Before you is darkness, all around you silence.
Your presence stirs everything around you. Reality shifts, twisting. You feel the planes adjust, change before you and becoming more.
Before you is a golden gateway, shining bright, leading into some sort of labyrinth, a great maze of sturdy stone walls glimpsed within.
"So it is the Dragon Princess who has made it this far." The voice is perfect and without expression, calm and placid. Wise in a way you cannot describe. "Of the five chosen groups, three leaders must come and may each bring a single of their supporters, as well as a seventh who must be Sylian's chosen."
"Don't underestimate a wizard's curiosity!" Seira says brightly, despite recent events. She can compartmentalize with the best of them! "I can make those conditions. Will tomorrow be suitable? Also, could you please tell me whether you're the Ninefold Dragon? Forgive my ignorance, but I do want to know who it is I am addressing, especially when they know me."
"It has been a long time since one called me that name," The voice replies. "Come when you and those with you are prepared. The purpose of this is to test and prepare you, those who hold the hope of Creation in their hands. Come as you truly are, not a mere projection. This will be no light test."
"Of course. This is why I named tomorrow, for I can go right now, but I wouldn't wish to put my friends in danger if they need their rest," Seira says, her heart fluttering. "Can you tell us what to expect, even in general terms? A similar setup to what I am familiar with from Balmuria's God-King ruins? And what restrictions on us are there within? Is Chronomancy off the table like with much of Creation? And, and can Alicia and I come in person or do we need to use our avatars, because I don't think this is a Prime anymore but wouldn't want to risk it on a maybe."
"Come as you truly are," The voice agrees, "You have your full powers, for you will need them, but forbidden magic is still forbidden. There is no point in testing you in what you will not use."
"Just... one more question, before I leave to prepare. If we pass your test... I have so much to ask, about dragons, prismatics and Shar, could I get to ask you all of that then? When you know you're not wasting your time educating me?"
"Reach me and I shall tell you what you wish to know, save for what is not my story to tell." The voice declares. "This will be no simple challenge, be prepared to the utmost."
Getting her excitement under control, Seira executes a flawless curtsy and returns her avatar to the Cauldron.
Locking this thread for now, then.
---
Thus everyone gathers at the Cauldron, ready to go and...
Set yourselves up and note any spells you want to precast, if applicable. Talk it out OOC here if you need to. Once that's done, I'll do NPC spoiler blocks and we'll get this rolling.
Aside from her own buffs, Alicia casts the following on Antenora
Nondetection (CL 33, DC 44 CL to beat)
Greater heroism (CL 32, +20 temp hp, +4 morale attack/saves/skills)
Death ward (CL 32, immunity to negative energy and energy drain)
Mind blank (CL 33, immunity to divinations/enchantments)
Alicia: 632+20/632
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33), many moments of prescience (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 33), keen edge (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32), greater heroism (CL 32), death ward (CL 32), divine insight (CL 32)
Defences: AC 74 (touch 36), CMD 85, spell resistance 46, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), nondetection (DC 48)
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/saves/skills
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, perception +86
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/6/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/22/21/11/7
Seira's avatar helpfully casts a few spells before the seven of them set off!
On everyone:
All spells here are to be precast before leaving home [CL 33]. They are shared with all party members unless explicitly refused.
Glorious Rally, Celestial Valor, Ghost Touch (Armor, Shield and Weapons), Recitation (per round spell), Shield of Warding, Foresight, Visions of the Future, Dragonskin, Superior Vigor (per round spell), True Seeing, Vision of the Omniscient Eye, Detect Scrying, Greater Arcane Sight, Freedom of Movement, Pass Without Trace, Greater Anticipate Teleport, Greater Heroism, Voice of the Dragon, Good Hope, Nondetection, Mass Death Ward, Heroes's Feast, Energy Res 30 (all), Fortunate Fate, Spell Turning
One-Off Spells: Sign (+4 untyped to init/once), Divine Insight (1hr/level, +15 insight/once), Greater Improvisation (10min/level, 99 luck points/16 point cap per use)
On Seira only:
Bibliotheca Arcana, Sensual Blessing, Mind Blank, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience
Chain Dispell channeled into Dragon's Grace
Moore will use all of his bardic musics on everyone. These all linger for a total of 11 minutes, so it should get us through a few things to start.
In total, the songs give the following benefits:
Attack: +30 (+18 morale, +8 competence, +4 untyped)
Weapon damage: +22 (+18 morale, +4 untyped)
AC: +12 (12 dodge)
Saving throws: +12 (12 morale)
Improved Crit Feat, +15 to threat confirmation rolls.
Moore is casting the following on himself:
Righteous Halo
Ray Deflection
Alicia passes on the Seiravatar buffs.
Alicia: 632+20/632
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33), many moments of prescience (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 33), keen edge (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32), greater heroism (CL 32), death ward (CL 32), divine insight (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 33)
Defences: AC 86 (touch 48), CMD 123, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, perception +86
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/6/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/22/21/11/7
Adding Ray Deflection on self.
Changes for Seira:
66 temp hp
+34 Attack: +18 morale +4 sacred +8 competence +4 untyped
+26 Damage: +18 morale +4 sacred +4 untyped
+27 Touch AC: +12 dodge/Moore +2 dodge/VotF +5 sacred/SoW +2 insight/Foresight +6 morale/CG
+35 Incorporeal AC: +8 ghost touch armor +12 dodge/Moore +2 dodge/VotF +5 sacred/SoW +2 insight/Foresight +6 morale/CG
+32 AC: +5 natural armor/dragonskin +12 dodge/Moore +2 dodge/VotF +5 sacred/SoW +2 insight/Foresight +6 morale/CG
+16 Saves: +12 morale/Moore +4 sacred/CV
+19 Ref Save: +1 more sacred/SoW +2 insight/Foresight +Saves
17-20 Dragon's Grace crit range, 19-20 natural attacks crit range, Chain Dispell channeled into Dragon's Grace, +2d6 damage vs evil
Active spells: Glorious Rally, Celestial Valor, Ghost Touch (Armor, Shield and Weapons), Recitation (per round spell), Shield of Warding, Foresight, Visions of the Future, Dragonskin, Superior Vigor (per round spell), True Seeing, Vision of the Omniscient Eye, Detect Scrying, Greater Arcane Sight, Freedom of Movement, Pass Without Trace, Greater Anticipate Teleport, Greater Heroism, Voice of the Dragon, Good Hope, Nondetection, Mass Death Ward, Heroes's Feast, Energy Res 30 (all), Fortunate Fate, Spell Turning, Sign, Divine Insight, Greater Improvisation, Bibliotheca Arcana, Sensual Blessing, Mind Blank, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Ray Deflection
At last it's done, everyone ready.
Antenora stands by Alicia, spear held in hand, waiting without a word. Her head is slightly bowed, perhaps in prayer.
Amaryl awaits, checking her bow over one last time, her gear all ready to go. She takes a breath and nods to Seira, "It's time."
Jetina awaits and adds, "If any of you need healing or protection, I'll be glad to give it to you."
Oberuth watches the cascades of magical energy around him, rippling and thick, without comment. His jeweled blade is nonetheless readied, as is his shield.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 768+66/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 36/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/7 Channel Energy 17/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555+66/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554+66/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100+66/1100 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
Alicia stands with her sword-staff held in one hand, the other free. "This will be the first time fighting together for some of us," she says, nodding to Jetina. "Let us trust in one another's strength and skill."
"If anyone needs protection, come to me," Oberuth speaks up on that, "I can defend people nearby when I fight on the defensive."
Moore nods. "I'm sure there's nothing we can't all accomplish together. I look forward to it."
"If there's ever a situation where a lot of small fry are assaulting us, give me some space to clear the room," Seira voices. "In any case...."
She plane shifts the seven of them to their destination!
Before the party is darkness, silence now and seemingly forever. Your arrive shifts things, stirs reality to move. The planes around you adjust and change, a golden gateway forming. It shines with an inner light, leading into a labyrinth of stone walls and ceilings, a great maze.
"You have come." A perfect voice intones, calm. "Dragon Princess and Queen of the Battlefield, Hopebringer and Healer, Opal Angel and Elven Princess and Sylian's. If you are ready, you may enter and begin."
"Are there any rules you need to tell us to abide by, first?"
"You must find me deep within. I will await all of you." Is the answer you get. "For another purpose of this is to help you grow and strengthen. You are our hope, but as you are now, you are not enough."
"What of Alyssa Songsteel then, and the fifth?" Alicia speaks up.
"They will grow strong as well," Io concurs. "We will talk of our plans once you reach me."
"Very well, lets go then," Alicia steps through the golden gateway.
Seira squeezes Amaryl's hands, before proceeding onwards!
Moore nods to Jetina as they follow along!
In light of this entire week now being a question mark, I'm going to get up a post now. It's a big one so I'll take the time to do it thoroughly.
As you walk, the stone walls tint blue. A deep, rich blue, the the color of sapphires and the ocean. Ahead is a chamber, larger to the west than the east. Sitting near the center is an orb. It is the size of a child's toy ball, colored in gentle oranges, pale purples, soft blues and other colors blending together. It floats around 5ft off the ground, bobbing ever so slightly in the air, up and down.
Dead ahead is a narrow hall that ends in a door. This door has the image of a sphere carved into it, one that ripples with colors despite the otherwise blue stone.
To the east is a passage that goes on a short time before turning slowly to the north, a gentle curve in that direction. As it does, the blue stone becomes lighter, still a rich color but becoming closer to the color of the sky.
To the west is a passage going in that direction, along with a meandering hook north. The western passage goes until it becomes strangely indistinct, impossible to see all the way to the end.
The meandering hook north leads to a short hall with two passages west, just barely visible from your position.
Antenora looks about, "Our path is manyfold," she says, "Who should lead the way?"
Amaryl lowers her bow slightly, walking with an arrow ready. "Commander Oberuth," she murmurs, "He's a big human, bigger than any of us."
Jetina pauses by the wall and touches it, "Beautiful," she says. Her fingers touch the stone, little swirls of white sinking into the wall where her fingers touch it.
Oberuth looks about and adds, "I'm better at the front than the rear," he agrees. "Careful, we don't know what sorcery is here." His gaze turns on Jetina, gently batting her hand away with the flat of his blade.
This gets Jetina to withdraw her hand, "I didn't feel any harm," she disagrees, "I don't think Io would harm us for touching a wall."
> roll 1d20+46
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+46
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=6]
Spellcraft and K:P
"I do not think he would," Antenora looks over, eyes glowing blue. "It's interacting with your soul and essence," she says, "I don't understand all of it. It does remind me of my experiences with the Deep Ethereal."
DM Note: It has been two minutes for the sake of durations. Please track the durations of spells you cast and let me know when they expire. I'll be updating time passing in future posts, let me know after each update if something's gone.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 768+66/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 36/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/7 Channel Energy 17/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555+66/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554+66/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100+66/1100 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
A map. Bear in mind the following caveats.
1. As anyone who has ever seen my handwriting or my MSpaint efforts before knows, I am not blessed with the skills or coordination of an artist. As such, a graphing program is used. This provides an easy, reasonably fast format to create maps and present them to all of you. Please bear in mind that this provides a blocky looking map. Please refer to descriptions first before assuming everything is right angles and perfect squares. In other words, bear with me.
2. The map is quite large. It may or may not use all the space provided here. I intentionally went with a large map so that regardless of if it is all used or not, that no meta gaming information can be gained by noting the size of it.
3. The map is quite big. Remember, click it to zoom in if needed, then scroll down and to the right to see where you're at. After that, see point 2 again in case you how big the map is hits you.
4. Once you've read this and seen the map, let me know in your next post? I will nag if I don't see that notice in it. This is so we're all on the same page with this map. Thanks.
https://i.imgur.com/NH6Jqgf.png
Moore will leave the decisions as to whether or not to split up to the others, as well as the orb that clearly has some sort of meaning.
He decides to go and gently touch the wall near Jetina to see if he has the same reaction as her.
Take 10 on K:A for 91, and Spellcraft for 81.
I have seen and acknowledge the presence of the Might and Magic Map.
Thank you, Moore.
When Moore touches the wall, he sees bright white light swirl into the stone from where his fingers touch it.
Moore can tell the wall is drawing on his memories, his thoughts and his essence. He does not believe it to be hostile or dangerous, no sign of anything like that.
"Lady Antenora is correct." Moore says. "It's somehow... drawing on my memories, thoughts and... yes, essence. I imagine it will be used in some sort of puzzle later, as I imagine..." He glances over at the others. "I have a sinking suspicion each one of us may have a certain 'color' to our souls."
"Might as well see where it leads," Seira muses, touching the wall herself.
I've seen the map. All spells are still up at 2min duration.
08:07 <CC> roll 1d20+108 KA
08:07 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 118 > [d20=10]
08:08 <CC> roll 1d20+108 Spellcraft
08:08 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 119 > [d20=11]
All the buffs included, which is surprisingly quick with multiaction. Also, Moore confused me by using KA, but KA and KP is the same roll for me so the result works.
Seira concurs with Antenora and Moore. There's nothing dangerous here, as you can tell the wall is providing the actual magic here, rather than drawing anything out of people who touch it.
Golden light swirls through the wall on your touch.
"Chromatic dragons, metallic dragons, gem dragons. Many a question of color," Amaryl says, "My first instinct is to think it a question of prismatics, but that wouldn't fit Io. For all Seira's power comes from the root of red dragons, she is a gold dragon at heart. At least an idealized gold dragon." She comes up close, eyeing the golden swirls from where Seira's fingers touch the wall.
"I'm not cold enough to be a white dragon," Jetina protests, "But that's not right. Moore, it's not about anything like that for us. That's the light of the Lost Realm, don't you think?"
Meanwhile Antenora taps the wall herself, a tiny swirl of opal blue fading into the wall from that touch. "Is there such a thing as pearl dragons? Light dragons? Well, I believe there are radiant dragons in Celestia. If I recall, they are described as having scales of molten white gold."
Quietly, more to himself and simply heard because of everyone's exceptional hearing and magic enhancing it, "There are too damn many types of dragons," Commander Oberuth murmurs under his breath.
> roll 1d20+46 Antenora K:A
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+46 Antenora K:P
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=14]
"There is a dragon for every occasion~"
Moore nods to Jetina. "Yes, I think anyone who came from that place would have a similar color. I suppose we shall just have to see how it all fits in."
Durations now tracked in spoiler. Map viewed.While people talk about dragons and study the walls, Alicia goes over to examine that chromatic sphere.
Arcane sight, spellcraft taking 10 for 75 using divine insight and recasting it via alter reality afterwards.
Alicia: 632+20/632
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 64m), keen edge (CL 32, 318m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 30m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 30m), greater heroism (CL 32, 30m), death ward (CL 32, 30m), divine insight (CL 32, 32 hrs), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 64m)
Defences: AC 86 (touch 48), CMD 123, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +86
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/6/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/22/21/11/7
Alicia examines the sphere. It is safe to touch, a mere recording of a voice that will play back once touched.
Oberuth grunts at that, Amaryl cracking a smile. "There are many types of dragons and lesser dragons," she agrees.
Antenora approaches Alicia as she works, not saying anything, merely watching.
"This is a magical sound recording. Quiet a moment please," Alicia asks everyone before she touches a gauntleted hand atop the sphere.
Silence falls as Alicia touches the sphere.
Io's voice speaks. "I was created by the Incarnations. While others were made for lesser concepts, I was charged with the pursuit of perfection. Long did I wrestle with this task, until I realized the most perfect creatures I know were the ones before me. Thus, I copied the Incarnations and created dragonkind, a race geared to search and seek perfection as long as they live, then reflect on what they learned in eternity hereafter."
"To aid them in this search, I gifted them all sorcerous powers, agelessness and supernatural gifts. To the greatest of them I left paths to ascend, the path of the platinum dragon, the path of the ruby dragon and the path of the prismatic dragon. Yet as the ages passed, none found what I sought and I grew discouraged."
Alicia's silent a moment longer after that last sentence, in case it's a dramatic pause and there's more to come.
"Wait, Ruby Dragon?"
Is there some knowledge here? I'm drawing a blank.
The sphere says no more.
"That begs the question of why the path was sealed," Antenora speaks up, "Otherwise, Aurora would not have had the troubles it did with Baleruk."
You can make K:A here, Seira. This has come up before, but with Muirfinn I believe or possibly Tryll.
"Perhaps Tiamat and Bahaumut misinterpreted Io's command, or perhaps defeating the obstacles they placed was part of the lesson?" Alicia muses once it's clear there's nothing more to say. "There's probably more spheres elsewhere that will continue the story."
"Or they got too jealous of their powers, or they decided to maintain a status quo like just about every opposed power across the planes...."
I'll use all the buffs and take 10 for 118.
"I hope so, that was interesting. Don't you think, Moore?" Jetina looks to him, "You know more about Baleruk than I do."
"It's also similar to others who seek perfection," Oberuth remarks, "Such as the Lord of the Seventh."
"Or Eblis?" Antenora murmurs to herself, yet loud enough it's no strain to hear. "Also, three paths make more sense than two paths. It always comes back to three."
Seira recalls lore about Sardior - the Ruby Dragon, the leader of the gem dragons - as much as they have one. His title is the Ruby Dragon, but he keeps a low profile, as the gem dragons tend to as well. They're usually overshadowed by the dragons of good and evil.
"Huh, the gem dragons? That's... well, fine." Deciding that she'd ask Io whether she happened to chance upon that path by accident or found a new one, Seira decides to head east to scout that passage.
Moore seems lost in thought for a moment until he turns and looks over at Jetina. "Hm? Oh, yes. ...But, this recording makes it sound like no one ever achieved these paths, but we know that that isn't true."
Seeing no reason to split up, Alicia follows Seira around the eastern passage.
Moore follows along!
"I don't think it's that," Amaryl pipes up as she follows. "More than none found the perfection he sought, rather than the paths, which he didn't seek."
"That's splitting hairs and exact phrasing," Oberuth says, then with a look over at Alicia and Seira, "Powerful entities seem to rely on that."
Meanwhile...
Give me a formation here for reference?
"The story is chronological, perhaps the next sphere will tell us about Bahamaut or Tiamat's ascension," Alicia posits.
Lets go with Seira, Obureth, Antenora, Alicia, Moore, Amaryl, Jetina?
No objections.
Works. BTW, is this place large enough to travel as a G dragon?
It is not, at least not in the halls.
The passage goes east, winds north and then slowly shifts east. It's slow and meandering, the walls staying a pale sky blue throughout. Ahead is a large chamber, where in in three spheres of light float. These spheres are of dark, bold colors - bright red, deep blue, vibrant green. They float about the room slowly, drifting.
Dead in front of you, at the entrance to this room, floats another pale sphere, just like the previous one that spoke to you.
There is a passage back to the west, just above where you are. The angle prevents seeing down it and even your deific vision seems oddly blocked there.
There is a passage on the southern end of the room to the east, narrowing and becoming a glossy, embossed light blue.
Finally, there is a northern passage with nothing immediately captivating about it.
"The chatty sphere, first?" Seira proposes, reaching out to tap it.
Map update: https://i.imgur.com/JV5nRKj.png
"It makes sense," Amaryl agrees, bow and arrow ready nonetheless.
"He wants to teach us as much as test us," Antenora says, "If there's a difference at all."
To this Io's voice is heard again. "I tried many different variations on dragons before settling on their final form. The first were great lizards, with more powerful breath and physical might, yet no magic or flight."
Before you the spheres solidify and then break like eggs. The creatures that emerge are lizardlike - dragon-esque but still lizards, wingless but with great, muscled bodies and thick scales. They are the size of two or three Hannas each, bearing low and ready to strike. One is a deep green shade, one is a glossy metallic silver and the third is a deep, shining dragon with scales like clear crystal.
Then Io's voice is heard as the sphere vanishes. "Let us see if you are more perfect than these first efforts were."
At that, the dragons pounce forward and - !!!!
Count another minute off durations, all. Note if that ends any spells.
Init. Don't worry about Jetina here, Moore.
Alicia has supreme initiative and DvR 2
Alicia: 632+20/632
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 63m), keen edge (CL 32, 317m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 29m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 29m), greater heroism (CL 32, 29m), death ward (CL 32, 29m), divine insight (CL 32, 32 hrs), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 63m)
Defences: AC 86 (touch 48), CMD 123, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +86
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/6/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/22/21/11/7
19:42 <CC> roll 1d20+22
19:42 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=5]
Sign expires on this init.
Superior Vigor and Recitation have 3 rounds left.
Anyone who needs to roll gets +15 on it because of Moore.
[12:44] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40
[12:44] <Meredith> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+30 Antenora
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+24 Jetina
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+32 Oberuth
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+23 green
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+21 silver
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+23 crystal
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=18]
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Moore (46) > Seira (42) > Oberuth = Crystal Proto Dragon (41) > Jetina (38) > Antenora (36) > Silver Proto Dragon (34) > Green Proto Dragon (30)
Alicia, you open.
Alicia vanishes and reappears between the dragons, abruptly swelling to titanic size!
Swift for dimension hop, swift for alter size to colossal/At which point her sword swings out, able to reach all three proto-dragons, starting on the green one then moving on to silver and finally crystal if and when they fall!
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+97 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch.
[18:02] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=2]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+97 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch.
[18:02] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 104 > [d20=7]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+97 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch.
[18:02] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d20=6]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+97 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch.
[18:02] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 105 > [d20=8]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch.
[18:02] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 106 > [d20=14]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch.
[18:02] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 106 > [d20=14]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+87 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch.
[18:02] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=12]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+87 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch.
[18:02] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d20=14]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+82 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch.
[18:02] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d20=16]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+82 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch.
[18:02] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=11]
[18:03] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[18:03] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 154 > [d6=6,3,2,5,2,6][d4=2,4,4,3]
[18:03] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[18:03] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 155 > [d6=6,3,6,6,3,2][d4=3,4,3,2]
[18:03] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[18:03] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 147 > [d6=3,2,3,1,6,6][d4=2,2,3,2]
[18:03] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[18:03] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 157 > [d6=3,4,6,6,5,6][d4=4,4,1,1]
[18:03] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[18:03] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 148 > [d6=4,3,2,4,3,5][d4=3,2,2,3]
[18:03] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[18:03] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 144 > [d6=1,5,2,2,1,6][d4=4,3,1,2]
[18:03] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[18:03] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 148 > [d6=3,2,6,6,1,2][d4=1,4,4,2]
[18:04] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[18:04] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 144 > [d6=5,5,2,3,2,4][d4=3,1,1,1]
[18:04] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[18:04] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 144 > [d6=2,6,3,3,5,2][d4=1,1,1,3]
[18:04] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[18:04] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 143 > [d6=5,3,3,6,1,2][d4=1,1,2,2]
If any of them are evil they take 3d6 holy and 1 negative level on hit as well.
Alicia: 888+60/888
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 63m), keen edge (CL 32, 317m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 29m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 29m), greater heroism (CL 32, 29m), death ward (CL 32, 29m), divine insight (CL 32, 32 hrs), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 63m)
Defences: AC 92 (touch 40), CMD 145, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +32 str, -4 dex, +16 con, +14 natural armour, -8 size
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +86
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/6/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/21/9/7
What does your weapon count as to beat DR?
Epic, silver, good, lawful (the latter comes because it's wielded by me, not from the weapon itself).
[18:15] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+37 SR for vampiric touch
[18:15] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=10]
They're incredibly hard to hurt - scales you can cut through, but something about them needs a stronger blade, a harder one. Nonetheless you hit again and again, sucking away life energy. It's enough with the last slash, the green one cut open all over. Tendrils of life energy escape from it along with blood, but it stays up despite cuts all over pouring out blood - at least for now.
Amaryl.
> roll 1d20+86
> roll 1d20+86
> roll 1d20+86
> roll 1d20+86
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 105 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+86
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d20=4]
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 105 > [d20=19]
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d20=12]
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 104 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+86
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+86 crit check 1
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+86 crit check 2
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 94 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d8+61+8d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+8d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+8d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+8d6+5d6
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 110 > [d8=3][d6=1,5,5,5,1,2,6,1,2,3,6,6,3]
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 106 > [d8=8][d6=6,5,3,1,3,1,4,4,2,3,1,2,2]
> roll 3d8+183+8d6+5d6
> roll 3d8+183+8d6+5d6
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d8=1][d6=3,1,5,6,3,2,5,4,1,4,3,1,3]
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 118 > [d8=1][d6=3,3,5,6,6,6,6,5,3,4,1,3,5]
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 232 > [d8=8,1,1][d6=3,1,2,2,6,1,2,6,4,4,2,5,1]
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 226 > [d8=4,1,3][d6=2,5,3,3,2,4,2,4,3,1,2,1,3]
Amaryl is a blur - she sprints in and towards the north, away from it all. At the same time a half dozen strong volley of arrows flies, peppering the green dragon all over. With scales torn open and bloodied already, the arrows find easy purchase and cause blasts of flame to erupt from its wounds, cooking the wyrm from the inside out. It howls in pain, thrashing before slumping over, little convulsions as it tries to fight on in vain. But a pair of arrows, each through an eye, put an end to that.
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Moore (46) > Seira (42) > Oberuth = Crystal Proto Dragon (41) > Jetina (38) > Antenora (36) > Silver Proto Dragon (34)
Moore. Go.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 768+66/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 36/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/7 Channel Energy 17/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555+66/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554+66/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100+66/1100 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
Switching aura to SR piercing. If anyone uses anything that has SR, add +15 to the check.
"Keep going!" Moore shouts, encouraging everyone while magical songs surround everyone.
For the next Song of the Elements, CL31, 31/r.
Any weapon attacks they make deal an extra 2d6 points of acid damage, 2d6 points of cold damage, 2d6 points of electricity damage and 2d6 points of fire damage.
That'll do for my turn.
Magic pours into the party as elements dance around their blades, magic shattering around them.
Seirapost.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 768+66/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 36/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/7 Channel Energy 17/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-), Song of Elements (CL31)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555+66/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-), Song of Elements (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554+66/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-), Song of Elements (CL31)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100+66/1100 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-), Song of Elements (CL31)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
Seira blitzes the silver dragon, burning a path in the air towards and then through it before ending on the other side. "Let's take care of this one, Oberuth!" she calls out to her friend and erstwhile commanding officer, Dragon's Grace flashing out even as fiery summons harass her opponent.
20:30 <CC> roll 1d4+1 twinned
20:30 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 5 > [d4=4]
10 elementals there, one to provide flanking and the rest to aid another my attacks, one per each attack.
20:32 <CC> roll 1d20+37+15
20:32 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=15]
20:32 <CC> roll 15d6 Ref DC35 half
20:32 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d6=6,5,2,5,3,6,2,5,5,6,4,4,2,1,1]
Fiery lightning leap.
Full attack:
20:34 <CC> roll 1d20+57+34
20:34 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 111 > [d20=20]
20:34 <CC> roll 1d20+57+34+15 crit?
20:34 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 124 > [d20=18]
20:34 <CC> roll 1d20+57+34+2
20:34 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=7]
Some math mistakes, the above were supposed to be at +61+34+2 due to flanking and aid another on the attack, so crit confirm of 130 and second hit of 104. The values below are all correct.
20:35 <CC> roll 1d20+61+34+2
20:35 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 108 > [d20=11]
20:35 <CC> roll 1d20+61+34+2
20:35 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 113 > [d20=16]
20:35 <CC> roll 1d20+56+34+2
20:35 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=8]
20:35 <CC> roll 1d20+51+34+2
20:35 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 89 > [d20=2]
20:35 <CC> roll 1d20+46+34+2
20:35 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=18]
20:35 <CC> roll 1d20+46+34+2+15 crit?
20:35 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 106 > [d20=9]
20:36 <CC> roll 1d20+56+34+2
20:36 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=7]
20:36 <CC> roll 1d20+56+34+2
20:36 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=1]
20:36 <CC> roll 1d20+56+34
20:36 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=9]
20:36 <CC> roll 1d20+56+34
20:36 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d20=11]
20:37 <CC> roll 2d6+186+18d6+52 crit1
20:37 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 320 > [d6=6,5,1,2,4,4,5,5,4,1,3,5,6,5,6,2,4,4,5,5]
20:38 <CC> roll 1d6+93+18d6+26 hit2
20:38 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 172 > [d6=3,2,4,3,2,6,4,6,2,1,2,1,1,4,2,3,4,2,1]
20:38 <CC> roll 1d6+93+18d6+26 hit3
20:38 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 182 > [d6=2,2,6,4,3,4,1,4,4,3,6,1,3,2,5,5,1,2,5]
20:38 <CC> roll 1d6+93+18d6+26 hit4
20:38 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 172 > [d6=3,1,6,1,6,2,1,2,3,1,1,5,3,5,5,1,1,4,2]
20:38 <CC> roll 1d6+93+18d6+26 hit5
20:38 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 189 > [d6=6,1,1,2,3,6,3,2,6,3,1,4,5,5,5,4,2,6,5]
20:38 <CC> roll 1d6+93+18d6+26 hit6
20:38 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 178 > [d6=2,1,5,2,2,3,4,2,1,1,5,3,2,4,5,6,2,4,5]
20:38 <CC> roll 2d6+186+18d6+52 crit7
20:38 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 308 > [d6=2,4,5,3,1,6,1,4,4,4,5,3,2,5,4,6,5,3,2,1]
20:39 <CC> roll 1d8+91+16d6+26 hit-bite
20:39 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 185 > [d8=6][d6=1,4,5,1,4,6,4,3,5,4,1,5,6,5,4,4]
20:39 <CC> roll 1d6+86+16d6+26 hit-claw
20:39 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 178 > [d6=6,6,1,6,3,6,3,2,4,4,6,5,4,1,3,2,4]
20:39 <CC> roll 1d4+86+16d6+26 hit-wing1
20:39 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 173 > [d4=2][d6=3,2,1,4,3,1,4,3,5,5,4,4,6,4,4,6]
20:39 <CC> roll 1d4+86+16d6+26 hit-wing2
20:39 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 178 > [d4=2][d6=3,3,4,6,6,4,3,2,5,6,6,3,3,6,1,3]
I'm going into Gambit at the end of my turn, let's do this!
What do your weapons count as for DR?
I don't believe anything beyond Good and Epic.
Forgot the Moore energy stuff:
20:47 <CC> roll 11#2d6+2d6+2d6+2d6
20:47 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 19, 35, 27, 29, 21, 26, 16, 32, 20, 22, 26 >
You strike the dragon again and again. You tear it open, ripping throat and scorching scales. And yet...it does not die. The wounds are healing, nothing lethal pierced? What? It has to be..."Regenerator!" Jetina calls amid the noise of battle.
Oberuth and Crystal Proto Dragon are up. Oberuth first.
One moment Oberuth is with the others and the next is at Seira's side, a single, cleaving slice into the dragon, "We should have done this for Kondrux!" he calls, blade plunging down into the dragon's skull.
> roll 1d20+80 (+2 charge, -10 CE which also applies to Seira and anyone adjacent to him)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=11]
> roll 6d8+132+2d6+2d6+2d6+2d6
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 193 > [d8=5,8,1,5,7,8][d6=3,4,5,2,5,4,1,3]
A solid stab into the skull, Oberuth on guard as he calls, "It should be down long enough to finish the other."
Meanwhile, the crystal dragon darts ahead, pouncing and...
It does provoke an AoO from Alicia since she's super sized.
A quick slash into the side with one of Alicia's blades is its reward for that pounce!
[19:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+96 AoO taken
[19:03] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 104 > [d20=8]
[19:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+37 vampiric touch SR
[19:03] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=7]
[19:03] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[19:03] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 153 > [d6=6,6,6,2,4,1][d4=4,1,4,2]
edit: +15 more on SR so hits 59.
Alicia: 888+60/888
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 63m), keen edge (CL 32, 317m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 29m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 29m), greater heroism (CL 32, 29m), death ward (CL 32, 29m), divine insight (CL 32, 32 hrs), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 63m)
Defences: AC 92 (touch 40), CMD 145, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +32 str, -4 dex, +16 con, +14 natural armour, -8 size
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +86
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/6/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/21/9/7
Alicia tears into its side as she cuts deep, drawing a trail of blood as it pounces right at Seira.
> roll 1d20+95 (+2 charge, +1 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+90 (+2 charge, +1 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 106 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+85 (+2 charge, +1 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+80 (+2 charge, +1 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+95 (+2 charge, +1 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+95 (+2 charge, +1 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 105 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+95 (+2 charge, +1 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 107 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+90 (+2 charge, +1 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 106 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+85 (+2 charge, +1 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 102 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+80 (+2 charge, +1 ???)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=11]
AC, Seira? Include the +10 bonus from Oberuth's combat expertise + improved combat expertise + allied defense feats.
Oberuth raised my super-buffed AC to 121.
Now, the retaliation!
21:12 <CC> roll 10#1d20+57+34 AoOs
21:12 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 103, 111, 97, 104, 92, 104, 108, 95, 101, 97 >
21:13 <CC> roll 1d20+57+34 crit?
21:13 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d20=7]
+15 from Moore, so crit confirm is 113.
21:14 <CC> roll 1d20+57+34 crit2?
21:14 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 94 > [d20=3]
+15 from Moore, so crit confirm is 109.
21:13 <CC> roll 9#1d6+73+26
21:13 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 103, 105, 103, 105, 100, 100, 101, 101, 104 >
Normal hits, if the second critted subtract 100 from this.
crit1
21:13 <CC> roll 2d6+146+52
21:13 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 204 > [d6=1,5]
crit2
21:14 <CC> roll 2d6+146+52
21:14 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 206 > [d6=2,6]
It's a frantic grapple, a draconic wrestling match. Seira and the crystal worm wrestle and claw, Seira landing wound after wound while her own scales hold up. Oberuth leaps amid them, deflecting claws and bites, while others are blocked by scales and magic, fields of force deflecting. Amid all of it the crystal worm rears back, before a blast of sou chilling cold engulfs Seira.
Ref save. It's piercing cold in case you're immune to cold.
Ahaha I'm weak to cold. But I also have improved evasion!
21:22 <CC> roll 1d20+63+19 improved evasion
21:22 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d20=8]
The blast of cold is overwhelming, but Seira roars defiance. She breathes back, the two breaths countering one another as...
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Moore (46) > Seira (42) > Oberuth = Crystal Proto Dragon (41) > Jetina (38) > Antenora (36) > Silver Proto Dragon (34)
In a low voice to Moore, "Who's Kondrux?" Jetina asks.
Jetina holds in case emergency healing or actions are needed. She's a resource fighter for melee, and right now this isn't worth it for her. Antenora's up.
Amid the draconic tussle Antenora darts in, a spear carrying blur that strikes home in a split second.
> roll 1d20+70 (+36 various, +2 charge, -20 PA)
<Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=6]
But with all that is going on, Antenora zips between them, wisps of cold and goldenfire trailing behind her as she whirls around, turning on a dime midair.
Meanwhile, the silver dragon is healing, restoring, but for now is still down.
Alicia, go.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 768+66/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 36/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/7 Channel Energy 17/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-), Song of Elements (CL31)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555+66/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-), Song of Elements (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554+66/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-), Song of Elements (CL31)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100+66/1100 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-), Song of Elements (CL31)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
Leaving the fallen silver proto-dragon alone, Alicia steps closer to the crystal one and proceeds to hack it up, giving it her full attention!
[19:26] <Meredith> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=6]
[19:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch, flanking
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 110 > [d20=11]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch, flanking
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 102 > [d20=3]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch, flanking
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 110 > [d20=11]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch, flanking
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 114 > [d20=15]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch, flanking
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d20=4]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch, flanking
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d20=15]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+89 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch, flanking
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 105 > [d20=16]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+89 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch, flanking
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d20=1]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+84 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch, flanking
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 89 > [d20=5]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+84 blinding speed, 4th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch, flanking
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d20=8]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+37+15 SR
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=10]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 149 > [d6=5,3,1,3,6,5][d4=2,3,3,1]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 139 > [d6=6,1,5,4,1,1][d4=1,1,1,1]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 151 > [d6=1,3,3,4,4,5][d4=4,4,4,2]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 153 > [d6=3,6,1,6,4,6][d4=3,3,1,3]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 151 > [d6=5,2,6,4,3,2][d4=4,3,3,2]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 145 > [d6=3,3,1,3,5,3][d4=4,1,1,4]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 140 > [d6=2,1,4,1,5,1][d4=2,2,4,1]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 149 > [d6=2,5,3,6,3,3][d4=2,3,4,1]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 148 > [d6=1,4,3,6,6,3][d4=3,1,3,1]
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+4d4+60
[19:32] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 151 > [d6=2,2,2,5,5,5][d4=3,3,4,3]
[19:33] <@Ebiris> roll 10#2d6 acid
[19:33] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 8, 11, 8, 5, 5, 8, 7, 5, 7, 5 >
[19:33] <@Ebiris> roll 10#2d6 cold
[19:33] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 9, 12, 11, 11, 5, 10, 7, 8, 4, 8 >
[19:33] <@Ebiris> roll 10#2d6 fire
[19:33] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 7, 8, 11, 5, 2, 10, 7, 7, 8, 9 >
[19:33] <@Ebiris> roll 10#2d6 elec
[19:33] <Meredith> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 6, 3, 5, 6, 5, 5, 10, 11, 12, 10 >
Alicia: 888+60/888
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 63m), keen edge (CL 32, 317m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 29m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 29m), greater heroism (CL 32, 29m), death ward (CL 32, 29m), divine insight (CL 32, 32 hrs), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 63m)
Defences: AC 92 (touch 40), CMD 145, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +32 str, -4 dex, +16 con, +14 natural armour, -8 size
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +86
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/6/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/21/7/7
It's precision work. Alicia has to dodge Seira as the two claw and dragon fight, plunging her blade in just so. Yet like this it's enough, able to tear it open and aside, a flick of her blade sending the crystal wyrm to the far wall, where it slowly slides down and lies there, going still.
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Moore (46) > Seira (42) > Oberuth (41) > Jetina (38) > Antenora (36) > Silver Proto Dragon (34)
As Amaryl peppers the downed wyrm with arrows, "We need a way of putting it down for good," she calls.
Moore, go. Not going to bother rolling attacks she won't miss when it's helpless and damage that is more than sufficient to keep it down.
Moore casts a spell for himself -- he'll surely need it later!
Casting Harmonize for now in case he needs to bust out more songs later. That'll do it for his turn.
Seira, go.
Seira blesses Dragon's Grace with the knowledge of where to find that one weakness the fallen dragon has and then firms her resolve and ends him.
Using divine power to help the weapon find the silver dragon's Achilles heel and then couping him with it.
Give me damage for it? It may matter.
Sure thing. I guess he needs to pass a fort save of 374?
21:46 <CC> roll 2d6+186+18d6+52+2d6+2d6+2d6+2d6+29 pa, coup de grace
21:46 <Meredith> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 364 > [d6=3,5,3,3,3,4,4,5,4,1,4,3,1,6,1,1,3,3,5,1,3,4,4,6,2,6,4,5]
With the final blow, the silver wyrm goes still and Io's voice is heard.
"Yet, it become apparent that mere strength was not enough. This effort was discarded and more were considered."
Free act.
"You need versatility to make it in the cutthroat world we live in," Seira is all too happy to agree. "Oberuth, want to pick the next direction?"
Alicia shrinks back to normal size, flicking the ichor off her blades. "Even so, for pure physicality they were the superior of any wyrm I've faced," she notes.
Alicia: 632+60/632
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 63m), keen edge (CL 32, 317m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 29m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 29m), greater heroism (CL 32, 29m), death ward (CL 32, 29m), divine insight (CL 32, 32 hrs), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 63m)
Defences: AC 86 (touch 48), CMD 123, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +86
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/6/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/21/7/7
Commander Oberuth flicks his blade clean of dragon blood, "West. Eliminate the possible path backwards."
Antenora glides over and lands, withholding comment.
"Okay, so who was Kondrux?" Jetina pipes up, "Some sort of dragon?"
"Far superior," Antenora agrees, "Were these that strong, or is Io testing us?" She pauses, as if lost in thought, "Surely testing us."
It was before Alicia's time so she lets Seira and Oberuth field that one.
Alicia: 632+60/632
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 63m), keen edge (CL 32, 317m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 29m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 29m), greater heroism (CL 32, 29m), death ward (CL 32, 29m), divine insight (CL 32, 32 hrs), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 63m)
Defences: AC 86 (touch 48), CMD 123, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +86
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/6/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/21/7/7
"Kondrux was this ancient blue dragon that was sleeping in the mountains near Balmuria. And one day, he shows up at our doorstep after adventurers wake him up, tossing the sole survivor at our feet and demanding tribute." Seira grins, showing her teeth. "He got his, though we had to break the planar barriers our Prime had placed around it at the time to do it. It's actually got me started on my path to dragonhood."
"Oooooh..." Jetina murmurs slowly. "I think I understand the way Kaja's eyes get a little glassy when Cresiel and I talk about Aurora too long."
"Compared to them, Kondrux wasn't even a wyrmling." Oberuth notes, glancing at the bodies. No sign of movement from any of them.
"Ajan is the best dragon there, anyway," Seira states. "Let's head West? You lead, I'm right behind you."
Alicia joins this Westward course!
The path extends ahead, curving and swirling into nothingness. Nothing at all is ahead, no walls, nothing. It is utter oblivion beyond, save for one thing. A golden sphere floats here, the color of a polished gold coin. It floats about 5ft off the ground like the previous spheres.
"Io likes circles," Amaryl murmurs, "Unity, togetherness. That one's pretty. What does it do?"
"I think it's my color, so let's find out!" Seira says cheerfully, reaching to tap it.
Before you nothingness expands to all - and then you see it. True mountains of golden coins, rivers of platinum and silver pieces. Deserts of coppers, skies of gemstones and entire cities of magical weapons, armor and items.
"One of you step forward, one who wishes for a boon from my hoard." Io's voice is heard. "Come you who are deserving, worthy and needy."
"I wonder if this is a test of character?" Alicia wonders. "In any case I hardly consider myself the neediest among us, therefore I abstain," she concludes without stepping forward.
"So it sort of is, but also isn't?" Seira shrugs, hanging back.
"Those characteristics are rather at odds with each other, aren't they?" Moore says. "It's that last bit that doesn't sit right with me -- I don't think any of us who've come this far would be considered 'needy'... Hm." A shake of his head. "Maybe I'm overthinking it."
"To profess honest need is not a failure of character or a sign of greed," Antenora says, staying where she is. "I am not in need, I will abstain as well."
Amaryl stays right where she is. "I think we're all deserving and worthy, but I don't have the need. Seira's taken very good care of my needs and I've worked to improve them."
Jetina looks down, "What do you think, Moore? I'm not as well equipped as some others."
Moore considers what everyone else says before he hums once.
"I think I agree with you." Moore speaks up with a nod to Jetina. "If it's a matter of being 'in need' while also meeting the other criteria, I think you should go ahead. Especially since it sounds like everyone else is content with what they have."
Oberuth stays quiet as Jetina takes a breath and steps forward.
"Why are you deserving?" Io asks, a plain question posed to Jetina.
There's no hesitation at this, "I've gotten involved with something so great that the weight of Creation rests on our shoulders." Jetina says, "I emerged from the light for this. I surrendered much of my past self to keep going. I face horrors because Moore is facing them. If being a part of this is not enough to be deserving, then nothing in Creation is."
"Why are you worthy?"
A pause, Jetina framing a small frown on her face. "Isn't that the same thing as deserving?" A longer pause, "I'm worthy because I stand here. I'm worthy because I didn't run away against the efreet. I'm worthy because I helped Aurora save Lifasa. I'm worthy because I was worthy to come into the world from the light."
"Why are you needy?"
This question gets the longest pause, "Because..." Jetina almost seems to let it go before she speaks. "I'm no solar like Cresiel, no whirlwind of death like Kaja and no archmage like Xandra. I'm not a demigod like those I travel with. I'm not even close to Moore and his many talents. I'm no legendary hero or champion chosen by forces and names I don't understand. I'm me, Jetina. A healer. Someone who wants to put the dead to rest and heal the living." Her voice becomes heavier, thicker. "Because even with the courage of the divine, I'm terrified of what I've gotten into."
"Nicely said!" Seira cheers the plucky healer on.
Alicia nods approvingly, those seeming like good answers to her.
"It takes more courage than many have to be able to admit what you're afraid of." Moore concurs.
"Then you will have my aid." From this vast hoard of treasure it flies out - a set of armor, blackened steel with golden filigree that is perfectly intact and unblemished. Gold that shines amid darkened steel. Jetina's previous armor falls to the ground as she is girded.
"It is yours," Io declares, as the nothingness is gone, replaced only by a dead end wall.
Loot.
"Wow!" Moore says with a clap. "I guess this is part of what he meant when he said this place was to strengthen us."
Jetina looks down at her armor and smiles, "It's so powerful," she says breathlessly, "Thank you." She calls out to the dead end, then turns. She's smiling and a little flushed, "Thank all of you, too. Your support helped."
"Everyone needs a boost at times," Amaryl agrees, "Another thing Seira taught me, even if I needed a lot of boosts at first. Then again, Moore is excellent for boosting people."
Antenora lingers a moment, "I understand that sort of fear, Jetina. We can talk of it after this, if you wish for support."
Another minute for durations, note any that ended.
"I hope you'll soon have a chance to support us, and chase those doubts away with the strength of your deeds," Alicia says encouragingly to Jetina. "That was well spoken, though."
Alicia: 632+60/632
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 62m), keen edge (CL 32, 316m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 28m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 28m), greater heroism (CL 32, 28m), death ward (CL 32, 28m), divine insight (CL 32, 32 hrs), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 62m)
Defences: AC 86 (touch 48), CMD 123, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +86
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/6/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/21/7/7
Moore smiles and nods. "I'm the same way -- I'm not that great of a fighter myself, so I rely on those around me to support me in return for the support I give them. It... wasn't easy to admit that sort of thing, but I consider it a strength, rather than a weakness. I think this labyrinth will be an interesting chance for all of us to help change our weaknesses into strength."
Jetina smiles brightly at all of it, still red faced. "Then I'll be happy to support all of you. I'll put you back together while Moore makes sure none of you need my help in the first place."
4min since beginning. Superior Vigor and Sign are gone. Recitation is also gone, but recast with a swift.
Seira picks a new direction to give Jetina a chance to get her embarrassment under control! First, they need to return to where they defeated the proto-dragons. Aside from a chance to see whether Io's demiplane magically cleans itself in their wake, she intends to proceed to the south-eastern corner and the passageway there.
