Thus the group returns back to the guild. You have a chance to rest and eat, then the question looms: Now what?
A chance to define your next move, Alyssa. You may or may not get an interruption to that, but I want touch base on what your next move is first.
Eb brought up a good point. I think I'm going to ask Emily and possibly Jarem to work on finding any Shar enclaves on the prime. Other than that, find more out about Melweather's thing and continue nation building.
"Okay," Jarem takes the request with good graces, as does Emily, "You want us to hunt down Sharrans? How far a net do you want us to cast?"
"Intelligence-wise, everywhere you can. Action-wise, keep it in the borders of our allies. We can disseminate the information and let other countries maintain their borders in good faith, unless they ask for assistance."
"Sure! It sounds fun," Emily's smiling now, "Finding Sharrens, smiting them into the oblivion they claim to love. Let's get going, Jarem!"
Jarem glances over, "You go ahead, Emily. I'll catch up in a minute." Once Emily's gone, "So." He takes a breath, "I think that we should go report to the Red Knight."
Alyssa nods.
"You'd like to inform her about the bond, then? And about supporting the founding of a nation?"
"Yeah," Jarem says, "Face it - we're blundering around in the dark here. Let's go get some light rather than keep blundering."
"Not too terrible of an idea, and I don't want to alienate the Red Knight by pulling her name into the founding of a nation without so much as asking. How about this: make that arrangements. I need to check in with the council and get Leogeon out to Lord Melweather to arrange either a collection of samples or a trip to Professor Tinsel. I may walk into the council shutting the idea down before we leave, and it'd be pointless to bring it to the Red Knight's attention if so."
"Alright," Jarem says, "It'll be ready for you."
Next move in that case?
Find my halfling minion to send off, then onto the council.
Thus you gather the council, all eyes on you as...
Go ahead and set yourself up, with whatever you want to tell them. The initiative is yours here.
"As you can all see, I've returned. I'm sad to report that I was unfortunately unable to meet with Queen Morwel. I did, however, spend some time in their library and made a few contacts. One has invited me to return, so I'm hopeful for future relations. You've had some time to consider my proposal. Questions? Thoughts?"
There are murmurings all about before a question is called out, "Let us cut to the quick: How will this profit us?"
"Right now, we're hamstrung by what we already have. We're cautious. Too many recruits, too much power and the world will get nervous. We're at the cusp. We either stay where we are and never grow more, or... Not. We all know that far greater knowledge and magic exists beyond what we've done here, but getting to it... We don't have the means to. Not enough wealth. Not enough power. Not enough people for delegations. Not enough of anything to do more. Only as a nation can we move as a singular entity. We can build trade; crafts, services, agriculture. Our magic allows us to do and have things not native to this world. But to do so we move in one of two directions; we either become an entity much like a trade guild that spans the world. I think that's a far more dangerous choice. It decentralizes us and spreads us thin. Hard to coordinate and maintain. Or we become a nation. Our only real competition here is the Mageocracy. They use their power to intimidate everyone else. We match them, offer our services to help keep them in check, and most of the nations will come to our side. If we do neither... We exist as we are until some other nation decides they want to counter balance the Mageocracy and we're a fresh source of magic. We become theirs.
Or we establish ourselves and rule ourselves. Our founders set the corner stone for this, and I think you all knew it would happen one day. My presence and power is felt and known across the world by those that would rule us, and it gives them pause. We give them pause. Let's use it to our advantage and make ourselves their equals."
You said something right to them, enough to warrant a Diplomacy check.
> roll 1d20+38+22 Diplo/Cunning Knowledge
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=4]
Your words sweep over the regents, consideration as Madala rises. "We should support this," she declares, "I dislike it, but power attracts power and wealth attracts wealth. We grow laden with both, they propel us forward."
"I second that," Delaize adds, softly.
Alyssa leans forward, "Any concerns have to be addressed now. Anything unsaid will become seeds of dissention that break our foundation later. None of us, despite our conflicts, want to see this become the death of the Order's legacy."
It is Ule that speaks up. "We have been talking about. We have little choice, so we follow."
Madala grimaces, as if biting into a lemon. "For all our arguments and quibbling, we're in a position where we have to be strong or we die. Not after Sharrans take a personal interest in us. The omens are not good."
Alyssa nods.
"Then, another task. As distasteful as some of you find it to have me as head of state, I want you to draft proposals for positions of advisors and government functions. Madala, you and I have our differences but I feel you keep me at a good balance. I'd like you to be one of my closest advisors. I find the echo chambers of most nobility... distasteful, and one of the greatest contributors to corruption and abuse of power."
"So," Madala says, "I get paid to tell you when you're being a stupid bitch?" A faint smile graces her face, all eyes on you.
"I doubt whatever guard force ends up existing will like that, but if I'm going to make a mistake... Then yes, tell me. I don't recall ever being that disrespectful to you, though."
Madala tosses her hair back, "You just said you needed me, so that gave me the power to get away with it. But I accept your offer."
"I never said I needed you. Don't forget, many rulers have fools instead of advisors to keep them grounded. You're my loudest detractor, Madala. Not my only one. You're about to step into a very public role, and I expect you to conduct yourself with the dignity and aplomb it requires of you."
To that you get a slight nod, "Then I will, Alyssa."
Alyssa smiles at her, "Thank you. Though I don't mind a bit of playing around, either. I give Jarem hell every chance I get. Before we move on, are there any other points anyone would like to bring up. Again, we need to get this out of the way before we ratify the proposal."
There's a fair few questions, but they're generally extremely mundane things I don't really care to go into IC: Taxes, precise organization of a few things not really needed to be drawn out IC and so on. Is there anything along those lines you'd like to address?
Nah, I'll trust your judgement on those things. I think you have a fair idea of what sort of policies on that stuff I'm looking for, and if not, then we can mess with it on IRC or OOC.
Give me another Diplo check here, just for the record.
> roll 1d20+38 Diplo
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=14]
It all goes well into the afternoon, the dickering over a thousand points and a hundred minor concerns. There's bargaining, quibbling and ultimately compromise, if only in the face of what feels increasingly inevitable.
Near the end, it is Delaize who rises. He clears his throat, "I have been asked to address us all before any vote. May I have the floor?"
Alyssa waves him on, "Of course."
Delaize clears his throat, "In the end, we agree to this because we feel the tides of fate sweeping us along. Your ascension to your power is only the beginning, and for better and for worse, we are taken along with you. We go along for the sake of the guild we are all a part of, and trust that history will not prove this a mistake. Do not let that happen."
Alyssa nods. "I know that many of you are uncomfortable with the pace of things and are unsure. I share these concerns and keep them in the forefront of my mind. I don't doubt that the road ahead will be rough, but I hold hope that the foundations of what we do will let us build something that will raise us beyond what we are to what we could be. With the interference of Shar, however, we're now on a stage that's far bigger than anything we imagined would happen in our lifetimes. I'd be a lair and a fool if I promised you we'd see our way through this, but... I promise to do everything in my power to, at the very least, open a path for us. If that requires me to not see the end of the path, so be it. Let's hope not, though."
And to that a vote is raised, taken and agreed. Your will is done - for now. Almost anticlimatic for now, really.
Yet you hardly have a chance to rest. You sit in your room, a dinner of fresh bread baked with garlic, a wedge of fine cheese, tropical fruits and a single fried cutlet. As you go to pick up your knife and fork, there's a knock on the door. "Alyssa? You have guests - really important guests."
Alyssa closes her eyes and sighs deeply, but quietly, before setting the cutlery down and standing, moving towards the door and opening it with her Telekinesis to see who's there.
Emily's there, clad in her full gear. "They're waiting for you unless you'd like to talk to them here?" Emily asks, "Um, it's Latha of Sylica, who is currently Syala's proxy. It's also Syala herself, in avatar form."
Would I know who these are, IC?
K:R and/or K:P.
Emily's mentioned them in passing casually, though she's never gone into them in depth, I believe.
> roll 1d20+44 K:P
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+44 K:R
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=12]
Syala is a new demipower who has risen a little over 20 years ago. She is one of the two rulers of Sylica. She is an astral deva of considerable power and druidic magic. Her faith emphasizes family, bonds and protection.
Latha is a powerful angel in service of Sylica, with power over the sun and sunlight. She is a close friend to Syala, as well as the deity Syala rules with, Alicia Reynes. She's a cleric of no small power.
Alyssa nods, "Well, please see me to them, then. I'll have a page arrange a meal for us as well."
Any prep for this?
I'm not sure what prep I could do?
Fair enough, was just giving you the offer.
The first thing you notice is that Syala is clad in light. Her body glows, keeping her modesty. She is tall, an astral deva with the white wings to match. There is a strength to her, a natural movement that speaks of might. She is beautiful and yet wild, something about her untamed in a way you can't adequately describe.
Latha herself radiates the entire guest room, her blonde hair kept back and face beautiful. She steps forward and offers her hand out, gold-engraved iron bracers worn. "Regent Alyssa?" she offers, "I am Latha, the Diamond Angel of Radiance. It seems we have both been called to a grand and dreadful task."
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Lady Latha, Lady Syala. I'm quite surprised to have you calling on me. Please, make yourselves comfortable. I've sent for a light meal, considering the hour. What task do you mean, and how do you know I've been called to it?"
"Thank you," Syala sits, watching the proceedings as Emily sits as well.
"Oh, do you mean...?" she murmurs, a hand to her mouth.
"Yes. We have learned that you were chosen by Io." Latha joins you, smile radiant. "Would you confirm that, please?"
Alyssa get a cagey look for a moment.
"I suppose if you have suspicions enough to come here in person, then you all but know already. So yes, that is my understanding of my empowerment."
"We all but know, but I ask that you be honest here," Latha says, "More than you realize may be at stake. What else do you know of this situation?"
Emily coughs lightly in the meantime.
"Not enough. It seems I found an aspect of Io in a labyrinth. It empowered me; pushed my magic far above what it would have been otherwise. This gained the attention of many entities such as yourself. Shar being the least welcoming. There also seems to be some sort of bond with those that travel with me."
"I see," Latha says, smiling warmly all the while. "Then it's true - the same bond has manifested in Sylica in recent times as well. It is safe to say that Shar wishes to see you dead for reasons, surely one of them being that bond."
"More than usual, as Shar wants to kill everyone," Syala adds in here, getting Emily to sigh.
"Yes, I'm reminded of that whenever we run into Sharrans. So hateful - we had an assassin here that was quite difficult to capture." Emily says, leaning back in her chair and looking up, an open expression of pique on her face.
"Difficult to identify, not so difficult to capture. Shar placed protections on him that blinded our best diviner. So, you have the same the bond... Interesting... Jarem would be interested in speaking to you, he's rather doggedly researching it. Would you mind if I sent for him? A battle cleric of the Red Knight, in service to me by alliance."
"By all means," Latha says, "Invite anyone that's a part of that bond that you'd like."
"We're still figuring out how it works, but we've gotten a decent idea," Syala adds here.
Alyssa nods and calls for a page to bring Jarem and Ianvasah.
As that's done, "Could you tell me more about the assassin while we wait?" Latha asks.
"A Sharran posing as a page. Targeting our leadership, but never me directly. The protections on him required multiple wishes to overcome. I turned him over to Emily's mothers."
"He was a complete as-jerk. A jerk," Emily frowns, "We finally got him, though."
"Elite Sharrans aren't easy to catch, since they're almost always defiant of typical divinations," Latha asks, "How did you pin him down?"
"Emily here used Time Stop to put a force cage in place around him. We've got a teleport beacon that prevented him from getting out of it. Then I pinned him to the ground with telekinesis."
"Good work," Syala smiles over at Emily, who perks up.
"Thanks, Aunt Syala!" Emily says brightly, "It worked great."
Meanwhile, Jarem and Ianvasah enter, "You called?" Jarem asks.
"Jarem, might I introduce Emily's aunt Syala and Latha. They've come to inquire about my empowerment and already know about the bond. Apparently they have one as well. I thought you'd like the chance to ask questions and possibly gain some insight from another source."
Jarem bows, "My ladies," he says, as for a moment Syala pulses. She is more - it's like a storm battering against you, reality becoming nothing but her. It's like drowning in Syala, overwhelming terror felt for a split second.
"Yes, you are divine," Jarem licks his lips and bows again.
"No offense meant," Syala smiles a little bit, "But I find that sort of display cuts across an awful lot of impressions and tedium."
Ianvasah bows to Syala as well, "Blessed by the Mother of the Pride," she murmurs.
"Syala." Latha says it as a single word, meaning imbued into it with a rich hint of long seated opinion. "Ahem. I understand you're finding this same bond amid yourselves - a connection that is felt as you accomplish deeds and realize various facts and motivations about yourself, one that provides direct empowerment? But one that is like in orbit around the one who the leader, rather than directly empowering the leader?"
"Sounds correct. We've only just realized the goals focus of it."
"Yes," Ianvasah says, "So we can continue to gain more power by doing that? Is there a limit?"
"Not that we know of," Latha says, "Have any of you heard a voice speak to you, related to this power?"
"Not that I can remember... Did you hear an echo of Io, then?"
"It's more complicated than that - and there is a reason for what we have been given. A reason more important than any other," Latha says, "Are you familiar with the Prophecy of Primus?"
I dunno, am I? K:P/R I guess?
K:P.
> roll 1d20+44 K:P
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=14]
Approximately 5,000 years ago, Primus of Mechanus produced the end result of a vast calculation. This calculation holds that Shar will triumph and destroy all of Creation. This is known as the Prophecy of Primus.
Alyssa repeats this back to them. "I haven't delved any further into it than that, however."
"It is something we fight against and you have been drafted into this war by Io," Latha explains, "Our goal and our mission is to stop Shar for good, to slay her and put an end to the looming destruction of Creation. Syala, Alicia and Seira were all ascended in part to provide more deities to oppose Shar, for her power waxes terribly."
"Well, oblivion or fighting Shar," Jarem speaks up, "I'd do it even without the support, because I like living. He takes a breath out, "Do you know why us? Frankly, we're a completely disparate group."
"Well... I have to ask the question. If Io is taking a hand in selecting people to oppose Shar... Why doesn't he simply strike her down, or direct all of the major gods to move against her? She might be extremely powerful, but... There are a lot of other powerful gods as well. Does Io's commands not carry the weight with them for this, or is it something not meant for mortals?"
"Io has been gone a long time," Syala speaks up, "And...Shar is strong, monstrously strong now. We gather strength to try and stop her. Regardless of what else is said here today, we're here to offer you help."
"Well... I can't say I'd want to turn help down, but... while I'm powerful, monstrously so by some people's inelegant opinions, as your earlier demonstration shows, I'm still just a mortal. I'll do what I can, but Shar's already got me in her sights, though considering it's only been a single assassin, it seems I'm not much more of an after thought. What, exactly, do you have in mind? Please keep in mind that I've allied myself with the Red Knight and I'm a follower of Shaundakul, so anything we decide here, they may want to weigh in on."
"Anything we can do to aid you growing, and to know that you hav esupport," Latha picks up from there, "And to ask if you can help us at all, because we seek Io."
"Well... The labyrinth was used by the Order to test our people, but with my clearing it out I suppose there's no true harm in it. For formality's sake, I'll talk to the other regents. As for helping me grow... We just ratified a proposal to expand the Order into a nation. The establishment of a new nation will have difficulties, but the real issue with the Mageocracy. They rule with magic and through fear and suppression of those without it. As for me, personally... Well, I'm not entirely sure how to focus my own growth beyond simply continuing what I'm doing. You might be able to give me help with planar diplomacy... Malcanthet sent a representative a while ago. I've... mostly ignored it, but I'm unsure if she'll let it drop, become more motivated, or be insulted at this point."
Syala smiles. It isn't a nice smile. "Malcanthet? Well, if she pushes it, I'll make sure she understands my displeasure about it."
Emily stage whispers to you, "That means she's going to hit Malcanthet with her hammer if she causes trouble. A lot."
"Damn right I will." Syala says, "I'm not going to let her interfere in this."
"Or..."
Alyssa pauses and sighs. "To hell with it... Or, we could use it. If Shar is as powerful as you say, Melcanthet could be a valuable and unexpected wild card against her. If Shar wins and destroys all of creation, Malcanthet loses as well. I don't exactly like the idea of it, but... Mages have long had dealings with outsiders and her kind tend to be a little more... yech. Reasonable. Or bribe-able, at least. Of note, one of our people was murdered in the presence of one of her succubae. Contracted for personal... relief. At first I thought the succubus might be responsible, but that was the incident where Shar blinded my diviner. It could be, looking back on it, that Malcanthet wanted to give a warning, or that her succubus even saw the assassin's face. Any deal would have to happen under very close observation with the strictest enforcement spells... but... having her as an arrow in the quiver might not be the worst thing... Certainly not the best, though."
Syala clears her throat, "My wife wished to join us. Let's wait for her."
Chance to object if you care to, otherwise will move along to that rather than dallying over waiting.
That's fine.
Within the pleasant, cushion laden room Alicia enters and...
Go ahead and intro and talk, you two. Describe yourselves if needed.
