built, commissioned by the efreet and using diabolical methods and designs. It's a big business," Lady Sanzha remarks with a cool smile, "While the devils do work there, it's more artisan than noble level save for the owner, Baras Clovenfoot, a cow-like unique devil. It's said he was a mortal with minotaur blood, but he now resembles a minotaur set ablaze and with all the more muscle for it."
"Thirdly is The Firepit. Here devils and efreet work together to make flames that can never go out. It's less a school and more of a workplace, where applied skills are used and practiced with each other," Lady Sanzha says, "It's often used by devils who have potential but are either politically difficult for their superiors - as in they may rise to take their place - or efreet second and third sons who aren't military material."
"Finally we have Zalbass&Almodos. Zalbass is a mercane with orderly blood in his heritage and Almodos is a even stranger - an orthon without his armor. No one really knows what happened or why he's become smart and charming enough to lead a mercantile effort, but they supply a great deal of goods to the efreet from across the planes, including Hell. He's technically a deserter from the Blood War, but the devils have made no effort to pursue the matter. They're either okay with it and it's a plan or he has someone protecting him."
"We'll give the Lookout a pass at present," Seira declares after a few moments of thought. "Elle, take charge of the Firepit assault. Along with Lumenbur, you might be able to glean something from their operation while busting it. I'll handle Arcana Inferna in person, and Yandrazrt might be able to salvage something for our own forces." The mercane angle is too perfect for what she had in mind, and she turns towards Kascha, saying, "Take Xera and Omni and crush the merchants. Prioritize taking the leadership down and eliminating Hellish goods if you run into stiff opposition and reinforcements."
Okay, then any prep to do here, Seira?
I think I'm good.
No spells to cast, no preparations, nothing for battle? Or are you using a preloaded setup?
My usual precast spells, which are available for all participants upon demand.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php?topic=104109.msg1115887#msg1115887
Exceptions (precast only on myself): Bibliotheca Arcana, Moment of Prescience, Many Moments of Prescience.
Mind blank any of the multitarget spells you'll be casting anyway. Go ahead and list 'em.
Combat Loadout
All spells here are to be precast before leaving home [CL 32].
Overall: Glorious Rally, Celestial Valor, Foresight, Ghost Touch (Armor, Shield and Weapons), Recitation (per round spell)
Defensive: Shield of Warding, Foresight, Superior Vigor (per round spell)
Perception Modes and Protections: True Seeing, Sensual Blessing, Vision of the Omniscient Eye, Detect Scrying
Movement Modes and Protections: Freedom of Movement, Pass Without Trace, Greater Anticipate Teleport
Skill Checks: Bibliotheca Arcana, Greater Heroism, Voice of the Dragon
Ability Checks: Good Hope
Immunities and Resistances: Mind Blank [Self Only], Nondetection, Mass Death Ward, Heroes's Feast, Energy Res 30 (all)
Esoteric Boosters: Many Moments of Prescience [Self Only], Moment of Prescience [Self Only], Fortunate Fate, Spell Turning
Chain Counterspell channeled into Dragon's Grace [Self Only]
One-Off Spells: Sign, Divine Insight, Improvisation
People can opt out of any spells they don't like. I also take requests! Finally, I'd strongly suggest all the NPCs constantly make use of Mind Blank via one of our in-house mages or something, including on this mission.
Got Amaryl's block up. I'll work up one for Lagann tonight or in the morning.
[spoiler]
Amaryl
HP: 505+20/505 (fast healing 8)(healing doubled)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+39 Perception/+14 Diplomacy (+4 morale), Checks+0 (+8 fear/fight sapping emotions, holy weapons but doesn't stack, scent, low-light vision, darkvision 60ft, tremorsense 60ft and blindsight 60ft)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL17), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Sensual Blessing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistacex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Right, so like we discussed for ease of things I'll swap targets with Kascha. She'll take Lagann to my original mission, I'll grab Omni and Amaryl and go deal with the evil traders.
Right. Okay. That's sorted. Just one question: Where are you teleporting relative to Zalbass&Almodos's base of operations?
[spoiler]
Amaryl
HP: 505+20/505 (fast healing 8)(healing doubled)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+39 Perception/+14 Diplomacy (+4 morale), Checks+0 (+8 fear/fight sapping emotions, holy weapons but doesn't stack, scent, low-light vision, darkvision 60ft, tremorsense 60ft and blindsight 60ft)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL17), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Sensual Blessing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistacex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Omni placeholder here for now.
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+39 Perception/+14 Diplomacy (+4 morale), Checks+0 (+8 fear/fight sapping emotions, holy weapons but doesn't stack, scent, low-light vision, darkvision 60ft, tremorsense 60ft and blindsight 60ft)
Since they are traders and this is where they trade/operate out of, I presume there is knowledge of allowed spots to teleport. I'll pick the closest one.
They have an established base in Bonfire, a trading town near several elemental portals along with one to the Astral. While nothing in their base is kosher for it, there is a central teleport hub for all of Bonfire. It's a great big plaza full of statues of the Grand Sultan known as Sultan's Watch.
Naturally, it's both to control teleportation and as a strong point if needed.
Let's test the waters and use that.
Thus the three of you appear in a flash of light and magic. It's warm here but nothing more, like a dry summer day rather than anything else. Bearable, manageable even for mortals. Statues of the Grand Sultan loom here, a figure of imposing might in full plate armor. A trio of efreet guards are here along with a pair of bored looking efreet, all five of them looking in your direction as...
Depending on what you do here, we may go to init. It's up to you on how you handle this.
"Which way to Zalbass and Almodos's Emporium?" Seira inquires of the efreet with the command presence of a dragon in an archmage's body!
> roll 1d20+16 K:P
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+16 K:P --> [ 1d20=19 ]{35}
One of the bored efreeti wears thick white robes with red markings, turning his head sharply enough to you to send a gust of heat your way. "Seira Aryn!" he gasps, staring. "Amaryl Gaial!"
Omni meanwhile looks around, taking it all in.
"Word of us precedes us," Amaryl remarks pleasantly.
"I damn well better be recognized on sight on Fire," Seira comments, responding to that gust of heat by briefly flaring up an aura of goldenfire. "My directions? I won't be made to ask again."
And like that, gimme Intimidate.
19:49 <CC> roll 1d20+50+14
19:49 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+50+14 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{65}
They can't make the relevant check so no point rolling it.
"A-ah. Take Al-Arusha Road to the north and follow it until you reach Ember's Square. There's signs there to d-direct you, ma'am," The efreet says, as the guards carefully watch them, eyes wide. "Do you require an escort?"
"I'm perfectly capable of following simple directions," she tells them before proceeding down Al-Arusha road. "Carry on."
Omni follows, the gargantuan elemental finding enough space - everything's built bigger here, after all.
Amaryl smiles at them and follows, and in your mind you hear, 'So no stealth at all? Well, at least we'll get a good fight out of it now, maybe.'
'We're not operating against the efreet here, and I want that perfectly clear.'
Stealth does have its uses, but given that attacks are going to be happening across Fire right now, their own will be attributed alongside them as it is. Best not to give away an advantage that might be needed later.
Thus you stride out into the streets. Rising towers and minarets soar above while the buildings are made of stone painted various colors. The roads are broad and wide, plenty of space for efreet, mercane, devils and other traders to pass with ease. From the moment you step out people stare, some scurrying out of the way and others gawking. None are daring to stand in your way or slow you down, however.
Seira moves with purpose, and that coupled with her reputation should prevent from anyone questioning her presence here even if they found it troubling. She still needs to keep her pace such that Omni would be able to follow, but they should reach their destination soon enough!
As people scurry out of the way, Omni speaks aloud, "Fire but only fire," he says, "I think some water for steam would help, it's a little dry."
"We can see how that works once we get there," Seira readily agrees.
Ember's Square is quite large. By now it's mostly empty, people watching from the sides. But that's not all. As you ascertain your position there and seek the signs...
You see him. An efreet in chain armor, riding a mechanical mount, a gearwork creature of Mechanus. He is flying towards the square, followed by a duo of turbaned efreet otherwise nude save for a loincloth, sitting on flying carpets and following.
Seira focuses on the signs. It shouldn't be too hard to ascertain the right directions!
To the west, down Charring Street and then follow to the dead end. That's where your goal lies.
"It's over there, to the west," Seira says, heading in that direction.
"Seira," Amaryl says, as the dragon rider and flying carpets are coming in from the east, almost at the square. "We have company incoming."
"They may not be here for us," Seira responds, choosing to keep going. It's not like she need to literally watch everyone to be aware of the situation.
A nod as you begin to walk, people parting and yep, they're still coming at you. When they're 120ft up and 80ft behind you, one calls, "Seira Aryn," In a booming voice, a powerful voice. One of the carpet riders, actually.
"I turned down the honor guard as unneeded," Seira responds calmly, making her voice heard without needless shouting.
The riders and carpet riders hold position as the efreet on it shouts back, "What is your purpose here?"
"I'm headed to Zalbass and Almodos," Seira responds, before turning the question back on him. "What is your purpose here?"
"To demand answers and stop you," The rider shouts back, "Bonfire is under the protection of the Grand Sultan! You shall not come here and lord over his subjects!"
"Demand answers?" Seira asks as her tone of voice shifts. Finally stopping, she turns to look up at the rider with condescension she doesn't bother hiding. "The likes of you? Of me? This insult, is it your idea, or does it come straight from the Grand Sultan? I wish to know where it originated."
Give me intimidate again.
22:06 <CC> roll 1d20+50+14+15
22:06 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+50+14+15 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{82}
> roll 1d20+35
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+35 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{51}
"You dare?!" The voice shouts back, a slight shake to it. "You dare question the Grand Sultan's will?!"
"I dare question it is, indeed, the Grand Sultan's will," Seira responds. "Be gone from my sight, or face the consequences of trying to pick a fight with me."
Amaryl casually draws her bow, turning and nocking an arrow. She says not a word, but...
Intimidate again, +2 bonus.
22:23 <CC> roll 1d20+50+14
22:23 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+50+14 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{76}
+2, so 78.
The carpet rider...buckles. He shudders, something in that. The golem dragon rider turns his gaze to him slowly as you hear the carper rider says, "I c-can't! You know how strongaaaaah!" A simple gesture from the golem dragon rider decapitates him, not even close to him and yet the carper rider's head falls away, neatly cut off.
'Treason and cowardice are the same thing if you serve the Grand Sultan,' A voice whispers in your mind, like iron snuggling into your brain. 'You will surrender or face the Sultan's justice, Seira Aryn.'
"You have one last chance to leave me in peace," Seira says, unwilling to be the first to attack just yet.
There is no direct reply, instead the air whistles around you, as if blades are slicing all around you. Then - !!!
Init.
22:55 <CC> roll 1d20+18+4
22:55 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+18+4 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{39}
Amaryl has supreme init.
> roll 1d20+14 efreet mechanical dragon rider
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 efreet mechanical dragon rider --> [ 1d20=14 ]{28}
> roll 1d20+8 mechanical dragon
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 mechanical dragon --> [ 1d20=18 ]{26}
> roll 1d20+11 efreet carpet 2
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 efreet carpet 2 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{19}
Init is Amaryl (Supreme Init) > Seira (39) > Efreet Dragon Rider (28) > Mechanical Dragon (26) > Efreet Carpet 2 (19)
Amaryl opens. Before that, toss out K:P.
Omni should roll init, he has Sign and Good Hope for +6 init.
Seira takes 10 for K:P 83
> roll 1d20+22
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+22 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{36}
Good catch, Cor.
Init is Amaryl (Supreme Init) > Seira (39) > Omni (36) > Efreet Dragon Rider (28) > Mechanical Dragon (26) > Efreet Carpet 2 (19)
This figure is one you know. General Hamid Nasan Hakimi, a fourth son of a minor noble house who has risen on his own talent. He is a subcommander of the 12th Southern Reserve, a force dedicated to the defense of the efreet empire. What he's doing here is anyone's guess. He's noted for being a calm fanatic, demanding only the best in the Sultan's name. He's a skilled user of cutting force, able to shred things apart from far away. It's hard to stop his attacks as they merely need to touch you to be effective.
He's generally considered a rising star under this Sultan, though probably eons away from a serious promotion. As only minor nobility, he will have a long road ahead to advance further in the ranks.
Seira figures there wouldn't be a promotion in the general's future. 'Target the dragon rider,' she thinks to Amaryl. 'Take him out and the rest will flee!'
Amaryl is a blur, afterimages left as she flies up. She rises at an angle, a mere 30ft away when she stops, aims and fires a quintet of arrows at the general's body.
Move action + Manyshot.
> roll 1d20+64
> roll 1d20+64
> roll 1d20+64
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{77}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{67}
> roll 1d20+64
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{80}
> roll 1d20+64
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{71}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{75}
> roll 1d8+49+10d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+49+10d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+49+10d6+5d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+49+10d6+5d6 --> [ 1d8=3 10d6=36 5d6=13 ]{101}
> roll 1d8+49+10d6+5d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+49+10d6+5d6 --> [ 1d8=8 10d6=36 5d6=12 ]{105}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+49+10d6+5d6 --> [ 1d8=7 10d6=37 5d6=14 ]{107}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+49+10d6+5d6 --> [ 1d8=3 10d6=40 5d6=18 ]{110}
> roll 1d8+49+10d6+5d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+49+10d6+5d6 --> [ 1d8=2 10d6=38 5d6=17 ]{106}
Arrow after arrow slams into center mass, hitting the general dead on. He's rocked back by this, all five in him and yet he stands. Bleeding badly for sure but still up, holding onto his horse as...
He has some HP to take that. Seira.
[spoiler]
Amaryl
HP: 505+20/505 (fast healing 8)(healing doubled)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+39 Perception/+14 Diplomacy (+4 morale), Checks+0 (+8 fear/fight sapping emotions, holy weapons but doesn't stack, scent, low-light vision, darkvision 60ft, tremorsense 60ft and blindsight 60ft)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL17), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Sensual Blessing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistacex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Omni placeholder here for now.
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+39 Perception/+14 Diplomacy (+4 morale), Checks+0 (+8 fear/fight sapping emotions, holy weapons but doesn't stack, scent, low-light vision, darkvision 60ft, tremorsense 60ft and blindsight 60ft)
Seira flashes up in the form of a snakelike dragon! She runs the general and his ride through, before turning on her target while a group of small fire elementals join in on the attack!
Swift 1: Miracle to Lightning Leap, Swift 2: Miracle for Summon Monster VIII (3 large fire elementals).
20:03 <CC> roll 15d6
20:03 <Kobot> CC rolled 15d6 --> [ 15d6=52 ]{52}
Ref DC 30 half for dragon and general
20:01 <CC> roll 1d4+1
20:01 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d4+1 --> [ 1d4=2 ]{3}
large fire elementals
Attacks:
20:06 <CC> roll 4#1d20+60
20:06 <Kobot> CC rolled 4#1d20+60 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{72}, [ 1d20=12 ]{72}, [ 1d20=5 ]{65}, [ 1d20=10 ]{70}
20:06 <CC> roll 1d20+55
20:06 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+55 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{60}
20:06 <CC> roll 1d20+50
20:06 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+50 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{52}
20:06 <CC> roll 1d20+45
20:06 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+45 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{57}
20:07 <CC> roll 4#1d20+55
20:07 <Kobot> CC rolled 4#1d20+55 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{60}, [ 1d20=20 ]{75}, [ 1d20=11 ]{66}, [ 1d20=2 ]{57}
20:07 <CC> roll 1d20+55 crit?
20:07 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+55 crit? --> [ 1d20=2 ]{57}
Damage:
20:10 <CC> roll 1d6+90+16d6+2
20:10 <CC> roll 1d6+90+16d6+2
20:10 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d6+90+16d6+2 --> [ 1d6=4 16d6=52 ]{148}
20:10 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d6+90+16d6+2 --> [ 1d6=6 16d6=49 ]{147}
20:10 <CC> roll 1d6+90+16d6+2
20:10 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d6+90+16d6+2 --> [ 1d6=3 16d6=49 ]{144}
20:10 <CC> roll 1d6+90+16d6+2
20:10 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d6+90+16d6+2 --> [ 1d6=4 16d6=61 ]{157}
20:10 <CC> roll 1d6+90+16d6+2
20:10 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d6+90+16d6+2 --> [ 1d6=1 16d6=49 ]{142}
20:10 <CC> roll 1d6+90+16d6+2
20:10 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d6+90+16d6+2 --> [ 1d6=4 16d6=52 ]{148}
20:10 <CC> roll 1d6+90+16d6+2
20:10 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d6+90+16d6+2 --> [ 1d6=6 16d6=54 ]{152}
20:10 <CC> roll 1d8+88+14d6+2
20:10 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d8+88+14d6+2 --> [ 1d8=8 14d6=52 ]{150}
20:11 <CC> roll 1d6+83+14d6+2
20:11 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d6+83+14d6+2 --> [ 1d6=2 14d6=51 ]{138}
20:12 <CC> roll 2d6+166+14d6+4 if crit
20:12 <Kobot> CC rolled 2d6+166+14d6+4 if crit --> [ 2d6=8 14d6=41 ]{219}
20:11 <CC> roll 1d6+83+14d6+2
20:11 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d6+83+14d6+2 --> [ 1d6=3 14d6=50 ]{138}
20:11 <CC> roll 1d4+83+14d6+2
20:11 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d4+83+14d6+2 --> [ 1d4=3 14d6=46 ]{134}
Roll before last should've been a d4 instead of a d6
20:13 <CC> roll 1d4
20:13 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d4 --> [ 1d4=4 ]{4}
So instead of 139 it would be 139.
I forgot I had a dispel channeled into my sword. How many rolls, if it's needed?
None. You'[ll see why in just a moment.
Lightning slams through them all, powerful and uncontrolled. A moment later Seira has struck all over, blade carving through them all, leaving behind naught but ruin. The general is decapitated, a moment later the horse slashed in half, and then a backhanded slash finishes the carpet riding djinn off. The remnants and carpet falls to the ground, gear and treasure falling like rain.
Ow. Suffice to say, double ow. Free act.
Idiocy. Seira recovers the goods for her trouble, and then makes way to her destination! If dimensional travel is truly prevented here, then the devil merchants won't be able to escape!
Amaryl shakes her head, "Hunting for glory? Loyalty to the Sultan?" she murmurs, "What foolishness, Seira."
"Loyalty, albeit misguided," Seira responds. "The Sultan has no need for inflexible zealots as anything more than fodder. Let's go before another one appears?"
Amaryl nods and falls back in with you.
Perception.
Taking 10 for 84.
Modes: scent, low-light vision, darkvision, blindsight, tremorsense, true seeing
Seira channels Chain Dispel into Dragon's Grace as she goes!
From here, none dare challenge you.
Zalbass&Almodos is a rather nice building indeed, a large and sprawling one that's two stories high. It's surrounded by a perfectly green hedge bush, unburning despite the weather here, and in fact thriving. Perfectly transparent glass doors allow you to see within to a comfortable looking lobby, an elegant fountain full of water glimpsed within.
"Real water on Fire?" Amaryl murmurs.
"Omni, it seems they had the same idea," Seira tells the nascent elemental, stepping inside.
Greater Arcane Sight, do I see anything? Spellcraft 10 for 68, I should immediately know the spells I see.
Teleportation blocks - a dimensional lock expanded - and various spells to protect everything here by strengthening it. Fairly straightforward stuff.
Seira steps inside the building, looking for anyone alive!
There's a desk with several pretty women here - an aasimar with silver hair, an elf with honey blonde hair and a pretty erinyes. "Hello and welcome!" They say at the same time, bowing.
Are they... EVIL?
"Hello," Seira returns, making her way over to the desk. "I wish to see the owners."
"We-" The elf begins, then stares as Omni comes in. Amaryl gets a look too as the erinyes freezes solid.
Erinyes took 10 on K:P.
"Ahem," The aasimar smiles sweetly, "Both owners are currently away on business. How can we help you?"
Are they evil? Also, Sense Motive 10 for 74 on the aasimar's claim.
"That's unfortunate," Seira laments, locking her gaze with the erinyes. "As I rather think it is in your best interest if I were to take my business up with the owners instead."
All three are evil.
The erinyes takes a long, shaky breath. "They really are gone. Sorry?" she offers, hesitantly.
They seem to be telling the truth.
"I have a few more questions for the three of you, then. When did they leave? Where to? Did they go together? When do you expect either of them back?"
"Twenty minutes ago," The erinyes stammers out, as the aasimar suddenly shrinks back. "We don't know where or why, Palum might know!"
"Palum's their personal secretary," The elf adds.
"Alright. Is Palum also here? Who else is?"
They're pretty well cowed by your reputation, but give me Intimidate here anyway.
It's well-deserved!
19:27 <CC> roll 1d20+64
19:27 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+64 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{83}
The thee quail at you and the aasimar quickly manages, "I-in the back!" she blurts out, pointing at a door within. "That way!"
Amaryl merely smiles kindly, "Why thank you," she says.
'We should tell them to run and leave this place.'
"I recommend that you tend your resignations and vacate the premises immediately," Seira tells the trio, proceeding in the indicated direction.
The erinyes takes no chances, leaping into the and flying out. The elf follows, the aasimar lingering. Just a moment, eyeing you, before turning and fleeing as well.
Seira continues to seek out the secretary!
You go to the door - only for it to fly open. A big, burly dwarf is there, beard red and braided. He raises a warhammer and shield, the shield with a red circle with an green eye overlaid atop it. "You! What are you doing here?"
Give me an K:P check as well.
Taking 10 for 83. Also, Greater Arcane Sight, does it reveal anything useful? Spellcraft 10 for 68.
"Looking for the owners. Would you be willing to tell me their whereabouts?"
CL check on greater arcane sight.
20:30 <CC> roll 1d20+34
20:30 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+34 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{39}
He has a handful on him - nondetection, greater heroism, good hope, Nacheson's bull's power.
His symbol is that of the symbol of the Red Marauders, a traveling adventure group that broke up a few dozen years ago. Notable for serving in the Blood War then being escorts for a celestial party who had to infiltrate Gehenna.
"You aren't authorized, are you? Show me your pass!" He challenges right back.
"Authorized for what?" Seira asks incredulously. "This is the public reception area. Would it have hurt you to let me break a rule first before accusing me of it?"
She shakes her head. "I'm feeling annoyed now, so let's skip diplomacy. I want to know this information, and if you refuse you will have a very bad day. Are you prepared to throw your life away so pointlessly?"
Is he evil? Also, intimidation!
20:49 <CC> roll 1d20+64
20:49 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+64 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{71}
He is not evil and he needs no check, as he's immune to fear.
"I know you're not supposed to be here," the dwarf scowls, "Show me a pass, prove me wrong and this all stops."
"This is my pass," Seira says, feeling herself expand into a majestic dragon! "Last chance to give me my answers, servant of the devils."
Being a soldier of fortune means he won't be smited on the spot, yet choosing his employers poorly will result in a fight the dwarf is bound to regret if he doesn't acquiesce!
The dwarf holds his ground as you fill the room, Amaryl smiling. She just watches with bow ready, while Omni says, "Seira is right. Anything else is a mistake. Seira does not make mistakes, she makes promises."
The dwarf takes one look at this, "Moradin's bloody balls," he swears, "You're a fucking dragon." Stepping back carefully, "The hell are you?"
"You are in the presence of Seira Aryn, the Dragon Princess," Seira announces, preferring to use that part of her title in public the most. "This business offends me, and so do its owners. I will be lead to their secretary, Palum, with all due haste and receive full cooperation, or this place and all within it will burn with an intensity that will take even natives aback. Am I understood?"
"Guh..." Another step back, "Fine, fine. Follow me."
"Finally," Amaryl says, "You have sense after all, dwarf."
Since dragons are able to cut to the chase so easily, Seira merely uses her divine power to ensure her dragon self can pass comfortably after the dwarf. All that time reforming her realm has been useful with such magic, in any case!
You are lead back - through a small garden winding through a hall, past an elegant room full of paintings and finally to a comfortable sitting room. Here at the door stands an efreet, smooth and well kept. He smiles as all of you approach, "Hello there...I'm sorry, but both masters are currently out, if you're looking for them." He wears robes of blue and a turban, no weapon visible. "Really Asmel, you know they're not here."
"Palum, I take it?" Seira asks, keeping her draconic form for the time being. "This is unfortunate. Where did they go, and when are they supposed to return?"
Is he evil? Spellcraft 68 for any spells on him via Greater Arcane Sight.
He has no spells active on him and is evil.
"They left in rather a hurry," Palum explains, "I believe one of their seer contacts sent them a message. While they didn't say who, based on the reaction, it may have been the Man of the Winds. They take his advice most seriously, in those rare times he sees fit to give it. Perhaps it was Old Geareye or Salindas of Tarrey as well, but none other could get that reaction from him." Still smiling all the while, "The masters have cultivated help and aid from many seers, you understand, Ms. Aryn. While they do not advertise it, I see little point hiding it from you."
"This simplifies matters," Seira tells them. "I presume you have a copy of their business dealings across the planes?"
First, she'll try to get some usable information. And make sure Palum is on the level!
Sense Motive 10 for 74.
"I do not, actually. It's almost as if my masters do not trust me not to betray them," Palum smiles blandly at that, "They keep all records in a secured vault that only they can access."
He doesn't seem to be lying at all. You can detect an undercurrent of casual contempt, though.
"Show me to the vault, and you are free to go," Seira tells Palum. Turing her head towards the dwarf, she notes for his benefit, "As for yourself, I would urge you to seek a better master."
To Amaryl, she thinks, 'How about you take Omni with you and go over the merchandise? Get anything that seems decent and destroy the rest.'
'Of course. Destroy the building after that?' Amaryl sends back.
'Not a brick left standing,' Seira affirms.
"Of course, right this way," Palum smiles and goes to the side wall, tapping it thrice in an odd pattern. It slides open, a secret passage revealed.
Seira follows, once more in her regular form. And continuing to keep Palum honest!
If I happen to sense motive he's lying or taking me into a trap....
As you walk down a darker hallway, "If you ask me, this should be lit," he opines, "It's terribly cliche for this secret passage to be dark, let alone for the vault to be hidden by one. It's as common as finding hellfire in Hell." Glancing back at you, "At least you aren't insisting on dragoning through these poor halls. "But I can feel it, Ms. Aryn. Your presence, overwhelming. Rather remarkable, it reminds me a little of the Grand Sultan."
"It is as dark or light as I will it," Seira voices, adjusting the lighting to be more pleasant. "Just as it would be no problem whatever shape I were to use. Reality finds it easier to bend to my little whims." Glancing at her guide, she asks, "Do you find your position here fulfilling? Not trusted by your employers, and left behind the moment they receive a warning and flee on their own?"
"It has its rewards," The efreet replies back, not even missing a moment. "Why, is that an imminent offer of employment?"
"I see many uses for sensible people who are willing to serve my cause, and I came here because I have a problem with this establishment. If I'm going to be putting you out of a job, I might as well make an offer myself?"
"I'm listening." Palum says, hands behind his back now.
"I'll put you on retention and match your salary along with the standard twenty percent raise for taking on a new position. You'll need to follow my ethical code throughout your employment, like you would expect, although it's hardly much of a restriction. You'll gain my protection, the chance of further advancement and I'm not going to be abandoning you at the first sign of trouble. Where it comes to the actual job, I'm thinking administration unless you would like to have something better tailored for your specialties. How about it?"
Gimme a Diplo check here while you're at it. You said enough to warrant it.
20:22 <CC> roll 1d20+70 Rei
20:22 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+70 Rei --> [ 1d20=5 ]{75}
"Forty percent," Palum counters, "Along with your exact ethical code and proposed duties in writing before I sign any sort of contract or a verbal contract takes hold."
"I'm willing to go up to forty percent after a monthly trial period," Seira muses. "You'll get the code in writing later, but the gist of it is no torture, cruelty or enslavement."
"Acceptable, if provisional and understanding this still allows for mutual withdrawal." Palum agrees.
"It does, I put that in all my formal contracts," Seira agrees herself. "Now is simply not the best time or place to stop for a signing. I think that it will be best if you were to leave for safety once you've shown me to the safe, and then either made your way to the Cauldron or waited for me to contact you, whichever is more convenient."
"Indeed, I can show you to it but nothing else. I have clauses in my contract that are triggered by accepting your offer." Palum merely nods. "This way."
Amaryl listens to all of this and as you go? 'Do you remotely think we can trust him?'
'The job will involve a healthy dose of self-interest, so I'm willing to wait and see,' Seira responds to her wife, proceeding.
'He is a cut above the rest to be unafraid, or skillful enough to hide his fear,' Amaryl remarks back, 'Or supremely self confident.'
'I like sensible people.'
You are taken to a rune covered door, made of solid metal, gray and imposing. "Here. From here on I wish you well," he nods, "And I must excuse myself and prepare certain contingencies. If you excuse me."
"Let me know when you are freed of these obligations and ready to sign," Seira responds to him, before turning to study the door.
Perception 10 for 84, Spellcraft 10 for 83, I also have Craft/Traps and Disable Device and various knowledges as needed.
The door is trapped. Hundreds and hundreds of copies of the door are packed in the same space, a twisted region of space that abuses it to make a door with nearly unbreakable strength and weight. It's warded against most magic, causing it to roll off of it, though a spell beyond the 9th circle should defeat that protection.
Ooh, her specialty! Two of them, in face! Seira decides to leave off with a dispel, first.
21:46 <CC> roll 1d20+39 superb dispelling Rei
21:46 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+39 superb dispelling Rei --> [ 1d20=6 ]{45}
Give me three more checks.
22:00 <CC> roll 3#1d20+39 superb dispelling Rei
22:00 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 3#1d20+39 superb dispelling Rei --> [ 1d20=12 ]{51}, [ 1d20=8 ]{47}, [ 1d20=18 ]{57}
The runes vanish after your casting, fading away into nothingness.
Her eyes didn't find any other traps before, but Seira looks again! And also tries to estimate the width of the door. The mass might be overwhelming, but the very same process that put this reinforced door in her path has to keep it down to a consistent and hopefully low width.
Perception 10 for 84, Spellcraft 10 for 83, K:Engineering 10 for 57, I also have Craft/Traps and Disable Device and various other knowledges as needed. True Seeing, Tremorsense, Scent, Blindsight, Darkvision, Low-level vision.
The door is about two and a half inches in width. No sign of direct traps otherwise.
Seira's form is briefly obscured by shadows, and then she slips past the door.
Shadow Form, I autopass the escape artist check.
Also, did it look like I disabled the traps for good or merely took them down temporarily?
You think you took them out for a little while.
Ahead is a plain room with no doors in or out save for a big vault door ahead. It's closed, naturally.
In the middle of the room is a pedestal with a keyhole in it.
Perception 10 for 84, Spellcraft 10 for 83, K:Engineering 10 for 57, I also have Craft/Traps and Disable Device and various other knowledges as needed. True Seeing, Tremorsense, Scent, Blindsight, Darkvision, Low-level vision.
Interesting. There's a lot of magic around the keyhole, incredibly dense. And yet none of it really does anything except looking like it's important.
The keyhole looks functional and there's no traps attached that you can see.