Ahead this path only goes a little ways, into another room that curves ahead. It curves ahead gently and smoothly, a half circle before it stops to the south and ambles onto the north. The walls here are a glossy sky blue, a light sky blue at that. In this room floats another sphere, soft colors and hovering gently.
To the east is a long passage that widens as it goes, ending in a door with the symbol of a sphere on it. Before it stands an old man, withered and stopped, wearing thick gray clothes and cloak. He has a wooden staff, leaning on it like a cane.
More northerly is a second eastern passage, though at this angle you can't see much of it. You can tell that the blue is starting to bleed out there, becoming a glossier pale, faded blue.
To the north is a final passage, the walls there turning a slightly deeper blue again, passages to the east and west glimpsed.
https://i.imgur.com/PFLjpFa.png
"Hello?" Alicia greets the old man before anything else, since it'd be rude to explore around and ignore him.
Seira peeks at the faded blue eastern passage while Alicia parlays with the guard, unable to resist!
Seira takes a quick peek. The passage curves northwards, slowly angling out of sight.
The old man looks up, gray bearded and with old, foggy eyes. Slowly, with a voice that creaks and cracks, "Hello yourself, divine one."
"My name is Alicia. These are Seira, Antenora, Amaryl, Oberuth, Jetina, and Moore," she introduces everyone. "What are you here for?"
She still sometimes wonders about the angel that oversaw Triel's Furnace for all those millenia without even knowing of Triel's fall, and what became of him after she and Syala remade it into Sylica...
Antenora nods to him, while Jetina smiles, "Hello there," she offers.
"Luminaries and those chosen by Io to come here," He laughs, a human sound, a tired sound. "Would you care to spend a little time listening to me? It's been so long, so long, so long since I've talked to another being. You feel a fool, a foolish man who got his exact wish, an exact wish that has left me doing my heart's content forever."
"You make it sound ominous," Amaryl speaks up, voice gentle.
"But we'll listen, of course!"
Moore nods to Seira. "We'd be the absolute worst if we didn't." He concurs.
Just making a note that I'm switching auras back to the dexterity one.
The old man slowly sinks to the ground, sitting against the door. His staff rests besides him, head lulled down, eyes out of sight.
"Who wants to die? We all fear death, we fear what lies beyond and the stories about the hereafter. Will we find a paradise, or have we failed and shall be greeted by fire and eternal regrets?" The old man murmurs that, "Unless you're a rare champion, who can choose or even rise past death without dying. I was not. I was a fearful old philosopher who only wished to continue the study of philosophy. I feared death, I feared it with all my heart."
A pause, the old man looking up. "I was ancient, over 90 years old and yet blessed with hale health. I was alone, my wife and children all into the grave before I. All I wished to do is continue my splendid isolation, able to think as long as I wished. One morning, a traveling monk passed by my home and asked for hospitality. On breaking bread with him, I found him an unrivaled thinker and teacher of philosophy. We talked the entire day away and it was good. He confided in me that he sought the ultimate Answer to philosophy, thought and being - and offered to allow me to live forever, with the task to forever think towards this Answer."
A dry chuckle, "The avatar of Io did exactly that when I accepted. I was alone, a dragon in blood and thus beyond the touch of mortality. I have...done nothing but think for so long. Io gave me my heart's desires. I am free from death and free to think as long as I wish."
"You poor fool," Oberuth says, a grim expression. "Your paradise was really your damnation?"
"He warned me that I would regret this choice, but offered it to me regardless." The old man says. "Io will save you or damn you, if you only ask and he finds you worthy. He is a being of his word."
"I wonder what Alyssa Songsteel asked for in that case..." Alicia wonders. "What have your ruminations brought you then?" she then asks more clearly of the old (very old!) man.
Moore just frowns. "I'm sorry. I know that doesn't change what you've had to endure for so long." He says. He nods to Alicia. "Yes, I'm sure you have your own opinion on an Answer."
"That is such a truth exists, that is is beyond me." The old man looks up to Alicia, waggling one gnarled finger. "I can provide myself a truth I believe. We all can, an Answer that satisfies ourselves. But how do we make such a perfect truth that all can accept it? How can all the hearts in Creation be convinced by one truth? I am but a human, a mayfly kept alive by the whim of Io. As long as one is bound up human limits, I do not believe an Answer is possible. A person would need to become more than themselves, to overcome their nature, to have any hope of grasping an Answer."
After that the old man sighs, "I was told long ago by Io of the Incarnations and their goal for Creation. Yet if beings such as the Three cannot find the Answer, how can we? Are we not the fruit of the Incarnations and their will? Or can we grow to surpass them, as a child may one day surpass his father?"
"You're a philosopher through and through, aren't you?" Seira asks of the ancient dragon-blooded. "You like it, and have made what you like into an eternal occupation. Isn't it still making your life just as fulfilling as it had when you first fell in love with the subject?"
"They could not find an answer, so they created that which they believed could," Alicia says. "Whether that makes us greater or capable of surpassing them I couldn't speculate. But the Answer is indeed something that can only be derived by a unified Creation. Io would know this as well - though perhaps like the Incarnations he was hoping that something lesser than he would be able to come at the problem from an angle he hadn't considered?"
Antenora is silent in the meantime.
"Well," Jetina says, "Then we'll have to convince Io to let you out, so you can go philosophy where you wish, with others."
The old man smiles tiredly at Seira, "So I am. So it is." Then to Alicia, "I believe Io to be desperate in his way. His charge is perfection, and surely a perfect creature could provide an Answer. Yet there is no Answer, so perfection has not been found. I wonder if he hopes I might perfect myself in the quest for the Answer and fulfill his purpose twice over. Io is...I do not believe him to be different in spirit from what I know of the Incarnations. He is a seeker of knowledge, he uses their own methods. He is distant as they."
"I think the problem is trying to find one Answer at all." Moore says. "Any solution is made up of various smaller pieces which can't exist without each other. So trying to find perfection before you really have the other pieces will just lead you in circles forever. But yes, Jetina is right -- do you have a desire to leave here? There's so much that's likely changed outside of here, I think it would give you, yourself a new perspective."
"Did you actually get to talk to Alyssa before, Mister...?"
"...yes, please," The old man says. He grasps his staff and presents it, "Take this. It has become magical in its long ages as my only companion. It will aid you in the dangers ahead."
"No, I have not met her," The old man says, "This maze was not the same trial as she faced, I believe. I felt Io's will as you approached, drawing this forward and creating it for all of you."
"Okay, that was also a very subtle request to introduce yourself, so I use a proper name when I address you," Seira tells him.
The old man laughs, "I don't know. I've forgotten, it's been so long."
When there's a will, there's a way! Especially if it's divine will! Seira channels it to figure it out.
"Hmm, why don't you think about it while we handle the rest of the maze, then?" Moore asks, moving to take the staff from him. "That way, once we're done, you'll have... ah, well, an Answer, at least for yourself, and then we can figure out where you want to go after that."
Loot post is updated with a new item.
Seira divines his name was once Madigar.
Meanwhile, "I will," The old man says, "I'll be waiting. ...thank you..." he adds after, quieter. "Thank you for listening to a forgotten old man."
"Not a problem, Magidar," Seira assures him. "Oh, just one more thing. What's past the doors you're... guarding, is it? Resting against?"
Moore's eyes widen a bit as he hefts the staff. "Goodness, you weren't kidding." He says quietly.
"Madigar! That's it!" The old man perks up, "My name's Madigar!" Laughing loudly, "Madigar! How did I forget? Madigar!" Laughing and laughing, a joyous sound, "Oh, oh!"
In due time his mirth calms, "Have you noticed the walls?" he asks, "How they change color as you explore this place? The way you came is a darker blue, like that of a blue dragon. Yet slowly it changes as you goes, for Io is the creator of all dragons. Glossy and ultimately metallic. Doors lead to paths to where great dragons of the type that matches the wall await."
"Aha! Thanks!"
It's tempting to go and face off against a great dragon, but Seira decides to explore the orb in this room first!
"Dragons that struck similar deals as you?" Alicia asks. "Have you spoken to them, or does your thoughtful solitude not allow for that, Madigar?" she uses his name after asking her question to help it stick in his mind a bit better.
"Madigar, Madigar..." The old man murmurs. "I have not. I got my exact wish, not what I truly wanted in time and wisdom."
Meanwhile explores the orb. It's similar to the other two talking orbs, she notes, at least in appearance.
Alicia nods. "In any case, we will entreat with Io on your situation when we next meet him," she says, going to join Seira now at the orb.
Moore offers him a bow! "We'll be back in some fashion." He promises him.
Seira taps the orb!
Antenora is still silent, following Alicia with her gaze faraway.
Meanwhile Amaryl follows, "That poor old man. You're right, Jetina, we should help him. He can have a home in any of our realms if he wants one."
"He can. I'll make space for him at Hope's Landing if that sounds like the place he'd like to go to." Jetina agrees, "I'll have Grias make him a nice room up."
"Grias?" Amaryl asks, glancing over at Jetina. "Who is that?"
"Oh, he essentially runs all the mundane parts of Hope's Landing," Jetina says, "He's really busy and mature for a lantern archon."
A sharp glance from Amaryl, "You have a lantern archon - ?" A frown, "Then again, Marie..." she murmurs that trailing off into silence.
That entire side conversation is cut off by the sphere being touched. Again Io's voice is heard.
"At times, I looked to the other races for inspiration. Humans are the dominant mortal species. They are relatively short lived, but not so short lived as to have insufficient time to grow and determine their eternal fate. They are fully free willed, adaptable and can go in any direction, with a full pantheon to allow them to grow in any way they wish. In that I came to the conclusion that mortality was a mistake. Certainly the humans provide a steady stream of souls to become spirits. Yet humans are ultimately disposable, tiny crumbs of knowledge and potential compared to greater races. They are a flood of mediocrity that seeks to rise to perfection through sheer dint of numbers."
A pause and then, "In them I found the resolution to ensure my children were not touched by the hand of death through aging, and defy aging by growing more powerful with time instead of feebler."
"I'm so glad we could help," Alicia says flatly after that dismal summary of her species.
Moore's about to comment on Grias before he frowns at the message.
"I'm not even human and I feel insulted..." He murmurs.
"The last enemy to be abolished is death, something like that?" Seira muses. "I sort of agree that mortality should be optional, but mediocrity? Really? In any large group most of the members will be average, that's just how things work. Since humans are so numerous, the chance of coming across an exceptional one might feel smaller, but it really isn't."
Should she be offended on behalf of her mother? But her mother wasn't exactly a legendary adventurer with countless achievements.....
"Well, humans are short lived, that is not in doubt," Amaryl points out, "Human culture is also not as refined as the longer lived elven culture."
"And then you show us what happens when you excuse a human from aging," Oberuth remarks, a hint of pique in his voice, "Or do you think there's more to us than mediocrity, if we're only given time?"
Jetina frowns, "Human culture is better than elven culture," she remarks right back to Amaryl, a hand on her hip, "Elven culture is so, so...so........I haven't really experienced much elven culture since I emerged from the light, have I?"
"We're certainly going to find an Answer on whose culture is better." Moore says with a smile. "Let's table that for some other time."
"Lets not get into a stereotypical 'my culture is best' debate, please," Alicia says. "I'm sure we'll find an orb where Io expounds his thoughts on the elves before long as well."
"Oh please, not the culture wars again. Just don't," Seira mutters, asking Moore for the staff before trying the middlemost eastern passage.
"Yeah, exactly. Fey are the best anyway. I'm kidding, I'm kidding!" He smiles and passes the staff over as requested!
Amaryl goes silent at that, faintly sullen as Jetina merely shuts up.
Ahead, the passage goes north as seen, this hall filled indents on both sides. Here thousands of colorful, sometimes metallic eggs rest. Dragon's eggs if none of you miss your guesses. A sphere sits in the middle, floating, while past that there are passages to the east and the west.
Amaryl's quiet for several beats, "If we're going from an area talking about humans to more dragons, then if we're halfway, do you think those eggs are...?"
"Thousands of eggs worth of dragon trouble," Oberuth says, "Or half dragons, maybe."
Are those eggs viable?
Alter reality for an appropriate 'detect life' sort of divination on the eggs.
Moore really hopes they're not just going to have to beat up a bunch of drago-babies!
They eggs are viable, but all are in suspension, perfectly preserved and waiting.
"They're not just decoration," Alicia says. "Suspended, but if that were broken they'd all be perfectly able to hatch."
Wanting to know more she walks over and touches the sphere.
Seira taps the sphere. It's probably something about all the races dragons can sleep with.
Again you hear the voice of Io.
"For all of humanity's limitations, they exceptions are mighty. Those that break the rules are some of the greatest heroes any race produces, and woe be to any who challenge a human paragon. As I designed dragons, I came to consider humans anew. If the greatest of them had such potential, then what would that potential be like when added to draconic power?"
"I created rituals, means of empowerment to allow draconic power to be gained by mortals. Those who become disciples to dragons, those become devotees of dragons and many other paths. In time, when my children were determined to have arcane power and the ability to alter their shape, I gave them the gift to produce offspring with any other race they saw fit. An unexpectedly successful development, as much or more than the rituals I created."
Alicia at least seems mollified at this greater respect shown to humanity. "Relevant," she muses on the topic of rituals, looking to Seira and Amaryl. "Perhaps we might find the root of such rituals while we're here."
"Makes you wonder whether Io merely created the framework allowing it, or if Ajan had a process he had to follow exactly, doesn't it?"
"Well yes," Amaryl admits, reddening a little bit, "Ah, we all have our loves. I see why it was so successful. Learning more about those rituals could greatly behoove us."
Oberuth is smiling at that, "I finally have a reason to why I've had to fight half dragon shocker lizards."
"Ajan may be an exception with his power," Antenora remarks, "There are many paths as Io said, not all paths are equal."
"I think it's like magic, with iterations over time providing for both efficiencies and compromises - though I expect we'll learn more soon. I don't think there's any reason to disturb the eggs for now though, so..." she leads the way West.
Seira shudders. "I bet there's a greater demon that spawned all those shocker lizards infinities ago, and now you can't get rid of them no matter what you try."
"Er, I'm sorry, you've all mentioned Ajan a few times, who is that?" Moore asks as he follows after Alicia.
"The most ancient and respected red dragon I've ever run across," Seira is all too happy to fill Moore in. "Two millennia ago the gods banded together to seal the heretic Gnomish God-King and used Ajan as one of the seal's keepers. One of my goals is to actually free him at long last, so even though I'm barred from doing it in person I'm trying to sponsor a team to do it as fast as humanly possible."
She eyes Oberuth meaningfully at that.
"Oh! I see." Moore smiles. "Well, once matters here are done, if you'd like any help with the endeavor, feel free to ask. There are quite a few people in Creation that need rescuing from awful circumstances."
Beyond this you can see to the west the passage slowly becomes a darker blue again, while to the east the blue fades, becoming a metallic-silvery color.
To the east is also a passage to the north before it slowly turns southerly. Cold air blows from the east to the west, like a breath of winter. And after a moment, Seira sees it - a great, sudden gust of blizzard breath, cold enough to freeze a mountain solid. Yet with it being this far away, she can easily step back, avoiding it as it sweeps past and to the far west of the hall.
Map update.
https://i.imgur.com/xyIDhoE.png
"I don't think it works unless you serve a conventional deity, but thanks for the offer all the same," Seira tells Moore, before giving Oberuth another meaningful look.
After taking a few more steps back than strictly necessary from the piercing cold.
"Lets backtrack a little?" Alicia suggests after that rush of frozen air. "If we go North from where we met Madigar we'll be closer to where it curves North over there," she points Westward. "Also there was a passage midway up from there that I think probably won't go far so we can see what it has first as well."
"I agree, let's check that out before throwing ourselves into frost."
Oberuth returns those looks with a nod, letting it go at that.
"Going back would make more sense," Antenora agrees, as suddenly - !!!
The crackle of lightning roars down the hallway west to east, as if a retort to the frost breath. It whizzes past just to the north of all of you, crackling through the hall.
"Let's go back," Jetina agrees quickly, "Being stuck between dueling dragon breaths is a bad decision."
"We might need to come at that area from another angle entirely," Alicia nods, but she'll still check out that Westwards passage North of where they met Madigar since it should be a short trip regardless.
"Once we do need to scout, I'll take care of things," Seira promises. "Hey, wanna hear this story about how I dodged lightning once while swimming through an underground cavern?"
This western hall leads to a short, simple dead end. Engraved into the floor is a magic circle, nine fold patterns woven within it. The party's greater arcane sight lets them discern it is a teleportation circle.
"Can you share senses with your familiars?" Seira asks Alicia. "I was thinking of the old-fashioned summoned monkey scouting here."
"Not a monkey, but yes," Alicia agrees with the overall sentiment, summoning forth a monadic deva.
Summon Monster IX SLA used.
That deva is then luckily made into Alicia's familiar via divine providence and sent into the circle.
Divine familiar ability used and also alter reality for interplanar telepathic bond.
As Alicia works, Oberuth comes over to Moore. "What's Hope's Landing?" he asks back, "Your home city?"
Meanwhile Alicia sees that it comes out a hallway heading along before turning in two directions at the end, north and south you think. The walls are a deep, brassy color.
Is there another teleport circle on the other end? If there is the deva will try stepping off of it and then back on.
There is. It smoothly teleports the deva right back.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I should've explained that. It's the name of my fortress in Celestia. It's on Lunia." He smiles. "Ah, I really should call it base of operations, fortress makes it sound... bigger." A small laugh after that. "Lord Erathaol gave me permission to establish one, and it seemed best to do it there so people could visit easily."
"It's safe to go both ways, no immediate danger and the walls are brass," Alicia reports, dismissing the deva. "Though I'd rather explore all the hallways open to us first before trying any teleporter. Why don't we go back to the next room towards where we started and see where the North passage leads from there?"
"They always seem to get bigger," Oberuth remarks, "Especially when you succeed."
"Well, when you win you attract people and need more space. It's only natural," Amaryl adds in the meantime.
"We're getting bigger, anyway." Jetina adds at that, perking up, "They're expanding both the basements and the grounds the last I saw."
"I've been meaning to ask, actually," Seira muses, keeping near Moore and Jetina as they follow Alicia's suggestion. "The attack on Lunia earlier, that was due to Eblis's treachery, I take it?"
"Well, that's mostly because it's such a good staging point for troops because of the war." Moore says. "I imagine it'll quiet down after that."
He turns to look at Seira. "You know, that's a good question. I thought the same thing, myself. I did ask and was told it isn't someone currently in Celestia, so it's entirely possible. There was no way that just the Sultan himself could've managed to create so many portals there."
"Any ideas if the security breach was fixed?"
"I'd hope so!" Moore says with some enthusiasm. "It seemed like whatever it was it was being handled. I don't think the efreet were expecting the Light of Chronias to be weaponized against them."
The party returns to where the dead dragons lie without incident.
"If Eblis did it, it either can't be changed or they allowed it," Antenora's voice speaks up, clear, "Perhaps Celestia hasn't given up on Eblis after all this time."
"After what he's done?" This draws a deep frown from Amaryl, slowing, "Do you really think forgiveness can go that far? It's one thing when you've never known better, but for everything there and that he's done, just for one person?"
Going to the north, there is a hall that goes on a ways, becoming a mixed purple-blue ahead. It ends in a T intersection, passages going east and west. Standing guard here is a dragon man - a dragonborn. He wears full armor, just enough of his golden features visible to see.
K:P is permitted here.
"It was weaponised?" Alicia asks. On one hand the unholy being stricken by such light makes sense, but something about using something so pure and holy to kill doesn't sit right with her.
Take 10 for 60 on planes.
"I can confirm that Celestia hasn't given up on Eblis. Then again, maybe it's more a family thing than a Celestia thing?"
"I admit, it may not have been that. But there was intense light that came from that direction and didn't harm any of the defenders." Moore says. "As for whether it was something to try and ultimately help... mm. The name of the game there is hope, isn't it?" He asks, rhetorically.
Take 10 for 91 on K:P
KP 10 for 102.
Quietly, Jetina adds, "It's not the first time we've seen absolute light obliterate evil to the last."
The creature before the party is a dragonborn spirit. An aurix in particular based on his coloring, a loyal servant of Bahamut in normal conditions. Aurix serve as the sages and diplomats of the dragonborn spirits. Watch out for a powerful breath weapon as well as a decent chance of them being highly skilled arcane spellcasters.
"Hope's the best game," Seira all too readily agrees.
Moore nods agreement to Seira. "In a different world, I think I would've ended up following your creed." He says as he greets the dragonborn with a wave.
"Are you another challenge for us, or here to provide wisdom?" Moore asks.
"I am a guard, commissioned by Lord Io to let none pass. If you wish to pass, you must defeat me in a duel of swordsmanship, one on one." The aurix declares, a scimitar of glistening steel drawn from nowhere. "I am the best swordsman that has ever existed or will ever exist. Know that not even your power will suffice, for I am the epitome of swordsmanship in Creation by Lord Io's will. My blade is perfect."
"Wow, someone's confident." Moore says, entirely helpfully. "This is definitely not my forté, so I'll defer to those with more skill in that regard."
"Have you ever actually fought anyone?" Alicia asks for curiosity's sake, head slightly tilted as she studies the aurix's blade.
I'll ID that for fun, taking 10 for 75 on spellcraft with divine insight popped.
Alicia: 632+60/632
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 62m), keen edge (CL 32, 316m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 28m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 28m), greater heroism (CL 32, 28m), death ward (CL 32, 28m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 62m)
Defences: AC 86 (touch 48), CMD 123, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +86
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/6/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/21/7/7
"I'd like to point out that perfection is an ideal or a concept, and while a deity might overlap with it I've yet to see a spirit manage the same," Seira voices, glancing at Alicia and then at Oberuth. "I could do this. Do we flip for it or what...?"
Jetina frowns at that, "Perfect swordsmanship," she says, "Not I. For all my skill, Kaja eclipses me with a blade."
"I have never cared for blades. Give me a spear any day," Antenora declares, shaking her head.
"I'm hardly a swordswoman, though I can make do," Amaryl notes, putting bow away and drawing her sun blade.
The sword is not magical and yet...there is magic in it, magic from the aurix itself. The skill of the eons, the skill to eclipse even a master's master with the patience and reflexes of a grand champion, above all other champions.
"No. Not directly," Oberuth says, "This is another riddle, a puzzle. We could face an impossible opponent or defeat them with our minds."
"Seira and I fight with conjoined magic and blade - Oberuth is truer to being a devoted swordsman," Alicia says as her question goes unanswered. It's probably moot, those proto-dragons were mighty without needing practice, this Aurix is surely the same.
"Still, it's a duel fairly offered. One should either take it or leave it, not try to circumvent it," she says, speaking of her ideals.
"Then I'll do it," Oberuth says, "Unless you have a better idea, Seira?"
Just giving Seira a chance to chime in here.
"Some overlap was to be expected in a group like ours," Seira tells Oberuth with a shrug. "Your fighting style is certainly purer in a martial sense. Beat him like a drum."
Oberuth steps forward, blade out. The two share a look and the aurix gestures Oberuth forward.
Aurix yields initiative, so not going to roll it, he's taking a defensive position for the moment.
In one moment Oberuth is there, the next he's at the aurix's flank, blade flashing out. A clatter as one swift move disarms the aurix, scimitar sent flying to the ground. A beat as Oberuth slowly raises his blade up to the aurix's throat. "Yield?"
To this the aurix says lowly, "I understand Lord Io's intent now. That was not of Creation, not fully?"
"Not by my choice, but yes." Oberuth agrees.
"Then you've proven yourself worthy of your purpose," the dragonborn steps aside. "You may proceed."
Sheathing his sword, "A swordsman who claims to be the best in Creation is defeated by going beyond Creation. This had the makings of a test."
"Nicely done, though I kind of hoped you'd bust out your secret moves if you had troubles fighting normally," Seira mses, stepping past the dragonborn spirit.
"Even so the fundamentals were superb," Alicia praises her old commander's skill with the blade, following after now the way is clear..
Okay, doing upkeep things. It's been another 5 minutes for durations, note any that expired and if they're being renewed.
5min. No change. The recast Recitation would still be up.
https://i.imgur.com/FRxarf3.png
Annotated map 1. Let me know if any of the annotations are not clear.
Songs still have 2 minutes left, just for upkeep purposes.
"Fundamentals are everything," Oberuth agrees with that, as you proceed onward.
Past the Aurix is the T intersection seen. To the west is a dead end, but just before it is a winding passage northwards. To the east is another T intersection, with passages north and south.
To the west purple begins to dominate again, while to the east blue becomes resurgent.
Alicia replaces her expended divine insight along with a few other beneficial effects.
Foresight
Dance of the unicorn
Recitation
Greater visage of the deity
The last two are short duration but they're SLAs I can renew at will."Lets try this way?" she begins heading East, taking the Southern turn when it becomes available.
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 57m), keen edge (CL 32, 311m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 23m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 23m), greater heroism (CL 32, 23m), death ward (CL 32, 23m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 57m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 320m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 32m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/6/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/21/7/7
You reach the intersection. To the north is an intensely blue room, the color of pure sapphires. To the south is a short path with a door at the end, an orb sighted engraved into the door.
The north has a gently colored sphere within, as well as several more darkly colored spheres, drifting about the room.
https://i.imgur.com/KIbAl2r.png
Alicia analyzes these drifting dark spheres before going any closer.
Take 10 for 61 on spellcraft.
They are spheres of power and possibility. When affected with the divine power of their creator, they become what he wills them to.
"Another battle?" Amaryl asks, "I wonder if it's another step in draconic evolution?"
"Dragons are more complex than I imagined," Jetina agrees, "I never really thought about how hard it would be to make and perfect them."
"It might be. Those spheres could become anything Io wishes - lets hear what he has to say. That'll probably trigger them to change," Alicia says, going to touch the gently coloured one.
Seira figures this is a good time to cast Sign, prepared for any battles!
You head into the northern room, a faint glitter to the walls not. Your footsteps clink instead of thud, like against glass or something similar.
To the north you see the path continues on, becoming fully gem-like, walls faceted and sapphire blue.
To the west you see a dead end, a golden sphere floating there.
Not that you have long, because when you touch it, Io is heard again.
"Raw might was not the solution, so next I considered children of raw thought, of the strange gift of psionics. This art stuck to me in its unusual nature through the Weave, and thus I created them. Are you superior to these efforts?"
Before you they gather. Four ghostly dragons, vast and ethereal. One is a beautiful sapphire blue, the second is a dull iron gray, the third is a rich diamond white and the last is a deep mossy green color. They begin to move and...
Init.
Supreme initiativeAlicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 57m), keen edge (CL 32, 311m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 23m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 23m), greater heroism (CL 32, 23m), death ward (CL 32, 23m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 57m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 320m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 32m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/6/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/21/7/7
"Psionic... dragons?" Moore says as they appear, then he frowns.
[12:02] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40
[12:02] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=11]
19:01 <CC> roll 1d20+22+15
19:01 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=15]
"I'm on counterspell duty, let me know if you need me to switch!" she calls out to the others. The precast ghost touch should make taking the fight to the ethereal dragons easier, but Seira can always do more!
I can counterspell even while flat-footed.
> roll 1d20+28 Antenora
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+22 Jetina
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+30 Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+24 ghost dragon sapphire
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+26 ghost dragon iron
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+19 ghost dragon diamond
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+23 ghost dragon mossy green
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=5]
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Seira (52) > Moore (51) > Ghost Sapphire (38) > Oberuth = Ghost Diamond(31) > Antenora = Ghost Iron (30) > Jetina = Ghost Mossy (28)
Alicia opens.
Oh, real quick, Song of Elements has timed out by now, but all the other songs are still up.
Addjusting.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 768+66/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 36/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/7 Channel Energy 17/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555+66/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554+66/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100+66/1100 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
[/quote]
Alicia proceeds to accelerate herself to better prepare for handling these foes!
Quickened time stop for me and anyone with spell stowaway.
[17:11] <@Ebiris> roll 1d4+1
[17:11] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 5 > [d4=4]
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 57m), keen edge (CL 32, 311m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 23m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 23m), greater heroism (CL 32, 23m), death ward (CL 32, 23m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 57m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 320m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 32m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/5/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/21/7/7
The diamond dragon has it.
Do any PCs or NPCs have it? I know Jetina does.
Negative
Moore does also.
Time comes to a sudden stop. Alicia, Moore, Jetina and the diamond ghost dragon are still moving as...
Round 1 of 5. Mini init for this is Alicia > Moore > Diamond > Jetina. Go Alicia.
"More crowded than I expected," Alicia mutters on seeing so many people still moving in stopped time.
First she makes her weapon better able to strike the ethereal.
Standard for alter reality ghost touch weapon.Then she hurls her sword at the moving dragon, rushing after it and swelling in size!
Move to approach dragon, swift to go colossal, swift for quickened whirling blade.
[17:25] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+75 whirling blade, -32 pa
[17:25] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=3]
[17:25] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+141
[17:25] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 162 > [d6=6,6,4,3,1,1]
Alicia: 952+60/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 57m), keen edge (CL 32, 311m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 23m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 23m), greater heroism (CL 32, 23m), death ward (CL 32, 23m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 57m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 320m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 32m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 32m)
Defences: AC 96 (touch 42), CMD 155, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/8/9/15/8/7/7/8/5/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/21/7/7
Now large and in charge, Alicia's blade slices through the ghostly dragon. Ectoplasm ripples through and is torn away, wounding it but little more as...
Moore.
"Oh, so this is what it's like..." Moore says quietly. He shakes himself out of it as he gestures at the dragon Alicia is attacking!
He's going to try for a Reaving Dispel, maybe he can grab something.
4 dispel checks.
[12:31] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=5]
[12:31] <Nephrite> roll 3#1d20+20
[12:31] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 40, 39, 28 >
I will take whatever spells I manage to dispel here, if any, and identify them if they're new.
But the magic is too strong, resisting your call. A moment later a wave of force comes out as the diamond dragon drifts upwards, ectoplasm gathering around its head before...WHAM!
Fort saves, you two and Jetina, too.
"I really need to learn a stronger spell for dispelling..." Moore mutters.
[12:47] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+58 mettle
[12:47] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=8]
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+85 mettle
[17:50] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d20=18]
Alicia: 952+60/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 57m), keen edge (CL 32, 311m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 23m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 23m), greater heroism (CL 32, 23m), death ward (CL 32, 23m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 57m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 320m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 32m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 32m)
Defences: AC 96 (touch 42), CMD 155, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/8/9/15/8/7/7/8/5/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/21/7/7
> roll 1d20+58 mettle
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=9]
Yet the wave of force slams home to nothing. Alicia flares her will, shattering it against her. Moore trills a note of music, disrupting the force, while Jetina grits her teeth and braces, weathering the storm. The ghost drifts backwards and...
Jetina.
"The dead should rest," Jetina calls, ducking low and sprinting in, blade flashing out.
> roll 1d20+89 (+36 various, +4 smite)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d8+88
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 89 > [d8=1]
Jetina's strike blurs through the ghost, more ectoplasm claimed by her blade. She stays right up next to it, the dragon drifting back yet more, like a gentle breeze pushes it.
Alicia.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 768+66/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 36/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/7 Channel Energy 17/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555+66/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 5/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554+66/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100+66/1100 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
She has it now, nowhere for the dragon to back off to that escapes it from her prodigious reach as her titanic blades sweep out above Jetina's head to rend the incorporeal wyrm apart!
[18:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+109 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 124 > [d20=15]
[18:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+109 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 122 > [d20=13]
[18:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+109 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 123 > [d20=14]
[18:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+109 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 111 > [d20=2]
[18:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+104 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 119 > [d20=15]
[18:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+104 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 117 > [d20=13]
[18:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 107 > [d20=8]
[18:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d20=4]
[18:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 113 > [d20=19]
[18:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d20=9]
[18:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94+15 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust crit check
[18:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 117 > [d20=8]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:02] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 163 > [d6=1,5,2,3,4,1][d4=2,3,1]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:02] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 176 > [d6=4,6,4,5,4,6][d4=4,1,1]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:02] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 172 > [d6=5,4,2,1,4,5][d4=3,4,3]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:02] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 176 > [d6=6,3,3,6,4,3][d4=4,3,3]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:02] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 171 > [d6=2,1,4,6,5,4][d4=4,3,1]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:02] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 172 > [d6=5,6,4,4,1,2][d4=4,4,1]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:02] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 170 > [d6=2,3,5,3,5,4][d4=2,3,2]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:02] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 171 > [d6=4,6,6,1,5,4][d4=1,2,1]
[18:03] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+121+3d4+160 if 103/117 critted
[18:03] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 333 > [d6=3,4,5,4,5,5,2,5,2,1,1,6][d4=4,2,3]
[18:03] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80 if 103/117 didn't crit
[18:03] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 181 > [d6=3,5,6,6,6,4][d4=2,4,4]
[18:03] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:03] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 169 > [d6=6,1,4,1,4,2][d4=3,3,4]
Alicia: 952+60/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 57m), keen edge (CL 32, 311m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 23m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 23m), greater heroism (CL 32, 23m), death ward (CL 32, 23m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 57m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 320m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 32m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 32m)
Defences: AC 96 (touch 42), CMD 155, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/7/9/15/8/7/7/8/5/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/21/7/7
It's like slicing through smoke and yet...surprisingly simple. The dragon's form is slowly dispersed like smoke, fading away into nothingness and mists.
"Just like that?" Jetina murmurs, eyes wide, as meanwhile...
Moore and Jetina have 4 rounds here, Alicia three. Describe your actions.
Kaja would be so jealous!
"Huh... so these are more like... manifestations, rather than what we fought before." Moore says. "Interesting."
There isn't much for him to actually do, so he'll just hold unless he gets a request to do something.
"Better than the last time I ended up sharing a time stop with a foe, Glasya has claws," Alicia says, striding over to the sapphire dragon and preparing to take it down once the flow of time returns. "Though it's good you're both trained in working at it - I learned after my proxy Marie showed me the efficiacy of allies working together in borrowed time."
Alicia has nothing else she needs to do so will just wait it out.
Oh, I forgot SR on the combust, my bad.
[18:09] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+37 belated combust SR
[18:09] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=7]
If that changes anything.
Oh, that's a good point, Moore needs to switch to the SR-piercing aura. Whoops!
It does not. Okay.
Reality then returns - Jetina suddenly in the midsts of the dragon, one of them gone as...
Amaryl.
Amaryl eyes the iron gray one, drawing her arrows and juking to the side. The barrage that follows burns like fire, ripping into the ghostly wyrm.
> roll 1d20+86
> roll 1d20+86
> roll 1d20+86
> roll 1d20+86
> roll 1d20+86
> roll 1d20+86
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=7]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=13]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 94 > [d20=8]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=5]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 88 > [d20=2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 95 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d8+61+8d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+8d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+8d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+8d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+8d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+8d6+5d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 107 > [d8=3][d6=3,1,3,3,6,3,3,5,2,6,6,1,1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d8=8][d6=1,2,3,3,1,4,2,1,2,4,6,1,4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d8=7][d6=3,4,1,5,2,5,3,1,2,4,4,3,4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 110 > [d8=1][d6=6,5,1,1,2,1,5,5,2,5,5,6,4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d8=2][d6=2,4,3,6,3,1,5,2,2,3,1,2,6]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 112 > [d8=4][d6=5,6,1,4,2,3,2,2,3,3,4,6,6]
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Seira (52) > Moore (51) > Ghost Sapphire (38) > Oberuth (31) > Antenora (30) > Jetina = Ghost Mossy (28)
The dragon fades away, barely a protest as ectoplasm becomes dispersed. "Go," Amaryl calls, as...
Seira.
Check that, Alicia still has the rest of her turn. Go.
And when time resumes, one dragon less than there was, Alicia gets to work on her grim task with the sapphire one!
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+109 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 117 > [d20=8]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+109 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 126 > [d20=17]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+109 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 113 > [d20=4]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+109 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 124 > [d20=15]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+104 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 112 > [d20=8]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+104 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 120 > [d20=16]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 114 > [d20=15]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 119 > [d20=20]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 107 > [d20=13]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 108 > [d20=14]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+109 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust crit threat
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 113 > [d20=4]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust crit threat
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d20=10]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+37+15 combust SR
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=5]
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 170 > [d6=1,5,2,3,5,1][d4=4,4,4]
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 162 > [d6=4,1,5,1,1,2][d4=2,4,1]
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 173 > [d6=3,5,3,6,1,6][d4=4,3,1]
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 171 > [d6=6,1,4,5,3,2][d4=3,4,2]
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 165 > [d6=5,3,3,3,2,1][d4=1,2,4]
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 172 > [d6=3,5,4,5,5,1][d4=4,3,1]
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 169 > [d6=4,3,5,2,1,3][d4=4,2,4]
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80
[18:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 174 > [d6=4,2,5,5,3,5][d4=4,1,4]
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+121+3d4+160 if 126/113 critted
[18:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 332 > [d6=4,4,1,2,4,5,4,6,6,2,2,5][d4=1,3,2]
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80 if it didn't
[18:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 174 > [d6=5,6,4,2,3,5][d4=4,2,2]
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+121+3d4+160 if 119/109 critted
[18:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 334 > [d6=4,5,5,5,4,4,3,3,3,2,6,3][d4=1,3,2]
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+3d4+80 if it didn't
[18:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 165 > [d6=2,3,3,5,5,1][d4=2,1,2]
Alicia: 952+60/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 57m), keen edge (CL 32, 311m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 23m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 23m), greater heroism (CL 32, 23m), death ward (CL 32, 23m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 57m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 320m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 32m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 32m)
Defences: AC 96 (touch 42), CMD 155, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/15/8/7/7/8/5/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Seira (52) > Moore (51) > Oberuth (31) > Antenora (30) > Jetina = Ghost Mossy (28)
And like this the sapphire ones fades away, spread about and fading. Got it!
"They're weak to direct force," Jetina calls, "Just overwhelm them."
Now Seira's up.
Since she promised to stay in a support role, Seira keeps her distance and merely sends dozens of ghostly teeth to harass the remaining dragons.
Three spells via quickened Miracle, twinned manyjaws each.
20:38 <CC> roll 1d20+34+15 SR
20:38 <CC> roll 1d20+34+15 SR
20:38 <CC> roll 1d20+34+15 SR
20:38 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=13]
20:38 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=10]
20:38 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=13]
20:37 <CC> roll 20d6
20:37 <CC> roll 20d6
20:37 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d6=2,4,6,1,3,4,3,1,5,6,4,4,4,5,1,2,6,4,6,4]
20:37 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d6=4,2,3,2,5,5,5,2,2,2,4,4,2,3,1,3,2,5,3,3]
20:37 <CC> roll 20d6
20:37 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d6=3,5,5,2,2,1,4,4,5,2,1,5,4,1,5,3,1,2,2,6]
Ref DC 29 half.
Today's annotated map update is here.
https://i.imgur.com/UjfeDGG.png
Seira's maw and the teeth of force sunder the last ghostly dragon, biting and savaging it, leaving it wounded indeed as...
Moore.
Moore will hold since there's not a lot he can do!
Oberuth is up.
> roll 1d20+62 (+2 charge, +36 various, -30 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=2]
> roll 6d8+192+1d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 227 > [d8=1,6,7,1,6,8][d6=6]
In between the blinks of an eye Oberuth goes from where he was to where the dragon was, no sign of it at all. His blade is out, the last gone. You did it! You won!
Io's voice is heard afterwards.
"Mighty as they were, they were too easily dispersed and blown away. This was not the right path, either."
Free act.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 768+66/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 36/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/7 Channel Energy 17/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555+66/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 5/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554+66/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100+66/1100 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
Alicia shrinks down to her normal size once more. "Well handled everyone," she praises the group. After a look around the room she goes to investigate the golden sphere next.
Spellcraft, taking 10 for 61.
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 57m), keen edge (CL 32, 311m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 23m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 23m), greater heroism (CL 32, 23m), death ward (CL 32, 23m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 57m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 320m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 32m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 32m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/15/8/7/7/8/5/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
It looks to the identical to the previous sphere that granted Jetina her armor.
Oberuth sheathes his blade again, "The wizard paradox," he rumbles out, "The ability to alter the world around them as they wish, but by themselves too weak to withstand the perils within it."
"More importantly," Antenora points out, "Io speaks as if he could not grant all of these at once, as if his creation of the draconic race had limits."
"A limitation of Io's capabilities, or a limitation enforced by the Incarnations?" Alicia muses at Antenora's point. "Anyway, it seems we've earned another reward. Let us see what is offered this time?" she reaches out to tap the golden sphere.
"It could also be that the very concept of whatever he was trying to create didn't exist to the Incarnations at all." Moore says. "Like with good and evil."
"It could also be something else," Amaryl speaks up, quietly so, "WE all have the ability to grow. Everything in Creation does, even if only theoretically. It's a pursuit of perfection, not starting perfect."
Meanwhile Alicia taps the sphere. Again nothingness appears and then a great hoard, as Io is heard.
"One of you step forward, one who wishes for a boon from my hoard." Io's voice is heard. "Come you who are deserving, worthy and needy."
"Once more I'll abstain," Alicia says, not moving from where she is.
It's likely all of them will get a chance to benefit from Io's gifts here, but there's always a chance otherwise. "How about you?" she suggests to Oberuth. "Perhaps Io has something that compliments your unique talents."
"I have no objections to that." Moore says. "My 'group' received the last one, so I'd prefer if every group had an opportunity to receive something before considering it for myself."
Antenora shakes her head, "I am One. I am in no need or race for this blessing." She steps back.
"I have Seira with me," A gentle smile, "What more could I ever need?" Amaryl steps back.
Jetina adds sheepishly, "I already got one gift," she says, stepping back as well.
Oberuth eyes the sphere as Seira speaks. His response is to step forward.
"Why are you deserving?" Io questions.
To this Oberuth looks ahead at the sphere, no weapon out, shield put aside. "You invited me here, insisted on it. I'm worthy because you decided I was. All I ever wanted was to see Balmuria and the Baronies prosper, to see us have a bright future beyond Emperor Ferdi's grasp. I never wanted this great surge of magic in this world, I never asked for all the power I have now. I go forward because I must."
"Why are you worthy?" Io next asks.
Oberuth draws his blade, stabbing it into the ground. "Because I will make this a grave marker for the Gnomish God King, then I will drag Shar down and bury her with him." He stands there, arms crossed. "When I'm finally done, good and honest people will no longer fear Sharrans in every shadow."
"Why are you needy?" This last question hangs in the air a time, Oberuth not responding.
"For whatever damned reasons, it fell to us to fix Creation's greatest mess. I want to do it with a sword that means something to me, like this," he pounds his breastplate with his fist. "Not the forgotten blade of a cursed tyrant who raged against everything. What I know is what we wield and what we are tend to flow into one another for beings like us. I want something that is my blood, sweat and tears. I want it to be something that is me, not something that shows a tyrant's contempt for everything but his own race."
She'd never thought of the Second Resort that way, but then again it was never her blade... certainly Alicia feels her respect for her old commander increase as she listens to his heartfelt words, nodding along with him at the end in approval.
Moore can't help but smile and nod to Oberuth's words. The paths may be different, but they've led to an intersection with all of them.
Seira conceals a pout. That's a really nice sword! The maker is irrelevant, it's how you use it that matters, and that blade had been used to kill quite a lot of terrible people.
"Then you will have my aid." From this vast hoard of treasure it flies out - a sheathed sword, the sheathe of fine leather and undecorated otherwise.
"It is yours," Io declares, as the nothingness is gone, replaced only by a dead end wall.
Loot post.
"How is it?" Alicia asks after the new sword.
Oberuth puts his shield onto his back, the Second Resort in one hand and Tears in the other. "It feels like it's always been there," he says, looking from one blade to another. "Perhaps I should make a study of dual wielding. Both are remarkably good swords, and this protects me as well as a shield."
"I could give you some pointers after this, it's a challenging but rewarding way to fight," Alicia volunteers. "Anyway, which way next? Shall we risk that door to the South and see if there's a blue dragon behind it, or explore the open paths more?"
"South. Let us test ourselves against those great dragons," Antenora says, "I have no doubt we will need to face them." She looks to the south, "Let us not shirk that duty."
Jetina frowns, "I just fought a dragon with Moore. One of lava and black stone, serving the efreet. Can it really be worse than that?"
"Dragons can always be worse," Antenora replies back. "Or better, if it's one that has a good moral fiber. I wonder if the dragons we face will be like the stereotypes, or more independent like some other dragons we have met?"
"Oh?" Jetina asks. "That sounds like a story." She smiles at that, "Kaja really doesn't like chromatic dragons when he gets going. Are there some that aren't monsters?"
Seira gets a look, "Even if she became one rather than was born one, she has the form of a red dragon. Not all of Tiamat's children are beyond redemption. Then..." a pause there, "A perfect creature may well need the ability of moral flexibility, rather than a spirit's inflexibility, wouldn't it?" Antenora says, voice thoughtful.
"Plenty of chromatics are fairly reasonable, especially the older ones. And Aurora's most notable dragon started his way as one, of course," Seira muses. "In any case, I agree. We should see what the deal with facing these dragons is."
Moore nods. "Once we get to the door, let me refresh the lingering magic of my music for everyone so we don't have any issues with it running out in the middle of the fight."
The trip to the door is without incident.
Go ahead and refresh anything that's needed and mark it off, y'all, along with any other prep.
All the songs will go back to 11m durations,
-6 bardic music uses, Moore is down to 27/36.
Seira will recast Superior Vigor on herself and channel Chain Dispel into her sword. Recitation's timer gets renewed.
Also, another minute for durations, assessed before the renewals here. Let me know if anything expires.
Anything to add, Alicia?
We're good.
All set.
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 56m), keen edge (CL 32, 310m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 22m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 22m), greater heroism (CL 32, 22m), death ward (CL 32, 22m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 56m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 319m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 31m), recitation (CL 32, 2m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 2m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 31m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/15/8/7/7/8/5/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Thus you step inside. Ahead is winter, a bitter-cold cavern iced over top to bottom. It is vastly tall and here lies a dragon atop a mountain of coins and gems, of greater things and treasures yet. It is blue and icy, scales almost transparent, showing ghostly images of veins below its skin. It has eyes that are like pools of freezing water, icy mist coming out of its nostrils with each breath.