The figure that enters is a tall human woman with tanned skin and inky black hair done up in a bun at the back of her head and wearing a breastplate over a black undersuit where the armour doesn't completely cover. Crossed over her back is a strange looking bladed staff, like two longswords stuck together at the pommels. Altogether she looks more like a simple knight or adventurer than a deity. She looks over the occupants, eyes barely glancing over Latha and Syala, pausing a little on Emily before she notes the other three. "Emily. I did hear something about one of Waukeen's relics, didn't I?" she muses, lips quirking up a little. "Well it's good to see you anyway. Will you introduce me to your companions?"
Emily starts to perk up before blushing, "Ah....well yes....it's complicated," she finishes abruptly. "Aunt Alicia, this is Alyssa, Jarem and Ianvasah. We're all connected through Alyssa, the same way that Syala says you're all connected through you."
Jarem rises and bows, "My lady," he says with a smile, "The Red Knight has mentioned you."
Ianvasah matches that bow, "I am Ianvasah, druid and dragon."
"She'd get along great with Mom," Emily chimes in over that, "She learned how to training with me."
Alyssa stands and bows, "Lady Alicia, I'm quite glad to make your acquaintance. I am Alyssa Songsteel, Regent of the Arcane order of Arythma. You're one of the few deities that I've met, and that list seems to be growing longer by the day, oddly enough. I welcome you to my Order and hope for a beneficial relationship between us."
"On speaking terms, are you?" she asks Jarem, nodding to Ianvasah next and then to Alyssa. "It happens when you reach a certain threshold of power - you'd be surprised what deities pay attention to, but the distance we keep from mortals erodes the more you become capable of shaping or shaking the world with your might. It wasn't that long ago that I was a mortal sorceress going from encountering angels to meeting Mystra or Morwel themselves. But then you must know all about it," she shakes her head slightly. "Chosen by Io, hmm? Not a name heard much outside of dusty tomes or the carvings on the walls of ancient dragon lairs."
"Ah, yes. I attempted to meet Queen Morwel myself recently. She chose to let me explore her library, not did not grant a meeting. But yes, Io. The labyrinth we used seems to have been the maze around one of his lairs. Or something of the like. After he did.. whatever he did to me... the aspect of him disappeared. I shut myself inside the Order for years trying to figure it out, but didn't find more than that and only recently came to trust the power I now have."
"How specifically were you empowered? And did the aspect explain the purpose behind this empowerment?" Alicia asks, leaning forward a little.
"No idea at all! I found my way into the... lair, I suppose, and did a bit of battle with it, though it was very clear we were outmatched. He said he was impressed, granted me power and then... Left. I don't recall everything that happened, between the chaos of the situation and the power, but that's the bulk of it."
Jarem flashes Alicia a smile, "On occasion."
Syala hms faintly at that, "That does sound like that was set up on purpose. A test and you passed it, or merely chance? No, this is too heavy to be chance. Not for a being like that."
"We all suffer and are blessed to be chosen," Latha says, "Why fate chose us we may never truly understand, but is the fate we are given. Were Alicia not the one to free me, I would not be anywhere close to I am now."
"Me too," Emily pipes up here, "That ring became part of me so I could stay here, and that's impossible. Or it should be." Then with a nervous cough, "I still have to find a way to make it right with Aunt Waukeen, too. And Mom."
"I have heard complaints, but I think they should send the bill to Io rather than taking it out on you, Emily," Alicia says to Seira's unfortunate daughter. "I don't presume to know Io's designs... while we seem to possess a similar 'bond'," she gestures to Syala and Latha, "There's been no fantastic empowerment at a stroke, just minor boons occurring at moments of personal resolve or development. Also our benefactor is almost certainly Zaphkiel, head of the Celestial Hebdomad. They both seem to share a common goal of stopping Shar from destroying Creation, and if Zaphkiel is aware of Io's plans we can presume the reverse is true."
Jarem goes awfully quiet at that, "...and I heard Celestia's having some sort of religious event and there's been murmurings of war." He looks right at Alicia, "That's tied to it?"
"I wonder if... There's a limit. One per benefactor... A benefactor's representative team? If the bond is through their power... How much of a strain, or restrictions, is there... Hmm... Jarem's begun researching the bond in earnest, would you mind answering his questions about it? If there are different benefactors, there might be differences in the bonds as well, and that could shed some light of its own."
"There are five, and you are the only one supported by Io, at least according to what Zaphkiel hinted. He was somewhat evasive when I asked him," Alicia clarifies. Then she looks at Jarem, "The war is one between Celestia and the Cauldron against the Efreet of the elemental plane of Fire. It's not connected at all with this. Chronias has been more radiant for weeks now."
"Well, a sample group of five should be a gold mine for you, Jarem, if we can get them to agree to your investigation. Could the Efreet be getting moved by Shar? Her way of occupying these chosen few? If she's all but destined to win by prophecy, all she'd need to do is simply delay until the right time."
"No, the efreet tried to avoid the war," Alicia shakes her head. "Seira and Celestia are the ones who instigated it. Shar will certainly try to profit from it, but the war is for the cause of ending slavery - a great source of misery and hopelessness, the sort of thing that Shar celebrates."
"Which means we can imagine her meddling," Jarem remarks, "I do have questions. What do you know about triggering the occurrences of it, and have you noticed any pattern in what's done and what's gained?"
"It's this easy?" Ianvasah murmurs, "I learned so much in a mere hour and now more power comes flowing from Io?"
"As I said," Alicia looks at Jarem again, "During moments of personal development and resolve - such as settling on a course of action, or celebrating a deed that reasonates with your ideals. Generally it manifests in minor boons, improvements to one's panoply of magical equipment, or even the wholesale creation of magical items. Never anything on the scale of an artifact or a truly life-altering increase in power, just small incremental improvements. I believe they're simply to encourage personal development and growth in a manner that leaves us better prepared to face Shar."
While she also thinks it likely Zaphkiel will try and push Alyssa to divinity, she elects to keep quiet on that.
I'll go ahead and wait for Iddy here, mostly because I just flat had a reading failure for poor Jarem there. Whoops. Go ahead and reply, Idward.
"Hm. Nudges to development after direct empowerment. Seems an odd step back. Or going back to working inside the rules. So, Shar. I don't know much of her movements. I'm still entirely new to the machinations of those at this level. I've recently tasked Emily and Jarem to hunt for Sharran enclaves on this world, and was going to head out to meet the Red Knight shortly to discuss things with her. Should we not include her in this? Or Shaundakul since he's who I worship?"
Jarem seems content to consider that, listening.
"We've no conflict with either but nor do we have any strong relationship with them," Alicia admits freely. "To be frank, everyone has an interest in stopping Shar - that Zaphkiel is invested in Sylica and Io is invested in your school here is immaterial when we have our own agency. Those nudges and boons don't compare to hard won experience and the earned camaraderie of having fought side by side. So while I'm willing to support your efforts, I don't intend to supplant your existing patrons."
Alyssa nods. "I don't have an issue with that, other than to not that the Red Knight's domains will likely prove very valuable to any combined effort we may decide on in the future. As I"ve told Sylica, I'm working on turning my Order into a nation. This takes a significant amount of resources and attention. I won't ask for your help in that, but advice on how to improve myself or other things to focus on would be a wonderful boon. I don't exactly have a guide book for being a mortal in the company of gods."
"The best advice I can give is don't get tied to a desk or a throne," Alicia says, holding Alyssa's gaze. "You can learn a lot in statecraft that way, and I'm sure this school has no end of educational tomes, but true growth comes from struggle. Test your limits, find wrongs worthy of your power to set right, find foes who can match your strength and defeat them anyway. Only in pushing yourself past what you believe you're capable of will you live up to the expectations now on you."
"Like smiting Sharrans," Emily adds in here, "That's always good for growing."
"Well... I have plans to head the Order... Until it becomes stable as a nation. I've already had strong thoughts on abdicating on e that's accomplished, though. The horizon gets further the deeper into a chair you sit, after all. I invite you to contact me with any guidance you might have. The Red Knight has given me good advice I think has led to solid growth, and I hope you will as well."
Turning to Emily, "This is certainly going more smoothly than the dinner."
"We'll stay in touch. Shar has no shortage of mighty champions who would test your strength and your bonds," Alicia confirms.
In Latha's mind she sends, 'Latha, did you have more you wanted to talk to them about?'
'For now, no. I know not if this will end up extending to our greater tasks or how they will intersect. We need to get to know them and support them, but Emily will help greatly there.'
Latha clears her throat, "You mentioned the maze where you found Io? We may want to see that later."
Meanwhile, a pulse. A moment as Ianvasah thinks, "That's it, just like that, by..." Alyssa feels the bond, a bond between her and Ianvasah. Alicia can feel it as well, a distant feeling, not like hers, but a decided sense of similarity.
Syala stays silent during it, but adds quietly to Alicia, 'If there was any doubt left in this enterprise, that ends it.'
Node update for Alyssa. Go read.
Read it
"There it is. Did you notice it?"
"I felt it," Alicia confirms. "Did you hear anything? Not every time but often we hear an encouraging voice at times like this."
"I didn't, not this time," Emily says, "What does the voice say?"
"Encouraging things," Alicia repeats. "Keep up the good work, platitudes like that. But that's Zaphkiel for us - for you it might give you a clue to Io's designs if he makes himself heard."
"I'll listen for it," Emily promises, as Ianvasah fingers a ring she didn't have moments before. A plain ring of iron, yet it glows with its own inner light.
"This is new. It can create things? I can feel the magic inside of it." She marvels.
"That's new to us... I don't recall anything ever being created before... And no, I don't recall hearing Io or anything of the sort."
"In any case, there are other demands on my time. Good luck in your endeavours. If you learn more about Io we'd be interested to know what you discover," Alicia asks, preparing to leave.
Alyssa nods. "Thank you for your visit. Please feel free to visit any time."
Both of you good to move along now?
Yarp.
Yep.
Alicia and Syala head out, while Latha lingers a moment. "Know that we'll help you if you need it," she calls, "Everyone has to band together to make this a better world and stop Shar. If you need us, have Emily contact us."
"Thank you for your assistance. Please be welcome here without need for a national level crisis."
With that, they're gone.
"That was useful," Jarem finally says, "You get anything good out of it, Alyssa?"
"More concerns. They might be scrambling to pull a counter force together, which means despite the prophecy having existed for as long as it has, they're on the back foot. Their eagerness to help me advance likely means the fight is closer than we expected. It concerns me that they weren't very interested in bringing The Red Knight and Shaundakul in, too. Unused force, unused tools. But, they were extremely welcoming and accommodating, so perhaps I'm reading too much into it. Either way, another resource pool we can tap if needed. A welcome one."
Jarem's frowning at all of that, slowly drumming his fingers on the table.
"I don't get it. The Red Knight speaks well of Alicia, and I believed it was mutual. Why wouldn't she want her involved, then?"
"Help is help," Emily says, "And I can vouch for Sylica being helpful and good hearted."
"Maybe the identities of the chosen aren't known? Trying to keep it secret? I'm not sure, but any fight should welcome her. Gods are cagey, though. There may be something in the background happening that we aren't privy to. We are, after all, just mortals."
"Pah, we're still be treating with great privilege," Ianvasah declares, standing up.
"So..." Emily murmurs, "I'm going to get back and start on the Sharrans now."
Alyssa nods to Emily. "Yes, begin on that. Jarem wanted to go meet with the Red Knight. I think following this meeting, that would be an excellent choice of timing."
Okay, next move then?
Just wanna make sure the halfling went off to Lord Melweather before I head to the Red Knight.
That's taken care of. Any prep for the Red Knight?
Nah, not unless Jarem has anything he wants first.
Nothing huge. Who's going?
Jarem and me. Anyone else who wants to, I suppose. Emily seemed pretty gung ho about finding Sharrans, so I doubt she does. Does Ianvasah have any interest. Also, can she wear that iron ring? I thought druids can't use metal stuff, or is that just armor and weapons?
That only applies to armor and shields, not weapons or other things.
It's an odd little restriction.
She's not terribly interested in going, but will go if you ask her to.
It's fine if she doesn't. Jarem and Alyssa are fine.
This time, you appear amid a chess board. A life sized one, in place of the white queen and king, respectively. Jarem strides forward, patting a human sized pawn as he goes. You're inside a building, a castle room with stone and torches.
"These are golems," he says as you pass, "In case you ever want to play chess as one of the pieces."
"I think I'm more concerned with the implication that you're my king. Insulted, maybe? Rook at best, I think."
"If I'm only a rook, you must want Tempus himself as a king," Jarem fires right back.
"Mmm... A little too straight laced for me, I think. Still, are to play here or is this simply a waiting room of sorts?"
"No, follow me," Jarem says. It's a bit of a walk and a wait, the two of you in a comfortable antechamber. Soft chairs surround a crackling fire, stuffed animal heads on the wall - and more exotic things. Dragons, hydras, what you're pretty sure is a dire bear, the head of a great kraken and other things yet.
"This one means the Red Knight is out hunting," Jarem opines, deep in his seat. "We'll see her as soon as she gets back. She's quite the huntswoman."
"Hmm... I'm not much for hunting, but I'd like to go on a good stalk with her. I could help tracking."
"A stalker, an ambush hunter?" The Red Knight's voice is rich, as she appears in a chair between the two of you. She sits back, in hunting greens and browns, including knee high leather boots.
Jarem bows his head deeply to her before saying, "Thank you for seeing us."
"Just amongst the skills I've found useful. I find it funny to do sometimes. Thank you for greeting us."
Sitting back now after that, "So you wanted to meet with me. What do you have that demands my attention?" The Red Knight asks.
"Jarem brought up some concerns about your support now that I'm moving to make a nation."
"Did he?" Jarem gets a glance from the Red Knight, "Elaborate."
"He did. I think it's a valid concern. Support is a different thing than having your new attached to a nation."
"There's more, but let's start with that," Jarem says.
To this the Red Knight laughs, long and loud. It's a stirring sound, rich and powerful. "Alyssa, Alyssa. I don't mind in the least. Nations are born in the crucible of war, inseminated in the womb of conflict through the seed of strategy and tactics. I have seen nations rise from wars and revolution since I ascended."
"True. I don't know what Jarem's concerns are, but I just wanted to make sure you were okay with being connected with the deeds as well."
"If I have a problem with your deeds, you'll know." The Red Knight promises, brushing aside a bit of her hair.
Alyssa nods. "Then on to Jarem's concerns."
"First of all, I'd like to requisition more soldiers," Jarem says, "Even with drawing in manpower, there's only so much that can be done in any reasonable time frame. If Shar moves, we won't have a reasonable time frame."
The Red Knight ponders this a moment, "Oh ho. How many do you two need, then?"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "He hasn't consulted me about this, so I have no inkling."
"We did discuss it," Jarem says, meeting your gaze. "Did we not?"
"I believe you said we needed more manpower, but nothing about specific numbers... But then, I might have forgotten between trying to create a nation and all."
I genuinely don't remember if he mentioned this or not.
It came up if briefly, I do believe it fell between the wickets a bit. That's okay, these things happen.
The Red Knight smiles, a rather sardonic look. "Do you and Alyssa need a few moments, Jarem?"
Jarem shoots you a look, one half annoyed and the other half chagrined. "Could we have a moment?"
In that instant the Red Knight is gone, giving you privacy.
"I didn't mean to counter you in front of her, but I don't recall anything about specific numbers. Between creating the proposition for the new country and figuring out how to deal with new land, I'm not sure how many more soldiers we actually need. If we don't expand as fast as we expect, then we fall short in space and supplies. If we expand too much, we have soldiers in empty areas. We haven't figured out the specifics yet."
Jarem takes a long breath and slowly rubs his face, "Let's go with that. How about another 100?"
"Where would you house them, first off? And what would they do? There's still massive logistical and bureaucratic work to be done. I haven't even tried to raise the land yet, or plan out where to put it. I need to work with Ianvasash to plan it out for the best effect for aquatic development, and then run it by one of your battle engineers for defensive placements... 100 might actually be the right number, but I think it may be too soon. I also think we might need fewer soldiers and more engineers to do construction, supply, and development. The new land won't exactly be rife with hostile life... Oh speaking of, remind me to write a spell to turn the volcanic rock into soil..."
Jarem takes a long breath out, "Fine." he says, voice tight. "What of the bond, while we're talking about these things?"
"That is something we definitely need to get help with. That sort of power... There's not much for lore that I can imagine. It's all experience and insight. And it came from Io, so the gods will have more knowledge about it. Though, a dragon god might be a better source. I don't suppose the Red Knight takes tea with Bahamut?"
"She may have," Jarem says, "Is there anything else before we look like bigger idiots?"
"Well, what else did you want to discuss with her, specifically? You didn't go over the points with me, so I thought they'd likely be more related to theological concerns and things that directly impacted her."
"I thought we had an understanding here," Jarem says, then takes another breath out. He closes his eyes a few moments, "Let's just talk about the bond, see where it goes."
Alyssa nods. "Please do."