Seira notices the way the keyhole's inner space looks to her, mapping it out with Bibliotheca Arcana's help, and then knocks carefully on the pedestal around the opening while her other hand rests on the surface, to listen for and sense the tremors going through it.
After getting an idea for the inner structure of the mechanism, she wills for gold to flow down into the opening and reshapes it into a key that fits the device.
Perception 10 for 84, K:Engineering 10 for 57, Craft/Metalworks 10 for 57, Craft/Traps 10 for 83, Appraise 10 for 83, Disable Device 10 for 83. There's two rounds's worth of effort spent on this, including a few Divine Insights.
Done and done. You have a replica of the key made of gold, ready to be turned if you wish.
So long as mapping out the schematic of the device in a bout of nostalgia of her days doing that sort of thing while adventuring with Lagann didn't show a nefarious spike trap or hidden pit triggered by the key, Seira turns it in the lock!
The lock is turned. Nothing happens, at least that you can discern.
Seira spends a moment on a divination, one used to review what went on in this room in the past week going backwards from the present.
And on a whim, alters the spell before running a second divination in parallel, this one following the changes set in motion by the turning of the key in the lock.
Ah, you see. A mercane enters, ignores the key and pedestal entirely and pushes the vault door open, heading within.
The second divination shows no changes for the key door.
So she hadn't ruined herself, merely lost a few moments. But she had fun! So it's a net zero in the end.
Seira proceeds to the vault door, pushing it in the same place and with the same strength as demonstrated in her vision. Time to see what's there!
An exact copy of this room, though even from out here your augmented vision can tell the magic is vastly stronger, both in pedestal and vault door.
Seira lets her eyes sort out the spells automatically, and once she concurs that no magic in the room is triggered by divination she repeats the one from the previous room to see the owners's way to beat the room's defenses.
CL check on whatever spell you're using to analyze the magic here.
It's Greater Arcane Sight.
20:30 <CC> roll 1d20+34
20:30 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+34 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{42}
The magic is remarkably strong - you can't analyze it.
Since it seems like the magic was cast by a true archmage, Seira decides to recast Greater Arcane Sight again. And again, and again, if needed.
Up to three castings, which would take up a round if I need all of them.
20:53 <CC> roll 3#1d20+34
20:53 <Kobot> CC rolled 3#1d20+34 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{51}, [ 1d20=13 ]{47}, [ 1d20=18 ]{52}
The second try is sufficient.
The magic here is tied to the entire room. Magical glyphs ready to go off, flooding the room with harmful magic of all types if you make the slightest mistake. If precisely the right key, both physically and magically, is not put in or the lock is tampered with at all? It all goes off. The door is linked to the lock, only opening if the lock is successfully turned.
Seira runs her divination, even as she ensures the mechanism is not trapped so long as one doesn't try to activate it. If looking into it, examining it with an emulation of Lagann's metal sense or sending vibrations through the material won't set it off, she'll do that while studying the owners's actions
Perception 10 for 84, K:Engineering 10 for 57, Craft/Metalworks 10 for 57, Craft/Traps 10 for 83, Appraise 10 for 83, Disable Device 10 for 83.
As for the divination, I'll just use the two remaining rolls from earlier if needed, it's the same CL.
The mechanism isn't trapped otherwise, as long as you don't try to disrupt it or use the wrong key, or otherwise fiddle with it. You note this includes dispels that don't work.
Vibrations in the middle should send it off - it's fairly precisely tuned and set for that.
You see the mercane comes in, puts a golden key in and turns it, the vault door opening.
If she can't risk setting off the device, then Seira will just try and alter the opacity of its shell. That, along with study of the magic involved, should allow her to prepare the right key!
I know there's a ring of x-ray vision and there might be other ways as well. I'll try to basically get an idea for the mundane key's needed shape, and study the magic involved so I could match it via my counterspelling expertise. Finally, UMD should do the trick if I time it right with turning the key.
Do you have any Craft skill relevant to forging a key?
Of course! Craft/Metalworks (5) and Craft/Traps (31), just to name a couple. Disable Device (31) is clearly relevant, especially since Open Lock was folded into it. I have Knowledge/Engineering (5) to give me some theoretical info as well, and Appraise (31) goes well with it. Obviously Use Magic Device (31) helps on the magical side of things.
Give me a Craft(Metalworks) check with a +6 circumstance bonus due to related skills.
21:24 <CC> roll 1d20+32+6+15+12+20 divine insight, guidance of the avatar, using up improvisation
21:24 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+32+6+15+12+20 divine insight, guidance of the avatar, using up improvisation --> [ 1d20=16 ]{101}
It's hard but you believe you've managed a perfect copy of the key, at least physically.
Seira focuses on the magic anew, studying it before even as she thinks back to the Crimson Guard's early days.
First, do I need a Spellcraft or K:Arcane roll to study the magic enough to emulate the magical key with UMD? Second, can I turn my key into a magical item (costing up to 4,500gp!) with exciting divine powers, and have it be like Frozen Oath? Then I could shift the magic within it with my own before it had a chance to settle.
Yes but gimme K:A first.
21:43 <CC> roll 1d20+73+20 GotA
21:43 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+73+20 GotA --> [ 1d20=20 ]{113}
As long as the magic item you'd create is related to your portfolio elements, meant to say that in the last post. How is it related to them? I don't need a ton, just a reasonable justification.
It's an investment in my future~
Something a little less broad, please. I mean, if you can use it to justify pretty much anything it's too broad.
But seriously, I'm doing an awesome thing that's surely going to be an inspiration if it's ever heard. Emily would wish she had exciting adventures to loot evil while overcoming such traps! I think doing the unlikely thing and beating the odds while pursuing the cause of Good on Fire as a true adventurer is fitting, and that key is the key to it all. Also I've always been nostalgic, so using Shamal's breakthrough into magic is a nice homage.
Works for me.
You weave magic into the key, twisting it and making it fit both magically and physically.
After turning the key, Seira follows the visions from the past and steps past the vault door!
Success. Within sits several tomes and a single large chest, made of solid wood and decorated with nymphs with little sapphires for eyes.
Nymphs are nostalgic as well, now that she thinks about it. They always seemed nice and innocent, but then turn out to be really alien while talking to them.
Seira checks everything over with her magic, and then runs the divination a third time in this new room!
Give me Spellcraft and Perception.
22:17 <CC> roll 1d20+73 spellcraft
22:17 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+73 spellcraft --> [ 1d20=9 ]{82}
22:17 <CC> roll 1d20+74 perception
22:17 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+74 perception --> [ 1d20=18 ]{92}
Ah. You notice - All the magic is perfectly in order here, yet you notice something. A slight shift in the brick of the back wall here, as if something isn't quite right.
Her handy divination comes to play, as does Seira's considerable talent for spotting traps!
The wall is not trapped.
Do I see what the owners did here last week, retroactively?
The mercane goes to the wall, pulls it open and reaches within, before leaving with a bag.
Seira decides to pull the wall open as well and see what's left there! Even a starting dragon will have a hoard they will have a hard time carrying in a small sack, nevermind someone of their life experience. Then, there is the mercantile side of things; she'd gone here hoping to find the ledgers, the books her targets would need to manage their business and their extensive network of contacts. Keeping all the eggs in one sack seems counter-productive. The most important, the most precious? Probably. But everything, down to the tomes upon tomes of mundane record-keeping books?
That, and she does hope for a small hoard! Amaryl might find something nice among the merchandise itself, but that's never as fun.
Sitting in here are six burlap sacks on six hooks, with four hooks empty of sacks.
Perhaps for the last time, Seira observes this hidden chamber for traps, yet more hidden doors, magic and a recap of the previous two visits to it via divination.
Nada. If there's anything else here, it's beyond you to find.
Seira takes the sacks, and after a check to confirm they're empty puts the tomes into them. The chest will be last, as she opens it to take a glance inside.
You open one of the sacks to confirm. Within you see a vast space full of copper coins, far more than you can even easily comprehend.
Even better! Seira checks each sack to ensure it or its contents won't interact badly with her bag of holding, and then places them all away inside it, followed by the tomes. Then, it's time to open the chest!
'How are you doing?' she asks Amaryl in the meantime.
One sack has copper coins, one sack has silver coins, three sacks have gold coins. The last sack is empty.
Unfortunately adding them to your bag of holding is a bad idea - explosively bad.
'Waiting and holding position. No sign of a serious reprisal yet.' Amaryl sends back. 'The two lead rats escaping aside, we seem to have been fortunate and caught our target at a time of particular weakness.'
Seira ends up summoning three large earth elementals, for each to hold a pair. The empty sack might come in handy when they leave!
'I'm just about done. Was there anything useful amid the inventory, and did you torch the rest?' she asks Amaryl curiously, studying the chest.
In the interest of clarity! I haven't seen anything in the magic here that a Summon Monster spell would set off, correct? Putting the sacks with stuff into the bag of holding is the bad idea, not the tomes? And finally, what's in the chest, and can that go into the bag of holding safely?
Correct, yes and I was waiting on the chest pending sorting the other things out.
Within the chest sits a single sheet of parchment with writing on it. You can see the writing changes each moment that you stare at it.
Seira has been burnt in the past by exploding runes and similar traps, and first ensures that neither magic nor mundane means would cause her harm before even considering trying to decypher any words.
You don't detect any traps on the parchment nor any hostile magic.
In that case, Seira looks at it! With true seeing, blindsight, darkvision and regular sight. And the greater arcane sight gives everything a nice glow in case there is non-hostile magic to be seen and admired.
One moment it reads:
1394 4582 9238 2098 2398 5992 Fire/Earth/Fire/Fire/Water/Fire/Earth
The next moment it reads:
4923 9348 4999 4820 4033 3982 Air/Air/Air/Air/Air/Water/Fire
The next moment it reads:
9420 0003 2980 2390 4897 1030 Null/Air/Fire/Fire/Fire/Fire/Fire
And so on.
You analyze the magic. It seems bound to a location beyond this plane, one that seems to be moving constantly.
Nice! Seira always appreciates a good riddle. She puts it and the chest away, intending to focus on it later, and glances over at Amaryl's position.
I'm basically waiting for Amaryl to respond to me to see about our next move.
Amaryl's several rooms back, remember? She also replied to you.
A few posts back I asked:
'I'm just about done. Was there anything useful amid the inventory, and did you torch the rest?' she asks Amaryl curiously, studying the chest.
I'm also using a divination to try and look in on her and Omni, so it'd be easier to teleport over. I imagine that if I coordinate with Amaryl telepathically it wouldn't be hard for me to get the spell to work.
'It's cleared,' Amaryl says, 'We're ready for you.'
'I am there,' Seira returns, shifting herself over after sending the trio of elementals into an isolated and well-secured treasure vault in the Cauldron.
Where are you shifting yourself to, precisely?
To where I saw Amaryl was.
A quick trip back and you find Amaryl outside the many-door, waiting for you.
"What did you find?" she asks.
"What seems to be records, some coins and a nice coded cypher to a location somewhere across the planes. Should be fun to track it down!" Seira responds cheerfully, asking, "You and Omni had a good time trashing the place? I think I'm ready to collapse it and head back home."
"We did enough damage to the main parts," Amaryl declares, "A few earthquakes or similar spells should bring the whole thing down."
"Let's go for it!" Seira cheerfully agrees, all too happy to tear the place down while ensuring the surrounding buildings don't suffer any damages.
Heading back out in that case?
Yes
Perception.
Taking 10 for 84.
True Seeing, Tremorsense, Scent, Blindsight, Darkvision, Low-level vision, Greater Arcane Sight.
You step out - and only your reflexes have you leap back, avoiding a barrage of flames and lightning. It obliterates where you were mere moments before, driving you back into Amaryl and all of you back into the lobby.
"Seira Aryn!" A powerful voice booms from outside and above, "I am Asdel, Sundered Sun! Your head is mine!"
"You're not the first to try, Asdel!" Seira calls back. "Very well! I accept the challenge!"
19:41 <CC> roll 1d20+18+4
19:41 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+18+4 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{38}
Forgot the +2 from Good Hope, so that's 40. Omni has the benefit of Good Hope and Sign for +6 total, Amaryl autowins~
> roll 1d20+24 Omni
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+24 Omni --> [ 1d20=15 ]{39}
> roll 1d20+22 Asdel (+4 sign)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+22 Asdel (+4 sign) --> [ 1d20=13 ]{35}
> roll 1d20+18 ???1
> roll 1d20+18 ???2
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 ???1 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{32}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 ???2 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{27}
> roll 1d20+18 ???3
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 ???3 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{35}
> roll 1d20+31 ????!
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+31 ????! --> [ 1d20=15 ]{46}
Init is Amaryl (Kobot's Defeat) > ???! (46) > Omni (39) > Seira (38) > Asdel = ???3 (35) > (35) > ???1 (32) > ???2 (27)
You can see them, approximately 200ft high and 150ft away.
Asdel stands on a chariot of burning fire, a broken thing. A fallen solar, face craggy and rocky. Lava drips from the cracks across his skin, as blackened and burnt armor girds his form. His wings are that of a bat, constantly bleeding droplets of lava like a mournful rain. Flying in a loose diamond pattern around him, each one 25ft from him save for the front position, are three other fallen solars. Each glares down in contempt - one has a body of fire and hate, the second a form of a withered old man with a deadly glare and the last with full armor and a blade that seeps green liquid.
Behind them floats a carpet, where curtains float and obscure even your vision. You can see the faintest outline of some kind of woman within.
K:P, Seira.
Taking 10 for 83.
Due to Greater Arcane Sight I'd appreciate a list of buffs they have on, and the highest level spell/SLA they can use right now.
Also, since I'm not flat-footed I might counterspell if someone casts, so please tell me what they do cast so I'll decide then.
CL on Greater Arcane Sight.
20:09 <CC> roll 1d20+32
20:09 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+32 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{45}
Forgot to add the +2 from DvR, so actually 47.
Asdel is one of the Sundered Suns. The child of Eblis and an efreet noblewoman, he is noted for his raw spell power and unrelenting nature. His force of will and characters are both said to be remarkable. He is a powerful cleric as well as a mighty sorcerer, combining the two for overwhelming power. He sometimes takes the field as a general for Eblis's forces when he attacks, but as this is rare, little is known of him otherwise.
The fallen of fire and hate is Kukyl, the son of Eblis and a brachina who gained his favor and was drawn in by the Fallen's charisma. He rages and hates only to rage and hate, a never ending cycle of it that results in flames poisoned by evil, that can singe any who serve good, no matter how protected. He is a berserker in spite of his lawful nature, one who rage comes to so easily as to overcome such concerns. A known berserker who has decimated demon armies in the Blood War, he is known as a deadly warrior from those battles.
The fallen that appears as a withered old man is Vale, the son of Eblis and an unknown woman from before his fall. He gained the appearance of an ancient man when he was cast out along with Eblis. He is a wise old spirit able to confound and defeat even the smartest through powerful magic and lies. His skill as an illusionist is only matched by his passion to see his enemies succumb to his gambits. He is mainly known for being active by the standards of Eblis and his children, often going out to capture and destroy mortal souls on what is said to be his own initiative.
The fallen covered by armor is Steel, the child of Eblis and an unknown dao female. The armor is actually organic, which he grows naturally. He's said to be impervious to all kinds of harm. Little else is known of him, as he usually stoically takes abuse while the other Sundered Suns do the hard work. You recall a legend that he can direct magic to him rather than his brothers, allowing him to protect them.
You can't get anything about the woman on the carpet, the curtains block your vision completely.
The Sundered Suns all have the following spells on them: greater heroism, black oath, sulturn's regeneration, sublime resistance, fortunate fate, kaoythim's surge, triel's strike, unholy avenger, death ward, life's grace and soul death. Asdel also has the following spells active: nadir's sigh and blackball's breath. Kukyl has the following spell active as well: kukyl's inferno. Vale also has the follwing spells active: vale's vision, vale's embrace, vale's finality. Steel has the following spells also active: steel bones, rigid life.
Asdel can cast up to 14th level magic. Kukyl can cast up to 9th level magic. Vale can cast up to 13th level magic. Steel can cast up to 9th level magic.
Init is Amaryl (Kobot's Defeat) > ???! (46) > Omni (39) > Seira (38) > Asdel = Steel (35) > (35) > Kukyl (32) > Vale (27)
Chance to react first, typing that all out took time so have that while I go post in other threads already.
'Try to take Vale out,' Seira requests of Amaryl in her mind. Since her arrows are not spells, Steel's defenses should not come up. And she'll do her best to follow up on it!
Meanwhile, her avatar back home sends an update to the other two Cauldron teams of the opposition Seira and Amaryl ran into as a warning to be careful and not engage in losing battles.
> roll 1d20+64
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{71}
> roll 1d20+64
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{66}
> roll 1d20+64
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{76}
> roll 1d20+64
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{84}
> roll 1d20+64
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{71}
> roll 1d20+64 crit check on 4
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 crit check on 4 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{83}
> roll 1d100 vs 20 1
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 20 1 --> [ 1d100=97 ]{97}
> roll 1d100 vs 20 3
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 20 3 --> [ 1d100=80 ]{80}
> roll 1d100 vs 20 4
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 20 4 --> [ 1d100=59 ]{59}
> roll 1d100 vs 20 5
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 20 5 --> [ 1d100=95 ]{95}
> roll 1d8+35+10d6 1
> roll 1d8+35+10d6 3
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+35+10d6 1 --> [ 1d8=7 10d6=34 ]{76}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+35+10d6 3 --> [ 1d8=8 10d6=31 ]{74}
> roll 3d8+105+10d6 4
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d8+105+10d6 4 --> [ 3d8=20 10d6=36 ]{161}
> roll 1d8+35+10d6 5
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+35+10d6 5 --> [ 1d8=5 10d6=29 ]{69}
Amaryl moves with purpose. With a speed new to her, reality rippling around her as she darts up. She takes to the air and flies right up to the efreet, coming within 20ft and opening fire, arrows peppering Vale. He jerks from them, body bloodied, but endures as Asdel says, "Fool. Your mantle of divinity will not save us. Even the divine dies before us."
Init is Amaryl (Kobot's Defeat) > ???! (46) > Omni (39) > Seira (38) > Asdel = Steel (35) > (35) > Kukyl (32) > Vale (27)
From within the curtained carpet a song of Ignan is heard. Wordless and yet beautiful, carrying over the battlefield.
Not a spell that can be countered. Omni is up but will hold for you, mostly so I can get to other threads and pace this better.
[spoiler]
Amaryl
HP: 505+20/505 (fast healing 8)(healing doubled)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+39 Perception/+14 Diplomacy (+4 morale), Checks+0 (+8 fear/fight sapping emotions, holy weapons but doesn't stack, scent, low-light vision, darkvision 60ft, tremorsense 60ft and blindsight 60ft)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mind Blank (CL17), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Sensual Blessing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistacex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Omni placeholder here for now.
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+39 Perception/+14 Diplomacy (+4 morale), Checks+0 (+8 fear/fight sapping emotions, holy weapons but doesn't stack, scent, low-light vision, darkvision 60ft, tremorsense 60ft and blindsight 60ft)
I presume you added +10 from Glorious Rally and Celestial Valor to attack, but you forgot to add it to the damage?
Seira zooms up after Amaryl, deciding to test the waters with her signature spell!
Twinned Unicorn Arrow (via quickened Miracle SLA) on Vale from 30ft away while denying them a line attack to hit both me and Amaryl, no SR/save, going to see how it resolves and do the rest of my turn.
21:33 <CC> roll 10#1d20+60 ranged touch
21:33 <Kobot> CC rolled 10#1d20+60 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=1 ]{61}, [ 1d20=12 ]{72}, [ 1d20=6 ]{66}, [ 1d20=18 ]{78}, [ 1d20=16 ]{76}, [ 1d20=6 ]{66}, [ 1d20=5 ]{65}, [ 1d20=17 ]{77}, [ 1d20=14 ]{74}, [ 1d20=20 ]{80}
21:34 <CC> roll 1d20+60 ranged touch crit
21:34 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+60 ranged touch crit --> [ 1d20=16 ]{76}
21:35 <CC> roll 1d8+8+14d6 #1
21:35 <CC> roll 1d8+8+14d6 #2
21:35 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d8+8+14d6 #1 --> [ 1d8=1 14d6=36 ]{45}
21:35 <CC> roll 1d8+8+14d6 #3
21:35 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d8+8+14d6 #2 --> [ 1d8=2 14d6=49 ]{59}
21:35 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d8+8+14d6 #3 --> [ 1d8=3 14d6=33 ]{44}
21:35 <CC> roll 1d8+8+14d6 #4
21:35 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d8+8+14d6 #4 --> [ 1d8=3 14d6=45 ]{56}
21:35 <CC> roll 1d8+8+14d6 #5
21:35 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d8+8+14d6 #5 --> [ 1d8=5 14d6=57 ]{70}
21:35 <CC> roll 1d8+8+14d6 #6
21:35 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d8+8+14d6 #6 --> [ 1d8=6 14d6=56 ]{70}
21:35 <CC> roll 1d8+8+14d6 #7
21:35 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d8+8+14d6 #7 --> [ 1d8=5 14d6=44 ]{57}
21:35 <CC> roll 1d8+8+14d6 #8
21:35 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d8+8+14d6 #8 --> [ 1d8=7 14d6=37 ]{52}
21:35 <CC> roll 1d8+8+14d6 #9
21:35 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d8+8+14d6 #9 --> [ 1d8=3 14d6=52 ]{63}
Forgot to add +10 damage to each of the rolls above.
21:35 <CC> roll 2d8+18+14d6 #10, crit
21:35 <Kobot> CC rolled 2d8+18+14d6 #10, crit --> [ 2d8=14 14d6=48 ]{80}
Correct and adjusted.
> roll 1d100 vs 20 1
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 20 1 --> [ 1d100=21 ]{21}
> roll 1d100 vs 20 2
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 20 2 --> [ 1d100=27 ]{27}
> roll 1d100 vs 20 3
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 20 3 --> [ 1d100=4 ]{4}
> roll 1d100 vs 20 4
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 20 4 --> [ 1d100=64 ]{64}
> roll 1d100 vs 20 5
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 20 5 --> [ 1d100=85 ]{85}
> roll 1d100 vs 20 6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 20 6 --> [ 1d100=40 ]{40}
> roll 1d100 vs 20 7
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 20 7 --> [ 1d100=17 ]{17}
> roll 1d100 vs 20 8
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 20 8 --> [ 1d100=23 ]{23}
> roll 1d100 vs 20 9
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 20 9 --> [ 1d100=64 ]{64}
Does your spell there count as good aligned?
The spell itself is not Good. I don't think having a Good subtype lends itself to magic, only to weapon attacks?
Correct.
The unicorn arrows hit Vale hard, sending him careening back in the air - but he's still up, bloodied badly but nothing fatal, nothing decisive, nothing that isn't healing before your eyes.
Seira takes a deep breath and then releases a burst of holy plasma at Vale, as well as Asdel and Kukyl, a vial crushed in her hand. Ten more unicorn missiles hit Vale just before it, however!
Another Twinned Unicorn Arrow on Vale, first:
22:17 <CC> roll 10#1d20+60 ranged touch
22:17 <Kobot> CC rolled 10#1d20+60 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=2 ]{62}, [ 1d20=16 ]{76}, [ 1d20=3 ]{63}, [ 1d20=9 ]{69}, [ 1d20=16 ]{76}, [ 1d20=17 ]{77}, [ 1d20=5 ]{65}, [ 1d20=5 ]{65}, [ 1d20=8 ]{68}, [ 1d20=5 ]{65}
22:17 <CC> roll 10#1d8+18+14d6
22:17 <Kobot> CC rolled 10#1d8+18+14d6 --> [ 1d8=2 14d6=54 ]{74}, [ 1d8=4 14d6=35 ]{57}, [ 1d8=6 14d6=55 ]{79}, [ 1d8=5 14d6=46 ]{69}, [ 1d8=4 14d6=44 ]{66}, [ 1d8=1 14d6=56 ]{75}, [ 1d8=8 14d6=61 ]{87}, [ 1d8=5 14d6=49 ]{72}, [ 1d8=7 14d6=53 ]{78}, [ 1d8=7 14d6=45 ]{70}
Then, Seira downs one of the elixirs that turn her breath weapon damage holy and have it give x1.5 damage vs evil and breathes a 60ft cone on Vale, Asdel and Kukyl:
22:18 <CC> roll 22d10 holy
22:18 <Kobot> CC rolled 22d10 holy --> [ 22d10=136 ]{136}
204 holy damage, Ref DC40 half.
Breath recovery:
22:25 <CC> roll 1d4
22:25 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d4 --> [ 1d4=1 ]{1}
Finally, a prediction for Soothsayer's Spite. Next round I will cast Twinned Polar Ray on Asdel!
Soothsayer's Spite:
This flawed agate stone is said to have been passed down into the Malmuthian Royal Family by a vengeful seer. The truth of this matter has been lost to the ebb and flow of time, but the stone remains. When worn, the pendant offers power to those who can manage the future. On your turn as a free action, you may predict a spell you are going to cast the next round as well as the target(s) it will be targeted at. If you are correct on both counts, the spell gains a +4 bonus to DC. If it is a damage dealing spell, it gains a bonus +1 damage per damage die.
Soothsayer's Spite may be used three times per day. Incorrect uses count against it's daily uses. Soothsayer's Spite may only be used in battle. Soothsayer's Spite counts as a minor artifact; it's beyond current mortal means to reproduce.
I also wish for Omni to try and finish Vale off if he somehow survives.
Okay, let's hold that off one second since I made a sincere DM mistake.
As Afina can attest to, the Sundered Suns have a dispelling aura around them. The range of this varies but in this case it's over 20ft and Amaryl would've ran into it while moving int position to shoot. Now RAW I should enforce this immediately since it triggers when you move into it and then once per round on the beginning of the Sundered Sun's turn when you stay in it.
The thing is, Amaryl running into this should get an immediate reaction as some of her spells potentially come down. Normally, I'd enforce this and I even have a big reminder to, but somehow it didn't happen on Amaryl's turn. Obviously, if Amaryl gets dispelled this may change Seira's actions.
So I could enforce this now, but that's kinda crummy when you've already moved into range. I could retcon back to the beginning of Amaryl's turn. Suboptimal but it's a case where I feel that's most fair. Alternately, if you have a suggestion I'm all ears, Cor.
Amaryl just needs to be within 30ft and furthermore we really should have an idea of how large the aura is IC. If it's 30ft, have her stay 30ft away instead of 20ft and we'll go from there.
After discussing in chat, how about this? I ask Amaryl to hold on me since we know they have fuckhuge auras, and instead of my breath I use Antimagic Zone on myself and fly up and do the rest of my turn. Amaryl's own turn is unchanged. Perhaps she even hits more since Vale's spells are nuked, including Fortunate Fate and maybe something that boosts his AC/gives him miss chance.
That's fine, feel free to go for that.
Just as Amaryl flies up to shoot at Vale, Seira makes sure to throw up Antimagic Zone to protect her! And follows after her, of course, twenty magic missiles trailing behind her!
The rolls all stand, except the breath-related one. I'll change my Soothsayer's Spite spell to maximized empowered twinned greater fireburst, however, target still Asdel.
As a note, Antimagic Zone would emanate for a 320ft radius around me, and I'm ending up 30ft away from Vale.
Init is Amaryl (Kobot's Defeat) > ???! (46) > Omni (39) > Seira (38) > Asdel = Steel (35) > (35) > Kukyl (32) > Vale (27)
Seira flies in, surrounded by a zone of null magic. With magic suppressed she rolls in and peppers Vale with unicorn arrows. They devastate the Fallen, ripping into it and sending him plummeting down hard. Yet as they do they all at least stay flying - including the carpet. Amid all of this Asdel snarls and...
> roll 1d20+28 Asdel
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+28 Asdel --> [ 1d20=6 ]{34}
> roll 1d20+25 Kukyl evasion
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+25 Kukyl evasion --> [ 1d20=11 ]{36}
Your breath weapon slams into them, blasting them back with a burst of golden flame.
Init is Amaryl (Kobot's Defeat) > ???! (46) > Omni (39) > Seira (38) > Asdel = Steel (35) > Kukyl (32)
Omni in the next post though I'm not sure I can do much. Go ahead and react ofr now so I can get things rolling.
'Secure Vale,' Seira orders, as her avatar is ready to open a gate between one of the secure cells in the Cauldron's jail and Vale's location as soon as Omni gets over to him to push him through!
My avatar won't participate in the fighting, but I figure she can take care of securing the prisoners with Omni's help.
'Yes, Seira,' Omni replies, going over to do just that.
No. Touch my son and you shall burn forevermore.
To say that after several of them ambush me cowardly is the height of hypocrisy. If you don't want them harmed, have them be gone from my sight!
TEST ME, SEIRA ARYN, AND I SHALL RETURN YOU TO THE DUST AND CLAY YOU WERE BORN FROM!
Peace.
Rage slams into you like a tidal wave, the fires on the horizon burning vastly higher, reaching up towards the heavens.
To protect them means more than from physical harm. Protect their souls against evil, my son.
We will not be stopped by threats. Our task is too important. Now step away, fallen.
Protect them against your anger and pride.
The only answer to that rage is righteous anger!
Don't get ahead of yourself! You might've chosen to start this war, Eblis, but I'm the one who's going to finish it!
Before your eyes, flaming portals appear - chasms of fire that yawn, opening from the ground. They move forward and envelop the Sundered Suns as well as the carpeted woman - and yet the sky screams as the flames reach even higher and rise higher. Dust and burning clay begins to rain, the wailing of dying souls echoing about. 700ft above you he appears - the Nemesis of the Heaven has taken the field. His voice is a roar of worlds ending and nations dying, bellowed so loudly that you wonder if all of Fire can hear his words.
YOU DARE? THEN LET THE HEAVENS WEEP AS I SUNDER YOU APART!
We shall not weep, Eblis. I have not given up on them. I have not given up on you. I will not give up on a single soul in Creation as long as I exist.
FLEE, CREATURES OF DUST!
Seira, this is not a battle won by strength of arms. You are not yet strengthened to defeat Eblis in combat. Eblis has always been a battle for a soul.
Well, he did warn you but I didn't see either of you remotely stepping down. Init time, this counts as a separate combat.
20:07 <CC> roll 1d20+20
20:07 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+20 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{34}
Amaryl has Supreme Init and he doesn't, so no roll for her.
> roll 1d20+18 Omni
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 Omni --> [ 1d20=14 ]{32}
> roll 1d20+26
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+26 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{37}
Whoops, forgot to include his various bonuses, so 14 more for Eblis.
Init is Amaryl (Kobot Free) > Eblis (51) > Seira (34) > Omni (32)
"What...?" Amaryl breathes out in elven, looking up.
Eblis flies there, body a burning blaze of magma and fury. A sword of flames is in his hands, roaring loud as his voice. He is tense, ready to swoop down.
'Did you hear that, Seira? How do we win if we can't defeat him with strength?'
Amaryl's actions depend on your reply here.
Oh good, you're here! A little birdy whispered to me that the heavens are staunchly refusing to weep, and that they haven't given up on you. Unbelievable, right? But true!