"I welcome you," The dragon speaks in flawless Common, coming forward, face coming up to all of you once you're in. Close enough that its eye is your entire world, taking you all in. That eye does not ripple in the slightest, a thin but solid sheen of frozen blue over it in place of an eyelid perhaps, as you do not see it blink. "I will not even hold your heritage against you, Seira, because I know well that Lord Io gave the white dragons the least of any dragons."
"To be honest the first nice dragon I met was a red dragon, so I went with it," Seira responds with a shrug. "You have us at a disadvantage, unfortunately," she says, inviting the exchange of names!
"I am Kecasandarenala," The icy dragon declares.
Amaryl flashes the dragon a smile, "It's good to meet you."
Oberuth stays at the ready, meeting the dragon's gaze and not backing down in the slightest.
"That's a pretty name," Jetina says, "Dragons have nice names, like Talinalinas."
"Do you exist here to challenge us?" Moore asks. "Or for some other purpose?"
"Well met Kecasandarenala," Alicia nods to the great wyrm. "I am Alicia. How do you feel about where Io placed White dragons in the hierarchy of your kind?" she asks curiously since he raised the subject and must be closer to Io's mind than most.
"A pleasure," Seira says politely, listening to the answer to Moore's question.
The dragon slowly rears back, speaking clearly. "I will challenge you momentarily," he declares, "Io over weakened them, favoring fire with reds and golds, but at least silvers embody the power of ice. When Io at last determined the draconic form, he chose many possible materials to make them from. A blue ice dragon, akin to a silver or a white dragon." Slowly speaking, "Do you understand? A hunter of cold deserts, a lord of the sands like many blue dragons. Yet from my scales comes mists and ice, providing life into the frozen sands. Perhaps a mountain amid the sands would be best, so that my mists would become clouds and rain over the wastelands."
Moore just blinks and does his best to hide his confusion on this particular topic.
"Ah, my apologies. I had reckoned you to be an immensely old white wyrm," Alicia ducks her head. "So you are another kind of primordial dragon, like the spectral ones or the land-bound ones Io has shown us outside?"
"If I might be so rude, what caused Io to choose platinum as the basis for perfection over blue ice, rimefire or any other substance?"
"I am," Kecasandarenala confirms, "Though perhaps a white or silver dragon could become as I am. From me twin stream comes, both of them feeding the two dragons. Yet dragons are captains of their own destiny, making their own choices."
At that the wyrm considers Seira, "Platinum is purer and more valuable than even gold. A prismatic dragon is all the colors of the rainbow. I do not know why ruby dragons are the apex of the gem dragons. Regardless, platinum is valuable and above gold. A prismatic dragon has all the power of the other colors. Both indicate something above the normal draconic ranks."
Meanwhile, Jetina nods along, glancing at Moore.
"So it is a symbol of superiority. Yet diamonds are harder than rubies, and often more valuable and magically reactive," Antenora says, "Curious. It is also the Ruby Rod, not the Diamond Rod," she remarks, half to herself.
"But that is sophistry," Seira protests. "White is the perfection of color! Combining the rainbow and other colors besides gives you white. How is that not a more perfect representation from prismatics? And black is likewise all colors, except via subtractive mixing rather than additive. Draw all the colors on the same spot, one by one, and they combine into it. Either could have easily been chosen instead! And what of positive energy, or goldenfire or even Good?"
"Io chose gems, metals and colors," The wyrm finally says, "His word is that combining the colors is superior."
"Prismatic magic, Renbuu," Amaryl points out, "A rainbow is far form an original concept."
"No matter," The wyrm rears up at that, "We have talked enough. Are you prepared to face me?"
"What are the terms of battle?" Alicia asks, readying her blades.
"To the death," is the reply, "Fear not, for I will return in time even if slain."
"So be it," Alicia raises her double-bladed sword in a salute, prepared to battle under those terms.
Combining the colors doesn't actually make a rainbow, that's so simplistic-- Seira shakes her head, drawing Dragon's Grace while the Philosopher's Friend is in her other hand.
"Is there anything you want out of life?" she asks the dragon before they are to face one another. "Anything we could appeal to Io on your behalf?"
"Freedom," The dragon replies, as...
Init.
Supreme initiative.
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 56m), keen edge (CL 32, 310m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 22m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 22m), greater heroism (CL 32, 22m), death ward (CL 32, 22m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 56m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 319m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 31m), recitation (CL 32, 2m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 2m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 31m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/15/8/7/7/8/5/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
[14:29] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=2]
Blah blah blah everyone gets +15 to their init roll
21:29 <CC> roll 1d20+18+15
21:29 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+28 Antenora
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+22 Jetina
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+39 Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+14 dragon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=11]
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Oberuth (46) > Moore (42) > Seira (39) > Jetina (35) > Antenora (34) > Dragon (25)
Open Alicia.
Does the dragon have any active spells to resist or immune fire damage that I can see with arcane sight?
[19:34] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+34 CL check for arcane sight if needed
[19:34] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=17]
Yes.
Does your scanning abilities include exact spell details?
It does, yes.
He has the following spells active:
Greater Heroism, Wyrm's Resistance, Icedawn's Armor, Winter's Refusal, Energy Immunityx3, Kecasandarenala's Fortress, Madelayap's Benediction, Sublime Revelry, Tashar's Revivification, True Deflective Gaze, Wyrmbreath, Crystalline Snowfall, Kecasandarenala's Teleport Crusher, Kecasandarenala's Avalanche Ward, Greater Arcane Sight, Medi's True Life.
Before anyone can react, Alicia snaps off a sudden dispel on Kecasandarenala!
[19:49] <@Ebiris> roll 18#1d20+35 quickened targeted superb dispel magic.
[19:49] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 51, 40, 40, 50, 40, 55, 43, 36, 40, 54, 43, 40, 51, 51, 41, 45, 46, 42 >
What does he have left after that? One swift and my move/standard left.
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 56m), keen edge (CL 32, 310m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 22m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 22m), greater heroism (CL 32, 22m), death ward (CL 32, 22m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 56m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 319m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 31m), recitation (CL 32, 2m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 2m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 31m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/15/8/7/7/8/5/6/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=15]
CL of your dispel?
CL 33, I'm adding a +2 bonus to my checks from divine rank.
Your dispel is cast - and crumbles in a flare of white, frigid light, the image of an icy fortress flaring around the wyrm.
Dispel was intercepted and stopped. Rest of your actions are a go.
Was that one of his spells rather than epic counterspelling? If so what does that spell do specifically so I can have an idea of how to get past it?
You believe it was his fortress spell, which looks to be expended.
"Again!" Alicia snaps, repeating her spell!
[20:01] <@Ebiris> roll 17#1d20+35 targeted superb dispel magic.
[20:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 40, 45, 37, 44, 53, 40, 49, 43, 55, 43, 43, 54, 40, 51, 37, 55, 37 >
Swift and move left after this.
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 56m), keen edge (CL 32, 310m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 22m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 22m), greater heroism (CL 32, 22m), death ward (CL 32, 22m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 56m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 319m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 31m), recitation (CL 32, 2m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 2m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 31m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/15/8/7/7/8/4/6/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Flares of magic as some of his prepared spells crumble, the wyrm's power slowly fading - but not all of it, magic dispelled but far from all.
What does he have left?
Greater Heroism, Wyrm's Resistance, Icedawn's Armor, Winter's Refusal, Energy Immunityx2, Madelayap's Benediction, True Deflective Gaze, Wyrmbreath, Kecasandarenala's Teleport Crusher, Greater Arcane Sight.
That done, Alicia raises her hand as three orbs of divinely charged electricity appear and lance out to crackle over the wyrm's icy scales!
Quickened/vivacious moonbow
[20:14] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+34 quickened/vivacious moonbow SR
[20:14] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=20]
[20:15] <@Ebiris> roll 3#1d20+75 ranged touch
[20:15] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 82, 77, 76 >
[20:15] <@Ebiris> roll 3#10d6+22 divine type damage
[20:15] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 47, 59, 61 >
Done.
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 56m), keen edge (CL 32, 310m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 22m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 22m), greater heroism (CL 32, 22m), death ward (CL 32, 22m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 56m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 319m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 31m), recitation (CL 32, 2m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 2m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 31m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/15/8/6/7/8/4/6/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
The Moonbow fires true and powerful, striking the wyrm head on. He is hit, rocking back from the enchantment, body rolling with it as...
Amaryl.
> roll 1d20+86
> roll 1d20+86
> roll 1d20+86
> roll 1d20+86
> roll 1d20+86
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+86
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d20=15]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=7]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d20=15]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 106 > [d20=20]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d8+61+8d6
> roll 1d8+61+8d6
> roll 1d8+61+8d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d8=2][d6=4,4,6,3,5,3,5,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d8=6][d6=6,3,1,5,5,1,3,2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d8=7][d6=6,3,3,1,5,6,5,6]
> roll 1d8+61+8d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d8=1][d6=6,4,2,6,1,5,5,2]
Amaryl is at his side in an instant, arrows flying. Some bounce away and others dig in, hitting him all over as she calls, "More! His defenses are incredible!"
Oberuth.
At the same time Oberuth is suddenly at Alicia's side, blade held in defense, striking once firmly.
> roll 1d20 (-32 CE, applies to adjacent allies, he's purely protecting Alicia from a likely wrathful counterattack, 1 fishing as a result, he'll go max PA too in case he gets lucky)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d20=4]
Yet Tears bounces off the dragon's icy scales, barely even chipping them as frozen mists spread all over, then...
Moore.
Moore makes a gesture in preparation for this dragon to do something fearsome!
Shield of the Archons.Included description if needed: Any targeted magical attack that strikes the shield is dissipated, but it has a 5% chance per spell level to shatter the shield as well. Attacks with no spell level have a 5% chance per 2 caster levels to shatter the shield. An attack that shatters the shield is dissipated without harming you.
Everyone else has all his songs so he'll just do that this round and see what else happens.
The will of archons surrounds Moore as...
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Oberuth (46) > Moore (42) > Seira (39) > Jetina (35) > Antenora (34) > Dragon (25)
It's Seira time. Go Seira.
Today in things that somehow didn't make it from DM notes to the screen: The dragon is 50ft away from the party at the start of the encounter.
Fiery birds of prey harass the dragon's flank as Seira closes in to knife range alongside Oberuth! And without further ado, she strikes relentlessly at their opponent!
Two swift actions, one to summon small fire elementals for flanking purposes and another to lightning leap into melee, fire-style.
First strike:
22:35 <CC> roll 1d20+61+34
22:35 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d20=14]
Channeled dispel once I hit:
22:36 <CC> roll 11#1d20+35 channeled dispel
22:36 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 52, 38, 53, 38, 54, 48, 42, 50, 37, 40, 43 >
The rest of my attack routine:
22:35 <CC> roll 1d20+61+34
22:35 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d20=14]
22:35 <CC> roll 1d20+61+34
22:35 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d20=14]
22:35 <CC> roll 1d20+61+34
22:35 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d20=1]
22:35 <CC> roll 1d20+56+34
22:35 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=10]
22:35 <CC> roll 1d20+51+34
22:35 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=15]
22:36 <CC> roll 1d20+46+34
22:36 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=7]
22:36 <CC> roll 1d20+56+34 bite
22:36 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d20=11]
22:36 <CC> roll 1d20+56+34 wing1
22:36 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d20=8]
22:36 <CC> roll 1d20+56+34 wing2
22:36 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 106 > [d20=16]
Damage:
22:37 <CC> roll 1d6+93+18d6+26
22:38 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 190 > [d6=5,4,6,5,4,1,3,5,3,2,3,6,5,5,1,3,4,2,4]
22:38 <CC> roll 1d6+93+18d6+26
22:38 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 192 > [d6=2,6,3,5,5,5,5,2,3,2,5,4,3,2,6,2,2,6,5]
22:38 <CC> roll 1d6+93+18d6+26
22:38 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 176 > [d6=1,5,6,6,2,3,1,4,2,2,5,3,1,4,4,2,2,2,2]
22:38 <CC> roll 1d6+93+18d6+26
22:38 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 180 > [d6=3,4,5,3,1,1,4,5,1,6,4,1,1,3,4,6,3,5,1]
22:38 <CC> roll 1d6+93+18d6+26
22:38 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 187 > [d6=4,6,2,5,1,6,3,4,6,2,3,6,3,2,5,2,1,1,6]
22:38 <CC> roll 1d6+93+18d6+26
22:38 <CC> roll 1d6+93+18d6+26
22:38 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 184 > [d6=6,5,2,6,1,2,1,1,2,6,5,1,2,5,6,6,1,3,4]
22:38 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 194 > [d6=2,6,6,5,1,3,6,2,5,5,4,6,3,1,3,4,5,3,5]
22:38 <CC> roll 1d8+91+16d6+26 bite
22:38 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 180 > [d8=2][d6=5,4,6,6,3,6,4,3,5,2,4,4,4,2,1,2]
22:39 <CC> roll 1d4+86+16d6+26 wing1
22:39 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 177 > [d4=4][d6=4,3,6,2,2,4,5,6,3,3,5,6,2,4,2,4]
22:39 <CC> roll 1d4+86+16d6+26 wing2
22:39 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 178 > [d4=4][d6=6,2,6,1,1,5,5,4,6,5,4,2,2,4,6,3]
Forgot to mention, going into Gambit.
Do you have anything that gets past precision damage/SA immunity?
Penetrating Strike lets me deal half SA damage to them when I flank, which I did here. When I know about the immunity I roll half the dice, but you could just halve the 16d6/18d6 dice rolls to simplify things here?
Wyrm's Resistance, Winter's Refusal, Energy Immunity, Madelayap's Benediction, Wyrmbreath, Kecasandarenala's Teleport Crusher, Greater Arcane Sight.
Spells left after your dispelled.
You slash and hack, defenses crumbling. More and more blows land, yet blood does not come. Wounds seal, icing over with wintry gusts. Great spirals of ice form from his wounds, jutting out like grasping talons as you strike. The wrath of winter itself seems to surge through Kecasandarenala, refusing your grasp on him, refusing death's embrace. The dragon is sorely wounded, torn open and with ice talons sprouting out of him as...
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Oberuth (46) > Moore (42) > Seira (39) > Jetina (35) > Antenora (34) > Dragon (25)
Jetina will hold in case someone needs healing shortly, she has a hunch that's going to happen.
Antenora is a launched arrow, taking to the air as a blur, plowing into the dragon as the talons lash at her, missing by inches as...
No AoO, he's still flatfooted, just to be clear that it's flavor text.
> roll 1d20+90 (+2 charge, +36 various, divine might used, glad dispels have weakened its high ass AC)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d20=13]
> roll 66*3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 198 >
> roll 1d8+198
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 200 > [d8=2]
> roll 2d8 more forgot to triple the base die dur
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 > [d8=5,4]
> OOC: 209 total.
Antenora plunges through the wyrm's head, not stopping. Great shards of ice spray everywhere as its head explodes, neck writhing as the beast shakes - and it does not. Vast talons of pure ice erupt out everywhere, a glistening and crystalline maze of razor sharp ice exploding everywhere in the cavern from this sundered neck. From these razors great gouts of bitter, piercing cold erupt out, cones of it that freeze everything further.
I need a Reflex save from everyone, as well as noting if this is a hit or miss. Touch AC. With how y'all are set up, I could well see misses.
> roll 1d20+68
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 86 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d100 vs 51 Amaryl divine dodge vs razor ice
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d100=50]
> roll 1d100 vs 51 Amaryl divine dodge vs cones of cold
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d100=38]
Amaryl's off the hook for both.
Moore, I believe your cloak is a thing too, so remember to roll vs 20 for your miss chance as appropriate.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 768+66/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 36/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/7 Channel Energy 16/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555+66/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 5/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554+66/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100+66/1100 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
Touch AC is 59base + 27buffs + 32Oberuth -4Gambit = 114. If not for Obi that would've hit, so good job!
17:11 <CC> roll 1d20+63+19 improved evasion
17:11 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=18]
That does hit.
[10:37] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+35+6+17 evasion
[10:37] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d20=14]
If it counts as a spell or supernatural attack, then it's 76.
Touch AC of 84 right now so unfortunately I take the hit.
[16:03] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+67 reflex
[16:03] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d20=4]
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 56m), keen edge (CL 32, 310m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 22m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 22m), greater heroism (CL 32, 22m), death ward (CL 32, 22m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 56m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 319m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 31m), recitation (CL 32, 2m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 2m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 31m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/15/8/6/7/8/4/6/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Antenora's current touch AC is 58, Amaryl is exempt, Jetina's is 61 and Oberuth's is 85. All three are hit.
> roll 1d20+71 (+18 various) Antenora
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+58 (+18 various) Jetina evasion
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+41 (+18 various) Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=3]
Okay, everyone but Amaryl and Seira are hit by the ice razors. A good round for Cauldron, bad round for everyone else.
> roll 20d6 slashing, DR applies
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d6=1,5,6,3,1,3,2,5,4,5,1,2,1,2,6,3,1,2,2,4]
> roll 30d10 piercing cold, ignores resistance and deals half to immunes
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 149 > [d10=4,9,1,4,1,7,6,1,1,9,2,8,2,6,10,2,3,9,10,8,8,10,1,3,2,6,3,1,5,7]
Those hit by the touch attack take that damage.
Now for the Ref save fun.
> roll 50d12+50
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 371 > [50d12=321]
Seira evades, Moore evades, Alicia takes half, Antenora takes full, Amaryl negates, Jetina evades and Oberuth takes full. This cold damage ignores resistance and immunity, the pain is brought full on. Fortunately only a few of you take any of it and the two who take full can handle it.
The storm of blades and hell erupt around all of you. It is winter's bladed wrath, slicing deep in. Amaryl simply isn't there in the heartbeats where it matters, while Seira dodges back and momentarily throws up a ward of pure divine energy, shielding herself. At the same time Moore is sliced, Jetina cut as the latter steps forward, shielding blocking the cold onslaught for both of them. Oberuth is slashed and savaged, impaled a dozen times by razor sharp talons of ice, lifted up off the ground. Antenora is in the same dire straights, impaled all over and held up, gasping as her blood trickles down the ice. It makes the ice steam and hiss where it touches, while meanwhile Oberuth bleeds not at all, a sour grunt and little other acknowledgement of his situation.
Like this the dragon writhes, more and more talons coming out. To step forward is to step into an icy blade barrier, to move is to be sundered apart into pieces like meat before the butcher. Glistening talons of ice extend out everywhere, forming a frozen jungle before all of you.
Any movement, even a 5ft step, risks incurring damage. Be advised. Additionally, regardless of that, every square of movement here is now incredibly slow and hazardous, requiring four times the normal movement to pass. As in moving 5ft requires 20ft of movement.
The dragon roars somehow, a gurgling and wet sound, as its headless body continues to fight. Its claws come up, tracing diagrams in the air of unspeakable catastrophe, symbols in the air in Draconic, runes twisting into place as abruptly...
> roll 1d20+39
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=10]
This is a spell and that is a caster level check for SR. Is anyone able/willing to do anything to counter it? If not, does that beat people's SRs?
Prepared, primordial and incredibly old dragons are scary opponents. Io isn't fucking around.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 350/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 36/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/7 Channel Energy 16/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 423/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 5/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554+66/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100/1100 (498)(regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
"Not today!"
Seira thrusts her staff forward, disrupting the arcane buildup with an application of her divine will!
Instant Counterspell of denial, Superb Dispelling used.
19:16 <CC> roll 1d20+45
19:16 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=5]
My SR is 47, btw.
Seira lets out a shriek of draconic defiance, magic wrought and woven together. The sheer pulse of it is sufficient to disrupt the spell, shattering it into a whirlwind blizzard, snowflakes of radiant, ice blue snow falling all over amid the blades. The snowblades sunder in twani when they touch one of the talons.
Okay, it is now Alicia's turn. Movement is currently extremely hazardous.
Additionally, Jetina is thinking about taking her held action, but needs a few moments for me to run down things. Do yo uall want me to hold Alicia's action so y'all can go? It's really up to you all here if you'd prefer to do that or wait on Eb.
Also, since it was asked: The countered spell was a maximized Polar Howl.
I'm fine either way.
Moore's HP is currently 254/442
I haven't been hit.
Reeling from that assault, Alicia nonetheless pushes herself back into battle as she transforms into living lightning to surge across the ice-strewn battlefield into melee range with Kecasandarenala, swelling in size to rival the wyrm when she reincorporates from her electrical leap!
Quickened lightning leap, no damage since not crossing anyone, swift to change size.As she manifests she comes out swinging, her blades wreathed in divine acid to rival Ooze's worst as she slashes her now titanic sword through Kecasandarenala's forelegs before a reversal brings the other end of her double-bladed sword shearing through a wing, rotating between the two blades like a spinning dervish as she rends him apart!
[12:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+106 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, flanking with one of Seira's elementals
[12:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 119 > [d20=13]
[12:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+106 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, flanking with one of Seira's elementals
[12:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 119 > [d20=13]
[12:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+106 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, flanking with one of Seira's elementals
[12:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 125 > [d20=19]
[12:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+106 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, flanking with one of Seira's elementals
[12:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 120 > [d20=14]
[12:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+101 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, flanking with one of Seira's elementals
[12:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 120 > [d20=19]
[12:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+101 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, flanking with one of Seira's elementals
[12:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 105 > [d20=4]
[12:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+96 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, flanking with one of Seira's elementals
[12:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 108 > [d20=12]
[12:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+96 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, flanking with one of Seira's elementals
[12:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 114 > [d20=18]
[12:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+91 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, flanking with one of Seira's elementals
[12:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=8]
[12:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+91 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, flanking with one of Seira's elementals
[12:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d20=18]
[12:18] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+106+15 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, flanking with one of Seira's elementals. Crit confirmation.
[12:18] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 126 > [d20=5]
[12:18] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+101+15 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, flanking with one of Seira's elementals. Crit confirmation.
[12:18] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 123 > [d20=7]
[12:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+96+15 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, flanking with one of Seira's elementals. Crit confirmation.
[12:19] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 117 > [d20=6]
[12:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+91+15 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, flanking with one of Seira's elementals. Crit confirmation.
[12:19] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 117 > [d20=11]
Assuming he even can be critted since he can't be sneak attacked. I'll roll normal damage for everything anyway, can sub in the crits if they would apply.
[12:20] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+32d12
[12:20] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 289 > [d6=15][32d12=213]
[12:20] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+32d12
[12:20] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 285 > [d6=17][32d12=207]
[12:20] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+32d12
[12:20] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 284 > [d6=14][32d12=209]
[12:21] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+32d12
[12:21] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 255 > [d6=20][32d12=174]
[12:21] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+32d12
[12:21] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 296 > [d6=18][32d12=217]
[12:21] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+32d12
[12:21] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 285 > [d6=27][32d12=197]
[12:21] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+32d12
[12:21] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 294 > [d6=22][32d12=211]
[12:21] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+32d12
[12:21] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 282 > [d6=16][32d12=205]
[12:21] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+32d12
[12:21] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 293 > [d6=9][32d12=223]
[12:21] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+61+32d12
[12:21] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 282 > [d6=19][32d12=202]
[12:22] <@Ebiris> roll 10#6d4 forgot the arcane strike damage
[12:22] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 14, 12, 19, 13, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 11 >
If those 4 crits landed sub in the following for attacks 3, 5, 8, and 10.
[12:22] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+122+64d12 crit damage if applicable
[12:22] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 570 > [12d6=43][64d12=405]
[12:22] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+122+64d12 crit damage if applicable
[12:22] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 521 > [12d6=36][64d12=363]
[12:22] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+122+64d12 crit damage if applicable
[12:22] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 566 > [12d6=39][64d12=405]
[12:22] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+122+64d12 crit damage if applicable
[12:22] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 581 > [12d6=38][64d12=421]
After each hit he needs to make a DC 38 fort save or suffer a -10 penalty to armour and natural armour. If he fails one no need to roll any more since penalties don't stack. A regenerate or better will remove the penalty, since I know he has a lot of healing going on.
Alicia: 709/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 56m), keen edge (CL 32, 310m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 22m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 22m), greater heroism (CL 32, 22m), death ward (CL 32, 22m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 56m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 319m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 31m), recitation (CL 32, 2m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 2m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 31m)
Defences: AC 95 (touch 42), CMD 157, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size AC/attack.
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/7/6/7/8/4/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
If you change size, you're going to expand into a whole lot of space full of dangerous and sharp ice. You're welcome to do it if you like, but it's not risk free. You okay with that?
I'll take the risk, can heal after but we need to win first!
> roll 1d20+73 (+5 expanding into multiple squares) touch AC vs Alicia
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d20=17]
Touch AC?
74
> roll 20d6 slashing, DR applies
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d6=6,6,4,4,4,3,5,6,3,6,3,4,4,5,6,5,3,3,1,3]
> roll 30d10 piercing cold, ignores resistance and deals half to immunes
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 133 > [d10=2,7,2,3,5,2,5,4,4,1,2,8,3,4,1,1,3,2,6,5,9,1,8,6,9,9,1,8,4,8]
I presume that doesn't put you down. Let me know if I'm wrong.
As Alicia's blood is spilled by ice that slashes like blades, she swings. With blow after blow her blade cuts parts of him off, more and more ice spreading, new talons erupting out. Yet it is in vain as Alicia sunders the wyrm apart. With one final, beautiful burst of crystal the worm's body collapses, dissolving into a pile of ice. Got it!
As the ice talons melts and Antenora falls to a knee?
'Well done,' The dragon's voice is heard, his spiritual presence lingering in the room. 'You are the fish dashed against the stones that broke the stones instead.'
"...thank you, I think?" Jetina says slowly.
'It is a complement.' The wyrm agrees, 'I have never fought divinity before, now I understand why it is futile.'
"I don't think my victory would've been guaranteed if we had to duel," Seira muses. "If anything, that's a triumph to friendship."
Still kicking."You were but one against a group, and you fought us at our best. Be proud, Kecasandarenala," Alicia praises their foe as she returns to her normal size, healing herself of her wounds with a pulse of silver fire.
Alicia: 618/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 56m), keen edge (CL 32, 310m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 22m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 22m), greater heroism (CL 32, 22m), death ward (CL 32, 22m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 56m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 319m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 31m), recitation (CL 32, 2m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 2m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 31m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/7/6/7/8/4/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Antenora stands, Jetina hurrying over to heal her with a few murmured words. "Thank you," Antenora replies.
Jetina smiles widely, "It's what I'm good at."
The dragon's voice chuckles, 'You are stronger together. Good. That too is Lord Io's will, I believe.'
It probably is. Seira will make sure to ask him, at the same time she asks him to free all those trapped here and wishing to leave.
https://i.imgur.com/TdqYI04.png
Map update.
"In any case, what purpose was there to this battle?" Alicia asks. "Is it part of Io's test that we must defeat you and your kindred? Were you responsible for the electrical discharge we saw travelling down the hallway in that direction?" she points at the South wall.
'Is life not a test, an adventure that grades you as you strive to overcome? You live, so you have a passing grade.' The wyrm replies. 'But I agree, no trial should be without gain. Please take this gift.' A wrapped scroll appears before the party, floating there. 'We are all to give you gifts of spells or lore, so that you may learn more knowledge and grow mightier.'
After a moment, 'I have nothing to do with that electricity.'
"Thank you," Alicia says, reaching out to take the scroll, unrolling it so everyone can see what it reveals.
Loot update.
"One for your spellbook I think, Seira," Alicia hands it over to the sole wizard of the group, though she makes a mental note of the spell's details herself. It's interesting enough to experiment with on her own when she has the time.
"Grow stronger," The blue ice wyrm says, then his presence fades from the room. All that is left is the hoard of gold he slept on. No doors ahead can be seen.
Free act.
He didn't answer her about the source of that lightning in the other corridor. Still, she has a look over the other walls for any trace of hidden doorways or the like before they leave here...
Taking 10 for 98 on perception.
Alicia: 618/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 56m), keen edge (CL 32, 310m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 22m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 22m), greater heroism (CL 32, 22m), death ward (CL 32, 22m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 56m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 319m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 31m), recitation (CL 32, 2m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 2m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 31m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/7/6/7/8/4/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
That was a legitimate oversight due to the holidays and everything going on, so I'll edit in a reply. In short: No.
There's no secrets in this room that Alicia can find.
In the meantime Oberuth considers both his weapons, lost in thought.
Jetina comes over with Alicia, helping her as nothing is found. "Do you mind a question," she asks.
"So I've got to use this chance to ask the nondragons here, have you ever tried sleeping on a massive pile of coins? Golden, preferably, with a mix of platinum for flavor?"
Alicia turns away after scanning the walls. "We can try the other northwards passage to the west of where we faced that Aurix next?" she suggests.
Seira's question gets a dismissive look. "That sort of bedding is bad for delicate human backs," she says, before giving Jetina a more patient look. "Not at all," she prods her to ask whatever's on her mind.
"I had considered it, but the idea seems... incredibly uncomfortable." Moore says.
Seira snorts. "Show me a delicate human here."
At Moore's words, she brightens up. "I know it sounds that way, but if you give it a try and just let go, sort of like meditating, it starts to really lull you into a restful sleep!"
"I have not," Antenora says slowly, then pauses. "I did swim in molten platinum once. It gets everywhere."
Amaryl starts to speak, stops and closes her mouth, the finger she raised slowly drooping down.
Oberuth looks up from his blades, "Why would we? It sounds worse than sleeping on the ground, and that's uncomfortable most of the time. All those coins would be hard and unyielding, you'd wake up sore all over."
Clearing her throat and gesturing at the hoard, "Can you will gold into being?" she asks, "I've always gotten the impression that gold and treasure is more...decoration? Decoration for the divine."
"No, really, it's almost magical-- wait, that's not a draw for you," Seira tells Oberuth, wincing. Giving that up as a lost cause, she looks expectantly at Moore.
"Yes, although on a large scale I'd have to be in Sylica to do so. Different deities are able to create more or less depending on their natures and raw power, but even a demigod can make
something," she explains to Jetina.
Alicia: 618/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 56m), keen edge (CL 32, 310m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 22m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 22m), greater heroism (CL 32, 22m), death ward (CL 32, 22m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 56m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 319m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 31m), recitation (CL 32, 2m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 2m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 31m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/7/6/7/8/4/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
"I'll try it when we get back and let you know." Moore promises with a grin. "There'd be some irony to using what is commonly used as wealth as nothing more than comfort to be less worldly and materialistic."
"Really." Jetina marvels, a hand to hermouth.
"It shouldn't be surprising," Amaryl points out, a hand on her hip, then stops, blinking.
"Anyway, lets move on? Kecasandarenala did say he'd return so his hoard isn't up for grabs," Alicia says, leading them out of this chamber and back across beyond where Oberuth duelled the Aurix to try the path that went North West of there.
"Yeah, I'd hate to steal someone's bed while they were gone." Moore says as he follows along!
To this is purple, a deep rich purple. It ends shortly with an intersection, short alcoves to the east and north, with a long, deepening, darkening purple path to the west. In the eastern alcove a floating sphere awaits, deep and rich colors within it.
The path to the west ends in a dead end.
https://i.imgur.com/06mRpuW.png
Seira heads over to check the sphere!
It's a sphere like the others. Rather pleasantly colorful, really.
Feel free to touch it if your intent is to activate it or to try and do so.
Seira touches it.
The sphere is touched.
Io's voice is heard. 'I pursued many paths in creating dragon kind. The most insidious were the dead ends, the promising things that had no future. Purple dragons were one idea, instead of black dragons. Yet purple is her color. A path not taken, a dead end avoided. Yet, what is the path we do not take?"
The western dead end now has a door to the west, appearing between the blinks of an eye.
"Those who are brave can proceed and find out."
Seira takes it as an invitation to head west!
"I prefer this meaning attributed to colour over numerology, I must say," Alicia says, for all that it's surely a red rag to Antenora. Nonetheless she follows Seira to face a dragon of entropy and loss, most likely.
"Really?" Antenora answers, giving you a look. "Why colors?"
Meanwhile Oberuth follows as you reach the door, unremarkably. It's there to open if you want to.
"Why not colors?" Amaryl says, "Numerology make make sense in hindsight, but every time I try to apply it to something happening, I end up chasing my own tail."
"It's more visually arresting and easy to parse," she says. "When things delve into numerological significance I have to stop and take time to puzzle it out, but a colour is immediate and clear. In this case we all grasped that Io was talking of Shar, yes?" she asks just to make sure that wasn't missed. "So will this purple dragon be tainted in some manner by association, powerful yet fundamentally not Io's? It will be interesting to see - though also potentially deadly of course."
"Deadly," Antenora agrees.
"Are we all ready?" Jetina asks in the meantime.
Two minutes for durations, note if anything ran out or needs to be refreshed.
Everything still okay! Let's do this.
Recitation and greater visage of the deity recast on Alicia, also another use of spellfire healing to top her off."Ready," Alicia confirms, opening the door and advancing.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 54m), keen edge (CL 32, 308m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 20m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 20m), greater heroism (CL 32, 20m), death ward (CL 32, 20m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 54m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 317m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 29m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 29m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/7/6/7/8/4/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Ahead is a deep, craggy and dark place. For a moment darkness eternal reigns, then slowly you all can see. Ahead it sits on piles of black stone and gems, a great wyrm of deep, dark, rich purple. Eyes the color of amethysts sparkle, the wyrm large and looming ahead.
It is hard to hear, faraway - but you can hear voices singing, a praise to emptiness and lost, alluring.
"Can you hear it?" The dragon asks, voice no more than a whisper. "Can you hear her siren song?"
"Poor thing, condemned to hear that wretched singing all your life?" Alicia commiserates as she steps into the room, making space for others to follow. "All for the sake of your scales' hue."
It's rather fetching colour too, more's the pity.
"I refuse!" Seira declares. "And so should you!"
"It is an abomination against you," Antenora agrees, "No one deserves this fate."
The dragon watches you as you step in, "Do not pity me. I am what could have been, and I am content. Her song lets me slumber, lets me rest until I am needed. You? You strive and fight, suffer all to change what cannot be changed. In the end, I would rather rest in peace than fight in pain, when all your pain is meaningless." It has a soft voice, sonorous, no deepness at all. "Hope, redemption, mercy, joy, love, duty, salvation. All are meaningless before that song."
"Sylica cannot strive and fight beyond the chosen end."
"The Cauldron cannot hope past what cannot change."
"Hope's Landing cannot withstand the end of everything."
"Balmuria cannot endure beyond her touch."
After those words the wyrm declares, "Her power forever waxes. No matter how far you rise, she will always be the strong, invincible destroyer that shall end everything."
"And yet!" Seira shakes her head. "Really? Just because you got dealt a color you decided to stick with it, through thick and thin? I'm a red dragon but you don't see me propagating the stereotype. Besides, your very creator has us here because he disagrees with this nihilist bullshit and wants to help us take Shar down. You think you know better than him?"
"I take issue with the very first precept you give," Alicia shakes her head. "Shar does not give rest or peace. The gentle melody of her song is a thin facade over an ugly truth, where lives are spent in brutish pain and pointless misery for nothing more than her sadistic amusement, and then dragged further into the violation of undeath to suit her mockery. The promised End is mere potential that has yet to be realised, and one I'd disbelieve on its face based on her behaviour and actions."
"We've proven every one else who has said that before wrong," Amaryl calls, at Seira's side, "We aren't going to fail at that now."
Antenora steps forward, "I left Creation and came back with power. Power that will see Shar driven before us, broken and Creation saved." Her spear is out, pointing at the dragon, "There's still hope as long we don't surrender to Shar."
Jetina stays at Moore's side, but adds in, "And I'll bring rest to those souls trapped in undeath - and you, too."
The purple wyrm chuckles, a sound light and free of menace and pain. "Disagree as you like. You won't change the inevitable. Had Io created more of us, we would not be here, for there would already be oblivion for all."
A resonation - a flare of divine power, a flare of a quasi power. Deep within the purple worm, as it smiles, a look of all sharp teeth. "You are not the only ones who can ascend. Shar's power rises beyond all limits, even the limits of Io. Even if you somehow broke through one barrier." The dragon's purple gaze is on Antenora now, "You are not divine when you are fated to embrace oblivion."
"Tch, this goes beyond a mere test of Io's," Alicia frowns, raising her blade. "No more pity, we'll end you and your misbegotten potential right now!"
Those are fighting words, supreme init.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 54m), keen edge (CL 32, 308m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 20m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 20m), greater heroism (CL 32, 20m), death ward (CL 32, 20m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 54m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 317m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 29m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 29m)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 133, spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +18 morale attack, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack, +18 morale damage, +4 untyped damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 crit confirmations, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/7/6/7/8/4/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
"But we're just the right sort to help you descend," Seira tells the dragon pleasantly.
20:15 <CC> roll 1d20+18+15
20:15 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=14]
Going to wait on Neph here, we went farther than I wanted without Moore getting a chance to chime in as it is.
"You can't have light without shadows and you can't have hope without despair." Moore says. "But wallowing in the bottom with no chance to ever see the light of aspiration or to try and draw yourself into fulfillment will never be The Answer!" He shouts.
if it's been 10 minutes since the dragon the sings all fell off. Auras all still work for +15 to unit.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+40 : 15 + 40, total 55[/blockquote]
Amaryl supreme inits as well.
> roll 1d20+28 Antenora
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+22 Jetina
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+39 Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+25 dragon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=12]
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Moore (55) > Seira (47) > Oberuth (42) > Antenora = Dragon (37) > Jetina (26)
Open Alicia.
Distance to the dragon and active spells on it?
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 54m), keen edge (CL 32, 308m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 20m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 20m), greater heroism (CL 32, 20m), death ward (CL 32, 20m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 54m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 317m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 29m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 29m)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 91 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/attack/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/7/6/7/8/4/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
60ft and it has the following spells active:
True Deflective Gaze, Wyrmbreath, Sorrow's Touch, Vampiric Assault, Void of Iosodaelanaja, Epic Mage Armor, Iosodaelanaja's Endless Sight, Glaciante's Spiteful Ward, Shar's Whisper, Shar's Mercy, Shar's Wrath, Shadowland Bond, Greater Analyze Dweomer, Iosodaelanaja's Last Day, Danatha's Improvisation, Ballad of the Last Hero.
Glaciante? Really? Now there's a name she hasn't heard in a while!
It almost makes her want to ask the dragon how he knows about the Dark Six, but no she's already decided that he has to die. So she immediately snaps off a quick-cast superb dispelling, unbothered by the spiteful ward's presence!
Quick cast superb dispelling.
[18:56] <@Ebiris> roll 16#1d20+35 quick cast targeted superb dispelling
[18:56] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 48, 48, 42, 54, 41, 50, 55, 48, 49, 55, 47, 36, 53, 55, 52, 37 >
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 31 hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 54m), keen edge (CL 32, 308m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 20m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 20m), greater heroism (CL 32, 20m), death ward (CL 32, 20m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 54m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 317m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 29m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 29m)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 91 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/attack/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/7/6/7/8/3/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Quick-casts left: 2
I need a Will save against the Spiteful Ward and I need a Fortitude with a -35 penalty.
Sorrow's Touch, Void of Iosodaelanaja, Shadowland Bond, Ballad of the Last Hero. Those are the spells that remain.
[19:05] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+65 will, mettle
[19:05] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d20=14]
[19:05] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+34 fort, mettle
[19:06] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+67 touch AC vs Alicia
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=7]
Touch AC?
40, I do have ray deflection up if relevant.
> roll 1d20 rank check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d20=4]
No need for Alicia to make a check here, her base of +6 overwhelms a total of +4.
Magic collapses around the wyrm, flares of shadow crumbling away. From it a great tendril of shadow snakes out, striking at Alicia as she marshals her will, withstanding a barrage of magic.
> roll 10d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d6=3,6,3,1,5,3,5,1,4,6]
37 damage, no DR.
That lash hurts, stinging but nothing more as Alicia's own power withstands it.
Go ahead.
A flash of lightning follows, carrying Alicia across the battlefield and into melee with the newly ascended dragon-god of entropy, intent on ending him before he can leave any mark on creation - and even small as she is she swings her blades powerfully, leaping up against his chest and throwing her weight in to carve through scales, buttressed by holy power and guided by precognitive instinct to find its weak spots!
Quickened lightning leap to get into melee.
[19:15] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+72+16 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, smite evil
[19:16] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=11]
[19:16] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+72+16 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, smite evil
[19:16] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d20=13]
[19:16] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+72+30 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, moment of prescience
[19:16] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 116 > [d20=14]
[19:16] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+72+30 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, moment of prescience
[19:16] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 113 > [d20=11]
[19:16] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+67+30 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, moment of prescience
[19:16] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=3]
[19:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+67+30 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, moment of prescience
[19:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 106 > [d20=9]
[19:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+62 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike
[19:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 73 > [d20=11]
[19:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+62 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike
[19:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=14]
[19:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+57 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike
[19:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=10]
[19:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+57 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike
[19:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=7]
Channelled vivacious flux grasp on that.
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+5+3d6+10d4+32d12
[19:19] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 297 > [d8=7][d6=14][10d4=31][32d12=219]
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+5+3d6+10d4+32d12
[19:19] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 267 > [d8=3][d6=7][10d4=30][32d12=201]
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+3d6+10d4+32d12
[19:19] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 247 > [d8=8][d6=12][10d4=22][32d12=184]
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+3d6+10d4+32d12
[19:19] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 278 > [d8=3][d6=6][10d4=27][32d12=221]
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+3d6+10d4+32d12
[19:19] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 264 > [d8=7][d6=9][10d4=21][32d12=206]
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+3d6+10d4+32d12
[19:19] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 260 > [d8=3][d6=7][10d4=28][32d12=201]
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+3d6+10d4+32d12
[19:19] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 257 > [d8=2][d6=7][10d4=25][32d12=202]
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+3d6+10d4+32d12
[19:19] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 280 > [d8=5][d6=12][10d4=20][32d12=222]
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+3d6+10d4+32d12
[19:19] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 310 > [d8=2][d6=16][10d4=33][32d12=238]
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+3d6+10d4+32d12
[19:19] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 239 > [d8=7][d6=9][10d4=26][32d12=176]
DC 38 fort or -10 penalty to armour/natural armour.
Alicia: 659/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 54m), keen edge (CL 32, 308m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 20m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 20m), greater heroism (CL 32, 20m), death ward (CL 32, 20m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 54m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 317m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 29m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 29m)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 91 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/attack/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/7/3/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Okay, gimme 1d100 6 times.
[19:22] <@Ebiris> roll 6#1d100 I have blindsight if this is concealment based miss chance and ghost touch weapon if it's incorporeal based miss chance
[19:22] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 84, 96, 68, 76, 19, 47 >
You strike - and it's like hitting shadows, dispersing them rather than harming them. Yet the dragon winces in pain, scales tearing even if no blood comes. Sometimes it simply isn't there when it should be, flickering in and out as you strike and strike.
Amaryl will hold since she wants Moore bonuses. Go moore.
Flux grasp saves, whoops.
> roll 1d20+48 vs 1
> roll 1d20+48 vs 2
> roll 1d20+48 vs 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+48 vs 4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=6]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=10]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=8]
Belated, but!
[19:39] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 rank check to bypass divine immunity to negative levels
[19:39] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=20]
He takes a negative level for each hit Alicia inflicts unless he has a non-divine immunity to them.
I was actually on the ball for that - he has racial immunity. Blame Shar.
"I won't let oblivion win!" Moore shouts, as magic flows out to empower his allies, and then he flies closer to the dragon -- but not too close!
[14:41] <Nephrite> roll 3d4 nonlethal
[14:41] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 6 > [d4=1,3,2]
Using Swift on Inspirational Boost for +1 to Inspire Courage.
Everyone gets +18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Moore is moving to 30ft of the dragon.
Quick question since I'm about to update the spoiler block: Net changes without all songs active?
Alicia: 659/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 54m), keen edge (CL 32, 308m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 20m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 20m), greater heroism (CL 32, 20m), death ward (CL 32, 20m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 54m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 317m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 29m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 29m)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 109 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/7/3/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Quick-casts left: 2
A loss of 11 on attack rolls, 12 dodge to AC, and 12 morale to saves.
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Moore (55) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Seira (47) > Oberuth (42) > Antenora = Dragon (37) > Jetina (26)
"Thanks!" Amaryl calls to Moore as she runs to the side, dodging tendrils of shadow that erupt out, the floor coming alive as she aims, arrows peppering the wyrm.
> roll 1d20+77
> roll 1d20+77
> roll 1d20+77
> roll 1d20+77
> roll 1d20+77
> roll 1d20+77
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d20=5]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=6]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=16]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d100 vs 1
> roll 1d100 vs 2
> roll 1d100 vs 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d100=57]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 5 > [d100=5]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d100=17]
> roll 1d100 vs 4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d100=10]
> roll 1d100 vs 5
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d100=38]
> roll 1d100 vs 6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d100=72]
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d8=8][d6=2,6,3,1,4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d8=7][d6=2,1,4,1,1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 88 > [d8=6][d6=5,2,6,5,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d8=8][d6=1,5,1,4,3]
Arrows strike from its side as Amaryl sprints, peppering the dragon. They make it flicker, at times vanishing entirely as some stay within it, jutting out and burning with dragonfire.
"You will not triumph," The wyrm bellows, drawing up as...
Seiraing.
[spoiler]
A loss of 11 on attack rolls, 12 dodge to AC, and 12 morale to saves. - Just using this for now since Moore's bardsong is partially out.
Antenora
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 36/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/7 Channel Energy 16/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 5/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554+66/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100/1100 (0)(regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
"Are you sure?" Seira asks, and then she's all the way on the dragon's other side. "We seem to be triumphing right now."
She clashes against his magic with her own, even as her sword tears at his hide!
Dispel:
21:59 <CC> roll 4#1d20+37
21:59 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 52, 44, 47, 53 >
Fiery lightning leap:
22:00 <CC> roll 1d20+39 CL
22:00 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=20]
22:01 <CC> roll 15d6 goldenfire, Ref DC35 half
22:01 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d6=4,1,2,6,3,2,2,5,3,3,6,3,2,2,1]
Full attack:
22:01 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d6=4,1,2,6,3,2,2,5,3,3,6,3,2,2,1]
22:03 <CC> roll 1d20+61+23
22:03 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d20=12]
22:03 <CC> roll 1d20+61+23
22:03 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=16]
22:03 <CC> roll 1d20+61+23
22:03 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 104 > [d20=20]
22:03 <CC> roll 1d20+61+23
22:03 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=9]
22:03 <CC> roll 1d20+56+23
22:03 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d20=18]
22:03 <CC> roll 1d20+51+23
22:03 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=17]
22:04 <CC> roll 1d20+46+23
22:04 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=12]
22:04 <CC> roll 1d20+56+23 bite
22:04 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=14]
22:04 <CC> roll 1d20+56+23 wing1
22:04 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d20=18]
22:04 <CC> roll 1d20+56+23 wing2
22:04 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d20=18]
Miss chance if needed:
22:06 <CC> roll 10#1d100
22:06 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 79, 98, 54, 98, 65, 74, 83, 86, 98, 43 >
Damage:
22:05 <CC> roll 7#1d6+93+18d6+26
22:05 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 190, 178, 186, 177, 179, 188, 177 >
22:06 <CC> roll 1d8+91+16d6+26 bite
22:06 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 180 > [d8=2][d6=5,6,1,2,5,2,6,6,4,2,4,2,5,6,2,3]
22:06 <CC> roll 2#1d4+86+16d6+26 wings
22:06 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 176, 167 >
I'll be in gambit if he's alive, and counterspell everything.