Thus the Red Knight returns, "A failure of strategy and communication," she observes, "Have you fixed and learned from your mistakes?"
Alyssa nods. "Full briefings before-hand for both sides."
"Quite," Jarem says, "Shall I go on or do you want to handle this, Alyssa?"
"Please do. You wanted to call for this, so please lead."
Clearing his throat, "We have a bond we've been experiencing, centered on Alyssa, that is giving all of us various empowerments. I've prepared a description here," Jarem takes out a scroll, which appears in the Red Knight's hand in an instant.
The Red Knight unrolls it and reads, frowning as she does.
"Ladies Syala and Latha paid us a visit as well. They have a similar bond and let slip that there are others. Five, I believe, total. Apparently I'm the only one supported by Io, and Lady Alicia apparently asked Lord Zaphkiel about it."
"This is abnormal." That is what the Red Knight says, "Divine gifts do not work like this."
"There's more than that, that's abnormal. They're under the impression that this has to do with fighting Shar the Prophecy of Primus. Considering your domains, you're a massive asset to this effort... Yet when I brought up it they were rather... uninterested in bringing you in. They weren't outright dismissive of it, but they weren't interested in it, either."
The Red Knight closes her eyes a few moments. "I see. Continue on for now, Jarem," she says, "Report back with your findings. Dismissed."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow to Jarem, as if inquiring if there's more he wanted to bring up.
To this Jarem rises and bows deeply, "Thank you, my lady."
After that reality adjusts, and you find yourselves back on the chess board where you appeared here. "I'll take us home," Jarem says.
Anything to add here?
nope
Thus you soon return. and...
Next move? I have something brewing up, but lemme get your plans first.
Start on creating a new land and use the new memory sharing spell with Jarem so he can study the bond from another point of view.
As you go to do that, "Alyssa!" Emily calls, "Good news!" She runs up to you, smiling ear to ear.
"You've found Sharrans to smite?"
"Well, I'm working on that, but Mom gave me a gift," she says, "A special rod and a special staff, she handed them down to me to help out! Want to see?"
"Very much so."
"Here," Emily hands them over, "It's really thoughtful of her, too. She gained these while she adventured as a mortal."
They're in loot.
"Quite useful. Consider a spell to shrink them down for better use and storage. It's always nice to get heirlooms."
Smiling ear to ear at this, "She's also recalling Agathiel for now. She's at war, I told you that, right?" Emily says, smile fading. "I think it's really serious."
"If you feel the need to assist her, then I do not mind. If you're concerned about helping me, then you can also act as liaison between us."
Emily shakes her head, "She didn't call for me. This is important too, but I'll keep in touch with her. I'm going to send her a message before I get back to hunting Sharrans."
Alyssa nods. "If she needs anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Spell or land, which one first?
Kinda owe Jarem for the slight embarrassment in front of his god, so spell first.
You find Jarem sitting outside on the beach, the weather sunny and bright. A tray of fruit and a drink sit by him, a small table set up. There's no breeze and he's reading documents, dressed casually, lightly in plain if well made clothes -a doublet, hose, a broad belt and similar such things.
"Alyssa," he looks up.
"Jarem, I had some free time on my hands and thought we might test that spell I wrote. To share memories, so you can experience the bond triggering from my perspective."
Jarem whistles a servant wover, who goes to gather everything up. Grabbing a bit of pineapple and munching it down, "Yeah, let's," he says, falling in step with you. As the sea breeze blows, "Let's remember to learn our lesson from that disaster. Is there anything that needs to be said before we do this?"
"Not that I can think of. It'll let us share the memory of it, and view it repeatedly for study. I haven't used the spell yet, however, so keep that in mind."
Jarem nods...and as you walk, you feel it. A moment of connection with him, of your bond resonating. You feel it throughout yourself.
This was delayed slightly for a chance at resolution and to let it settle, due to the way that went.
Node update, go read.
"Well, that was unexpected. But another point we can use to study. Ready?"
Jarem smiles - really smiles - and adds, "Yeah, I'm ready," he says. "Do it."
Alyssa begins casting!
Visions of the Past, CL 32
Target: Alyssa (Jarem accompanying)
When you cast this spell, you are able to relive your past or the past of a touched creature. An unwilling creature requires a successful melee touch attack and is allowed a Will save to negate.
This spell allows you to relive up to one hour per caster level of the target's life. This may be any time you see fit, but must be one unbroken block of time. You may also share this spell with up to one creature per four caster levels, all creatures affected must within 30ft of you. Those who relive the past do so instantly, experiencing everything the target did in all of the target's senses (including senses those who relive the past do not normally possess). For all purposes, it is as if the creatures lived the experiences themselves.
While the memories are completely lifelike, those who relive the past do not suffer any ill effects from it (except for any trauma the memories would cause naturally, such as viewing the memories of a creature being tortured).
What memories are you giving him?
The feeling of the bond activating for him, Emily, and Ianvasah, the last few times. I don't recall specifics off hand.
"It feels about the same," Jarem says after the memories are passed over. He glances down at himself then slowly rubs his side, "Also, another person's memories are strange."
"I can imagine. Well, at least we've verified that there's no real differences between each, so it works the same with everyone. That simplifies things, though not in a major way."
"Anyway, I'll work on it," Jarem says, "Going to work on the land now?"
"Yes. Next big step of the plan."
Okay, so what ya doin' here?
Well, I figure I ha e enough ranks in K: Engineering and K: Geography to plan the placement well enough, but I want to consult with Ianvasah and one of Jarem's siege engineers for their input on it. What we haven't discussed is size/amount type stuff, and if I can magically engineer different climares for different cultivation, or if that's even needed.
Climate will be that of the prevailing region, unless altitude effects it (mountains for example). Otherwise the spell creates islands - usually simple beaches, jungle and then a mountain in the center.
Alright, well just figuring out placement then.
What I'd like you to do is make a rough sketch of the archipelago your guild has and how you want to expand it. I think a visual aid would be profoundly useful. Do you think that's something you could do? Be it by stick figures, paint, a graph, whatever.
I can figure something out, but it won't be possible until I get home.
Sure, that's fine.
Please see below.
https://imgur.com/a/IsQWg0I (https://imgur.com/a/IsQWg0I)
Excellent. And where are you looking to add a new island?
Not entirely sure. I guess between the Enchantment and Transmutation areas.
In the deep water between or in the shallows closer to one or another?
Deep water I suppose. I'll probably wind up making it the Illusion area and using the old area from that for expansion.
Sure. Casting time's a week, going to bunker down and work on that? Remember, spells like that require 8 hours of casting a day and rest each night.
Sure, but as it's level 10, is there anyone else who can help with it? Emily's got magic at that level, but I don't know about anyone else in the Order.
Not really? At least not yet.
Cool. Then yeah, might as well start on it, unless anyone has something more important.
Sounds like a plan. Give me a d100.
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d100=63]
It's the fourth evening, you're winding down after casting and enjoying a large meal - that level of spellcasting is hard work. You're refreshed after a cool waterfall bath, letting you cleanse yourself and feel so much better.
Huh.
It's then that the ground starts shaking, quivering considerably.
Alyssa sighs and gets up, using her flight to float and not stumble around to go find out what's happening.
Going out, you hear the cries, "Earthquake!" they call as the shaking stops, buildings rattling and a few visibly damaged, walls cracking or giving. At least it didn't seem to last long?
Alyssa moves out to to the open to survey the area and calls to coordinate health care and recovery.
Soon enough Delaize is reporting to you, "It was a medium intensity earthquake," he says, "One that surprised the diviners, as we do routine divinations about such things."
"Have them check for interference from outside sources. With Emily watching for curses. If Shar is trying to take advantage of my spell to blow up the islands, we have a problem. Ha e them check into the completion of my spell as well. If there's a flaw in it, best to catch it before the spell is finished. Let's get some of our people out looking to the citizens for injured and to reassure them. Get a few teams organized in case there's damage to be taken care of."
A nod.
A pulse.
Rumbling.
The earth begins to rumble again, louder and harder.
"... And gather some who can use wish. In case we have to brute force stop this. Get a gathering point set up in the open somewhere. A park or the like. The last thing we need is houses falling on our people."
"Ma'am," Delaize nods, then hurries off and...
What's your next move as this is happening?
Wait I guess. I don't have any divination ready so I can't help there. Look for injured, actually. Fluy around and move any debris and stuff.
You barely get 10 minutes of this before Emily appears, "Alyssa, we're under attack," she calls, "From the east. Some sort of sea monsters."
Alyssa nods and heads that way!
Just to check, but my regular daily spells are still in effect?
Yes. How are you planning on getting there?
Flight or dimension door, whatever is faster.
Blinks and blinks, the two of you soaring along back, to the eastern coasts. Here you see it - heavy waves rolling in. Below they are rolling in - three of them. Each larger than Ianvasah in dragon form, coming towards the beach. Great, blue scaled things, dragon-bodied and lithe, no wings seen. They travel through the water, great waves coming from them and accelerating, slamming into the beach, washing away anything there.
K check to ID?
K:A.
> roll 1d20+44+5 K:A/Tale Keeper
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=12]
They look like a cross between something like a leviathan and a dragon. You aren't sure what they are, but they're moving fast.
Who else is around? Just Emily?
At the moment, yes.
"Emily, you can call elementals, yes? Get the most powerful water elementals you can on the field. Let's stop that water. I'm not sure what those things are, but they have traits of leviathians and dragons. I'll try to calm them, but Ianvasah might have better luck in her dragon form. Push comes to shove, your first responsibility is get any civilians off the field. Jarem's people should already be in action and setting up. Once we get a line established, regroup on me with whoever you can find, and we can go into an assault if need be."
"I can work on that, can you teleport to get Jarem and Ianvasah?" Emily asks, already descending, "I'll do what I can."
Alyssa nods and starts Dimension Door-ing around looking for them!
No real idea how to find them, but I'm sure they're near-by. Could I use Prestidigitation to amplify my voice, or is that out of the power limit of it?
I'd rule that beyond the limits of it.
Can I use it to give myself an attention grabbing aura/lightshow or something?
It could create some minor glow or light perhaps, but it's pretty limited.
I'll be honest and say I tend not to fall into the camp that views Prestidigitation as 'least wish'. It does have some flexibility but it's a cantrip noted to be extremely limited, which limits what you can do.
Yeah, I've not really used it ever beyond like... Cleaning, so I wasn't sure exactly where limits fell.
Alyssa casts a pair of quick spells on Shifting Steel before getting any closer to combat, just to be sure!
Going to commit to combat, then?
Not just yet, but at my CL those spells last 32 minutes, so just in case.
Going to go try and get them, join Emily or something else now? Need a decision.
Go find Jarem and Ianvasah.
Perception.
> roll 1d20+44 Perception
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=4]
As you start to go, you see the grassy land just before the beach. A ripple, Madala appearing along with Jarem and Ianvasah, "There," she calls."
Alyssa greets them.
"Well, I'm glad you're all proactive. I've got Emily working on elementals to deal with the waves and getting civilians out of the way. Jarem, I assume you're setting up a line and evac zone? Ianvasah, they're some combination of leviathan and dragon, perhaps you could shift and give communication a try?"
"Um..." Emily points, "They're incoming!" The four of you are near the beach, 60ft from the ocean. You can see them, 200ft out and closing in on the shoreline. "Working on it!"
Jarem readies himself, "Yeah, see if they'll talk and if not, hope someone has the right spells ready."
I'm gonna call for init here.
Alyssa casts a quick spell!
Nerveskitter (Chain, Echoing), CL 32
+5 initiative bonus to 20 friendlies within 105 feet.
> roll 1d20+7+9+5 Init
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+10 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+14 Emily
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+17 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+10 Sea Horror 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+11 Sea Horror 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+10 Sea Horror 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=12]
Alyssa (32) > Emily (27) > Jarem (25) > Horror 1 = Horror 2 (24) > Horror 3 (22) > Ianvasah (21)
Open.
Alyssa casts another spell!
Greater Arcane Sight (Echoing), CL 32, 32 minute duration.
This spell functions like arcane sight, except that you automatically know which spells or magical effects are active upon any individual or object you see.
Anything else or is that it for the turn?
Standard action, and I'm not gonna go charge off on my own just yet. Ianvasah needs a chance to try to talk to them.
Emily's chanting is in Celestial, intoning, "Lord of the oceans, come forth and still the waves!"
From the waves it emerges, a vast titan of pure sea water. An elemental monolith, towering over and with his back to the shore. He extends his hands out, as if to stop the waves - and when they reach him, they press against him but do not advance, not yet.
Meanwhile Jarem quietly casts, invoking a blessing onto himself, making freeing him from minor concerns.
Freedom of movement.
The three horrors race forward, coming right for Emily's monolith. From their heads, great and long horns of black matter rise up, glistening wetly as they rush in.
> roll 1d20+49
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +4 ???, +8 ???)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +4 ???, +8 ???)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +4 ???, +8 ???)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=14]
> roll 24d10+192
> roll 24d10+192
> roll 24d10+192
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 328 > [d10=5,7,3,6,4,2,4,4,6,7,8,10,1,6,1,7,8,7,10,6,1,8,6,9]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 304 > [d10=8,3,1,2,8,8,8,6,2,7,1,3,4,3,10,4,5,8,5,6,2,2,4,2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 324 > [d10=3,8,1,8,7,2,7,1,6,8,5,9,10,3,7,9,1,1,8,6,3,3,8,8]
The charge is unlike anything you have ever seen before. The black horns thrust in and the water elemental moves to brace - and is utterly sundered by it. The monolith lets out a gurgling cry of pain as Emily stumbles back, a yelp of alarm as a trickle of blood comes from her nose. "T-they're strong," she gasps, as the wave enlarges, bowling past where the elemental was, gathering power. "W-whatever you do, don't let them charge you with those horns. They remind me of Antenora, she fights the same way with a spear and it's overwhelming."
The wave is getting larger and larger, casting a shadow on the beach as...
Ianvasah.
Ianvasah surges forward, into the waves and transforming. She becomes an elemental, a riot of water that moves to block the wave, a gurgling call of, "Give me some support," she calls, then snarls in Draconic, "Hold! Hold!" She positions to try and stop the wave at the shore.
Not that the horrors stop at that.
Incoming wave is a thing, a big one. Alyssa, go.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 6/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Freedom of Movement
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Freedom of Movement (CL32)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 398/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: 1 9th level FS
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 423/423 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
What's the range to them?
They moved 100ft, so 100ft away from the shoreline and you're 60ft from the shoreline, so 160ft away total.
Alyssa begins casting a spell, to test how tough they are!
Stone Skewers, (Echoing, Chain), CL 32, Duration 32 days. DC: 30
10 ft Spikes extend from body, 1d6 damage per CL (35d6 max), sickened 1 round, and entangled. Half damage and no sicken on Fort Save. Any creature in 5ft range takes 5d6 damage and becomes pined, ref save.
Cunning Breach to bypass SR, -2 Inspiration.
8/10 Inspiration.
> roll 32d6
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 105 > [d6=1,1,5,5,1,1,2,5,5,3,1,2,3,6,2,3,4,5,5,1,3,2,5,3,1,2,5,3,5,6,6,3]
> roll 1d20+34 (+6 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???) 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+35 (+6 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???) 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+34 (+6 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???) 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=11]
The horrors are impaled by spines growing out of them, bursting out and bloodying them. Yet in the ocean there is only so much that can be done, the water wearing at them as they struggle, entangled by them and yet...
Alyssa (32) > Emily (27) > Jarem (25) > Horror 1 = Horror 2 (24) > Horror 3 (22) > Ianvasah (21)
Emily keeps on casting, "Again! Again call forth the servant of water!" she chants, a water elemental forming besides Ianvasah, rising up to block the waves as well. "AGAIN! AGAIN!" Her hair flies back in a sudden wind, as econd monolith on Ianvasah's other side, ready to hold the waves themselves at bay, bracing.
Two spells, one quickened thanks to auto quicken. Jarem.
Jarem rises up and ahead 60ft each, "Alyssa," he calls as he goes, "Keep the pressure on them, I'm going to go harass them from above and be there in case that tidal wave gets through."
Horrors are up, segmenting for other posts, so have a chance to react.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 6/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Freedom of Movement
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Freedom of Movement (CL32)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 398/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: 3 9th level FS
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 423/423 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
"I will. I want one of them to study!"
Amid the darkness of the evening, the waves churn and surge as the tidal wave come crashing forward.
Str check, Ianvasah and elementals.
> roll 1d20+18 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+14 elemental 1
> roll 1d20+14 elemental 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d20=2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d20=10]
Somehow, the three of them are enough. The tidal wave looms over them but is checked, held in place at least for the moment. Struggling in place, the horrors aren't moving - at least for now.
Ianvasah, she's obviously busy. Go.
Alyssa begins casting again, focusing on placing her spells correctly!
Frostfell, CL 32, Duration: 32 hours
Area: 32x20-ft cube; 640 ft-cube total.
Drops temp by 3 bands. If new temp is below cold band, water turns to ice.
Creatures turn to ice, fort save: DC 27; 1d6/level of frostburn on successful save.