To Amaryl, Seira thinks, 'It's a logical fallacy, we don't have to defeat or even fight him. Just Wish the three of us home and be done with this pointless fight.'
'Let's, if we can't win the battle.'
Do not rage, my son. Are they not the same as you, rising higher to become what they wish? Yet you chase them away again.
A moment of silence after your words, a chance for Amaryl.
How much has your pride and anger cost you? How much have you lost? How little are the wages of your sin?
Amaryl weaves words of magic together faster than you can hear, reality beginning to shift.
How lonely are you now that you chase away another in wroth? Is any of this worth it? Do you rage of slighted pride because they defy you, or because they are happier than you?
As this fades and the Cauldron takes your vision, you catch one last glimpse of Eblis. A flinch, a moment of sorrow glimpsed just as you flee. Then you are back, safe at home once more.
Seira shakes her head slowly. "I just don't know what's up with Eblis. Why did he even have us ambushed? Our last serious contact was two decades ago!"
"I don't think it was about us," Amaryl finally says, "Didn't Zaaman Rul mention he was involved in the Sultan's discussions about all of this? He may be taking the field to aid the Grand Sultan. As for the voice, I don't know about that, but it seemed to be about them, not us."
"I'll just have Sanzha protest to the Sultan. If we've crossed an actual law on Fire, I'll eat my hat." Seira blinks. "A replica of my hat, but still! Anyway, let's sort out what we got and wait for the others to return?"
Her avatar is monitoring the other teams, and will draw the two of them in should the need exist.
"Also, Omni, how did you like your first trip to an Inner Plane?"
"We did break in and rob them," Amaryl points out, "Ill gotten gains, but still."
Omni considers, "It needed more water," he finally says.
'If there's anything we learned from Zaaman Rul's intelligence, Amaryl, is that there is no cohesive 'them' here. Certainly, the Sultan is supposed to provide security, on paper. Yet in their corrupt nation, the authorities look away when the right bribes have been paid, or when it is politically convenient. Even if it were the Sultan's choice to strike at us over business owners not even native to Fire nor working for him, why would he indebt himself to Eblis, an independent with no allegiance to him?'
Amaryl takes 10 on relevant K:P checks.
"Because they're...friends?" She frowns, "Or at least seem to get along. Or for politics or other reasons. It makes more sense than Eblis choosing now to attack us at just the wrong time."
"I suppose we'll have to wait and see," Seira tells Amaryl, before asking Omni, "Would you like to visit Water next?"
I'm interested in seeing what we have, which is OOC. IC-wise, I'd like to hear from the other teams once they return and take things from there.
Do you want me to do the loot post first or do IC stuff first? Up to you.
Loot should be quick enough.
Posted. Let me know if you're good to move along to IC.
Let's move on!
You meet with Kascha, Donald and Elle.
Kascha is still battle stained, bloodstained and constantly moving and flexing her left arm.
Donald is pristine though he smells of sweat and blood, sitting heavily down. "Good fight," he says to no one in particular.
Elle is likewise pristine, and with a gesture she cleanses Kascha. Strutting in, "That was a good time," she agrees, "How did your end go, Seira?"
"Complicated. Some seer in their employ told our targets to flee before we even came to Fire. We did trash the place and found something nice in the ruins, but then Eblis's kids ambushed us. We took one down in the opening salvo and I had Omni move him to a cell when Eblis showed up in person." Seira shrugs. "How he knew about it-- well, maybe he also had a seer? It's all the rage these days. The battle turned beyond pointless so we headed home. I do hope you had a better time of it?"
"We did well," Kascha says, then blushes. "I...sort of lost an arm, but I grew a new one."
"How-" Amaryl begins, "Are you...of course you're alright, you're a phoenix." Muttering in elven, "Humans!"
"Counting the ways our adorable Kascha can regrow a limb require both hands," Seira says cheerfully. "Who was the opposition for your teams? And did you manage to learn something nice about fire magic or metallurgy?"
"Mostly the locals," Kascha says, "We saw signs of reinforcements, but we'd already taken care of things." Grimacing and flexing her arm slowly, "We pressed fast so we could win before anything could happen, it's why I lost my arm. We got some lorebooks and information, as well as prisoners."
"Nice. It works as a statement, and it sets the enemy back in their research." Seira grins, saying, "I suppose this only leaves the matter of reward for a job well done. Kascha, starting with you, are you interested in becoming a dragon at all?"
"..." Kascha turns very red at that, "...that isn't...a proposition, is it?" she eeps out.
Donald blinks and blinks again, before throwing his head back with a cackle. Elle chuckles and tries to keep calm, fails and joins Donald.
Amaryl blushes herself, "Ahem! It does rather carry a certain connotation, but no, it doesn't mean that. Also, if you act any more adorable you'll probably make Seira hug you forever."
"Oh please," Seira responds, rolling her eyes. "Dragons have a bad name, but the same goes for humans too, and a few other races. No, what this is about is that the foundation has been set, and I've advanced in my power. I can use it to reward you with a genuine miracle, and while I'll come up with fun rewards in the future I wanted you guys to have a say in the first one."
"Thank you, but no," Kascha clears her throat, "I'm a phoenix, not a dragon. I study dragons, but I remain a phoenix. I don't want to give up being a symbol of life and rebirth, it's too suited to what I've been through."
"In that case," Seira tells her formally, "I will have you experience it in a different way. Kascha, there is a secret spell of the faith that I am bestowing to you. As its first caster, use it well."
Kascha gains Seira's Draconic Visage as a SLA 3/day.
As this is the first time this has been used in particular, I'm going to mention the following point as a general refresher for everyone.
10. Finally, the direct servants of deities are usually awash in the power of the divine. For example, Latha has her sun based powers and Donald his luck powers. You generally can't reward them often as they're considered nearly full already. It's not off the table in a suitable situation, but for balance reasons I'd rather not have it be anything but a rare treat.
Just heads up in case you had something else in mind.
The reward's not out of line for a 31st level character or anything, let alone because it's in your wheelhouse, but ask me about these first? I'm supposed to rule on them so we can make sure it's good to go when you do it IC.
Minor DM nagging aside, here we go.
"Oh!" Kascha murmurs, "Thank you, Seira!"
Donald gathers himself, "What did you give her?" he asks.
As noted, it's the first time I'm doing it. I wanted to give it a try, and it won't really be an everyday thing.
I'm thinking of the Twin Spell feat for Elle and a spell known slot (x2) for Donald. Any objections?
"It'll be a surprise," Seira tells Donald with a grin, turning her attention on her proxies. "Something to round the two of you out as well."
Those are fine.
"No wonder divine servants are always so mighty," Donald remarks, sitting back.
"Thank you," Elle says, "But we should tell you about how we did first."
"I already know the pertinent details, because my avatar and I are the same and I was looking in," Seira tells her in a stage whisper, before leaning back and nodding primly. "But yes, protocol must be observed. I'm all ears, Elle."
"We came, we dealt with them and we blazed through," Donald says, "The ones who tried to fight us in melee didn't get past me while Elle picked off everyone else. Lots of fire magic but we handled it. Had some good luck with the serious opposition, too."
Seira snorts. "No Sharrans, but at least some worthy evil opponents to test your magic on, Elle?"
"It's a start," Elle agrees readily enough. "The operation went about as well as it did, plus I got something useful." Snapping her fingers, there's a florish of flame around her before it solidifies into a set of rippling gold bracers, interwoven with bands of ruby-red flames. "Take a look."
Seira is all too happy to glance at magical, fiery bracers!
See loot.
"Ooh, nice! I have a vague idea of how to channel the magic necessary, but I've never thought to focus the output by pairing it with Fire magic!"
"It's using an equivalent exchange, I think, and then unbalancing it to make it work. It's inefficient but still powerful," Elle puts the bracers on, "It's remarkably good work and idiosyncratic. I'm not sure where I'd begin with copying them, I suspect this is the fruit of a lifetime of research."
"All to make your spells burn hotter," Donald says, then grins, "Didn't do him much good when he met us, did it?"
"All the better," Amaryl speaks up, "Also a productive way to expend utility magic when your day is all combat."
"If you get stuck, I'll be sure to give you a boost," Seira promises to Elle. "For now, having more combat utility will work nicely, and synergize with your find, at that."
"Speaking of working," Amaryl speaks up, "Where is Sanzha?"
This is knowledge I lack. Does my avatar know?
Yes. To refresh without me checking my notes, what did you have her doing during all of this?
Nothing, she was the one in charge of coordination after she supplied target and information.
Sanzha is overseeing sorting things, as well as dealing with some diplomatic things - messages to the archons, that manner of thing.
"Still working," Seira responds to Amaryl after a brief pause, sending her the image. "Here, take a look."
Thus you do - and you see Sanzha suddenly perk up and smiles ever so slightly. "Goodness, Qadir. You sound upset." She speaks it aloud and chuckles as she gets a few looks, waving them off.
Seira keeps an eye on Sanzha, in case she needs to help. For now, she's content in chatting with Donald and Elle.
"Good," Amaryl murmurs.
Meanwhile, Elle comments, "She's getting her new introduction, isn't she?"
You see Sanzha smile even more, as she says aloud, "Seira, I believe that the efreet are annoyed with us. Whatever shall we do?"
'Lodge a formal protest that Eblis's boys ambushed me while I was on personal business on Fire, and attacked with lethal intent,' Seira thinks to Sanzha, seeing a refuge in audacity as a valid tactic for dealing with the efreet. 'And furthermore, complain about some upstart who acted on his own and tried to prevent Amaryl and I from enjoying our quiet stroll while pretending to act on the Sultan's orders. Perhaps inquire if the Sultan would stand for such an insult were he to decide on a visit to the Cauldron?'
Responding to Elle, Seira says out loud, "We're bickering with the efreet at present, but time will tell how they decide to resolve this. There's plenty to lose if they cut all ties, especially given the pressure they're feeling from Aurora's expats and Celestia."
'It will be done,' Lady Sanzha sends back.
"Speaking of annoying things," Donald says, "I think Alicia's off on a quest right now, Sharrans. She has Emmaline, who I think one of us should meet, see if she has anything useful and establish us as friends. If she fully shakes off Shar's evil, she'll be a useful ally."
Elle's expression is cooler, "She has a lot to repent for if she followed Shar, mislead or not."
"So?" Donald shrugs, "Antenora had more as a fiend and look how that worked out. Dear, give her a chance."
'Oh dear, you may not want to go to the City of Brass. You're officially under arrest according to the efreet. Amid other threats.' Sanzha sends.
'I am distinctly not arrested,' Seira sends to Sanzha.
"What about that Sharran Emily kicked over to us?"
"Slow going," Donald says, "He has a bunch of nasty traps in his mind, and we aren't sure if they're divinely provided or not. Divinations were murky, so we aren't just anti-magicing the problem away. It's all deep stuff when we tried to probe in depth. He should be done soon with the people I have on it, though."
'I noticed! I believe the efreet are not amused with me, because they contacted me directly. I've made a splash.'
At that moment, you feel it. Your connection with Sanzha grows stronger, felt vividly.
Node level up, go check it out.
Lady Sanzha: Item Strengthening (Padisha's Glory; enhancement bonus rises by 1 to +7 and extra damage 3/day rises by 1d6 to 3d6.)
And so I did.
'Very nice! You're doing a great job, Sanzha. Now that we're had our fun, though, inquire in whatever roundabout way you can whether they've made their choice to make an enemy out of me over a disagreement with a few devils who aren't even the Sultan's subjects?'
"So our choices right now are seeing whether Alicia has a few Sharran leads to toss our way, or exploring Earth for exceptional xorns?" Seira muses out loud. "I don't want to make a fresh move on Fire until we weigh a few pros and cons there."
"It'll take a few days regardless," Donald stretches back.
Kascha rubs her restored arm slowly as she listens, "There's one thing I'm worried about. What if they attack the Cauldron directly? Are our defenses ready for that? At Aurora, we always had to worry if Hell would try something and they'd manage to break through. If they ever had, we may have lost completely."
"If who attacks?"
"The efreet?" Kascha says slowly, "Since we attacked them?"
"Our treasury will grow?" Seira muses. "There's always one of me in place, and it would take a rare efreet to match me. Since Cauldron defense takes priority, the rest of you will be recalled as needed. For a regular army, our own forces should be sufficient if I don't feel like taking to the field for some reason. So that leaves a powerful attack, such as enough of Eblis's kids or monsters like Akil bin Faheem. The Cauldron is dimensionally-locked, and unlike Aurora's shield it would take a deity to even try to override my will on this. I've played with space in the walls, so tunneling will be a slow and thankless job. Therefore, there are only two entry points - via the portal network, or through the main entrance." Seira thoughtfully rubs her chin, saying, "Let's see. The latter is guarded and located far enough from everything to allow us to respond to an attack in time, and the former are actually screened via intent. You can't use them while intending to cause us harm, so that limits those who could conceivably overcome this. And the portals are also guarded, of course. But, really, I just don't see the need for such escalation? Do the efreet really want me to make it my mission in life to travel across Fire meting out justice where I see fit?"
Kascha frowns, "I wouldn't think so, logically, but when has everyone always ran on cold logic? Besides the Inevitables."
"No, you're right," Donald agrees, "Which is why we have allies if someone seriously tries. It's the same reason we don't strike at the City of Brass: It's too dangerous to be done lightly. Besides, I'd totally kick the Sultan's ass."
"To the best of my knowledge, of those who've made Fire their home only the original and current Sultans, Eblis and Kossuth could overwhelm our defenses single-handedly. So that's four people, one of whom may not even be alive and another who has no reason to move against us. If either of the remaining two acts, we'll have to call on our allies. Essentially, Donald is right. An attack like this is not just about logic, but about apprehension as well. I'm not ashamed to admit I'm scared of the thought of assaulting the City of Brass with the intent to wipe it off the face of Creation. And both Eblis and the present Sultan need to consider their reputation as well. If they make the attempt and achieve anything short of total victory, their stock will fall. A demon, slaad or celestial might go for it anyway. But those two? I just can't see it. Instead, what I would do is attack enemy interests elsewhere, which is why I'm reminding everyone not to travel anywhere on their own, not even to friendly destinations, and to keep an extra-vigilant eye on our interests across the planes."
"Caution," Donald agrees, "We'll have to do this carefully."
Kascha smiles at that, "I can do cautious. I've had enough dying for a long time!"
"Naturally, if any of you have an idea for better defenses or to keep things safer in some other way, I'm always here to listen."
Nods all around at that and...
Next moves? This may not be what you do next, just want a status check on what your plans are here.
OOC-wise, I'd like confirmation that my boons to Elle and Donald took place. I'll figure something out for the other participants later.
Next moves: Is Oraga back? How did the Celestial raids fair? What is Celestia's next move? Is there progress on the Akil bin Faheem front from Zaaman Rul?
I also want to chat with Kascha over her Node goals/goodwill tour of the elemental planes and the Gith.
Oh, I was waiting for you to do that explicitly IC. Did I miss that in the original post about it?
I believe you did miss it.
This (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104208.msg1126696.html#msg1126696) was following up on that (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104208.msg1126658.html#msg1126658).
Added to the todo list. They happened, I'll just do the mechanical work a little later. Oraga is back if you wish to talk to him.
In order, I'd like to chat with Kascha, find out the state of the Celestia-Fire raids and then see Oraga.
Kascha is easy to catch as she's already there. She sits back in her chair, eyes closed. Healing energy flows around her, a corona of flame. Her body fades, transforming. The room is now dominated by a phoenix. Positive energy fills the room, chasing away any lingering pain from the day's efforts.
"Oh!" Kascha gasps, looking about and seeing you. "I'm so sorry, I was just trying to make sure I healed right," she says, looking about, her wing idly knocking over a few nearby chairs. Blushing, "I've found that when I'm pressured about that, I tend to take this form without even thinking about it."
Go ahead.
"It's alright, I don't really mind what form you take," Seira assures her. "I was hoping to hear whether you had an interesting find yourself, similar to Elle and Donald."
Staying in that form, wing to her beak as she preens her feathers, "Well," She begins, "We did get some lore, but I'm not that familiar with siege work. If Afina wasn't busy, I'd ask her, but I don't really want to disturb her. She was supposed to go on vacation, but I hear she's been up to something."
"What a shame. If only we had a sentient golem with unparalleled knowledge of metalworks and magic...."
A pause in preening. "Oh." Kascha says slowly, "...I feel silly. Very silly."
"Something for you to take care of, later!" Seira says cheerfully. "How did Xera do? Any weaknesses to correct? And did she actually like the mission?"
"She liked it and she did fine. She has a natural poise in battle," Kascha quickly goes on, "She's only lacking in practical experience, but that'll solve itself as she sees more seasoning in battle. Mmm, she is a little too conservative and defensive at times I thought. A little too willing to let a foe survive in favor of tending to the injured, letting them strike again."
"Yeah, that's usually among the first lessons you learn," Seira agrees. "But it's an instinct honed through life and death battles, and she skipped that part starting up, same as Emily. At least if you specialize a bit, you can do both? I think a few of Aurora's top officers could charge in while having the presence of mind to heal as needed at the same time."
"You're right," Kascha agrees, "Jaela's good at that, along with someone like Sylvie or Balyss. I know Jaela's busy, Sylvie's gone and Balyss....mmm, last I heard, she was a diplomat for Sharess in Brightwater. Rapture in particular," A delicate cough follows, "Maybe I can get her to spend a little time here or send Xera over there."
"Actually, General Jaela is busy with the new Crusade, isn't she?" Seira muses. "How about we send Xera over to Aurora to help? Hit two birds with one stone?"
"That could work. I can handle the diplomacy of it. Oh, and maybe she'll like meeting Surraruthru," she adds in thoughtfully, "Though I'm not sure they'd get along."
"They won't," Seira states confidently. "Different worldviews. Anyway, I'll leave this to you, then. I'll be sure to make the offer, but should Xera accept it'll be in your hands. As for her reward for this mission, and the time she protected you on your trip, what would you recommend?"
"Right now? Nothing." Kascha says, "She's still raw, Seira. Let her learn before giving her rewards. Um, that's just my opinion, but let her grow first."
"I don't want to be unfair while rewarding those who participated, but I can always pick something without specific combat applications," Seira says, shrugging. "So! How did the trip go? Did Chan make good on her promise and pass on the cool spell she thought would really suit me? How's Ben Hadar? Did you learn anything that might help Donald's search for the Great Xorn? How were you treated on Fire? Anything of interest in the para and quasi planes? How did Vlaakith receive you, and did she see our trade proposals favorably? Any nice recruits, along the way? I'm looking for a priestess that's not too busy right now!"
"Well..." Kascha begins, slowly preening away again. "It was fine overall. I met with Chan and it was lovely, we spent time talking about Aurora and then Drena - you know him, don't you? Anyway, we spend a few lovely hours talking about all of that, passing the breeze." A giggle follows, "That was her term for it, not mine. But it was lovely, we had these little cakes shaped like stars. They were so soft and filled with the most lovely cream I've ever had. It was so pure and intense, so rich that the cake was just something to hold it. Have you ever had something like that, it was really exceptional!"
"I tried these air crabs, and they were nice and fluffy!"
"Oh, this was so thick and rich. I found out it comes from Madul cows, which are a crossbreed of flying cows from Air and cows from Arcadia. You absolutely have to have it, it really is incredible. It's the best sweet thing I've ever had and it was SO good. That was just the plain ones, she has flavored ones that are supposed to be even better!" Going on happily as she checks over her feathers, "We really need to get some of those cows, Seira. I would marry that cream if I could."
"I'll... ask Chan, then?" Seira says uncertainly, looking at Kascha askance. "If only to keep your prospects open."
"Thanks!" Licking her lips, "Oh and yes, you mentioned that spell? I did get it," she says.
"Gimme!"
Kascha dutifully passes over a scroll.
"Right, right," Seira says, taking the scroll and unrolling it. "What about the rest of your trip? Fire, Earth, Water, the para and quasi planes? The Gith?"
"Well, Ben-Hadar is about the same as he always is. He's rather grumpy at times, but oh, I think old's a better word. I think he's really old in mind. I think he's tired, Seira. What do you think?" Kascha asks back.
"A curmudgeon?" Seira asks, laughing. "I never thought of him that way, but now that you mention it, this helps!"
"I feel like he's been worn down by his battle," Kascha agrees, "Water and Earth are equally divided between good and evil, roughly, so he's been fighting all this time. He's weary, Seira."
"Is there anything we can do? Without increasing your marriage candidates at this time?"
Kascha coughs and blushes warmly at that, "Seira! No, no there isn't!"
"I don't know, the two of you can make things quite steamy," Seira muses, eyeing the phoenix girl speculatively.
"S-Seira!" Kascha blushes, then whispers, "I'm saving myself for Donald, don't you dare sully that!"
"And moving right along," Seira says immediately after. "Earth and xorns?"
Kascha laughs at that, her voice a beautiful, clear sound. Once she's done with her amusement she says, "Oh Seira," she shakes her head. "I'm sorry, but that was too funny. But onto Earth now?"
"Sure!"
"Nothing too productive there, he's right. The Great Xorn's laying low," Kascha says, "I heard a few rumors but nothing substantial. Do you want to hear them?"
"Rumors are often built with a grain of truth at the center, so go for it."
"Well, the first is that the Great Xorn is hiding in Mineral," Kascha says, "Atop some vast treasure. I heard that one a few times, mostly from dao. I think that's more their own wealth and greed speaking, but I don't know for sure."
A shrug as a phoenix is rather fiery and colorful, but she manages it.
"Didn't Aurora deal with Mineral?" Seira wonders out loud. "Perhaps when you're helping Xera settle in, you could discreetly ask whether the Great Xorn is there or if they have any leads? Unless you already stopped there and asked yourself, that is."
"I'll ask," Kascha agrees, "It's Moore more than anyone else, he knows Crystalle."
"Ah! The Duke," Seira says, nodding in recognition. "Let's move to Fire? How were things there?"
"I mostly stayed quiet and investigated things," Kascha admits, "Learned what I could. I was able to eliminate a minor pair of devils. An imp and a barbazu, I was in the right place at the right time. Someone lost a few agents that way."
"That brings us up to the gith," Seira muses, nodding again. "Was Vlaakith amenable to the trade proposals? And how was her attitude towards the Cauldron?"
It's not even words, just an intention, a feeling. Zariel wishes to talk to you.
In the meantime, Kascha hums, "Well, she was very polite and all the diplomatic forms were followed," Kascha begins, "Though I couldn't get anything concrete. They'll be in contact with us, but they want time to analyze and consider the full implications of everything."
"The more time she gives us, the stronger our position grows. Her call, I guess," Seira says disappointedly.
To Zariel, she sends, 'I'll be right there.'
Does Kascha have more fun stuff to tell me about her trip? Maybe about cool converts or a nice high-level priestess she ran across?
"Yes, she wasn't willing to commit yet," Kascha agrees with that, "I did some word spreading and I have some promising additions, Seira," Perking up at that, "Are you ready to hear about them?"
"Yeah, I'm always up for that," Seira responds, even as her avatar looks in on Zariel to see just where she is. It should also tell her how urgently she wishes to speak.
Zariel is waiting in the woods near Amaryl's new church, sitting patiently in a small grove.
Kascha smiles, "Well, all of them need training of course so they'll be coming in soon. The first is," A rather ugly sound from Kascha, "I met him on Magma. He's an earth elemental and I call him, Crumbly for short, since it's much more pronounceable than what he uses as a name. He's fascinated by fire and water, he wants to learn about the other elements and he thinks 'fleshy dragons' sound interesting, too. He's unusually curious for an earth elemental, always considering and sometimes asking questions."
"Nice! We need more chatty elementals to shake things up around here!"
"I don't think he has the insight for the clergy, but maybe I'm wrong." Kascha admits, "If he is wise, he'd make a good priest, wouldn't he?" Humming and flexing a wing out, "The wisdom of the earth, accumulated over the ages."
"Maybe a warlock?" Seira proposes. "I've always thought their hyper focus would suit someone who didn't want to bother with the theory overmuch, and just manipulated the elements as they wished."
"Well, warlocks are almost always evil or chaotic. Maybe if I have him spend time with eladrins," Kascha suggests, "I'll make sure you know. Second is Fooze, a magma elemental from Magma. He - and it's a he, he has an unusually strong sense of self - wants to learn about mixing elements like fire and earth. He's extremely raw but has potential. He's good at creating and flinging balls of magma as well, so he'd be a good fit with any sort of archers."
"Perhaps it's time Amaryl took on an apprentice? I'll be sure to ask her!"
"Finally I have one big prospect. His name is Jannel, a janni warrior of some renown. A former paladin of Gond, but they had some sort of falling out that didn't end with him being smited into oblivion. He's a free agent, figuring out what he wants to do with his life now. He's looking for a cause, a patron - and I got him to agree to come by here and talk to you." Kascha smiles, "I don't think he fell, just reached some sort of impasse with Gond."
Seira nods thoughtfully. "I can see that. I didn't have many chances to cross paths with Gond, but a paladin might want more moral clarity in life than Gond would provide, I figure?"
"It's a strange choice for a paladin," Kascha agrees, "I haven't studied him, I haven't had a chance, but he sounds like he has a history."
"We'll chat, and if there is some baggage with Gond I'll square it away," Seira assures Kascha.
"Those are the main ones," Kascha nods, "I got plenty of free agents, mostly elementals or genie bloodeds looking for a chance, or things like azer or mermen. Nothing exceptional as of yet, but we can bring them over or use them as agents with training. We have enough contacts on the elemental planes that even when we lose one or two, we have others building up potentials."
"Nice to hear," Seira repeats with a happy note in her voice. "You've made me proud! If I hadn't just rewarded you, this definitely would've done it."
Finally shifting back human, "If you want to, give me until tomorrow free. I really should check in on Surru. Oh, I hope he hasn't gotten into trouble or anything, and I want to see if he has any good spell research going. Those dragon princess spells are so useful, maybe he has another set of winners in development."
"That's no trouble. Go have fun with that before dealing with the Aurora things?"
That about good there for this scene, then?
Yes! But! This surely fulfilled Kascha's Node goal as I very subtly hinted previously!
Oh yes, so not done after all.
"Still, Seira," Kascha goes on, "I want to be there when you meet with Jannel. I've been doing a lot of hands on work with the elements and he should be here soon. I'll wait for that, I almost forgot!"
"In that case, want to come and meet Zariel with me?"
Kascha falls in with you.
Zariel is waiting where you saw her, gaze unfocused, simply waiting.
Go ahead and take the initiative here.
"Hi," Seira greets Zariel. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Kascha here was just telling me about her trip across the Inner Planes. Kascha," she continues, turning towards her friend, "I'd like you to meet Zariel. She's been staying with us."
"Oh!" A hand to her mouth as she smiles, "It's good to see you doing better. Hi, I'm Kascha."
Zariel inclines her head to Kascha, holding up her hand. From it tears of fire fall, dissolving into steamy mist. Like little gemstones rolling off her palm, "What is to be done now, Seira? What is to be done?"
"What is the context of the question?" Seira answers with a question of her own. "Seeking out new places to visit? Speaking rhetorically? Pondering long-reaching goals? Or something else entirely?"
"Everything." Lowering her hand, "There is so much wrong with Creation. So much that is rotten, decayed, dying. All under the gaze and damnation of oblivion that races to us, no matter what we do. When one chooses a path forward, only a fool chooses blindly. So tell me, Seira. What is to be done now?"
The long-term goals it is, then.
"First, it is important not to lose hope," Seira tells Zariel confidently. "It sound silly, but that's often the hardest thing. Despairing is easy, given the opposition and its nigh-infinite nature. Still, we've had clear successes in the past that serve as a model of accomplishments to seek in the future, and a series of goals. Put this all together, and you get a path."
She leans against a tree trunk that shifts to make the position more comfortable for her with a mild, mental prodding. "Take a peek at mine, for example. I'm working on eliminating slavery across the Inner Planes, and over the course of this am seeking to break their ties with the Lower Planes. I'm supporting Aurora's fresh Crusade against the First Vampire, and once they get him and you know they will, the balance will tilt ever so slightly towards good. Lowercase good, which isn't the tangible Good we know, but merely stands for the multiverse becoming a better place for everyone living in it. The days will be just the tiny bit brighter, people will be happier and more hopeful... the amount of suffering will lessen, bit by bit." Seira grins, linking her hands behind her head. "You see, I aim to build up on these things and many others by eventually changing universal concepts themselves. Chromatic dragons are often identified with Evil? So what if that's how things have always been, what if I managed to show enough Reds a better way? Would others follow? Would enough?"
Zariel had brought oblivion up just now, and it's too good an opening to let it go. "Finally, the more distant goal is removing Shar altogether," Seira continues with. "I'll prove Primus wrong, together with those who would stand with me." It would probably be more dramatic if she reached towards Zariel here, but this is merely elaborating on her own goals rather than any attempt at manipulation.
Give me a Diplo check. You said the right thing to warrant one, see how strong your words are.
23:34 <CC> roll 1d20+68
23:34 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+68 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{69}
Silence follows your words. Zariel is seemingly lost in them.
"I've done so much and yet...part of me wants to be what I was, to be happy again, to help people. A part of me I thought dead, forgotten in my hate." Zariel speaks slowly. "I want to believe in hope again, that there's more than pain and revenge."
"I think that part is in all of us, and it's never really gone," Seira muses. "And you know, it might be really hard, but it's not complicated at all. You take a leap of faith one more time. That's all."
"I...I will," Zariel murmurs. "I've...I've done horrible things. I've lost my self in hate and revenge, twisted by that bastard of a gnome's plans. I've disgraced myself, humiliated myself, whored myself for power. For meaningless power." Her voice becomes strained, struggling. "And all It took...a few former mortals...who wouldn't give up on me. Who...who..."
"We wanted to right things, and we believed in you," Seira tells her, pushing off her perch to cross the distance and give Zariel the hug she looks like she needs.
A shudder. No tears, just a shudder that seems to jar her entire body.
"Then..." Zariel takes a breath. I merely need to decide what is to be done next."
"Pick a vague goal to work towards," Seira offers. "Then pick a more immediate goal or two, to get into the swing of things. Figure out the intermediary goals from there, both as you break down an apparently-insurmountable problem like Shar into smaller bits, and as the immediate goals provide you with hooks for further involvement. Perhaps crashing the slavers in one town reveals the existence of a shadowy organization backing them? And so on."
After a brief consideration, she decides to say, "I don't know if you've run into him while visiting, but I used to have a familiar as a mortal. Right now, he's taken the role of our primary metalsmith. His name is Yandrazrt, which you might recognize since you have something in common. He too fought against Daavid, despite being a gnome himself, and was broken for his trouble. Perhaps you could also talk to him and see how he's found fresh goals after regaining himself?"
"A gnome," Zariel concurs, "You may have wise council, I will see to him. Perhaps the first small thing will present itself from that."
"Hearing his story gave me hope," Seira recalls with a fond smile. "If even in that situation, under those odds, there were people who made the impossible choice to stand against Daavid, then nothing is set in stone."
"Nothing is," Zariel agrees.
Yemimah.
A few moments pass, "A memory comes to mind, a possible purpose. I may be inferior to many tasks, but one may yet be mine, because I understand what she must be suffering."