Your blows rip the drain in twain, already wounded - and into shadows. Yet your goldenfire passage seems to make the shadows sizzle, less than than they should be, faintly incoherent. No blood and yet the wyrm becomes shadows. Four great, looming shadows, dancing about the room wildly. Each is big enough to loom over a solar, faces a rictus of cold fury as...
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Moore (55) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Seira (47) > Oberuth (42) > Antenora =Shadows (37) > Jetina (26)
Oberuth is up in the next post, chance to react.
Only one spell remains. Void of Iosodaelanaja.
"Petty theatrics won't save you now," Alicia warns, looking between the looming shadows.
"Are we sure Tiamat didn't have a hand at making Ios?" Seira voices. "It's right down to her tactics!"
One moment Oberuth back, then he is between Alicia and Seira, amid the shadows and...
> roll 1d20+48 (+25 various, -32 CE)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=4][/i
He strikes but misses, defending the three of them, blade out and ready. He stand besides the shadows, uncaring of them, as if daring them to attack.
CE applies to Alicia and Seira as well, so +32 to AC for them this round. Shadows and Antenora are up.
Immediately, the song of Shar becomes louder, louder and louder yet, echoing and calling all of you.
Will saves, all. Immunity to disease stops, but deific immunity is challenged. If you rely on that, give me an opposed rank check.
> roll 1d20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d20=12]
His check.
Paladin immunity here.
22:25 <CC> roll 1d20+6 challenge it is
22:25 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d20=10]
No disease immunity, unless it's from a spell and I didn't notice.
[15:28] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+47 will
[15:28] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=13]
Antenora has paladin immunity. Amaryl will try the rank check.
> roll 1d20+5 Amaryl rank check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d20=6]
No joy, so it's a save for her.
> roll 1d20+41 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=5]
Jetina has paladin immunity.
> roll 1d20+42
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=5]
The Song of Shar echos amid the battlefield as the shadows whirl about, before darting out. They are a blur, coming at Alicia and Oberuth, Seira and finally Moore.
> roll 1d20+40 touch AC Alicia
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+40 touch AC Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+40 touch AC Seira
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+40 touch AC Moore
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=15]
ACs? Oberuth is safe since natural 1.
Touch AC of 72 right now thanks to Oberuth.
Alicia: 659/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 54m), keen edge (CL 32, 308m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 20m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 20m), greater heroism (CL 32, 20m), death ward (CL 32, 20m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 54m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 317m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 29m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 29m)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 109 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/7/3/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Quick-casts left: 2
https://i.imgur.com/RaqEZO2.png
Today's annotated map update.
60 here
Base 59, they're not touching me.
Yet the shadows strike in vain - Seira dodges, Amaryl rolls out of the way and Oberuth parries for himself and Alicia. It's enough as Antenora is there, plunging through the shadow on Moore with a shrill battlecry.
First of all, one swift on divine succor on Alicia to top up her HP.
> roll 1d20+77 (+25 various, +2 charge, +16 furious strike, +14 smite evil, divine power used, -32 PA, fuck shadows)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=10]
> roll 64*3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 192 >
> roll 192+480
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 672 >
> roll 3d8+792+2d6+9d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 852 > [d8=7,3,5][d6=2,4,3,5,4,5,5,5,6,5,1]
I may have forgotten something, but at this point it's overkill on an individual shadow.
The shadow on Moore shudders as Antenora rips through it, opal blue light trailing as it explodes into nothingness, Moore no longer in danger. With Moore free, Jetina races to the shadow on Amaryl, interposing herself blade first.
> roll 1d20+87 (+25 various, +11 smite evil, +2 bane)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 94 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d8+66+4d6+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 95 > [d8=5][d6=4,5,2,6,3,4]
Jetina's strike hits the shadow in the side, blade making the entire horror howl in silent pain, as amid all the chaos of the battlefield...
Alicia.
[spoiler]
A loss of 11 on attack rolls, 12 dodge to AC, and 12 morale to saves. - Just using this for now since Moore's bardsong is partially out.
Antenora
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 34/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 6/7 Channel Energy 15/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 6/7 Smite 5/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554+66/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100/1100 (0)(regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
A thin ray of silver fire arcs out from Alicia's hand to core through the dragon Jetina just wounded, confident they have this wrapped up now.
[16:49] <@Ebiris> roll 40d10 silver fire, DC 44 ref half
[16:49] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 196 > [40d10=196]
Alicia: 659/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 54m), keen edge (CL 32, 308m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 20m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 20m), greater heroism (CL 32, 20m), death ward (CL 32, 20m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 54m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 317m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 29m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 29m)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 109 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/7/3/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Does silver fire provoke an AoO? You do have a shadow attacking you.
Divine abilities are Su, right? I'm fine unless it has some sort of Su's provoke AoOs epic feat.
Cool.
> roll 1d20+33 Ref
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=19]
Silver fire grazes the shadow, making it burn in metallic bright flames, hissing in agony as it withstands that - only to slowly crumble before them, dissolving into nothing.
"You're alright?" Antenora meanwhile turns to Moore, spear up and guarding.
Moore, you're up. Go. Two shadows left, one on Alicia and one on Moore.
Moore takes in a breath.
"I won't let you win!" he shouts, words echoing towards the dragon!
trying the chastise oblivion words of creation power on the dragon. DC 40 fort or it's stunned, and this ignores stun immunity. Long shot but you never know!
The dragon is currently two shadows. Which one do you aim at?
oh, my bad. The one closer to Moore then.
> roll 1d20+32 Fort
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=3]
Success, so roll your self damage.
The shadow on Seira is sent reeling by this, crying out in dismay as...
Amaryl.
> roll 1d20+77
> roll 1d20+77
> roll 1d20+77
> roll 1d20+77
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+77
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d20=19]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+77
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d20=7]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d8=2][d6=3,4,3,3,6]
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d8=2][d6=4,1,3,5,4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 89 > [d8=8][d6=6,6,3,4,1]
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d8=5][d6=1,4,6,4,2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d8=1][d6=1,1,3,1,1]
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d8=8][d6=5,5,3,2,6]
Amaryl simply steps back and lets go. Her barrage of arrows ends the shadow on Seira then and there, only one left, this one utterly annihilated.
Seira. One shadow left.
this may not work on the board. It should be 77d4 of it doesn't come through. [blockquote]Rolled 20d4 : 4, 1, 2, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1, 3, 1, 2, 1, 4, 1, 1, 1, 3, 2, 2, 4, total 41[/blockquote]
Yeah, just roll it out fresh when you get on IRC.
Seira decides to clean up with efficiency, three bright stars forming around her before the bolts of glory find their target!
19:41 <CC> roll 3#1d20+35 SR
19:41 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 51, 48, 38 >
19:42 <CC> roll 3#1d20+49+22 ranged touch
19:43 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 88, 87, 88 >
19:43 <CC> roll 3#15d12 positive energy
19:43 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 110, 102, 100 >
Give me a rank check, Seira.
19:46 <CC> roll 1d20+6
19:46 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=20]
Power clashes as the dragon howls and screams, the shadows fading away. Yet it doesn't die, you feel it retreat - to Io's overwhelming presence, a gasp as it is utterly consumed, annihilated in a moment.
"Well done." Io's voice is heard. "I shall provide, as he is no longer able to. I believe this lesson stands self evident, for Shar's power draws, allures, tempts and overtakes."
Before the party they appear - three scrolls and a purple key.
Free act.
Seira examines the scrolls and the offered key!
Alicia recasts many moments of prescience as soon as she has a chance. "A good thing we ended it here before it could blight Creation any," she agrees while Seira checks over the scrolls and key.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 54m), keen edge (CL 32, 308m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 20m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 20m), greater heroism (CL 32, 20m), death ward (CL 32, 20m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 54m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 317m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 29m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 29m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 109 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/7/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Loot update. Spells pasted here.
Iosodaelanaja's Endless Sight
Divination
Level: Clr 12, Rgr 10, Sor/Wiz 12
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 10 min/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
Your vision extends up to 100ft per caster level, able to see anything within that range with perfect clarity, granting you a +20 competence bonus to Spot checks. This vision is sufficient to see it anything within the range of your vision as if you were before it and studying it closely. You gain the ability to see in any mundane darkness and any magical darkness of 9th level or lower, as well as through magical and non magical fog, mist, smoke and similar obstructions. You cannot be blinded and you can see through intense light that would normally be blinding without harm or penalty, be it magical or non magical.
This spell does not bestow x-ray vision or similar abilities. Solid objects still stop your vision as normal.
Material Component
A crystal prism worth 100 gold.
Danatha's Improvisation
Transmutation
Level: Brd 7
Duration: 1 min/level
This spell is identical to improvisation, except as noted here. You can use your pool of luck to improve saving throws or weapon damage rolls in addition to attack rolls, skill checks and ability checks.
Sorrow's Touch
Transmutation
Level: Corrupt 14
Components: V, S, Corrupt
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 1 min/level
Saving Throw: Fortitude partial; see text
Spell Resistance: No
The target's touch, including unarmed attacks and natural weapons, slowly wears away everything the touched creature is. This inflicts 2 points of vile ability damage to all six ability scores per touch.
Creatures who suffer vile ability damage from sorrow's touch and who are not fully healed of it within 1 minute must make a Fortitude save or slip into a black depression. Such creatures are listless, unwilling to do anything except lament their failings and miseries. The only cure is to heal the vile ability damage caused by sorrow's touch. Creatures affected by this ability will cease to see to basic personal needs such as grooming, hygiene, eating and drinking. In all aspects, the creature will sit and wait to die, mired in sorrow.
Corruption Cost
1d6 points of ability damage to all six ability scores.
"Yeah I'm burning this one," Seira says, putting the first two scrolls away. "What were you thinking? Seriously."
A burst of divine will purifies the vile scroll.
"Know your enemy so that you can crush them better?" Oberuth suggests.
Meanwhile Antenora turns to Moore, checking him over.
Jetina lowers her blade, "What are the other two scrolls and why is one so objectionable?"
Aiming to destroy or purify the scroll? To be clear.
Alicia trusts Seira's judgement on that, having often found worthless unholy magic in their past adventures. "I'm surprised the key isn't magic. A mundane lock isn't going to stop us here unless we feel like being especially sporting. Which way would people like to go next? Explore more in this area, or try another direction back from where we started?"
I was honestly being fancy about burning it, but if my divine powers of purification can work on scrolls like that I'd like to try it!
"I'll be sure to make copies for all participants," Seira promises to Jetina, "plus any special insights I might have. The other scrolls are actually pretty great, but this one tainted any user without fail."
"What about the door Madigar sat before?" Amaryl asks, "We could explore that?"
Antenora shakes her head, "I say we go north, down to the sapphire blue halls."
"That sounds good, or the metallic silver hall? WE've met a despair dragon and a chromatic dragon. Maybe that leads to a metallic dragon?" Jetina ventures, returning back to the party. "Ah. Corrupt magic, then."
In theory it might be possible, but conceptual spells like this don't convert easily, so we'll just burn it. It's not the sort of spell that you flip and makes a good counter spell, really, and I don't want to slow us down having to redesign an analogue to it from scratch.
"Just give me a moment here," Seira says, precasting a couple spells and taking a closer look at the cavern they're in. Her senses are already better than what Iosodaelanaja's spell could help with, and she looks for any hidden doors or locks for the purple key!
Perception take 10 for 105, and I'm emulating a spell that's to Detect Secret Doors as Greater Arcane Sight is to Detect Magic so we don't waste a lot of time on this.
Seira searches around. There's no secrets here that she can find.
[13:14] <Nephrite> roll 77d4 nonlethal just for being honest
[13:14] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 196 > [77d4=196]
"Jetina, would you mind managing a heal spell for me, please? I always forget how much that takes out of me to use." Moore admits, sagging a little after the battle. He smiles at Antenora afterwards.
"This room's clear, far as I can tell without specialized attention," Seira is all too happy to report. "I'd prefer we went back and opened the doors we passed before."
Jetina taps Moore's shoulder, healing taking him.
Heal spell with all her various kickers applied.
[spoiler]
A loss of 11 on attack rolls, 12 dodge to AC, and 12 morale to saves. - Just using this for now since Moore's bardsong is partially out.
Antenora
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 34/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 6/7 Channel Energy 15/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 6/7 Smite 5/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: 1 6th level spell.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554+66/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100/1100 (0)(regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
[/quote]
Moore gives her a thumbs up.
"I'm fine with going and unlocking things we passed, it means we don't have to backtrack again." Moore voices.
"Back to the room past Madigar then," Alicia agrees, setting off in that direction.
2 minutes for durations, note any that expired or get refreshed.
You return to that door without incident.
Recitation recast.
Seira gives everyone a moment to refresh any spells before opening the door!
"Hello again, Madigar," Alicia greets the bound sage in passing while Seira opens the door.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 52m), keen edge (CL 32, 306m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 18m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 18m), greater heroism (CL 32, 18m), death ward (CL 32, 18m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 52m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 315m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 27m), recitation (CL 32, 1m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 1m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 27m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 109 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/7/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Madigar looks up, "Madigar - that's my name," He laughs, "Madigar! Finally going this way?"
"Yes, we met Kecasandarenala so we're going to see about another of these great dragons now," she confirms to him.
A slow nod at that, "Then good fortune to you ahead."
Alicia nods back, following Seira through the door.
Moore, any adjustments?
No.
Ahead is a long, deep chamber where a heap of gems and gold lies. Atop it rests a dragon, forelegs on one another, like a dog or cat at rest. It watches you with eyes that are a cloudy white, a voice a windy, musical sound, "Welcome! I am Bredanalundalum, the Bard of the Sky."
Finally, a dragon that speaks his language!
"I admit a great curiosity to hear how that title was bestowed upon you." Moore says with a wide grin.
What colour is the dragon?!
"Well met Bredanalundalum. I am Alicia," she greets with a polite nod of her head.
2 for 2 on dragons who's names I have to copy/paste each time and will never type out properly, for those keeping score.
3 for 3, though I shortened Ios's name as he was kind of a dick.
"Likewise, Bredanalundalum. Name's Seira," she introduces herself in kind. "Bard, though? Are you intended to fight us on your own?"
"Greetings," Antenora bows her head to him.
"A dragon bard?" Amaryl murmurs, "What a lovely concept."
"No worse than a dragon mage or a dragon paladin," Jetina adds, "Even if one dragon paladin stands above others."
Bredanalundalum smiles - showing too many pure white teeth - and laughs, "Ah, a fellow bard, are you? You have the look. Aaah, but I already know of you, of course, of all of you. Let me dispense the flattery. Lady Alicia, Lady Antenora, Lady Seira, Lady Amaryl, Sir Moore, Lady Jetina, Sir Hellman. It is a pleasure to meet all of you."
Dragon names are like that, yes.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Bredanalundalum." Moore agrees with a smile.
Oberuth inclines his head to the dragon.
"As it is, as it is," Bredanalundalum declares, "I sing of the songs, the skies, the freedom of the air. What do you sing of, Sir Moore?"
"Making us absurdly more effective, mostly," Jetina murmurs, mostly to herself, but a pinch too loud.
"Hope." Moore answers easily. "Potential. The ability to go beyond what you think yourself capable of -- to do what Creation itself says is impossible."
"Were I to sing a song of all of you, each of you would represent a positive force. You and Seira agree on hope and potential. What is a bard to do," Looking to both Seira and then Moore, "Can you help me solve this problem? I wish to make a ballad of this meeting once it is done."
"I try to lead by example, from the front, and be the hope that people can aspire for as well as relying on at their darkest moments," Seira tells him helpfully.
"I would be honored." Moore says. "I'll help in whatever way I can."
"I see, I see," Bredanalundalum declares, leaning forward, eyeing both of you as his head gets closer and closer. "I believe that old stick in the mud had names for you, but are they quite right? Duty for Sir Hellman I can see, Redemption for Lady Antenora. What of the others, let alone rhyming them?"
'Marie would like him,' Antenora sends to Alicia, standing back and watching.
'Perhaps she'll have a chance to make his acquaintance, after all this,' Alicia returns, letting Bredanalundalum talk it out with those who share his musical interests.
'Bringing dragon companions like these dragons as a reward would be a blessing,' Antenora says, 'Save for the purple wyrm, they seem well adjusted and wise.'
"Hmm..." Moore looks over at Jetina and considers for a moment. "Relief? Mm... it's not -quite- right... 'Jetina the Healer' doesn't really have the right..." He gestures absently. "Fluff to it. I think the best word to embody my comrade is Salvation." Moore says. "Yes, Jetina, Raziel's Champion of Salvation."
Jetina blushes rather heavily at that, "Ah...well...."
"Yes, yes, that could work if structured right," Humming a few bars of music to himself, "Oh, and I'm supposed to fight you, if you hadn't picked up on that yet."
"Yes, but we presumed you were starved for conversation and saw no reason not to indulge first," Alicia speaks up genially. "To the death, then?"
Moore huffs. "Here I thought we might be able to get by without fighting for once and just find some alternative."
"We're supposed to, but I'm just bored of fighting. I've never liked it," The dragon admits, "Most of the others adore it, fighting for dominance, and territory. I'd rather sing, listen to stories or work on magic. Maybe it..." A trail off, "Technically, Lord Io told me to come in conflict with you. He didn't say it had to be a bloody battle, even if that was the spirit of it..." A trail off, a thoughtful noise.
"A dance off will be fine," Seira voices.
The dragon makes deep hummmm sound, as if in thought.
"It'd have to be something subjective, I think, unless you can conjure some objective judges for whatever the competition is." Moore says. "Some sort of composition for a song or ballad competition wouldn't be a bad idea either... or... mmm..." He rubs his chin. "Perhaps we could simply impress you with something you've never seen before? There are a lot of things, really." Moore says. "Or even some kind of magical creation competition?" A shrug after that.
"I can play the part of an impartial judge," Seira offers.
"I liked the dance off suggestion. Objective judges can be summoned if needed," Alicia chimes in helpfully.
"A song," The dragon agrees, "Moore, you can sing with the best of them?"
Jetina smiles and steps back, murmuring to Amaryl, "Moore has this."
"Really?" Amaryl murmurs right back, "He's good, but surely so is the dragon?"
"I can." Moore confirms with a smile. "What are the rules?"
"The best one according to the judges wins," The dragon says, "Simple as can be, all talent and ability."
That sounds like magic is allowed... so does that give him a benefit or a detriment? Hmm.
Unless I misunderstood the intention and it's the opposite!
"Very well, then." Moore says. "Should the song have a subject, or whatever comes from our hearts?"
"It's up to you, it's your song. Alicia, Seira, would you see to judges, please?" The dragon asks.
Meanwhile Oberuth goes to stand back, watching without comment.
"I happen to be an expert on this subject," Seira notes, sitting on an empty patch of air and making herself comfortable as she prepares to judge.
"Very well. I cede the floor to the owner of the establishment." Moore says as he steps back and considers his options for a song and how to best display it... ...ah!
"I'm sure I'd be biased, allow me to summon two more judges," Alicia says to be fair.
Summon Monster IX SLA cast to summon a firre eladrin and a coatl.Thus a rainbow serpent and an eladrin appear at her command! "Please view the performances of this pixie and this dragon and render your judgement as to which is superior," she asks of her summons.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 52m), keen edge (CL 32, 306m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 18m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 18m), greater heroism (CL 32, 18m), death ward (CL 32, 18m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 52m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 315m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 27m), recitation (CL 32, 1m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 1m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 27m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 109 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/7/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Quick-casts left: 2
"Does either of you need accompaniment?" Seira inquires.
"Yes," The firre agrees, as the dragon shakes his head.
"Sir Moore, you are the guest. You are welcome to perform first."
Moore smiles at Seira. "I can manage myself with a few tricks." He says as he moves forward.
He clears his throat. "I'll be using some magic both to make this sound better as well as for thematic purpose. Before I begin, I just want to make sure that's acceptable." Moore says.
"By all means!" Your host declares, "Show me your best." He smiles even wider, "Impress me."
Moore takes in a breath as he stretches and casts a few spells around himself and on himself first, a small whisper heard in the room of a word -- "despair," before the room plunges into total darkness!
Moore is casting Divine Insight on himself first, he has Greater Improv already.
After that, he's going to cast Sculpt Sound on several floor tiles around him. They are all going to simply whisper 'Despair' every few seconds.
"Shadows loom on the horizon. A time of darkness is approaching." Moore sings quietly -- a cold tone, dark and forboding.
"The light of dawn has faded -- only darkness remains to cover the world. It is then all music is that of despair. Of hopelessness. There is no more future, it is only darkness." He continues. His tone stays dark.
"What is there to do? Pray for salvation? Wish for a Miracle?" He sings, a tinge of something in his voice. "No, one must always look inwards, into their soul, to fight the light of hope."
10% illumination.
"Hope can never be be lost forever. Hope carries with us in the worst and best of times. It is always with us, with our friends, with our allies." His voice begins to take on a new tone, a new melody. It is tinged with that same light that all of them carry in their souls.
20% illumination.
"Those who side with Hope, those who believe in the limitless potential of hope can see through any darkness, can survive any challenge, can overcome and obstacle." His voice continues to add more and more melodic rhythm into it. His voice carries across the room, now beginning to drown out the sounds of the stones on the floor.
30% illumination.
"In worlds where hopelessness exists, hope still remains. Inside people who have lost their hope, there must be those who give them reason to find it again." He lets his melody settle for a moment, as the sounds of the despairing stones can still be heard through the silence.
40% illumination
"Hope is the light, the beacon of the lost. But Hope does not stand alone against Despair." It doesn't last long, however, as he continues into a moment, where his voice raises, raises and raises, as it drowns out the stones completely now.
50%
"Hope, Salvation, Redemption, Duty, Perseverance, Community. These words all embody different pieces in a puzzle against Despair. They each bring those around them together into a cause. A cause of righteousness against the darkness. A cause to strive for a better future for all, not just one. One along can stand against the darkness, but..." His voice carries all of the weight of the world, as he misses not even a single beat. No longer can the despairing stones be heard easily, as his voice, the Song of Hope for the Hopeless reaches its final moment.
100%
"But unbreakable are the bonds of hope that hope for a brighter future!" Moore shouts as he gestures!
Sculpt Sound on the stones again.
All the tiles suddenly shout "HOPE!" once, before going silent.
I wasn't sure whether you'd want me to do the check before or after, but I just opted to post the song first anyway.
Go ahead and give me the check with a +10 bonus.
Okay. In that case, Moore is going to be boring and take 10 for 133.
Alicia keeps her expression inscrutable so as not to prejudice her summoned judges.
Still...
Is it just her or do the lyrics not rhyme?
The rainbow serpent hisses along with it, soft and quiet. "I approve," he says, as Antenora claps after, along with Jetina and Amaryl.
"No rhyming?" Amaryl asks after, "There's some elven verse and poetry that de emphasizes rhyming, did you draw from that?"
The firre listens and nods, "I like the message," he says, "Is this original? I've not heard it before."
"I find that rhyming can sometimes cheapen the message of the whole and make you focus too much on individual parts." Moore says with a nod to Amaryl. "It's a personal preference of mine when doing prose or anything like that." A smile afterwards and a small bow to everyone.
Seira patiently awaits the dragon's turn!
"Well spoken," The dragon concurs, bowing his head a moment before smiling, "I prefer to sing of freedom, of the open skies. I hope you find this pleasing." Stepping back, the dragon sings.
It is like listening to the wind, words of the language of air elementals wooshing throughout the room. It is a song of the freedom of the four winds, blowing without restraint, unburdened by the world below. It is a beautiful song, a song of satisfaction and yearning. You can feel your feet begin to drift free of the ground, lifting up off from gravity's bonds. Sweet, fresh and warm winds begin to blow about the room, bringing the scents of spring, of growth and flowers, of a promise of another warm summer.
Alicia feels quite moved by the dragon's song, a creature who surely yearns to fly on open skies but for so long has been cooped up in this solitary room. But she doesn't react in any way to bias her summoned judges!
Moore stays politely quiet until the performance is through!
Despite sitting on a stretch of air, Seira doesn't allow the music to move her much. Interesting, is that sort of effect on the world similar to Words of Creation?
The song winds down in due time, sung and done. When it's done, the dragon says, "How was it?"
The firre claps, "Freedom, a concept I adore."
The coautl is quieter, "But hope is more important, and the pixie's voice was remarkable."
"So it was," The firre banters back, "But I vote the dragon." He crosses his arms, firm.
"And I vote the pixie." The rainbow serpent declares, a flare of his colors.
Seira would know it's not the Words - though Moore did show an advanced usage of it against the shadows incidentally - but more garden variety bardic magic/music.
Dragon takes 10 for 101, incidentally.
"So it seems mine is the tie-breaking vote!" Seira declares happily, bouncing to her feet. "First, the matter of presentation. I preferred Bredanalundalum's delivery. It was an innocent delivery that engaged the very elements around us in an organic way, rather than the obvious magic of Moore's accompaniment. On the matter of topics, however, Moore is the winner for while the state of freedom is quite dear to my heart hope is the mechanism towards creating the world where freedom for all is a reality."
She pauses, tapping her chin in thought. "Moore did use an unusual structure compared to Bredanalundalum's classical approach, and I believe that worked against him here. While elven poets do make use of this style, the very juxtaposition of verses often exists to enhance the message and I felt no such thing here. And yet... the performance itself, overall, must go to Moore." Seira turns towards the pixie with a smile. "The rules set out by your challenger stipulated that the topic was up to the performer's choice, and that all means of presentation were on the table. And the one who picked the stronger subject and enhanced it the most through every skill and magical power available to them was, without denial, you. Congratulations, Moore!"
"Ah, congratulations," Bredanalundalum declares, bringing his claws together to clap - a surprisingly accurate sound, like the real thing. "It seems your performance has won the day, Sir Moore, so I must reward all of you. Hm. How many of you are close to bards such as ourselves? Or talented eladrin?"
Alicia claps politely as the judgement is rendered. Privately she found Bredanalundalum's song appealed more to her artistic sensibilities but she can't deny the technical merit of Moore's performance.
"One of my proxies is a bard and the other is an eladrin, since you ask," she says to the dragon.
"My friend Sanzha's a marid bard," Seira muses. "She plays the piano exceptionally well, in fact. Does that work?"
Moore nods his head slightly to Seira and takes a bow.
"Your criticism is wholly accepted and noted for future performances at The Cauldron." Moore says with a smile. He turns to Bredanalundalum. "I'd offer a hand in a friendly handshake, but that feels hard to accomplish, so I hope you'll accept my congratulations and praise on your pure-hearted composition nonetheless."
Moore considers the question for a moment. "I know one other than myself who has the knack for bardic inspiration, for whatever it's worth." He says.
Four thick sheafs of papers appear, "These took a long time to make," he says, "But you'll find that a skilled bard can learn how to bring everyone to the skies with but a song."
Loot.
"Oh, wow!" Moore says. "This is wonderful. Thank you."
"Thank you!" Seira respond gratefully, as she accepts the one Bredanalundalum is gifting Sanzha.
"Marie will appreciate it. Thank you," Antenora bows towards the dragon.
Amaryl smiles at this, "It's most generous of you. It'll strength us ahead."
"We're going to need it," Jetina agrees, "There's still a long way to go, I think."
"That is a most considerate gift," Alicia says, carefully taking the sheafs. "I'll put these in my portable hole for the moment, since they're for after all this," she explains to the others as she stows the items. "Also before you go, thank you for being impartial judges," she thanks her summons before they vanish.
Once they do, "Do you have any requests you wish us to bring to Io when we find him, Bredanalundalum?"
"Freedom," he says immediately, "Long has Io kept us here for his reasons and I accept that, but my heart yearns to fly free. I accepted his terms, yet nothing is beyond renegotiating."
Alicia nods. "I expected as much. We will plead your case, then. For now, farewell," she steps back and turns, heading back out of this room.
Antenora follows, adding once you step out, "Io is a dragon of his word, as Madigar said. Be it heaven or hell."
Jetina smiles at that, "Better than being a liar. More, I think he gives you what you want, even if knows you'll regret it. That's one way to grow."
"There's a lot of legends of wishes being granted like that, aren't there?" Moore muses. "It's a commentary on that sort of ideology, I think."
"Even so, things are done with purpose. After we've completed all the travails of this dungeon, what purpose will it hold, what reason for its inhabitants to remain bound? I'm certain their circumstances can be renegotiated," Alicia says confidently.
"I think it's better for everyone to not resort to tiny letters on the contract, myself," Seira muses, heading for the entrance. "If you know something is bad for whoever's asking for it, actually talking it out is a good first step over, say, imprisoning someone for eons with what they thought they wanted to make them grow. Oh! And I want to open that first door we came across, is everyone alright with that?"
"I had wishes before that would have been unspeakable misery had I been granted them," Antenora concurs, "A rough teacher, but a teacher. No harsher a teacher than life, which may well not give you a chance to learn from your folly."
Here Amaryl sighs slightly, "It's still wrong. Are we not shepherds who tend to souls? Yet Io left all of them behind for unspeakable ages, only to pursue his own advancement beyond Creation. Is he any better than Eblis, who has divine power but broods and burns in Fire?"
Moore nods. "I agree. We should do what we can for the people here."
"I'm fine with going to that door," Oberuth says, "And Antenora's right. It's no harder than the lessons of life. The difficulty of life is that you can fail abruptly by dying."
Seira leads the way!
The trip back to the door near the beginning is unremarkable. It awaits to be opened, nothing having obviously changed.
Thus, Seira opens the door!
Ahead is a sandy room, wide and vast. It's warm here, a vast blue wyrm sunning on the sands, surrounded by heaps of gem studden wooden treasures and furniture. It slowly looks your way, electricity crackling all along it. Its edges are hazy, turning to black, stormy clouds. "You've arrived at last."
"Well met, I am Alicia," Alicia introduces herself again, being polite.
"Seira. A pleasure to be here," Seira greets the dragon, indeed happy at the warmer climate.
"The Saint, the Dragon and the Elf." The dragon repeats off, then frowns, eyeing Antenora. "And a fourth. And pixie drenched in light and healer the same and...what ARE YOU?" His gaze settles on Oberuth, stormy and foul.
"Someone's nosy," Oberuth says, plainly. "Hellman Oberuth, human."
"And you are?" Antenora challenges right back.
"Lightning," The dragon announces, "Wyrm of storms."
"If the pattern holds, we're going to fight and then promise to free you from this duty," Seira muses. "Then again, you did break the pattern with that unconventional name."
"I keep wondering why everyone here knows who we are, even though they've never left." Moore admits.
"We have our means," The dragon huffs, "I am a skilled seer. Yet all is not as I expected here." Drawing his wings up and closer to himself, like a shield, "Then shall we battle? Such is to test you and strengthen you."
"I imagine you'd spend a long time on divinations with little else to do here," Alicia says to Moore, before she readies her sword. "I am prepared."
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 52m), keen edge (CL 32, 306m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 18m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 18m), greater heroism (CL 32, 18m), death ward (CL 32, 18m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 52m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 315m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 27m), recitation (CL 32, 1m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 1m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 27m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 109 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/7/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Quick-casts left: 2
"Any wishes you would like us to convey to Io afterwards?"
"No," The wyrm says, "I am content. A storm does not think, it rages."
Breaking the pattern indeed! Seira raises her newly-acquired staff in preparation of casting!
20:04 <CC> roll 1d20+18+15
20:04 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=12]
Indeed, init time all.
Supreme init.
Recitation and greater visage refreshed.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 50m), keen edge (CL 32, 304m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 16m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 16m), greater heroism (CL 32, 16m), death ward (CL 32, 16m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 50m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 313m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 25m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 27m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 109 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/7/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Also, whoops. Forgot to mark off another 2 minutes for time passed for durations. If this expires anything, say so. If you'd have refreshed it or reboosted outside before you went in, say so too.
[13:06] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40
[13:06] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=8]
Inspire Courage is still going for the purposes of buffs.
All good.
> roll 1d20+28 Antenora
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+22 Jetina
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+39 Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+30 dragon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=1]
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Oberuth (51) > Seira (45) > Antenora (41) > Jetina (36) > Lightning (31)
Alicia opens. The dragon is 45ft away.
What spells does the dragon have active?
[18:18] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+34 Cl check on arcane sight if required
[18:18] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=15]
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 50m), keen edge (CL 32, 304m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 16m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 16m), greater heroism (CL 32, 16m), death ward (CL 32, 16m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 50m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 313m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 25m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 27m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 109 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/7/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/7/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Mind Blank, Lightning's Rise, Storm's Vigor, True Deflective Gaze, Wyrmbreath, True Dragon's Blood, Nondetection, Greater Resistance, Blindsight, Dire Storm's Rage, Thunder Herald, Duelist's Friend, Supreme Aura, Energy Immunity, Energy Immunity, Energy Immunity, Bredanalundalum's Wit, Blue Splendor.
None of those spells are that likely to impact Alicia's ability to hit him with her sword, so... that's what she does! In fact he's close enough she doesn't even need to move much, swelling up to enormous size and scything her sword out to sweep across the gulf separating them, hacking into Lightning with gusto now that battle has been declared!
Swift to change size and full attack.
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+95 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 110 > [d20=15]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+95 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d20=8]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+95 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 113 > [d20=18]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+95 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=4]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+90 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d20=19]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+90 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d20=19]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+85 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d20=5]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+85 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=2]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+80 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 89 > [d20=9]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+80 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=20]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+95 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch CRIT CHECK
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d20=2]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+90 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch CRIT CHECK
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d20=11]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+90 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch CRIT CHECK
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 94 > [d20=4]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+80 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channelled maximised vampiric touch CRIT CHECK
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=5]
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+10d4+60
[18:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 162 > [d6=6,4,3,4,2,3][d4=1,3,2,3,3,3,2,1,2,3]
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+10d4+60
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 172 > [d6=3,4,6,4,4,6][d4=4,2,1,3,2,3,4,3,3,3]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+10d4+60
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 167 > [d6=3,2,6,5,2,6][d4=3,2,3,4,1,4,1,3,3,2]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+10d4+60
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 167 > [d6=6,6,6,2,3,1][d4=4,3,2,1,1,4,3,1,3,4]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+10d4+60
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 172 > [d6=6,6,2,6,4,4][d4=3,2,2,2,1,3,3,3,4,4]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+10d4+60
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 161 > [d6=2,2,3,6,6,6][d4=3,1,3,1,1,3,1,2,3,1]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+114+10d4+120 if 97 was a crit
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 304 > [d6=6,1,1,1,6,3,5,5,5,6,1,4][d4=2,2,1,4,2,3,2,3,3,4]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+10d4+60 if it wasn't
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 167 > [d6=3,5,2,6,1,4][d4=4,1,3,4,1,3,2,3,4,4]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+114+10d4+120 if 101 was a crit
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 301 > [d6=4,2,2,5,2,5,3,6,5,4,3,4][d4=4,1,3,3,2,3,1,1,1,3]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+10d4+60 if it wasn't
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 159 > [d6=2,5,4,2,5,6][d4=3,2,2,4,1,1,1,1,2,1]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+114+10d4+120 if 94 was a crit
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 299 > [d6=2,6,5,3,3,6,4,1,4,4,1,4][d4=1,1,2,1,3,4,1,4,3,2]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+10d4+60 if it wasn't
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 162 > [d6=3,3,1,2,6,3][d4=2,2,4,4,2,3,3,1,4,2]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+114+10d4+120 if 85 was a crit
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 296 > [d6=3,6,4,1,1,6,2,3,4,2,2,1][d4=3,4,4,2,3,1,4,1,2,3]
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+10d4+60 if it wasn't
[18:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 153 > [d6=1,1,1,3,3,2][d4=1,2,4,3,3,4,4,2,1,1]
I get either 60 or 120 temp hp from this depending on whether any of the crits landed so please specify that, thanks.
Alicia: 952/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 50m), keen edge (CL 32, 304m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 16m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 16m), greater heroism (CL 32, 16m), death ward (CL 32, 16m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 50m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 313m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 25m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 27m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 83 (touch 30), CMD 132 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2, dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/6/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
The crit landed. Is Alicia immune to electricity?
She is not! So if she takes damage on every hit she landed here she's also getting +60 (+120 on crits) temp hp too so track which damage she takes on normals and which on crits so I can keep it all straight.
Alicia: 952+120/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 50m), keen edge (CL 32, 304m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 16m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 16m), greater heroism (CL 32, 16m), death ward (CL 32, 16m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 50m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 313m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 25m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 27m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 83 (touch 30), CMD 132 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2, dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/6/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Alicia's first strike is dreadfully powerful - cutting deep into the dragon's side. Yet the wyrm grins savagely as it becomes pure electricity, running up Alicia's blade and into her.
Fort.
[18:40] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+77 mettle and I can't fail on a 1, to streamline any requests for more rolls since that's a lot of attacks
[18:40] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=16]
Electricity writhes about Alicia but she endures, unharmed even as it crackles around her, no sign of the dragon, just lightning dancing over Alicia's armored form.
Interrupts your full attack. Anything else this round, Alicia?
I have a swift left but first can I tell where the dragon went with any of my godly perceptions?
[19:00] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+88 perception
[19:00] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 107 > [d20=19]
Also if one of the dragon's spells is 'When hit you turn into lightning and get really messed up if X happens' that'd be more useful to know than just a flowery name.
You can tell the dragon transformed into living lightning and is currently trying to fry your body.
Fortunately, you're good at enduring that.
Lightning's Rise seems to be the culprit.
Does the spell description say anything about what living lightning is vulnerable to? If a certain damage type or specific spell will knock the caster out of the state/hurt them?
This isn't the final draft, I probably want to tighten some language, but the basics are all here.
Lightning's Rise
Transmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 14
Components: V, S, F
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: 1 min/level
Saving Throw: Fortitude partial; see text
Spell Resistance: No
This mighty spell allows you to transform your body to living lightning on injury. Whenever you take damage, you may choose to transform as an immediate action. If you do, you become a mass of electricity invulnerable to most forms of harm. You are immune to all damage in this form except as follows. You take normal damage from force attacks such as magic missile and are vulnerable to any attack that deals damage with water, taking double damage from them and suffering a -10 penalty to any saving throws. This form lasts until the beginning of your next turn. In this form you cannot make attacks of opportunity or cast spells, nor can you move. Once you return to your normal form, this spell ends.
If you were damaged by a creature who came in contact with you with their body or a metal object, or if a creature or a creature touching you with a metal object comes in contact with you, you can attempt to flow into them. This deals 50d10 points of electricity damage. Additionally, you can choose to remain as electricity damaging them, dealing the damage each round at the beginning of your turn, so long as you are with them. In this case, this form lasts for one round per three caster levels, until the spell expires normally or until the creature you are within dies. At that point, you appear in your normal form adjacent to the creature or the creature's corpse. While you are within a creature, you can take no other actions than to deal it damage, which happens automatically.
Once within a body, you can only be removed with a dispel magic or similar spell targeted at the creature you are within. This spell may be targeted that way and if successfully dispelled, you take 1d6 points of damage per caster level of the spell used and appear adjacent to the creature in your normal form, the spell ended.
So for my clarification, now that the dragon's chosen to attack me he can't be targeted if anyone else wanted to magic missile him, only dispels will work?
Unless you could somehow introduce force or water throughout your body or something similar. I'd rule that could harm him, and fiat something that doesn't normally deal damage as appropriate.
"Someone will have to dispel him out of me now, I'm unharmed but he can't be easily hurt in this form either," Alicia says as she looms above everyone.
Okay, I'm done.
"Nice trick," Amaryl marvels, "Can we remove him?"
Antenora shakes her head, "Effective on almost anyone else."
Jetina hurries over, "Do you need healing, Alicia?"
Amaryl's up, waiting on a reply there since she can't just arrow Alicia.
"I can do it, give me a moment. That lightning spell, right?"
"No, this isn't enough to hurt me," she tells Jetina. "Rain of desolation would be extremely good, but it would break my own spells as well unfortunately - he's weak to water and force effects as well but my body also provides him a shield."
Alicia: 952+60/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 50m), keen edge (CL 32, 304m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 16m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 16m), greater heroism (CL 32, 16m), death ward (CL 32, 16m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 50m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 313m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 25m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 27m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 83 (touch 30), CMD 132 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2, dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/6/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Oberuth (51) > Moore (48) > Seira (45) > Antenora (41) > Jetina (36) > Lightning (31)
Amaryl holds. Oberuth holds. Moore, go.
He's not got much to do right now, so he'll hold too!
Seira, go.
Right! So that spell means Lightning is weak to water, and that's what Seira chooses over a targeted dispel. Her magic is stored into the staff she's holding, and then she taps Alicia's foot with it, turning her friend into a water-based lifeform!
Move to channel spell, standard to hit Alicia and channel it. Elemental Body/Water. I'll use my two swifts after it resolves.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Lightning's screams come from Alicia's mouth as the wyrm howls in agony, lightning flowing out and forming the dragon where he was, right next to the party, lying in a heap.
Alicia feels a bit shocked herself, but can easily withstand such a pain.
I'll treat that like a dispel here, deal 1d6 per CL and then double it since water damage.
"Sorry about that!" Seira calls out. "Here, let me try to dry you off!"
21:26 <CC> roll 33d6
21:26 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 120 > [d6=2,5,4,2,2,1,4,6,5,6,5,1,6,3,4,5,4,5,5,2,2,4,6,2,6,4,4,2,1,5,2,4,1]
Thus, 240 damage.
Then, delayed blast fireball:
21:33 <CC> roll 1d20+37 SR
21:33 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=13]
21:33 <CC> roll 20d6 Ref DC38
21:33 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d6=3,2,6,4,2,3,4,2,5,2,1,2,1,4,6,1,2,1,6,5]
The other swift is used to emulate Drown:
21:34 <CC> roll 1d20+37 SR #2
21:34 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=20]
Fort DC32 negates
> roll 1d20+41 Ref vs fireball
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+41 Fort vs drown
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=3]
Further spells batter the dragon, flames lashing it as it howls in pain, knocked down and...
Moore, Amaryl and Oberuth can choose to go now. Moore?
He will recast Harmonize in case he needs to get some songs up quick!
> roll 1d20+77
> roll 1d20+77
> roll 1d20+77
> roll 1d20+77
> roll 1d20+77
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+77
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=8]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d20=7]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=10]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d8=7][d6=1,4,6,5,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d8=4][d6=5,2,6,6,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d8=8][d6=3,1,6,2,2]
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
> roll 1d8+61+5d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d8=2][d6=5,1,5,1,2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 86 > [d8=5][d6=5,2,5,4,4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 86 > [d8=4][d6=3,5,1,6,6]
Down and vulnerable, the wyrm cries out in vain as he is impaled by arrows, hit again and again. This lets Oberuth simply be there, swinging for his head with a grunt.
> roll 1d20+80
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+75
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+70
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 86 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+65
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+80 crit
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=13]
This is one of those times I don't roll damage because it doesn't matter. He got hard countered and barely had any health left.
The blow is swift, slicing the worm's neck all the way through, head hitting the ground before the entire beast vanishes. Victory!
Free act.
"Well then." Seira goes over the dragon's spell once more. "I think it'd be nice to make a fiery variant of that. Better than Imix's spells, too."
"They're not lacking for confidence." Moore says.
"It's an interesting concept that would be exceptional against some foes. We had its weakness exposed, though," Alicia says, reverting to flesh and blood once more. And shrinking.
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 52m), keen edge (CL 32, 306m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 18m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 18m), greater heroism (CL 32, 18m), death ward (CL 32, 18m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 52m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 315m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 27m), recitation (CL 32, 1m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 1m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 27m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 109 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/6/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
"Pretty good for fighting on Fire, too. I doubt they'd stoop to using water magic, and magic missiles are interdicted easily enough with magic."
"Creative," Antenora agrees, shaking her head as Oberuth cleans his blade. "Creatively dead, now."
Meanwhile a single scroll appears, hitting the ground softly.
Seira gestures for it to fly up into her hands and takes a look!
Loot. It's a scroll of lightning's rise.
"And it seems like Lightning agrees! Or Io, maybe."
"Either way, it's an improvement," Antenora agrees.
"...Well fought," Lightning's voice is heard. "I knew I had no chance. Hmph."
"Even so you gave it a good try when you had no other options. I will speak well of you to Io," Alicia commends the fallen dragon.
Really she intends to ask for blanket freedom for them all rather than worrying about specific requests, if any don't want it after it's on the table that's between them and Io.
"No wonder Lord Io chose all of you," the dragon scowls, "Instead of his children. At least a few of you are his adopted children."
Seira doesn't really look at it like that, but it works! Shrugging, she asks the others, "Where to now?"
"Lets try going immediately West from where we entered?" Alicia suggests, leaving Lightning's room and turning to her right for that passageway.
"Works for me!"
Antenora follows, "Adopted child of Io? That's a poetic way to refer to you, Seira."
Amaryl sniffs, "Also condescending."
In an aside to Moore, Jetina murmurs, "But isn't condescending an elf trait, at least a lot of the time?"
Oberuth follows, "He's not wrong." As he follows, "What strikes me is that no matter what we are, all of us become more than human in this quest of ours. Creation's even geared to it, humans are meant to die and become spirits. It's self important foolishness to hold it against someone."
Seira shrugs at Antenora, hoping the topic dies out before she is visibly annoyed at the elf/human bickering.
The party walks onward - and space twists ahead of you, curling and moving around and around, twisting and looping, going nowhere, the way ahead ever distant.
Seira tries to exclude Chronomancy as a suspect from the limited primer on the subject she received from Waukeen.
Take 10 for 62 on spellcraft to figure out what's going on here?
Gimme spellcraft as well, Seira?
Also we'll probably wait a bit on Moore here.