Cold spells gain +1 CL.
Targeting: Looking to freeze as much of the incoming tidal wave as I can while hitting the levi-dragons and missing allies. Don't have much to work with beyond that.
> roll 20d6
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d6=3,5,1,3,5,3,2,3,6,1,5,1,4,1,1,2,4,4,6,5]
Okay, so let me make sure I have this clear: Your goal is to freeze both the horrors and the wave? Which one is prioritized?
Wave is priority. It'll free up the elementals, Ianvasah, and Emily, which combined is way more firepower than what I can do solo while they're occupied.
It takes all of your range, but the wave is frozen solid. Mist rises from the now frozen wave as Ianvasah lays off, stopping for now. Got it!
Anything else this turn?
Alyssa flies forward to get more of her spells in range!
What's your movement speed?
50ft.
Alyssa (32) > Emily = Elementals (27) > Jarem (25) > Horror 1 = Horror 2 (24) > Horror 3 (22) > Ianvasah (21)
Emily smiles widely as the elementals hold position, slowly walking forward. At the same time she ripples as...
Quickened time stop.
> roll 1d4+1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 2 > [d4=1]
When time resumes, Emily stands atop the frozen wave, perched nimbly. As her hair is blown back in the wind, she raises her fist, all of winter's storms seeming to gather around it. With a wordless cry she points down into the gloomy sea, a polar ray heading at the second of the hidden horrors, arcing right for it.
> roll 32d8 brr
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 176 > [d8=5,3,7,8,5,3,7,8,4,4,6,4,2,8,7,5,8,5,5,6,2,5,2,4,5,8,8,5,5,8,8,6]
> roll 1d20+35 touch AC first whoops
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+32
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=5]
The polar ray hits the center one, icing it over severely, ice forming all over its scaly body.
"Make them feel it," Jarem calls as he ascends up and further, almost to Emily as he positions. At the same time he murmurs a benediction, a moment of a red shift surrounding him, flowing into his body.
Red Knight's Skill, +5 competence to attacks, AC and damage. Also weapon proficiencies that shouldn't matter here. Horrors are up.
At this, the first horror begins to swim to the side, stone spines breaking as it moves. It's moving fast in the water, clearing 100ft with ease, going to start maneuvering around the wave. The second does so in the opposite direction, frozen and shuddering, while the third charges forward, right into the frozen wave. The only mercy is that he aims away from the elementals and Ianvasah, and after a moment, she makes no move to intercept him.
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +4 ???, +8 ???)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=16]
> roll 24d10+192
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 328 > [d10=8,8,2,10,9,10,4,1,1,5,3,6,10,2,10,4,3,3,8,9,2,7,9,2]
The entire wave cracks and shatters in the middle as the horror goes through black horn first, drawing in on itself. It becomes vastly smaller, slipping through the gap made, expanding as he surges onto the beach. As cracks run throughout the frozen wave, spreading? You finally get a good look at it.
The thing is dragonlike in body, yet lithe and smooth. A long, dark horn juts out from its head, fins shifting into legs as it lands. Blue scales seem to glisten black in evening, body nothing but muscle. A moment after landing, it begins to move and...
Ianvasah's up, but this is super long, so go ahead and react. To be clear, one on the beach not far from you, one to the far left and one to the far right, going around the frozen wave. The frozen wave is cracking by the moment after that massive breakthrough.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+5 (+5 competence), Damage+5 (+5 competence) AC+5 (+5 competence), Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 6/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Freedom of Movement
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Freedom of Movement (CL32), Red Knight's Skill (CL32)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 398/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: 4 9th level FS, 1 9th level sorc, 13th level sorc
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 423/423 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
"Keep them separate! Support each other!"
Okay, today in DMs are human: I forgot that Summon Elemental Monolith is concentration only, and for whatever reason I didn't check the spell before Emily used it. So those elementals are going bye bye shortly. That's my fault entirely, though it wouldn't have changed the results with only one there, the rolling was sufficient without the second, if just barely.
Another post later this afternoon or evening to move you along in the battle.
As they hold it back, the water elementals fizzle away, while meanwhile Iavansah turns. She stomps forward, big fists coming down to crush the horror before you.
> roll 1d20+49
> roll 1d20+49
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=7]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=7]
Yet the blows rain ineffectively on the scaled horror, barely battering it as...
Alyssa, go.
Alyssa focuses on the one near to her and begins casting!
Stone Skewers, (Echoing), CL 32, Duration 32 days. DC: 28
10 ft Spikes extend from body, 1d6 damage per CL (35d6 max), sickened 1 round, and entangled. Half damage and no sicken on Fort Save. Any creature in 5ft range takes 5d6 damage and becomes pined, ref save.
Cunning Breach to bypass SR, -2 Inspiration.
6/10 Inspiration.
> roll 35d6
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 115 > [d6=1,3,4,5,3,3,5,6,1,2,3,1,1,3,4,4,2,1,6,6,3,2,3,2,4,1,5,4,2,5,1,6,6,6,1]
> roll 1d20+34 (+6 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=5]
Spines erupt out, this time digging into the soft sands. The horror writhes silently, not making a sound as its very body resists itself, fighting against itself. It's bloodied, blood a pale blue color, leaking out as...
That it for your turn?
Yep.
Alyssa (32) > Emily (27) > Jarem (25) > Horror 1 = Horror 2 (24) > Horror 3 (22) > Ianvasah (21)
> roll 1d20+20 acrobatics
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=12]
"Aaaah!" Emily balances on the frozen wave, sword an dshield holding arms wobbling around and around. After a moment she hops down to the beach, landing in a crouch. No words this time, just a muttered, focused incantation as she points, another bitterly cold ray springing forth from her finger.
> roll 1d20+35 touch AC
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+32
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=2]
Greater polar ray hits SR. Ow.
Yet this time the spell slides off like water, Emily quickly gesturing with her blade, "Everyone, be strong!" Heavenly courage fills all of you, resonating within you as...!
Quickened celestial valor on all. That's +8 vs fear and negative emotions, +4 to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class and saves, weapons count as holy (does not stack).
Jarem's up.
Jarem soars to the left, swooping down in a charge that isolated horror. His blade shines red, "From our Red Lady!" he declares, coming in and harrying its flank, plunging in.
> roll 1d20+61 (+5 competence, +4 sacred, +10 deific foe, +5 smite, +2 charge, -10 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+61 (+5 competence, +4 sacred, +10 deific foe, +5 smite, +2 charge, -10 PA) crit?
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d20=16]
> roll 2d8+128+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 141 > [d8=3,3][d6=5,2]
Jarem lands in the shallow waters here, splashing freely as he slashes into the creature's side. Blood is sliced open from the blow, cutting deep in as meanwhile...
Horrors are up in the next post, going to give you a chance to react sicne long post as it is.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Damage+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred) AC+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 5/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Freedom of Movement (CL32), Red Knight's Skill (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 398/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 4 9th level FS, 1 9th level sorc, 2 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 423/423 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
"I'll try to keep them from being too mobile!"
The horror on land whirls, a strange tearing sensation as it bows its head towards Ianvasah, before a crackle of lightning comes from its horn. Yet Ianvasah takes it easily as it it seems to reconsider and leaps up - giving Ianvasah a chance to swing freely at it.
Provokes an AoO.
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=7]
> roll 2d6+25
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d6=1,5]
> roll 2d6 whoops
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 > [d6=4,5]
Ianvasah smashes in its side, a crack of scale giving as it leaps up high - and comes down, right at you.
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +4 ???, +8 ???)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +4 ???, +8 ???) crit?
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 73 > [d20=13]
AC, Iddy? Any protection against crits?
56 AC and Elemental Body gives crit immunity.
> roll 4d10+96
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 113 > [d10=1,6,2,8]
You dive out of the way, but the world is sublime agony. You're too slow, your left leg caught above the knee, smashed and crushed into the sands as white hot agony explodes from it. You're knocked down, leg trapped and leaving you prone. As the unmolested horror loops around the wave, it reaches the beach approximately 100ft away from the main melee, sprouting legs and positioning.
In addition to the damage, your leg is trapped and needs to be freed before you can go anywhere, keeping you in a bit of a bind.
Meanwhile, the one on Jarem turns, electricity coming from its black horn, cascading into the waters around him. Yet Jarem's shield holds, gathering the lightning to it and sending it scattering away. After that the horror retreats back, withdrawing away perpendicular to the shore.
Ianvasah is up, chance to react since OW.
No save needed, Jarem doesn't fail on natural 1s and a 1 still passes for him. Evasion in play.
Alyssa lets out a strangle grunt of pain, but years of practice lets her focus through it!
Ianvasah turns, a watery growl as she surges forward, right into the horror, slamming into it.
She's trying to shove it off of you so your leg can be freed. She provokes an AoO for this.> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +4 ???, +8 ???)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=10]
> roll 6d10+48
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d10=6,7,2,2,10,3]
Ow, 78 to Ianvasah.
> roll 1d20+60
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=7][/i]
With a mighty heave, the sea horror is pushed off of you, even as Ianvasah is impaled, water spilling everywhere. Your leg is a broken mess, bone and blood visible, bringing a wave of pain and nausea to you.
"Hold on!" Emily calls, "I'll be right there!"
Go.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Damage+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred) AC+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 5/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Freedom of Movement (CL32), Red Knight's Skill (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 398/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 4 9th level FS, 1 9th level sorc, 2 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 345/423 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Alyssa glares at the thing and gives her own crippling strike!
Unseen Needle (Echoing, Chain), CL 32
Ranged Touch, 1d6/CL (25d6 max), enemy is flat-footed unless see invisibility.
> roll 1d20+32+1+4 Ranged Touch/Magic Tattoo/Celestial Valor
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=4]
> roll 25d6 damage
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d6=5,4,5,4,5,1,6,5,4,2,6,2,5,4,3,5,3,1,4,4,3,5,4,2,4]
Your unseen needle slips right into the side of the horror, piercing deep and through, more blood coming. It staggers, almost as if by surprise from the blow, and...
Anything else this turn?
Alyssa uses her flight to get distance!
50 ft.
Gimme a Fort save here?
For got to add the Celestial Valor bonus in. +4 total 24.
> roll 1d20+18 Fort
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=2]
The pain is overwhelming - you black out momentarily, your flight disrupted as you rise slightly before the pain of moving your leg is too much. You land on the sands, prone.
Movement doesn't happen, you're prone.
Alyssa (32) > Emily (27) > Jarem (25) > Horror 1 = Horror 2 (24) > Horror 3 (22) > Ianvasah (21)
Emily flies to you rapidfire, hurrying along and reaching you. She lays hands on your leg, grimacing as, "Mom, breath healing fires onto Alyssa's leg."
Heal spell, +150 HP.
The haze of pain fades to normalcy as your leg knits itself whole, repairing and restoring itself. At the same time, Emily turns and glances in the general direction of the horror, waving at it with her sword as two pale blue beams fire.
Two auto quickened polar rays since fuck this thing.
> roll 1d20+35 Touch AC 1
> roll 1d20+35 Touch AC 2
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=7]
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+32 SR 1
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+32 SR 2
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=14]
> roll 25d6
> roll 25d6
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d6=3,6,2,4,4,6,3,1,1,6,1,2,5,1,5,3,3,6,1,1,1,6,3,2,3]
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d6=5,4,4,2,3,1,2,6,2,5,5,5,1,1,4,5,5,6,6,4,6,6,5,1,3]
The frost-blast of cold slams into the horror, two rays hitting it hard. It goes still as ice entombs it utterly, surely flash freezing it solid. No more movement from it, the block held in place between spines and cold.
Alyssa (32) > Emily (27) > Jarem (25) > Horror 1 (24) > Horror 3 (22) > Ianvasah (21)
Meanwhile Jarem rises 30ft straight up, out of the water and into the sky. He points his blade towards the horror as he cries, "Strike!" A lightning bolt comes from the night sky, slamming home against the monster.
> roll 1d20+32 SR
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=11]
> roll 20d10
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 134 > [d10=9,8,4,8,5,10,8,1,3,6,7,10,9,9,6,5,6,7,3,10]
> roll 1d20+34 (+6 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=12]
The lightning from the blue hits the horror, making it convulse as it keeps on, then...
Horrors are up, chance to react so this post doesn't get any longer than it already is.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Damage+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred) AC+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 5/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Freedom of Movement (CL32), Red Knight's Skill (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 398/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 1 6th level FS, 4 9th level FS, 1 9th level sorc, 2 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 345/423 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
"I'll run interference on the other one. Focus on this one. One's already down, the others are hurting! Focus on ice and lightning!"
Could you be more clear there? The one attacking you on the beach dead ahead just went down from twin polar rays. The one Jarem's fighting to one side is still going, while the unimpeded one on the other side is there, too.
"Focus on the one with Jarem! Teamwork! Cover each other!"
> roll 1d20+42 Jarem evasion
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=7]
The flash of lightning that lights the air is tremendous, Jarem in the middle of it. Yet his shield holds, lightning crackling around it rather than through, discharging away into the water below. The horror's horn flashes with electricity as it hops to the shore, feet developing as it lands. "Get in the air!" Jarem shouts, as at the same time the other horror charges. It charges headlong at Ianvasah, flying right towards her black horn first.
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +4 ???, +8 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=20]
> roll 24d10+192
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 322 > [d10=5,7,1,5,9,10,10,7,9,4,8,1,7,6,6,3,3,7,7,2,1,7,1,4]
Ianvasah is happy she's in elemental form, which negates extra damage from crits.
Ianvasah is caught head on, her watery body impaled. Huge gushes of water pour out, her entire form rapidly shrinking. She goes rigid on that impalement, struggling as lightning harmlessly shocks her.
Ianvasah is at 16 HP. Damn close run thing there.
With a strangled, piteous cry Ianvasah shifts, becoming a dragon once more. Her belly is rent open, bleeding profusely as she takes to wind, withdrawing away into the air, rising and flying ot the side as best she can.
Withdraw action + swift action form change to get out of dodge. Alyssa.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Damage+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred) AC+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 5/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Freedom of Movement (CL32), Red Knight's Skill (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 398/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 1 6th level FS, 4 9th level FS, 1 9th level sorc, 2 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 16/423 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
How close is the nearest horror?
20ft away, it went to spear Ianvasah from the side. She's not in good shape now and had to withdraw to the air, as they show no signs of flight.
How far away is Ianvasah? More than 20 ft?
Yes, she took to the air. She's currently about 100ft to the side and 50ft up.
Alyssa begins casting her blade spell since the horror has been kind enough to get close!
Alyssa's Aerial Assembly, CL 32, 32 round duration.
Creates 8 copies of Shifting Steel, they gain Dancing Blade, attack on my turn, 30 ft. range.
They have Bane: Aberrations, Bane: Outsiders, Evil, Anarchic, and Celestial Valor gives it Holy. They Transmute to bypass DR next round.
> roll 8#1d20+41+1+4
<Meredith> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 50, 53, 53, 57, 58, 52, 60, 59 >
For my own reference: Your base attack was 1d20+46, so 4, 7, 7, 11, 12, 6, 14 and 13. Eesh. None of the banes apply, unfortunately. 3 hits, roll damage. Holy does apply, so add the 2d6.
Damage:
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 2, 6, 1, 5, 3, 6, total 23[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 4, 2, 4, 6, 1, 6, total 23[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 3, 5, 4, 1, 4, 5, total 22[/blockquote]
Your blades slice and dice, cutting into the horror's flanks. They draw blood as they dance in the air, a flurry of them striking and some connecting as...
Anything else your turn?
Nope.
Jarem glances over, a grimace on his face - but only for a moment, as he blocks another bolt of lightning. As lightning cascades down around him like the tears of Talos...
Alyssa (32) > Emily (27) > Jarem (25) > Horror 1 (24) > Horror 3 (22) > Ianvasah (21)\
Emily is up. What's your HP, Alyssa?
Full health. 301/301.
> roll 1d4+1
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 2 > [d4=1]
First swift action on time stop.
One moment Emily is nearby, the next she's at your side, holding your hand, as balls of fire erupt around the horror, treating it like a log on the winter fire.
Time stop and throwing all the delayed blast fireballs she can on it since yeah, no one wants to get charged by this thing. That's six with multiaction plus auto quicken. Emily's over this.
> roll 1d20+32
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+32
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+32
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+32
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+32
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+32
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+34 (+6 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+34 (+6 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+34 (+6 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+34 (+6 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+34 (+6 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+34 (+6 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=4]
> roll 20d6
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d6=1,1,3,5,1,5,3,6,2,4,2,4,1,4,3,2,1,1,3,4]
> roll 20d6
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d6=3,3,3,4,4,3,4,2,4,6,1,1,5,6,4,2,2,2,3,4]
> roll 20d6
> roll 20d6
> roll 20d6
> roll 20d6
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d6=4,3,5,1,3,3,1,3,5,5,6,2,2,3,5,5,2,3,1,2]
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d6=1,6,4,6,4,5,4,1,2,4,2,1,2,6,2,5,5,2,4,1]
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d6=3,2,5,6,6,4,3,3,1,1,4,2,6,2,6,3,4,3,6,2]
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d6=5,3,6,3,3,6,2,4,5,3,4,6,6,6,2,1,6,2,5,6]
A half dozen fireballs explode out around the horror, scorching it all over, leaving it burning but intact. Emily doesn't miss a beat, bringing her hands together, "Noble winds of force, gather here!" A shimmering wall of force is seen for a split second, blocking all of you from the horror Jarem is fighting, fading into invisibility after less than a second.