"Forgive me, but are you referring to Yemimah?"
"I am." Zariel says, "It came to mind and it feels right." Looking upward, "It was often said that inspiration comes from above us. Perhaps I have begun to remember how to look above."
Seira nods slowly, stepping away. "I've been trying to put out feelers to get information on her prison. The Mercane are the most promising, and once we have something actionable Alicia will be happy to help. Do you have your own sources to check with, or would you prefer to take over what little I have going there?:
"Officially, Dispater does not hold her. Unofficially, he does not hold her. Those of us at the highest ranks have reason to suspect he lies," Zariel says, "As well as the Triad having their reasons to accuse Dispater. I have few sources who will talk to me, but I will prevail on them nonetheless."
"Just tell me what you need, both for the investigation and to ensure you travel safely."
A moment and then another before she says, "A companion so I do not travel alone. As of now I have no one who would stand with me." Her eyes close, a moment of silence following that.
"I'll make it happen," Seira assures her. It would take time for Zariel to get together with Lagann, and it's time Seira can spend to vet candidates.
Incidentally, I want to chat with Xera.
Sure. That your next move then?
Yes
Kascha follows as you meet Xera. She is freshly cleansed from the battle, hair still damp as she smiles. "Mother," she says, "We won!" A warm smile creases her face, "We did rather well, didn't we?"
"That you did," Seira readily agrees, returning the smile. "With the operation on Fire, and with keeping Kascha safe on her trip. I have to admit I worried a bit that a transition from training might be difficult at first, but you've done quite well! I have only praise for you."
"Thank you," Xera says, "It feels good and right to finally take the battle to evil. I can only train so long before it feels as if I'm going nowhere."
"I have two new missions lined up for you," Seira tells her daughter. "I need a liaison to Aurora to keep up the good fight, there, and I would also like someone competent to accompany Zariel and help her in her quest." Sadly, Seira has no choice but be vague there unless Xera ends up choosing that one. "Of course, you're under no obligation to accept either of them."
Xera is silent as she considers that, Kascha tilting her head to the side slowly.
"Which one do you think is best for me, Mother?" Xera asks.
"The Aurora posting will help you grow as a leader in your own right, and let you hone your magical specialty," Seira responds honestly. "Going with Zariel will help you find your own reasons to fight, and will call upon your spiritual training. The choice of specialization, we can call it, is yours."
"Zariel," No hesitation there, not in the slightest. "All the might and magic is meaningless if you don't know why and how to use it. It is a lesson that Pistis Sophia has ensured that I know, mother."
Quietly in the meantime, Kascha comes over and murmurs to you, "Jannel's here, Seira."
It's the choice Seira would have made, and she smiles at her daughter again. "Then how about you go and see her? She's with Lagann right now," she tells Xera. "Feel free to bring another, if you need it to ensure your safety."
Ready to meet Jannel!
Jannel is tall, with black hair and deep blue eyes. He moves with a grace that belies his heavily muscled form. He wears a rich golden tunic and white leggings, a shield on his back but nothing else save for a single sack.
Go ahead and set up how you're receiving him and where, I'll respond to it.
Seira is waiting for Jannel in a sitting room, small and comfortable and set for three. Like many of her palace's rooms, it has large windows that show the view of the Cauldron's lake of lava and the golden flame burning above in her temple.
"Welcome, Jannel," she greets him, gesturing at one of the open seats.
His common has an accent, light and exotic, "Dragon Princess," he greets you, "Lovely Kascha," he seconds, getting Kascha to faintly redden as she takes her own seat. "It's a pleasure to meet you, face to face. Thank you for the honor."
"I'm happy to do it, and doubly so for those who recognize Kascha's loveliness," Seira assures him, gesturing at the empty cups set before them. "What would you prefer? Tea? Coffee? Juice or, perhaps, some water?"
"Tea with milk and mint," He answers, "Of course, Kascha's beauty is obvious," He answers with a wide smile, Kascha reddening even more. "But merely a star to the sun of your beauty."
"You charmer~" Seira giggles, as mint tea pours into their cups from a floating teapot while a cream pitcher moves to be within easy reach of Jannel. A three tiered service tray shimmers into view in the center of the table, filled with sandwiches, scones and dessert, and Seira picks a cake for her to have with her tea.
Jannel has a long drink of it, smiling back. Then, "May I be frank?"
"I rather appreciate that, yes."
"I followed Gond until I could not follow him anymore." Jannel drinks deep from his tea and then puts it down, "I have grown to see that as much as the divine is primal forces, they are also people. Hidden beneath vast power and religious fervor, but they are people. Before I continue, I wish to know what sort of person you are, Seira Aryn." He meets your eyes with his own, his gaze unyielding as adamantine.
"It's certainly true that we are equal parts people and ideas," Seira agrees. "I often tell people that, but regrettably few truly understand it. In my case, the ideas were given form by the life I've lived and the goals I set before me. I believe that people are generally good, and that knowledge is key in getting them to make the right decisions. I believe in getting out there and helping, preferring direct action where possible. I believe in hope, and that means I am a gambler on Tymora's level. If there is a chance to make a difference, no matter how slim, I try to seize it. If there is a battle for a soul, I want to try my best to save it. The odds are just numbers that I try to overcome, if I need to overcome oppression or break the chains of bondage of the usual suspects."
That gets a bit of a smirk, "Strong words. Show me. Those convictions don't come from somewhere, show me where they came from in that mortal life of yours."
"There was no single defining moment," Seira responds, shaking her head. "I've merely taken on a great deal of responsibility from a young age, and kept involved in events where failure was not an option. A dragon attacked my adoptive home town, and I had to find the means to triumph over it. The neighboring empire wished to invade us, so I pursued diplomacy as much as I could, and sought the means to stop the invasion in its tracks when that failed. The judgement of the heretical God-King fell on my shoulders, and I've done my best towards ensuring he was defeated for good. Powerful liches struck at my world, and I had to find a way to defend it despite only being able to protect one place at a time. The children of Androlynne... that story you might be aware of, and it was a culmination of my mortal efforts, of seeking that elusive one percent of success amidst a sea of failure."
Seira sips at her tea, her expression solemn as she continues. "There were other moments that tempered me as well. When Shar's servants captured me, divesting me of magic and allies. When an abomination from Beyond threatened to break my mind. When a balor used my father to try and break me. I didn't give up, and I overcame those trials, first in the obvious sense and later by growing stronger from the experiences."
She gives Jannel a lopsided smile, asking him, "Now that I've shared this much, I believe you are obliged to reciprocate about your own life experiences."
"Please," Kascha murmurs, "You understand if we have questions about you."
Jannel raises his teacup as acknowledgement and then finishes it off, "I suppose the first is Why Gond?"
"What lead you to him in the first place?"
"I was born in the harem of a powerful efreet," he begins, "Though I favor my mother's blood, that of a mortal woman. Her time in the harem was limited by her mortality. Father cast her aside and out, with only a few coins and her clothes to her name. We had nothing, the streets hostile and anything beyond the city lethal to us." His voice is low, "We found a corner of an alley, a place to live in where we could scrape by while mother....provided." The word is heavy, meaning rotten. "I was only five or six years old, unable to provide and growing hungrier as mother struggled. Yet amid this she was firm: Do not steal, do not take. It is wrong and they will cut your hands off when they catch you."
A sour smile at that, "Hunger has a way of eroding even the sternest fears. I passed by a building every day that smelled of stew and food, a private residence as cheery as any in the blighted City of Brass. Open windows, bright colors seen within and the few people who came and went were dressed well and happy. Mostly foreigners but even a few efreet came and went."
A pause again, "One day, hungry and tired after mother had little to give me, I passed by. On the windowsill was a cooling meat pie, the smell of it irresistible. I stared at it and I knew I could resist no longer. I snuck towards it, as obviously sneaky as only a child can be. I got under it and reached - and my arms were grabbed, pulling me up and into the house. I screamed, I cried, I begged for him not to pass me to the authorities."
Here Jannel lingers, pauses. He smiles, banishing his sour look with a real smile. "He was built like a smith, all muscle and bearded. He had these hands, biggest I've ever seen, calloused and rough fingertip to wrist. He took me in them and laughed and said that by Gond, his hungry child trap had worked. He had been watching me for some time...and rather than simply inviting me in, set up a trap to get my attention. Gondsmen can't even help a starving child without over engineering it." His words are fond, his smile wistful. "Do you understand where this story leads me, Seira?"
"An apprenticeship, it logically follows," she notes with a smile of her own. "How many hungry children traps did you end up engineering?"
Kascha adds in as she listens, her own face showing her happiness, "That was good of him. He could have ignored you."
"Cragen wasn't in the business of ignoring those in need." Jannel refutes that as he sits back, "A fair few in my own days over the years. He gave my mother and I a place and a chance, so who would I follow but Gond? I am a skilled creator and crafter of many things, yet I was called to make aid for others. I became a roving champion seeing to evils and uplifting those in poverty. Do you know how Gond's clergy received me in the mortal world I chose to serve?'"
"I'm afraid my knowledge is entirely academic, here, so I'd like to hear about it."
"Ahem," Jannel clears her throat, "Why are you giving that money away? It could fund more research!" A beat, "Donate? But my workshop needs expanding." Another beat, "Orphans aren't going to solve this engineering problem!"
Scowling, "Far too many of Gond's chosen lose sight of what's important in favor of pure creation. Not all are like that, there are the Cragens who haven't lost themselves in indulgences." A sudden, sharp SLAM as his fist hits the table, "But damn it, there were too many! Too many! I grew a legendary hero in my world, spreading the word of Gond even I clashed with many of his faithful. A champion and you know what they did? They planned against me! They saw me as promoting a heresy. So terrible was my actions that it caused a schism in that world's church, only solved by Gond himself appearing through his avatar to tell them to cease."
The table is cracked where he it it, a steadying breath before he finishes his cup of tea off. Another breath and another. "So terrible was my desire to spend some money on helping those who need it instead of creation and research that some of the Gondsmen rebelled."
"It might surprise you to learn that I ran into a similar issue on my world of birth," Seira muses. "In my case, it ended favorably as I managed to affect the direction of the faith, though I attribute that to Waukeen's silent agreement rather than anything else." Focusing on Jannel even as the table's surface ripples, reforming it, Seira asks, "It's not quite about the donations, is it? There are so many ways to help people, to uplift society. Even a sizeable tithe pales in comparison to a wondrous device that brings limitless, clean water to the people of the desert. But that, too, is often considered a foolish occupation, a hobby more than anything else."
A grunt. "I can see the fool's logic about it, how someone making a better weapon means it'll chase away goblins or bandits with less losses." Jannel says, "But it's not right. Most of them study things that aren't going to help people, or chasing down random dead ends because it's their research." Waving a hand out towards you, a sharp motion, "If Gondsmen made such practical things, then I would not be here."
Kascha gasps softly at the table pound and then adds once he's done, "You wouldn't."
"Ultimately, I traveled and sought Gond's council directly," Jannel says. Here his face grows tight again, "I went to the House of Wonder. What wonders did I see there," his voice turns sour again. "A devil, working on siege engines to better oppress and slaughter. A daemon worshiping knight, purchasing new tools and weapons to make the innocent suffer. A rich marid prince, spending unthinkable money on what were mere toys and frivolities to him. Aye, there were angels and heroes and others there as well. Everyone was. Purpose meant nothing, only invention, only creation!"
Seira's face sours. "I'll be honest, I wondered how Gond could have paladins because of precisely that."
"When I finally got to talk to Gond, he told me..." A pause here, a stillness.
"Do y-" Is all Kascha can get out, starting to extend a hand out to him.
"I'm fine," A grunt at that, "He told me that I was an upstanding champion who shouldn't be serving him. That as devoted as I was, that I was called to other places. That I had more than paid back any debt to Cragen. That I hadn't fit in his teachings for some time and wouldn't ever again. He cast me out, released me from my vows and wished me well." His voice is tight, tense as a drawn bowstring. "He bid me to find someone I could serve with all my heart and that he bears me no ill will."
"That's the past. What's in your future?" Seira asks Jannel. "Where do you see yourself one year from now if you follow me? Five years? A decade?"
"Fighting, doing what's right and helping people," Jannel says, "It's what I do. It's what I'll do until I can't do it any more."
She grins. "That's what I get for asking too generic a question. No, I'm not questioning your character or your resolve, Jannel. I'm... seeking to understand you better. How would you accomplish this? Who would you pursue, who would you defend? People understand each other well through anecdotes, so I'm wondering whether you can tell me a few specific plans?"
"It comes down to using the sword how it's meant to be used." Jannel admits, a pause as he slowly flexes his fingers, loosening his balled up fist. "So much poverty and wanting can be stopped by reclaiming what has been stolen and returning it. A starving village needs no further donations if their stolen harvests are returned. A man who lost everything to thieves is no longer destitute if the thief is captured and his possessions returned."
After a moment and another, "When a sword is used in the right way, proper morals and goals see to the rest. Life can be lived one step at a time, so long as all of those steps are the right ones to make."
Aww, and she hoped Jannel had amazing inventions Gond's faithful didn't care about to revolutionize a Prime or two.
"Say there are three worlds," she voices. "A frozen world, all but lost to Auril, where my faithful are trying to keep hope alive. A world with a bright future, recovering from past calamities and adapting to planar influences and fresh technologies. And a world that is but a step short of paradise, where everything is shiny and new. How would you help the people of these worlds, protect them from harm and help uplift their societies?"
To this Jannel shakes his head, "I don't know. You can't describe worlds in a few sentences. When I went to Galaran, Cregan gave me a bit of information, a summary of that world. It was woefully insufficient, so much can vary kingdom to kingdom, barony to barony, village to village. What I'd do would be to get more information on one of the worlds and work on that world from there."
"Cautious, but I would be betraying my nature if I were to dismiss the need for knowledge," Seira tells him in amusement. "Alright, let's not drag this out. I think we'll do a lot of good together, and the three worlds I mentioned are very real worlds that require a more direct touch. I'm barred from doing so myself by the rules that govern deities, but a likeminded, capable individual such as yourself could turn things around. Would you like to?"
"The world of winter," Jannel says without hesitation, "It has the most for me to do."
Seira stands up, reaching across the table smoothly to offer Jannel her hand. "Welcome aboard!"
Jannel's handshake is firm, "May this relationship be strong and eternal," he agrees. "For now, I will follow your banner and see what path that leads me on."
Kascha smiles, "Welcome! Come to me if you need anything, Jannel."
The urge to tease Kascha about pining for Donald or looking after young Surraruthru is strong, but Seira is able to resist!
"I'll be sure that you have all the relevant information I have about the Prime, but for now, just spend some time at the Cauldron? Seeing what I view as an ideal afterlife should come in handy."
Great! Anything else to add here?
I'm curious about Kascha's node goal and about Jennal's abilities/sheet~
Jannel is currently retraining a bit, but right now he's a paladin on one side and the other side is in flux. He's doing some reinventing with a good reason to do so.
As for Kascha, you guessed my interrupt.
Once Jannel's off Kascha smiles, "That feels good, doesn't it, Seira! I'm glad you landed him."
"Jannel feels like a good fit. Great job finding him, Kascha, and helping guide him to his next challenge!"
"Thank you," Kascha reddens, smiling widely, "I feel like I've finally made an impact out there."
That's when you feel it, a moment of connection with Kascha. Strong, potent and solid, spreading all about you.
Node update, go read and note you've read it.
Done so
Also reply to this, obviously.
"You've done plenty of impact with Aurora, and before that, too. You'll keep on being a force for Good, Kascha, so long as you remember to balance your studies with seeking out what's right."
Kascha's smile is ear to ear as...
Anything left to do in this flurry of administrative and friend based actions?
I'm sending Yan-chan to the Aurora (with Kascha's introduction, since she needs to check in on some stuff as it is). I presume that's off screen?
I don't really have anything, so barring a nice and evil preferably Sharran target I'll go say hi to Pistis Sophia.
I have something, but before that gimme a d100.
22:29 <CC> roll 1d100
22:29 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=32 ]{32}
"Yo, Seira," Donald pokes into your room as you go over your spell notes, a short reverie between attacks on the slavers and results. "Two things - first of all, you up for some Shar-smashing? Secondly, there's a message to you from Celestia. It's sealed so only you can open it."
"Get Elle and Amaryl, and see if Sanzha's interested as well," Seira tells him. "My Celestia message, in the meanwhile?"
The message is handed over - a scroll.
Seira breaks the seal and reads it!
It reads as follows.
Seira, forgive me if I disregard the normal forms and titles for this letter and speak to the essence of matters. Our operations are a success, though not without losses. We have smashed several of our targets and caused damage to others; there are losses but we consider this phase of the operation a success. Operations to retrieve captured agents are proceeding as well as to recover the souls of slain agents.
However, our efforts are not free of complications. Several attacks on our own holdings launched once our attacks were underway, various reprisals against known holdings of Mount Celestia's as well assassinations (both successful and not). Many were not openly efreet operations, though circumstantial evidence and timing suggests various catspaws were used. I am not aware if you have suffered the same, though your smaller profile (for now!) and your base of strength being safe in Balmuria leads me to believe you would be less afflicted. Please let me know about any possible reprisals.
Depending on the official response from the efreet, future letters and coordination may come from one of the Authorities of Celestia or the Hebdomad.
May the light of Chronias protect and guide you.
Romiel.
She had expected this, and made to increase security and vigilance. If the Hebdomad take over the operation, however, would it functionally change anything? Perhaps a sign of the conflict expanding, though that's not necessarily a bad thing. If someone is being hurt, better the champions trained for combat than innocents enslaved by the efreet and their allies.
Since Romiel is not expecting an immediate response, Seira will consider one after taking Donald up on his offer of hunting down Sharrans.
"So what did it say?" Donald asks, "Everything good?"
"Mixed bag," Seira responds, putting the letter away. "Celestia's interests were hit, likely by efreet proxies. Things might be escalating."
"So how'd they hit us?" Donald ventures, "They know we're involved in this, and for that matter, did they attack Aurora?"
"I would rather not go into this," Seira tells Donald. "We've raised awareness, alerted our allies and interests, and increased our own security. That is all we can do at this point, until it's time to act again or Celestia asks for help in busting out their agents. We can no more micromanage their affairs than we can Aurora's, although I've already dispatched Kascha and Lagann over to reinforce it, the latter on a more permanent basis. Do you have other suggestions for us to act upon, or can we bust the Sharrans?"
Donald just lets it go at that.
Okay, so you're getting Donald, Elle and Sanzha together. Am I forgetting anyone?
I was thinking Amaryl as well, although we don't all have to go do the same thing. Let's gather the five of us together and get a brief on our target.
"We do have a target."
This is what Donald says once all of you are together. "There's murmurings of a Sharran shadow-base in Vacuum. We go in protected, we find it and we smash it. Now we have more means than usual to find it, since I dug up a lead on it." He's standing before all of you deep in your palace, going on. "A small band of hermits who are by and large crazed, but offer aid to travelers who pass by there. According to one of my sources who stumbled on them, they've mentioned seeing shadows and darkness lately. I don't know what Shar's doing there, but I think the message is clear. Go there, crush them all and obliterate them. Questions?"
"Ehh, isn't that where Lixer had his creepy experiments?" Seira drawls, scrunching up her forehead. "Anyway, what's the threat level, you think?"
"One of many," Amaryl speaks up, "I think."
"Yeah, think so," Donald scratches his chin, "Yeah, he's sorta like you - all over the place, Seira. But yeah, I know what you're thinking of. Hard to say, but at worst we smite shadows and a Sharran base. We don't know enough about it to be sure, but divinations were blocked. Hardly a surprise."
"Let's all go, then," Seira decides. "There's no dimensional barrier in existence capable of cutting me off from my avatar self, so we'll know if we need to return. And it would be best to respond to a request for aid if we're together, anyway."
In that case, any prep?
Combat Loadout
All spells here are to be precast before leaving home [CL 32]. They are shared with all party members unless explicitly refused or are marked with *.
Overall: Glorious Rally, Celestial Valor, Foresight, Ghost Touch (Armor, Shield and Weapons), Recitation (per round spell)
Defensive: Shield of Warding, Foresight, Superior Vigor (per round spell)
Perception Modes and Protections: True Seeing, *Sensual Blessing, Vision of the Omniscient Eye, Detect Scrying
Movement Modes and Protections: Freedom of Movement, Pass Without Trace, Greater Anticipate Teleport
Skill Checks: *Bibliotheca Arcana, Greater Heroism, Voice of the Dragon
Ability Checks: Good Hope
Immunities and Resistances: *Mind Blank, Nondetection, Mass Death Ward, Heroes's Feast, Energy Res 30 (all)
Esoteric Boosters: *Many Moments of Prescience, *Moment of Prescience, Fortunate Fate, Spell Turning, *Divert Teleport
Chain Dispell channeled into Dragon's Grace
One-Off Spells: Sign, Divine Insight, Improvisation
* Spells that are self-only and cannot be shared/cast on others in the party.
My avatar will provide Glorious Rally and Celestial Valor.
Spoiler block done, post in a few since this took a bit.
[spoiler]
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing8 )
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 15/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32)
Notes:
Also I forget whether we're still weak to stuff on Vacuum, so would avoid planar effects handle that? If so, I'll cast it on all of us as well, CL 32.
It would if needed anyway, so it's worth casting. Good catch, I assumed you would and didn't notice it wasn't in the spoiler block. Updating.
Thus everyone is ready and prepared, "Aimed for the Wailing Monastery," Donald advises.
[spoiler]
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing8 )
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 15/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Thus Seira leads them across the planes!
Void.
Emptiness.
The dead air of Vacuum laps against all of you. Before you is a ragged mountain amid the nothingness, seemingly on the verge of crumbling. Hewed into the side of it is a broad building, an outer wall jutting out into Vacuum proper. There's no obvious entrance, merely space to enter in above the walls by simply flying. No decorations, no flag flies, only a building on a crumbling mountain deep in Vacuum.
"Lead the way," Seira tells Donald.
Elle looks around, "Always so empty, on the verge of death." She says it aloud, words lost the silent emptiness, seeming to fade away almost instantly.
"We're closer to the Negative Energy Plane than Air here," Lady Sanzha frowns and sniffs the air, "I can smell more death than clean air."
"Yeah, sounds right," Donald calls back as he begins to lead you, sounding far away.
Seira ties them with telepathy for good measure, rather than rely on divine powers for that.
"Some planes just feel pointless, don't they?" she muses. "Vacuum, Ooze... Salt."
"Nonsense, Salt has a purpose for us," Elle says, and after a beat, "To raze it to the ground, to crush its overlord and take away his hoard." She raises her voice, as if shouting a challenge.
"Yeah!" Donald seconds, "You know it is!"
Seira cracks a smile. "I suppose we'll need to find time in our busy schedule for that."
Lady Sanzha laughs lightly and Amaryl smiles as you ascend. Past the wall you can see an open space with many smaller buildings, and a larger building built directly into the mountain. The ground there is swept clean and smooth, yet cracks big and small run all along it.
"C'mon," Donald descends down, "I hear the crazies here don't like to come outside, so often you have to go find them."
"Why would anyone live here? Especially if they don't want to go out and slowly die in Vacuum?"
Donald glances back and slowly repeats, "Crazies. They're crazy. Inmates of the asylum. Mad. Crazy like a senile elf. Gone."
"I don't think he's wrong, Seira. Who else would live here? The only answer is madness," Amaryl chimes in.
"I'd say the quiet but it's not that. Maybe the fact that no one comes here? Some people will go to great lengths to ensure that. No neighbors, either!"
"Nothing," Donald says as you land. No one is immediately here as Donald looks to you, "Would you or Elle get loud and get their attention?"
Seira snaps her fingers, and orange fireworks in the shape of excitable dragons shoot all over! As they dance, twisting and twirling through the Vacuum and making a lot of noise in the process, Seira thinks to Donald, 'Something like this?'
Elle smiles, 'I was thinking along the same lines.'
Stirring. Doors open. By and large they are clad in heavy clothes, not a scrap of flesh visible. They stand just outside, eyeing you cautiously. Big creatures, little creatures. Two legged, four legged. One you're fairly sure is a cow. Dozens emerge and watch you, expressions unreadable like this.
Seira raises her hand, and at the gesture the fireworks still, peering at the locals with their amber eyes. "Hello," she greets the disjointed gathering. "I apologize for the intrusion, but I understand there is a matter of dark omens troubling you?"
Elle steps forward, "We're here to solve the problem. Help us help you," she declares, as the figures watch.
Lady Sanzha watches them as Amaryl adds in, "You have nothing to be afraid of. Help us and this problem will be soon solved."
Go ahead. I may call for a Diplo check or some such depending on what you say in the coming post.
"Given where such signs and portends point, it could be a matter directly threatening not just yourselves or any visitors that cross your doorstep, but this very plane itself."
It is the cow that comes forward, horns poking out from its cloth coverings. It moos once, a deep moo before it speaks in Auran to you, "We have seen the shadows coming, new and stranger, traveling the emptiness around us." It's a girl cow apparently, voice that of a wise old crone.
Of course it would be female, it's a cow! "Do you know where they're coming from? Or, perhaps, where they congregate? Have you overheard them whisper anything about their goals?"
"From that way," The cow looks to the left side from where you descended, "They are malicious things but they do not attack us. They whisper of darkness and destruction, and of one of twelve."
"Is that so?" Seira murmurs, visibly perking up. "We'll take a look, then. Thank you!"
The cow moos softly in reply.
Seira follows the incredibly vague directions!
"Vague," Donald remarks once you're flying and out of earshot, "We got any way to make this work better?"
"Seira and I see far," Amaryl says, "I suggest we take a loose formation so we can use that to the utmost." With a faint smile, "I don't think prey will escape our sights when we see this keenly."
"Mm, pretty much," Seira agrees with her wife. "My spell-boosted vision goes out to two miles. Few divinations match that range, even if the target is left unshielded. We can try to find the path to them if this fails."
Okay then, go ahead and describe how you all are set up for traveling like that, since you're going along with it. Just general formation is fine.
Seira in the front, Donald behind her, Elle to his left, Sanzha to his right, Amaryl in the back.
Perception-wise, I'll take 10 for 84. True seeing, blindsight, darkvision, tremorsense, scent, the works, out to 2 miles. Maybe the unwashed shadows smell!
Sounds good. Gimme a d100.
20:05 <CC> roll 1d100
20:05 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=49 ]{49}
You fly for perhaps a half hour, nothing happening until you see it. A single shadow, drifting in from the north east, in your general direction. You don't think the two of you will intersect, he's going a bit slow and you'll pass before it can happen.
'Shadow, in that direction,' Seira alerts the others. 'I'm taking it out.' Speeding towards it to bring it in 100ft range, Seira blasts at it with positive energy!
You are seeing it from 2 miles away in an open void, so there is travel time and a chance for it to see you. Bear that in mind real quick before anything else, in case that changes priorities.
Two miles, huh? I'm teleporting all of us over there as a swift, then, and then dropping it. If I somehow fail at life, Amaryl can win init and finish the job.
'Gather together,' Amaryl agrees, everyone flocking around you.
'We're on the right track,' Elle thinks as you all prepare for the teleport, plenty of time yet.
Go ahead.
A bolt of glory pierces through the shadow as Seira and her companions suddenly appear fifty feet behind the shadow!
21:11 <CC> roll 1d20+58 ranged touch
21:11 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+58 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=19 ]{77}
21:12 <CC> roll 15d12 positive energy
21:12 <Kobot> CC rolled 15d12 positive energy --> [ 15d12=78 ]{78}
One shot, one kill. The shadow doesn't have a chance, obliterated in one burst of life energy. Like that it's gone, as if it never was.
Seira extrapolates the shadow's observed course, and adjusts her own before setting off anew!
"You'd think they'd at least send something worth the fight," Donald gripes, "Rather than a single shadow."
"Soon enough," Elle says, "They'd better, I want to practice my magic!"
"Given that one of Shar's prized followers is supposed to be here, there will be plenty of chances for that," Seira cautions them, continuing.
Gimme another d100 that I can resolve tonight or in the morning.
06:13 <CC> roll 1d100
06:13 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=45 ]{45}
You do not encounter any more shadows, flying for another few hours. It's a quiet few hours, time passing by, slipping by - until you at last see it. A floating cluster of debris, broken land clustered around one intact island. You can just see the outer rim of it at the moment, but it's definitely some sort of land mass.
How many hours?
Staying at a two-mile radius from it to keep the cluster just within her senses, Seira circles around it to get as much information as possible. After informing her companions telepathically, of course.
Two hours.
The center island is fairly large, with a classical stone castle atop it. Tall walls, well kept, altogether in good shape. No obvious Sharran imagery , but you do spy some shadows about.
'Suggestions?' Seira asks, describing the visible defenses and entrances. 'I could do the shadow thing and sneak us past the walls, too, although it would be slow-going if there's more of them further in. Hitting them head on is another possibility. Either way, it would be best to leave a couple of you here to ensure no one of note escapes, so you'd be best for that, Amaryl.'
Looking for their opinions on which path to take and who would like to stay behind out here as reserves and to pick off stragglers.
"I'll take care of stragglers," Amaryl agrees, "The rest of you smash the fortress."
"That's my opinion," Donald says, "We want this to be a message. We're doing it our way, not Shar's sneaky way." Reaching up to check his helmet and then his arms and armor, "I'm ready to do this."
"I'd rather not hide in shadows. Let's make an entrance," Elle seconds, shaking her head. "A statement."
There's a gate to in if you wish, currently closed. One can of course just fly over the outer walls. There's doors into the inner keep and castle as well, if one cares to take it. There's occasional windows as well, though few large enough to allow someone easy passage in or out.
"In that case, we'll be going in from the outside," Seira decides, before teleporting all of them sans Amaryl to within five hundred feet of the entrance! That should be outside the range of any teleportation-prevention measures that weren't set up by Shar in person.
She advances on the gates, Radiant Assaults exploding all over to blast at the lingering shadows!
If this goes through, I'll roll the actual spell and such.
"Before that," Lady Sanzha speaks up, "Let us refresh our spells that have expired as well as prepare any others, if we feel any have been forgotten."
All of my spells are still active short of Celestial Valor and Glorious Rally, which I'm recasting on us all now thanks to Sanzha's prompting.
Along with Recitation? That's short duration as well. Superior vigor?
[spoiler]
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing8 )
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 15/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
[/quote]
My bad, let me paraphrase. The rest of the spells are easily emulated with Miracle. Let's say I did and go on!
Gladly, I just have to be like that since DM.
Go for the rolling, I'll sort it all out at once.
21:10 <CC> roll 2#1d20+34 SR
21:10 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 2#1d20+34 SR --> [ 1d20=6 ]{40}, [ 1d20=16 ]{50}
21:10 <CC> roll 2#15d6 radiant assaults
21:10 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 2#15d6 radiant assaults --> [ 15d6=51 ]{51}, [ 15d6=51 ]{51}
Will DC32 half.
"Donald, go!" Seira commands, gesturing at the closed gates.
"Hah!" Donald barrels down as you see it, the few shadows out and about obliterated in overwhelming blasts. They are reduced to nothigness, torn asider as Donald plows into the gate headlong.