Taking 10 for 85.
Take 10 for 77 on Spellcraft here also.
While they're walking, Moore just gives Jetina a small smile and a shrug.
Magic has twisted space here. So long as it is intact, you cannot go forward.
Yet you can all also detect something is being held at bay beyond it, lurking and waiting should this become undone.
As you see this, a sphere appears before you.
Alicia touches the sphere which will surely tell them more about what's behind the twisted space!
At least it's magical twisting and not far realm twisting.
"At times in my journey to the Far Realm, I came on things that not even I could meaningfully battle. Things so far removed from Creation's understanding that even coming in contact with it would be hazardous. As I traveled, I considered such a dragon, made of anathemic knowledge and the distortion of space, a thing as much a magical anomaly as a living, breathing creature."
A beat then, a long one.
"More importantly: Can we ever grow such that we can accept the Far Realm into Creation, or are we forever inferior to the Incarnations in this aspect? For I have seen the Incarnations do so, even if it came with a cage she will never escape. Can you withstand such a dragon, one I have done my best to make part of Creation?"
"This sounds almost like it'll be a fight of strength of ideas, rather than an actual battle of strength of force." Moore says.
"The Incarnations brought something from the Far Realm... and turned it into a girl?"
"Sylian's training may prove useful with this one," Alicia says with a look to Oberuth. "Entities of the far realm are also vulnerable to pure divine will, though in being meshed with Creation this thing may not. Regardless I have fought the creatures of Beyond with blade alone even as a mortal, this will not stop us."
"Ideas are important in this battle," Oberuth agrees with Moore, "It's more about imposing your will onto things, molding it. Divine will's good at it, but if I can do it, anyone probably can in time."
"And if not, blade and support," Jetina agrees, her own weapon ready. "Also Moore, maybe you can learn something about anathemic knowledge from it."
In the meantime Antenora readies her spear, "Regardless, this won't be a casual thing. Further, if some poor thing is unjustly caged, we should try and help her, if she still is. If. And if it's safe to do so."
"Something to ask Io about at the end of this," Alicia agrees. "Seira, can you dispel the twisting?"
"Let me try," Seira responds, extending her will!
20:28 <CC> roll 1d20+37
20:28 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=10]
Before you space shatters and it emerges - it is...? !!!!
Will saves, all.
[18:35] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+65 will mettle
[18:35] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d20=19]
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 52m), keen edge (CL 32, 306m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 18m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 18m), greater heroism (CL 32, 18m), death ward (CL 32, 18m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 52m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 315m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 27m), recitation (CL 32, 1m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 1m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 27m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 109 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/6/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
20:36 <CC> roll 1d20+58+16
20:36 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=7]
[13:37] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+60 will
[13:37] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+61 Antenora
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+45 Jetina
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+41 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=18]
Oberuth immunes.
It is a thing that is not a thing at all. A dragon that is not a dragon. A twisting, writhing shape that endlessly loops around itself, a spiral never ending, always twisting down and down and down towards an impossible end. It is a hidden wyrm that gazes at you beyond an infinite expanse, secluded and yet known to you, even as the knowledge tries to slither out of your mind like a fleeing snake.
It's behind you and ahead of you at once, closing in from both directions without touching, assailing the party as...!!!
Init.
[spoiler]
A loss of 11 on attack rolls, 12 dodge to AC, and 12 morale to saves. - Just using this for now since Moore's bardsong is partially out.
Antenora
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 34/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 6/7 Channel Energy 15/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 6/7 Smite 5/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: 1 6th level spell.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554+66/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100/1100 (0)(regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
[13:45] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40
[13:45] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=15]
Supreme init.
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 52m), keen edge (CL 32, 306m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 18m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 18m), greater heroism (CL 32, 18m), death ward (CL 32, 18m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 52m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 315m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 27m), recitation (CL 32, 1m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 1m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 27m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 109 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/6/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
20:46 <CC> roll 1d20+18+15
20:46 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+28 Antenora
> roll 1d20+22 Jetina
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=20]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+39 Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d100 dragon 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d100=52]
> roll 2d20 dragon 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d20=15,1]
> roll 1d4 dragon 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d4=4]
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Oberuth (58) > Moore (55) > Dragon 1 (52) > Seira = Antenora (48) > Jetina (41) > Dragon 2 (16) > Dragon 3 (4)
Open Alicia.
It's about finding the right concept to impose with things like this. Simple violent acts are all well and good, but far better something that gets to the core of the matter. So, since Io wanted to make the perfect creature in his dragons, how best to undermine this thing at its very essence? A flaw? But what flaw?
Or... this thing specifically is about anaethemic knowledge and distorted space. Perhaps something that gets to those?
Alicia looks upon the dragon and imposes her will, her reality on it, as she did with the things that appeared during Antenora's apotheosis.
Flatten.
Simple. Elegant and neat, flatten out all that twisted geometry and make it something much more bearable for everyone.
[19:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+16 cha check
[19:03] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=7]
Yet whatever it is, it does not flatten. Your will flows down and endless spiral, a chasm of forever that accomplishes nothing, lost into forever and beyond.
Anything else this turn?
Incidentally, I will counterspell any magic used by the not-dragon even before my turn.
I'm done.
Noted.
"What...?" Amaryl murmurs, gathering her will in before declaring, CONDENSE!
> roll 1d20+9
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=3]
The strange thing shudders and twists, the coil spooling around itself, now behind the party only. It is a thing you cannot look at long, knowledge of it slipping away and yet before you at once, fading every moment as it rejuvenates itself.
Oberuth.
Oberuth is already there, behind it somehow. He says not a word, yet his blade seems different. A thing, spreading in many angles and dimensions at once, creeping and slithering outwards, spreading wildly.
> roll 1d20+82
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+77
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+72
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+67
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d8+71+1d6
> roll 1d8+71+1d6
> roll 1d8+71+1d6
> roll 1d8+71+1d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d8=3][d6=1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d8=8][d6=4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d8=8][d6=1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d8=3][d6=5]
Oberuth strikes ahead, behind, up, down, left, right, in the future, in the past, behind him, before it was born, after it dies. HIs blade is everywhere and nowhere, carving into the thing that is not a thing, creating wounds that you begin to forget about instantly, leaving gashes of emptiness in what is already empty as...
Moore.
"Hm... this works in Limbo, so maybe it works... here?" Moore asks, mostly to himself. He decides he may as well try!
Shifting aura to +charisma, everyone gets +15 on any charisma-based checks.
Moore is basically trying the same sort of thing that his anarch powers let him do, but trying to manifest them against this creature. Not sure if he should try a charisma check too or not.
Go for it, Moore.
He takes in a breath and focuses, trying to hold the creature in one place, rather than allowing it continue to exist in so many places at once!
[14:27] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+15+15
[14:27] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=3]
Give me an Int check and a Will save.
[14:30] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+15 int
[14:30] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+60 will
[14:30] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=18]
[14:30] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=3]
Something in Moore screams. Shatters. Breaks. He falls to the ground, the cry of Jetina and Amaryl lost as his head pounds. Throbs. Wetness from his nose. Blood from his nose. Blood from his ears. Blood in his mouth.
Yet amid all of his head is throbbing, yet he can see it. He feels like he could twist the thing that is not a thing, if he reaches out now and...
Your call if you proceed. Note that no damage yet, at the moment the blood is flavor. This might change.
This is a place where all sorts of impossible things become possible -- this isn't the worst pain he's experienced, and he won't suffer the pain of failure again!
No time like the present to try and go beyond what is possible!
Wis check.
[14:40] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+25 (using +15 GI points)
[14:40] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=18]
Okay, the big question: How exactly are you trying to affect it?
Think of it like this, he's trying to effectively contain it into one area, which is basically like trapping its multi-spatial-ness into one part of the room, if that makes sense.
To think of it another way, he's trying to instill the will of "taking up space" onto it, rather than allowing it to freely exist everywhere. Sort of like forming a big cup around free-flowing water.
It gathers more, already flattened. It seems to be right before all of you, a thing that is not a thing, a thing that is twisting within a small space now.
2 points of Constitution damage, Moore.
It seems contained, trapped as suddenly it roars and...
Will, Alicia, Amaryl, Oberuth and Moore.
[19:55] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+65 will mettle
[19:56] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d20=12]
[14:56] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+60 will
[14:56] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+41 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+42 Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=15]
Yet whatever is to happen does not, the four resisting a strange feeling - kept at bay, held by the thing that is not at hing held in, flattened and contained.
Seira.
No twisting. No writhing. If you're going to take something from the Far Realm and turn it into a cute girl, you might as well do it right! So Seira makes the attempt. A healthy mind in a healthy body, and perhaps an uptick in sanity once that body is no longer an ever-shifting nightmare.
22:09 <CC> roll 1d20+11+2+2+15+16
22:09 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=20]
+2 from Good Hope, +2 from DvR, +15 from Moore's aura, +16 GI points
> roll 1d20+20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=9]
With the thing already bound, flattened, restrained? Seira can pour her will on it, smothering it like drowning a man held down. The thing twists, writhes - and before you is a vaguely female shaped thing, invisible and yet known, forgotten and yet lost.
It eyes all of you with eyes that are not eyes, watching, unmoving now. Wounds that bleed nothing at all pepper its body, like tears in a fine tablecloth.
"Wise," Io says, "For it is still a thing of this Creation, no matter how I tried to mimic the Beyond. I used concepts we understand because it is from our Creation. It is still a thing of the Weave, a thing of Creation. It is not beyond our grasp."
Free act.
"Why anathemic knowledge, though?" Seira asks, trying to see whether the stabilization process can be taken further and without all those surely painful wounds.
Jetina is at Moore's side in an instant, "Moore?" she asks, waiting.
"A good question," Amaryl murmurs, "Is it safe now?"
Alicia just stares back at the female-shaped void.
Seira can sort this out, she made it after all.
"I'll be okay." Moore says as he hits himself with a good old-fashioned heal spell!
He clears his throat and looks to the creature. "Uh... hello? Is that even appropriate...?" He asks.
"Whyever not?" Seira responds, focusing further!
Moore notes he still has a headache. Reality around him feels fairly squishy, moldable. Like soft clay, almost like Limbo.
It seems stable now, you'd have to force it to try and change, and that would endanger the current changes.
"Let's try to focus on turning it more like a real person," Seira suggests. "A girl with a healthy mind and body, not suffering from wounds, and as sane as possible? I don't want to leave it wounded and halfway there."
Oberuth stands there, watching before he says, "A warrior-dragon while you're at it?"
Amaryl takes Seira's hand, "I'll help."
Antenora takes Alicia's hand, "I'll lend you my aid, if you participate, Alicia."
Jetina gives Moore a worried look, "Are you sure?"
"I was really aiming to use myself as a template, so why not a humanoid dragon girl? That should require the fewest changes."
Moore blinks a few times as he rubs his forehead. "It's okay, really. It's not unlike Limbo." He says.
He turns to Oberuth and then back to the creature. "We can't just impose whatever we want it to be on this. We should give it a form that can exist, but let her be whatever she wants to be. If she ends up sane from whatever's gone on her, that's her will, at least, I think so." He says.
"We cannot help but impress our own natures into a being by molding it in this way," Alicia cautions. Still, she takes Antenora's hand and pushes her own will over the reformed dragon in accordance with Seira's wishes, her own desires focusing on working around the anaethemic knowledge part so that the being can suppress it and interact normally with other beings rather than be constantly forgotten. In addition to that business about being healthy in mind and body and all that, as much as Alicia's preferences and nature predispose such things.
Seira nods at Alicia. "So long as we all aim for the same starting point, our own natures should provide for plenty of variety for her to choose from past that."
That said, Seira focuses on her wishes. The dragon girl won't be lost any longer!
Everyone participating needs to make Charisma checks.
22:40 <CC> roll 1d20+11+2+2+15+16
22:40 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=7]
[20:42] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+16+15 cha
[20:42] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=5]
Moore does his best to help, trying to draw out whatever this creature truly wishes and wants to be, to settle into the frame of happy and healthy-minded the others are creating!
[15:41] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+47 (+15 GI points)
[15:41] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+31 Antenora
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+25 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+20 Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=15]Before you it forms - a plain woman with smooth skin and a few scales, the vague outline of clothes ethereally and partially covering her body. A thing that is a womanesque shape, molded that way by will.
What is this?
The words scurry and slither about, but do not flee you, yet bounce around your minds like an uncaged ioun stone, looping around and around and around your mind.
What is this place? What are you?
Moore blinks, then breaks out into a great smile, then a moment later it's taken over by a bit more of a muted one.
"I'm not sure where we would even begin explaining any of this." Moore says as he looks to the others. He turns back to look at her. "Can you understand me?" He asks. He certainly hopes she does, because even his ability to speak any language probably doesn't apply to something from Beyond...
Still, though, in the back of his mind he has a deep concern about what they've done.
Understanding is had. What is the nature of this?
Seira summons more appropriate clothing in the form of a fluffy robe, offering it to the newly born woman.
"My name is Seira Aryn," she introduces herself. "This place is Io's hidden realm. He tried to make you fit into Creation, and we decided to help that along. Are you in pain? Is there any discomfort? Oh, and you're using words slightly differently than how they normally are. Can you see how we're speaking?"
The robe is taken, flowing onto her.
I know Io. He creates. He is a creator like all of you. Your words are not enough. Your words are dead and do not move.
Moore rubs his chin.
"I don't know that I'd say we're creators like Io is, but..." He hums once. "What do you mean by 'not enough'? Not enough for you to communicate with yourself?" He asks.
It's not that all sorts of fancy ways of speaking are beyond us here, but Creation has a common language and it, in turn, has conventions in order to make it accessible to all, Seira elaborates.
"To get back on point, how are you feeling? Is there a sense of rejection from Creation? A sense of rejection of Creation? Any lingering pain or wounds?"
I am whole. His sword is whole, you are taught by Myriad. Your words are not whole. Your words are dead. She is whole, she has become. Your words are not whole. Your words are still.
Seira decides to humor her, trying this out herself.
Myriad? What's the local name for that?
Jetina looks back and forth as people talk, rubbing her forehead. "Raziel's mercy," she murmurs.
He is dead but whole. He leaves himself behind and becomes anew. He then dies because he is dead and the cycle continues. He aided my creator. He watches. He waits. He seeks to open the cage.
"I... is she talking about the Incarnations?" Moore asks. "I thought she meant the Triune originally, but..."
The one we call Sylian, then?
Moving to a fresh topic, Seira gestures at Antenora, and then at herself, Alicia and Amaryl.
Is she functionally different from the three of us due to her method of ascension?
Who in the world is Sylian?
Well, he can just ask later when they meet Io, probably.
"I have no idea," Jetina says softly, "None of this makes any sense. Are these sort of conversations always riddled with this...this...this...cryptic bullshit?!"
Antenora glances sidelong, "It makes perfect sense once you uncover the root meaning." There's a touch of chastisement in her voice, "Guarded words still guard important truths, if you work to uncover the key."
"Then please, show me a key or better yet, a keychain full of keys." Jetina retorts, rubbing her head slowly.
The whole who is whole but dead can be called that. She is One. She has awakened on her own. You were awoken differently. You both create. You are not whole yet. She is whole. Nothing here is whole but his sword, her and Io.
"Wait, wait... sword? I... there was a sword that General Afina used that supposedly came from Beyond." Moore says.
"What does it mean to be 'whole'? Are you whole?" He asks.
And you
Seira couldn't really help herself, but then she focuses on the information from the crazy person. Sylian ascended outside Creation, of course he did. Why is he even dead? And Io as well, so he did step outside at least briefly unless he was formed that way. Sounds like the former, however.
Can you explain the concept of creating as you see it? If all of us present are equally creators, what is the criteria to become one? And while we're at it, what gate is the gate you speak of? The cage is Creation itself?
To Moore, she says, "A method of acquiring power from Beyond. Given context, I would imagine Oberuth's sword is the one referred to."
"Oh, I see." He nods. "I didn't know it came from there. So it's like bridging the gap between Creation and Beyond, perhaps?"
Well it's been made clear a few times that One can survive the end of Creation, which presumably none of Creations other denizens whether mortal or immortal can, though it's interesting that Antenora is so immediately and obviously different to a being of Creation that apes Beyond, while Eblis has been a mystery for so long.
Except to Asmodeus, that is.
But is that down to Asmodeus's own perception, or does he have some sort of tie to Beyond that gives him such insight? It can't just be that he's One, otherwise Antenora would've seen the difference in him, wouldn't she? Or perhaps not, they only spoke to an avatar.
It's still food for thought, beyond the somewhat circular discussion with the reformed dragon, which Seira seems to have so well in hand that she elects not to muddy things with any contributions of her own.
Create. To make from nothing. To take from the emptiness and the white and shape it.
Moore blinks. Can she tell that he knows how to use the Words of Creation to do that...?
"I'm curious if she'd interpret the Words of Creation the same way as she sees the rest of our speech." Moore says.
"Try it?" Jetina suggests, as Antenora gives Alicia's hand a squeeze.
At the same time Amaryl comes over to Jetina and murmurs, "Honey, you don't know half of how it can be."
Moore clears his throat and holds a hand out, palm up.
"Are these words still, and dead?" Moore asks, as he then invokes the Words of Creation!
He's aiming to just create a handful of dirt again. The last time he tried this, he took 50 damage, in case something about being here is different.
Antenora's gaze is on Moore as that raw creation is woven, dirt from nothing as the strain of it is felt.
Those words are whole.
Alicia likewise watches Moore's work. "Someone's full of surprises," she mutters.
"I'd like to talk about that later," Antenora says, "That's remarkably advanced usage of the Words of Creation. Wherever did you learn that?"
Moore lingers for a moment, the dirt in his hand and his words whole. The knowledge of that...
"Ah, I admit, I didn't expect that answer, but..." His face contorts for a moment before he looks over at Antenora and smiles. "I'll be happy to explain when we're all done here, but suffice to say I have a friend who helped me learn how to utilize them."
Sorry to bring back that question, but the cage you talked about is Creation? And what is the gate?
Antenora nods back to that and lets it lie.
The cage is her cage. She is trapped in her cage. She cannot escape because of him. He will not let her rest. She is tired but cannot rest.
'She' can't possibly be referring to Sylvie... right?
Moore just frowns but stays quiet for the time being.
Where she is Sylvie, the bearer of 21? Is he Ao, the Incarnation of Chaos?
The woman before you shudders as if ill, a fever-flush coming to all of you.
Do not speak of the Endless Chaos. Do not speak of the Endless Chaos. Do not speak of the Endless Chaos.
Seriously? Her origin is inspired by his-- well, no matter.
Is that the he you talked of? Is Sylvie the she you talked of?
He is. She is not. She is the one in the cage. She is the one that Myriad wishes to free. She waits. She is so tired.
"This feels vaguely familiar... maybe because I'm a sucker for romance and it sounds that way, undead nonwithstanding," Seira muses, before glancing back at the others. "Any ideas for this mysterious 'she'?"
Seira attempts to ask the other dragon all the same, even as she isn't sure she'll get a clear answer there.
Can you be clearer about what is the cage or who is she? Where the cage is, when she was put into it and how, anything that helps us speak of the same thing?
The cage is around her. The cage is always around her. The cage is his cruelty.
She can't rest unless he is stopped. She has nothing left to lose. She is a victim.
"...Wait a minute." Moore says, quietly. "Maybe it isn't Sylvie, but what if it's 21?"
He looks to the woman. "Does the cage take the form of a book...?"
The cage is not a book. The cage is veiled.
"Well, there goes that idea." He says.
Are you... talking of the gate to pure Good? The one last used to rescue Benfal?
"Seira, remember who Sylian was working for? Someone who is veiled, a certain Demon Lord," Alicia says, before making a face. "I'm certainly not sure about calling her a victim, unless she actually has no control over her actions because of that cage. A cage of behaviour, or Chaos and Evil?"
"Oh wow, you're right! And now my old pal Zguuj is with her. Yeah, I didn't think of her since victim's about the last thing that leaps into your mind in that context."
"I'm guessing there's a bit of a story to this, too." Moore says, looking between Seira and Alicia.
"There is," Antenora exhales heavily, "That's a disturbing insight to her origins, then."
Jetina looks around, back and forth, "Which one?"
"Pale Mother," Oberuth's voice is frosty, "That explains a few things."
Moore opens his mouth and then shuts it again.
What?!
Seira decides to confirm this!
Is she the one we call Pale Mother? And also, could you respond to my question about the gate?
"The caged one our new friend is talking about isn't your Sylvie," Alicia shakes her head. "It's the Demon Lord Pale Night. She who held the eladrin children of Androlynne captive to be tortured for ages. Mother of Graz'zt."
She is. The gate is not the gate. The gate is what he can open, perhaps.
"Maybe it's... like a breach between going between Creation and the Beyond?" Moore offers.
So you're confirming that Pale Night's origin is the Far Realm?
She is whole. She is veiled. She is caged.
Can you list all the whole beings still existing within Creation? Or give an approximation of their number if it is larger than two dozen?
What is whole is rare. What is whole is not known. What is whole is outside of Creation.
Do you have plans for later? Once we beat Io's test, and talk to him about granting freedom to all who are being kept within?
I'm glad that you seem to be happy
Something to revisit later, then.
"So... our friend here seems okay. I'm thinking we could go explore some more?"
"Yes. It's..." Amaryl trails off, "It raises some questions, but ones I fear we don't have an answer to yet."
"It may also explain why Hell so wanted the Father," Antenora speaks up very quietly, "If it is the spawn of the Pale Mother, it may have a role in all of this yet."
"Ugh, politics writ all over Creation," Oberuth grunts, "This is easier when it's killing horrors."
"Always another angle to consider," Alicia nods to Antenora. So where now, any further directions past this thing or do they have to backtrack?
Moore nods. "Agreed on the questions without answers part."
There is a passage ahead now. Shortly ahead is a north/south intersection, along with a further hall west. To the north the blue becomes a gentle blue green, turning slightly and going on out of sight. To the south is another golden sphere, awaiting you silently. To the west the hall continues on, turning blue green as well, a passage north before a dead end without anything of notice down it to the west.
Map update here: https://i.imgur.com/6747uXb.png
Another 5 minutes for durations.
Inspire Courage has fallen off, just for the record.
"Another golden sphere," Alicia points that out. "Anyone feel worthy enough to try for it?"
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 47m), keen edge (CL 32, 301m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 13m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 13m), greater heroism (CL 32, 13m), death ward (CL 32, 13m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 47m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 310m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 22m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 91 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/6/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Seira decides to clear the southern section first! And since Alicia shares her thoughts, she snorts. "Let's be honest here, gang, and we can with arcane sight. No one here's needy in the conventional sense, so let's just go in order?"
Moore nods. "I believe that means Lady Alicia's team is next."
"More than that, it's a question of what we need, not what we want, in a sense," Amaryl speaks up here, going to the orb but not touching it. "We should have answers to Io's questions before we touch the sphere."
"I suggest Moore," Antenora looks to him, "Of those of us left, he is the only one who has not been gifted and is not divine. Surely his need is greater than our need, no matter how heavy our tasks."
"Maybe so," Jetina admits, "We have that war to fight once we get back, and that's not going to be easy. We could use the help for that and everything after it."
"Go ahead Moore, Antenora's logic is sound," Alicia offers. "If nothing else it'll improve our chances of making it to the next orb, I can wait."
"Who am I to argue?" He says with a smile as he flies over to tap the orb!
He's thought a lot about the answer to the question of need while he's been here, so does he have his own answer yet...?
On that touch, once again Io's hoard appears. AS it looms above, Io's voice asks Moore the following.
"Why are you deserving?"
"I'm deserving because I've risen to every challenge that Creation has put in front of me." Moore says. "Whether that was by your design, Zaphkiel's, or just pure coincidence, I've found myself embroiled in conflict after conflict to try and resolve, whether through diplomacy or words in battle. Each time my spirit was tested, I was able to persevere and push myself further and become something more than just a pixie with a nice-sounding voice."
He hums. Is there a significant difference between deserving and worthy?
Your words are heard before Io then asks the next question.
"Why are you worthy?"
"I'm worthy because, despite all of that, I haven't let my pride overtake me." Moore says. "I don't think of myself as someone who can influence all of Creation by myself -- I'm not someone with aspirations of grandeur. I can take pride in what I do without being prideful. I can appreciate what I do without being vain. I don't think I'm ever going to be a perfect person, but I want to do the right thing for people around me, to be a beacon of hope and help others realize their potential."
That answer hangs in the air, Amaryl smiling at it but not adding anything in.
"Why are you needy?" The last question comes, silence after.
"Despite my knowing that I'm deserving and worthy, I know my own limitations." Moore says, drooping for just a moment before he finds some sort of inner resolve and straightens his posture. "I accept that by myself, I am not as strong as others -- I don't need the sort of strength that gods and others have and wield. I am needy because I need others to bolster -- to give myself to them so that they can attain goals that they couldn't have imagined. I'm needy because with everyone around me, I want to render the word 'impossible' powerless."
"Then you will have my aid," Io says, as it flies forth. A slender flute flies forth, a flute of fine steel and filigreed with silver, giving it a shiny appearance.
"It is yours," Io declares, then it is all gone, the hallway as it was before, sans the sphere.
Loot.
Moore blinks as he takes the flute into his hand, lost for words.
"Well spoken," Antenora says, coming over and inspecting the flute. "What a marvelous thing." she remarks, "To possibly succeed at anything possible, if you merely perform to the utmost perfection of your own ability."
"Is that what it does?" Jetina asks, "It looks pretty, too, like it's meant to be a magical item."
"Basically, as long as you're willing to try at whatever it is as long as it takes to succeed, you will succeed." Moore explains to Jetina. "I thought originally that it was just coincidental that these orbs are here, but... it's definitely Io transforming what we want and need into something tangible."
"In that case I hope he has some means of aiding in battlefield control," Seira muses, thinking of auras and their limitations. "Either way, what now? Do we head north?"
"Either Io's creating things based on our requests or his hoard really is that massive. I'd believe either," Alicia says. "Anyway, North is fine with me."
Recitation is recast. Sign is cast. Chain Dispel channeled into Dragon's Grace.
Here the walls become slowly greener than bluer, a bright and vibrant emerald green. As you walk you come to a large chamber, a dead end. Here floats a single sphere, awaiting you silently. Unlike other spheres, a single ioun stone circles this one, a polished black pearl.
Alicia examines the ioun stone first!
Take 10 for 61 on spellcraft.
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 47m), keen edge (CL 32, 301m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 13m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 13m), greater heroism (CL 32, 13m), death ward (CL 32, 13m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 47m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 310m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 22m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 91 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/9/14/6/6/7/6/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Take 10 for 73 on Spellcraft. Oh, and he's switched his aura back to dexterity, just for reference.
The ioun stone will fire an overwhelmingly powerful blast of forceful magic at anyone who approaches the sphere.
Seira cheerfully heads to tap the sphere!
"Wait Seira," Alicia speaks up. "That ioun stone will attack you. One moment..." she places a wall of force between the sphere and the stone while the stone is orbiting away from them.
So it'll be us--->sphere|wall|stone.
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 47m), keen edge (CL 32, 301m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 13m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 13m), greater heroism (CL 32, 13m), death ward (CL 32, 13m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 47m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 310m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 22m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 91 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/8/14/6/6/7/6/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
"Okay then!" Seira prepares, and once Alicia has her wall she dashes for the sphere!
How thin is a wall of force?
It's impossibly thin. It has no thickness to speak of. Like thinner than paper for sure!
Dink. Dink. Dink. The black pearl ioun stone bounces against the wall, but fails to penetrate it once up.
Thus Seira taps the sphere!
Now Io narrates once more.
"In time I came to look to the elements anew. Fire, wind, water and earth are mighty things, the bones on which much is built. I considered them, but in the end did not wish to tether my children too closely too them. Too closely and the lords of the Elemental Planes would claim dominion, and great is the authority they are given over what they own."
Before they emerge - a dragon of howling winds, a wyrm of swirling water, a drake of burning fire and a wyvern of rumbling earth. At this Alicia's wall of force is gone, along with the sphere and ioun stone.
"Yet there is power in the elements, and from it..."
Init.
[15:18] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40
[15:18] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=2]
Supreme init.
Alicia: 696+60/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 47m), keen edge (CL 32, 301m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 13m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 13m), greater heroism (CL 32, 13m), death ward (CL 32, 13m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 47m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 310m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 22m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 91 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/8/14/6/6/7/6/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
22:21 <CC> roll 1d20+22+15
22:21 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+28 Antenora
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+22 Jetina
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+39 Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+27 air dragon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+6 earth dragon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+25 fire dragon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+14 water dragon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=9]
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Oberuth (59) > Seira = Fire Dragon (44) > Moore = Jetina (42) > Air Dragon (35) > Antenora (33) > Earth Dragon (24) > Water dragon (23)
Go Alicia. They're about 35ft away.
Growing huge - well, somewhat past huge by a few descriptors, brings the dragons into range of Alicia's blade and she wastes little time in lashing out starting with the fire one!
There's not much that can't be solved with this approach, really.
[20:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+81 blinding speed, 9th level arcane strike, channelled maximised frigid touch
[20:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d20=3]
[20:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+81 blinding speed, 9th level arcane strike, channelled maximised frigid touch
[20:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d20=9]
[20:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+81 blinding speed, 9th level arcane strike, channelled maximised frigid touch
[20:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=19]
[20:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+81 blinding speed, 9th level arcane strike, channelled maximised frigid touch
[20:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 88 > [d20=7]
[20:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+76 blinding speed, 9th level arcane strike, channelled maximised frigid touch
[20:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=9]
[20:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+76 blinding speed, 9th level arcane strike, channelled maximised frigid touch
[20:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=5]
[20:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+71 blinding speed, 9th level arcane strike, channelled maximised frigid touch
[20:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d20=1]
[20:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+71 blinding speed, 9th level arcane strike, channelled maximised frigid touch
[20:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 86 > [d20=15]
[20:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+66 blinding speed, 9th level arcane strike, channelled maximised frigid touch
[20:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 73 > [d20=7]
[20:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+66 blinding speed, 9th level arcane strike, channelled maximised frigid touch
[20:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=1]
[20:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+81 blinding speed, 9th level arcane strike, channelled maximised frigid touch crit check
[20:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=6]
[20:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+34 frigid touch SR
[20:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=7]
[20:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+9d4 omitting frigid touch damage
[20:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 86 > [d6=5,5,3,3,4,5][d4=4,1,3,3,2,1,3,4,1]
[20:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+9d4 omitting frigid touch damage
[20:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d6=4,1,2,3,6,2][d4=1,1,4,3,3,4,3,4,1]
[20:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+9d4 omitting frigid touch damage
[20:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d6=6,5,4,3,3,2][d4=1,4,2,1,1,2,4,4,3]
[20:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+9d4 omitting frigid touch damage
[20:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d6=4,5,2,6,5,1][d4=1,3,1,1,4,4,2,4,3]
[20:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+9d4 omitting frigid touch damage
[20:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d6=3,3,2,2,6,5][d4=3,1,3,1,4,3,3,3,3]
[20:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+9d4 omitting frigid touch damage
[20:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d6=2,6,3,1,2,2][d4=3,3,2,1,1,1,2,1,2]
[20:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+9d4 omitting frigid touch damage
[20:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d6=5,6,3,3,5,3][d4=2,4,2,4,3,2,4,4,1]
[20:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+9d4 omitting frigid touch damage
[20:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d6=5,6,5,5,1,5][d4=3,2,4,3,4,2,1,4,4]
[20:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+9d4 omitting frigid touch damage
[20:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d6=1,2,5,4,4,4][d4=3,4,4,2,4,4,2,4,4]
[20:34] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+78+9d4 if 87 is a crit, omitting frigid touch damage
[20:34] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 131 > [d6=1,6,4,2,5,3,4,3,1,1,1,3][d4=1,1,2,3,4,1,3,3,1]
[20:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+9d4 if 87 is not a crit, omitting frigid touch damage
[20:34] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d6=1,5,6,5,1,1][d4=4,3,4,2,2,2,3,1,3]
Each hit does an extra 78 cold damage if SR was beaten (156 cold damage on the crit threat if it landed).
DC 33 fort or stunned for 1 round if frigid touch inflicted any damage.
If the fire dragon dies during the string, transfer extra attacks onto the earth dragon.
Alicia: 952+60/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 47m), keen edge (CL 32, 301m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 13m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 13m), greater heroism (CL 32, 13m), death ward (CL 32, 13m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 47m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 310m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 22m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 83 (touch 30), CMD 113 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/8/14/6/6/6/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Alicia's strike cut true - yet it's the freezing, frigid touch of her blade that proves true. Each blast of cold diminishes the fire dragon, putting it out a swing at a time. By the last thing it's barely embers, fizzling out and going dull, dim.
Meanwhile Amaryl sprints to the side, already drawing arrows and letting them fly at the water dragon. "Use what they're opposed by," she calls.
> roll 1d20+82
> roll 1d20+82
> roll 1d20+82
> roll 1d20+82
> roll 1d20+82
> roll 1d20+82
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=5]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d20=10]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d20=19]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d20=14]
> OOC: -13 from those, bardsong is out and recalcing.
> roll 1d8+45+10d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+45+10d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+45+10d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+45+10d6+5d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d8=5][d6=5,5,1,5,2,1,4,5,3,6,4,3,1,1,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 95 > [d8=8][d6=5,1,4,2,4,4,3,1,2,1,2,3,3,5,2]
> roll 1d8+45+10d6+5d6
> roll 1d8+45+10d6+5d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d8=5][d6=1,3,1,5,4,1,1,5,1,3,3,4,6,6,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d8=4][d6=5,5,3,1,1,6,5,2,1,2,4,3,4,1,6]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d8=8][d6=5,1,6,1,1,3,4,1,5,3,6,1,2,3,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 107 > [d8=8][d6=1,2,4,6,4,1,4,6,6,2,6,3,6,2,1]
Flaming arrows hit the water wyrm, causing it to hiss and sizzle, crying out as its waters boil and steam away. It's still up, boiling alive but still fighting as...
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Oberuth (59) > Seira (44) > Moore = Jetina (42) > Air Dragon (35) > Antenora (33) > Earth Dragon (24) > Water dragon (23)
Oberuth can hold since Seira will probably melee based on previous battles and he wants possibly position to aid there. Go Seira.
Unaware of Oberuth's thoughts, Seira ends up disappointing him. Closing to a position within thirty feet of the water and air dragons, she targets the former until it looks like it had enough and she is free to switch targets!
Twinned Empowered Maximized Scorching Ray
19:16 <CC> roll 1d20+37+2 SR
19:16 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=14]
19:18 <CC> roll 6#1d20+49+22 ranged touch
19:18 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 91, 79, 72, 89, 72, 79 >
19:19 <CC> roll 1d20+49+22 ranged touch crit?
19:19 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=12]
Damage:
19:20 <CC> roll 6#36+16d6 fire
19:20 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 84, 96, 88, 93, 83, 92 >
Replace that 84 with this if it's a crit:
19:23 <CC> roll 72+16d6
19:23 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 143 > [d6=5,4,4,5,5,5,4,5,6,5,1,5,5,4,3,5]
Twinned Scorching Ray emulation via quickened Miracle
19:16 <CC> roll 1d20+37+2 SR
19:16 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=9]
19:19 <CC> roll 6#1d20+49+22 ranged touch
19:19 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 83, 90, 74, 74, 74, 75 >
19:20 <CC> roll 6#4d6+16d6 fire
19:20 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 75, 81, 80, 68, 73, 81 >
Twinned Scorching Ray emulation via quickened Miracle
19:20 <CC> roll 1d20+37+2 SR
19:20 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=10]
19:21 <CC> roll 6#1d20+49+22 ranged touch
19:21 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 72, 88, 74, 87, 75, 78 >
19:21 <CC> roll 6#4d6+16d6 fire
19:21 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 58, 76, 76, 73, 75, 75 >
I'll start on the water dragon and switch targets to the air dragon as needed.
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Oberuth (59) > Seira (44) > Moore = Jetina (42) > Air Dragon (35) > Antenora (33) > Earth Dragon (24)
The water dragon is boiled by Seira's magic, caught ablaze and evaporating into steam. Nothing is left behind as...
Moore, Oberuth and Jetina. Go Moore.
"Elemental dragons are certainly a terrifying idea... but nothing we can't overcome!" Moore shouts, as his words inspire everyone around him!
Inspirational Boost, then Inspire Courage.
[12:32] <Nephrite> roll 3d4 nonlethal
[12:32] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d4=3,4,3]
Everyone gets +18 to attack and damage rolls, and +18 to fort saves against charm and fear.
Alicia: 952+60/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 47m), keen edge (CL 32, 301m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 13m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 13m), greater heroism (CL 32, 13m), death ward (CL 32, 13m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 47m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 310m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 22m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 83 (touch 30), CMD 127 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/8/14/6/6/6/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Courage fills the party as Oberuth says, "I need acid," he calls, as he rushes in at the air dragon, right into its face. In a split second, in one location and then the other as he swings.
> roll 1d20+50 (-32 CE)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=1]
Yet the blow passes through the dragon harmlessly as Jetina...
Jetina holds for healing duty. Air dragon is up.
> roll 1d20+85
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 102 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+80
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+75
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+70
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 89 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+85 claw
> roll 1d20+85 claw
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=15]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 86 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+85 wing
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+85 wing
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+85 tail
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 95 > [d20=10]
The air dragon is on Oberuth, winds blowing as it goes around and around him, a deadly duel. Yet with blade and shield together, the blows are stopped one and all, blocked and parried away. The two are moving, blurring in a rapid series of exchanges as...
Antenora.
'Alicia, can you empower our weapons with elemental energies?'
Her move depends on this answer.
I can presumably manage a mass weapon of energy (weapon of energy is 3rd level) with alter reality, but that only allows one energy type per casting. Can I alter reality multiple ones?
I'd allow it with the spell levels you have to play with, I suppose.
"Yes, hold on," Alicia tells Antenora.
Antenora holds. Earth dragon is up.
The earthen wyrm rumbles loudly, the ground shaking and quaking, everything thrown around violently, boulders and rocks raining from the ceiling. It only gets worse when it breathes out more debris, throwing them everywhere, turning the battlefield into a festival of broken and sharp stones and crushing boulders from above.
Reflex saves, all.
[12:58] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+54 evasion
[12:58] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=10]
[17:58] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+57 ref
[17:58] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=1]
20:01 <CC> roll 1d20+63+19 improved evasion
20:01 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+59 Antenora
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+43 and evasion Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+46 and evasion Jetina
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+29 Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d100 vs 51 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 73 > [d100=73]
Maximized so 240 base damage. Moore takes none, Seira takes none, Alicia takes full, Antenora takes half, Amaryl takes full, Jetina takes none and Oberuth takes full. Bludgeoning damage, DR applies.
Rocks fall and shrapnel flies, moving so fast as to be hard to follow with the naked eye. As Seira wards the projectiles away with magic, Antenora and Alicia are both pierced, while Jetina's shield holds and Amaryl cries out in surprise, as...
Jetina.
"Be mended in Raziel's name," she cries, healing sweeping over the party.
Mass Heal. Alicia's up.
[spoiler]
A loss of 11 on attack rolls, 12 dodge to AC, and 12 morale to saves. - Just using this for now since Moore's bardsong is partially out.
Antenora
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 34/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 6/7 Channel Energy 15/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 6/7 Smite 5/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: 1 6th level spell, 1 9th level spell.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100/1100 (0)(regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
Acceding to Antenora's request, Alicia makes everyone's weapons drip acid and crackle with lightning!
Alter reality as standard, +1d6 acid/+1d6 elec to everyone's weapon damage for 32 rounds.After that she gestures at the earth dragon, three crackling orbs of lightning appearing above her hand and then lancing down into the wyrm!
Quickened/maximised moonbow.
[18:21] <@Ebiris> roll 3#1d20+63 quickened/maximised moonbow
[18:21] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 66, 79, 70 >
[18:21] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+34 SR
[18:21] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=4]
78, 60, and 60 electrical damage from those.
Alicia: 952/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 47m), keen edge (CL 32, 301m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 13m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 13m), greater heroism (CL 32, 13m), death ward (CL 32, 13m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 47m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 310m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 22m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 83 (touch 30), CMD 127 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/8/14/6/5/6/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
I'm not following how the maximized moonbow is dealing different damage per hit. Am I missing something or just braindead today?
Moore gives me +18 damage but bonus damage on spells like that only applies to one of the rays. Because it's one spell/attack even if it resolves as multiple rays.
> roll 1d20+59 (+2 charge, -20 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=11]
> roll 3d8+292+1d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 307 > [d8=6,2,2][d6=5]
Antenora is moving a moment later, plunging into the wind dragon. Her spear impales it, winds gusting out from the puncture, but then arrows follow, peppering the beast.
Amaryl.
> roll 1d20+82 now with bardsong
> roll 1d20+82 now with bardsong
> roll 1d20+82 now with bardsong
> roll 1d20+82 now with bardsong
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 94 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+82 now with bardsong
> roll 1d20+82 now with bardsong
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=5]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d20=2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=17]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d20=8]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d8+53+10d6+1d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d8=4][d6=6,3,2,3,5,6,3,1,2,6,3]
> roll 1d8+53+10d6+1d6
> roll 1d8+53+10d6+1d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d8=2][d6=2,1,3,5,6,6,4,1,3,3,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d8=7][d6=6,3,5,1,3,3,5,1,4,3,5]
> roll 1d8+53+10d6+1d6
> roll 1d8+53+10d6+1d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d8=3][d6=2,6,2,2,2,2,4,5,4,2,6]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d8=1][d6=1,1,4,3,4,4,4,4,5,6,1]
> roll 1d8+53+10d6+1d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d8=6][d6=1,1,5,3,1,2,3,4,1,6,1]
Arrows puncture the wind dragon all over, making it slump and go slower, assault on Oberuth slowed as...
Seira, go.
Seira strikes with orbs, starting with the wounded air dragon and switching to the earth one upon success!
Maximized Orb of Acid/Elec emulation via quickened Miracle
20:44 <CC> roll 1d20+49+22 ranged touch orb of acid
20:44 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=5]
20:45 <CC> roll 1d20+49+22 ranged touch orb of acid
20:45 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 73 > [d20=2]
20:45 <CC> roll 1d20+49+22 ranged touch orb of acid
20:45 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 88 > [d20=17]
20:45 <CC> roll 90+16d6+18
20:45 <CC> roll 90+16d6+18
20:46 <CC> roll 90+16d6+18
20:46 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 160 > [d6=4,6,5,5,1,5,5,6,3,1,1,3,1,1,3,2]
20:46 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 168 > [d6=2,4,4,1,5,4,4,4,6,2,5,1,6,2,4,6]
20:46 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 172 > [d6=4,3,6,5,6,6,5,6,2,1,1,3,3,4,6,3]
Obviously, it'd be an orb of elec for the earth dragon.
Orbs fly - the first volley makes the wind wyrm slow and finally fade away, turbulent winds stilled. The rest sizzle and shock the earth wyrm, burning on its rocky body. It rumbles loud and low as...
Moore.
Things seem well in hand, so Moore will hold.
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Antenora > Amaryl (Supreme) > Seira (44) > Moore > Oberuth > Earth Dragon (24) > Jetina
After adjustments, so Oberuth's up now.
> roll 1d20+50 (-32 CE)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=18]
And then Oberuth is there, in front of the earth dragon, brawling back and forth with it, tying it up. Just in time for another roar that causes it to all fall again, rocks and debris raining down.
Ref.
[14:03] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+54 evasion
[14:03] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=5]
[19:04] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+57 ref
[19:04] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=4]
Alicia: 952/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 47m), keen edge (CL 32, 301m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 13m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 13m), greater heroism (CL 32, 13m), death ward (CL 32, 13m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 47m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 310m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 22m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 83 (touch 30), CMD 127 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/8/14/6/5/6/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/21/20/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
21:04 <CC> roll 1d20+63+19 improved evasion
21:04 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+59 Antenora
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+43 and evasion Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+46 and evasion Jetina
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+29 Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=1]
Moore full, Alicia half, Seira none, Antenora half, Amaryl full, Jetina full, Oberuth full. 240 damage again, DR applies. No need to calculate, however.
As the rocks fall, Jetina holds despite the party being battered. The sheer fury of the earth is like a thousand mace-heads slamming into you at once, yet her words carry, "Raziel's mercy!" she cries.
Mass healing the party. Alicia is up.
[spoiler]
A loss of 11 on attack rolls, 12 dodge to AC, and 12 morale to saves. - Just using this for now since Moore's bardsong is partially out.
Antenora
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 34/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 6/7 Channel Energy 15/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 6/7 Smite 5/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: 1 6th level spell, 1 9th level spell.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100/1100 (0)(regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
Hurt and then promptly healed, Alicia turns on the last remaining dragon with electricity arcing along her blades as they slice out to bisect it and then trisect it and then a few more iterations of the same!