Thereafter Emily gestures, a blisteringly cold ray coming from her fingertips.
Empowered polar ray.
> roll 1d20+35 Touch AC
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+32 SR
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=8]
> roll 25d6
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d6=4,6,2,4,5,2,6,3,6,3,3,4,2,4,5,4,1,6,6,6,5,2,5,4,2]
The horror is frozen over its burns, shaking and stuttering, yet still up, still about to lunge as...
Jarem in the next post, chance to react since her post a lot of work.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Damage+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred) AC+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 5/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Freedom of Movement (CL32), Red Knight's Skill (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 398/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 1 6th level FS, 4 9th level FS, 1 5th level sorc, 6 7th level sorc, 2 9th level sorc, 1 10th level sorc, 2 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 16/423 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
[/quote]
Alyssa takes a quick moment to slowly clap her appreciation.
With a simple utterance of power, Jarem charges in once again, darting in at his foe.
Queen's Movement as a swift to help with the AoO he's eating to do this.
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +4 ???, +8 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=10]
Miss thanks to Queen's Movement.
> roll 1d20+65 (+2 charge, +4 celestial valor, +5 red knight's skill, +10 deific foes, +5 smite, -6 PA)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d8+65
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d8=3][/i]
With a deft parry, Jarem's blade again rakes the side of the horror, drawing a welling of blood, staining red across its scaled body.
Horrors are up.
The horror next to you is frozen and burned, surely wounded severely. It turns towards you and Emily, a bleary, bloody look. It stays where it is, horn shimmering before it detatches with a gush of blood, the horror collapsing. Yet the horn flies true at the two of you, a massive detonation engulfing both you and Emily.
Reflex.
Alyssa (32) > Emily (27) > Jarem (25) > Horror 1 (24) > Ianvasah (21)\
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Damage+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred) AC+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 4/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Queen's Movement, Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Freedom of Movement (CL32), Red Knight's Skill (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 398/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 1 6th level FS, 4 9th level FS, 1 5th level sorc, 6 7th level sorc, 2 9th level sorc, 1 10th level sorc, 2 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 16/423 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Ref/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+30 : 17 + 30, total 47[/blockquote]
+4 to that from Celestial Valor. Total: 51
It's been 5 rounds for the sake of fast healing, so mark that off.
A moment later, you and Ianvasah are further north, beaches beneath rock cliffs. Here walls of force and various elementals struggle to hold back a vast tidal wave, one that looms higher than the cliffs. Over a dozen guild mages are atop the cliffs, chanting and casting, focus fully on the massive wave.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Damage+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred) AC+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 4/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Queen's Movement, Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Freedom of Movement (CL32), Red Knight's Skill (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 323/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 1 6th level FS, 4 9th level FS, 1 5th level sorc, 6 7th level sorc, 2 9th level sorc, 1 10th level sorc, 2 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 184/423 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Heal.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Alyssa begins casting in response.
"This is the last one of these I can cast for a while. Let's capitalize on it!"
Stone Skewers (Chain, Echoing, Empower), CL 32, Duration: 32 days.
[blockquote]Rolled 20d6 : 1, 2, 5, 3, 3, 4, 3, 3, 6, 3, 5, 3, 4, 6, 4, 6, 3, 4, 1, 2, total 71[/blockquote]
Fort, right?
Think so, but only to avoid sickening. DC 30
> roll 1d20+34 (+6 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=12]
With a final, sickening crunch, the last struggles and goes still. In the aftermath you're breathing heavily, bleeding and hurting, but intact. You did it. You triumphed!
Free act.
Alyssa grimaces.
"Attend the wounded. Let's get these remains to research."
With that, Alyssa chants a quick spell.
Vigor Circle, CL 22
Fast healing 3, 32 rounds, 11 people in 20 ft.
You and Emily, Jarem and Ianvasah are too far away. Ianvasah has fast healing 3 from an epic feat, anyway.
Jarem flies over in the meantime, landing in a crouch and straightening up. "We have a bigger problem," he says without preamble, "The wrath of the Red Knight flowed through me and to my strikes. Those who serve a select group would provoke that. Chourst, Renbuu, Sune, Fraz Urb'Luu, Cyric, Garagos...and Shar."
"You think this might be Shar mounting an attack?" Emily asks, wounds repairing before your eyes, no longer bleeding. Meanwhile Ianvasah swoops on back, landing in a crouch, grimacing as she heals.
"It could be unrelated misfortune, these could be a slaad problem, Cyric moving on us or even Garagos taking exception to my presence. He and the Red Knight don't get along well. But Shar would be my first guess." Jarem agrees.
"It might be even. Worse. If it's one of those others, it's all but impossible that it's coincidence that we were targeted by them and Shar. You need to contact her and see if she has thoughts about such an alliance."
"I must still be battle ready," Jarem rubs the side of his head, "Say that again, Alyssa?"
"Think. The prophecy. If Shar was to win, what would she need? Who would she need? Could any, or all, of those you named advance that? Alliance or manipulation, it amounts to the same effect. Could it be plausible?"
Jarem hms, sword at rest and shield at his side. "It's....Garagos is possible, but my understanding is that Tempus keeps him under check. Sune wouldn't, for all Sune's failings, it's a personal grudge between the faiths and powers, not any leaning towards Shar. Cyric possibly would. Fraz is a demon so anything's possible, the slaad too."
"I think some divinations would help," Emily points out, "If we can track that down directly, that would save us the trouble of guessing."
"Those divinations need protections. Look at what happened to ours? If there is cooperation there, I'm concerned about what might happen without significant protections."
"It's had to be worse than my intestines being aired out," Ianvasah groans, bloody stomach slowly rebuilding itself.
"You'd be unpleasantly surprised," Jarem deadpans.
Meanwhile, before you can do anything else? Ule appears, "There's more of them," he breathes out, "You're needed to the north."
"How many?"
"Two of them," Is the answer you get.
"Jarem, gather a support unit, we're going to need the help. Emily, figure out where the battle mages are and get them organized. Ule, where's Madala?"
"Leading the effort to hold back the tidal waves," Ule responds.
Alyssa nods and heads that way with Ule.
Ule is going to teleport you. Do you want the others to come or go do what you commanded?
Do what I asked. It shouldn't take them long.
What about Ianvasah?
With me unless she needs to heal.
It's been 5 rounds for the sake of fast healing, so mark that off.
A moment later, you and Ianvasah are further north, beaches beneath rock cliffs. Here walls of force and various elementals struggle to hold back a vast tidal wave, one that looms higher than the cliffs. Over a dozen guild mages are atop the cliffs, chanting and casting, focus fully on the massive wave.
At the same time Ianvasah gathers more power to herself, wounds healing again.
Heal.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Damage+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred) AC+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 4/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Queen's Movement, Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Freedom of Movement (CL32), Red Knight's Skill (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 323/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 1 6th level FS, 4 9th level FS, 1 5th level sorc, 6 7th level sorc, 2 9th level sorc, 1 10th level sorc, 2 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 334/423 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Healx2.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
"Ule, have the circles focus on cold magic to stop the waves. Frostfell worked superbly."
Alyssa takes a moment to inspect the wave with a quick casting of Detect Magic to see if it's being generated by a spell and how powerful the spell is if so.
You're on a cliff and the range of DM is like 60ft. You'd have to go down and get closer to scan it with that.
I'll do that then. Need to find a better range version.
I ha e Greater Arcane Sight ready instead.
It's not a spell that's making the waves, but it is supernatural in origin.
Would Magic Disjunction disperse it?
No, as you can't dispel supernatural effects, just spells and spell-like abilities.
In that case, I'll leave it to Ule to coordinate, since I don't have any counter magic for it anymore. Well, not for an hour.
With that, Alyssa heads towards the nearest monster creature thing, casting when she gets near!
Alright, how are you planning to get down there and past all the barriers they're throwing up to stop the waves, first of all?
Dimension Door SLA.
On a glimpse, you can't really see past the gigantic wave and barriers, even from here. A better vantage point would help.
Alyssa uses Dimension to teleport higher into the sky for a better vantage point.
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicOverview/spellDescriptions.htm#conjuration
Reminder that you can't appear in empty space with conjuration (teleportation) effects as a general rule.
Alyssa flies higher!
Ianvasah takes draconic form and rises with you, slower and looping, but following.
You can see that the two horrors are 200ft behind the tidal waves. Surrounding them is a corona of electricity, constantly crackling and sparkling around them.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Damage+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred) AC+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 4/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Queen's Movement, Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Freedom of Movement (CL32), Red Knight's Skill (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 332/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 1 6th level FS, 4 9th level FS, 1 5th level sorc, 6 7th level sorc, 2 9th level sorc, 1 10th level sorc, 2 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 343/423 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Healx2.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Alyssa calls out, "Lightning! Defense for it!"
Alyssa casts a spell.
Alyssa's Areial Assembly, CL 32, 32 rounds.
8 copies.
Ianvasah stays in flight, looping around and around. Meanwhile copies of your blade appear as summoned by your magic.
Ianvasah's already immune to electricity from dragonheart shapeshifter.
Alyssa heads in to fight, casting as she goes!
Vampiric Blade (Reach, Chain, Echoing), CL 32, 32 rounds.
All the copies and the original.
Flying on in then. We'll go into init. Go ahead and give me init.
In it:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+16 : 4 + 16, total 20[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+12 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+10 Lightning Sea Horror 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+10 Lightning Sea Horror 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=18]
Init is LSH 2 (28) > Ianvasah (24) > Alyssa (20) > LSH 1 (15)
LSH 2 holds. Ianvasah will hold pending your approach. They are currently 200ft away and 90ft down from you. Go.
Alyssa casts a spell!
Haste, CL 32, 32 rounds.
Ianvasah and I are the only ones close enough.
She then heads in!
How far are you moving?
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Damage+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred) AC+9 (+5 competence, +4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 4/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Queen's Movement, Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Freedom of Movement (CL32), Red Knight's Skill (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 332/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 1 6th level FS, 4 9th level FS, 1 5th level sorc, 6 7th level sorc, 2 9th level sorc, 1 10th level sorc, 2 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 346/423 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+5 (+4 sacred, +1 haste), Damage+4 (+4 sacred), AC+5 (+4 sacred, +1 haste), Saves+4 (+5 Ref)(+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Healx2.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL28), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
As far as I can. Speed is 80ft now.
Alyssa flies 80ft ahead, now 120ft away and 90ft above the horrors. Ianvasah keeps pace with you as...
Go. The horrors don't seem to be reacting to you two yet.
Can I Dimension Door to them?
There's really nothing solid to support you, since they're in the ocean and the only thing between you and them is open air.
Alyssa continues her approach!
"As fast as you can manage!"
Double movement.
You have 180ft of movement to play with. They are 120ft away and 90 below you. How are you using it to get closer, precisely? Let me know your positioning.
I wanna stay above them, but get as close as I can. If that puts me inside 30ft, then the copies can attack.
So roughly 30ft above them, which just happens to be at the exact limit of your movement?
If possible, yeah.
You descend down, close to the corona of lightning and...
Go ahead and make your attacks if you're going to.
> roll 8#1d20+41+1+4
<Penuche> IronDragoon invokes Penuche's magic: < 56, 57, 52, 56, 52, 50, 55, 62 >
One hit.
Damage:
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 4, 1, 6, 4, 3, 5, total 23[/blockquote]
Refresh me on what it counts for to pass DR?
Adjusts after one round.
Your blades strike as most glance off, as meanwhile Ianvasah swoops down and past, spewing her electric wrath on them. It hits the corona of lighting around them, absorbed by it. The two horrors hold position as lightning suddenly arcs up from the corona at the two of you - but nothing happens, both of you protected.
Go.
Alyssa swings Shifting Steel at the beast as the dancing blades whirl into the monsters!
ATK 1:
(http://www.soulriders.net/SMFTest/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+45 : 19 + 45, total 64
ATK (haste):
(http://www.soulriders.net/SMFTest/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+45 : 17 + 45, total 62
ATK 2:
(http://www.soulriders.net/SMFTest/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+42 : 6 + 42, total 48
ATK 3:
(http://www.soulriders.net/SMFTest/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+32 : 12 + 32, total 44
ATK 4:
(http://www.soulriders.net/SMFTest/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+27 : 8 + 27, total 35
Dancing Blades:
ATK 1:
(http://www.soulriders.net/SMFTest/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+45 : 18 + 45, total 63
ATK 2:
(http://www.soulriders.net/SMFTest/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+45 : 18 + 45, total 63
ATK 3:
(http://www.soulriders.net/SMFTest/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+45 : 11 + 45, total 56
ATK 4:
(http://www.soulriders.net/SMFTest/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+45 : 20 + 45, total 65
ATK 5:
(http://www.soulriders.net/SMFTest/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+45 : 6 + 45, total 51
ATK 6:
(http://www.soulriders.net/SMFTest/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+45 : 13 + 45, total 58
ATK 7:
(http://www.soulriders.net/SMFTest/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+45 : 12 + 45, total 57
ATK 8:
(http://www.soulriders.net/SMFTest/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+45 : 18 + 45, total 63
Just go ahead and use the bot for this. Disregard those due to board dice roller issues.
Alyssa swings Shifting Steel at the beast as the dancing blades whirl into the monsters!
> ATK 1:
> roll 1d20+45
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=4]
> ATK 2:
> roll 1d20+42
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=3]
> ATK 3:
> roll 1d20+32
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=9]
> ATK 4:
> roll 1d20+27
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=13]
> ATK Haste:
> roll 1d20+45
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=15]
Dancing Blades:
> roll 8#1d20+45
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 46, 57, 60, 52, 57, 60, 47, 55 >
3 hits, the 60s.
> roll 3#6d6
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 22, 21, 24 >
Your blades strike as Ianvasah holds position - and the two sink beneath the waves, into the darkened waters and out of sight, retreating in face of your wrath.
Free act for the moment.
"Ianvasah, get altitude. They're not gone, I'd wager. Just preparing. Let's get high and back to the others. I'll bet they're going to do something big with their horns and the tidal wave."
Ianvasah's answer is a draconic roar, rising up and looping back towards the land.
Alyssa goes to find Ule and the others, surveying the area as she goes!
The tidal wave is slowly dissipating, being frozen and losing its surge. Jarem and Emily are back, Ule too.
"They disappeared under the water, but I doubt they're gone. Jarem, organize the mages into more efficient groups, get an offense team working with a defense team, or whatever mix you think is best, tactican. Emily, be prepared to be our hammer along with Ianvasah. I don't have much left int the way of big flashy spells, but I'll fill holes and hold attention where I can. They're defending against lightning, so watch for other elemental openings."
"They're smart enough to adjust, press the advantage and possibly use magic," Jarem lists off, "I don't like it. I'll do all of that, but we need someone get more information, even if it's a risk. We're still working mostly blind."
Alyssa nods. "Agreed. Ule, get a group together for divinations, fast. Use wish if you need to. Do it fast, you can decide when wish is needed. Have someone with telepathy to relay the information to us."
Ule nods deeply, almost a bow, "It will be done."
"You're all competent and we have a frame work for a plan. Jarem has battlefield command. Be ready."
Okay, what will you be doing, then?
Standing by to take orders and fill holes.
Like this the wave is slowly pared down - and as the minutes pass, there seem to be no immediate sign of more of them.
Meanwhile, Ule comes back. "We can discern it is below. Deep below. It was awoken."
"Awoken? .... By the raising of the island? Hmm... Try to find out if they can communicate or... Can we force them through a gate to the plane of water or cold?"
"Possibly," Ule says. "Maybe." A shrug, "If there are supine and defeated."
Alyssa hums...
"What do you think they weighed?"
"Several tons," Ule says, "More with the pearls inside of them."
"Too heavy... Encase them in ice and move them around that way?"
A short nod. "Magic and the might of many."
"Work with Jarem and Emily to assign our mage circles to the task. Keep monitoring the creatures with divination to warn us of their re-approach. Jarem, Emily, suggestions?"
"Be ready," Jarem says, "Unless we can take the fight to them somehow."
"That's exactly what they want, but I don't have many underwater spells ready. We could find some mages to cast them on us, but... That's their territory, primarily. We'd need significant help, I think. Ianvasah, could you get us some support from the life down there?"
"Yes," Ianvasah says, "I can, if they have not driven them away in terror or force."
"Any way to tell from here?"
"No," Ianvasah says, "I need to go down there and find out."
"Hmm. Jarem? I gave you tactical command. I'm of the mind that it's best to be rid of the threat as soon as possible."
"Agreed," Jarem says, "We're completely on the defensive now," He agrees, "You don't win on the defensive, and if we can solve this, it means less chances for the islands to get damaged."