> roll 1d20+19
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{21}
He barrels right into the gate, rocking it and making it groan. It doesn't right away as Elle's eyes sweep around, at the ready.
Perception.
[spoiler]
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing8 )
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 15/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
[/quote]
Taking 10 for 84.
You hear a groan echoing from horizon to horizon, faintly.
Turning into a dragon, Seira slams a claw into the gate alongside Donald!
Str check!
21:51 <CC> roll 1d20+18+2+2
21:51 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+18+2+2 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{38}
Already battered, the gate falls back, giving way to your combined charge. Ahead is a stony courtyard, scoured clean of shadows - for now, at least. Elle and Sanzha follows, "A fine warmup. When do you think the real opposition will begin?"
'It already might have,' Seira's voice sounds in their minds. 'I hear some sort of groan in the distance.'
Out loud, her draconic self roars, "Onwards! Leave no shadow intact!"
"ONWARDS!" Elle follows, flying ahead with you, as you advance into the courtyard. Yet that is as far as you get. 120ft away are gates within, which are thrown open. From the darkness within it emerges.
Sanzha's eyes flash blue and she leaps back, trident at the ready. "On guard!"
A shadow. Not just a shadow, a being of pure emptiness. Yet its face seems to shift, constantly changing, adjusting. A pitch black chakram floats by its hand, at the ready.
Behind it is a worm of pure darkness, vast and horrid, like a great purple worm but more. Its maw opens wide and wider, seeming to stretch forever, ready to consume.
"Well, well," Donald says, "Something to fight!"
K:R, Seira.
Taking 10 for 83. Also rolling init! Remember, +2 from Good Hope and +4 from Sign.
22:28 <CC> roll 1d20+18+2+4
22:28 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+18+2+4 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{28}
Good reminder.
The worm is a nightcrawler, a type of nightshade. A horrid thing, one that only exists to consume and destroy. This one looks stronger than a normal specimen. Watch out for the poison and being swallowed whole, as well as possibly unique abilities for being stronger.
The figure before you is a Face of Loss, a profane shadow of Shar that shows the lost ones of its victims as it slays them. But this one is more, more powerful. Whispers you've heard of Sharblessed Faces of Loss, horrors with Shar's personal blessing and powerful dark justicars and favored souls as well. If you get within 60ft you're vulnerable to its face effect so be careful, though mind blank should stop that.
How would that work, Seira wonders, if one had no lost loved ones to mourn?
'Try to stay out of the freak's range, which is sixty feet,' she commands her team. 'It's a Sharblessed Face of Loss. The worm past it is a Nightcrawler, so don't get swallowed. Donald, you're on rearguard. Elle, Sanzha, take care of the flanks and support me from range. I'm going in!'
Going in, however, means Seira closes the distance to sixty feet and breathes holy fire at the pair of monstrosities!
Also gargantuan, so reach 20ft for AoO purposes.
> roll 1d20+11 Donald
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+11 Donald --> [ 1d20=14 ]{25}
> roll 1d20+17 Elle
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+17 Elle --> [ 1d20=10 ]{27}
> roll 1d20+26 Lady Sanzha
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+26 Lady Sanzha --> [ 1d20=4 ]{30}
> roll 1d20+10 Sharblessed Face of Loss
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+10 Sharblessed Face of Loss --> [ 1d20=3 ]{13}
> roll 1d20+24 Nightcrawler
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+24 Nightcrawler --> [ 1d20=18 ]{42}
Init is Nightcrawler (42) > Seira (28) > Lady Sanzha (30) > Elle (27) > Donald (25) > Sharblessed Face of Loss (13)
Nightcrawler opens.
Before any of you can act, a long and thin tongue comes from the nightcrawler's maw. That's new indeed as it extends out over a hundred feet with ease, going dead on for Donald.
> roll 1d20+68 vs CMD
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+68 vs CMD --> [ 1d20=16 ]{84}
Donald's CMD is 91, so miss.
But Donald's shield is as fast as the wind, coming up to block it. The shadowy thing touches his shield and recoils, fumes of acid drifting off from the contact.
Go Seira.
[spoiler]
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 15/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Seira rapidly closes the distance, breathing holy flames upon the pair of monstrosities while beams of justice shoot out of her eyes at the nightcrawler!
19:25 <CC> roll 22d10
19:25 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 22d10 --> [ 22d10=110 ]{110}
19:31 <CC> roll 1d4
19:31 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d4 --> [ 1d4=2 ]{2}
Dragon breath, 165 damage. Ref DC 43 half.
Bolts of Glory
19:26 <CC> roll 2#1d20+33 SR
19:26 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 2#1d20+33 SR --> [ 1d20=8 ]{41}, [ 1d20=17 ]{50}
19:29 <CC> roll 2#1d20+53 ranged touch
19:29 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 2#1d20+53 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=16 ]{69}, [ 1d20=19 ]{72}
Damage:
19:27 <CC> roll 2#15d12
19:27 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 2#15d12 --> [ 15d12=97 ]{97}, [ 15d12=100 ]{100}
> roll 1d20+44 Sharblessed
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+44 Sharblessed --> [ 1d20=7 ]{51}
> roll 1d20+28 Nightcrawler
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+28 Nightcrawler --> [ 1d20=20 ]{48}
Your blazing goldenfire illuminates the shadows briefly as you burn both of them, bolts of glory peppering the nightcrawler. It recoils back from them, going upward and shaking, screeching as...
Init is Nightcrawler (42) > Seira (28) > Lady Sanzha (27.1) > Elle (27) > Donald (25) > Sharblessed Face of Loss (13)
Also init was wrong, I put you before Sanzha by mistake. Sanzha will just hold and we'll call that good. Whoops.
Lady Sanzha stays back, only approaching slowly as she begins to sing. It is a song in Aquan, a beautiful tune of the rising tide washing the beaches clean, scouring away waste.
Inspire Excellence, +4 competence bonus to Intelligence for all.
Meanwhile Elle flies along and to the left side, parting away as she begins to chant. No great buildup, just a point and suddenly three motes of lightning form an arch above her, before soaring at the nightcrawler, radiant and crackling. Thunder bursts in their wake as Elle calls, "Hands off, he's MINE!"
Quickened twinned empowered and maximized moonbow.
> roll 1d20 1 check since rnaged touch on a huge creature 1
> roll 1d20 1 check since rnaged touch on a huge creature 2
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20 check since rnaged touch on a huge creature 1 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{5}
> roll 1d20 1 check since rnaged touch on a huge creature 3
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20 check since rnaged touch on a huge creature 2 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{8}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20 check since rnaged touch on a huge creature 3 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{8}
> roll 90+90+90+90+90+90
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 90+90+90+90+90+90 --> {540}
+31 more since it's an evocation.
The motes slam into the nightcrawler, bursting through it like one of Amaryl's arrows, explosions of electricity rocking the foul beast. Yet Elle's already drawing back, grinning ear to ear as she points her sword forward and then slashes upward, as if disemboweling an invisible foe.
Queen's displeasure.
> roll 1d20+54
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+54 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{70}
> roll 30d8
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 30d8 --> [ 30d8=109 ]{109}
+31 more since it's an evocation.
Already ablaze with goldenfire, peppered with bolts of glory and now exploding with lightning, Elle's slash strikes from afar, ripping the middle of the worm up. Horrid black blood and guts spill out, the entire thing twitching as it falls to the ground, gushing blood everywhere.
Donald, but chance to react since the nightcrawler is down and out.
Init is Seira (28) > Lady Sanzha (27.1) > Elle (27) > Donald (25) > Sharblessed Face of Loss (13)
[spoiler]
+4 int all.
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 15/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used: 11: Quickened Empowered Maximized Twinned Moonbow*, Queen's Displeasure.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
"Nice!" Seira compliments, holding down the line.
Donald follows as the worm goes down, laughing, "And that's why I married you," he calls back, zooming in lightning fast at the Sharblessed, recovering and glancing back, seeing the worm exterminated. He turns ghostly as he does, semi transparent.
Swift etherealness to get around shadow miss chance.
> roll 1d20+52 (+2 charge, +13 boosts, +5/+5d4 arcane strike, -30 PA)
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+52 (+2 charge, +13 boosts, +5/+5d4 arcane strike, -30 PA) --> [ 1d20=2 ]{54}
> roll 1d10+75+5d4
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d10+75+5d4 --> [ 1d10=1 5d4=7 ]{83}
Forgot to list arcane channeling, but yeah, he's dropping Lathander's touch.
> roll 25d8
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 25d8 --> [ 25d8=120 ]{120}
The eruption of fire and blade burns the Sharblessed, causing it to burn aflame. It burns as its face changes over and over again, yet finds nothing on any of them before it steps back and its chakram flies out, slashing over both you and Donald.
> roll 1d20+51
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+51 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{70}
> roll 1d20+51 in case that's a crit threat
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+51 in case that's a crit threat --> [ 1d20=15 ]{66}
AC, you two?
[spoiler]
+4 int all.
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768+64/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 15/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 3/3
Spells Used: 5th: 1 6th: 1 8th: 1
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496+64/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532+64/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used: 11: Quickened Empowered Maximized Twinned Moonbow*, Queen's Displeasure.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
81 before buffs, it's a miss
Donald is likewise safe, no hit.
Yet the chakram is deflected away, shield and magic sufficient to ward it back.
The shadow catches the chakram before letting out an unearthly cry. The emerge all over from the floor - shadows. Countless of them, tearing through everyone and everything before retreating back.
> roll 1d20+35 touch AC
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+35 touch AC --> [ 1d20=17 ]{52}
Touch AC, all?
We all have Mass Death Ward and Ghost Touch Armor. Celestial Valor and Glorious Rally together give +10 to AC.
My touch AC goes from its base 46 to 59 with magic.
Sanzha's hit, the rest miss.
Natural resistances and protections save her, though.
Amid all the shadows retreating, amid all the chaos you all stand strong and...
Go.
Seira closes in and explodes! Repeatedly!
Greater Fireburst emulation via Quickened Miracle
21:03 <CC> roll 1d20+36 SR
21:03 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+36 SR --> [ 1d20=17 ]{53}
21:03 <CC> roll 15d8 fire
21:03 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 15d8 fire --> [ 15d8=76 ]{76}
Greater Fireburst emulation via Quickened Miracle
21:04 <CC> roll 1d20+36 SR
21:04 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+36 SR --> [ 1d20=17 ]{53}
21:04 <CC> roll 15d8 fire
21:04 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 15d8 fire --> [ 15d8=58 ]{58}
Maximized Twinned Greater Fireburst
21:04 <CC> roll 1d20+36 SR
21:04 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+36 SR --> [ 1d20=11 ]{47}
240 damage
Ref DCs for all are 34, half
It is incorporeal. Do your spells bypass that?
> roll 1d20+44
> roll 1d20+44
> roll 1d20+44
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+44 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{51}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+44 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{59}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+44 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{46}
If they don't, let me know so I can roll the miss chance.
They do not, please roll the miss chance. In any case, I will be in melee range now.
> roll 1d100 vs 1-50 1
> roll 1d100 vs 1-50 2
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 vs 1-50 1 --> [ 1d100=26 ]{26}
> roll 1d100 vs 1-50 3
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 vs 1-50 2 --> [ 1d100=38 ]{38}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 vs 1-50 3 --> [ 1d100=48 ]{48}
Not your day.
Anything else this round or is that it?
That's it.
Init is Seira (28) > Lady Sanzha (27.1) > Elle (27) > Donald (25) > Sharblessed Face of Loss (13)
Sanzha will keep performing for now. Elle.
Elle brings her blade down again at the shadow, advancing slowly.
> roll 1d20+56
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+56 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{60}
> roll 30d8
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 30d8 --> [ 30d8=128 ]{128}
+31 more for evocation.
The slash of force rips thickly into the shadow, tearing away part of it, spreading about like a foul mist. It staggers it - which is all the chance Donald needs.
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 30d8 --> [ 30d8=128 ]{128}
> roll 1d20+63 (+2 charge, +13 boosts, +5/+5d4 arcane strike, -20 PA, channeled lathander's touch, +1 haste)
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+63 (+2 charge, +13 boosts, +5/+5d4 arcane strike, -20 PA, channeled lathander's touch, +1 haste) --> [ 1d20=10 ]{73}
> roll 10+63 (+2 charge, +13 boosts, +5/+5d4 arcane strike, -20 PA, channeled lathander's touch, +1 haste) haste bonus attack, using take 10 on it.
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 10+63 (+2 charge, +13 boosts, +5/+5d4 arcane strike, -20 PA, channeled lathander's touch, +1 haste) haste bonus attack, using take 10 on it. --> {73}
> roll 1d20+58 (+2 charge, +13 boosts, +5/+5d4 arcane strike, -20 PA, channeled lathander's touch, +1 haste)
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+58 (+2 charge, +13 boosts, +5/+5d4 arcane strike, -20 PA, channeled lathander's touch, +1 haste) --> [ 1d20=10 ]{68}
> roll 1d20+53 (+2 charge, +13 boosts, +5/+5d4 arcane strike, -20 PA, channeled lathander's touch, +1 haste)
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+53 (+2 charge, +13 boosts, +5/+5d4 arcane strike, -20 PA, channeled lathander's touch, +1 haste) --> [ 1d20=12 ]{65}
> roll 1d20+53 (+2 charge, +13 boosts, +5/+5d4 arcane strike, -20 PA, channeled lathander's touch, +1 haste, +5 one attack/round on FA)
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+53 (+2 charge, +13 boosts, +5/+5d4 arcane strike, -20 PA, channeled lathander's touch, +1 haste, +5 one attack/round on FA) --> [ 1d20=11 ]{64}
> OOC: -2 from all, forgot to remove charge.
* Iddy (~irondrago@cpe-173-172-186-123.tx.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
> roll 1d10+65+5d4+25d8
> roll 1d10+65+5d4+25d8
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d10+65+5d4+25d8 --> [ 1d10=5 5d4=11 25d8=100 ]{181}
> roll 1d10+65+5d4+25d8
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d10+65+5d4+25d8 --> [ 1d10=2 5d4=11 25d8=115 ]{193}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d10+65+5d4+25d8 --> [ 1d10=9 5d4=14 25d8=118 ]{206}
> roll 1d10+65+5d4+25d8
> roll 1d10+65+5d4+25d8
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d10+65+5d4+25d8 --> [ 1d10=5 5d4=11 25d8=110 ]{191}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d10+65+5d4+25d8 --> [ 1d10=3 5d4=14 25d8=99 ]{181}
With a blade blazing with Lathander's flames, the shadow is ripped apart. The Sharblessed wails as it dies the second time, form torn apart as you stand there, victorious. You won!
Free act.
[spoiler]
+4 int all.
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768+64/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 14/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 3/3
Spells Used: 5th: 2 6th: 1 8th: 2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496+64/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532+64/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used: 11: Quickened Empowered Maximized Twinned Moonbow*, Queen's Displeasurex2.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
"Ah, there we go," Seira says cheerfully, turning into her humanoid self and striding inside.
After setting herself on fire, of course.
Crown of Flame, undead will take 2d6 within 10ft of me.
Within are tombs. Tombs line the walls, coffins slotted into it, lying on the floor, upright against walls. A vast hall of the dead, bringing back memories of the Lost Eastlands, a moment in perfect clarity to your mind. It stretches on and on, stairways leading both to higher and lower floors.
Seira decides to descend!
As you walk towards it, "Easy enough so far," Donald says, "Good shots, Elle."
Elle smiles and whistles, even as her eyes roam, checking corners and sides. "That was impressive swordwork against the Sharblessed." The two share a momentary look.
Meanwhile, Lady Sanzha chuckles, "At least the minor vermin have the sense not to attack us meaninglessly."
"I have a spell or two in mind to deal with them, if so," Seira muses, projecting a carefree demeanor even as she focuses her senses on their surroundings to keep everyone safe.
Gimme perception and refresh me on all your sensory tricks, Seira.
Taking 10 for 84. True seeing, darkvision, blindsight, tremorsense, scent for up to 2 miles.
You reach the stairs to descend. As you do, you feel an involuntary chill.
Song comes from below, drifting up and just barely audible. A song that brings back to mind Shar's realm, the song of oblivion and ending.
'Definitely someone's singing praises to Shar below,' Seira relays to the others as she heads down!
"Whenever I hear that,' Donald thinks back, 'All I can hear is people begging to be freed from this burdensome life.'
Down dark stairs you go, into deeper darkness, pitch black by about halfway down. Your true seeing allows you to see just fine, however.
'Let's dispel this darkness and deny them this advantage,' Elle sends to you, 'Make a statement that they don't get to hide in the dark.'
Elle's suggestion has merit, and Seira exerts her will on the unnatural darkness!
Chain Dispel x3:
19:28 <CC> roll 3#1d20+32
19:28 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 3#1d20+32 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{37}, [ 1d20=12 ]{44}, [ 1d20=17 ]{49}
To your magic, the darkness is gone in a moment, dispelled safely.
"It just came to me now," Seira muses, continuing her descent. "A semi-autonomous fireball bouncing down the steps, ricocheting off the walls and ceiling in its eager rush to clear the path ahead... would I be better-served by a living spell, or does this merit consideration?"
"Bouncing fireballs. I like it," Elle remarks, as you reach the bottom. It opens directly into more coffins - which are beginning to shake. As you hear the song of Shar faraway, the coffins rise, floating into the air. They're coming at the party!
Init.
20:04 <CC> roll 1d20+18+2+4
20:04 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+18+2+4 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{25}
I'm not flat-footed, and will counterspell if something nasty is cast on us!
> roll 1d20+22 Sanzha
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d20+22 Sanzha --> [ 1d20=12 ]{34}
> roll 1d20+13 Elle
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d20+13 Elle --> [ 1d20=17 ]{30}
> roll 1d20+7 Donald
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d20+7 Donald --> [ 1d20=15 ]{22}
> roll 1d20+5 coffins
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d20+5 coffins --> [ 1d20=5 ]{10}
Init is Sanzha (34) > Elle (30) > Seira (25) > Donald (22) > Coffins (10)
Lady Sanzha opens.
'We do need the way ahead intact, don't we?' Lady Sanzha asks quickly.
"Don't worry about it. If you trash anything too badly, I'll clear the way afterwards."
Lady Sanzha watches the coffins approaching before she extends her hand out. She snaps her fingers, a tsunami overflowingly filling the path ahead, crashing into the coffins with a titanic BOOM of stone and water colliding.
> roll 20d6
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 20d6 --> [ 20d6=69 ]{69}
The din is massive, coffins swept away by the tsunami. It goes on and on until it reaches 60ft away from you, collapsing in a massive pile of broken coffins, blocking the way. If nothing else, at least no more coffins are coming your way.
Free act.
Seira advances, firing Disintegrate at the wreckage.
I literally cannot miss.
20:39 <CC> roll 3#40d6
20:39 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 3#40d6 --> [ 40d6=126 ]{126}, [ 40d6=116 ]{116}, [ 40d6=142 ]{142}
The coffins and rubble vanishes, revealing a path deeper in, ending at a single door painted midnight black.
Donald whistles, "My favorite spell, Seira!"
"It's grown on me, I must admit," Seira responds with a cocky grin, attempting to Disintegrate the door as well.
I also have Greater Arcane Sight and will know if there's any magic involved. Please tell me what it is, if so.
The door is radiating strong magic. The symbol of Shar is about to appear on it, unholy power that will erode the health of the living that do not serve Shar about to begin. It's also enchanted to deflect disintegrations and similar magic, as well as nullify magic like soften earth and stone or stone shape.
Seira crosses the distance to the door as only a deity can and Dispels Evil on it!
Which function of Dispel Evil are you using?
It's also enchanted to deflect disintegrations and similar magic, as well as nullify magic like soften earth and stone or stone shape. <-- this: Third, with a touch you can automatically dispel any one enchantment spell cast by an evil creature or any one evil spell.
Although I'd like to know the schools of the other spells as well.
It's abjuration. I used enchanted in the generic sense, not the spell school sense. If you wanna redo your action feel free, that's an entirely reasonable misunderstanding.
Seira tries to dispel the magic via brute force!
21:40 <CC> roll 3#1d20+34
21:40 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 3#1d20+34 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{40}, [ 1d20=5 ]{39}, [ 1d20=10 ]{44}
Throwing pure arcane magic is the trick, for the magic of the door sparks and crumbles away before your might, going and staying a dull black.
With the magic now destroyed, Seira opens the door!
The door is thrown open. Ahead they stand - nightwalkers. There are four of them, each 10ft ahead and 10ft apart. A barrier to going deeper, each one of the undead looking on with unhidden malevolence.
The leftmost one has a blade of black in hand, dull and unreflective.
The center-left one carries a bowl in both hands, looking down towards it, in which you see emptiness.
The center left one carries a pair of chakrams, ready to be hurled, one in each hand.
The rightmost one has a horn in hand, black and with purple writing inscribed on it.
Beyond them the room is a blur, space twisting endlessly, into airy waves like heat haze. You can see...something. Something. The singing is coming from within it.
"Well," Donald smiles, "Four nightwalkers! Elle, your turn!"
Elle tosses her hair, "Four more to send back to oblivion! It's an even fight, too."
"Seira Aryn," The rightmost nightwalker hisses, like cold wind escaping from an open tomb door. "Your head will earn me great rewards from the Lady of Loss."
"So many rewards," The center left one says, voice more like crawling ants, teeming, slithering in your ears. "Generalship in seeing to the end of everything. Even ascension."
"You do realize," Seira notes, the aura of flames around her flaring up, "that there's only one of me and four of you? I dare say your apparent comrades are your worst enemies if you wish to see any rewards."
Lady Sanzha laughs, soft and cutting. "Oh...oh! Is that it? Shall we quiver in fear that you want to kill us? I have faced down the flames of Imix and endured the hatred of Eblis. You'll have to surpass those to have any chance. I'm afraid to say I don't think you're adequate for the challenge." Twirling her trident, hand to hand in a blur that trails flames, little droplets of acid, freezing ice and crackles of lightning, "Die trying."
"We will not fail," The leftmost one says, blade raised in challenge, pointing dead on at Sanzha. "Our victory is inevitable." His voice is normal and yet wrong, a deep thing that makes you shudder, like glass dragged across a chalkboard.
"Geez." Donald sighs, "Seira, how many times have we heard that? Shar sure likes her mindless fanatics." Readying his sword and shield, "Tell you what. If you prove me wrong, you can gloat over my corpse."
"Hey now, don't say that! If Shar takes time from her busy schedule to come in person, we'll have to bravely run away! And then where will you be?" Seira chides Donald, shaking her finger at him. "Proven wrong, that's where!"
Her other hand is free to gesture at the nightmares, however, as she calls upon Lathander's power!
22:37 <CC> roll 1d20+18+2
22:37 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+18+2 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{28}
Init!
> roll 1d20+22 Sanzha
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d20+22 Sanzha --> [ 1d20=9 ]{31}
> roll 1d20+13 Elle
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d20+13 Elle --> [ 1d20=1 ]{14}
> roll 1d20+7 Donald
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d20+7 Donald --> [ 1d20=1 ]{8}
> roll 1d20+12 sword
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d20+12 sword --> [ 1d20=15 ]{27}
> roll 1d20+10 bowl
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d20+10 bowl --> [ 1d20=20 ]{30}
> roll 1d20+19 chakrams
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d20+19 chakrams --> [ 1d20=14 ]{33}
> roll 1d20+9 horn
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d20+9 horn --> [ 1d20=20 ]{29}
Init is Chakrams Nightwalker (33) > Sanzha (31) > Bowl Nightwalker (30) > Horn Nightwalker (29) > Seira (28) > Sword Nightwalker (27) > Elle (14) > Donald (8)
Before you can react, chakrams fly at Seira, unholy power bursting from them.
> roll 1d20+75 (+3 ???, +1 ???, +8 ???, +15 ???)
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d20+75 (+3 ???, +1 ???, +8 ???, +15 ???) --> [ 1d20=1 ]{76}
> roll 1d20+75 (+3 ???, +1 ???, +8 ???, +15 ???)
<Rei-chan> Sunshine_Ko rolled : 1d20+75 (+3 ???, +1 ???, +8 ???, +15 ???) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{80}
AC? Shitty rolls for him.
Pretty shitty, yeah. My AC is 82 before spells.
The chakrams whizz by you, deflected away with a loud whine of metal and sparks flying. They return to the nightwalker as he leans forward, catching them deftly. A moment later a wretched blast of pure eldritch power wraps around all of you, striking like a sickening ooze.
> roll 1d20+33
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+33 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{34}
Doesn't beat anyone's SR but Sanzha, who lacks it. Being chaotic neutral, she isn't subject to this effect anyway.
Yet nothing happens, the magic refusing to touch any of you.
Sanzha is up and clears her throat, "A performance of death? Then let me offer a living counterpoint." He song is of the ever flowing rivers, the always moving ocean, the endless rains. A cycle unstoppable and eternal, life always flowing and life always blooming.
Inspire Excellence for Constitution, +4 competence bonus to Constitution for all.
Bowl Nightwalker is up.
The nightwalker looks into the bowl, mouthing profane prayers to Shar. From it a wave of nothingness comes, enveloping all of you.
Fort saves, all. It isn't a spell so SR and countering isn't an issue here. Speak up if you have something relevant.
[spoiler]
+4 con all.
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768+64/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 14/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 3/3
Spells Used: 5th: 2 6th: 1 8th: 2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496+64/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532+64/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used: 11: Quickened Empowered Maximized Twinned Moonbow*, Queen's Displeasurex2.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
08:09 <CC> roll 1d20+60+15
08:09 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+60+15 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{83}
> roll 1d20+41 Sanzha
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+41 Sanzha --> [ 1d20=10 ]{51}
> roll 1d20+48 Elle
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+48 Elle --> [ 1d20=16 ]{64}
> roll 1d20+49 Donald (Doesn't autofail on a 1 for Fort saves)
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+49 Donald (Doesn't autofail on a 1 for Fort saves) --> [ 1d20=2 ]{51}
+2 higher for Sanzha's song.
Guh! The wave laps at Seira, gnaws at her - but nothing happens. She resists with her superhuman will and vitality. She feels a tug on her weapon, withstood as her gear feels the same.
Elle growls, a draconic sound that follows with fire, chasing away the wave of nothingness from her.
Donald cries out as his helmet flies off, hurtling into the bowl and vanishing.
Sanzha lets out a soft grunt as her trident is pulled away, following Donald's helmet into the bowl. Her eyes narrow, yet her song does not pause.
A moment later the nightwalker raises the bowl up as it utters a profane word. Dark light gathers around it, thrumming softly.
Donald's Angelhelm and Sanzha's trident are currently unavailable to be used.
Nightstalker with the horn is up.
The nightstalker takes his horn and blows it, a dreadful silence coming, yet a silent, impossible sonic burst exploding around all of you.
Fort.
[spoiler]
+4 con all.
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768+64/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 14/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 3/3
Spells Used: 5th: 2 6th: 1 8th: 2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496+64/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532+64/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used: 11: Quickened Empowered Maximized Twinned Moonbow*, Queen's Displeasurex2.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
[/quote]
19:21 <CC> roll 1d20+75
19:21 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+75 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{94}
> roll 1d20+41 Sanzha
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+41 Sanzha --> [ 1d20=8 ]{49}
> roll 1d20+48 Elle
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+48 Elle --> [ 1d20=12 ]{60}
> roll 1d20+49 Donald (Doesn't autofail on a 1 for Fort saves)
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+49 Donald (Doesn't autofail on a 1 for Fort saves) --> [ 1d20=12 ]{61}
Everyone made the save for half.
> roll 20d6 sonic damage
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 20d6 sonic damage --> [ 20d6=80 ]{80}
40 sonic damage to all.
Init is Chakrams Nightwalker (33) > Sanzha (31) > Bowl Nightwalker (30) > Horn Nightwalker (29) > Seira (28) > Sword Nightwalker (27) > Elle (14) > Donald (8)
The blast leaves you silently withstanding, bruised but nothing more.
"My helmet!" Donald's face twists into a scowl, focusing like the wrath of an angry Tempus onto that nightwalker.
Seira, go.
[spoiler]
+4 con
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768+24/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 14/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 3/3
Spells Used: 5th: 2 6th: 1 8th: 2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496+24/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532+24/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used: 11: Quickened Empowered Maximized Twinned Moonbow*, Queen's Displeasurex2.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
I'd like to remind you that we have energy res x5, which includes sound res 30. Thus, the hit to temp hp should be only 10, not 40.
"Ah, yes. Let's do something about that, shall we?" Seira tells Donald, aiming her left hand at the nightwalker with the bowl. A fiery dragon erupts from her wrist, spiraling unerringly on its doomed target, but Seira is not done! Gesturing at the slow undead who had yet to act, she snaps her fingers and suddenly it is assaulted by unicorns on all sides!
Swift1: Activating Armband of the Spark, I can crit and SA to normally-immune creatures.
Swift2: Quickened Twinned Unicorn Arrow on Sword Guy.
Standard: Blazing Radiance on Bowl Guy (impromptu sneak attack).
Bowl:
19:54 <CC> roll 1d20+37
19:54 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+37 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{44}
Forgot to add +2 to the roll vs SR, so 46.
19:48 <CC> roll 1d20+49+13 ray
19:48 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+49+13 ray --> [ 1d20=14 ]{76}
19:48 <CC> roll 37d12
19:48 <Kobot> CC rolled 37d12 --> [ 37d12=228 ]{228}
Doubled since undead, so 456.
19:49 <CC> roll 14d6
19:49 <Kobot> CC rolled 14d6 --> [ 14d6=54 ]{54}
SA added, so 510 damage total.
Sword:
19:50 <CC> roll 10#1d20+62 ranged touch
19:50 <Kobot> CC rolled 10#1d20+62 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=8 ]{70}, [ 1d20=20 ]{82}, [ 1d20=4 ]{66}, [ 1d20=10 ]{72}, [ 1d20=7 ]{69}, [ 1d20=17 ]{79}, [ 1d20=2 ]{64}, [ 1d20=14 ]{76}, [ 1d20=7 ]{69}, [ 1d20=16 ]{78}
19:50 <CC> roll 1d20+62 crit?
19:50 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+62 crit? --> [ 1d20=4 ]{66}
19:50 <CC> roll 9#1d8+8+14d6
19:50 <Kobot> CC rolled 9#1d8+8+14d6 --> [ 1d8=1 14d6=48 ]{57}, [ 1d8=7 14d6=52 ]{67}, [ 1d8=2 14d6=53 ]{63}, [ 1d8=2 14d6=53 ]{63}, [ 1d8=8 14d6=56 ]{72}, [ 1d8=1 14d6=61 ]{70}, [ 1d8=2 14d6=49 ]{59}, [ 1d8=3 14d6=54 ]{65}, [ 1d8=5 14d6=55 ]{68}
19:51 <CC> roll 2d8+16+14d6 crit
19:51 <Kobot> CC rolled 2d8+16+14d6 crit --> [ 2d8=11 14d6=54 ]{81}
A dragon of flames erupts out, boring through the chest of the bowl nightwalker. It falls to its knees, black non-blood gushing out of the gaping wound.
At the same time, the sword wielding nightwalker is assaulted on all sides. His blade pulses and...