[15:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+89 blinding strike, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised shocking grasp
[15:32] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 104 > [d20=15]
[15:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+89 blinding strike, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised shocking grasp
[15:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 94 > [d20=5]
[15:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+89 blinding strike, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised shocking grasp
[15:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=10]
[15:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+89 blinding strike, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised shocking grasp
[15:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d20=8]
[15:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+84 blinding strike, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised shocking grasp
[15:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 88 > [d20=4]
[15:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+84 blinding strike, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised shocking grasp
[15:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d20=12]
[15:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+79 blinding strike, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised shocking grasp
[15:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 88 > [d20=9]
[15:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+79 blinding strike, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised shocking grasp
[15:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 94 > [d20=15]
[15:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+74 blinding strike, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised shocking grasp
[15:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d20=10]
[15:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+74 blinding strike, 3rd level arcane strike, channelled maximised shocking grasp
[15:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=6]
[15:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+34 shocking grasp SR
[15:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=1]
[15:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+3d4+1d6+1d6+30 last 1d6 and 30 is electric, 30 from shocking grasp
[15:34] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 126 > [d6=5,3,1,4,1,5][d4=1,3,4][d6=6,6]
[15:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+3d4+1d6+1d6+30 last 1d6 and 30 is electric, 30 from shocking grasp
[15:34] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 122 > [d6=2,1,3,5,5,4][d4=1,4,1][d6=5,4]
[15:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+3d4+1d6+1d6+30 last 1d6 and 30 is electric, 30 from shocking grasp
[15:34] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 112 > [d6=5,1,3,1,2,1][d4=3,3,4][d6=1,1]
[15:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+3d4+1d6+1d6+30 last 1d6 and 30 is electric, 30 from shocking grasp
[15:34] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 121 > [d6=2,2,4,3,4,2][d4=4,2,4][d6=4,3]
[15:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+3d4+1d6+1d6+30 last 1d6 and 30 is electric, 30 from shocking grasp
[15:34] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 121 > [d6=6,3,3,2,1,5][d4=2,4,3][d6=2,3]
[15:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+3d4+1d6+1d6+30 last 1d6 and 30 is electric, 30 from shocking grasp
[15:34] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 120 > [d6=4,6,3,1,3,5][d4=4,1,1][d6=2,3]
[15:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+3d4+1d6+1d6+30 last 1d6 and 30 is electric, 30 from shocking grasp
[15:34] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 122 > [d6=1,6,4,5,2,3][d4=4,3,4][d6=2,1]
[15:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+3d4+1d6+1d6+30 last 1d6 and 30 is electric, 30 from shocking grasp
[15:34] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 121 > [d6=6,1,1,6,3,2][d4=4,4,1][d6=1,5]
[15:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+3d4+1d6+1d6+30 last 1d6 and 30 is electric, 30 from shocking grasp
[15:34] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 125 > [d6=5,4,6,4,1,2][d4=1,2,2][d6=5,6]
[15:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+3d4+1d6+1d6+30 last 1d6 and 30 is electric, 30 from shocking grasp
[15:34] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 123 > [d6=2,4,2,6,3,5][d4=1,2,1][d6=6,4]
Alicia: 952/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 47m), keen edge (CL 32, 301m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 13m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 13m), greater heroism (CL 32, 13m), death ward (CL 32, 13m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 47m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 310m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 22m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 83 (touch 30), CMD 127 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/8/14/6/5/6/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Blow after blow slices earth apart - and before your eyes the last dragon falls. In the silence that lingers afterwards Io speaks.
"The elements are power, but they were not the answer. For the elements oppose one another, and ultimately I cared not to quarrel with the four to change that."
Free act.
"I guess that means there are no Rainbow dragons around that wield the power of all four elemental planes." Moore says. "Baleruk would be really disappointed."
"Yet," Amaryl says, most firmly.
"Dragons did keep some elemental influences. They kept something of everything, is what I believe is the truth," Jetina speaks up, "Dragons can do anything and have really strong bodies, don't they?"
"Looks like the path Io declined to follow is one the Cauldron decided to pursue," Seira muses, nodding at Amaryl. "We're ridiculously close, too. The elements have two paths before them, and opposition is the easier one. Another, where they compliment each other rather than quarrel, might be much harder but brings far more rewards."
"Just because it didn't work for Io doesn't mean it's impossible," Alicia speaks up in support of Seira as she returns to normal size, before nodding to Jetina. "Ultimately it does appear as if Io went for a generalist approach taking what he could from all of the specialised types we've seen so far."
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 47m), keen edge (CL 32, 301m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 13m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 13m), greater heroism (CL 32, 13m), death ward (CL 32, 13m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 47m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 310m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 22m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/8/14/6/5/6/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
"We are close," Amaryl agrees, "Soon, maybe not today or tomorrow, but soon."
Meanwhile, Antenora hms at that, "It makes sense," she finally says, "The greatest always seem to be those who blend swordplay and magic together, physical and magical, all in one form working together. Dragons are a testament to that."
"I don't know, have you ever met Kaja?" Jetina pipes up, "He's incredible at tearing things apart. He's like a pair of blades attached to a vicious whirlwind and he doesn't know a speck of magic."
"I had the pleasure, yes," Seira tells Jetina. "How more versatile would he be with magic at his beck and call?"
"Well, does it matter if a deadly whirlwind can levitate things?" Jetina asks back, "It means it isn't being a whirlwind of death."
"Are you serious? Is this a serious question?"
"It does if you need to levitate to reach your target," Alicia points out. "Anyway, this is a dead end so lets double back and try one of the other passages West from where we entered?"
Seira nods at Alicia in agreement. Any path works for her.
You return to the entrance. The passage north that leads to the two unexplored western passages is now blocked. In particular, an elven woman in flowing green and white robes stands there, all of them rustling in an unseen wind. Her eyes are closed tight, a cloth blindfold placed on her forehead. She hovers just off the ground, hands curled around a crystal ball.
She says nothing, blocking the way silently.
We won't go too much farther until Moore has a chance to catch up, but reactions and basic questions are fine.
"Hello there," Seira greets the blindfolded elf. "Didn't see you there before. Did Io send you?"
"The future is mine to see," The female elf proclaims, black hair blowing in the same wind, long and pretty. She is slender and willowy as elves tend to be, like a reed standing strong in a storm. "I am but one of many who seeks a rebuttal to the Prophecy of Primus. Tell me, can you offer me something beyond fate?"
Seira immediately looks at Antenora.
Antenora exhales softly. "I confess, I find fate a good thing and yet...I am the one to break it by fluke, while others such as Aurora struggled so mightily. Chaos," Antenora concludes," Has a vicious sense of humor."
Really waiting on Moore now to catch up, but Antenora throwing out a bit of an op-ed opinion there felt right.
"I think the fall of Taelfagn should cover that. He certainly saw himself as fated to succeed and prevail over destiny." Moore says alongside Antenora.
The woman is silent a time after Moore speaks, before she says, "Show me, Moore."
Moore blinks and then reaches up to scratch his head. "How would you like me to show you?"
"Create an image, an illusion. I see you are able to create." The seer declares, "I see you have recently created."
"Oh!" Moore says with a nod, and then he gestures and creates an image!
Using his Permanent Image SLA, he's going to create a recreation of the Last Battle For Lifasa, including the fight of the Aurorans against Taelfagn.
To Moore's command, magic images form and show that last battle. Battles against destiny, battles against the Duke - and the light of 21 at the end, overwhelmingly bright even in your illusion.
Alicia feels a moment of discomfort on seeing that light, while Seira feels the same.
"I am content," The seer declares, stepping aside. "I will consider this as I search for a future that overthrows the Prophecy of Primus."
That seemed a little too easy!
Alicia watches Moore's rendition of the battle with unhidden interest, this being more intimate than simply reading Ebony's reports. That's why she's caught off guard by 21's illusory light and actually winces, narrowing her eyes at it.
"If you find something, do let us know," she asks of the elf after the performance ends.
Antenora's own wince is unhidden, no comment aloud. 'Is that thing always so distasteful?' she sends to Alicia.
'If I am successful, all of Creation will hear of it," the elf promises. "That I vow.'
'I've never seen it before, I imagine it must be far worse in person,' she returns to Antenora.
"This way, then?" she says aloud to her companions, going to take the first westward path past the elf.
"Don't be a stranger," Seira tells the blindfolded elf, following Alicia.
From here, both paths lead to the same northern hall. This hall is filled with water that doesn't spill out, clear and free of debris. It goes north to a turn east, more water seen in that direction.
https://i.imgur.com/PKdWuSG.png
"Aquatic dragons next?" Alicia wonders, sticking a hand into the water. "It would be fair to fight them only in their element."
Seira is sure to bestow Water Breathing on anyone who wants it, refreshing Recitation once more.
It's warm enough to be pleasant. It doesn't splash out beyond where it begins, even if you pull your hand back.
"Which puts us at a small disadvantage without magic," Jetina points out, "Is Freedom of Movement a problem for anyone?"
"No problem at all," Amaryl says, "I could bestow it with a few moment's concentration." Her face splits in a smile, "Altering reality is amazing. The Weave finds the spells you need for your will."
Another 3 minutes for durations.
"I have a ring for that. Spending so much time in a port city, being able to function underwater made it a necessary purchase long ago," Alicia says, letting Amaryl help anyone that needs it before she steps into the water and advances to the north around the bend.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 43m), keen edge (CL 32, 298m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 10m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 10m), greater heroism (CL 32, 10m), death ward (CL 32, 10m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 44m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 307m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 19m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/8/14/6/5/6/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Seira simply follows Amaryl's example with Freedom of Movement, before she steps through herself.
Marching order now? Matters.
Alicia, Seira, Antenora, Amaryl, Moore, Jetina, Oberuth?
Alicia, Seira, Antenora, Amaryl. Those four make it and begin to head north, the others not in the water yet. That's when it happens - on the northern end a massive dragon turtle appears, a familiar beast fought once long ago by the heroes of the Crimson Guard. Its head and limbs retract into its shell, the entire thing filling the passage completely, before hurtling right at the party.
Chance to react, y'all.
Alicia reflexively incants the words to create a wall of force between them and the turtle, sealing the passage!
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 43m), keen edge (CL 32, 298m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 10m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 10m), greater heroism (CL 32, 10m), death ward (CL 32, 10m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 44m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 307m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 19m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/7/14/6/5/6/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
> roll 1d20+28
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=12]
The dragon turtle barrels into the wall of force - and the wall of force shakes, bends and snaps apart, broken as it continues to come at the four of you.
Okay, Seira, going to do anything here?
Seeing that wall go up, Seira tosses out three beads just short of it, each timed for a few moments' delay.
Delayed Blast Fireball x3
20:10 <CC> roll 3#1d20+37 SR
20:10 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 39, 38, 57 >
20:10 <CC> roll 3#20d6 goldenfire
20:10 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 72, 77, 71 >
Save passed on by the dragon turtle.
Only one of the fireballs burn it, scorching it but hardly slowing it down.
Biting off an elven curse, Amaryl dives back the way she came, the last in the order in the water, "Stay out," she calls to the others, while Antenora braces and then leaps up, flying and going to meet the turtle in her own charge.
> roll 1d20+56 (+12 various, , +2 charge, -10 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=8]
Antenora hits it - and like a man thrown into a castle wall, stops cold, slammed against it as it barrels into the rest of you three.
Reflex saves with a -10 penalty, you two. Amaryl's off the hook since she got out of the water with her action. Antenora can't make one after trying and failing to be the countering force to it.
20:19 <CC> roll 1d20+63+19-10 improved evasion
20:19 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d20=7]
[18:22] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+59 ref
[18:22] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d20=16]
65 after the penalty.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 43m), keen edge (CL 32, 298m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 10m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 10m), greater heroism (CL 32, 10m), death ward (CL 32, 10m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 44m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 307m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 19m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/7/14/6/5/6/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Both are you are able to dive out of the water and avoid it, while Antenora is slammed hard into the back wall.
> roll 24d8+254
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 348 > [d8=1,7,5,3,7,4,7,5,1,2,1,1,4,1,5,6,6,4,4,3,6,3,2,6]
DR applies, at least, but ow.
The impact shakes the entire maze around you like an earthquake. The ground quivers wildly as everyone struggles to stay up, the dragon turtle bouncing away like a ball, going back to the north. Antenora falls to the ground, front bloodied, and manages to swim-stumble out before the turtle comes back again and again, growing faster each time.
"That...hit....as hard as a mountain, and it's only getting faster," Antenora grimaces, Jetina running to her, magic healing her. "Thank you, Jetina."
Healx2.
[spoiler]
A loss of 11 on attack rolls, 12 dodge to AC, and 12 morale to saves. - Just using this for now since Moore's bardsong is partially out.
Antenora
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 34/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 6/7 Channel Energy 15/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 6/7 Smite 5/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: 3 6th level spell, 1 9th level spell.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100/1100 (0)(regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
"Ambush and hit it from the sides?" Seira proposes to Alicia.
"But... will it follow us out of the water?" Alicia asks, stepping back to watch and see if it's just going to mindlessly careen back and forth.
"In fact, lets remove the water, that will surely hamper its mobility."
Alter reality for control water, used to lower the water level in there.
With a shrug, Seira follows Alicia's plan, except via Miracle.
The water level is lowered.
Once it is, the dragon turtle skids alond the ground and comes to a stop slowly, groaning from within its shell.
Jetina is at the ready, while Antenora recovers and Amaryl has arrows at the ready. This time Oberuth is by Moore, protectively, blade ready.
"Do you want to just wait there or do you want to fight?" Alicia asks the dragon, stepping into the now dry passageway and hoping they can just go past it now.
The dragon manages a pained groan and nothing else.
Seira decides to heads past the turtle and see if there's any sign of resistance.
None whatsoever.
Meanwhile Jetina lingers, "This reminds me of something," she remarks to Moore, "But I can't put my finger on what."
Antenora gives it a long, unamused look and follows Seira.
Alicia is happy to proceed on that note!
"Yes, me too." Moore says as he gives the dragon turtle's shell a pat. "You'll get over it eventually." He insists as he flies along.
Here you come to a dead end - save for a teleport setup, like you've seen before. It's the exact same style, no changes here, silently awaiting the party.
"Lets try the teleport this time and explore properly?" Alicia suggests, stepping onto it to lead the way.
Waiting on agreement or not real quick, just FYI, so if going along with it or not, say so.
Seira doesn't have objections to this plan.
Moore nods!
Thus you step through. Here the walls are all the colors of the rainbow, shifting between metallic and pure color. Shine and darkness, ripples constantly moving through the walls here. The way north is nothing but a vast door, guarded by but a single knight. A warrior in full armor and with blade and shield at the ready.
"Greetings," Alicia says to the not-dragon looking warrior as she steps closer.
The warrior bows to all of you deeply. "Welcome. Ahead lies the path to Io. At least one key will open the way."
"So there's more than one key spread around these parts?" Seira inquires. "Is there any merit to going towards Io now rather than after exploring the rest?"
"The keys that you present to me will matter," The knight says, "What they are and what they came from. What properties shall unlock the way towards Io?"
"Is there advantage to presenting multiple keys then?" Alicia asks.
Seira nods slowly. "So the merit lies in gathering as many keys as possible? It will show... we have stronger potential, or something of the sort?"
"Yes, and which keys you use says the same," The knight concurs.
"We shall return, then. Any other advice?"
"Learn and grow, for Io always approves of such efforts," The knight declares.
Jetina adds, "He's made it obvious, too. We're gaining much by exploring this maze."
"Better manners than most dragons," Oberuth says, "At least this lair has rewards and deathtraps instead of just deathtraps."
Time to explore every inch of this place! Seira heads back!
"If you go into someone's home looking for treasure you should expect them to provide deathtraps," Alicia opines. "Lets go try that other teleporter we found earlier then?" she backtracks off in that direction to go where she'd sent that summoned deva before.
As you walk back, "More importantly, we're in this for the long haul now," Oberuth says, "How are we all doing on resources, especially spellcasters?"
"I'm fine." Moore says. "I can't go all out with every one of my songs, but I can keep the important ones up for the foreseeable future."
"In a few minutes I'll need to recast my strongest spells, and then we would be good for another half hour," Seira responds to Oberuth. "While facing them individually, many of these dragons would be a worthy opponent to me, to our group they are nothing."
"I'm at the point of having to hold myself back a little from my strongest magic to save it for emergencies," Alicia admits. "But I have ample reserves of more middling magic and can still fight just fine."
More middling magic to her is of course what mortal archmages dream of, but those are the standards they work with now.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 43m), keen edge (CL 32, 298m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 10m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 10m), greater heroism (CL 32, 10m), death ward (CL 32, 10m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 44m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 307m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 19m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/7/14/6/5/6/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
"I'm fine," Jetina shakes her head, "I can go as lon gas I need to and get much out of little."
"Likewise," Antenora says. "Most of the foes here are not evil, so my reserves are strong."
Amaryl ponders that a moment, "I'm fine, too."
"Then let's use what we need to use wisely, but not too conservatively," Oberuth says, "We're not tapped out yet."
Meanwhile you reach the teleporter without incident.
Alicia leads the way through the teleporter!
Ahead is a hallway heading along before turning in two directions at the end, north and south you think. The walls are a deep, brassy color. "Finally, a metallic dragon," Jetina remarks. "This should be interesting."
https://i.imgur.com/AGXpYaP.png Map update. You're on the far left side, upper center. The single room in the center/upper part is where the knight was.
"Not that the ones we saw before were specifically chromatic either," Alicia reflects, going along to see where the hallway leads in those north/south directions.
To th enorth the passage stays brassy colored, turning to the west.
To the south the air gets warmer, coming to an end with a passage east and a passage west. You can smell the scents of the desert, warmth and sand.
"Lets try this way," Alicia picks North, going around the bend to the West.
Moore follows along!
THe hallways turns west to a dead end - but at that dead end is a door north. There's also a little kobold there, standing guard like all the world rests on its shoulders. "Hold it! Stop! Right there, no further, you hear!" he calls, wearing light leather armor and with a simple short sword in hand.
"Yes?" Alicia obligingly comes to a stop. "Why not?"
"Because Lord Io let me be one of his guards and I won't let him down!" he declares firmly, "I'm a real dragon now, too!" Waving his short sword at the party, glowering, "So turn right around and get out of here."
Antenora cracks a smile at this while Jetina murmurs, "How willful."
"Fearless as well," Amaryl adds, but rather pleasantly follows up with, "What will happen if we say no?"
"Io bid us to explore this place and defeat all challenges, so we are executing his will," Seira reasons with the kobold. "Some of the dragons present have engaged us in a contest rather than fight to the death. Would you prefer to settle things that way?"
"Yes, Io also bid us to explore this maze and overcome the challenges within, so that would put us at odds," Alicia agrees, not underestimating the kobold on appearances. She knows at least one archmage kobold in Dweomerheart after all.
That said, does he have interesting magical equipment or active spells on?
Take 10 for spellcraft for 61 where relevant.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 43m), keen edge (CL 32, 298m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 10m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 10m), greater heroism (CL 32, 10m), death ward (CL 32, 10m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 44m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 307m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 19m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/7/14/6/5/6/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
"But he told me to guard this," The kobold insists, "But he told you to explore?" A deep frown, "Then...um...."
The kobold's armor and sword are highly enchanted. He has the following spells on him: Kobold's Glory, Supreme Resistance, Danatha's Improvisation, Io's Blessing, Fortunate Fate.
Moore rubs his chin. "What, specifically, did he tell you to guard? Just this path?"
"Pick a skill you have pride in. One of us will face you, and should they be victorious, you will allow us to proceed."
"This path, this door," the kobold agrees to Moore, "I bet none of you can guard this door better than I can. Especially not you," he points at Moore, "You're so small and floaty, you couldn't guard anything. They're big, you're little!"
Moore fills his cheeks up with air for a moment.
"I... sure?" Moore says. "All right, you're on."
He guesses?
The kobold scurries away and past all of you, "I'll be watching, no way you're as good a guard as I am," he calls.
Moore floats over to stand -- well, fly, where the Kobold was standing.
He clears his throat and then just ... folds his arms.
"As I said earlier, I'm guarding this from intruders. Even if Lord Io gave you permission, you'll have to be on your way." Moore says.
It feels rather like bullying a child, but even so... "He's right, we'll have to leave we can't argue with that," Alicia says, promptly about facing and walking away from the well guarded doorway, proving Moore's efficacy as a guard.
"Yeah, yeah," The kobold calls, then blinks, "Wait, you can't be that good a guard!"
Shaking her head in amusement, Jetina follows Alicia while Amaryl lingers with Seira, "What an odd kobold," she murmurs to her.
Anything that achieves their goals without bullying. Seira turns to walk away.
A booming laugh. IT's deep and loud, comign from beyond the doorway. "Oh, let them through already," he says, "They're good sports, and more importantly, I've been wanting to meet Seira since I heard of her. Imagine, a half elf becoming a red dragon. What a curious thing!"
The kobold stiffens, "But sir, Io said..."
"That you obey me," The voice picks right up, "You've guarded everything fine and had your fun."
Moore thus moves out of the way and gestures the way ahead with a slight bow to the rest of the party.
"You still performed your duty well," Alicia reassures the kobold, now going back to open that unguarded door.
"Working my way to a prismatic dragon, though I'll always be partial to reds!" Seira calls cheerfully.
Ahead is a vast chamber, loaded with copper and brass. Coins of it are everywhere, and atop it is a brassy colored dragon, watching in amusement. It smiles ear to ear, "Ah!" He sniffs, "I see why, I smell a few of you have been around a prismatic dragon. Come in, come in." Inviting you as you walk in, "Alicia, Moore, Antenora, Jetina, Oberuth, Amaryl and of course Seira. I've been wanting to meet you in particular, because how the devil did you discover turning yourself into a red dragon and get this far, you seem like one of those go getters that comes up every so often except you don't stop go getting, and frankly I'm impressed by it, because so many go getters stop go getting and then something wipes them out or they ossify, like so many spirits do, but it's hard to keep advancing, and even then sometimes you can't when you want to."
"Oh yes, I've heard of these unfortunate cases where someone reaches a point of relevance on the planar scale but then despairs of ever changing the status quo in the right way. And then there are those who stagnate for decades doing nothing of importance; with those, you just have to keep faith that they will recognize their slump and try their hardest to leave it. So what's your name, friend, since you know all of ours like everyone around these parts?"
"I am Bendalasinusalan, but I go by Brass." The wyrm confirms, "It is so easy to find so many ways to stagnate short of perfection, or think you have it when you do not, or that there is any end at all, for why even the Incarnations strive for something to improve themselves, so how can any of us settle, nor does Lord Io settle even now that he has returned at long last, nor does Creation settle, nor will it settle for Shar, nor will it settle for a wretched Prophecy, nor will any of us settle to accept those, no matter what must be done, and much must be done, for what I can perceive and have been told are worrying, deep things that speak of a coming harrowing, win or lose."
"You wanted to know how I got this way?" Seira muses. "It all started when I made a pact with an ancient Red called Ajan, placed in charge of the Gnomish God-King's prison. It started from there. I saw a prophecy that it will transform me and bring ruin to all those I love, so I decided to break that prophecy and change on my own terms. A bit of aid from the Reds living on Astral and a great deal of studying and delving into the arcane arts, and the rest is history!"
She grins now, asking Bendalasinusalan, "What sort of nice and deep things about the harrowing can you tell us?"
"It's going to be apocalyptic, because Io told me Celestia's going bright." The dragon explains, tail thrashing a bit, coins clattering beneath it. "Everyone's going to try and stop Shar, I think, and no way it's going to be anything but ugly, brutal and vicious, and even then there will be some infighting and a few depraved sorts who throw in with Shar, but I don't know details, just what I can gain from speculation, because really, that's the simplest speculation there is, and some parts are odd too, but Creation's secrets are hard to get out, but it's not hard to imagine how bad this is going to be as things ramp up further, and hey, at least it'll hopefully work since someone has to have the solution in stopping the Prophecy."
"Do you know what's going on with Celestia?"
"Only that it's getting brighter, but really that's the hard part since no one can look into Chronias, because it's just too bright and if you get too close you never come back and really, that's the problem but nonetheless we go on but maybe that's the point of faith, believing without knowing, putting your belief into it and standing strong, rather than needing that confirmation, than to put it to the test, and I really hope everyone there's right and Chronias can fix things, since if you asked anyone there they'd say that."
Amid the verbal onslaught Antenora sends to Alicia, 'Verbose. I feel like there's a shortage of words remaining for all of us just listening to him, because he uses them all.'
Oberuth stands and listens, not getting involved while Jetina muses, "It can, I know it can. If you ever went to the Bridge of Al-Sihal, you'd understand. Everyone that's come that close in Celestia has no doubts about it."
Seira shuffles awkwardly in place, having come to the bridge and not really been convinced herself.
"Right," she tells her fellow dragon. "Brass, any insights into the elemental planes, perhaps? I'm actually in the middle of a war with slavers, so that's the efreet, dao and then there's the evil elemental princes who are in it for the kicks."
"Oh, you got into a war?" The dragon asks, "Tell me, what kind of war? A big war it sounds like, but is it really that big and who all is involved, and the problem with elemental wars is that everyone gets involved, so that it spreads and because good and evil meddle in the elemental planes that's a thing, and that draws in everyone else and it's always such a headache when elemental wars spread beyond the elemental planes, isn't it, but I bet someone like you has a plan to solve it, don't you?"
"In short, all of Air is behind me and all of Water is keeping out of it on Istishia's orders. On Earth and Fire, the situation is about as I described, though the forces of elemental good and the xorn are supporting me. Celestia's also involved, as is the Court of the Stars and a few other planar players like Lathander. Eblis aside, devils haven't really stepped in just yet, though it's probably a matter of time. As for my plans, they're amenable to any advantage that I might find. It seems like the Grant Sultan used Eblis's knowledge to get past Celestia's defenses and strike at Lunia directly, so anything you've heard that helps us return the favor is welcome."
Moore just quietly marvels that it seems like this dragon's vice is simply not knowing how to be terse.
"Hmmmmmmm, hmmmmmm, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm," A long consideration at that, "Have you tried making a spell that would douse all of Fire in a flood of water?"
A beat that before he goes on, "No no, of course that wouldn't work, but unfortunately my knowledge is all academic here, what I'm told and what I learn is what I have, as like the others I'm here and not outside, even if my guard's most devout in his efforts, but he's a good sort." Brass snorts out softly, "Though I heard somewhere you and Alicia came from the same city? How unlikely is that? Two risen and both who know each other, though I heard there's another one named Sulia, and she sounds pretty in that way humans are, and really I'd like to meet humans more often because I'm told making half dragons is quite fun, but it's bad form to just ask someone if they want to."
"Plenty of heroes hail from Balmuria," Seira agrees, grinning at Oberuth. "A shame you don't know about some secret way into the City of Brass or something, would've been pretty fitting for your name. So since the niceties had been preserved, are we supposed to fight you too?"
Oberuth returns that smile while Brass laughs, "You are, you are! Thank you for sitting there and listening to me, it's been far too long since I've had anyone new to talk to, and Io just vanishes when he's done talking rather than listening, it's so annoying, but he does it because he has important things to do and rarely lingers on things, though I think he's learned ways to be even better at it while he was away, since he seems even smarter and quicker now."
"Who doesn't want to be smarter and faster, right? And prettier and stronger and sturdier, while they're at it!"
"Right?" Brass laughs and flares his wings out, "Now are you all ready or do you need to prepare, because I know this is a formality and a test for you, so we don't need make it too unpleasant."
"I'm ready! State the terms of the battle, if you please?"
"To the death. My demise means nothing here," Brass says, rearing back to breathe as...!!!
Init.
[16:49] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40
[16:49] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=5]
23:49 <CC> roll 1d20+18+15
23:49 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+22 Jetina
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+39 Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+28 Antenora
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+41 Dragon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=16]
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Brass (57) > Moore (45) > Oberuth = Antenora (43) > Seira (42) > Jetina (25)
Alicia opens.
Alicia ended up zoning out during that discussion as she listened to a particularly interesting prayer, but she doesn't miss the signal to start combat! Enlarging in size to match Brass, she steps closer and lays into the wyrm with both ends of her blade, bashing his head aside and slicing open his neck and chest!
[16:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[16:49] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 111 > [d20=19]
[16:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[16:49] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 105 > [d20=13]
[16:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[16:49] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d20=11]
[16:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[16:49] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d20=17]
[16:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+87 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[16:49] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=12]
[16:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+87 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[16:49] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d20=16]
[16:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+82 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[16:49] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=18]
[16:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+82 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[16:49] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=9]
[16:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+77 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[16:49] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=3]
[16:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+77 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[16:49] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=8]
[16:50] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust -Crit check
[16:50] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 112 > [d20=20]
[16:50] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust -Crit check
[16:50] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 104 > [d20=12]
[16:50] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+82 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust -Crit check
[16:50] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 95 > [d20=13]
[16:50] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+34 combust SR
[16:50] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=20]
[16:51] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[16:51] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 169 > [d6=5,5,3,3,3,3][d4=4,2,1,1,1,1]
[16:51] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[16:51] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 177 > [d6=4,2,3,5,4,5][d4=4,2,3,2,4,2]
[16:51] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[16:51] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 167 > [d6=4,4,3,2,3,1][d4=3,2,2,2,3,1]
[16:51] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[16:51] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 174 > [d6=3,2,6,2,3,5][d4=2,3,4,2,1,4]
[16:51] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[16:51] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 179 > [d6=2,6,5,2,1,6][d4=2,3,4,4,4,3]
[16:51] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[16:51] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 165 > [d6=5,2,1,1,1,2][d4=1,4,3,4,1,3]
[16:51] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[16:51] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 173 > [d6=5,4,1,6,2,4][d4=3,1,4,2,3,1]
[16:52] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+114+6d4+160 if 111/112 was a crit (20'd the confirmation)
[16:52] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 335 > [d6=4,6,5,5,5,5,2,6,3,6,1,2][d4=2,1,3,2,2,1]
[16:52] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80 if 111/112 wasn't a crit (if I missed then I missed all of them, but whatever)
[16:52] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 171 > [d6=6,3,3,3,2,6][d4=1,1,3,3,2,1]
[16:53] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+114+6d4+160 if 109/104 was a crit
[16:53] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 346 > [d6=5,4,6,5,5,6,6,2,5,3,6,6][d4=3,2,1,1,3,3]
[16:53] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80 if 109/104 wasn't a crit
[16:53] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 176 > [d6=6,6,3,3,3,4][d4=1,2,4,3,1,3]
[16:53] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+114+6d4+160 if 100/95 was a crit
[16:53] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 334 > [d6=4,6,4,1,1,1,5,3,5,4,5,5][d4=2,2,3,4,3,2]
[16:53] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80 if 100/95 wasn't a crit
[16:53] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 181 > [d6=3,6,3,4,1,5][d4=4,3,3,4,4,4]
Alicia: 952/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 43m), keen edge (CL 32, 298m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 10m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 10m), greater heroism (CL 32, 10m), death ward (CL 32, 10m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 44m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 307m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 19m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 84 (touch 30), CMD 127 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/7/13/6/5/6/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Map update, annotated.
https://i.imgur.com/Z7Eyvbd.png
Next post will be a normal combat update, just getting this out now before session.
You chose the right spell type, Alicia. Sometimes being lucky is just as effective as being good.
Your swordplay is without compare, carving into the dragon. Your blows cut deep - only for the dragon to flow like liquid brass, smooth and shiny. It's like trying to slice apart an ocean, flowing with your strikes, sliced without being cut. Yet the combustion burns it, sizzling flames making the liquid brass sizzle and boil.
"AAAAH! HOT HOT HOT HOT HOOOOT!" Brass cries, "So hot I'm going to burn up!"
That's all Amaryl needs to hear, dashing in and rolling under a splash of brass, snapping off arrows as she rolls.
> roll 1d20+69 Amaryl
> roll 1d20+69 Amaryl
> roll 1d20+69 Amaryl
> roll 1d20+69 Amaryl
> roll 1d20+69 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d20=2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+69 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=12]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 86 > [d20=17]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=9]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=16]
> roll 5d6 only fire damage applies
> roll 5d6 only fire damage applies
> roll 5d6 only fire damage applies
> roll 5d6 only fire damage applies
> roll 5d6 only fire damage applies
> roll 5d6 only fire damage applies
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d6=1,4,6,6,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d6=2,4,2,3,5]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 13 > [d6=4,2,5,1,1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d6=6,5,3,4,4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 19 > [d6=1,6,4,4,4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d6=2,6,1,1,6]
The wyrm boils and bubbles, before crying out. A great gout of steam erupts around the dragon as it reforms, panting, "Too hot," he cries, scales shimmering like molten metal, runny looking. Yet beyond that he looks hale and whole, not sign of damage at all.
Brass then stumbles back, before breathing out and crying, "Breath friend, I call on you, honor our pact and protect me to your utmost, as was promised and will always be done!" The wyrm then breathes out, a haze of purple gas that forms up into a hulking man-shape as large as Alicia, before going to lay right into her.
> roll 1d20+55 (-30 CE)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+55 (-30 CE)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=6]
Alicia's base AC blocks that, so we know that's a miss all prepped out. Correct me if I'm wrong, Alicia.
Yet the breath monster is defending the dragon as it strikes, his blows careful and easily blocked, as...
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Brass = Breath Elemental (57) > Moore (45) > Oberuth = Antenora (43) > Seira (42) > Jetina (25)
Go Moore.
[spoiler]
All Moore bonuses currently offline. :(
Antenora
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 36/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 6/7 Channel Energy 15/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 6/7 Smite 5/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: 3 6th level spell, 1 9th level spell.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100/1100 (0)(regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
"Are you... weak to fire?" Seira asks incredulously, scarcely able to believe her eyes. "While facing me?"
Moore hrms for a moment, but for the time being holds his ground!
He's holding for now in case there are more tricks that he might be able to help do something about.
"No, it's too hard to concentrate when I'm boiling and stay molten metal, because it's like trying to hold in a bunch of burps and giggles at once, it doesn't work and I start leaking so I have to shift back, and it's not fair to use because too hot means too hard to concentrate, I don't see how magma elementals do it, I don't suppose you have some insights?" A blurt of words almost on top of each other, so fast it's only everyone's trained hearing that lets them discern what was said.
In an instant Oberuth is there, defending Alicia just as the breath elemental defends Brass. Smaller but faster, moving about with sword and shield in position.
> roll 1d20+37 (-32 CE, he'll do it better on general principals)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=18]
The two clash, holding back and defending, neither truly committing as meanwhile Antenora leaps up into the air, a shrill cry as she plunges right at the elemental, ignoring the strike as...
Charging in and eating the AoO, just part of doing business.
> roll 1d20+55 (-30 CE)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=10]
Miss.
> roll 1d20+66 (+2 charge, +14 various)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=15]
Miss.
The two clash and parry, gasses forcing Antenora back as she aborts her charge, parrying away a slam at her self as she cries, "We need mage support!"
Seira.
[spoiler]
All Moore bonuses currently offline. :(
Antenora
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 36/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 6/7 Channel Energy 15/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 6/7 Smite 5/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: 3 6th level spell, 1 9th level spell.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100/1100 (0)(regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
"And I am here~"
Grinning, Seira maneuvers into the right spot on a trail of fire that just so happens to trail across the dragon!
"It sounds like you have performance anxiety, and with that sort of thing it really helps to talk to someone. I get plenty of prayers like that-- ah, music does help, so you could try that!"
Sadly, that's all the time Seira has to dispense valuable advice because she's finished gathering her magic and proceeds to explode! The detonation is massive, and burns dragon and summons alike while leaving her allies intact, given fortuitous placement.
Quickened Miracle emulation of Assay SR on the dragon.
My fiery variation on Lightning Leap, empowered:
19:12 <CC> roll 1d20+37 (+10 more vs dragon) SR
19:12 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=7]
19:13 <CC> roll 15d6 empowered fiery leap, Ref DC35 half
19:13 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d6=3,2,1,2,4,2,2,2,4,4,3,4,6,3,4]
Damage: 69 fire before save
Maximized Empowered Twinned Greater Fireburst:
19:12 <CC> roll 1d20+37 (+10 more vs dragon) SR
19:12 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=16]
Damage: 450 fire before save, Ref DC35 half.
Quick question, is this goldenfire?
The fiery leap is goldenfire, which is the default for me. If I see it being ineffective, I'll turn the effect off for the main blast.
> roll 1d20+48 at least no evasion leap
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+48 at least no evasion fireburst
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+40 at least no evasion leap elemental
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+40 at least no evasion fireburst elemental
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=19]
Flames strike out, scorching away. The dragon winces at the goldenfire, eyes open wide as the elemental rumbles, flames bursting amid the gas, starting to burn from the inside out. "OW!" Brass cries, as...
Jetina is on healing duty, since she can see many ways this can go wrong. Alicia.
Less confident about getting any sword strikes past that defending elemental, Alicia changes track and blasts them both with a trio of kaleidoscopic blasts of colourful radiance!
Radiant assault, maximised and 2x radiant assault, quickened
[17:40] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+34 SR radiant assault, maximised
[17:40] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=15]
[17:40] <@Ebiris> roll 2#1d20+34 SR radiant assault, quickened
[17:40] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 54, 46 >
[17:40] <@Ebiris> roll 15d6
[17:40] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d6=4,5,5,4,3,5,5,3,2,1,2,2,1,2,5]
[17:40] <@Ebiris> roll 15d6
[17:40] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d6=1,1,6,1,1,3,2,3,3,5,4,2,2,1,4]
90 damage for the maximised one.
DC 33 will for half, dazzled 6 rounds on pass, dazed 6 rounds on pass.
[17:42] <@Ebiris> roll 2#1d6 debuff duration if SR failed on the maximised one
[17:42] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 4, 3 >
If 49 didn't beat SR then it's 4 rounds dazzled or dazed from the 54.
Alicia: 952/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 43m), keen edge (CL 32, 298m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 10m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 10m), greater heroism (CL 32, 10m), death ward (CL 32, 10m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 44m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 307m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 19m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 84 (touch 30), CMD 127 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/6/7/13/6/4/4/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
> roll 1d20+49 will dragon 1
> roll 1d20+49 will dragon 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+38 will elemental 1
> roll 1d20+38 will elemental 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=6]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+49 vs maximized whoops
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+38 will elemental 3 whoops
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=10]
Like that the dragon is knocked reeling, dazed by Alicia's light assault. It rears back on its haunches, scales twitching and shaking, entire body prone a moment as the elemental still guards and...
Amaryl.
> roll 5d6 lingering flames on dragon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 18 > [d6=1,5,2,6,4]
That first.
> roll 1d20+69 aimed at dazed dragon, hoping to get lucky explosive flames used to get the elemental if she can get one through here since SR is a problem for her
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=9]
The dragon continues to burn as Amaryl squares and fires a single arrow, hissing by - and exploding behind the wyrm, deflected away at the last moment.
Brass is dazed this round.
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Brass = Breath Elemental (57) > Moore (45) > Oberuth = Antenora (43) > Seira (42) > Jetina (25)
Moore.
And hold that horse one moment, elemental is up. Dur.
> roll 1d20+55 (-30 CE)
> roll 1d20+55 (-30 CE)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=10]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=8]
Meanwhile Oberuth blocks the elemental's attacks, the two defending as...
Now Moore.
"You've almost got it!" Moore shouts.
He doesn't really have much to do here, so he'll hold again.
> roll 1d20+37 (-32 CE, he'll do it better on general principals)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+32 (-32 CE, he'll do it better on general principals)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+27 (-32 CE, he'll do it better on general principals)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+22 (-32 CE, he'll do it better on general principals)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=7]
Meanwhile Oberuth and the elemental keep each other busy, defending and blocking, neither getting an advantage as Antenora hovers where she is. She extends her hand out, a strike of flames comign from above, scorching elemental and dragon alike.
> roll 1d20+32 SR Antenora flame strike
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=9]
> roll 15d6 half fire half divine
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d6=1,2,1,4,3,6,4,1,3,2,5,5,4,2,5]
The divine flames strike both of them, perhaps a little more harm as both are burning, both already hurt as...
Seira.
Seira's been having such a great time exploding that she doesn't stop now!
20:16 <CC> roll 1d20+37 (+10 vs Brass) SR Maximized Twinned Greater Fireburst
20:16 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=1]
SR roll 48, Fire damage 300, Ref DC35 half
20:16 <CC> roll 1d20+37 (+10 vs Brass) SR Delayed Blast Fireball1
20:16 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=5]
20:16 <CC> roll 20d6 Fireball1
20:16 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d6=5,6,4,4,6,5,1,5,2,3,6,2,3,4,3,4,2,4,4,5]
Ref DC37 half
20:16 <CC> roll 1d20+37 (+10 vs Brass) SR Delayed Blast Fireball2
20:16 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=3]
20:16 <CC> roll 20d6 Fireball2
20:16 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d6=6,6,6,4,3,6,1,2,4,2,4,6,1,2,3,3,1,6,2,1]
Ref DC37 half
> roll 1d20+48 burst dragon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+48 fireball 1 dragon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+48 fireball 2 dragon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+40 firesburst elemental
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+40 fireball 1 elemental
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+40 fireball 2 elemental
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=12]
The barrage of flames strikes true - and before your eyes as Brass is scorcehd by goldenfire, the breath weapon made manifest explodes, bursting out in golden flames. "Now!" Jetina calls, taking the chance right off, rushing the dazed and now unguarded dragon.
> roll 1d20+77 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +18 moore, +4 smite)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d8+87
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d8=6]
With the wyrm dazed and its guardian gone, Jetina is able to lunge in and hack through the scales, drawing blood at last, deep slashes coming home. "In Raziel's name, it's vulnerable. Strike now!"
Alicia.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 768/768
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Holy Fury 36/36 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 6/7 Channel Energy 15/17 Lay On Hands 448/448 Remove Disease 9/9 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Smite Baseline: 3d8+480 plus +4/+4d6 vs fiends plus 2d6 holy plus 2d6 axiomatic 19-20 x3 (base charging smite bonus damage is 64+64=128, includes favored enemy bonus)
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Smite Evil 6/7 Smite 4/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: 3 6th level spell, 1 9th level spell.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Amaryl
HP: 554/554
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Commander Oberuth
HP: 1100/1100 (0)(regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+36 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck, +8 competence, +4 moore), Damage+26 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +4 moore, +2d6 holy) AC+22 (+6 morale, +4 sacred, +12 dodge), Saves+18 (+4 more vs CV's)(+12 morale, +4 sacred, +2 luck), Skills+4 (+10 more Perception/Bluff/Diplo/Intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+2 (+2 morale)
Resources: Defensive Stance 11/11 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd) Spellruin 1/1 Smite 1/1 Maim 1/1 Lifetheft 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Nondetection (CL33), Greater Heroism (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Glorious Rally (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL33), Ghost Touch Armor (CL33), Recitation (CL33), Foresight (CL33), Superior Vigor (CL33), True Seeing (CL33), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL33), Detect Scrying (CL33), Greater Arcane Sight (CL33), Freedom of Movement (CL33), Pass Without Trace (CL33), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL33), Voice of the Dragon (CL33), Good Hope (CL33), Heroes Feast (CL33), Energy Resistancex5 (CL33), Fortunate Fate (CL33), Spell Turning (CL33), Moore's Bardic Music (CL-)
Notes: Immunity to sickened and reduces nausea. Immune to critical hits and precision. Allied defense applies combat expertise to all adjacent allies.
No more guardian elemental means Alicia can go wild with slicing up the unfortunately dazed dragon!
[18:29] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 102 > [d20=10]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d20=9]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d20=4]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d20=17]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+87 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d20=14]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+87 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d20=10]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+82 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d20=14]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+82 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d20=2]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+77 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=8]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+77 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d20=13]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 6th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious combust - crit threat
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 94 > [d20=2]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 174 > [d6=6,1,3,2,2,4][d4=3,3,4,3,3,3]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 169 > [d6=3,1,1,3,2,5][d4=4,2,3,3,3,2]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 170 > [d6=3,2,1,4,1,3][d4=4,2,4,4,4,1]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 177 > [d6=4,6,5,3,5,6][d4=2,2,1,1,1,4]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 161 > [d6=1,1,1,5,3,1][d4=3,3,1,2,2,1]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 167 > [d6=4,2,3,1,5,1][d4=3,1,3,1,4,2]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 176 > [d6=4,6,6,4,5,1][d4=3,4,1,1,3,1]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 169 > [d6=1,2,4,2,6,4][d4=1,2,1,4,1,4]
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80
[18:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 173 > [d6=6,3,1,1,3,5][d4=4,4,4,3,1,1]
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+114+6d4+160 if 109/94 critted
[18:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 341 > [d6=1,4,4,6,6,6,4,3,6,2,6,6][d4=3,2,2,3,2,1]
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+57+6d4+80 if it didn't
[18:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 171 > [d6=3,2,1,5,5,3][d4=3,3,1,4,2,2]
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+34 belated combust SR check
[18:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=13]
Alicia: 952/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 43m), keen edge (CL 32, 298m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 10m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 10m), greater heroism (CL 32, 10m), death ward (CL 32, 10m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 44m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 307m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 19m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 84 (touch 30), CMD 127 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/7/12/6/4/4/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
With one mighty swing Alicia cleaves the dragon in two, a soft cry as it vanishes, victory here.
A moment later you hear the dragon's chuckle, "You're as strong as I thought, you're owed a reward." The sound of hands clapping together, "I may not have a body right now, but I can still teach one of you how to speak better."
Free act.
"Speak better?"
"Ah, speak better, speak clearer, speak more forcefully," Brass explains, "Why, I'm a master of talking if nothing else, am I not, because I think that is as obvious as that sword of Alicia's really hurts!"
"Thank you, I try," Alicia says, shrinking to normal size and giving her sword a little spin. "Only one of us, though? Well I have faith in my diction so if anyone else wants to..." she demurs for the rest of the party.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 43m), keen edge (CL 32, 298m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 10m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 10m), greater heroism (CL 32, 10m), death ward (CL 32, 10m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 44m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 307m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 19m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/7/12/6/4/4/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
"I can already speak well enough, I think." Moore says. "I don't mind deferring to someone else."
Oberuth shakes his head, "I can speak well enough."
"I may be interested. How we inspire others comes from our words as mucha s our deeds," Antenora steps forward, "Is anyone else interested?"
"I'm not," Amaryl says, "Well, actually, maybe?"
Jetina glances at Moore, an unspoken question.
"Same here. Interested, I mean," Seira voices, never one to toss aside an offer of help!
"Shall we draw lots for it?" Antenora suggests, "Or shall we argue over it?" She comes forward.
Jetina does as well, "Then I'm interested as well. That's four of us."
"An unfortunate number," Antenora murmurs, looking to Jetina, "Well, Seira, how shall we choose? I defer to you on this."
"Maybe just convince the dragon to teach all of you." Moore says. "That'd be using your words anyway and would show him what you can do with them."
Seira conjures up a tetrahedron and flips it in the air, before catching it. A glimpse at the result, and she tosses it to Jetina.
"Go for it. And Moore's right, try to go for broke here."
20:50 <CC> roll 1d4 Amaryl=1 Antenora=2 Jetina=3 Seira=4
20:50 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d4=3]
"I will," Jetina says, stepping forward with a smile. She steps forward and towards a faint outline of Brass.
"May we have some privacy?" Brass asks, "This won't be long."
"We'll wait outside," Alicia says, retreating back to the well guarded door.
Moore follows suit!
The kobold is there, giving you all a look but nothing else.
"He's talkative, even for a brass," Amaryl finally says, "But I liked him. Did anyone else like him?"
"It felt like drowning a word at a time," Antenora says, "He could have said what he meant with less than a fifth of the words he used." She runs a hand through her hair, then gently shakes her head, "I find it encumbering to communication, not enhancing."
"Ahem," Brass calls, "We're done!"
"Do you think you'd like a job once you're done with this post?" Seira asks, stepping back in.
"He seemed a good-natured sort," Alicia says to Antenora, waiting for Jetina to come back out.
"I'm open to offers," Brass chuckles, "Good luck, I'll talk to you later, I promise."