"Agreed. Ule, get a support team that can give us all at least water breathing and movement. Cold protection would be best, as well. How many summons do you all have left? Enough to be confident with?"
"Enough," Ule says, "Scrolls, too."
Alyssa nods.
"Get them distributed. Find Madala and I want an update on the situation as a whole before we leave. If there are other things attacking, I want to organize for it before we leave."
Sounds like a plan. Anything else to add for it?
Not really. I doubt it's been an hour since this started?
So you want water breathing, freedom of movement and something that gives resistance to cold? Anything else?
After a fluky week off, I want to make sure we're both on the same page.
I personally have cold immunity, but the others might need it. There's that Cloak of the Deep or something spell that does it all in one. I also want some people to get me a fist full of shrink item'd boulders. 800-1000 pound ones if possible.
What book is that spell in?
Complete Adventurer I think?
It's cloak of the sea. Gimme a d100?
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 17, total 17[/blockquote]
Okay, you can get all of that. Anything else, mostly setting up for tonight.
Uhh.. telepathy maybe? Nothing off the top of my head.
Thus everyone gets together, spells cast as desired and...
Go ahead and set up, you're prepared as you wished to be.
"Alright. We all ready? Jarem, you're in command, did you want anything else before we head off?"
Alyssa puts the shrunk boulders in her pouch and checks over her equipment.
"Yeah," Jarem says, "In case we can't communicate, this means retreat by any means." Jarem slashes his hand against his throat. "We're going into terrain where the enemy has the advantage. Underwater I may not be able or in a position to call out a command, so if I do that, get out of there. Teleport if possible and it's safe to do so. Preferably together but use your judgment of a situation is that bad that going it alone is the only reasonable option for you."
Alyssa nods.
"Ianvasah, Emily? Anything from either of you? If not, let's get going."
Ianvasah's reply is to shift into water elemental form.
Emily bows her head, "No, I: think I'm okay. We're hunting Sharrans," she looks up with a smile, "Let's go out and smite them all."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow at the assumption of Sharrans, but decides to let it lay for now; it might provide motivation at the moment and she doesn't need a teammate mulling over allegiances, but the assumption will have to be addressed later.
"Okay, let's get going then."
With that, Alyssa takes to the air and heads for the water, entering as it gets deep enough!
Do y'all have a particular place in mind for that? Jarem does, but he's willing to listen to suggestions here if you have any.
Not personally. I put him in charge for a reason, so let him do is thing.
FAir enough.
Roughly between the two points of coastal invasion Jarem leads you into the cold waters. Immediately you find the waters are dark with night's gloom, though at least warm enough not to bring a chill to you. With magic flowing through him, Jarem is able to clearly be heard, "We're going to need a light source and it's going to make us stand out. Can any of you do anything about that?"
"Give me a moment.."
Alyssa calls on the Spellpool to provide her what she needs!
Ghost Lantern, CL 32, 320 minute duration.
Bright Illumination in 20-ft, shadowy illumination in another 20 ft. Light is only visible to self and 1 creature per 3 caster levels.
Targets: Party.
What precisely are you casting it on? You have to target an object.
"Oh, that's a good idea," Emily murmurs, "I'll remember that one for later."
"We could use a stronger version of it another day," Jarem agrees, "Good work. Now stay quiet and stealthy, and keep your eyes open. A single flash of electricity could be what we need."
Ianvasah swirls, water rippling around her.
Um, can I wield shifting steel while controlling a smaller object? I'll use one of the shrunken boulders if so. If not, then just Shifting Steel.
Is it a one or two handed weapon?
Shifting is a Great Sword, so 2h.
No, you'd need to cast it on the sword itself then.
Lets do that, then.
Thus it is cast and...
Give me Perception, Alyssa. Note any unusual means of perception as well.
> roll 1d20+44 Perception
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=6]
Darkvision 60ft, Tremorsense 30ft,
> roll 1d20+46 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+41 Emily
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+48 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=15]
You swim for perhaps 20 minutes, in a corona of light that barely illuminates the endless seas around you. You're soaked as you swim onward, magics keeping you protected and moving easily. That's when you see it - far ahead, a crackle of electricity, momentarily flashing in the dark ocean waters ahead.
Alyssa uses the telepathy granted to her to point it out to the others.
I'm not sure how stealth works in water? I guess angle of approach and blind spots or something?
Yes, as well as darkness and other related senses such as feeling currents for natives. It all depends.
'Saw it, too,' Emily sends.
'Careful now,' Jarem says, 'Fan out and close in. Whatever you do, don't let it get a charge at you. You saw what it did to Ianvasah.'
'I'm going to try to get in close unnoticed. I have a trick that might make this easier...'
'Go on, then,' Jarem invites, 'Just be careful.'
Alyssa attempts to use knowledge of sea creatures to approach stealthily, moving Shifting Steel to it's scabbard on her back!
So I just realized that it might be important what type of scabbard she uses? I'd prefer the minimal kind, the type that's just a strap around the guard area. Seems she'd like to show it off, so covering it wouldn't be her first choice, but up to you.
That's fine.
What knowledge are you trying to draw on here?
Generalized Nature, I suppose, for how aquatic creatures perceive things and utilize stealth. Though Planar and Arcana might let me identify specific perception abilities it might have. Once I get close enough to see it, that is.
Gimme an K:N check then.
> roll 1d20+44+15 K:N
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=15]
Lemme know when I'm close enough to start identifying it, as I have a skill trick that helps.
Okay, and give me a Stealth check. That should've been in the previous post but dur, I am sleepy DM.
> roll 1d20+68+22 Stealth/Cunning Knowledge
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=10]
You swim ahead as carefully as you can, freedom of movement making it far easier. The cloak of magic around you aids you as you come forward - and about 50ft away you see another flash. A glimpse, another horror seen, bubbles from below rising up around it.
Alyssa tries to angle to keep out of it's way, hoping to put the first one between it and her, and hurries to get within Telekinesis range of the first undetected.
What's TK range for you?
30 ft. Need to find a way to extend that.
With that momentary flash of light, you angle, dim illumination showing the first horror, swimming forward at a slower pace. If it notices you, it shows no sign of it.
Bubbles rise up around you in the meantime from below.
Alyssa sends back to the others, 'There's something below, giving off bubbles. Keep an eye out, I'll have to move faster after I try this.'
Jarem sends back, 'Get out of there, NOW!'
Can I use Dimension Door in the water? And if I time stop, will I be able to move through the water?
You can use it, but your destination has to be able to support you. Solid ground, in other words.
You'd be able to move through the water in time stop.
Alyssa takes a moment to cast time stop!
Time Stop, CL 32
1d4+1 rounds of extra actions.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 4 + 1, total 5[/blockquote]
5 rounds, go for it.
1st round:
Move action: Go towards the nearest monster, with-in telekinesis range, and inspect it for anatomy weaknesses, such as gills (assuming skill check call here so will pause rest of actions).
Didn't you already make a check to identify them back when you first saw them? Go check for that and paste it.
I didn't get much info out of it, and it was done at a distance. Was hoping to get more.
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on December 12, 2018, 05:05:25 PM
> roll 1d20+44+5 K:A/Tale Keeper
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=12]
Quote from: Anastasia on December 12, 2018, 10:08:51 PM
They look like a cross between something like a leviathan and a dragon. You aren't sure what they are, but they're moving fast.
The creature's body is strong and powerful - no obvious weaknesses that you see. The horn is a natural target, however.
No mouths or gills or anything?
It has a maw and gills, yes.
If any of this doesn't work with distances or whatever, let me know and I'll modify as need be. Just want to get as much done as I can.
1st round:
Standard action: Move and lodge a shrunken boulder into the gills of the creature.
2nd round:
Move/standard action: Move in close enough to the second creature to do the same with another shrunken boulder.
3rd round:
Move action: Move down towards the bubbles to investigate.
Standard action: Cast Arial Assembly.
4th round:
Move action: Continue down towards bubbles to investigate.
Standard action: Cast-
Dolorous Blow (Reach, Chain, Echoing), CL 32, 32 Rounds.
Threat Range doubled, critical threats automatically confirm.
5th round:
Move Action: Continue down towards bubbles to investigate/skill check to identify whatever it is if I'm close enough to see it.
Standard Action: Cast -
Greater Teleport, CL 32
Return to the group.
The two boulder placements go without incident.
You descend down and down and down. Deeper in as you weave magic, moving like a blur. You reach the bottom - and see a vast, hole-riddled ground from which bubbles come. Ground that is not muddy and sea weed laden, but rough and scaly. It stretches for farther in all directions than your light illuminates.
As she teleports back to the others, she relays, 'Whatever's causing those bubbles might be a larger one of these monsters. The sea floor is muddy, hole ridden, and overgrown with sea plants... But I saw scales as well.'
Okay, clarity time since this is important:
Ground that is not muddy and sea weed laden, but rough and scaly.
It is explicitly not muddy and sea weed laden, but rough and scaly.
Ohh, I read that as 'the ground that isn't muddy and sea weed laden, is rough and scaly.' Gotcha, I'll fix.
As she teleports back to the others, she relays, 'Whatever's causing those bubbles is likely a much more massive one of these monsters. I went down to investigate the bubbles and all I saw was scales as far as the light could go.'
'Then we found the source, maybe?' Emily speaks up, hopefully.
'I'm surprised they aren't attacking,' Jarem sends back, 'Unless they're not as perceptive down here as I'd think.'
'Really?' Emily banters back, 'Maybe they're just not that perceptive?'
'It could be any number of things. They could be top predators here with no competition, so they never learned caution. They could feel ultimately safe this close to whatever the larger one down there is. Of note, if this does turn into a fight, I've placed a couple shrunken boulders in their gills. They should be wedged in securely, so if you hit them with a dispel or disjunction, they'll return to their original sizes and cause some serious problems for them. If we want to make use of them before they dislodge, we need to decide quickly. Jarem, you're in command.'
'Then we do it like this,' Jarem says, 'We send something down at the big one like the fist of the Red Knight smashing heretics. We fly up the moment we loose and get the hell out of the water. Ideally they chase and charge, they're likely predisposed to it if they're that good at headlong charges. Once they surface and we're safely in the air, we throw everything we can before the big one can mount a defense or retreat, kill it. We aren't going to win by staying in the water if it's as strong as it is big, so we lure it out and crush it.'
'Those boulders will likely easily dislodge when they charge; that volume of water at that speed will make it almost guaranteed. How about we include them in that strike? If they've got any supernatural protections, it might also strip them of those as well, making that strike that much more effective. Crippling the littler ones will make things easier in the long run, no?'
'I can hit it hard if it gets that far,' Emily agrees.
'Let's do it while we have the chance and before they attack,' Jarem agrees.
Alyssa nods.
'Who's responsible for what, here? I'm short on major offensive spells outside of my blades. I can Dimension Door to the beach most likely.'
I actually don't know if I can? My range is 1,680 feet, I dunno the scales/distances here.
'Alyssa, drop boulders or something big down to hurt it. The rest of us swim up - don't teleport, we want it to be able to follow us, unless they all are really that blind.' Jarem says. 'Have a teleport in case things go south.'
Alyssa heads down!
Okay, plan is to get in range of a Disjunction to all three. Throw all remaining boulders I have out over the big one on the floor, Disjunction them and the ones in the gills of the smaller ones with a single spell. My range on it is... 105 ft, I think, so whatever I need to do for that to happen. Placement and stuff is vague and stuff for this.
Sure, that's fine.
Thus you swim down and position, ready and...
Go ahead.
Alyssa throws out the shrunken boulders and casts her Disjunction!
Magic Disjunction, CL 32.
> roll 1d20+32 CL Check
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=17]
Are you also fleeing at the same time, doing something else or simply casting and waiting? Full action here matters.
Oh, as soon as the boulders pop back, I was going to head up, yeah.
Boulders burst into being and plunge down as you swim up. You swim up and up and up as...
Movement speed?
50 ft, 100 with double move/sprint.
You run and swim up, flying through the waters as flashes of light illuminate the dark sea and...
Init.
> roll 1d20+7+9+5 Init/Nerveskitter
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=1]
That Nerveskitter hits everyone that's close. Well, friendlies.
> roll 1d20+8 not a good time for a natural 1 there
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 > [d20=1]
Congratulations, you both sucked at init.
You rush, adrenaline pounding through you as you flee. Bubbles explode upward as flahses of light from below illuminate all - and with a rush, you break out of the ocean and into the cool night are. You rush 100ft up, Jarem and Emily there, Ianvasah a little higher up and circling in dragon form. Emily's peering down, "It's coming!" she cries. "Turn around, Alyssa!"
Alyssa does so, flipping around with her flight, and readying her blades!
It emerges - a gray thing, barely able to see it. Why? For the water itself slams upward, a horizontal wall of water slamming upward as Emily gasps, shield up, while Jarem grunts, "Shit!"
Init for all. There's a giant wall of water incoming, that may be a thing.
Can I DD everyone ontop of the thing that just emerged? Effectively putting us behind the wall of water?
You got just a bare glimpse of it, go head and roll init and we'll sort out the question after that.
Previous init doesn't count?
> roll 1d20+7+9 Init
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=19]
No, counting this as a new round in a new encounter.
> roll 1d20+5 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 7 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+9 Emily
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+12 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+8 giant horror
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20 wave
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d20=4]
Init is Alyssa (35) > Ianvasah (30) > Emily (15) > Giant Horror (11) > Jarem (7) > Wave (4)
Alyssa opens. Note that the giant wave rushing up breaks line of sight to the horror at the moment, as well as being a giant burst of water coming your way.
So can I use telekinesis to punch a hole through it for it to go around us? I think the closest would be Violent Thrust?
You could try, sure.
Alyssa focuses all of her telekinetic might and tries to punch a hole through the oncoming water!
Telekinesis SLA, CL 32
Violent Thrust: Max weight 1600lbs.
> roll 1d20+41 Violent Thrust!
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=17]
I'll admit I have no idea how hard to punch though this sort of wave is, but my gut hunch is that this would work, so we'll go with it. If I'm terribly wrong, well....oh well.
Just one question, Iddy. How big a space does TK impact?
There's nothing that gives an AOE radius in the spell or the class write ups, only a range. It gives a maximum number of creatures/objects I can throw, which is 15. So.. I mean, I guess you can say it can do 15 creatures wide?
Also, that roll gets another +5, I forgot to add my MotUH levels to it. Total of 63. 64 if Telekinetic Master stacks, too.
With a tremendous slam, a hunk of the wave is shattered, falling back and countered, plunging down and giving you all a hole.
That it for your turn?
Yeppers, what's my distance to the beast?
100ft.
That's it. Just wanted to know for reference.
Init is Alyssa (35) > Ianvasah (30) > Emily (15) > Giant Horror (11) > Jarem (7) > Wave (4)
Ianvasah roars and soars just above the party, hovering and waiting.
She's going to hold needing to do a stunt, as her dragon body is too big to get through a wave hold easily. Emily.
"Around Alyssa," Emily calls, flying to you. "Do you need any healing?"
"Not yet, but keep ready. This is going to be hard, I think. I'd like to forcibly plane shift it somewhere that'll kill it for us... Like the Negative Energy plane or Fire, but I doubt we can pull that off..."
Emily will hold then.
The horror below lets out a great screech, one that echos in your ears and stabs your mind like icy daggers.
Fort all.
Fort/Cunning Insight: 9/10 inspiration:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+27 : 4 + 27, total 31[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+34 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+42 Emily
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+37 Ianvasah (+6 dragon form)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=9]
It's too much, leaving Alyssa reeling and dazed, unable to think.
Dazed for one round. Do you have any protection against that?
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0, AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 4/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Queen's Movement, Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 408/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0, AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 1 6th level FS, 4 9th level FS, 1 5th level sorc, 6 7th level sorc, 2 9th level sorc, 1 10th level sorc, 2 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 423/423 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0, AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Healx2.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
nope
Then Emily is there, healing washing away your dazedness, followed by a rally within yourself, bolstering your power greatly, filling you with sheer hope. You can do this! Heavenly power follows, bolstering you all further.
Emily takes her turn to cast heal on you to remove dazed and then glorious rally and celestial valor on all of you. This grants +6 morale attack rolls, weapond amage rolls, saving throws and armor class. You get 64 temporary hit points each and immunity to fear. Then you get +8 sacred vs negative emotions, +4 sacred to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class and saving throws. Weapons count as holy weapons for +2d6 damage vs evil.
The targets gain a +6 morale bonus to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws and armor class. The targets also gain temporary hit points equal to your caster level times two. For example, a 30th level caster would grant each target 60 temporary hit points. Finally, the targets are immune to fear effects.
Init is Alyssa (35) > Ianvasah (30) > Giant Horror (11) > Emily (10) > Jarem (7) > Wave (4)
Jarem is up.
Jarem flies in front of the two of you, shield up as he chants, "Red Knight, Lady of Strategies, sing the song of the battlefield." All around you things seem darker, the sounds of clashing blades, crying horses, shouts, the twang of bows, the crackle of fire. The sound of the battlefield surround the party as...