Opposed CL check between you and the sword.
20:10 <CC> roll 1d20+34
20:10 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+34 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{53}
> roll 1d20+33
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+33 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{41}
The unicorn arrows slam home, piercing the nightwalker all over. He stumbles back in visible pain, a soft cry as he almost drops his blade. Not blood flows from over half a dozen wounds, freely, splurting out in places. In revenge he holds his blade up and slashes, making one, overpowering blow right down at your head.
> roll 1d20+83 (+3 ???, +1 ???, +8 ???, +10 ???, +4 ???)
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+83 (+3 ???, +1 ???, +8 ???, +10 ???, +4 ???) --> [ 1d20=4 ]{87}
AC?
Higher than that.
Yet you glide back and block, as a thin black beam follows from the swing a moment later, gathering together and flying right at you.
This one is a spell if you wanna counter.
I have on me:
Aegis of the Tarrasque
The most powerful aspect of the shield is it's ability to reflect lines, cones and rays. Any such attack targeted at the user has a 50% chance of being harmlessly deflected away. As this is not an illusion or displacement effect, True Seeing has no effect on this miss chance. Normal ranged attacks like arrows are not affected.
Spell Turning
SR 46
Would they work? If so, I'm not countering.
Aegis would cover it.
> roll 1d100 vs 1-50
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d100 vs 1-50 --> [ 1d100=6 ]{6}
The beam is deflected away by your shield, hitting a nearby wall harmlessly.
Init is Chakrams Nightwalker (33) > Sanzha (31) > Bowl Nightwalker (30) > Horn Nightwalker (29) > Seira (28) > Sword Nightwalker (27) > Elle (14) > Donald (8)
Elle tosses her hair back, "Seira, good news! All of them die!"
> roll 1d20+28 ranged touch
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+28 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=19 ]{47}
> roll 25d6
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 25d6 --> [ 25d6=99 ]{99}
Elle says not a word, yet a tiny hole bursts through the head of the wounded sword nightwalker. It simply tumbles over, horrid dark fluids and matter leaking from it as it lies there, a giant felled just like that.
Init is Chakrams Nightwalker (33) > Sanzha (31) > Bowl Nightwalker (30) > Horn Nightwalker (29) > Seira (28) > Elle (14) > Donald (8)
A moment later Elle snaps her fingers, a giant lance of sunlight striking from above through the chakram nightwalker.
> roll 1d20+35
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+35 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{47}
> roll 1d20+35
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+35 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{47}
> roll 1d20+28 ranged touch
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+28 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=20 ]{48}
> roll 30d6
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 30d6 --> [ 30d6=95 ]{95}
> roll 95+47+31
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 95+47+31 --> {173}
> roll 173*2
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 173*2 --> {346}
Ref saves, everyone, for the second half of sunlance - there's just not room to work around the huge radius of the secondary sunburst here.
[spoiler]
+4 con
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768+54/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 14/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 3/3
Spells Used: 5th: 2 6th: 1 8th: 2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496+54/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532+54/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used: 11: Quickened Empowered Maximized Twinned Moonbow*, Queen's Displeasurex2. 12: Quickened Unseen Needle, Empowered Sunlance.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Improved evasion.
21:18 <CC> roll 1d20+61+15
21:18 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+61+15 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{80}
> roll 1d20+45 Sanzha
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+45 Sanzha --> [ 1d20=9 ]{54}
> roll 1d20+46 Elle
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+46 Elle --> [ 1d20=12 ]{58}
> roll 1d20+39 Donald
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+39 Donald --> [ 1d20=4 ]{43}
Everyone made the save on this end, so half when its rolled and no blindness.
> roll 6d6
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 6d6 --> [ 6d6=20 ]{20}
> roll 20+10
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 20+10 --> {30}
15 damage to all but Seira, who take none.
> roll 25d6
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 25d6 --> [ 25d6=85 ]{85}
> roll 85+41+31
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 85+41+31 --> {157}
157 before saves to the nightwalkers.
> roll 1d20+53 evasion sword nightwalker
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+53 evasion sword nightwalker --> [ 1d20=8 ]{61}
> OOC: Strike, make that the bowl one since dur.
> OOC: 8+35=42.
> roll 1d20+36 horn
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+36 horn --> [ 1d20=1 ]{37}
> roll 1d20+49 chakrams
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+49 chakrams --> [ 1d20=13 ]{62}
Init is Chakrams Nightwalker (33) > Sanzha (31) > Horn Nightwalker (29) > Seira (28) > Elle (14) > Donald (8)
When the light has cleared, there are only two. The bowl nightwalker is dissolving in the sunlight, leaving hunks of himself and his fallen bowl. The other two are visibly sunbleached at points but up, Donald charging in as it clears and...
Donald is up, chance to react while I get this segment out, do a quick round of posts and come back to this for Donald's turn.
[spoiler]
+4 con
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768+39/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 14/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 3/3
Spells Used: 5th: 2 6th: 1 8th: 2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496+39/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532+39/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used: 11: Quickened Empowered Maximized Twinned Moonbow*, Queen's Displeasurex2. 12: Quickened Unseen Needle, Empowered Sunlance.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
8+35=43
"Get the horny freak, Donald!" Seira commands, not feeling any serious danger from the chakram user.
Donald races in as commanded, a sharp smile on his face as his blade glows bright.
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+66 (+13 various, weapon damage boost used, -20 PA, +1 haste) --> [ 1d20=10 ]{76}
> roll 2d6+65+25d8
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 2d6+65+25d8 --> [ 2d6=6 25d8=108 ]{179}
The blade cuts deep into the nightwalker, as the water is drawn from them all, rapidfire and back to back.
Two quickened horrid wiltings.
> roll 1d20+39
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+39 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{59}
> roll 20d6
> roll 20d6
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 20d6 --> [ 20d6=55 ]{55}
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 20d6 --> [ 20d6=65 ]{65}
> roll 1d20+39
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+39 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{58}
> roll 1d20+29 1
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+29 1 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{39}
> roll 1d20+29 2 for horn 2
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+29 2 for horn 2 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{42}
> roll 1d20+27 chakram 1
> roll 1d20+27 chakram 2
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+27 chakram 1 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{29}
<Kobot> Sunshine_Ko rolled 1d20+27 chakram 2 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{39}
Both are drained further, visibly stumbling until the chakram wielder falls, too much for him. One left!
Init is Sanzha (31) > Horn Nightwalker (29) > Seira (28) > Elle (14) > Donald (8)
Chance to react, post after doing a round of posts.
[spoiler]
+4 con
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768+39/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 13/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 2/3
Spells Used: 5th: 2 6th: 1 7th: 2 8th: 3
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496+39/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532+39/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used: 11: Quickened Empowered Maximized Twinned Moonbow*, Queen's Displeasurex2. 12: Quickened Unseen Needle, Empowered Sunlance.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
"Oh well, you tried," Seira tells Donald consolingly. "Sanzha, darling, if you will?"
Lady Sanzha snaps her fingers, reality seeming to shift abruptly as...!!!
SLA Wish for a sunburst. Well, this is helping me sort out that todo of what spell adjustments she needs. Namely she needs some direct offensive options. Admittedly she has shadow evocation and greater, but shadow anything is a poor choice facing Sharrans. A sonic spell or two would be a nice pickup for situations like this.
> roll 1d20+31
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+31 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{33}
Tinks off everyone's SR. Unfortunate.
Yet the spell is resisted, the nightwalker's shadows rising as it withdraws, back through the ripples in space and gone. You've won!
Withdraw action to prevent any AoO shenanigans. Free act.
[spoiler]
+4 con
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768+39/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 13/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 2/3
Spells Used: 5th: 2 6th: 1 7th: 2 8th: 3
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496+39/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used: Wish
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532+39/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used: 11: Quickened Empowered Maximized Twinned Moonbow*, Queen's Displeasurex2. 12: Quickened Unseen Needle, Empowered Sunlance.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
[/quote]
Seira does her best to contain her disappointment, striding forward to look for a way to proceed. "Elle," she tells her oldest friend, "please look into their effects and see whether our gear can be salvaged."
"It better be," Donald scowls, running a gauntleted hand through his hair.
> roll 1d20+78
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+78 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{98}
"Not quickly," Elle says back, gathering them all up. "But I think so."
The way ahead is the rippling space, like heat haze, if you care to investigate that. No other passages present themselves.
Invrestigating!
K:A, K:P and K:R 10 for 83
It's a dimensional rippling, a fold. Reality will be a little different ahead, held in control of an entity on the other side.
"It's a bit like a divine realm inside," Seira tells her friends, refreshing the spells in charge of their recovery and setting them all on fire for good measure before heading inside!
Timer on Superior Vigor and Recitation reset, Crown of Flames on the three of them, Sign recast on me. Takes three rounds and we're off!
"Let's finish this," Lady Sanzha says, "Also, I feel we or something powerful was expected. I have questions for the little Sharran in charge of this."
"Mm." Elle's already moving forward, "We can get answers from the source. Let's go."
You step into darkness. Darkness all around. The song of Shar is louder, fully heard now and...!!!
Immediate fort saves, all. Immunity to disease negates the need. I believe you have immunity from divine rank, Seira?
I'm not actually sure! So here's a save just in case.
20:16 <CC> roll 1d20+60+15
20:16 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+60+15 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{93}
Sanzha's con boost is just wearing off, FYI. It applies to thing but this is it.
> roll 1d20+43 Sanzha
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+43 Sanzha --> [ 1d20=4 ]{47}
> roll 1d20+50 Elle
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+50 Elle --> [ 1d20=12 ]{62}
> roll 1d20+51 Donald
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+51 Donald --> [ 1d20=8 ]{59}
Yet all of you withstand it, withstand the song and endure it. It is wrong, is empty and it is alluring. It calls you, demands of you. Like a titanic pressure it pushes you down, down and down further.
[spoiler]
Amaryl
HP: 505+64/505 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Donald
HP: 768+39/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Quick Cast 6/6 Protection Devotion 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Armor Haste 13/15 Breath Weapon Boost 3/3 Weapon Damage Dice Boost 2/3
Spells Used: 5th: 2 6th: 1 7th: 2 8th: 3
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes: Two quickened spells/round when under armor's haste, unkillable allows Con saves to not be reduced below 1 HP
Lady Sanzha
HP: 496+39/496 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Channel Water 14/14 Bardic Music 31/31 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used: Wish
Spells Active: Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
Elle
HP: 532+39/532 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred) AC+10 (+6 morale, +6 sacred), Saves+13 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +3 luck), Skills+4/+9 Per/+14 Diplo (+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale) weapons are holy
Resources: Dragon Breath (DD) 1/1 Touch of Vitality 126/126 Mythical Cast Maximize 3/3
Spells Used: 11: Quickened Empowered Maximized Twinned Moonbow*, Queen's Displeasurex2. 12: Quickened Unseen Needle, Empowered Sunlance.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL32), Ghost Touch Armor (CL32), Recitation (CL32), Superior Vigor (CL32), True Seeing (CL32), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL32), Detect Scrying (CL32), Freedom of Movement (CL32), Pass Without Trace (CL32), Greater Heroism (CL32), Voice of the Dragon (CL32), Good Hope (CL32), Nondetection (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Heroes Feast (CL32), Energy Resistancex5 (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Spell Turning (CL32), Avoid Planar Effects (CL32)
Notes:
They all have fast healing 8!
"Sanzha, that's a terrible song," Seira says with an exaggerated grimace. "How about we show Shar something better? Hey, do you know this one?" She takes out her baton and flips it in the air to generate a melody, singing, "You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains~"
Lady Sanzha clears her throat and begins to sing. It is a hopeful song, taking off from yours as she walks forward. A song of life and living, of waters always flowing.
Countersong.
> roll 1d20+50 Sanzha countersong
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+50 Sanzha countersong --> [ 1d20=15 ]{65}
Sanzha's song is loud and beautiful. It crowds out the song of oblivion, no longer heard from any of you.
"Hurry," Donald says, sword and shield out as he rushes, "I doubt she can keep it up all day!"
Seira leads the way, happily singing her heart out!
I'm actually pretty good at it!
20:49 <CC> roll 1d20+54
20:49 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+54 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{68}
On the four of you walk. Not far before the darkness begins to shimmer. An archway of stone is ahead, more rippling space. As if inviting you in further.
Seira proceeds inside! Unless her greater arcane sight or true seeing reveal a trap!
They do not.
You step ahead, step onward. The four of you stand in a stone platform in the darkness, perhaps 20ft by 20ft.
"Still living?" It's a woman's voice, cold. "Annoying pests should die." It comes from everywhere, echoing amid the darkness.
"You're number seven, aren't you? Seven of Twelve? I think I'll call you that," Seira muses. "I shall allow you to address me as the Dragon Princess. Isn't it better when we're all friends?"
"I am," The voice agrees, "Are you here to die, Seira?"
"You seem competent enough, if only by your reputation, Seven," Seira responds to the mysterious voice. "How about I bring you over to my side instead? You should be able to see past the whole 'I shall win eternal glory with Shar by killing much stronger people!' thing the midboss squad went for. Let's face it, deep down there's a broken little girl crying because of something Shar ultimately engineered to get you to her side. How does that buy her loyalty?"
"Ask her as she heralds you to oblivion," she declares, as the darkness begins to gather around you, crushing back against you.
Donald holds his ground right away, shield out, "Dispel! Counter light!"
Elle does the same, both hands out as she chants words of magic, protecting herself.
With a flick of her wrist, a fan of fire appears in Seira's hand. A smooth gesture building up on it is imbued with her willpower, sending her magical might clashing against Seven's!
Superb Dispelling
22:10 <CC> roll 1d20+32+9
22:10 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+32+9 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{55}
Gimme four more checks.
22:28 <CC> roll 4#1d20+32+9
22:28 <Kobot> CC rolled 4#1d20+32+9 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{60}, [ 1d20=14 ]{55}, [ 1d20=11 ]{52}, [ 1d20=18 ]{59}
Magic shatters before your power. Your dispel is sufficient, the stone platform crumbling beneath you, the darkness ripping apart. The four of you fall for a mere moment before landing on something solid.
You land in darkness, but ahead a dim path can be seen, winding deeper.
Seira displays her rarely-used control over flames and forms a massive phoenix that flies ahead of her to announce her presence. With Kascha attending in spirit, Seira strides down the no longer dim path, asking, "What is it that you want? Not in the sense of a tactical goal or achievement. What do you feel is the purpose of your existence, and how have you been living your life to help it along?"
You advance, the way darkness - as in emptiness, darkness from there being nothing there at all.
Elle stays on guard, Sanzha following unconcerned.
"Come, servants of oblivion," The woman demands. "We have a chance to claim a prize grander than any we imagined."
Before you, 40ft away, is the horn nightwalker. He blocks the way, fully restored. From the darkness three more dots of nothingness flow, flowing into him.
"I am...Fourth. I am Four as One." The nightwalker declares, voice now a simmering thing, like water about to boil over. His body is bigger now, better defined, radiating power. "Together, the four of us will bring you to oblivion."
Come, Seira. Shall we Compete, servant against servant? Send one of them against him. Let us see which is superior and which shall fall into oblivion.
I'm glad you asked, Shar! My answer is no, of course. Unlike yourself, I don't treat my followers as pawns, nor do I send them up against unfavorable odds out of some misplaced whimsy or to win a bet. And since we're getting into this, I actually have friends and they're here with me. Why, I feel that beating Four as One and Seven of Twelve will be a nice bonding experience for us! Not to mention that it nicely fits within my beliefs that the sum is greater than its parts, and that by working together we can overcome great odds.
"Come on, Seven!" Seira calls up in the wake of that refusal. "I'll show you how much better it is when one fights alongside friends!"
In that case, init.
07:24 <CC> roll 1d20+18+2+4
07:24 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+18+2+4 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{42}
> roll 1d20+22 Lady Sanzha
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+22 Lady Sanzha --> [ 1d20=19 ]{41}
> roll 1d20+13 Elle
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+13 Elle --> [ 1d20=13 ]{26}
> roll 1d20+7 Donald
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+7 Donald --> [ 1d20=16 ]{23}
> roll 1d20+20 Four As One
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+20 Four As One --> [ 1d20=3 ]{23}
> roll 1d20+20 The Seventh Shadow
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+20 The Seventh Shadow --> [ 1d20=20 ]{40}
> roll 1d20+3 ???
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+3 ??? --> [ 1d20=17 ]{20}
> roll 1d20+8 ???
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+8 ??? --> [ 1d20=7 ]{15}
> roll 1d20 ???2
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20 ???2 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{4}
Init is Seira (42) > Lady Sanzha (41) > The Seventh Shadow (40) > Elle (26) > Donald = Four As One (23) > ???1 (20) > ???2 (15) > ???3 (4)
Seira opens.
Cowardice. All you represent is nothing but dust on the wind, Seira.
Shar's voice is haughty, filled with contempt as Donald calls, "Let's end this!"
Go.
I'm genuinely amused that you would try to teach me the meaning of bravery and honor, Shar, but how about you stop embarrassing yourself? Seira suggests mildly, unicorns launching themselves at the nightwalker while she prepares a mightier spell! It only takes a moment before a sun overlaps Four as One's spot to help it along its desired path to oblivion.
Quickened Twinned Unicorn Arrow x2, Twinned Sunlance. I don't fail on a 1, I can crit and SA those immune for the next half minute or so.
Unicorn Attacks:
19:12 <CC> roll 10#1d20+59 ranged touch
19:12 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 10#1d20+59 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=3 ]{62}, [ 1d20=16 ]{75}, [ 1d20=4 ]{63}, [ 1d20=7 ]{66}, [ 1d20=2 ]{61}, [ 1d20=12 ]{71}, [ 1d20=13 ]{72}, [ 1d20=8 ]{67}, [ 1d20=3 ]{62}, [ 1d20=5 ]{64}
19:12 <CC> roll 10#1d20+59 ranged touch
19:12 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 10#1d20+59 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=15 ]{74}, [ 1d20=2 ]{61}, [ 1d20=4 ]{63}, [ 1d20=5 ]{64}, [ 1d20=3 ]{62}, [ 1d20=1 ]{60}, [ 1d20=2 ]{61}, [ 1d20=8 ]{67}, [ 1d20=19 ]{78}, [ 1d20=17 ]{76}
Unicorn Damage:
19:17 <CC> roll 10#1d8+8+14d6
19:17 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 10#1d8+8+14d6 --> [ 1d8=4 14d6=45 ]{57}, [ 1d8=2 14d6=48 ]{58}, [ 1d8=7 14d6=42 ]{57}, [ 1d8=4 14d6=59 ]{71}, [ 1d8=3 14d6=60 ]{71}, [ 1d8=8 14d6=57 ]{73}, [ 1d8=5 14d6=33 ]{46}, [ 1d8=2 14d6=51 ]{61}, [ 1d8=5 14d6=57 ]{70}, [ 1d8=4 14d6=48 ]{60}
19:17 <CC> roll 10#1d8+8+14d6
19:17 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 10#1d8+8+14d6 --> [ 1d8=7 14d6=63 ]{78}, [ 1d8=1 14d6=50 ]{59}, [ 1d8=1 14d6=49 ]{58}, [ 1d8=6 14d6=57 ]{71}, [ 1d8=3 14d6=53 ]{64}, [ 1d8=6 14d6=52 ]{66}, [ 1d8=3 14d6=50 ]{61}, [ 1d8=1 14d6=57 ]{66}, [ 1d8=8 14d6=37 ]{53}, [ 1d8=6 14d6=45 ]{59}
Sunlance Attack and SR:
19:14 <CC> roll 1d20+59 twinned sunlance ranged touch, if at least a third of the earlier rolls missed then I'm using MoP to boost this one +25
19:14 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+59 twinned sunlance ranged touch, if at least a third of the earlier rolls missed then I'm using MoP to boost this one +25 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{62}
19:16 <CC> roll 1d20+34 SR
19:16 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+34 SR --> [ 1d20=18 ]{52}
Sunlance Damage:
19:18 <CC> roll 30d6 base sunlance damage
19:18 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 30d6 base sunlance damage --> [ 30d6=110 ]{110}
19:18 <CC> roll 2#14d6 twinned sunlance SA damage
19:18 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 2#14d6 twinned sunlance SA damage --> [ 14d6=60 ]{60}, [ 14d6=50 ]{50}
19:20 <CC> roll 25d6 secondary sunburst damage via sunlance, Ref DC36 half, 160ft radius
19:20 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 25d6 secondary sunburst damage via sunlance, Ref DC36 half, 160ft radius --> [ 25d6=94 ]{94}
Primary Damage to Four as One only is: 110x2+60+50=330
Secondary Damage to Four as One and any other undead within a 160ft radius is: 94 normally, 188 if weak vs sunlight, Ref DC36 half.
19:20 <CC> roll 6d6 secondary sunburst damage via sunlance to non-undead, Ref DC36 half, 160ft radius
19:20 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 6d6 secondary sunburst damage via sunlance to non-undead, Ref DC36 half, 160ft radius --> [ 6d6=28 ]{28}
Damage to Team Seira, alas.
Also my own save:
19:26 <CC> roll 1d20+61+12 improved evasion
19:26 <Rei-chan> CC rolled : 1d20+61+12 improved evasion --> [ 1d20=15 ]{88}
Please let me know if I used up my Moment of Prescience on this.
Oh, my bad. Since the sunlance was twinned, so was the secondary sunburst. So it should be:
28x2=56 damage to Team Seira (Ref DC36 half)
188 to normal undead within a 160ft radius of Four as One, 376 to undead weak to sunlight within a 160ft radius of Four as One (Ref DC36 half)
Regarding placement, I aim to be 30ft away from Four as One. I'd like to know who else is there, especially given the flash from the Sunlance should dispel any bullshit shadows equal to or under a lvl11 spell.
> roll 1d20+43 Four as One Ref 1
> roll 1d20+43 Four as One Ref 2
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+43 Four as One Ref 1 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{51}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+43 Four as One Ref 2 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{52}
> roll 1d20+29 ???1
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+29 ???1 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{37}
> roll 1d20+29 ???1 2
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+29 ???1 2 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{42}
> roll 1d20+17 ???2 1
> roll 1d20+17 ???2 2
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+17 ???2 1 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{23}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+17 ???2 2 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{23}
> roll 78+59+58+71+64+66+61+66+53+59
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 78+59+58+71+64+66+61+66+53+59 --> {635}
Wow. Boom.
Init is Seira (42) > Lady Sanzha (41) > The Seventh Shadow (40) > Elle (26) > Donald (23) > ???1 (20) > ???2 (15) > ???3 (4)
Flush in power Four As One may be, but in this moment he is vulnerable. Twin sunlances pierce his chest, a gasp as unicorn arrows riddle him head to toe. He struggles, beginning to heal before your eyes - before the sunbursts erupt, causing him to scream as he burns in golden flames. The horror catches ablaze in sunshine before your eyes, falling, falling to the ground with a rumble that shakes everything.
That it for you, Seira? Good time to win init and go nasty.
Yep. Just detail what I see from my spot after I moved to within 30ft of FaO's last spot when you post for Sanzha?
As you might expect, it's still darkness and a path.
There's just not much here. There's a sense of emptiness to it.
That change anything for you, Seira.
No.
"Well, save some for us," Lady Sanzha declares, walking along.
No visible enemies for her, she's willing to try and draw them out.
A moment later, a thin beam of black begins to gather above Seira, mustering in moments.
This is a spell if you want to counter, Seira.
I will let the Aegis, my Spell Reflection or Spell Turning protect me this time. But please note the spell itself in the future?
> roll 1d100 vs 1-50
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 1-50 --> [ 1d100=42 ]{42}
The beam is deflected, your shield flying up to knock it away. At the same time Donald calls, "C'mon, we gonna stand here and get spells slung at us?"
Elle's up but waiting for a reply there since she has a few things she can do.
"There's a path, so why don't we see whether our host is at the end of it?" Seira proposes. With an eleventh circle light spell being insufficient to dispel this darkness, there's little in her arsenal to top that and her choices become limited.
Okay, give me Perception, everyone.
Taking 10 for 84
Everyone else will take 10 here.
As you walk on, no more attacks come. Instead it is utter darkness, the path vanishing. Darkness is flooding all of you, blotting out everything, blotting out yourselves. You have to do - !!!
There!
Above you is the tiniest point of light, a momentary glimpse of something above the party.
'With me! Up!' Seira orders, shooting towards that point of light like a comet!
"Up!" Elle echos as all of you fly up, into the light.
A room. A room of coffins, a room of death. As you fly up, you get a glimpse of something - a woman perhaps - fading through the western wall and away. Meanwhile the coffins are beginning to stir, moving out of their berths and taking to the air.
'Amaryl, I think I caught a glimpse of someone fleeing through the western wall,' Seira relays, along with the image she'd seen. Since Amaryl had stayed behind to guard against stragglers escaping, this should be their counter!
"Be sure to keep your distance from me," Seira cautions her allies, flying into the midst of the coffins and exploding with fire!
You all have a round of actions here, so go ahead and act, Seira.
'I see her now! I'm on it,' Amaryl sends back.
Her trust in Amaryl was never in doubt! And now, Seira is free to wreak havoc without anything holding her back!
"Fire, come forth!" she orders upon reaching the center of the flying coffins, and the flames are all too happy to consume all in her path!
Simmer's Contagious Fireburst!
20:29 <CC> roll 1d20+38 CL
20:29 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+38 CL --> [ 1d20=2 ]{40}
20:29 <CC> roll 20d10 goldenfire, Ref DC39 half
20:29 <Kobot> CC rolled 20d10 goldenfire, Ref DC39 half --> [ 20d10=108 ]{108}
Swift Delayed Blast Fireball x2 (timer set to 0 so they explode now) via Quickened Miracle emulation:
20:31 <CC> roll 1d20+38 CL
20:31 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+38 CL --> [ 1d20=1 ]{39}
20:31 <CC> roll 1d20+38 CL
20:31 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+38 CL --> [ 1d20=17 ]{55}
20:32 <CC> roll 20d6 Ref DC38 half
20:32 <Kobot> CC rolled 20d6 Ref DC38 half --> [ 20d6=67 ]{67}
20:32 <CC> roll 20d6 Ref DC38 half
20:32 <Kobot> CC rolled 20d6 Ref DC38 half --> [ 20d6=69 ]{69}
Should my allies not have listened to me and raced after me, let me know and I'll spend my last swift action to protect them instead.
> roll 1d20+10
> roll 1d20+10
> roll 1d20+10
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{29}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{18}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{26}
All around the coffins burn, exploding. Flames purify the wicked and burn the coffins, leaving behind only burning rubble. Whew!
Meanwhile...
> roll 1d20+69
> roll 1d20+69
> roll 1d20+69
> roll 1d20+69
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+69 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{75}
> roll 1d20+69
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+69 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{75}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+69 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{77}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+69 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{71}
> roll 1d20+69
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+69 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{82}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+69 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{83}
> roll 1d8+45+10d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+45+10d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+45+10d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+45+10d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+45+10d6+5d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+45+10d6+5d6 --> [ 1d8=8 10d6=37 5d6=22 ]{112}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+45+10d6+5d6 --> [ 1d8=6 10d6=30 5d6=13 ]{94}
> roll 1d8+45+10d6+5d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+45+10d6+5d6 --> [ 1d8=1 10d6=32 5d6=18 ]{96}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+45+10d6+5d6 --> [ 1d8=5 10d6=40 5d6=11 ]{101}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+45+10d6+5d6 --> [ 1d8=8 10d6=34 5d6=25 ]{112}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+45+10d6+5d6 --> [ 1d8=5 10d6=42 5d6=21 ]{113}
'Got her!' Amaryl sends back, 'Thank you, Seira!'
'Thanks!' Seira sends back. 'I'm dealing with the last of the resistance for now. Send the remains to one of our secure cells so that we could question them later?'
Her avatar would be only too happy to serve and open any gates for that purpose.
Meanwhile, Seira looks for any ways to proceed.
Perception still at 84 if needed.
The room is a dead end.
"Well," Donald says, "I know how we get out of this sort of situation. The fun way!"
"Go for it," Seira agrees, choosing to support his efforts with disintegrations.
I can't miss!
A goodly deal of smashing sees you outside into Vacuum one more, Amaryl already gone. "Alright," Elle says, "I think we've cleaned out most of the rot from here."
Seira spends a few moments piercing holes into the structure with Disintegrate, before saying, "Please give me some room. We're here to make a statement, after all."
Then, gaining a great distance from the others she explodes into flames again! This time, the wave of fire doesn't stop until it consumes every bit of the remaining structure!
Widened Greater Fireburst, widened as much as needed via Battle Metamagic.
21:31 <CC> roll 15d8
21:31 <Kobot> CC rolled 15d8 --> [ 15d8=58 ]{58}
21:31 <CC> roll 15d8
21:31 <Kobot> CC rolled 15d8 --> [ 15d8=64 ]{64}
Before your eyes, the fortress becomes a kiln. You set it all ablaze, fires melting stone and causing it all to burn. Burn horribly and burn hotly, great waves of head radiating off of the new bonfire.
Seira forms the image of a golden dragon in flight over the wreckage, and a quick teleport allows her to rejoin with the others. Then, an exertion of her will sends them all home!
Whew! Home at last. Victory!
"We did it," Amaryl is waiting for you, "Is anyone hurt?"
Node updates shortly since we all know they're coming, just not in this particular post.
"Not even a scratch," Seira reports with a wide smile. "How could I be hurt when I fought at the side of the best comrades one can have?"
"Yeah, how can you?" Donald gestures all about, "You'd be haunted for a thousand years if you managed to die with us somehow!"
Lady Sanzha smiles, "And if I have some time with that bowl, I should be able to get our possessions back."
"Aaah. The energy of battle, the rush of it still burns in me," Elle declares, "That horrible nervous energy."
"I'll see what other worthy battles I can find for us," Seira voices. "Hey, maybe Seven could tell us? Amaryl, did you take her down, or outright kill her?" They do have spells to get information either way....
At those words, you feel it. Elle. Donald. Amaryl. Sanzha. A moment of all of you growing bright and stronger, power flowing throughout all of you.
"I got you this time," Elle says quickly, already uttering arcane words, the moment after she finishes speaking.
Lady Sanzha lulls her head back, a soft gasp.
Incidentally, I didn't agree with your argument about this satisfying Sanzha's node goal. However, the thematics here are close to what I had in mind, so I'll give it to you.
Amaryl: Item Strengthening (Ring of Entropic Deflection becomes Ring of Entropic Defiance)
Donald: Bonus Feat (Blind-Fight)
Lady Sanzha: New Spell-Like Ability (Tsunami; at will)
Elle: Item Strengthening (Heartscale Necklace; fast healing increases to 10.)[/b]
Elle's goal is unchanged? I support it, either way. :)
"Did any of you get anything actionable, or just the usual 'good job' pat on the shoulder from a mysterious benefactor in white?"
It'll be updated in a bit, whoops.
"My ring changed," Amaryl holds up her ring, "Look at it, Seira."
Donald shakes his head. "I have a whole bunch of night and blind fighting training in my head now. Like a spent a spare decade or three studying it."