Antenora's soft sigh is almost too quiet to be heard. Almost.
Meanwhile Jetina is there, "Oh. Oh," she says. Her voice is more, beautiful, refined. It draws the eye to her, captivating as a siren's. "Hello?" she asks, blushing faintly as the party returns.
"It's like the difference in Marie after she got promoted from coure to tulani," Alicia observes after hearing Jetina's voice. "Whatever Brass taught you it must have been profound."
"Brass wouldn't budge?" Seira guesses. "Alright then, let's go explore some more."
"It's like I was speaking wrong my entire life," Jetina says, every word making you want to hang on her voice, like that of a powerful bard, a tulani or well spoken celestial. "And now I can speak properly."
Siren's Voice (Su)
Jetina gains a +20 competence bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy and Perform (Song or Oratory) checks. She gains a +5 racial bonus to the DC of the Instill Charm, Enthrall Masses and Instill Domination epic skill usages for Diplomacy.
Moore gives a small clap. "Impressive!"
Thus you head to the south. Here the brassy walls are warmer, warmth spreading in the air. To the west the passage goes on a ways, before you see sand on the floor at the end, as it turns north slowly, winding in that direction.
To the east you see grass growing near the end, another slow hook north, brighter light coming from it.
"Let's head for the sand?" Seira proposes, doing so herself.
Alicia follows Seira Westwards.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 43m), keen edge (CL 32, 298m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 10m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 10m), greater heroism (CL 32, 10m), death ward (CL 32, 10m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 44m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 307m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 19m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/7/12/6/4/4/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Here vast sand dunes reach and stretch, under a sunny-bright sky. At the beginnings of them a single sphere sits, floating in the air.
https://i.imgur.com/SZA7QdT.png
Update.
Seira approaches the sphere in a flash of fire and taps it!
Fire leaping it!
Once tapped, Io's voice is heard.
"The desert and the grasslands. One where heroes overthrew devils and saved their world, another where heroes overthrew devils and saved their world. Both known to parts of you, blood shed to come this far. Alicia and Seira, you saw what would happen had Agares entered your world, for you know the fate of Lifasa when Abigor did the same."
Antenora's expression darkens at that, while Amaryl frowns, a hand to her mouth.
"Yet you stood firm and saved your world."
A pause, words lingering in your minds before Io resumes.
"In my journeys in the Far Realm, I saw things that there are no words for, understood concepts that are not concepts to us at all. Yet in those wars, I held on to one virtue above all of them."
Another pause.
"Will you face part of my hope?"
"Of course," Seira responds without needing to think about it.
"Though we wouldn't want to crush your hope, we'll certainly face it," Alicia agrees.
There is a deep roar as the sands ahead part. The ground shakes, Oberuth leaping to the air as the others follow suit. The sands part like a great ocean being pulled apart, and from it emerges. A great platinum wyrm, scales impossibly radiant in the light. It moves like water, smooth and without disruption, only ripples endlessly reacting.
"I am the will to ever continue and ever do battle." The dragon declares, facing all the party. "Death shall never be known to me, nor shall defeat, for I shall never surrender. Show me. Show me how one of you can rise beyond me."
If that's not an invitation to assume her own draconic form, Seira is hard-pressed to tell what is! With a roar of defiance, she transforms into a red dragon that is on fire!
Alicia considers how one might rise beyond something that cannot be defeated... maybe some true-ism about learning from failure? Well she'll just let Seira do her dragon thing and see if that works.
"I guess we'll just have to show it our resolve!" Moore says. "But I have a feeling this may not just be a regular swords and sorcery type of fight!"
"It's not a question of power, it's a question of Answers," Antenora says, stepping up besides Moore.
Seira grows larger, the wyrm matching her, roaring back his defiance. The sands are blown away by the challenges as, "YOU THINK YOU CAN OVERCOME THE CREATOR OF ALL DRAGONS AS A DRAGON?" is bellowed back.
"Said by a part of his hope to another part of his hope!" Seira scoffs. "From one trapped in this cage to be our stepping stone as we grow stronger to those Io chose to deal with the real problems plaguing Creation!"
The scream that hits Seira is nigh overwhelming, a bellow of pure fear that rocks her like nothing else.
Will save. This bypasses various immunities you have, including divine immunity.
21:57 <CC> roll 1d20+58+10
21:57 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d20=1]
Yet for all of Seira's will, in that moment it's too much. "Not enough," The wyrm bellows, as you find yourself stepping back, overwhelmed in that one moment.
Then Amaryl is there, arrow nocked and at Seira's side. "So what?" she says, "You act like it's her alone. You're a fool if you think she'll be alone in this."
Since Moore's antifear stuff is still up, that should be 12 higher, for 81. Any help there?
Yes. Changing line then. Moore with the save.
The wyrm glares at you but somehow...Seira is enough. It slowly goes silent, regarding all of you again. "You are as strong as my own will," he says, "Would your Answer for Creation be courage and hope?"
"I don't know if courage is as central to my beliefs as it is to some of my friends here," Seira responds, this time after careful consideration. "Hope is, of course. My answer is the hope of cooperation across differences that might seem irreconcilable. First, the elements will find a way to work together rather than struggle in constant opposition. Then, those in Creation who are decent and value life and dignity will be able to come together, whatever their differences, even without a terrible enemy to unite them."
She gestures with one wing, then the other. "Together, we are undefeated. The difference from facing you one at a time as a group as opposed on our own is as night and day. But that applies to all facets of life, not just to combat. Even the Incarnations created something together, rather than making three separate Creations. I'm baffled that they didn't realize they had their answer all along."
The wyrm is silent after that, and in an instant it is gone. A soft clatter as what is left behind is part of a key, made of shining platinum.
"Well said, Seira," Alicia says after that.
Ooh, shiny! Seira just barely stops from vocalizing her thoughts, shifting back and picking the key up. "That's one key I'd be happy to use to meet Io," she says proudly. "Let's go find more scattered hope?"
Antenora exhales, "Well spoken, all," she concurs.
Amaryl comes up to you and hugs you, "Well done, Seira."
Meanwhile Jetina smiles, "It's easier to be courageous around you, Moore" she says, very softly, coming up to him.
Moore chuckles at that. "That is the essence of courage, isn't it? I wonder if there are more 'Hope Dragons' around though."
Seira returns the hug, nodding at Alicia and Antenora with a smile of her own.
To Moore, she answers, "At the grasslands, almost certainly."
"And perhaps a prismatic dragon as well? Lets go then," Alicia leads them off that way.
"As long as it isn't another Salt Dragon." Moore says.
"TOR SALINUS."
"He really needs to die at some point, just saying." Moore helpfully adds.
Amaryl quickly scurries away from Seira at that, while Antenora's expression becomes grim. "Have you faced Tor Salinus, Moore?"
Oberuth frowns, "You're lucky you're not missing parts. Eudard's stories about that dragon speak of a terror."
"Broken bones heal. Limbs regenerate. But the memories can only be quenched by his ending!" Seira vows, shaking her clenching fist to the heavens.
"Oh, no, no. I can just make salt if I need it, you know? I just hear stories every now and again about how awful he is." He says. "I mean, yeah, he doesn't terrorize anyone else by leaving the plane, but, ugh."
"Bit of a strange reference to make if you haven't had personal experience, he's not exactly well known," Alicia says after scooting away from Seira's rage, looking askance at Moore.
Ahead are grasslands - sunny and bright. Sitting here is but a single sphere, awaiting the party.
The only hope she holds right now in her heart is of glorious murder so Seira graciously allows someone else to challenge Io's hope this time.
Taking that as her cue, Alicia goes and taps her hand on the sphere.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 43m), keen edge (CL 32, 298m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 10m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 10m), greater heroism (CL 32, 10m), death ward (CL 32, 10m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 44m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 307m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 19m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/7/12/6/4/4/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Again Io's voice is heard.
"The grasslands and the desert," Io's voice is heard, "One where heroes overthrew devils and saved their world, another where heroes overthrew devils and saved their world. Both known to parts of you, blood shed to come this far. Moore, you saw what happened when Hell triumphed, and you know full well what would have happened if you failed."
Jetina bows her head at that, silent, while Oberuth's expression is grim.
"Yet you never surrendered and saved your world."
Again the words linger before Io continues.
"In my journeys in the Far Realm, I endured what could not be explained. I was harmed in ways that I could not comprehend. Yet in those battles, I had one virtue that stayed triumphant."
A pause.
"Will you face part of my hope?"
"You all went there, right?" Moore asks, looking at Antenora, then over at Alicia. "I'm not sure how this would differ from the last one, so if you've got any insights..."
"The will to fight versus the will to survive," Antenora says, "They are not the same, I have had battles where I would fight but lay my life down for another, and battles where I would refuse to die."
"That may be so," Oberuth says, "But what does that mean, practically?"
"Well, survival is a fight, but it's not the same as fighting something alive?" Jetina hmms and finally adds, "I can keep someone surviving for a long time, but they may not be able to stop their attacker like that."
"Hmm, so this is more about hope to weather a storm of onslaught and look for your own opening to move forward, rather than blindly going forward at the first sign." Moore says. "Interesting. So it sounds like this will be a test of endurance more than anything else...?"
"So it will," Amaryl says, "Are we ready to accept facing it?"
"I think we've all been through hardships that have tested the mettle of what we stand for." Moore agrees.
From the depths it emerges - a dragon of many colors, a sight familiar to Moore and others. A prismatic dragon rises from the split-open earth, the world shaking from its passage. It emerges and faces the party, "I am what is invincible. I shall never fall, I shall never be slain. No matter how I am set back and defeated, I shall endure. Show me then, chosen ones. Show me how you can rise above even this."
"Antenora is One who would survive even the end of Creation," Alicia gestures at the recently risen Goddess, unmoved by the titanic wyrm before her.
"But that is not enough. Patience and survival are all well and good, but only if you are biding your time for a victory yet to come. Just as those who lost Lifasa did so, unbroken by their defeat and enduring until they could reverse it. We will not merely survive Creation, we will protect it, forever."
Moore nods in agreement. "You have to be able to endure hardships for a time to be able to one day push past the barriers and obstacles that stand in your way."
The dragon regards you all at those words. "We need a shield and a sword," Oberuth says, "As you are, you're only a fragment and nothing but a fragment."
The wyrm's attention turns to Alicia and then Moore, "Then you say I am merely biding my time, that I am not enough by myself?"
"You cannot be slain, you cannot be defeated, you will never fall... that provides a remarkably solid base, but what do you do," Alicia asks the dragon in turn.
"A hellreaver fights," Antenora declares, "We strike down fiends and yet we protect and heal others." She steps forward now, "Shorn of one and we are suicidal, charging in to die against our foes. Shorn of the other, we are helpless, protecting others and surviving only so long as others fight our battles."
"There's no such thing as an invincible foe," Amaryl adds at that, "No matter how you protect yourself, sooner or later we will find a way to win if you can only endure."
The wyrm is silent after all those words, "Perhaps so," he finally says. "The battles in the Fiefdoms suggested that and the battle for Lifasa proved it. Answers come from our blood, sweat and tears."
"Even if we are not strong enough to never fall - we must be strong enough to pick ourselves back up again afterwards. How many worlds have fallen as Lifasa did and never recovered? The lesson it teaches will reverbate across Creation for eternity," Alicia concludes.
Silence.
A long silence stretches on until at last the dragon fades away with a laugh. "There may be hope for you yet," he says, as a glittering thing falls to the ground in its wake.
"That's the idea," Alicia says, summoning the glittering thing to her hand.
It looks like a part of a key.
"Hmm, does this fit together with the platinum one?" Alicia turns to Seira to try pressing them together to see if they magically merge.
Seira shakes off her anger to try this!
With a click the two parts become one, a platinum key created.
Loot update incoming for the key.
"Shiny!" Seira exclaims, dark thoughts forgotten. "Let's go gather more of them~"
"I don't think there's any other routes here, so lets go back to where we fought the spectral dragons? There was a path going on North from there we haven't explored," Alicia suggests, heading back to the teleporter to go that way.
"Progress," Antenora agrees, "I think we're done here, let's go back through the teleporter."
The trip back to where you fought the ghostly dragons is without incident. As you go...
"Pale Mother, The Father. A couple," Antenora muses aloud, "Do you think there's anything to that? From what I understand, the Father has a way of intruding into reality and consuming everything. Moore, did you ever face his manifestations?"
"When the book he was sealed in was on Aurora, I did have occasional... attacks, I suppose you could say." He says. "Overcome with hunger, that sort of thing. I never fought any actual manifestations though."
"I doubt we'll find an easy answer reflecting on it here," Jetina says, "No matter how disturbing revelations may make it be."
"There's a puzzle here, even if I don't have the pieces to solve it," Antenora says, "The Father was a false holy man when he took mortal guise, or so I understand. Yet all he brought was consumption. He was sealed away in a book. He was rejected by his mother." A longer pause, "Why does Pale Night have spawn, if she's trapped? Is she forced to? Or do they serve a greater purpose? If she's trapped so desperately, would she stop at anything to find an escape?"
As Antenora ruminates on that, you reach the hall. It is sapphire blue, nothing in your way now. It goes on a ways before a passage curves to the west and downwards, while a passage east opposite it goes straight in that direction. It continues past those, to a curve to the east further on.
https://i.imgur.com/IuejfxN.png
"Perhaps she hopes her offspring may be the key to ending her captivity, or else she just enjoys copulating," Alicia says, making a face and trying the downwards curving West path.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 43m), keen edge (CL 32, 298m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 10m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 10m), greater heroism (CL 32, 10m), death ward (CL 32, 10m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 44m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 307m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 19m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 22m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/7/12/6/4/4/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
That rather kills the conversation there, several grimaces at that.
To the west the path slopes down and down, sharper and sharp. No obstacle since you can all fly, eventually coming down a straight shaft. At the bottom it continues westward before turning south, but there is a barrier here. A barrier in the form of a looming figure of nothingness, of pure suction given form. A vacuum elemental, blocking your way. In a hissing whisper it asks, "Halt, you who approach further."
"Alright," Seira readily agrees. "What lies ahead?"
"Treasure," The elemental replies in that soft, hissing voice, like air hissing out and away. "Long ago, I accepted a gift from Lord Io, and in exchange I would spend forever attempting to understand the true nature of oblivion and nothingness. His gift was the understanding of everything that is not Vacuum. I have not yet found the answer I seek, yet I have learned much lore thanks to Lord Io's will."
"Io certainly likes having people contemplate things forever in here," Alicia says before asking, "Are you satisfied with the exchange?"
"Yes," The elemental says right away. "I have gained vastly more than I could ever exchange. Yet...I crave more knowledge."
"We could catch you up on recent events?" Alicia offers. "But when you say you were gifted with understanding of everything..."
"Are you interested in knowledge of creation, as opposed to oblivion?"
"I care little of current events. I wish to know of important things, primal things," The elemental says, "I am interested in any knowledge like that. Doubly so knowledge hidden away and forgotten by its own nature."
"I don't know that I have a lot of insight on anathemic knowledge, but it is something I'm working to overcome." Moore says. "It seems like divinity is one way to be able to recall it, at least in my experience."
Seira nods, fishing out the purple key. "How about this? Will you let us pass in exchange for it?"
"Some things are hidden for good reason," Alicia says, certainly not about to share any of her forbidden knowledge. Hopefully Seira's idea about primal creation knowledge will satisfy.
The key is eyed, "I will take it," The elemental agrees, taking it from Seira's grasp and stepping aside.
"Excellent," Seira responds, all smiles, and proceeds past him!
That suits her. Onwards then.
Moore follows as well!
Past him the walls stay sapphire blue, bright and radiant like gemstones. Sitting at the end of this southern passage is a golden sphere, awaiting the party.
"Antenora, would you like to try?" Alicia nominates someone.
Antenora considers, "No, not yet. You go, Alicia," Antenora offers instead.
"I've gone," Jetina agrees, "Maybe Amaryl if Alicia doesn't wish to?"
"In case it isn't obvious by now, I have nothing to ask for out of Io's hoard," Alicia says for those who haven't been paying attention to her persistent refusals. "Amaryl, feel free to indulge in my stead."
"Please, by all means." Moore says over to Amaryl. "We don't even know if these will work for us more than once, anyway."
"Works."
Thus the sphere is touched and Amaryl steps forward.
"Why are you deserving?" Io's voice again, steady.
"Seira." It's a single word, spoken quietly. Amaryl looks ahead, "She is why I am deserving, why I am worthy and why I am needy. I would not be here if not for her and I would not be the person I have become. She is everything for me, and that one person gives me the will to keep fighting, no matter how strong Shar is. I may never have the Answer that Creation seeks, yet I have all the Answer I ever need for myself."
Gesturing, a sweep of her arm, "Anything else is secondary to that. Seira and everything she's built around herself is why I strive, why I fight and why I won't stop. If it's a fool's answer, then I'll gladly be the fool."
There is silence after those words. "Then you will have my aid." From this vast hoard of treasure it flies out - a golden ring, into Amaryl's hand as reality returns to normal.
Loot update.
To be so devoted to someone else as that...
Moore smiles and gives a quiet clap.
If that doesn't isn't a clear sign to hug Amaryl, Seira doesn't know what is!
Amaryl returns the hug warmly, no words spoken, perhaps none needed.
Antenora smiles at all this, while Jetina slowly matches Moore's clapping.
Alicia just smiles and lets them enjoy their moment.
"Lead on~" Seira cheerfully announces.
Okay, where are y'all going?
What is the closest unexplored place from where we are?
You could return to the intersection and go east or north and then east to find unexplored territory.
First east it is.
You travel east. It is a long hall, the colors turning brighter yet, more sapphire blue. As you walk down this hall, seeing it widen and expand south ahead? An orb floats in the air ahead, awaiting you.
3 minutes for durations, adjust as needed.
Recitation refreshed
Seira heads over to the orb and taps it!
At this, Io's voice is heard.
"Yet in the end, no one path was sufficient. I tried many things and yet none of them were sufficient for my children by themselves. The choice I made was to make them masters of none and princes of all. They are flying terrors, sorcerers, titans, elemental masters...and yet they are not supreme in any one field. "
A pause at this, as if Io is collecting his thoughts.
"Dragons of the kinds you know were made. Dragons of good and evil, dragons of law and chaos. Metallic colors shined like the heavens that wear those same banners, most choosing to follow that path. Chromatics came and chose the other path, vibrant and self absorbed. Of my children, the gem dragons ultimately chose to follow their own path and their own power, the better to represent their psionic potential. In time, three arose to rule over my dragons: Bahamut, Tiamat and Sardior. "
Another pause, shorter this time.
"Yet I desired a fourth beyond the three, a dragon to correct them should they any of the three go astray from my commands. He awaits ahead."
"Begs the question of why he's here instead of out watching over the other three and performing the other duties of a deity," Alicia comments, nonetheless advancing on to meet this hitherto unknown draconic god.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 40m), keen edge (CL 32, 295m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 7m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 7m), greater heroism (CL 32, 7m), death ward (CL 32, 7m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 41m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 304m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 16m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 19m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/7/12/6/4/4/5/2/6/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
"I wonder if they're even aware of it." Moore says.
"They're not," Seira tells Moore. "The gem dragon is barely known, so this one's a total surprise."
"It may be just that," Antenora muses, "A trump card in case Io's orders were defied when he was away. Io seems prone to over engineering what he creates."
"Seira," Jetina asks, "This isn't something you've heard about, I presum - No, I presume not, then."
"It also says that Io's willing to be ruthless to ensure his goals and will are followed. Though...Perhaps Bahamut and Tiamat suspect there is something like this, and that is why they were wnot willing to deviate from Io's commands, even when it would make sense for them to?" Amaryl remarks.
"Now I have to wonder why prismatic dragons were even an issue. Especially since I'm seemed to want and expect them to follow that path." Moore says quietly.
"I believe the issue was that for Baleruk to ascend he had to feast on the essence of four other great wyrms, and neither Tiamat nor Bahamut could abide the slaughter of such dragons nor the collateral damage and breakdown in what passes for their society as every dragon sees their fellows as fuel for their ascension," Alicia says from her memory of how it all went down.
"That doesn't really make sense," Seira voices, "given we're about to face this dragon, and Io believes we can take him. Either Bahamut or Tiamat have the power to match ours."
"He never said anything about fighting him," Alicia says, shaking her head.
As you talk and go along, you reach the turn south. Ahead is a cavern room, filled with vast treasures of gold and silver, gems and wood, steel and other things. Pottery, pearls, cloths, art and so much more. Yet you arrive? The world SHAKES hard enough to send you all a step back, even in the air.
You feel it. A presence that overwhelms, as much felt as seen. A haze shape in the form of a dragon. Raw power constantly erupts like it, filling the room ahead with vast torrents of energy.
"As Lord Io commands, I have appeared here." It intones, a genderless voice. "You are the one Lord Io offers his secrets, treasure and wisdom to?"
"We are," Alicia confirms for formality's sake, looking up at the presence.
Do I sense divinity from it?
"My name is Seira," she decides to introduce herself, in hopes of having it reciprocated.
The creature is divine, Alicia believes.
Currents of power roil in the air ahead. Ethereal and bright, pulses that swirl like a tempest unable to be controlled.
Antenora steps forward, "Antenora Reynes, who will soon see over redemption."
"Amaryl Gaial," Amaryl steps forward next, bowing to the dragon.
"Jetina," Is all Jetina says, carefully holding position, eyes rather wide.
"Hellman Oberuth," Oberuth says, eyeing the dragon cautiously but calmly, sweeping over its vague shape in an instant.
"Galaurskax," The wyrm declares, "The Promised."
"Moore." He says. "An honor."
"Well met, Galaurskax, I am Alicia Reynes," Alicia introduces herself since everyone else is. "Why has Io kept you here instead of letting you take your place with Tiamat, Bahamut, and Sardior?"
The power flows deeper, swelling within the Galaurskax. The Promised moves slightly, all the world around him shaking and trembling again. "I am not held here, I am called here from my watchful perch to meet you, to understand his works and much of what he has done, to understand paths to power and to grow stronger. I am the watchman who watches over the prismatic, the platinum and the ruby. I am power incarnate. If needs must, I am the end of Bahamut, Tiamat or Sardior."
Ahh, that makes it even more mysterious though. Where would that watchful perch be? "Then I thank you for taking the time to meet with us. You believe you can grow stronger from our example?"
"I look towards the future. Lord Io wishes for Creation to be saved, so it will be saved. You will grow strong and triumph over Shar, for Lord Io's will is all." The wyrm declares, the flex of a wing, however slight, shaking all once more. "I will meet with you and see what I can learn, for we all are created to find an Answer, be it by becoming perfect or some other means."
"May I ask under which conditions you will take action against the other three?" Seira asks Galaurskax. "And are they aware of these consequences?"
"When they disobey Lord Io's commands," Is the answer Seira gets. After that, "I will teach you one thing for every thing you teach me. Things of power and things of might, not mere triflings."
"I could teach you spells I have created, though none that are hidden and unavailable by other means," Alicia offers. "I doubt my skill at swordplay is of any help to one who relies on fang and claw and wing and tail."
I don't know if it's possible to teach stuff like salient divine abilities and he'd have to have a free slot for it anyway so yeah, defaulting to the easy option.
"Show them to me," Galaurskax says, leaning forward, world trembling with his movement.
"What are the conditions of the trade?" Seira inquires. "Are we able to teach others, or even each other, what you teach one of us? Will you be able to pass on anything I teach you to others?"
"I call this one Flux Grasp, strongest of the spells I have crafted and thus least known outside of myself," Alicia says as she casts the spell, her hand wreathed in a poisonous green glow. "No defences against magic will protect one from its touch, an acid that softens scales, ruins armour, disintegrates force, and quite simply consumes all it touches. A black dragon would have little to fear from it, for it is still acid in the end. Though I have metamagic that bypasses even that."
She crouches down and presses her hand against the floor, demonstrating on whatever Io made this dungeon out of.
[18:36] <@Ebiris> roll 32d12 acid damage
[18:36] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 202 > [d12=6,1,5,2,8,2,2,4,2,9,9,4,11,10,11,5,2,6,4,1,1,12,8,10,6,5,7,9,11,8,12,9]
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 40m), keen edge (CL 32, 295m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 7m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 7m), greater heroism (CL 32, 7m), death ward (CL 32, 7m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 41m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 304m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 16m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 19m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/7/12/6/4/4/5/2/5/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
"If you are able, you may do with what I teach as you will," the wyrm declares, "As will I as I see fit."
"Will you accept a trade that restricts use? Just you and I, and it doesn't go beyond the two of us?"
The ground hisses with acid, light blue light spreading from your touch as hunks of it are eaten away, dissolved in your touch. To this Galaurskax declares, "Then be matched by the wit of a great wyrm." A scroll appears in the air before Alicia, awaiting her.
"Possibly," He says, "Depending on what it is."
Alicia accepts the scroll, unfurling it to take a look.
It is a scroll of Bredanalundalum's Wit.
Bredanalundalum's Wit
Divination
Level: Brd 10, Sor/Wiz 12
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 10 min/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
Your touch bestows great intelligence and knowledge, letting you answer questions far and wide. The target gains a +20 competence bonus to Knowledge checks and may make Knowledge checks untrained, even if the DC is higher than 10. If the target has bardic knowledge or a similar ability such as lore, this bonus applies to that as well. Finally, once per five caster levels, the target may discern what question he should ask someone. This need not be a question the target would think or even know to ask, or even be aware that he should ask it. Creatures under epic abjurations that stop divinations return no result if the target discerns what questions he should ask them.
This spell was created by Brendanalundalum, a powerful and unique dragon. Only a few other entities related to Io are aware of this spell.
Hmm. Has excellent synergy with that Bibliotheca spell that was recently developed. "My thanks," Alicia says, stowing the scroll away in her portable hole for now.
"My secret spells," Seira responds, a trio of scrolls floating in the air before the dragon. "The Visage set. Available only to my most faithful, and ones I don't wish to spread beyond you."
A fourth scroll appears slightly off to the side. "And here is my Arcane Thesis, which is not similarly restricted. I just want credit where it's due."
"I know a few spells of my own design but I don't know if they'd be on the same level." Moore admits. "I don't know if Words of Creation are something that I can teach but I could explain what I know about them."
"Do so," Is the answer to Moore, while the scrolls are examined. After some time he says, "These are worthy spells. Come and I shall teach you a secret."
Seira does so!
With the world shaking, the dragon leans into Seira and murmurs to her, scrolls forming in her hand.
Seira takes a look!
"A scroll of the soul of the winds, and a scroll of a great magic made by one of the greatest eladrin." The wyrm says, as you read the two of them.
Quality/level over quantity in this case.
You get scrolls of the following:
Ghostblood
Zephyr's Soul
Ghostblood
Transmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 18
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Living creature touched
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Fortitude partial; see text
Spell Resistance: Yes
Ghostblood turns the target's blood to ghostly wisps of air that blow away, leaving the creature without a drop of blood in its body. This spell deals 70d8 points of damage to the target. If the target survives this, they make a DC 10 Constitution check. The check must be repeated each round, with the DC increasing by +1 for each previous success. When the target fails one of these Constitution checks, they begin to suffocate. In the first round they fall unconscious and die of suffocation two rounds later. This suffocation does not depend on air, so being able to breathe is irrelevant to it. It can only be stopped by the target healing as much damage as this spell inflicted. Measures that prevent suffocation, such as a necklace of adaption, do not prevent this suffocation.
A creature that succeeds on the saving throw only loses a majority of its blood. It only takes half damage and is not subject to the suffocation above. Instead, they are subject to slow suffocation, except that the damage begins immediately, occurs every round and deals 5d6 points of non-lethal damage. Like above, this suffocation can only be stopped by healing the damage done by the spell (but not any non-lethal damage that occurs from slow suffocation).
Creatures that do not possess a bloodstream or similar anatomy are not subject to this spell. Creatures that possess blood but do not need to breathe are subject to the damage but not the suffocation.
Zephyr's Soul
Transmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 13
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 1 hour/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
This spell gives you a fly speed of 160ft (perfect). You ignore the effects of wind while you fly, normal winds cannot harm you while under this spell. This flight is no strain on you and you can fly as long as you as the spell lasts without fatigue (though you still get tired normally and from doing other things). If this spell is dispelled or ends prematurely, winds cushion your fall so that you take no damage as you land.
This spell allows you to travel 256 miles in 8 hours, or approximately 32 miles per hour.
Moore will write down what he knows about Words of Creation in a piece of paper and rolls it up, offering it upwards!
to be clearer here he's writing what he knows they can do and what he's experimented with doing.
The writing is taken and studied, "You have learned much of them." Another scroll is presented, this one to Moore.
If that works, then Seira's knowledge certainly qualifies. "I've got a bit more skills to trade." The scroll that appears before the older wyrm details the creation of an All-Elemental. "Same restrictions as before, just a trade of information between you and I."
Moore takes it to read!
It looks like a blank scroll to Moore. Yet it feels strangely alive in his hands, almost like it has a pulse and a heartbeat.
"Create," The wyrm says, a single word to Moore. "You should understand."
"So be it," To Seira then and it is studied, a consideration. "Four is enough. You have shown power to me," he announces. A flash and a key of solid adamantine clatters to the ground before you all. "A key of power."
Loot update.
Moore does just that, trying to create... well he isn't sure so he goes with the feeling of the scroll!
Seira picks up the adamantine key, keeping it with the hopeful one.
Cha check, Moore.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+34 : 15 + 34, total 49[/blockquote]
In that moment, Moore feels like he could make the scroll anything - like Limbo stuff.
like... aaaaanything anything? I'm not 100% clear here!
Anything.
Of course, what you get likely isn't unlimited or all powerful, so y'know. Choose wisely and all that.
let me get with you on IRC in just a bit then!
Moore takes a breath.
If this works, it's a tool that they could all use together to... yes.
He takes a breath and tries to will the scroll to become something that will help him find the exact locations of the pieces of Temman's Wheel!
In Moore's hand is now a small book, a cover of plain leather. The living scroll is gone, morphed into the book.
Loot update.
Very, very, very slowly, Moore opens the book to peek at the first words on the first page.
It is an elegantly written story, seeming to talk of something in Air.
Moore shuts it with a smile. "Thank you." He says quietly as he puts it away.
"Thank you," Antenora says, "A key of power will serve us well. Power and hope - the power to have hope, the power to enact changes to realize your hope. I dare think it is an important key."
"In the end, we're on the same side," Seira muses. "There are three more things I can teach you, under the same restrictions as before. Do you have anything of equal value and interest to trade?"
She delivers the concepts of the fires of creation, of the prismatic empowerment process Cauldron has developed and of the behemoth research.
The concepts are taken, examined. There is a long pause as the dragon does so, "Promising but incomplete, but together I will accept them," he announces. "I would give you my memory of the time I saw the absolute light."
Moore decides to try for himself and writes down the knowledge of some of the spells he's found himself -- there's no real harm in sharing it with someone like this, anyway.
These aren't scrolls, as Moore is too stupid to know how to actually write scrolls of magic, but he'll write down the basic concepts, principles and knowledge of the following spells:
Antimagic Sound
Greater Snowsong
Humble Words
If they end up worth something, all the better. If not, perhaps they can help the others 'afford' something!
He rolls up the pieces of paper and holds them up again!
Is it really? Seira controls goldenfire as an extension of her divine power, and Afina made for Sanzha's very real success in the other field. Behemoths, too, can reliably be produced if one doesn't mind the atrocious attrition rate she's working with Syala to reduce.
Still! "Very well," she agrees.
Before all the party, reality becomes a dream. A memory, a memoryscape. A throne atop a great tower, where it seems all of a vast realm can be seen.
Yet Three dominate. Three presences, overwhelming even in memory. Vast, impossible things, yet with no shape at all.
One of perfect symmetry and order, repeating forever and forever, yet always new and always a new revelation. In it you glimpse the secrets of all Creation, yet they slide from your reeling minds.
One of perfect change and chaos, forever churning forever, yet always coming back to that looming shape. In it you glimpse again all the secrets of Creation, yet again they defy your mind to understand.
Yet both are in opposition to one another. Both are perfect yet perfectly opposed. For a third is here. He is all they are not and more, endless and forever being all, yet here and not everywhere. In it you glimpse every secret of Creation, but it is like sand between your fingers, inevitably slipping away.
"I will see, masters," Io's voice, deferential. It comes from your side, even as your vision is fixed on the Three before you.
From the Endless Chaos comes the words, "Come, light." A voice that is ever changing and all, yet speaking with absolute conviction.
From the Eternal Order comes the words, "Let the light shine." A voice that is meaning as much as words, yet speaking with absolute conviction.
From it the radiance of 21 shines bright. Vastly brighter than Moore or others have ever seen it shine, as if all an eternity is to soar forth and immolate all in absolute light. A third voice comes from beyond that light, unspoken and yet understood: Light, continue to strive forth for our Answer.
And yet Alicia and Seira recoil. Tendrils of fear snake amid them, the sight of this light overwhelming. In that instant they know that should it be turned on them, all will end for them. A light that awaits and will purify all simply to find an Answer, if that is so needed. Antenora's hiss is soft in the air, Amaryl's own cry soft and wordless as she steps back.
"My theory, my hope is that the absolute light shall finally provide our Answer," The voice of the Incarnation of Law.
"Yes, master," Io's voice. "I shall face that light, if it is your will."
"No." The ever changing voice of the Incarnation of Chaos, "Your death will be no benefit to the quest for an Answer."
"Thank you," Io's relief is immediate, "For you have created such a thing that terrifies me, master."
The light of 21 shines ever brighter, seeming to consume all around it.
Then the wordless words of the Incarnation of Balance are heard: Then watch and bear witness to this light, Io and Galaurskax.
Forever is the light of 21, consuming all - even the memory, as at last you all return to yourselves.
The revelation reignites Seira's anger as she strives not to scowl.
So 21 really is a battle for a soul... the soul of 21, and the soul to find an Answer.
Moore stays quiet for the time being, just watching -- though the noises the others make draw his attention, since he isn't seemingly affected in the same way.
Alicia's eyes narrow as she shades them against that baleful light, another revelation to hold onto. And still the third incarnation remains just a bit mysterious.
"I had thought 21's power was enough, yet it's barely a candle to that memory," Antenora says, "What a dreadful, terrible thing they made."
"All to find an Answer that still eludes them, 21 put aside like a broken toy and forgotten for eons," Amaryl seconds, shivering and rubbing her arms as if cold. "It looks to consume and purify all - even Sylvie, Moore?"
"My master was to bear witness to 21 and he did," The wyrm declares. "I have only had one nightmare in my life, and it was the next time I slept after seeing 21."
"It changed Sylvie." Moore confirms. "I know she's still... herself somehow."
"Do you know where 21 is now, or how to find it?" Seira asks. "Are there other such relics by the Incarnations just laying around somewhere?"
"I do not," The wyrm admits, "They showed 21 to Io and I was there, they allowed me to see it."
Seira nods in understanding.
I think we're good here?
Once all that is done, Moore's papers are taken, "Three spells," he ruminates. "A return is fair." Before Moore a single scroll appears. "For I already know Humble Words."
"Thank you." Moore says. "For everything."
He will look at the scroll!
It is a scroll of Thunderous Voice.
https://i.imgur.com/UxJLSvP.png
Map update.
That being said, Thunderous Voice is in the spell collection.
"Farewell, Galaurskax," Alicia nods to the dragon-deity since no one else has any trades. She leads them back and off to the North and around that unexplored bend Eastwards.
The passage turns east, the hall going on a way to a door. Before the door is a man of steel, carved beautifully and lifelike, with half dragon features and wings. It watches you, eyes moving as you approach. It is clad in plate armor but with no helmet.
"Visitors," it asks in a smooth, well oiled voice, "Welcome. I am Chardonax, son of Scandamalonax. I welcome you to my mother's lair."
"Greetings Chardonax, I am Alicia," she introduces herself. "Is your father also present in this gauntlet?"
So it seems there is plenty of recreation in these parts for those interested!
"Hello," Seira greets him. "Is it just the two of you here?"
"I have no father, I'm afraid. I was created with steel and magic," Chardonax replies, bowing to the party. "In this little section, yes."
Oberuth nods to him and then adds, "A warrior by birth or by practice?"
"By birth, by birth," The construct declares, tapping his breastplate, "My skills were informed by my mother's choice of how she shaped me. Though I enjoy martial combat, so it all worked out well."
"It's important to enjoy what you do," Alicia agrees. She's better than to make the obvious crack about draconic procreation and its ability to go beyond common sense. "Can you tell us aught about your mother before we meet her?"
"She's the best sapphire dragon there is," Chardonax says, "Be respectful!"
"Sapphire is a lovely color!" Seira compliments.
Moore nods!
"It's the best," The construct agrees, "Mom doesn't like strangers in her territory, but she'll make an exception for you. But she also really likes talking about strategy and warfare. Maybe you can play one of her wargames with her."
"That sounds lovely," Seira agrees.
"I enjoy such things too," Alicia agrees. "May we enter to see her, then?" she asks in case he has any challenges first.
"Then go on," Chardonax steps aside. "You'd better not upset her," he adds, brashly.
Amaryl's smiling by this point and merely nods her head to that.
"She sounds like a sensible dragon," Oberuth remarks, "Most dragons seem content to be aerial ravagers rather than foster a deeper understanding of tactics."
"Mom's better than most dragons," Chardonax retorts immediately, strongly.
"We'll be perfect guests," Alicia smiles going in, hoping that victory in a war game will suffice over having to kill her now.
Ahead is a chamber filled with various cracks and crevasses. Atop a massive stone dais sits a vast pile of cut and shining sapphires - and atop that sits a single dragon seemingly made of carved sapphire. It is brilliantly bright, like the best examples of that gemstone. She is eyeing you already, posture tense as the party enters, but not a word said.
"Well met Scandamalonax, I am Alicia," the war goddess nods in greeting to the wyrm, stopping a few feet in past the door.
You get a long look over, "What is your preferred type of military unit?" she asks, right to it, voice brisk.
"Personally I prefer a squad. The low numbers allow for easy spell support to magnify their effectiveness, and they're able to keep a low profile for more subtle operations. It also allows for greater camaraderie between the soldiers since everyone has better chance of knowing each other more intimately so they'll fight harder for each other than they will for a larger but less cohesive group," Alicia gives her answer and the reasoning behind it. "Of course all units have their uses and I wouldn't allow preference to over-rule sound tactical sense," she adds though she hopes it would go without saying.
"Infiltrators for me, they are the unsung heroes-- oh, are we talking about that sort of unit? My name's Seira, by the way, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
A nod, an understanding once, perhaps. "The spirit of the corps and morale are critical elements," she agrees. "It allows you to maximize the gain out of each soldier. It is particularly useful for elite soldiers and infantry, as well as spell casters."
"Adventurers, you mean," Oberuth steps in. "Our Crimson Guard operates on the same principle. Small squads of soldiers who form friendships and bonds, so that they'll fight to the strongest together. They're far less likely to break and panic when they have each other to rely on."
Scandamalonax sniffs and says, "Ah, a red dragon who can at least talk strategy. How wonderfully refreshing," she says, "Scandamalonax is my name. Infiltrators are so often unsung and so important. A blow from within can be equal to ten from outside. Two women and one man of fine taste," she says, turning to the others, "What say all of you?"
"A small, elite force." Moore says. "Of three to five people. A striker force for harder opponents or that you can always trust to get in and out safely."
"Any healing force," Jetina adds, "Doctors, clerics, healers - they're all essential to any army that has more than one encounter before being spent. They're what ever soldier counts on when it goes wrong."
"The lone, shining, singular champion," Antenora declares, "The one who leads the charge headlong, who faces the opposing champion and slays them, leading to the enemy lines being broken. The assault leader. A flashy position and no less essential than squads, units and even grand armies."
"Archery support units," Amaryl adds, "Small but mobile, able to rush to parts of the line that need ranged support on demand. Ones that aren't so immobile that they can't react fast enough, even if this means sacrificing power or versatility."
All of that is considered until at last Scandamalonax sniffs, "All intelligent answers. I worried at least one of you would be a tiresome dullard, a dull blade to hack through the enemy in the most insipid way possible."
A shame they left Donald back home! He would've gotten a rise from Scandamalonax.
"What is your own preference?" Seira inquires, displaying none of her inner amusement.
"All of them," The dragon replies instantly, "From small forces to armies, from attackers to defenders, to elites to the common infantry. All of them are a part of warfare. I love the soaring mounted riders in the skies along with flying dragons breathing down wrath on any who are stuck to the ground. I adore the brave knights who charge on horseback, crashing into a pike wall to shatter the enemy line. Give me all of them and more."
"You really should pick a favourite, but yes war is the totality of forces and personal preference gives way to necessity," Alicia says. "All of us here are champions and leaders, who got to where we are on the back of many victories. It's no place for the dullards uncaring of strategy."
"Blood, sweat and tears," Oberuth concurs, "The building blocks of any champion and any leader."
"And thus, you are here," Scandamalonax agrees, "You are here to challenge me and grow stronger by Lord Io's will. He would not choose weak champions, I see."
"Your son mentioned a fondness for wargames?" Alicia speaks up on that note. "Bredanalundalum faced us in a contest of skill without recourse to violence, should you prefer that sort of challenge."
"It would be rather counter-productive," Seira agrees. "As for the challenge, yes, I believe a military strategy game was mentioned in passing?"
"I do," The dragon says, uttering words of profound magic. Before you is an illusion, of a battlefield writ small. "A challenge of strategy and tactics, to lead your army to victory against my own."
"What are the win parameters, other than total annihilation of the other side?"
"Victory, it need not be absolute, but the other force must be defeated, shattered or out maneuvered." Is the answer you get.
So no capture the flag engagement, or base defense. "How about making it a three-way engagement?" she proposes, glancing over at Alicia. "Or even larger, if others are interested in pitching in?"
"I'm sure we can all help but one person would need to ultimately be in command of our side. Taking too long discussing our choices would be its own problem when decisive action is called for," Alicia says, waiting to see what sort of forces they're to work with.
On a glance, it looks like a thousand soldiers - infantry, some pikemen, archers, small aerial squads of griffon riders and spell support. Both sides are evenly matched and the terrain is an open plain, but with occasional rocks and boulders that give some cover and natural features.
Seira reviews the casters, to see if they're capable of meaningfully reshaping the battlefield.
They're capable of third circle spells and have a selection from offensive to shaping the battlefield, but no depth - just lots of variety.
"Hmph," The dragon says, "Tilting your odds in your favor that way, are you?"
"There's that, and there's how we don't really fight each other for obvious reasons. It might be fun to do it in a game, though!"
"Hmph. Fine. Who will play?" The dragon asks.
"I would like to command one of the armies," Seira gives the obvious response, before glancing over at her companions.
Alicia would've liked to since she's a war goddess and all, but she'll support Seira. She's not interested in mucking things up with a three-way battle, especially when she'd be naturally inclined to go easy on Seira and focus on Scandamalonax. "In that case we'll support you, Seira."
Moore nods to Alicia. "It's probably not fair for me to offer my services of inspiration in this sort of situation, but I'll support you however I can." He adds.
"Likewise," Antenora says, as Oberuth goes to stand behind Seira in a show of support.
"All of you aiding Seira," The wyrm declares, "Acceptable."
Seira pouts, but accepts this state of affairs. Focusing on her army, she examines the griffon riders for their means of attack, while checking whether the griffons can accommodate an archer as a passenger each.
They have several things - jars of alchemist's fire, slings and short bows. Also long swords in a pinch.
On a glance, you don't think the griffons could manage two riders.
Nodding to herself, Seira familiarizes herself with the equipment and capabilities of the other soldiers as she waits for the signal to begin.
It looks to be about the same as yours all around.
Okay. Seira, you said you have a skill you want to use here?
Sure. Profession/General at +50, though presumably I would come up with a fun battleplan to be judged?
Sure to both.
Additionally, does anyone else have a way they'd like to contribute?
Moore can certainly give her bard bonuses to the skill checks but I don't know that that's "fair." But the dragon did say we could add Seira, so if they are he totally would.
Otherwise he can just Aid Another on Profession/General.
Up to you there, Moore.
Seira decides to go for an elaborate plan! First, fog covers the battlefield, obscuring it from enemy view. Under this cover, earth is softened and reshaped into trenches and barricades with grease funneling attackers into specific routes should they wish to avoid it. Meanwhile, half of the mages imbue the same number of pikemen with flight and invisibility, while others use illusions to display the correct amount ready for an enemy charge in the trenches alongside the real defenders.
As the bulk of the army bunkers down, the flying cavalry departs at top speed to drop all of their ordinance from a decent height on the archers. After the blitz, they will dash back in apparent disarray, inviting pursuit by the enemy griffon riders. As their paths cross with the invisible pikemen flying in wait, the enemy's day should get worse, especially as the no longer fleeing cavalry makes coordinated turns to take them from the flank. With the ambush happening far enough that her own archers and mages wouldn't be expected to contribute, Seira trusts that the battle will go in her favor. Then, while they are still capable of flight, her flying pikemen will sacrifice themselves by dropping on the enemy healers from a great height, speartip first. With a bit of luck, her opening strike will have reduced the enemy archer numbers and put them in disarray, so enough should get through to prevent the enemy from recovering from future engagements.
Depending on the success of her attacks, Seira will decide whether to have the mages provide mounts for those in her forces who are capable of riding for a coordinated strike with her griffon force and archer support, or to fight a battle of attrition as the enemy tries to get past her defenses while harassed by griffons, archers and offensive magic. Either way, she expects a lot of things to be set on fire!
On the defensive front, she'll use some of those pikemen to protect her valuable mages, and ensure that they or the archers are in several groups so that a single spell or explosive won't be able to take them all out in one lucky hit.
Okay. In that case then, Moore will give Seira +5 untyped bonus. His other bonuses are morale and insight, so I think she has those covered with magic.
Very well then. The plan is accepted and go ahead and make a Profession (General) check, Seira, as well. I'll take that all in totality and begin to adjudicate how it goes.
18:44 <CC> roll 1d20+55
18:44 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=19]
I forgot that I get +15 competence and +4 wis (+2 to wis skills) from Philosopher's Friend, so 91?
Cool. This reply will be a bit, it's a lot to mull over and mentally run.
And thus the game begins. The sapphire dragon focuses on it as your forces war. Winds counter fogs, arrows close the distance while invisible foe meets invisible foe. Every move is smoothly countered - and countered in turn by Seira's tactics. Counter. Reverse. Riposte. More than anything else, it immediately seems to be a close, hard struggle, neither side looking to go down right away.