War's Echo. +4 morale Strength and Constitution to all allies within 160ft. You have to stay in range of that to benefit, remember. There's a -4 penalty, but the horror below is immune to that, so that aspect of the spell doesn't come into play.
Then the wave comes. As it does, blowing past all of you. Ianvasah dives down, wings drawn in, trying to squeeze through the hole nimbly.
Acrobatics check.
> roll 1d20+4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d20=8]
Unfortunately, Ianvasah has not invested in Acrobatics. Unfortunate.
Ianvasah mistimes it, wing clipped by the water, a draconic cry as...
> roll 10d6 ow
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d6=1,6,4,4,1,5,4,1,4,1]
> roll 1d20+4 second Acrobatics check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d20=8]
The dragon morphed druid loses control, plunging face down towards the horror that you can now see. It is massive, hundreds and hundreds of feet of a smooth body poking out, no sign of the head. Various deep craters are all about the top of it, leading into darkness within. Not that Ianvasah has time to admire that, as she comes to a crash landing atop it.
> roll 10d6 more fall damage double ow
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d6=3,4,6,5,4,4,3,1,2,2]
Good thing she has temp HP to burn.
Go, Alyssa.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473[537]+64/473[537]
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+10, (+6 morale, +4 sacred) Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 4/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Queen's Movement, Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL30), War's Echo (CL32)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 408[472]+64/408[472]
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+10, (+6 morale, +4 sacred) Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 2 6th level FS, 4 9th level FS, 1 10th level FS, 1 5th level sorc, 6 7th level sorc, 2 9th level sorc, 1 10th level sorc, 1 12th level sorc, 2 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL30)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 423[486]/423[487] (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+10, (+6 morale, +4 sacred) Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Healx2.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL30)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Alyssa shakes off the scream and casts a spell, then moves closer to the creature!
Haste, CL 32, 32 round duration.
Target: Friendlies.
New movement speed: 80 ft.
As she closes in on the creature, her Arial Assembly darts forward to attack!
> roll 8#1d20+48 TK ATTACK!
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 53, 62, 50, 49, 66, 56, 58, 55 >
Your blades slice into the horror - and fail to penetrate at all, like gnats scratching at a behemoth.
Ianvasah rises and roars, spewing electric breath all over the horror - which likewise does little.
"We need something bigger," Jarem shouts as you see it. Directly below you, a head emerges, attached to a long, sinuous neck. It is vaguely dragonlike and thickly scaled, black eyes looking about slowly before locking onto all of you. It has the same black horn as the others, from which black electricity crackles and gathers. It's rising up, going right at Alyssa from below. As it approaches, a burst of electricity arches out at her.
Reflex save. Note that this is at least partially immunity piercing, so I need a save regardless of resistance/immunity. That said, note where you're at on that with the save.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473[537]+64/473[537]
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+11, (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste) Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+11 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste), Saves+10 (+11 ref)(+6 morale, +4 sacred, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 4/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Queen's Movement, Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL30), War's Echo (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 408[472]+64/408[472]
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+11, (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste) Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+11 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste), Saves+10 (+11 ref)(+6 morale, +4 sacred, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 2 6th level FS, 4 9th level FS, 1 10th level FS, 1 5th level sorc, 6 7th level sorc, 2 9th level sorc, 1 10th level sorc, 1 12th level sorc, 2 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL30)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 423[486]/423[487] (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+11, (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste) Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+11 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste), Saves+10 (+11 ref)(+6 morale, +4 sacred, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Healx2.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL30)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Of note: If DR stopped my blades, next round, they completely bypass DR.
I have Energy Immunity: Electricity.
Ref Save/Cunning Insight:
> roll 1d20+21+6+9 Ref/Cunning Insight
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=7]
> roll 30d10
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 160 > [d10=4,4,8,4,4,7,1,3,2,9,6,2,7,6,10,9,7,2,5,8,6,3,4,6,6,2,7,3,8,7]
You failed the save, but it only deals half to immune, so 80 damage total.
Aaaaaaaaaaaah!
The electricity pierces your ward like it isn't there, pain flaring as your body thrashes. You can't think, you can't feel. You can only hurt, the world shaking all over for Alyssa as she rallies herself.
The creature is gazing at you with both eyes and suddenly...
Fort.
> roll 1d20+18+6+9 Fort/Cunning Insight
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=17]
Inspiration: 7/10
Yet this gaze you withstand, a shudder passing through your body. But stand you do, withstanding it as, "GET OUT OF THE WAY, ALYSSA!" Emily calls, "I'M GOING TO END THIS!"
Emily holding since she wants to open up some serious pain on it but you're too close. Jarem will hold for the moment too. Go.
Alyssa sprints her way next to Emily!
Emily doesn't chant this time. Instead she silently mouths words, over and over. In each hand a massive javelin of sunshine gathers, incandescently bright. She hurls them down with a deep grunt, sunlances flying with a belated cry of, "BURN!"
An empowered sunlance and a plain sunlance.
> roll 1d20 empowered sunlance 1/20 check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 14 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20 normal sunlance 1/20 check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 8 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+32 SR empowered
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+32 SR normal
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=6]
The flashes of light are tremendous, but when it clears the head is undamaged, untouched. Emily stares, a gasp, "Oh no..." she murmurs, before blurting out words, magic woven in desperation.
Both swifts on those sunlances, normal on a time stop.
> roll 1d4+1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d4=2]
Then a moment later, all the fire you could imagine explodes around the horror's head.
6 maximized delayed blast fireballs since she's all about the fuck this thing train.
> roll 1d20+32 SR 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+32 SR 2
> roll 1d20+32 SR 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=11]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+32 SR 4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+32 SR 5
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+32 SR 6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+25 ref 2
> roll 1d20+25 ref 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+25 ref 5
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+25 ref 6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=5]
The flames burst, massive and thick, yet when it clears? The head is charred and burnt but still intact, gazing up at the party now. Steam begins to hiss out of the holes all across its body, hissing in the air as...
Jarem in the next post, chance to react.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473[537]+64/473[537]
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+11, (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste) Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+11 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste), Saves+10 (+11 ref)(+6 morale, +4 sacred, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 4/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used: Queen's Movement, Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL30), War's Echo (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 408[472]+64/408[472]
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+11, (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste) Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+11 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste), Saves+10 (+11 ref)(+6 morale, +4 sacred, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 2 6th level FS, 4 9th level FS, 1 10th level FS, 1 5th level sorc, 6 7th level sorc, 4 9th level sorc, 7 10th level sorc, 1 11th level sorc, 1 12th level sorc, 3 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL30)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 423[486]/423[487] (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+11, (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste) Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+11 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste), Saves+10 (+11 ref)(+6 morale, +4 sacred, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Healx2.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL30)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Ianvasah takes to the air, charging in at that head with a draconic roar. She lunges for it and...
> roll 4d8+49
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d8=6,1,1,3]
Ianvasah latches on and rips into the head of the horror, biting and clawing. Like a cat that has prey, caught on tight. The head writhes back and forth, as meanwhile Jarem grimaces and takes a breath, "Damn it, Ianvasah," he mutters, waiting just a moment longer.
Jarem holds, plans to intercept depending. Horror is up.
The horror begins to plunge down, leaving Ianvasah behind as...
Withdraw action. Jarem chooses to act now.
"Like hell," Jarem declares, already moving, already plunging down.
Swift action for law devotion, +7 axiomatic to attack rolls this round. Charging.
> roll 1d20+64 (+11 various, +2 charge, +2 war's echo, +7 law devotion, +5 smite, +4 deific foe (above the +6 morale of glorious rally), -10 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+64 (+11 various, +2 charge, +2 war's echo, +7 law devotion, +5 smite, +4 deific foe (above the +6 morale of glorious rally), -10 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=16]
> roll 2d8+124
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 133 > [d8=2,7]
Jarem is a hair faster. His blade plunges into the eye of the thing, taking it out cleanly, black blood staining Dellos from the blow. It screeches but continues to retreat, head beneath the waves and body following, retreating under the cover of water.
Go.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473[537]+64/473[537]
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+11, (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste) Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+11 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste), Saves+10 (+11 ref)(+6 morale, +4 sacred, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 3/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 0/1
Spells Used: Queen's Movement, Freedom of Movement, Red Knight's Skill.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL30), War's Echo (CL32), Haste (CL32), Law Devotion
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 408[472]+64/408[472]
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+11, (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste) Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+11 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste), Saves+10 (+11 ref)(+6 morale, +4 sacred, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 2 6th level FS, 4 9th level FS, 1 10th level FS, 1 5th level sorc, 6 7th level sorc, 4 9th level sorc, 7 10th level sorc, 1 11th level sorc, 1 12th level sorc, 3 13th level sorc
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL30)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 423[486]/423[487] (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+11, (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste) Damage+10 (+6 morale, +4 sacred), AC+11 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +1 haste), Saves+10 (+11 ref)(+6 morale, +4 sacred, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Healx2.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Cloak of the Sea (CL20), Glorious Rally (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL30)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Alyssa casts time stop again!
Time Stop, CL 32.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 2 + 1, total 3[/blockquote]
3 rounds. Go for it.
Round 1:
Standard: Dolorous Blow, CL 32, 32 rounds. Double crit threat, auto confirm crts, all blades.
Move: Close distance to monster.
Round 2:
Standard: Weapon of Energy, CL 32, 32 rounds. Fire elemental damage on crit, all blades.
Move: Close distance to monster.
Round 3:
Standard: Spell Turning, CL 32, 320 minute Duration.
Move: Get close/into position to attack other eye.
Blades will attack when time restarts.
The head went below the water, where you can't easily see it. Going to go into the ocean to follow?
Yeah. It won't hurt me none.
Movement speed then?
80 ft
Alyssa descends into the waves. The dark waters part, only the light of her magic weapons letting her see. She sees it, 30ft below the waves, the head and neck rapidly retreating, the body going along with it.
Go ahead and and go for it, you have the movement to get close.
The three movements at 80 ft during the time stop wasn't enough?
Alyssa heads towards the eye and attacks!
ATK 1 (Alyssa/Inspiration):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+55 : 13 + 55, total 68[/blockquote]
ATK 1 (DB)
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 2 + 46, total 48[/blockquote]
ATK 2
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 4 + 46, total 50[/blockquote]
ATK 3
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 3 + 46, total 49[/blockquote]
ATK 4
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 15 + 46, total 61[/blockquote]
ATK 5
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 12 + 46, total 58[/blockquote]
ATK 6
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 1 + 46, total 47[/blockquote]
ATK 7
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 13 + 46, total 59[/blockquote]
ATK 8
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 3 + 46, total 49[/blockquote]
Oh whoops. Did you include the bonuses from spells, if applicable?
Included.
2 hits on the head. Damage.
Damage, half holy
ATK 1:
[blockquote]Rolled 4d6 : 4, 4, 2, 3, total 13[/blockquote]
ATK 2:
[blockquote]Rolled 4d6 : 3, 4, 2, 6, total 15[/blockquote]
You slash the head more as it retreats, blood staining the waters. It's falling back full on now, head angling beneath the body and out of sight, the massive form swimming away with surprising speed.
You can try and pursue if you like. Going to quasi free act at the moment, will go to init if needed.
'Jarem, I'd prefer to not have to deal with this later. Opinion? Ianvasah, do you think you can communicate with it?"
'This doesn't add up,' Jarem sends back, 'The little ones are aggressive and this one seems almost uninterested.'
'Possibly,' Ianvasah says, 'I have my means.'
'Let's follow with it. Ianvasah, talk to it. Emily, do you have a teleport still? If so, stay on the beach in case this is trying to pull us away, but be ready to teleport to us.'
'I'll manage,' Emily sends back.
'It could also be a trap,' Jarem points out, 'The smaller ones weren't unintelligent, we could be walking into an ambush. It was also fast to show its head, which was far more vulnerable than its body.'
'All very possible, but the choice remains: deal with it now, one way or another, or have it lurking around us waiting to strike. You're still in command, but I made my preference known.'
'Pull back,' Jarem doesn't hesitate, 'We can fight this battle better prepared, rather than risking a trap. Too much of this raises questions.'
Alyssa does as asked, but has one last thing, Ianvasah, can you communicate from range safely? Stay with us and talk to it?'
'Not from here,' Ianvasah replies.
'Unfortunate. At worst, we'll use divination and a wish to establish contact later. For now, let's head back and start on the clean up and reorganization.'
Okay, so assuming no more attacks right away, what's your plan?
Clean up (loot/body recovery), see to reassuring peeps, set up divinations to figure out who, what, why, and try some long range talkin'.
Soon enough you're back. "Alyssa, we have several bodies," Madala declares as you rest, sipping a glass of warmed wine. "Their scales are powerful and could make useful armor, or we could render their entire bodies for possible spell components, but not both. There are also pearls being harvested from them. The choice of which of the previous to do is yours."
"Assign one to research, and split the rest up as evenly as possible. Favor spell components. Did we have casualties?"
"Some, both injuries and fatalities. Delaize is handling that along with Jarem," Madala says.
"That's unfortunate. If they have families, we'll need to figure something out for them. Over-all, how are we doing? Be brief, but I'm going to want to put together a full report at some point. We need to learn from this."
"We survived." Malada summarizes in two words. "We'll see tomorrow and that's enough."
"We'll have to work at doing better than that. Though giant abomination attacks weren't exactly something we planned out."
A nod to that and from there...
How do you plan to reassure people?
I honestly don't know for sure. I guess after doing an after action thing, pointing out what we did right and what we learned, saying we're looking into the origin of the things, and not to needlessly assume it was anything more than ancient beasts that got disturbed. That way, they're not concerned about a direct attack, unnecessarily.
Okay.
Give me a Diplomacy check here real quick?
> roll 1d20+38+22 Diplo/Cunning Knowledge
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=14]
Between calming people and finally getting rest, it's past noon when you're refreshed for the next day. Jarem joins you for the meal - just fruit and bread - and starts talking. "No sign of further monsters," Rubbing his scarred wrist before getting a hunk of bread, "I'm not sure it's Shar now after all. It feels like Shar, it looks like Shar, but...." A shrug, "It doesn't act like Shar, unless it was an agent and something went wrong."
"Could have simply been a low cost opportunity for her. If the creatures we already there and the new island disturbed them, a push into a frenzy to attack wouldn't have taken much... Or it's just what it looks like. In any case, until we know either way, we need to do some review and preparation. Let's look into what went right and how to fix what went wrong."
"Could be," Jarem says, "The diviners should shed some light on this."
Alyssa nods.
"Agreed. We'll get them on it. Anything else?"
"Nothing major," Jarem says, "As long as they don't attack again, we have diviners and spotters on the coasts, too."
Alyssa nods.
"Then I have something for you. A tactic I thought up. Something the Order can help The Red Knight's army with, and also use. It's something that will reduce the support wagons needed for an army to almost nothing. It'll make an army move faster, be supplied longer, and almost completely negate the need to build siege engines on site."
Cracking a smile at that, "This sounds like a wizard thinking up something witty with magic."
"It is. Remember the trick with the boulders? I can do it with nearly anything. I've done some quick math on it. Take water, for example. From my experience in adventuring and exploring, in harsh conditions, the average person needs roughly three to four gallons of water per day. For a soldier, I imagine it's a bit more. For an easy to figure number, lets go with five. That means for a one year campaign, that's 1,825 gallons. If you take a standard barrel, which holds 50 gallons, that's 37 barrels, rounded up. Now, if you can fit.. say.. nine barrels in a wagon, that's four wagons per soldier for one year. Multiply that by 10,000... Well, that's a lot of wagons, even for a single month. But... If I use the spell Permanency in conjunction with Shrink Item on those barrels..."
Alyssa sits back a moment to sip at a glass of alcoholic punch. "That spell will reduce the size of the barrel to 1/16th of it's original size. Combine it with a Haversack... A few people in each platoon can carry all the food and water needed for that platoon on them, with no wagons needed. That means whatever army does this... No longer has to move water source to water source. It no longer has to hunt or scavenge or trade for food. Which means it can take a direct route. It can avoid any towns and never be seen. Even going through thick forest, it'll move faster than any army on a road with wagons, and do it completely unseen."
"Sure, I've seen things like that. Usually wizards, clerics or decanters of endless water. It's not really practical for mortal armies much of the time, and immortal armies don't usually need water in the first place," Jarem remarks, scratching at his chin.
"But what if it were practical. Magical items like a Decanter of Endless Water end up being expensive when you try to produce them in mass. Enchanting an item like that requires very specialized training and materials. But this only requires two spells and a barrel. Permanency normally comes with quite a cost to it as well, however... Have you ever seen me use a spell component? Even minus the barrels, there's the other side. The siege engines. What if you had access to a mage who was powerful enough to apply that magic to a siege engine?"
"Ignoring expensive components is hard, Alyssa," Jarem points out, sitting back a bit. "People like you who can do that are the exception, not the rule. Frankly, those people usually have better things to do that only they can do, while support staff magics up solutions to logistics, if needed."