Slowly Elle looks at her Heartscale Necklace, "The restorative magic in it's been enhanced, the spell work's flawless."
Lady Sanzha merely smiles.
"Glad to hear it!" Seira tells them, reaching over to bend at the waist and kiss Amaryl's hand by the proffered ring.
As she straightens back up, she sends a mental missive to Kascha asking her to meet them, so that the six of them could discuss their next move privately.
This is easy enough and...
Go ahead and set yourself up since you clearly have something in mind, or just set up talking to them and let it flow.
The six of them are gathered in a gazebo in the spacious private gardens behind the palace, although at present the gardens are closed off to the staff and other precautions have been made to ensure no one eavesdrops.
"Alright," Seira tells them, relaxing in a corner spot with a sheaf of papers resting in her lap. "First of all, congratulations to all of you. We've all played our parts and made a decent point on the planar scale. Now, I have the following proposals for our next move."
The papers float towards Kascha on an unseen breeze, while Seira tells her, "Kascha, go with Donald to that Guardian of 21 that you reported questioning before. See if you can find fresh insight into this arcane theorem. Then, ask politely to use Aurora's resources for cross-referencing what you can. Perhaps that nice spirit running it would have an idea as well? Of course, we don't plan to mooch off our friends. Donald alone would be of great help to Jaela's Crusade in crushing whatever vampires stand in their way, and should you find the time, see if you can help, Kascha. Still, I'd prefer that you focused on research and diplomacy. After all, I get the feeling that you want to resolve a few things with Ebony, so it should be a good opportunity for you."
Seira focuses on Amaryl next, and a picture of Fooze appears in the air for her benefit. "This is one of our new recruits, courtesy of Kascha's earlier trip across the planes," she tells Amaryl. "I was thinking that you might wish to take an apprentice, even if I cannot say whether he would be a fitting choice for a servant to send to Pallanth in your stead. Once you do settle on one, however, do let me know. I'm going to start things up on that Prime soon enough!"
Sanzha is next, and Seira says, "We're still waiting on an answer from the Mercane regarding our proposal to end the slave trade on the Inner Planes from their official factions, and to gain actionable information on Yemimah. Perhaps pressing them for their answer would fit in well with your own desires to establish yourself further?"
To Elle, Seira says, "I'm thinking the two of us could travel together a bit, while you figure out whether you want more out of the present than busting heads. I did have an idea for a new spell, so we could chat over that on the way. How does that sound?"
"Yes, Seira," Kascha obeys as she takes the papers and reads. Donald leans over and reads over her shoulder, getting Kascha to shoot him an annoyed look, a piqued frown.
"It's faster," Donald retorts, "Besides, I read faster than you."
The look gets more piqued, but Kascha lets it lie.
"I will," Amaryl takes her papers, "I'll see what potential he has."
Sanzha merely adds as she scans her papers, "Yes, let them be reminded of who they are working with, or find out if they need more time and why."
"It sounds fun, as long as I have time for a bath first. Hm. How do you want to travel and where? We could take Luna Del Stronger?" She suggests, "Travel in style if it's that sort of trip."
"By unbalancing them like this, we might be able to find out whether they're genuine," Seira tells Sanzha. "Something about the recent change of leadership feels off."
At Elle's suggestion, she pauses in consideration. "That's... actually an interesting suggestion," Seira finally says. "How about I go pay a visit to Pistis Sophia today, and you prepare Luna for departure tomorrow? Either to travel through Magma hoping to create more All-Elementals or to draw assassins from Fire to eliminate, or to head to our Prime of birth and start working on my project there."
And since Seira is handling such matters, she sends two instructions to Vayley. The first, to have Valar schedule an audience with Primus for her and report afterwards, since that is when she can send him into battle on Fire or Earth. The second, to ensure that Omni takes Crumbly under his wing, and perhaps that he comes across a nice warlock master to learn the trade.
"I don't like it, but I've never liked the regime changes they have," Sanzha admits, "They tend to be expensive, one way or another."
"I'll have it ready," ELle says, "I'll make sure it's set up to travel through somewhere hot."
Okay, any more prep here then?
I want to have a quick mental chat with Agathaiel to get an update on Emily, and hear whether she received my gift. If the answer is 'not yet, I'll call you later' then we can skip that and I'll go see Pistis Sophia.
Going alone or bringing anyone, since yeah, Agathiel's waiting on the situation there.
Let's bring Lumenbur as bodyguard since Oraga is still questing.
Easy enough. Solania is a land of foggy valleys and crisp air. A place of solace and meditation, a place you have been before.
Now that you are here, what are you going to do? Lumenbur stands behind you, at the ready for your command, blazing silently in the chill air.
I'm paying you a visit, like I promised, Seira sends to Pistis Sophia. Is this a good time to meet?
It is. Walk. I will join you.
To be clear, her text is completely plain. Nothing's missing, that's just how she is.
"Let's take a walk," Seira tells Lumenbur, doing just that!
Thus you walk.
Lumembur is quiet as you walk, until he speaks up, "Where-"
"Seira," Pistis Sophia strides next to you, voice serene and her smile calming. "How are you?"
"Quite good, thank you!" Seira responds, smiling back at her. "We've just returned from pushing Shar back, which feels ridiculously rewarding every time."
"Well fought. What of Xera?" Pistis Sophia asks as you wander along, the fog enough to obscure everything around you.
"She chose to undertake an important mission," Seira responds, and her next words are intended for Pistis Sophia alone. "She's helping Zariel with Yemimah's recovery. If you have any information you could pass along, I'd be quite grateful. Once they uncover enough actionable data, we'll act in force."
"The question is defeating the Iron Tower," Pistis Sophia concurs with that, Lumenbur walking along, no reaction to your hidden words. "I will contact them, though the Iron Tower is formidable. Do they have means of overcoming it somehow?"
"We're at the early stages for now, trying to avoid limiting ourselves to the prevailing conventional wisdom on that matter. Zariel does have an idea to try, and I'm trying to do my part. Perhaps together we'll manage to come up with a workable solution?"
"The Iron Tower stymies even the Triad's efforts," Pistis Sophia admits as you walk, the misty air cool as a gentle breeze blows. "Try, but do not be foolhardy. There is no wisdom in letting hope outweigh wise insights."
"We'll need to take risks soon enough," Seira reasons. "You know that as things stand, Creation keeps on losing to Shar bit by bit. We can't keep to the old status quo. Not if we want to save Creation."
"More action is needed," Pistis Sophia agrees, gesturing out, "Yet we need not act foolishly, for the wages of the fool are suffering and death. Shar defeating our efforts only makes things worse."
Not disagreeing with that, Seira reintegrates Lumenbur into the conversation while asking Pistis Sophia, "What did you have in mind for us? Don't get me wrong, I was happy to get the invitation, but I'm curious whether you wanted to chat about Xera, have a light spar or merely to walk calmly like this together."
"All of them," Pistis Sophia says. "I would like to see how you have progressed."
"Funny thing about this. I progressed so much I tend to downplay my hand, if only to have a satisfying fight," Seira responds with a helpless shrug. "That lead to me sometimes forgetting the most optimal moves in a fight, in the heat of the moment. Nothing like the feeling afterwards that hey, this is how the combo would've been more effective. Not to imply that I don't struggle against some opponents, but even against Lixer it didn't feel truly like one mistake would spell my death. With that one mistake allowed as a margin of safety, I'm fairly worried about getting complacent. Did you ever feel like that, yourself?"
"I do," Pistis Sophia smiles gently as she walks along, "So many who challenge me are unworthy, or brought low with a single shattering of their magics. So few can match our might. I always seek greater insights, so that I do not lose sight of important things and grow complacent. For complacency is the enemy of rising higher."
"Plus we've learned so much! Even I'm not a teenager anymore, and I've mastered several styles of combat, from the purely magical or martial to blends of them. Sometimes the options you have are mutually-exclusive, too. How do you choose the best one each time?"
"Practice," Pistis Sophia says, "As well as your combat skills being sufficient that a wrong choice isn't an insurmountable mistake." She looks to you, a fond smile on her face, "All seek insight, yet almost all of us play the fool on occasion. If you cannot guarantee insight, then guarantee that your choices will compensate, even if chosen foolishly."
"That's how I've been getting by, yes," Seira responds. "That and ensuring I'm not traveling alone, and neither is anyone close to me."
"One is lonely," Pistis Sophia says, "One will always be lonely and vulnerable, yet we make ourselves fortresses to ward away all others. What foolishness is in our hearts, Seira." She reaches out, tendrils of mist gathering there. She leans forward and blows it away, luminescent mist spreading. Before you is a perfect image of yourself and your friends, past and present. "Yet we are blessed that we are not alone."
"I'd say it's not me you need to tell this to, but Eblis," Seira notes, creating an illusion made of crackling flames that perfectly captures his lonely moment of vulnerability.
Pistis Sophia reaches up towards the image, "If only the blind could see," she laments, "If only the deaf could hear."
"If only," Seira agrees.
With another puff of breath the image is gone. "Now, let us spar," Pistis Sophia declares. "I want to see how far you've progressed on your raw talents. No magic protecting you, no equipment. Just you."
"Wow, that's such a pain." Seira whistles. "Any rules beyond no active use of magic?" she inquires, as a simple robe replaces her traveling outfit. "Lethal or non? What's your stance on dragons?"
"Non lethal," Pistis Sophia smiles, "Try me in half elf form and then in dragon form."
"Alright! Let's do this!" Seira says happily. She doesn't dismiss all her spells, but merely the active ones. Those such as Moment of Prescience won't get in the way since she won't be using them.
Pistis Sophia floats 20ft away from you, in a casual stance and yet you can tell she's at the ready, waiting for you to strike.
Go ahead, she cedes initiative to you for the sake of this. She's not flatfooted since she knows its coming and it's not a serious battle, plus I'd like to omit rolling that isn't going to matter.
Seira grins at her. "The lack of magic really hurts here! I could've crossed the distance with it, or gone dragon to make up the difference. And either way, without magic to summon some disposables to distract you from the flanks, I won't be that effective."
If only she could counter! But that's not her style, and it's a spar as it is so Seira leaps at Pistis Sophia with a dropkick!
-4 nonlethal, -5 with greater magic fang suppressed
21:11 <CC> roll 1d20+53-5-4
21:11 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+53-5-4 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{63}
21:12 <CC> roll 1d6+68-5
21:12 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d6+68-5 --> [ 1d6=3 ]{66}
It is said hitting someone like yourself or Amaryl is like trying to smite smoke. Trying to hit Pistis Sophia is beyond that. It is trying to hit the essence of serenity, flowing around your strike like trying to capture hope or sunshine in your fists. Your dropkick is dodged, "That is true," Pistis Sophia agrees, "But as you are is the most telling, not as you can be. At your core you have improved greatly since the first time I saw you, Seira. Now - dodge." She says, a sudden flurry of counterattacks, fists and knees moving faster than teleportation magic.
> roll 1d20+100
> roll 1d20+100
> roll 1d20+100
> roll 1d20+100
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+100 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{111}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+100 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{118}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+100 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{118}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+100 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{120}
> roll 1d20+95
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+95 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{106}
> roll 1d20+90
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+90 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{107}
> roll 1d20+85
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+85 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{89}
Yet the blows do not land, each held back an inch from striking you. Yet you can see them coming at least, as impossible as they are to dodge. Pistis Sophia resumes her casual stance, "You've grown so much from the headstrong mortal I saw, who sought so much and faced down great trials. You could come close to equaling me like this if you were prepared, could you not?"
Lumenbur watches, a low whistle like steam jetting from a kettle.
"Feel free to transform," she invites. "I eagerly await the strength of your draconic body."
Seira winces, shaking her head. "I could've made the first strike more effective, but didn't think of it because I usually strike with my weapons, not the claws." She raises one for good measure. "It's a weapon of last resort, so I just never connected it with the tricks I've bled to internalize."
She transforms, a gargantuan red dragon taking her place. "As for defense, I'll admit that I can't protect myself from that without magic. I usually don't bother, since the Aegis is a perfect defense, as much as those exist in Creation."
Pistis Sophia stands there as your dragon form erupts, "Then show me your draconic power, Seira."
Seira needs no further invitation to cut loose! With a roar she strikes at Pistis Sophia with her claws, tears at her with her teeth, slams her wings down on either side of her body to keep her still just long enough for a tail strike to land! Precision is abandoned for volume of blows, as quantity has a quality of its own!
Forgot to subtract 5 for the suppressed greater magic fang in the earlier strikes but I'm 20-fishing anyway.
21:45 <CC> roll 1d20+57-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal
21:45 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+57-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal --> [ 1d20=2 ]{25}
21:45 <CC> roll 1d20+57-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal
21:45 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+57-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal --> [ 1d20=3 ]{26}
21:45 <CC> roll 1d20+57-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal
21:45 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+57-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal --> [ 1d20=15 ]{38}
21:45 <CC> roll 1d20+57-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal
21:45 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+57-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal --> [ 1d20=9 ]{32}
21:45 <CC> roll 1d20+52-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal
21:45 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+52-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal --> [ 1d20=14 ]{32}
21:45 <CC> roll 1d20+47-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal
21:45 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+47-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal --> [ 1d20=14 ]{27}
21:45 <CC> roll 1d20+42-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal
21:45 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+42-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal --> [ 1d20=20 ]{28}
21:45 <CC> roll 1d20+42-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal maybe crit?
21:45 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+42-4-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal maybe crit? --> [ 1d20=3 ]{11}
21:46 <CC> roll 6d10+78-5+30
21:46 <Kobot> CC rolled 6d10+78-5+30 --> [ 6d10=33 ]{136}
Stunning Fist Fort DC40
21:46 <CC> roll 1d20+55-4-5-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal
21:46 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+55-4-5-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal --> [ 1d20=20 ]{36}
21:47 <CC> roll 1d20+55-4-5-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal maybe crit?
21:47 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+55-4-5-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal maybe crit? --> [ 1d20=5 ]{21}
21:49 <CC> roll 4d6+78-5+30
21:49 <Kobot> CC rolled 4d6+78-5+30 --> [ 4d6=17 ]{120}
Stunning Fist Fort DC40
21:49 <CC> roll 1d20+55-4-5-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal
21:49 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+55-4-5-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal --> [ 1d20=18 ]{34}
21:49 <CC> roll 1d20+55-4-5-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal
21:49 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+55-4-5-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal --> [ 1d20=9 ]{25}
21:49 <CC> roll 1d20+55-4-5-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal
21:49 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+55-4-5-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal --> [ 1d20=7 ]{23}
21:49 <CC> roll 1d20+55-4-5-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal
21:49 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+55-4-5-30 pa,stunning fist,nonlethal --> [ 1d20=7 ]{23}
No save on the stunning fists. Even if she's not immune and I'm not checking, she literally can't fail a DC 40 save.
You claw and bite, trying to hit the impossible. You push yourself, claw missing and see it. Not anything you can elaborate, but something. Something you can sense more than anything else - THERE! You lash out with a sudden backhanded claw, more of a smack than anything - and you catch her right in the side. The softest gasp for air from the blow and you push, Pistis Sophia dodging - but again, THERE! You lean forward and grab her with a bite, chomping her arm and tossing her aside. She flips in the air and lands in a crouch - smiling. Smiling widely.
"Well done!" she says, "For a few moments, you followed me! In a few short decades you've grown so far, Seira. Now I wait with anticipation to see how much farther you grow." Bruising that's already healing, already regenerating, the signs of your injuries leaving her in moments. She rises, a hand sized stone in hand, rough. She closes her fist around it and opens it moments later. A smooth stone is now there, colored blue with milky bands of white. "How long as it been since I made one of these," she murmurs, eyes on the stone. "When someone knocks me down so, I give them a memento of the occasion, a gift of insight. Here."
Seira makes an inquisitive noise, shifting back to her usual form to stand by her side.
It is a stone. A humble stone, nothing but a bit of rock picked up from the ground.
"Is it not a simple thing, an unhidden thing? Why, it is merely a small stone." Pistis Sophia says, "Yet in it is the potential of the divine." She places the stone in your hand, "Study the stone. It in may the beginnings of an artifact. A mere stone it will always be, but a stone of insight and wisdom."
"Perhaps meditation is one part of training that I've been neglecting after reaching my heights," Seira muses, accepting the stone. So long as it's not heavy and she needs to carry it everywhere, anyway.
"Since I would not wish to bore you while I did so now, would you like to see my merged magical-martial style for solo engagements?" she offers.
"Please," Pistis Sophia invites, "Show me."
Seira claps her hands and hops back to put some distance between them. It wouldn't matter, not with the routine she is about to demonstrate! Her suppressed spells are restored, all but those she considers a limited resource and cannot be spared for a spar such as this, but Seira doesn't linger on such thoughts!
Her arms windmill, trailing fire behind as she gets into an aggressive stance, and she wastes no time in punching ahead! Tiny fireballs shoot out towards Pistis Sophia, resolving into a constellation of tiny fire elementals surrounding her all over, and then Seira follows them! Becoming a living flame, she zooms hot on their trail to resolve into a fiery goddess of judgement!
Hopefully! Precasting stage is using all my precast spells from the usual combat load-out aside from Celestial Valor and Glorious Rally. Channeled spell would remain Chain Dispel, it might not do much but should show what I'm aiming for in an attack like this. Let's use Dragonfire Wrath for that very thing, and because it's aesthetically very pretty! I'm also deploying flankers before entering combat.
My swifts are a Miracle'd fiery emulation of that Lightning Leap spell and a transformation to dragon form while coming out of it.
Burn!
19:54 <CC> roll 15d6 Ref DC34 half
19:54 <Kobot> CC rolled 15d6 Ref DC34 half --> [ 15d6=46 ]{46}
19:54 <CC> roll 1d20+36 CL
19:54 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+36 CL --> [ 1d20=15 ]{51}
First hit!
19:42 <CC> roll 1d20+61+7+13+30 spells+13th lvl AS+mmop
19:42 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+61+7+13+30 spells+13th lvl AS+mmop --> [ 1d20=19 ]{130}
Channeled spell!
19:53 <CC> roll 1d20+32 targeted dispel
19:53 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+32 targeted dispel --> [ 1d20=14 ]{46}
The rest of the attack routine:
19:43 <CC> roll 1d20+61+7+13+30 spells+13th lvl AS+mmop impromptu SA if attack #1 missed
19:43 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+61+7+13+30 spells+13th lvl AS+mmop impromptu SA if attack #1 missed --> [ 1d20=11 ]{122}
19:43 <CC> roll 1d20+61+7+13+30 spells+13th lvl AS+mmop impromptu SA if attack #2 missed
19:43 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+61+7+13+30 spells+13th lvl AS+mmop impromptu SA if attack #2 missed --> [ 1d20=6 ]{117}
19:44 <CC> roll 1d20+61+7+13+30 spells+13th lvl AS+mmop impromptu SA if attack #2 missed
19:44 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+61+7+13+30 spells+13th lvl AS+mmop impromptu SA if attack #2 missed --> [ 1d20=9 ]{120}
19:45 <CC> roll 1d20+56+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS
19:45 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+56+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS --> [ 1d20=1 ]{77}
19:45 <CC> roll 1d20+51+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS
19:45 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+51+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS --> [ 1d20=13 ]{84}
19:45 <CC> roll 1d20+46+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS
19:46 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+46+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS --> [ 1d20=18 ]{84}
19:46 <CC> roll 1d20+59+7+13+25 spells+13th lvl AS+MoP impromptu SA
19:46 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+59+7+13+25 spells+13th lvl AS+MoP impromptu SA --> [ 1d20=17 ]{121}
19:47 <CC> roll 1d20+59+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS impromptu SA (claw)
19:47 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+59+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS impromptu SA (claw) --> [ 1d20=20 ]{99}
19:47 <CC> roll 1d20+59+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS impromptu SA (claw) crit?
19:47 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+59+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS impromptu SA (claw) crit? --> [ 1d20=14 ]{93}
19:47 <CC> roll 1d20+59+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS (wing1)
19:47 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+59+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS (wing1) --> [ 1d20=8 ]{87}
19:47 <CC> roll 1d20+59+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS (wing2)
19:47 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+59+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS (wing2) --> [ 1d20=10 ]{89}
19:47 <CC> roll 1d20+59+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS (tail)
19:48 <Kobot> CC rolled 1d20+59+7+13 spells+13th lvl AS (tail) --> [ 1d20=18 ]{97}
Damage, including from the first attack:
19:50 <CC> roll 7#6d10+95+14d6+13d4
19:50 <Kobot> CC rolled 7#6d10+95+14d6+13d4 --> [ 6d10=36 14d6=57 13d4=33 ]{221}, [ 6d10=36 14d6=38 13d4=28 ]{197}, [ 6d10=29 14d6=49 13d4=34 ]{207}, [ 6d10=31 14d6=42 13d4=34 ]{202}, [ 6d10=40 14d6=45 13d4=29 ]{209}, [ 6d10=31 14d6=43 13d4=32 ]{201}, [ 6d10=38 14d6=48 13d4=30 ]{211}
19:50 <CC> roll 4d6+95+14d6+13d4 bite
19:50 <Kobot> CC rolled 4d6+95+14d6+13d4 bite --> [ 4d6=20 14d6=48 13d4=36 ]{199}
19:51 <CC> roll 2d8+86+14d6+13d4 claw if hit
19:51 <Kobot> CC rolled 2d8+86+14d6+13d4 claw if hit --> [ 2d8=12 14d6=39 13d4=33 ]{170}
19:51 <CC> roll 4d8+192+14d6+13d4 claw if crit
19:51 <Kobot> CC rolled 4d8+192+14d6+13d4 claw if crit --> [ 4d8=22 14d6=40 13d4=34 ]{288}
19:52 <CC> roll 2#2d6+86+14d6+13d4 wings
19:52 <Kobot> CC rolled 2#2d6+86+14d6+13d4 wings --> [ 2d6=7 14d6=60 13d4=35 ]{188}, [ 2d6=9 14d6=54 13d4=31 ]{180}
19:52 <CC> roll 2d8+104+14d6+13d4 tail slap
19:52 <Kobot> CC rolled 2d8+104+14d6+13d4 tail slap --> [ 2d8=5 14d6=42 13d4=26 ]{177}
You gather in your power and strike - and strike true. While your burning lightning does nothing to Pistis Sophia at all, your strikes are accurate - taps as she flows with them, smiling throughout. The mists gather around her as she moves, taking each blow that you land, three in total, standing all the while. She's hit, jerked back by them as you strike and strike again, landing in a crouch after you send her flying.
"You gather much to yourself to battle beyond your limits," Pistis Sophia says.
The mist gathering isn't on her sheet. I do keep posted deities with a few secrets for the sake of situations like this. It matters more for ones you're likely to fight for real, but this is a good friendly example of it.
"It is a heavy reliance on magic," Seira agrees, returning to her true self once more and offering Pistis Sophia a bow, fist held against the flat of the other hand. "The concept is sacrificing the future for the now, and so magical resources that would normally be spread out across the battle or even several engagements are all drained for a decisive advantage in the opening exchange of blows."
"Trying to win in one swift strike?" Pistis Sophia returns the bow, "There can be wisdom in that."
"It takes inspiration from desperate struggles when your back is to the wall and you throw anything you can at the enemy," Seira elaborates, straightening back up. "After all, if everything is on the line, holding back is meaningless. But there is an interesting conclusion one can draw from this, to answer those who would call it wasteful and to spread the magical resources out more evenly. If you decide the threat is of the utmost level, and you are unable to take the enemy down in that desperate first assault, why do you think you would fair better in a drawn-out engagement? Even if you have something approaching to a perfect defense, that is usually a losing proposition against stronger opponents."
To this Pistis Sophia merely nods and smiles, "Would you like to walk further with me, or do tasks draw you on?"
"We can walk," Seira readily agrees, sneaking a glance over at Lumenbur.
Thus you walk. As you do, "Do you ever wonder if the other powers of good grow jealous of newcomers?" Pistis Sophia asks.
"Most would grow jealous, except for happy-go-lucky types like Lathander or enlightenment seekers like yourself, I'd imagine," Seira responds with a shrug. "I know I get jealous all the time, and not merely of other deities. It's how we deal with that that's interesting part." She looks at Pistis Sophia askance. "Unless that was a subtle way of telling me one of our allies took our efforts badly and needs a feather smoothed?"
"We are not a perfect house," Pistis Sophia admits, "For all but those in Chronias are flawed." She gestures ahead at these foggy valleys and hills, a vast landscape before you. "Jealousy is but one sin that is struggled with, for righteousness is a path to be followed intently, for even the most devoted can lose the way. But of those who have spoken of you? Almost all are fundamentally happy to have another to stand with them. I only ask that you be happy that we stand with you, as well."
"I definitely am," Seira responds, although it gets her thinking. She's been relying a lot more on Celestia out of the heavens, and while she got together with Arvandor's finest recently a few of her friends could use a friendly hello. Lady Honeydip, she decides. Time to give her a Sending and see about a little get-together!
A pause. Pistis Sophia goes still, calmness spreading like rippling waves across a pond. "Barachiel has just received word from representatives of the Grand Sultan. I believe the same word would be reaching the Cauldron now, if not already."
Rather than ask immediately, Seira relies on her avatar's presence at the Cauldron to see just what the Sultan has in mind.
You're just getting word of a messenger arriving under the flag of truce at the Cauldron.
This is just breaking and being sorted out. If you wanna shift focus to your avatar awhile to deal with this feel free.
"One is just arriving," she tells Pistis Sophia. "What is the missive Celestia received?"
Once she tells me, I'll switch to the Cauldron to receive the messenger in a throne room.
"That the Grand Sultan wishes to meet with several figures of the recent conflict," Pistis Sophia says, "Your name is included."
If that's all, then it's fine to handle it OOC.
"A bold move," Seira notes. "One I hadn't imagined the Sultan would make, especially given the greeting I received during my last visit to Fire and afterwards, via Sanzha. I must applaud him. May I ask who Celestia will send?"
The location is something she will learn of soon enough, although it would be interesting if it is neutral.
"Barachiel will attend for the Hebdomad. Beyond that he has requested Duke Moore, as he has made multiple efforts against the efreet and has ties to Aurora." Pistis Sophia says, "So three in total and each allowed two attendants, along with honor guards." Pistis Sophia says. "As Romiel was involved in the planning, Barachiel plans to bring him as one of his two, should the invitations be accepted."
"I will be there," Seira assures her. "Perhaps you might even choose to attend with Barachiel, alongside Romiel?"
"Perhaps I will," Pistis Sophia agrees, "Who will you bring?"
"I intend to ask an old friend from the Court of Start, the honorable Lady Honeydip," Seira responds. "As for the other, it would depend on the location and conditions. Perhaps Afina would consent to taking a short break from her sabbatical?"
A slight nod to that and from there...
Anything else to add here?
Upon returning to the Cauldron, Seira indeed uses a modified Sending free of its usual constraints to her friend!
'Lady Honeydip, my old comrade and lovely almost-stepmother, would you deign to stop by for a visit at the Cauldron? Amaryl and I would love to have you over!'
'Oh, I can make it over. When?' Is the answe ryou get.
'Now works!'
'I will be ready shortly,' Lady Honeydip sends right back to you.
Seira is all too happy to wait for Honeydip, and during so decides to meditate on the stone she received from Pistis Sophia.
Right now it is a simple stone, pale blue with milky white bands. In it you can feel the potential for insight, ready to be shaped and controlled.
Seira tries to shape and control it! Since it's not something she has a clear notion of, doing what feels right and learning from that seems to be the way to go.
You feel it ready, but you also feel it's waiting for you to guide it more. To guide that insight, waiting for your purposeful touch.
Gold would go fabulously well with blue and white, and Seira places the concepts from the Fire of Creation into the stone. It is a curious thing, Goldenfire, such a core part of her permeating her every being while being the basis for her fire magic and shaping her draconic attributes. And yet, she hadn't been born with it. Rather, assimilation of Goldenfire and its high compatibility with her nature made it possible, just as it would be with the potential of the stone.
She further tries to refine the concept, to try and see it go towards heights she had only seen and not personally experienced. A more perfect merger of Fire and Good, leaving the innocent untouched while savaging the guilty. A fire that heals the needy, that creates from without and counters Shar's nihilism and entropy.
Honest question: How does goldenfire blasting really tie into insight here?
Goldenfire is concept first and foremost, being the Fire of Creation as stated. Seira has internalized the ideas fairly well despite it being foreign to her originally (as seen from her Fire and Good subtypes and her ability to apply it to her SLAs, magic, breath weapon and grandfathered fire manipulation which parallels light manipulation). At the same time, her understanding of it isn't perfect, so she always seeks further insights to bring it to aforementioned greater/truer heights.
So she is the stone! And if it represents her, then Goldenfire should be a key part of it. Since it creates rather than destroys, it can join the stone's existence without harming it, unless it's a weird EVIL stone.
You can feel the stone adjusting to the concept of goldenfire that you push into it, slowly starting to show flecks of gold along it as well.
Another guiding principle is the concept of relying on others. Seira, despite her great power and greater still potential, truly believes she is much stronger with the help of her friends and allies, and tries to teach that lesson to those of her faithful who would listen. It's not easy to have that sort of relationship with a stone, but if Seira thinks of it as a symbiosis where they both try to gain inspiration from one another, hence pushing each other to new insights, that would be one of the purest ways for her to express her potential!
You clearly have a strong idea here, so why not give me some tentative stats and design for what you have in mind?
I have this thing!
Todesurteil: This lantern sheds life draining green light in a thirty foot radius. Each round a being is exposed to it, they suffer one point of vile consitution drain. This can only be healed by a Restoration spell cast in a sanctified area.
It got me thinking that I could make my stone radiate Goldenfire in a radius around it with the miraculous features of burning evil with no resistance/immunity while ignoring neutral and healing good, that's extra strong vs Shar and her servants and has a similar effect to Words of Creation. Finally, since the theme is bonds (reflected via Nodes and in Bonds the sword) it could grow stronger/imbue those who are righteous and within its range with some of its power, with myself having the strongest link to it. Eventually, I'd like it to grow into an artifact that I could use in tandem with my SDAs such as Battle Metamagic and Burning Spirit (and perhaps Protect the Innocent as well) and accomplish wondrous things like the Phoenix Fire or Martyr's Kiss spells.
Okay, I think you're way overshooting 'stone with insight' into something else here, Cor. This isn't really remotely tied insight at all thematically and is going farther than I thought you were going to. So let's take a breath here and refocus around that.
You want to put goldenfire in it. That's your thing so fair enough. How would that manifest around a stone tied to insight, introspection, those sort of things?
The idea of goldenfire is itself serving as insight, and I detailed what that idea is to me. What more do you want me to say? I tried elaborating how that might go, but if you disagree then that's that.
It's cool, these things happen. The perils of using text to communicate, y'know?
Anyway, less that and more you way overshot it here, got away from insight. I wanted to see where you were at there.
It's a stone with powers about insight. It should be tied to insight. Like, I don't know, the stone helps the holder learn about goldenfire or something like that. Or a deeper understanding of it and a bonus on Knowledge checks on it and a few related things. Based on how and why it was made there could be an offensive aspect to it certainly. And again, it could certainly grow in time into something more.