Holding up a hand, "That being said, I've heard some companies who use tactics like that. I'm not overly familiar with them, but if you're interested and capable I should be able to get you one of their guide books for standard procedure. It's not an area I'm overly learned in, mostly just the arguments why it often doesn't work out or isn't needed." Smiling a bit, "There's all sorts of clever wizards and spellcasters who get up to things like that. Pointing out why it's not needed for an army of valkyries is something of a command skill. If you can make things like that work here and not waste your time, then the Red Knight will smile on your cunning."
"Do those companies also have access to an entire Order of mages as I do? There are mages here who can ignore components as I do... Embarrassingly, I think my doing so has set something of a trend. It's not hugely popular, as it does take quite a bit of training and most here are past the point in their studies where they can devote time to it, but there are some... Combined with our cooperative casting that empowers spells, they can push their magic beyond the normal limits. They can't do as much as I can, or as quickly. I've done math on that, also, by the way. With my spells, I can cast each spell... Oh... roughly five times, per each spell prepared. With the metamagic I use, that's a total of 96 objects per spell I prepare, over the course of five hours. That's... Oh... 576 items in a day, if I devote all of my spells to it. Then whatever the Order can produce."
Alyssa smirks at Jarem again, "As you said, normally not a tactic that's viable... But with me, it is. And beyond that, the benefits for my new country will abound as well. Each cargo ship equipped with these barrels and crates will be able to store 16 times more cargo and supplies. They'll be able to sail further and longer than anyone else. Our large towns and food stores will be able to as well. On your end... Imagine being under siege with 16 times the supplies anyone expects you to have. And with a haversack or bag of holding... Food won't rot. Of course, I'm not looking to become a full time barrel maker, but a few days here an there spent on it, while I'm doing research or other things instead of being out and about will be more than sufficient.
And while The Red Knight's immortal army might not require it, we both know there are more than a few mortal armies who dedicate themselves to her. Supplying those armies with immortal warriors might be a bit too high handed in most cases, but this sort of logistical advantage, given wisely, would likely pass in cases where the other wouldn't."
BTW, I really did do that math. Echoing spell is -4 CL per casting, with the metamagics needed for this, Shrink Item is a level 8 spell, which is CL 15. First four castings are CL 20 or above, fifth is at CL 16. Chain spell gives +1 object per CL to a max of 20. 20*4+16=96. I have six slots for level eight, so 96*8=576.
"Okay, there's one flaw I can note right off. All of this hinges on permanency, right?" Jarem asks.
"As a long term solution, yes. But even without it, it'll last about a month."
A nod to that, "Permanency takes 24 hours to cast if I recall," he points out, "Small in the grand scheme of things, but enough to slow you down." Pausing to get some more bread and bite into it, "This also reminds me of Mack, I should tell you about him later."
I missed the casting time part, dur.
"I have an idea about that, actually. I've heard of a spell that will someone focus on more than one spell at a time. It won't completely solve the issue, but it'll let me do it more than one spell a day. As I said, I don't plan to do this full time, but a day here and there, it builds up in numbers quite fast."
"What sort of numbers are you looking at," Jarem asks.
"With the spell, forty a day. Without, twenty. One day per week seems reasonable, I think. If I have an especially slow week, maybe two."
"Is it worth the time to you, then?" Jarem asks, "Versus having others cover it?" Leaning forward a bit, "Delegation's important for leaders, and I know you know that. I don't worry about logistics being executed properly, I have aides and assistants to do that. I keep an eye on it and focus on things that need me more; as important as logistics are, our time and effort aren't infinite."
Gesturing with his half eaten bit of bread, "That's what I'm telling you. If it's worth it to you on analysis? Do it. But don't rush in because it seems like a good idea and you haven't considered all the angles and effects yet."
"To a degree, it is. But only until I get a bare minimum stock functional. In part, I want to use that army as a test bed. If it works for them, then it'll certainly work for us, and we can put it into effect as a guard against poor harvest and to maximize and dominate trade. The issue is figuring out what that minimum is."
"Well, a person on average needs about half a gallon of water, more if you're working hard or it's hot," Jarem says, scratching his wrist again. "Per day. That's the number we use to determine average logistical needs if water isn't locally available. That's also humans - dwarves tend to need a little less and elves the same as a human, I believe. Let alone other creatures."
"How many bodies should I plan for?"
"People, you mean? As large a force as you have along with redundancy. Ideally you have enough supplies so that it's irrelevant. If that's not possible, then I'd suggest at least a minimum of 20%. Higher if you can manage it. Barrels will be lost, destroyed and disenchanted, that's part of war." Jarem says.
So, like, need a number to work from. I doubt this'll pan out, but it's an idea Alyssa had, so she wants to try it.
Several hundred, minimum.
The main problem is taking the time to do it and upkeep it.
Well, like I said, I'll do it on down days.
Alyssa nods, "I'll work some time into my schedule for it. Anything else?"
"Decide on those pearls," Jarem says, "One way or another. We could use the money."
"I'm thinking we should keep one or two."
"Prudent," Jarem says, "I'd bet we could get the same or close to it later for them, anyway." Getting up now, "Hopefully the diviners get something soon."
Next move?
Uh, keeping the island thing going, and... I really don't have anything planned.
Gimme a d100 then.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 75, total 75[/blockquote]
Okay, first of all, go ahead and make a decision on those pearls in loot, would you?
Late that evening, you meet with Delaize. He speaks softly when he says, "Whatever the creatures are, they are both unknown in our world's lore and seemingly shielded from most means of divination. However," he holds up a single finger, "Our thinking is that it's something innate to the creature, whatever it is. We're pouring over old records to try and find more, anything that might refer to it. It may be unique to our world, or another world and was brought here."
"Interesting... Keep the research going on it."
"We will," Delaize says, "We have more questions than answers now, and we would all like some answers. Our losses were light and no one of consequence, but..." A pause here, "Some talk. Some talk it is the Gods punishing us, punishing you."
"... Well, I mean, it was already known Shar came after me. To be fair, we have The Red Knight, Shaundakul, and Emily."
"Of course," Delaize says, "But a giant leviathan rather speaks to superstitions of divine judgment."
Alyssa gives Delaize an odd look.
"Just summon some celestials or something. How is superstition like that flourishing?"
The lightest shrug, "How often is rumor rooted in truth and how often is rumor rooted in fear, or rooted in those seeking advantage over another?"
"We summon monsters, demons, celestials, and elementals. Creatures being the wrath of Gods seems... Silly. Remind people what we do here and ignore it."
A nod at that, "I will do so."
"Anything else?"
"Nothing else," Delaize says, and...
Give me one more d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 16, total 16[/blockquote]
Another long day your island spell. You find Ianvasah waiting outside of your room, meeting your gaze as you approach. "Alyssa, let's talk."
Alyssa motions her inside.
"Sure. Come in."
She leads her to the balcony.
Ianvasah goes to the balcony and looks out, taking in the island sunset. She brushes back a bit of hair and says, "I need a goal. A real goal."
"Everyone does. Do you have anything in mind, or are you lost?"
"One that lets me advance further, to grow stronger with what I've been given," Ianvasah says. She looks to the horizon and slowly says, "I thought I knew what power was. I had no idea at all what power was."
"Have you considered studying how deep the power of nature truly is? What it takes to strengthen that?"
"Maybe," Ianvasah says, "But it feels like it should be something more. Something....active," she finally says.
"Then work to discover that. I can't help with your magic, it's too different from what I know. Delve into your connection with it, find places where that connection is stronger. Search the planes for something that strengthens you."
"You think so?" Ianvasah looks sidelong to you, head turning. "Jarem's so bloody minded male and focused on war that I can't bear to ask him, and Emily's still immature in her ways. You're the only one here worth asking."
"My honest first idea was to have you chronicle and teach. Druids are very independent, and don't often congregate, much less teach. It makes your magic and ideals rather... Unaccessible. I'd personally like you to begin building an entire druidic branch into the order, but I also know it tends to be counter to what you know.
That said, how else do you expect your influence to grow? Your teachings? What if you could do this, with us, and develop entirely new ways for druids to work with and impact magic on a world scale?"
"I'd do something worthwhile with it, whatever that is to me. All I knew seems so petty now. All this power just beneath my skin, waiting to erupt out like a dragon's roar. Emily throws power about like a child knocking over sandcastles and with as much ease, while Jarem fights with a precision that brings every other warrior I've ever seen to shame, while you casually achieve feats of magic that should be impossible." Ianvasah reaches out, as if reaching for the sunset. She brings her fist closed and says, "After what we've done, I realize my own goals and visions are still limited, when they should expand out instead."
"Well, in so far as that, we've all chosen a path. From what I've seen of your magic, so have you; perhaps just not consciously. Tell me, Ianvasah, why do you turn into the dragon?"
"The power came to me when I trained with Emily. Her mother is a dragon. It seems obvious," Ianvasah says coolly, "Or that dragons are the greatest symbol of might?"
"But why that dragon, specifically? Why not another? What about it feels so natural to you? Why not cycle through the all? Best tool for the job? Yet you go back to that one. There might be something in that. I believe Emily might know a few people who have studied dragons rather extensively."
Ianvasah is quiet a time, mulling that over.
"So." A pause here, a longer one. "Find answers first, and then grow outward is what you're saying?"
"Answers, a path, a goal. They all lead to the same thing eventually, typically. I suggest picking a few things to focus on. You might get stumped and need something else to focus on. It's happened to me more times than I can count."
"Be that as it may, I thi-" Ianvasah pauses, peering ahead. "Is that a child flying?"
"Very possibly."
Alyssa looks out as well.
A child with blonde hair and plain clothes, flying about closer and closer. If not for the fact he was flying, he'd be a normal child. He's coming your way. He's perhaps five or six years old, yet his eyes are different. His eyes are bright and yet sharp, something about them wrong, not a child's eyes at all.
"Child, did your parents cast a flying spell on you?" Ianvasah asks, "You should go back home, it's almost dark. They're surely worried about you."
Any Ks here to figure this out?
"Ianvasah, caution. Not what it seems."
K: Local.
"Nor are you," The child replies, "But you're being too suspicious. I'm just looking around."
+5 to this if Tale Keeper skill trick applies
> roll 1d20+9+22 K:L(don't have it)/Cunning Knowledge
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=10]
"Caution keeps one alive, I've found. And between the last few fights I've had, more than warranted. Might I ask who you are and what you might be interested in?"
It's a human child. An unusual one to be sure, but nothing about him seems inhuman.
"My name's Calley and I wanted to see all of you," he says, "I think Mom would like you."
"And who would your mother be?"
"Her name's Sylvie, she's an idiot," Calley says, bluntly.
"Child, don't speak of your mother like that," Ianvasah's voice is scolding, "She loves you."
"Her idea of love is giving me the magic of an archmage and an high cleric while never being around," Calley frowns, "Mom's really bad at being a parent."
A blink from Ianvasah, "Excuse me?"
Alyssa runs the name through her mind, looking for anything familiar.
"She.. gave you this magic? That's... quite the feat. What brings one such as you to our Order? And, though you seem to have issues with your mother, perhaps we should contact her?"
K:P check.
K:P. If this is a creature ID,Tale Keeper gives +5.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+44 : 2 + 44, total 46[/blockquote]
You recall the name Sylvie being tied to the Aurora, a recent planar rebellion against Hell. She is a powerful wizard, monk, cleric - basically a master of everything, it sounds like.
"... Aurora, yes? You should at least leave word for her, if for no other reason than it's responsible."
"I live with my Grandmother," Calley says, "You're about what I thought you'd be. So's the dragon lady."
Ianvasah blinks even more and then frowns, "Language, child."
"I suppose I'm happy to not disappoint, though you've yet to say what it was you expected. Surely you came here for more than idle curiosity..."
Alyssa trails off and looks at Emily.
"Well, maybe not. I suppose boredom haunts people like you two more than normal. How, exactly, did you bypass our defenses?"
Emily?
Oh shit, was eating. Meant Ianvasah, but thinking about Emily.
"I suppose I'm happy to not disappoint, though you've yet to say what it was you expected. Surely you came here for more than idle curiosity..."
Alyssa trails off and looks at Ianvasah, thinking of Emily's first contact.
"Well, maybe not. I suppose boredom haunts people like you and Emily more than normal. How, exactly, did you bypass our defenses?"
"Magic," Calley says, as if the most obvious thing in the world. "Mom gave me a lot of knowledge and tricks."
"Interesting. I appreciate skills and cleverness like that. Did you want to stay a while, or return to your Grandmother?"
"I just wanted to see you," Calley says, "I'm going home. It's nice here, but..." Without further word he flies off, going back whence he came.
Ianvasah goes and once he's out of earshot, "Alyssa, what was that?"
"I'm going to hazard someone similar to Emily."
"You are like a lodestone, drawing power to yourself," Ianvasah notes.
"Wanna trade? You have to take Shar, leviathan horrors, and strange planar god-things along with it."
"I'm not that brand of..." A pause here, "Unique."
"Says the dragon-shifting druid that learned how to cast above ninth circle magic in less than a day."
Ianvasah smiles and bows her head a moment, conceding the point. "I believe we were discussing something else before the interruption?"
"Yes. Has our talk given you any ideas?"
"I have. For now, answers," Ianvasah says, and in that moment you feel it. A pulse, a connection to Ianvasah, spreading widely.
Node update, go read. In particular, this time you get skill focus diplomacy as a bonus feat, so add that to your sheet.
I'll update sheet when I'm back at my computer.
"Oh... That happened much faster than with Emily or Jarem. Interesting. Did you have any ideas on where to start?"
"Yet it happened," Ianvasah says, "More power, just like that. It comes flowing like a stream, bank full in spring." She gently taps your forehead, "I believe it benefited you this time?"
"Yes... Seems like a sudden insight into negotiation."
"You guided me, so you got better at it," Ianvasah says, "Are all the gifts so correlated with the deeds that surround them?"
"An interesting idea. We should bring it up to Jarem to consider for his investigation."
Ianvasah smiles, "We should. Perhaps he can make himself useful for once."
Alyssa chuckles.
"So, have you thought of anything to integrate druidic magic and principles into our building nation?"
"Well...."
Okay, while we're in the area, did you have anything you wanted to discuss with her about it? It had some speculation earlier as I recall.
Yeah, about the fields and stuff, but it's dependent on how it fits with keeping nature with her.
Go ahead and lay all of that out and we'll go from there.
"I'm imagining that turning people's ideas of magic and development and nature into a cooperative and beneficial combination of the three is going to be a little difficult. Most of them won't see the purpose in it; not at first. What they know has been working, and I doubt they understand the damage it can do to nature and why that's important. I can, on a scholarly level as I've studied it, but I don't have the understanding you do, and neither will they. So, I think some first steps would be for you, and any other druids you know, to put together a... book of sorts, that we can use to teach them. We're a fairly small population at this point, so seeding the idea in now would be best. Following that up, we'll need to show them why it can be beneficial to them. Do you know any spells that we could use on, say, a field to improve harvests? Or things that can be done to improve health and help children develop? Those are tangible things that are important to them. Food and children are typically top concerns."
"Improving food and health is a druid's inclination," Ianvasah agrees, "I know many such spells that can improve crops, cattle and such things."
"Anything that's a simple spell? That can be enchanted into say... A foundation stone, or a stone to be placed in a field or stable? Something that can be done by use cheaply, for distribution? Or is this something that needs to be cast in person?"
"Nothing permanent," Ianvasah shakes her head, "That creation has never been my talent to pursue."
"Hmm... So, either we need to include regular... Missions? Wanderings? for any of the students that come into your branch... Or... Find a way to link you to someone who can make those items with you."
I honestly don't know much about item creation. Can that be done?
What you need is two fold - someone who can both cast the spell in question and has the right item creation feats to make the item. Not to mention the money and supplies needed, of course.
I don't suppose I can start a quest/mission/whatever to recruit an artificer with eschew material components, can I?
Well the thing is ignore material components covers spells liker permanency. It doesn't cover magic item creation's costs.
Ah well, that's why I wanted easy/low level spells anyway. Still, I need to find a druid item maker.
"It's not a common talent with druids," Ianvasah says, "But I have heard it exists. It is more the domain of wizards and holy men of things besides nature."
"I figured as much. Still, if we can find one, I think it'll be worth it. I know druids don't have many formal connections, but what do you think of putting the word out?"
Ianvasah is quiet a time, before, "I will send word out amid my people, my sisters. I can guarantee nothing, but it will rely on them."
Alyssa nods. "I don't expect a promise here. Trying is all I can ask. If nothing else, we'll make it a long term project; perhaps one of our future students will have the aptitude for it."
Okay, anything else to do here, Iddy, or ready to move along?
Unless she has ideas, nope.
Okay, I'm going to go work up a realm post in a bit, then a post here in the morning. If I haven't done both of those by tomorrow at session start, post here with a nag.
Okay, was there anything else before island raising shenanigans?
Will do realm stuff when/as I can. You wanna do island rising before the armor crafting thing with Alyssa's dad?
Yes. Okay, new topic time.