The stone helps the holder learn more about goldenfire allowing them to perfect their use of it, and teaches them the philosophical ideas of goldenfire. I started with that, I believe.
Stone of Goldenfire
This stone was given to Seira Aryn after a successful spar against Pistis Sophia. It is soaked in the insight of the misty hills of Solania and bolstered by the flames that eternally burn with Seira. The stone is small enough to comfortably fit within a human's closed hand and is primarily blue with bands of milky white as well as large flecks of gold.
When held by a good aligned creature or a worshiper of Seira, the stone grants a +15 insight bonus to any Knowledge checks about goldenfire. Additionally, they find the ideas and philosophy of goldenfire spoken to them over time, heard in their mind and teaching them more about it. This can lead the holder to discover goldenfire and how to use it safely. They gain a +4 bonus to any checks to learn or master goldenfire, or against any saving throws from it, including any provoked from trying to learn it.
A neutral creature that holds the stone gains no benefit unless they worship Seira. An evil creature that holds or touches the stone takes 3d10 points of goldenfire damage. This damage is taken per round if the stone is held. There is no saving throw against this damage, but it ends once the stone is no longer held. If the holder of the stone is slain by a non good creature, that creature automatically takes 3d10 goldenfire damage.
Seira can provoke this goldenfire damage at will if she holds the stone. Doing so for her is a swift action.
Backend Stuff
Seira understands the stone perfectly and can discern where it is at any time (barring the actions of other deities or certain rare situations).
This stone is tied to the hope of someone who refuses to give up, even in an impossible battle. Should it be held by a good creature who willingly submits to and embraces evil in battle, the stone will be shattered and destroyed.
In time Seira could adjust the powers of the stone or even change it further within theme. This would require hands on time with the stone but allows customization. This will get harder the more its used, so if you want to change something, soonest is best. Right now the artifact is remade and reborn, in a phase where change is possible.
With a thought to a recent present from her good friend Alicia, Seira meditates on making a final alteration, further inspired by the notion that 21 is the battle for the fate of a soul. If she were to attend to replicate that feat, not in grandeur but in concept, and embedded the forsaken charm into the stone while leaving it to future holders to use insights from it to restore the hope lost to that poor soul....
You're sure you'd need to purify the charm first.
Paste me the stats on the charm real quick?
Forsaken Charm: +1 profane bonus to caster level of spells. Said to be made by the death of hope in a soul.
Yeah, purifying that would be handwave territory for a deity.
Generally something a deity has to make an effort for has to be something worthy of them and worthy of them going on a quest.
Seira makes her way to the Temple of the Golden Flame. There, in the fire, she purifies the charm and fuses it with the stone, entrusting the battle for the hope in that soul to her followers. She could overwhelm a mortal soul, that is true. But would that have meaning, or would it be similar to Asmodeus having the right words to convince Zariel to serve him from a position of infinite power over her?
Were her followers the ones to get through to that discouraged soul, that would have greater meaning, Seira is certain. And thus, she decides that the first holder of the Stone of Goldenfire should be Jannel as he heads for the mortal kingdom of Malana. There, he could pass it over to Annerose or handle that burden himself. Seira will trust in them.
So going to pass it over there and let that hash itself out?
Any particular goals you want to add there or anything like that?
My reasoning is that Malana was a brink from disaster, and still is in a bad spot despite the tireless efforts of a few adventurers. So if Malana is saved, that would be enough to demonstrate the strength of hope.
Sounds like a plan!
In the event we return to B5, this may be relevant. Go over to B5's nagging topic and post the info about this over there? Thanks. We'll resume here after that, lemme know in a post.
Done
With that send off and done?
'Seira,' Amaryl sends to you, 'You were talking about your clergy again?'
'I do that!'
'Have you selected that high priestess yet? Last I heard you were still thinking about it.' Amaryl says.
'I'll see if I can do that now,' Seira responds. 'No reason to delay it further!'
'I'll join you. Do you have the information you need?' Amaryl asks back.
'A few prospects, but I also have a few key duties and positions to fulfill, so choosing is hard.'
'We can go over them,' Amaryl says. 'I'll be on the outside balcony in 5 minutes. Tell me what positions and duties you need, first?'
'First is a priestess I intend to place in charge of my efforts on our Prime. It's time for me to go global there, beyond dealing with an assortment of local matters,' Seira responds. She's right outside, so getting to the balcony is instantaneous. 'Then, one to help guide Lifasa from our seat of power in the university town. Finally, I want to have two stationed in the Cauldron permanently. A high priestess to direct the clergy and coordinate the administrative matters of the Temple, and one more hands on to take on matters of trade with our partners across the planes, and be available should we need to make an excursion requiring such a level of divine magic.'
Amaryl is there as you finish, "Those are all high positions," she agrees, "You'll need only the most capable of your flock."
"Which makes them the most powerful ones by necessity, except someone who I trained in person like Emily," Seira tells her with a shrug. "I do have a few prospects, but given I intend to institute some organizational changes at the same time I want to have the best person for the job, just like I have Jannel to handle Malana's Prime."
"He'll do fine with that," Emily agrees, "So do you have a list of the prospects?"
Seira places a crystal in mid-air between them, and it projects her final candidates for the two of them.
"Let's see," Amaryl says, reading.
"The first is Laurenal Smythe," Amaryl's voice stays steady as she reads aloud, "Half elf native to Pallanth, became intrigued with your legends as word of the Crimson Guard spread. A devoted to you, a natural with divine magic and channeling it, also an accomplished hunter and archer. I like her already," This gets a slight smile from Amaryl as she reads. "Got entangled in dealing with a Malarite cult she generally succeeded in rooting out, though some fragments did manage to flee beyond her reach."
A pause as she reads further, "She only has one mark against her. She went too far on an enemy that wanted to honorably surrender, but it was both personal and she atoned afterwards. She's strong, gregarious and a natural people person. Likeable is the word I think fits."
"I did something like that before," Seira muses. "Alicia accepted Antenora's surrender, but I hadn't, so I was going with our original plan of putting down the devil incursion. She had the right of it, though at the time I was pretty pissed off at giving one of the devils an escape." She shrugs, saying, "I learned from it, I like to think, and it allowed me to take chances. Some failed, like with Neve. Some worked, like with Oraga."
Refocusing on Laurenal's image, Seira adds, "She mirrors me well enough to lead the church, and if she were here I could curb any youthful indiscretions and help set her on the right path. But I have a great deal more for our Prime in store, too. It's hard to decide."
"It works for and against her," Amaryl agrees, "We're strong at home but we don't want to focus too much there. I'm pondering the same conundrum. I think she'd be a fine choice, but let me read the others. Unless you have anything to add about her?"
Seira gestures for Amaryl to go on.
"Ranbar of Aryn," Amaryl reads off next, "Aasimar, a native of a small settlement in Air, came across a traveler who spoke of Seira and who later saved Ranbar's life. A traditional cleric along with some skill at diplomacy, but ultimately an introvert. A strong student and magical theorist. She's a quiet, dedicated sort of faith. Not so good at recruiting but strong in a support role. Hm. She'd make a good librarian," Amaryl observes as she turns the page, "No marks against her. Steady." A pause, "Boring," she admits, "But she seems steady and sincere."
A look up at you, "Is she actually boring in person, or is that just the impression this gives? Being quiet doesn't mean your boring."
"She wants to learn all the spells. I actually welcome the research from a divine perspective. While an administrative position in the Cauldron might be the best fit, I keep wondering whether I should challenge her with a much more handz on post. You see things differently, then."
"You know her better than I do," Amaryl admits, "That's a good approach for anyone to take, it's a natural researcher's mindset."
"Everyone here has already passed rigorous testing, anyway, so immortality is pretty much in the cards in their future," Seira muses.
"Mm." A soft noise at that, "Berry Crownsguard," she says next, "Half mercane and half nymph. Now that's a combination!" she murmurs, eyes wide. "Focused on the mercantile side, strong and also a capable wizard on the other side besides his clerical talents, along with some basic paladin training. Reminds me of Emily," she opines. "A little too greedy but he's focused and gets results. Rides the line on greed and struggles with it, but generally pulls through in the end. Vivacious is the word used. Hm."
"He always seemed a likely candidate for dragonhood," Seira adds mischievously.
"Really? What kind?" Amaryl asks, "It didn't mention that, but that's a good sign!"
"Why not go for a prismatic? Baleruk made it work, and Sanzha's perfecting the process with our red dragon volunteers."
"If we can without starting a war with the draconic deities," Amaryl replies, "But if we can, why not?"
"Tiamat's probably a lost cause," Seira comments with a snort.
"Oh no," Amaryl deadpans right back. "Bahamut isn't."
Seira makes a face.
Amaryl raises a single eyebrow, not saying a word but giving you a long look.
"Ahem," she says after, "That aside, let's see. One more..."
"Dugarth Winsam," Amaryl notes as she reads, "Some sort of dwarf with stronger traits," she clicks her tongue, "A cleric and a warrior. He values your golden nature and your strength, as well as hope. A refugee from a destroyed clan, overrun by Sharrans. Strong, competent and together. Also a smith on the side like most dwarves. Is more than happy to go smash evil in anytime."
"Mmm," Seira agrees. "So let's think about the positions I need filled, here. I see no reason to shift Laurenal to Lifasa, and while Ranbar or Berry will do well enough there I think Dugarth will find a new home there. And, in turn, that reborn Prime will accept him as another refugee that lost his past. What's your thoughts, there?"
"It makes sense," Amaryl says, "He's an odd one because of his bloodline, so a new start on a rejuvenated world logically follows. But is that the right choice?"
"It's not exactly marriage so I could shuffle them around at a later point, but I think he is uniquely suited to understand the loss of the locals and work hard to ensure it doesn't happen again, be it through Shar's ventures or Auril's attempts. We'll probably prosper better financially with Berry at the helm, or make a stronger impact with our university if Ranbar chairs it, but those successes would be more focused in nature."
"Overall then?" Amaryl says, "Then I agree. As long as you have a good reasoning, I think any of them can work. I do favor Ranbar with it, though."
"How come?" Seira asks curiously. "Because it's a university town? Or because you think it's an easy gateway to more socialization in preparation of a larger job further down the line, to round her out?"
"Both," Amaryl says, "Talent plus opportunity to grow." Sitting back now, "But both are arrows that can fly true."
"Yep. Then, the matter of Cauldron staff. Berry should be quite suitable to handle planar trade, and Ranbar would be likewise in her element as the overall high priestess. This also allows Laurenal to further distinguish herself on our Prime of birth. A placement that plays to their strengths, same as with Dugarth, though perhaps not enough chances for them to challenge themselves or encounter opportunities outside their comfort zones. Really, that's my main issue here."
"Then we send them on the occasional mission," Amaryl remarks, then smiles a bit, "Perhaps even to nudge our wayward daughter back on task if she goes errant again."
"Yeah, about that. She's not really doing anything, it's embarrassing. I had this whole gift prepared for her as a right of passage and I was ready for when she finally dealt with a Sharran or some worthy opponent... but it's been ages and I'm starting to worry it will ever come to pass of her own initiative."
This gets Amaryl to lean forward, facepalming, "What is she doing? I know she can do better than that!"
"Maybe she's growing up in elf years," Seira says with a shrug. "Well, I should get started on this. Want to stay for my chat with Laurenal?"
"This is not the fault of elven heritage," Amaryl suddenly insists, a look of pique on her face, "If she's making foolish choices, you can look right to Donald."
Seira rolls her eyes. "I'm just saying it'd make sense if she felt no urgency like a teenage elf. Remind me who it was that was worried a child once a century might've been too soon? And the answer better not be Donald~"
Amaryl reddens and blushes, "You sound so human right now," she grouses.
"I'm half-something for a bunch of things, human included," Seira readily acknowledges. "But really, I wanted to subtly poke you just now since you misconstrued what I said and went off on a Donald tangent." She grins at Amaryl. "You've got to know by now that Donald is never relevant to any discussion~"
The look Amaryl gives you is less than amused, "Well," she says, "Are you half couch? I have a feeling that will be relevant for you tonight."
"I've gone over the last minute a few times for good measure in my head and I'm not sure how we got here," Seira tells Amaryl honestly. "I don't have anything against my elven heritage or elves in general, you know that. And if I try to lighten things up with you, it doesn't mean I disrespect you, and you know that too. I guess... let's take some time apart and talk again then?"
Rather than keep a pointless argument that she doesn't really see a good way out of, Seira decides to head into the palace and find a nice room where she can call upon Laurenal.
"It's-" Amaryl begins, stopping as you get up. Her eyes widen a bit, a look of alarm as you turn.
"Seira," Amaryl calls as you go out, voice softer. "I'm not going to have you sleep on the couch."
"You know I respect you, right?" Seira says, turning back to her wife. "Maybe you thought my joke was tasteless, maybe there was some communications breakdown, but you'd know either way that I don't mean to hurt or disrespect you without me even telling you that, don't you? I just... I didn't think we could have this sort of argument after all we've been through together, with the way it was going." She shakes her head. "If it's that polarizing, want to move past it and start the last couple minutes over?"
Amaryl blushes at that and looks down, "...oh," she murmurs, folding up, seeming to retreat into herself, "I-I mean...I didn't..."
"Come on," Seira says, offering Amaryl her hand. "A change of scenery will do us some good."
Amaryl takes your hand, letting you lead her.
Having had a change of mind, Seira decides to shift them over to a gazebo set in the middle of a hedge maze in the gardens. She arranges for refreshments, and after checking to make sure she's not about to interrupt Laurenal during some private moment opens a golden gate a few feet away from her. As divine hints go, it should be pretty blatant and quite fitting for her!
Lauranel is in meditation and prayer, not immediately noticing the portal in her private room, as her eyes are closed. Yet after a moment she looks up and gasps, a hand to her lips as she stares at the portal.
In a sense, it is the answer to her prayers! And so Seira keeps the gate open. If Laurenal lacks the adventuring spirit to venture through it or the wisdom to examine it with her magic, she won't be suitable to lead Seira's efforts on that Prime, after all.
Laurenal's ears twitch, dark brown hair brushed aside as after a moment she quickly intones words of magic. You sense it, a simple detect magic. After several beats, "L-Lady Seira?" she asks in Elven.
Yep, it's her magic. Now what are you going to do abotu it, Laurenal? Seira awaits! Quietly.
With no reply coming, Laurenal takes a breath, "Is that you, Lady Seira?"
Seira keeps silent still!
Slowly the half elf examines the portal and finally takes a breath, before stepping on through. She looks around carefully on guard - and her eyes settle on you.
"Oh, good," Seira greets her warmly. "A bit of caution is a good thing, but sometimes you need to take a step outside your comfort zone. Accepting a thing or two on faith isn't half bad, either." She gestures at the cushioned chairs arraigned on the other side of the table holding the refreshments in clear invitation.
"My Lady," Laurenal bows to you deeply, kneeling and then rising. "You have need of me?"
"She does," Amaryl says, voice nothing but warmth. "Help yourself and listen."
"And speaking of listening, sending a conjured up creature to scout for you beyond mysterious portals is often a good move, especially when time is not of the essence. I recommend celestial monkeys, myself," Seira tells Laurenal to set the mood a bit less informal than it currently is.
"Sometimes, one has to have faith." Laurenal declares, "I have faith you would not allow someone to lead me astray, not there."
"And because I trusted in your faith, I said nothing until you've chosen to take that first step," Seira agrees. "Laurenal, I've invited you here today because I intend to change things up a bit. We've been working as nomads, trying to spread the cause of good and distribute knowledge everywhere, standing in the center where we must and working in the shadows where few would expect us to. However, I have decided to establish a proper structure for us going forward. Just as I've spent much of my youth building temples for Waukeen, I would like you to take over for this effort on your Prime. What do you think are the reasons behind this change?"
"Because you want us to grow stronger and more established, my lady?"
Laurenal's reply is quick, head bowed to you in respect. "Because as society grows, the ways of the nomad are left behind and civilization is built, and with that greater trade?"
"That's part of the answer," Seira agrees. "We can do that via Waukeen's temples, the way we have been. And we do lose a bit of flexibility in having what are essentially big fat targets for our enemies to strike at. But it's all worth it, because being more established gives us places to operate out of. Laurenal, I've chosen our world to pioneer a new welfare program. Our goal is a post-scarcity society, and once we have the temples we will be within reach of it."
"Post scarcity?" Laurenal asks, "Could you explain that further?"
"It is better if I demonstrate it to you," Seira responds, and at her gesture a fountain forms to Laurenal's left. It is an elegant affair, the image of a dragon in flight with water gathering out of nowhere in its joined front claws and spilling into the basin below, which never seems to overflow.
She then gestures again, this time to her priestess's right, and a nondescript barrel that might nevertheless be familiar to her more devout faithful appears there.
Finally, Seira draws her hand through the gap between them, and a schematic for her improved portal spell displays itself there.
"Do you understand now?"
The barrel is a copy of my barrel of copied and refilling food, the fountain is the infinite create water item, both under 4,500gp in cost from the price I received in the loot thread and thus under the limit of magical items I can create at will with divine power. The spell is Seira's Portal Network.
Laurenal studies them a time, "I see," she says, then, "What of the trade of grain and fruit, what of all the trade of those sort of things? Yet to see no one go hungry or to perish from a bad harvest..."
"Things change. New technologies and methods appear, and the old ways are often found wanting," Seira responds. "I understand that, and I wouldn't want to harm decent, hard-working people. You job would be to convince the nation leaders that it is a good change, one they want to get behind. To follow through with the local leaders, and the communities. To ensure there is no graft or disruption. And then to do it over and over again."
She pauses a moment before continuing. "My vision sees a world where basic amenities are taken care of for everyone, human, elf or goblin. To eliminate the crimes that people commit because they are too hungry, or their children are. To make a thing of the past the worse crimes, when overwork simply to eke out a living or a severe drought doom entire families. In that world, there are still farmers, but they have switched over to sericulture, to vineyards... to anything we might call a luxury. There will be plenty of opportunities for trade and profit, and even Waukeen understands that aspect of my plan and supports me. But I want to see where our people can reach, if they no longer have to worry about the next meal."
Seira smiles at Laurenal. "And this is merely the beginning. More Mythals are not in the cards, but we'll tackle disease once we get this done. Not to mention that we'll be expanding our existing programs. Travel between our temples will make things even easier than under the current system, and we'll take a charge from the trading caravans while letting people travel with merely a symbolic fee. Knowledge of the world and its truths will continue to be spread; we can start with the free distribution of maps drawn carefully by my apprentice, Abagail. We'll put branches of the Balmurian magical academy throughout the lands, with extensive libraries to round out the education of the willing -- and there should be more time for the pursuit of knowledge, once we take the struggle for survival off the table. It is an ambitious vision, and I want you to be the public face for it."
"I see," A long consideration of that, "That is how you wish me to serve you, My Lady? It is a magnificent plan."
"It is the barebones, yes," Seira responds. "I would like you to visit the world of Lifasa before you start. Learn about its history from the locals, and see where that world is now. There is a portal in the university town connected to our planar hub, and another connection from the Balmuria link. You will have proper access to those. It is my wish to bring your world closer to Lifasa's present state, by having you add your own personal touch to my overall plan. Now, if you have any questions that would help make that task easier or suggestions along that vein, I'm all ears."
"Who will oppose us?" Laurenal asks after a moment's consideration, "We'll be opposed, everyone is. Will the Crimson Guard be helping us directly? What about other regional powers? Have any signaled they oppose this? Additionally, is there any way the magic can go wrong or be perverted, corrupted or otherwise ruined?"
"Since I am not acting directly, there should be no divine intervention to stop you, either," Seira assures her. "Our behavior is governed by certain laws, and there are consequences to divinities and powers breaking them. Were Shar to send an avatar, for example, that would open the door for all my allies to respond in person. Therefore, you should expect our enemies to work through proxies as well. Outside of Shar and fiendish powers, I don't have any enemies who are invested enough to attack something merely because I'm advancing it. Auril might throw a wrench into the works, or the efreet, but we shouldn't expect the sort of all or nothing behavior that Shar or devils would use. As for mortal allies, you have all of my faithful on the Prime to rely on, and while I don't advertise that fact, Balmuria holds a select few who surpass the Crimson Guard. Should the need arise, I will have them repel off-plane influences. For anything truly native, however, I would prefer it if you were to take the lead with local support."
The other question is more complicated, and Seira mulls it over for a while before answering. "It's possible for any magic to be corrupted, and since I am purposefully keeping the magic simple to ensure any divine response sticks to the same level you should make plans to counter that. In fact, I am only cutting away the need to slowly finance your efforts by providing you with the items in question. I don't believe there will be an attempt to corrupt the whole, so the focus would be on individual fountains and magical granaries, I would imagine. However, those would be located at our places of power, the temples that you will build, headed by people you will pick for the task and connected to others via the portal network. The connections in question would allow you to inspect any concerns swiftly, and to shuffle forces around as needed. The design is as follows. Smaller temples to on a local grid, akin to a barony. Then, each one will have two hubs that connect to the national network, and finally a third, global grid will be linked to three prominent hubs in each nation. Of course, the Balmuria portal will remain connected to the planes, with suitably restricted access."
"That's much to consider," Laurenal finally says, "Can I have some time to think all of this over, my lady?"
"By all means," Seira agrees. "Would you like to have a nice brunch with us, or you'd be more comfortable back home?"
"I'd love to, I'd be honored," Laurenal says quickly, smiling. "Post scarcity...I'm already trying to figure out who would oppose that. I'm sure most of evil would since they're greedy, heartless, cruel, vain, mean and altogether worthless."
"You've got it," Seira responds, arranging for Vayley to provide something more filling than snacks for them.
Vayley comesin moments later, the food already cooked. She bows and departs, but pauses, "Ma'am," she says, "Will you desire cookies this afternoon?"
"Yes, please."
"Fantastic," Vayley says pleasantly, "Dinner will be Apple Boats ala Riverflow, a side of slow marinated chicken in a pepper and garlic reduction and lime flavored gelatin."
Amaryl nods slightly to that, "If you could make some light on the garlic and pepper for me?"
Meanwhile Laurenal watches this easily enough, seeming to accept it.
Perhaps Seira is continuing a tradition here! There just might be a third generation of mages with highly-competent slaad maids in the future!
Okay, looking ot wind this up so we can start prepping for tomorrow's event. Anything else to do before that?
Let's receive Lady Honeydip!
Lady Honeydip arrives, clad in her armor and weapons, as if to go out to war and...
Go ahead and set up here, since you're receiving her.
Seira decides to receive her friend in her palace, in a training room with automata in the forms of knights.
Lady Honeydip flies in, sketching a polite bow before smiling, "Seira," she calls, "It's good to see you!"
"And you!" Seira returns, all smiles. "I've been thinking for the longest of times that we should do something glorious together. Have you heard of what I've been up to lately?"
"Bits and pieces," she says as she flies over, "Why don't you tell me? News is a little slow getting to where I stay."
"After we broke Zariel out with Alicia and Sulia, I've been focusing on Shar where I can but my actual plans with any structure have been about taking on slavery and slavers. It's gone hot on Fire, but I'm acting on Earth as well."
"You said you wanted me for something related to this," she goes on after hearing that. "Tell me."
"The efreet are pushing back hard, aided by Eblis and the devils. I'm thinking that we're on the cusp of a greater conflict, and I'd rather have you at my side when I take to the field again. But the Grand Sultan wants to have a sit down, and you'd be a great asset there as well." Seira snorts, adding, "Especially since I'm expecting a sudden but inevitable betrayal!"
"The Grand Sultan..." Honeydip takes a breath, "I'll be there. A chance to test my blade against such a foe will not come again."
"If things go as I expect, there will be plenty of fighting against shitty slavers, and I havd an army at your disposal. So we're talking worthy cause and strong opponents, yes. Glad to have you onboard!"
Sounds good. Anything else to add here?
We're good. For the other party, let's bring Elle.
So you, Honeydip and Elle. Any other prep to cover?
Elle has a portable shop so we can arrive in style! And it's already warded against fire, this is beautiful.
Okay, there's a planned meet up in Celestia to move into it, though you're free to skip out on that and arrive yourself if you want.
Set me up as arriving on my own (with Elle and Honeydip) via Elle's fabulous ride~
Okay. Did anyone bother telling you where the meeting was? I don't know if you were told and if not you deserve to know in case that impacts your prep. If you are aware we'll move right on.
I actually wasn't told OOC, though I presume my character knows. We can go! Make us a cool entry!
The remote manor is named Ruler's Inferno. A great, sprawling manor in the efreet style, perched atop a cliff over a vast lake of fire. Wild nightmares run free on the outskirts, while the front yard is an elaborate series of flaming gardens, lava spewing fountains and other such luxuries.
Luna Del Stronger appears over the tallest minaret, glowing brightly as heat licks against it to no impact at all.
Riding a flying carpet down would be a bit tacky under the circumstances, and Seira cheerfully tells her friends, "Let's make our way down, shall we?"
We're using the usual combat configuration from here (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104109.msg1115887.html#msg1115887), barring Celestial Valor and Glorious Rally.
Elle smiles and withdraws a small glass bottle, "Shall we do it in style?" she offers, "I think a flaming stairway sends the right message."
Lady Honeydip takes in the burning vistas and quietly murmurs a prayer to Queen Morwel. "Majesty, protect me in this outpost of evil, where flames burn as readily as in Hell to punish the wicked."
"Everything about this is style and posturing," Seira responds quietly. "And the subtle threat of violence, of course. Good idea, go for it."
The bottle is tossed down. A grand stairway of burning fire appears, suitable for a manor's grand foyer. It looms over everything, big enough for ten Hannas to walk down abreast. Elle slowly begins to walk down, the picture of casual grace in a red gown, hair done up and magic applied to make her even more stunning.
Seira allows Lady Honeydip to proceed below, intending to follow the two of them down. After mulling over what to wear, she decided on her usual traveling clothes, being both iconic for her image and rather threatening in nature without anyone being able to call her out on that.
Thus you descend. As you slowly walk down, you see figures gathering below.
The first is a pair of armed and muscled efreeti guards. They do not have weapons drawn, but simply wait.
A few moments later another approaches. He smiles jovially, an eight feet tall efreet. He is smooth without being fat, simply formed without the rough edges many efreet have. He has black hair trimmed short and wears a surcoat of woven red and gold cloth, along with matching pants and cape. His head is bare and he claps as you descend.
"Seira Aryn," Akil bin Faheem greets you with a smile, "On behalf of the Grand Sultan, I welcome you to Fire and the Ruler's Inferno."
No need for a check when you're up on him from previous matters.
"It's good to be here," Seira responds, her answering smile polite. Rarely does she get the chance to interact with enemies that she wants to take out so badly and actually can if the conditions are right, so she might as well see this as an opportunity.
Akil comes up and offers his hand to you, "It really is a pleasure, I've wanted to meet you for some time. The stories, oh the stories! I'm fond of the version of your crusade on Avernus written by Dake the Lame."
Lady Honeydip watches him calmly while Elle smiles and adds in, "We've heard of you too, of course. Why, you can't talk about slaves in Fire without mentioning your name."
"I do have a more personal interest in you, of course," Seira responds, glancing non-too-subtly at Razalim.
If for some reason he doesn't have it anywhere visible, just axe the glance part!
The blade is at his side, silver glistening in the reflected firelight. Akil's hand drops without comment, letting it go.
Akil smiles wider at that, "I've heard! What a fascinating thing," he remarks, "We'll have to talk all about it at dinner tonight." Then turning from you, "Madam Stronger," he says, "I've heard of your shop, it's marvelous to see it up close and personal. Of course, I've also heard of Lady Honeydip - congratulations on your victory."
Before more can be said, a glowing portal appears in the wilderness beyond the yard, white rimmed with red.
His presence is palpable, felt by Seira and unmistakable for anything else. Barachiel steps through first, followed by Romiel, Cresiel, another archon, Moore and others yet.
"There will be plenty to talk about," Seira agrees with Akil. "Perhaps we could even touch upon my vacations in Avernus."
She turns towards Barachiel at his arrival, inclining her head in acknowledgement. A shame Pistis Sophia ended up declining to accompany him.
Moore takes a quick look around before he nods down to Seira as well.
"Ah, what an array of guests. A Duke, a knight, two Authorities and more." Akil bin Faheem steps forward, "Rooms will be provided along with time to recover before this evening's grand welcoming feast."
Barachiel stares down Akil, advancing forward. "Acceptable," he says.
"Wonderful. Everyone, please follow me." Akil declares, leading the way towards the manor.
For his part, Moore simply gives a neutral expression and follows along with the others!
She's doing a lot of following! But there's no reason to jump for attention, so Seira decides to wait and see what the Sultan has planned.
Thus, four groups follow Akil. You head towards the front door - a massive thing worthy of a castle gate, written with flame-seared letters into the iron. Thousands and thousands - no tens of thousands and more, space subtly shifting, letting more and more be added.
"Here are the names all who gave their lives in serving the Crimson Firebrand in the War of the Fiery Heart." Akil says, "Each name placed here to be honored by all efreet who are allowed to enter. For when the City of Brass was established, the Grand Sultan grew restless and commanded a pleasure palace be constructed for him." He smiles as he bows his head visibly, a moment of respect.
Quietly to Moore, Jetina adds, "If he really cared, couldn't he have brought them back?"
"A list of sinners?" Vel Custos declares, "A list of infamy?" His own voice carries well, projected.
"What is one man's sinner but another man's hero?" Akil offers with a generous smile, turning back to all of you. "Those efreet who opposed the Crimson Firebrand's perfect vision had to be stopped for the good of the efreet. It is unfortunate that so many had to die, but let is not forget that each efreet on this list is a hero who will be remembered until the end of time."
"Failure doesn't sound like an option." Moore says quietly back.
Still, though, he glances to Vel Custos and merely nods to his words.
Seira muses on how strange it is that in any Utopian vision of Fire a great deal of efreet must die.
"A monster is a monster, no matter what others think of him," Barachiel states firmly, "Let it not be forgotten."
"It seems we will agree to disagree," Akil concurs as the doors slowly open outward.
Before you are surely one hundred beautiful women of all kinds. Efreet and genies of all kinds (even a single marid), fallen, fiends such as beautiful erinyes and brachina, humans, elves and other humanoids of various stripes and sizes, a single air elemental with decidedly feminine proportions, at least one of what looks to be an exquisitely gorgeous statue given form and more. So many more. As one they bow and intone, "As part of the Grand Sultan's harem, we greet you all and welcome you."
The fact that they're wearing semi transparent silks and nothing else provides much to look at.
"Ah, ladies," Akil smiles, "These are indeed our guests. Please stand aside so that they may enter."
The assembled members of the harem spread apart as one, allowing access.
"If he has a hundred women, then each one is worth less than a spark," Elle remarks to Seira, out of the corner of her mouth.
Moore frowns slightly but doesn't say anything at the sight before him.
Even if they aren't called slaves, they still are at heart.
"I've always wondered how harems work," Seira responds just as quietly. "I expect a lot of betrayal and backstabbing."
Elle gives Seira a smirk at that but doesn't reply further.
Barachiel gazes at them and as a one they simply fall back from him even further, as the party is lead inside.
We're going to resume with a new topic momentarily. Please wait, this won't be long.