Yet as it unfolds, "..aaaah. I yield." Scandamalonax says, bowing her head to you - and looking up with a big, toothy draconic smile. "Your plan is daring and competent enough, while your execution is sufficient. I will not test you on the vagaries of war when there's little point in leaving it to chance, for chance ruins all the best plans and scatters them about like ashed on the wind."
"So it does," Oberuth speaks up, "Like a wild horse, whom you have to hold and break to ride, no matter how hard it tosses you about."
Moore blinks. He's a bit surprised that she gave up so easily, but the reasoning is solid enough.
"Thank you for an enjoyable game," Seira tells Scandamalonax politely.
"It's the first new opponent I've had in ages," The dragon goes on, words coming faster now, "Suicidal pikemen is an interesting strategy in a void, but of course you could almost never use it in reality."
"It's a valid plan for summons or mindless golems," Seira counters. She snorts, adding, "Or on Ysgard, actually?"
"Oh of course on Ysgard," Scandamalonax concurs, "But in a normal battle, the odds are it won't be there. I loathe wasting troops, even if sometimes you have to sacrifice a pawn to capture a queen."
"Whenever you step away from the void to give the situation some context, things begin to get complicated," Seira muses. "Why is there even a battle? Were the two sides unable to resolve the situation any other way? And what are the consequences of losing? The territory merely changes hands, or the enemy lich-king gives everyone a fate worse than death? While I would not throw my people's lives away, there are times when we have to fight even when the odds are against us and as we know that some of us will not make it past the next battle."
'IT is unavoidable," The dragon concurs with that, "Sometimes fate means there is only battle, no matter how dark and hopeless. Ah, the stuff of heroic last stands and final battles against an unstoppable foe. The legacy of sieges and crushed armies, broken castles and kings in chains."
Seira nods in agreement.
"Ah, sieges. I adore sieges," Scandamalonax goes on, "The eternal tension between time and pressure inside versus possible pressures on the sieging army. The tension of holding on, trying to defend, keeping the air clear if need be while wizards fight duels that can turn castle walls into decorations. The pressure on commanders on the defensive, having to live up to it or succumb. It's a marvelous test of courage and determination to endure a siege, to be able to take your men to the utmost and survive one, and yet maintain a fighting force within as the days become weeks."
"Magic does make sieges redundant," Seira voices. "Past the fifth circle, at least, you can maintain lines of communication and be able to respond swiftly across the land and deliver any supplies. I must say I do prefer things to be that way, since sieges are very difficult on the civilian population. As a pure wargame they are interesting, but in the real world disease alone makes them horrifying."
Oberuth grunts at that, "All too true. At least an open battle takes its toll and the war moves on. A siege is a vacation in Hell."
"They are hard," Antenora says, "But that is what faith is for - for the miracles we can give will aid those who stand true in a terrible siege."
"All of war is bloodstained," The dragon retorts, raising a single claw up as if to object, "Yet war never ceases and never departs us. It says much of us and the Creation we live in that it is so."
"I prefer battles where the participants chose to be there, whether they are fighting for their ideals or some coin."
"Ah, mercenaries. Now that's a subject I can talk about," Scandamalonax smiles even more, "What better way to wage war than to pay professionals, so that the unwilling are not dragged into peasant levies and militias?"
"And you get better training and troop cohesion, too," Seira muses. "At least as long as you can keep paying them, and so long as they are the trustworthy sort."
"Yes, yes," The dragon says, "This conversation is getting interesting. I can provide dinner and we can all sit down and really talk about it?"
"Certainly, why not?" And her spells are going to be ending soon enough, so she might as well take a break before recasting them once more.
'Do we really have the time?' Antenora sends to Seira.
At the same time Jetina adds, "A snack and a drink would be nice," she seconds.
At this the wyrm chants and weaves magic, a simple but large table and chairs appearing, enough for everyone. Another wave of magic causes food to appear.
Alicia has mostly just been letting them get on with it, but if dinner's being provided she'll indulge!
It's a spread of good food, well made and with a lot of variety. "Eat, eat," The wyrm insists, "Your reward is woven into the food."
'Why not eat?' Seira responds to Antenora. 'We don't have to take half a day for that.'
"Thank you for the offer." Moore says as he flies over to take a seat and indulge in the hospitality!
The food is good - great, even. Magical fare to be sure, the eating revitalizing all of you, conversation lulling in favor of enjoying it.
Everyone heals to full hit points, though this part is moot.
Everyone roll 1d8.
20:06 <CC> roll 1d8
20:06 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 6 > [d8=6]
[18:08] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8
[18:08] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d8=3]
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 40m), keen edge (CL 32, 295m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 7m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 7m), greater heroism (CL 32, 7m), death ward (CL 32, 7m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 41m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 304m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 16m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 19m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/7/12/6/4/4/5/2/5/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
[13:09] <Nephrite> roll 1d8
[13:09] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 8 > [d8=8]
Okay. Moore, roll 1d6 two times and post that.
[13:13] <Nephrite> roll 2#1d6
[13:13] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 4, 2 >
> roll 1d8 Antenora
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 5 > [d8=5]
> roll 1d8 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 6 > [d8=6]
> roll 1d8 Jetina
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 5 > [d8=5]
> roll 1d8 Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 5 > [d8=5]
Seira gains +1 Charisma.
Alicia gains +1 Constitution.
Moore gains +1 Intelligence and +1 Dexterity.
Antenora gains +1 Wisdom.
Amaryl gains +1 Charisma.
Jetina gains +1 Wisdom.
Oberuth gains +1 Wisdom.
Power flows into you - a gentle trickle with each bite. It's an unknown power, something unseen - and yet it bolsters all of you. As you eat, the wyrm says, "It is something Lord Io showed me, that he learned in his long sojourn away. He has become skilled in creating marvels."
Alicia eats briskly and efficiently until her plate is clear, dabbing at her lips with a napkin afterwards. "Delicious, and potent. You have my thanks, Scandamalonax."
"I'll have to remember this for my next banquet at the Cauldron. Thank you so much!" Seira echoes Alicia.
"I doubt this is what most parents mean when they tell their children to eat to grow up strong." Moore says with a smile. "Simply marvelous indeed, and quite delicious. Thank you for sharing this with us."
"It is Lord Io's gift and my gift," The wyrm says, "Succeed, for all our stakes and fates."
"We will," Seira assures her.
Same as pre-dungeon, I'll be recasting my buffs on any who wish for them
Glorious Rally, Celestial Valor, Ghost Touch (Armor, Shield and Weapons), Recitation (per round spell), Shield of Warding, Foresight, Visions of the Future, Dragonskin, Superior Vigor (per round spell), True Seeing, Vision of the Omniscient Eye, Detect Scrying, Greater Arcane Sight, Freedom of Movement, Pass Without Trace, Greater Anticipate Teleport, Greater Heroism, Voice of the Dragon, Good Hope, Nondetection, Mass Death Ward, Heroes's Feast (still active from before, just here for completeness's sake), Energy Res 30 (all), Fortunate Fate, Spell Turning
I know some of those haven't run out yet, but I'll just reset durations to this point to keep things simple.
On self: Chain Dispell channeled into Dragon's Grace, Ray Deflection, Sign.
Thus the party heads out of theroom and...
"Do we continue or go face Io now?" Jetina asks, "We have two keys and they're strong keys, maybe that's what we needed?"
"There's still that passageway that was wracked with cold and lightning, I'd like to see what it was hiding," Alicia says.
"We continue until we've explored the entire place," Seira responds. "After all, we had the keys before we came here, and it was a lovely reward. We made some nice friends in the process, too."
Thus you return there, looking at the clashing elemental forces in the long hallway and...
Go ahead, ball is in your courts.
"Lets try blocking one way, then we can time it for the blasts and either make it around or at least put up another barrier before the next one hits?" Alicia suggests, putting a wall of force down the westward end of the passage then backing off to wait and mark time for the blasts. And see if the wall of force has unintended consequences or gets breached.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 40m), keen edge (CL 32, 295m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 7m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 7m), greater heroism (CL 32, 7m), death ward (CL 32, 7m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 41m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 304m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 16m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 19m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/6/12/6/4/4/5/2/5/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
The party waits several moments. The expected blast does not come, surely blocked by Alicia's wall of force.
That's the lightning stopped but still they have to wait on the cold, and then for another cold one to properly time the duration between them.
It's about 4 or 5 seconds, looks like.
"They're actually quite fast paced," Alicia muses as she watches that piercing cold rush past again and again. "Seira, lets work together? I put up a wall, we move to it, then when I lower it you put up a wall past it and we repeat?"
"Let's try that," Seira readily agrees. "Worst case, I can survive whatever it is and dash across to deal with the source. As for now, 3 seconds's intervals to be on the safe side?"
"Don't worry, I can heal whatever happens to you," Jetina calls, "Even from traps."
"Hope so," Amaryl murmurs, "Be careful, Seira!"
"Once the wall's up we can wait as long as we like, it's just once I bring mine down assume you only have a couple of seconds to raise your own so we'll need to synch up," Alicia says, waiting for a blast to pass before she peeks out and creates a wall down the East end of the hall.
Using alter reality on it to save spell slots.
Okay you two, this takes some considerable timing. Make Dex checks. Moore, is your aura on Dex right now?
21:22 <CC> roll 1d20+14
21:22 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d20=7]
36 if the +15 aura is up
That is the default when we are not in combat! So everyone gets +15.
[19:23] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+11+15 dex assuming init aura up by default from Moore
[19:23] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=6]
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 40m), keen edge (CL 32, 295m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 7m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 7m), greater heroism (CL 32, 7m), death ward (CL 32, 7m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 41m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 304m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 16m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 19m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/6/12/6/4/4/5/2/5/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Like this it's smooth as clockwork. A wall, a break and another, timing flawless as you advance down the hall, soon enough reaching the eastern passage to the north. Are you going up that one or going to the very end and to the passage south there?
"Let's check the northern path first?" Seira proposes.
"Alright, the walls will hold for a while," Alicia agrees, detouring that way.
Ahead is a hallway of blue and silver, intermingling. It connects to the far western northern passage it looks like, a single hallway going up here. At the end of that hall is a golden sphere, awaiting the party.
"Might as well collect that first," Seira voices, heading towards the sphere.
Alicia remains content to let anyone else get the sphere should they feel the need.
Moore looks over at Antenora, since she at least said she was still thinking about it the last time!
Antenora pauses a moment.
'Before I make a choice,' she sends to Alicia, 'I would hear why you are not interested in Io's treasures, Alicia.'
'I do hope you won't deprive yourself just to copy me,' Alicia sends back to Antenora via the telepathic medium. 'Quite simply I dislike having to explain myself in the fashion Io has demanded of everyone else who has been gifted thus far, and my panoply of magical equipment is already suitably to my taste that I don't have a pressing need to seek more when it's so simple and absent the challenge or meaning that turns a trinket into a treasure. Thus my abundance of pride and my lack of avarice come to an easy equilibrium.'
'Hardly,' Antenora sends back with a bit of amusement. 'No, I wanted to see if you were drawing a connection between Io's offers and what Asmodeus offered, somehow. I'm glad to see I was wrong.'
Aloud Antenora speaks, "I'll go," she says, "Unless you wish to, Seira? I can wait again."
Seira flips a coin before gesturing at Antenora. "Looks like I'll need to contain my greed a bit longer. Go for it."
21:59 <CC> roll 1d2 1=A 2=S
21:59 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 1 > [d2=1]
'I believe Io's offer is fundamentally well intentioned, and his questions are less about passing judgement and more just to learn how we present ourselves. He will learn just as much from my abstaining,' Alicia reassures Antenora.
Thus Antenora steps forward and once the sphere is touched, a familiar question comes.
"Why are you deserving?" Io questions.
"I understand the heart of evil and how to over come it. I am the dawn that will end the eternal night of Shar." Antenora says, "Because I have overcome my own nature and then overcome my very reality to become One. Twice I have done the impossible, and thus once more I will do so with all the weight of destiny behind me."
"Why are you worthy?" Io next asks.
"I am part of Creation's hope," Antenora next says, "Now and forever. To face Shar is to face endless despair over an impossible opponent. Without hope, the impossible will stay impossible."
"Why are you needy?"
The final question draws Antenora to stand straight up, "Because without power, hope withers and dies, dragged down into the darkness." Her hand curls into a tight fist, "I need the power to be the hope that saves those drowning in shadows."
As Seira listens, she occupies herself in wondering how many keys exist. Three surely, with the fourth key of death to round out the set? That would mean one more is left to be found. Perhaps the key of knowledge, to go with hope and strength? That's how she'd do it, but maybe Io would pick courage instead, or even something majestic.
"Well said," Alicia praises Antenora after she's given her answers to Io.
"Then have my aid," Io declares, as a pair of golden gauntlets come from the hoard, appearing before Antenora.
Loot updated.
With everything concluded, Seira confirms that the path does proceed to an already-mapped location!
A quick confirmation shows that the western path indeed does. There's still a southern path back in the dragon breath hallway to explore, however.
That's where Seira proceeds next! With their method for lining up walls, of course.
This passage winds south and then east, color draining to dull greys. At the end of the ease is a familiar teleportation setup, looking like the previous two.
Alicia steps onto the teleporter first.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 40m), keen edge (CL 32, 295m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 7m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 7m), greater heroism (CL 32, 7m), death ward (CL 32, 7m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 41m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 304m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 16m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 19m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 105 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/6/12/6/4/4/5/2/5/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Rest of you following?
of course
Thus the party appears in a dead, gray room, dead center in it. A single door to the north is here. It's cold here - bitterly cold, unpleasantly cold.
"So cold," Amaryl says, her breath misting out as she speaks.
"Cold as Caina's heart," Antenora seconds, stepping forward.
The cold doesn't bother Alicia, anyway. So she goes and opens that door, prepared to meet another dragon!
Ahead is a dull, craggy room of dead stone. Here a great heap of gold sits, and atop it sits a dragon of power. A dragon that looms above all, a wyrm of the purest gold. It speaks in the tone of a hero, a conqueror. "I am the Champion," it announces.
"Champion of what?" Seira politely inquires.
Where in the world does all this wealth even come from, Moore wonders.
"I was created to protect dragonkind, but I was not needed with the rise of Bahamut, Sardior and Tiamat." The golden dragon declares, "Thus I sleep in a throne of gold and a world of ash. For what is a champion with no victories to win?"
"A champion who finds a new purpose," Jetina says immediately, "Especially as Io seems content to keep things and not destroy things. ...rather like a dragon's hoard, actually."
The wyrm smiles - all too sharp teeth shown with hints of fire - "So it is. We come by our hoarding instincts honestly, one may say."
"How about protecting dragonkind by fighting Shar?" Seira wonders out loud. "That's surely a cause all of us will agree on, even that worthless Tiamat."
"Dragons are as threatened as anything else by her," Alicia agrees with that.
"To battle Shar, I only could if I were freed," The wyrm says, speaking slowly. "For this throne is where Io left me, and did not leave me the ability to go beyond this place."
"Many of the other dragons here have bemoaned their long captivity here, and I intend to speak on their behalf when we meet Io. You would of course be included, Champion," Alicia promises.
"Ah." The Champion smiles and bows his head to all of you, almost to the ground, "Then you have understood the lesson Io wished to understand: Mercy and compassion. For it is those that brought Lord Io back, rather than leaving Creation to its fate."
Before you a key of solid gold materializes, "Take this with my blessing."
"Gladly," Alicia takes the key to add to their collection. "I'll look forward to seeing your own contributions to Creation after we conclude things here."
Loot update.
"Victory to you," The golden wyrm declares.
"Victory to you as well," Antenora seconds, "Forward."
Alicia salutes Champion with her sword before she leads them back through the teleporter. Now to use their wall of force routine to go down the West end through the electrical discharges.
Thus the party heads back.
"Progress," Oberuth says, "Three powerful keys - it may be time to go walk the path to Io."
"Or finish exploring first," Amaryl counters, "But we're making progress, as the oak grows taller and taller."
"I doubt there's much in this direction, and after we explore it that'll be everything covered," Alicia says. "Lets be thorough and finish up, we're almost done."
"Agreed!"
Moore nods. "We've come this far, we may as well finish it completely."
Map update to help choosing where to go.
https://i.imgur.com/20l0cdl.png
On seeing that the electricity/cold passage is just a loop, Alicia takes them out of that and off back past the far realm dragon/girl to a passageway yet unseen.
5 minutes for durations, note them.
The hall to the north is a blue-green becoming a steady green throughout. It goes north a ways, coming to a T intersection with passages east and west. Yet at that intersection is a shimmer, perhaps merely a trick of the light. Yet as you see it, this shimmer rapidly jets towards the party.
The bardic music has all fallen off, just for reference. For now, anyway.
Seira puts up a wall of force in its path! Safety first!
Does the shimmer register as anything more to blindsight/tremorsense/scent/arcane sight?
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 35m), keen edge (CL 32, 290m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 2m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 2m), greater heroism (CL 32, 2m), death ward (CL 32, 2m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 36m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 299m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 11m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 14m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 87 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/6/12/6/4/4/5/2/5/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
The wall and the light meet, the shimmer of light stopping cold at it, seeming to rub and push against it, all in vain.
"What is that?" Antenora asks, stepping forward. "Hello?"
Blindsight and tremorsense turn up nothing. For arcane sight, it seems to be pure, raw magic and potential. Unformed, unshaped.
"Curious," Alicia says. "It appears to be raw magic. I don't believe it would hurt us, it lacks the coherency of a spell. It might be drawn to our own magic, like metal shavings to a magnet, but I'm not certain if it can be molded. Or if it should be, it's probably part of a puzzle."
"Mmm. Maybe it's actually a gift of sorts?" Seira muses, looking it over with her arcane sight.
You'd get the same results as Alicia, Seira.
"It could be," Antenora reasons, "Or another cast off of Io, left here for us to find."
"You're right," Jetina says, eyeing it from behind the wall, "We should help it, if we can, if it's remotely alive."
"Spells aren't alive," Oberuth grunts, "Last I heard."
"They can be! There's a spell for that," Seira informs Oberuth cheerfully. "If we do reshape the magic, any good ideas for the final result?"
"Of COURSE there is," Oberuth says, a decidedly sour note in his voice.
"Try and make it conjure a key?" Alicia suggests. They need to replace the purple one and this is far less objectionable!
Seira attempts to focus on just that! If there's a longshot to allow a key of hope to be born out of this situation, from this errant magic, then her divine power was made exactly for that!
And if the wall is in the way, she'll try again after dropping it.
The wall is indeed in the way. You'll have to lower it to try - and if it advances, it may come down to who is quicker, if it comes at you, and it looks fast.
"Get back," Seira warns the others. However, she's fast! And with Moore around, she's faster still!
Then thus the wall comes down and...
Init check, Seira vs the light.
20:12 <CC> roll 1d20+22+15
20:12 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=20]
Yet Seira flexes her divine will over the shimmer - and it falls at her feet, a key that seems to be iron and brass, ruby and silver, diamond and stone. It's ever shifting, ever moving.
Got it!
Loot update incoming for the key.
Seira is only to happy to gather this key!
Thus the key is gotten, the way ahead clear now.
"Hopefully that gets us something good," Alicia says, going to the T-junction and looking both ways.
Seira skips ahead~
To the east is a passage that winds a bit north, but ends at a golden sphere.
To the west is a passage that ends in a door, curling upwards and above, almost like stairs by the door, steep and hard to travel for those without flight. Here the walls become a richer green, a shining green.
"Aha! It's my turn at last!" Seira proclaims.
Amaryl smiles at that, "Then do well, Seira," Amaryl says, stepping back.
Antenora nods, "With wisdom."
Oberuth watches, "Had time to think about your answers?"
"Kind of?" Seira muses, heading for the golden sphere. "If anything I've been wondering more why the speech spheres haven't been seen in a while."
She taps the sphere!
Before Seira Io's hoard appears, vast and massive indeed.
"Why are you deserving?" Io questions.
"You know my resume," Seira responds. "This question asks what I've done to deserve your help, and I've proved myself time and again, through my mortal life and since stepping properly onto the planar stage. I've been a part of changing the planar status quo for the better. My successes and actions align with your goals, and that's all there is to it."
"Why are you worthy?" Io next asks.
"We're all born worthy," Seira responds brightly. "There is inherent worth in all of our souls."
"Why are you needy?" The last question is asked, awaiting an answer.
"We're not needy in the usual sense," Seira honestly responds. "However, we're all needy if one considers the task ahead. Shar, or what comes after. There is only so much training I can do, and only so many paths I can focus on, skills I can keep honing. I'd like to be better at commanding troops than I already am, even as I know the best chances at facing Shar will come from pursuing the path of magic and subterfuge."
And thus a open faced helmet appears from the hoard, appearing before Seira, "Use my gift well," Io commands, before reality returns.
Loot.
"Thank you," Seira tells Io earnestly, bowing. After paying her respects, she puts the helmet on, having already divined its nature.
"Great gifts for each of us, big and small," Antenora remarks, "Though Io seemed to respond well to your direct request."
Amaryl comes over and looks at it, "It's beautiful, Seira."
Lingering by Moore, Jetina says, "I wish we could get that one, too. So many useful things, but I'm happy with my armor."
"Good answers," Alicia nods, now going the other way and flying up to that door to see what lies beyond it.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 35m), keen edge (CL 32, 290m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 2m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 2m), greater heroism (CL 32, 2m), death ward (CL 32, 2m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 36m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 299m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 11m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 14m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 87 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/6/12/6/4/4/5/2/5/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
Moore smiles and gives Jetina a pat on the shoulder. "We can take the idea of it and see what we can make on our own."
Thus you go on. Behind this door is a pile of emeralds and green gold. Atop it is a dragon, crystalline and green, awaiting you. "So I'm the last one you found, eh?" The wyrm declares, leaning in, huge eye looming over all of you as its head comes in close, examining you. "Aye, you've proven yourselves well against these challenges."
"Thank you," Alicia inclines her head in greeting. "They've been fair and instructive, all. I am Alicia, a pleasure to meet you."
"Seira," she introduces herself in turn. "That's just the way things turned out, I'm afraid."
Moore gives a wave. "I'm Moore, it's good to meet you."
"Faradanalumiskan," Is the wyrm's name, "You may call me Fara." A voice is that is smooth and agreeable, eye still on all of you. A sniff of the air, "I smell light from you, Moore. I smell the elements from you, Seira. I smell nature and war from you, Alicia."
"Antenora Reynes," Antenora adds, as the others introduce themselves.
"Shall we war?" The dragon asks after that, "For that is the intent, and my defenses reign supreme. None can overcome them, not even you."
"You rank yourself that far above all the others we've battled?" Alicia asks, looking to see what sort of spells he has on him.
Arcane sight does that.
The wyrm has no spells active on him.
"I have not been idle these years, and Lord Io granted me vast growth before he left," the dragon declares, "I have mastered myself and the world around me. I am the rock on which all others break on."
"Shall we put it to the test, then?" Seira asks, accepting the challenge!
To this the dragon's head pulls back and it rears back, before...!!!
It is time for initiative. Good luck!
21:30 <CC> roll 1d20+18+15
21:30 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=14]
Supreme initiative.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 35m), keen edge (CL 32, 290m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 2m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 2m), greater heroism (CL 32, 2m), death ward (CL 32, 2m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 36m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 299m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 11m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 14m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 87 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/6/12/6/4/4/5/2/5/2
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 2
[14:33] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41
[14:33] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+28 Antenora
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+22 Jetina
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+39 Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+18 wyrm
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=8]
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Amaryl (Supreme) > Moore (52) > Seira (47) > Oberuth (41) > Antenora (36) > Jetina = Wyrm (26)
Open.
In honour of Faradanalumiskan's confidence, Alicia salutes the wyrm with her blade before she swells to titanic size and attacks with her utmost, delivering the same amount of magically enhanced fury behind her strikes as she gave to the purple dragon.
Swift to go colossal, using many moments of prescience on first four attacks, then quick-casting to cast it again and use it on the next four.
[19:46] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+114 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience
[19:46] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 125 > [d20=11]
[19:46] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+114 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience
[19:46] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 125 > [d20=11]
[19:46] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+114 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience
[19:46] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 115 > [d20=1]
[19:46] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+114 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience
[19:46] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 122 > [d20=8]
[19:46] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+109 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience
[19:46] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 116 > [d20=7]
[19:46] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+109 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience
[19:46] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 116 > [d20=7]
[19:46] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+104 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience
[19:46] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 119 > [d20=15]
[19:46] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+104 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience
[19:46] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 117 > [d20=13]
[19:47] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+69 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp
[19:47] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=16]
[19:47] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+69 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious flux grasp
[19:47] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 73 > [d20=4]
[19:47] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+12d4+32d12
[19:47] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 295 > [d6=24][12d4=26][32d12=206]
[19:48] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+12d4+32d12
[19:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 292 > [d6=23][12d4=31][32d12=199]
[19:48] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+12d4+32d12
[19:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 307 > [d6=21][12d4=32][32d12=215]
[19:48] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+12d4+32d12
[19:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 270 > [d6=18][12d4=30][32d12=183]
[19:48] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+12d4+32d12
[19:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 297 > [d6=14][12d4=28][32d12=216]
[19:48] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+12d4+32d12
[19:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 303 > [d6=19][12d4=32][32d12=213]
[19:48] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+12d4+32d12
[19:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 311 > [d6=17][12d4=37][32d12=218]
[19:48] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+12d4+32d12
[19:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 300 > [d6=13][12d4=33][32d12=215]
[19:48] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+12d4+32d12
[19:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 294 > [d6=17][12d4=35][32d12=203]
[19:48] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+39+12d4+32d12
[19:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 276 > [d6=25][12d4=35][32d12=177]
DC 38 fort on hit, if it fails take a -10 penalty to armour and a -10 penalty to natural armour.
Alicia: 952/952
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 35m), keen edge (CL 32, 290m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 2m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 2m), greater heroism (CL 32, 2m), death ward (CL 32, 2m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 36m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 299m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 11m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 14m)
Defences: AC 84 (touch 30), CMD 109 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +15 natural armour, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/6/12/6/4/4/5/1/4/1
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 1
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=9]
The wyrm's defenses are worth bragginga bout. Fara's scales are impossibly hard.
For a mortal, it would be impossible.
Alicia is not a mortal.
Her blade cleaves deep into the dragon's scales, ripping through with open cries of alarm. She tears through it, ripping it hard and deeply, blooding it, knocking it down. Slash after slash tears it apart and open, the dragon's body hitting the ground. You got it!
To be fair, 110 AC isn't trivial. Overconfidence is fatal, however.
Free act.
She shrinks and recasts moment of prescience, lowering her blade. "... I did have to try my best," she offers a weak commiseration.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 35m), keen edge (CL 32, 290m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 2m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 2m), greater heroism (CL 32, 2m), death ward (CL 32, 2m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 36m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 299m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 11m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 14m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 87 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/6/12/6/4/4/5/0/4/1
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 1
Oberuth shakes his head, "Overconfidence fills coffins and creates widows."
The voice of Fara is heard, "...hmph. I have further yet to go."
"There always is," Alicia agrees. "Do you have something for us?"
One of the emeralds rises up, right to the party. "Take this as your reward, it is enchanted."
Alicia reaches out to take the emerald, giving it a look over.
Spellcraft, take 10 for 62.
Loot.
Seira can't resist a pout.
"Ahh, an ioun stone," Alicia says. "It enhances vitality by a considerable degree more than an amulet of health would, if anyone wants to benefit from it until we finish and divide things properly," she offers it out for the group.
"I won't speak for everyone, but you deserve to have something from this adventure, too." Moore says.
"Perhaps I'll take this for my share afterwards, but its magic won't help me immediately whereas it could someone else," Alicia shakes her head. "If no one needs it we'll just store it with the rest for now - next stop is Io anyway." Hopefully they won't have to fight him.
"I don't need it," Antenora says, while Jetina eyes it thoughtfully.
"I'd like it," she finally says.
"It wouldn't be much of a boon to me either way." Moore says. "Once we get back to the final pathway, give me a moment to let my songs linger on everyone, as I'd rather have them all prepared rather than be taken by surprise."
Since everything had been explored, now, Seira decides to give the maze a once over. In case there are any hidden doors or secret paths, she'd be all too happy to discover them!
I just want to take 10 on that for the dungeon itself, while emulating some variant of detect secret doors to work like greater arcane sight for easy access and spamming divine insight as I look around.
The emerald is given over to float around Jetina, at least until they finish the dungeon.
"Lets go hand in our keys then," Alicia nods, setting off.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 35m), keen edge (CL 32, 290m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 2m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 2m), greater heroism (CL 32, 2m), death ward (CL 32, 2m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 36m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 299m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 11m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 14m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 79 (touch 40), CMD 87 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/6/12/6/4/4/5/0/4/1
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 1
Okay, Seira. Any other dungeon searching? What's your total for checks, Seira?
Moore can give Seira +8 morale and +5 nontyped to skillchecks while she does her thing.
Perception 10 for 92. Since I'm ridiculously fast and cast see a lot at a glance, I should cover the dungeon before Jetina even finishes walking to the teleporter!
101 with the Moorebuffs.
There are no secrets to be found - if there are, Seira has no idea how they're hidden short of overwhelming divine will.
"If something's hidden here," Seira muses as they gather before the teleporter, "I'd like Io to teach me how it was done."
"A moment then, please." Moore says before they all go into the teleporter, as he sings a small song of hope for them all!
Attack: +30 (+18 morale, +8 competence, +4 untyped)
Weapon damage: +22 (+18 morale, +4 untyped)
AC: +12 (12 dodge)
Saving throws: +12 (12 morale)
Improved Crit Feat, +15 to threat confirmation rolls.
All of these last for 11 minutes.
Thus you return to the knight and the door, "You have returned. You have keys?"
"I hope we've proven ourselves with enough combat, but prudent anyway," Alicia nods to Moore as they take the teleporter, ready to hand over their keys to open the way to the end.
Alicia: 696/696
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33, 65hrs), extended repelling shield (CL 33, 35m), keen edge (CL 32, 290m), sensual blessing (CL 32, 2m), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32, 2m), greater heroism (CL 32, 2m), death ward (CL 32, 2m), extended ray deflection (CL 33, 36m), divine insight (CL 32, 32hrs), foresight (CL 32, 299m), dance of the unicorn (CL 32, 11m), recitation (CL 32, 3m), greater visage of the deity (CL 32, 3m), ghost touch weapon (CL 32, 14m), many moments of prescience (CL 32, 32 hrs)
Defences: AC 91 (touch 52), CMD 129 spell resistance 47, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), energy resist 10 (acid), nondetection (DC 48), ray deflection
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale skills, +2 insight AC/reflex, +3 luck attack/saves, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +18 morale attack/damage, +8 competence attack, +4 untyped attack/damage, +12 dodge AC, +12 morale saves, +15 critical confirmations
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, arcane sight, perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/15/16/13/5/6/12/6/4/4/5/0/4/1
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/20/19/6/7
Quick-casts left: 1
"So we have," Seira asserts, making the keys appear orbiting them as if they were ioun stones. "The key of triumph," she voices, as the platinum key drifts towards the knight. After a brief pause, the adamantine key joins it there. "The unbeaten key." She smiles, and gold joins the other two. "The key of power, of course, and finally, the key of hope." As that ever-shifting key reaches the knight, she adds happily, "Made from the stuff of dreams and possibility, as is only proper. May we pass?"
The four keys are offered up. They fly ahead and with flashes of light and power, the door ahead opens. A great bell sounds after, echoing about.
The knight steps aside, "The path is open. Proceed."
Seira proceeds.
Nodding to the knight, Alicia walks on after Seira.
Moore nods as well and goes along!
Ahead s a hall turning into stairs, rising up. All the colors of the rainbow are here, bright and luminous. The stairs rise high and higher yet, as if demanding that you climb them.
A demand that Alicia resolutely answers, step by step!
As the party rises, the rainbow walls give way. Images, memories.
Alicia blade to blade with Beth, a hazy memory of days long gone.
Seira, training in old Balmuria, days long forgotten.
Light, overwhelming light.
A single devil deep in the frozen wastes, plotting, escaping.
A quiet elf sitting in a great chamber with a few others, listening, head bowed and sorrowful.
Light, overwhelming light.
Oberuth, watching Seira train, long ago, watching in the yard of the old garrison.
"As I sought my purpose with the dragons and perfected them, you sought your own purposes and perfected yourselves." Io narrates as you climb. "You have come far, heroes. Faster than any of us hoped, no less. Antenora was never our choice for One, nor was Jetina meant to join Moore once more. Yet it so happened anyway and our hopes are stronger for it. Of the ones chosen before, Seira and Alicia have lived up to all the hopes vested in them so far. Of the ones my aid enabled, Moore has lived up to all of my hopes so far."
Alicia watches the memory images, a faintly wistful look at her much younger self crossing blades with her big sister, until it ends and Io speaks. "Who was your choice for One?" she asks. Asmodeus made his choice in Gathgorian, perhaps there's someone chosen by Io or Zaphkiel that could be a really good ally. She's interested in what would qualify them anyway..
"Besides, can't there be other Ones?" Seira adds. No reason to stop after one success!
"Someone with the will to change reality, to learn to see reality as malleable, who can project themselves out and project what and who they are with supreme confidence," Io says, "The Words of Creation are the keys to making from nothing, even the nothingness of Beyond. The language created to forge Creation by the Three Incarnations. It was not meant to be a thing of the righteous in the beginning, but grew and changed with Creation. One, no less, who has a natural talent to shape raw chaos, the stuff of everything and nothing, into solid form. The combination of all of that is extraordinarily rare."
After a moment, "So there can be. The first as meaning and resonance, but our goal was always to have Antenora be Alicia's faithful ally, not to stand as One."
Moore winces a bit -- even now he still can't see through that brightness. Is this what they see when they look at 21?
He then blinks.
"Wait, are you saying you wanted me to do what Antenora did?" Moore asks.
"When you put it like that, it does make sense," Jetina marvels.
Antenora's quiet that, studying Moore carefully.
"Yes," Io confirms as you continue to climb. "You are being groomed for it. It is a path you could still pursue to the fullest if you choose - you all have overperformed to our hopes. Antenora's success is a marvel, a fluke. Perhaps...a sign that Creation will yet be saved. Her odds of succeeding were infinitesimal."
"Yet again I stand here," Antenora remarks wryly, "A sign that Creation will be saved."
"It really was too many coincidences..." Moore murmurs to himself as he continues with the others.
He takes in a breath. "What of the other two who aren't here? Is the plan to have all of us ascend?"
"It is possible," Io says, "That is questions all of you will have to answer yourselves. But hurry, I am right above you."
Moore goes silent as he considers all of this. It's quite a lot of weight on his shoulders!
"Antenora remains my faithful ally, and has earned her apotheosis through our discoveries and her enlightenment," Alicia says, not really seeing why they should get hung up on having a set number of Ones. Any with the capability to achieve it and the sense to make for a good ally is welcome by her reckoning.
Still she continues to ascend the stairs.
On and up, higher and higher. Higher and higher, higher and higher. Higher yet.
Then at last you stand atop the stairs, atop the tower. Here an endless field of stars glistens above, like jewels set into the black silk of the night sky. And yet a larger thing looms below it, something titanic. Something so big a single scale makes Baleruk seem tiny. Here a great wyrm rests, the wyrm of wyrms, in every shape and way a dragon. A dragon of steadily changing shade, shine, tint and even exact form. It is all and none at once, and then you realize it. The night sky is not above it. The night sky is a cloak it wears, as if carrying the entire sky on its back.
"At last," Io's voice is more in his presence, overwhelming and yet quiet, meditative. Thoughtful. Despite the size, the voice is not loud, overwhelming as it is. It simply is, in a way that is more than other voices. "I greet you, chosen ones."
Moore isn't entirely sure what the correct protocol is for this, so he just manages to somehow bow his head quietly in greeting.
Even so, several questions whirl about in his mind. Surely, this is the time to have them answered, isn't it?
Seira curtsies, lowering her head in respect before raising back with a happy smile. "Thank you, Lord Io," she responds. "It is a pleasure to finally reach this point."
Queen Morwel gave her a dress that looks like that cloak!
"Well met at last, Io," Alicia nods in respectful greeting to the father of dragonkind. "I'm sure you have much to tell us, face to face."
Antenora bows deeply to him, "Thank you for your aid thus far."
Amaryl inclines her head deeply to him, silent otherwise.
Jetina bows, "It's good to finally met you. It's...it's like your the night sky. All of it."
Oberuth meets bows his head as well, "At last," he echos.
"There is much to discuss," Io agrees, "Do you understand what being One is now?"
The Father of All Dragons observes you all coolly, eyes swirling with stars, great cosmoses glimpsed within his gaze.
"Self-ascension outside Creation's borders, and outside the purview of its Incarnation masters?" Seira ventures. Best to try and oversimplify the explanation and see if it's right. "I presume it works by defining yourself so firmly in the Beyond that it allows you to project your will upon Creation afterwards, though even if I'm correct I'm curious whether there's a functional difference between the One ascension and achieving godhood within the rules."
"Close," Io says, "Deific ascension is related to becoming One, but One is defined by self sufficiency. Should the powers of Creation attempt to escape into the Far Realm, they will find themselves ultimately unable to survive and be consumed. They are not sufficient by themselves. They will endure a time, but in the end they are tied to Creation. They are a part of it and without Creation, they will not last. One is capable of standing beyond Creation and enduring. A large part of my journey to Beyond was grappling with that truth and growing to deal with that limitation."
"The Incarnations took this ascension and the power from it, but tied it to Creation for their purposes. To become One is not to become an Incarnation or gain their power, but it is to gain the power to endure beyond Creation's bounds. The ability to become something others are drawn to, sustained by like the cool waters of an oasis. Thus why the divine is ideas and represents domains and portfolios, for One represents what and who they are through their powers."
"I'm sorry, but part of that just doesn't follow," Seira objects. "If Amaryl and I were to venture beyond Creation, we would be sufficient to protect each other and cover each other's weaknesses. Besides, if enough of us decided upon that, what would stop us from establishing a smaller but still stable Creation of our own?"
"Then," Io asks simply, "Can you defend Creation from a single Far Realm creature? Perhaps. Can you defend it from 10? A hundred? A thousand? All that operate on rules that hurt your mind or are incomprehensible, who may be able to slay you in a way you cannot even understand? A single Beyond creature, left unchecked, could unravel Creation, and Creation is maintained so that the Far Realm does not easily intrude. You would not have that benefit."
After a beat, "I know. I tried. I failed." Io's expression meets Seira's.
"You made another Creation, but were unable to keep it safe from incursion over an extended time, and it was destroyed?" Seira confirms. "Whereas Antenora, if she were to make it, could form an enduring Creation that would last?"
"One is the power to endure Beyond and without Creation," Io says, "But to create and endure the hazards of Beyond, to make something lasting, requires far more. The Incarnations are beyond the power of the denizens of the Far Realm that I have met, they are beyond the powers of Creation, they are beyond even One. I left Creation to pursue perfection - and in my heart I sought to rise to the station the Incarnations had reached, so that I may become closer to perfect."
Alicia just assumed they only were able to exist because of being fundamentally linked to Creation and after its destruction they would unravel swiftly in the Far Realm no matter where they went. This is a rather more mundane explanation than she expected, but she keeps quiet to let Seira press with her questions.
Seira honestly doubts that the Incarnations are perfect, but she supposes it's a subjective interpretation on Io's part. "And we divine cannot become One? By ascending within Creation, we are forever barred from it?"
"Eblis suggested that I could become One when he made his offer to me," Alicia speaks up now. "I may have misunderstood, however."
"I have reached such a thing," Io says, "It is not impossible, but it is a hard and long struggle. It is simpler to become One before divinity, lest one have to overcome the limitations the Incarnations set."
"Any advice for us if we pursue it? Or insight into how the Incarnations differ?" Seira asks curiously. It's certainly something she might look into some day.
Before you all it appears - a simple, leatherbound tome. It is impossibly thick and yet thicker, seeming to go on forever and yet be compact enough to fit on any bookshelf like any other book.
"It is all written in this book. Any of you may study it as you wish," Io says.
Antenora's been quiet throughout this, "Lord Io - you spoke that Moore was meant to be One, and you are happy I am One. Regardless of anything else...are we insurance if we fail? That some memory or form of Creation may endure if Shar triumphs?"
"If we are to fail and be doomed," Io says, "Then at least let those of Creation go to their eternal sleep knowing that they may be remembered."
"I'm thinking we'll just win instead," Seira voices, accepting the book on their behalf. "Ah, before I continue with my endless questions, may we inquire into the futures of those kept here? Will they be freed to live out their lives as they choose in Creation, be it a quiet retirement or fighting Shar at our side?"
"Yes, triumph," Io agrees, as Antenora quietly considers his words. "I am aware of what you promised them. You wish for me to free them."
"Keeping them here is senseless," Alicia voices. "Whatever purpose this place had, it has been fulfilled."
Seira nods in agreement with Alicia. "Of course, if they do have a purpose that they can only fulfill by staying here, I would like to inquire about it. Perhaps a better option will become available through dialogue, one that provides you with results while giving them their freedom?"
Moore's just quiet for right now, though he does nod a bit to the request for the freedom of the denizens.
"Any purpose they have is long fulfilled," Amaryl adds, "Please, let them be free. They deserve to eat from the tree of freedom." She steps forward at that, "Even those that asked for it have served long enough."
"Yes, please," Jetina seconds, "Freedom...what's life without the chances to live it? Nothing but a hollow shell, breathing and thinking, yearning for what they are denied."
Io eyes all of you, "I will grant your request. Who do you wish to give freedom? Name all those you would see freed."
"All of them except the insane Sharran dragon that was destroyed fully," Seira responds, as it's obvious. "Faradanalumiskan, the Champion, Scandamalonax and her kid Chardonax, Galaurskax, the two parts of your hope made into dragons that never actually introduced themselves by name, Bendalasinusalan and his kobold friend, the strange blindfolded elf that likes prophecies, the aggressive turtle dragon, the four classical elemental dragons, the pseudo Far Realm dragon girl if she can do it safely without everyone trying to murder her on sight, Lightning, Bredanalundalum, Kecasandarenala, those psionic dragons, the aurix, Madigar of course and the proto dragons. Quite a lot of the inhabitants didn't bother introducing themselves!"
"I will give them the offer, it is their choice if they accept it or not," Io declares.
"Thank you!" Seira says with feeling. "Our realms will happily assist if they want or need a stepping stone out into Creation, so please deliver that with the offer, Lord Io?"
"That's perfectly fair," Alicia says happily. "Now, earlier you said that we had overperformed 'our' hopes. Who else are you working with?" she asks.
"You must understand that my return has changed the rules, given us more hope," Io speaks, "I am an unplanned variable, as I have been gone from Creation for eons. You know of one called the Arbiter? I have made contact with his servant, who has made contact with you. My return has allowed for there to be more hopes for Creation, beyond those planned. A total of five clusters now, five nodes that can rise up and be the blade that severs Shar and saves Creation. For while I am not an Incarnation, I have grown and learned things, things I have offered to strengthen the position against Shar... and against Ao, the Endless Chaos."
"I was under the impression Alicia and I made direct contact to the Arbiter," Seira voices. "In particular, we were entrusted with something, and it has been my hope that being invited here would allow us to share the task properly. Does your referring to it mean that we can speak freely of it at last? And if so, is it only between those of us present here, or can we bring our closest friends into it as well?"
"You can with them," Io confirms, "With the other groups, of which Moore is one - and Oberuth, as you know."
"Okay," Jetina says, "Now I'm even more confused!"
"I am rather curious to find out a similar topic as well. It seems like Zaphkiel knew bits and pieces of this, and far be it from me to call into question His judgement." Moore says. "But I don't know how much of all of this is to remain secret, even to those that I serve myself."
Seira smiles at Jetina. "Surprise! The final enemy to be destroyed is not death after all! It has always been Ao."
"The Arbiter informed us..." Alicia stops. She can't do it, not without the Arbiter's direct say so, she can't take even Io's word on this. "I'm sorry, I can't say more. I was warned very clearly of the consequences. Not unless I hear from the Arbiter or his herald that it's safe to do so."
No immediate apocalypse happens at Seira's words.
"Oh." Jetina says, a single word. "Oh." Her face drops, "Fuck."
"It... sounds like there's a... bit of a story to this." Moore says, looking between the two of them. "Is that related to how or why the two of you became divinities?"
Seira does a little fist pump in celebration, before turning to Amaryl. "I'm so sorry I never said anything, but destruction of everything if I spoke-- you understand, don't you? This was why it had to be you who came here with me!"
Amaryl's staring at you, "...I think we all need..." A glance at Alicia, biting her lip.
"It is safe," Io says, "Your prudence is a virtue, Alicia, but I speak truly. Ao will not be roused by this."
"I am merely grateful I do not find myself in the Beyond with Io, alone," Antenora says, exhaling quite heavily.
"We're all happy to be alive and for the conspiracy to save Creation to grow," Seira agrees, before looking over at Moore. "To answer your question, obviously not, since our ascension required Ao's approval. That happened as we proved ourselves capable, and our divine patrons wished for help in opposing Shar. It just so happens that the Arbiter told us why she was running around unopposed, and that was because Ao was bored with Creation and wished for her to destroy it."
"Approval?" Moore asks with a tilt of his head. "Does this 'Arbiter' have something to do with that process?"
Alicia is extremely tense for a moment before she relaxes. "No Moore, it's unrelated. We earned our divinity honestly. I will explain what we were told. First: Three is the answer, three into two and one into three. Numerology, and the Arbiter's herald could speak no clearly than that. I believe it relates to the number of Incarnations however - we were charged quite strongly to find the third. The truth lies in the third. Assuming Ao and the Arbiter are two, the third would be the long missing Incarnation of Law."
She looks over the mortals present, her eyes burning. "Do not speak of this elsewhere," her voice pulses with divine command. "It would alert Ao and all would come to an end. Our knowledge is shielded by the Arbiter but he can only do so much. Shar is the executioner's axe, a tool to end Creation at the Incarnation's will, but if we trust the Arbiter then Ao could do so far more suddenly if roused. Many events are nothing more than distractions, spurred by Ao. The judgement of the gnomish God-King, even the Competition of the Gods... perhaps even the search for an Answer itself? That last one is my supposition but the first two were confirmed. We must find the truth of Creation to stop Ao."
"I've always wondered whether the Incarnation of Law split itself into three parts, and settled in Mechanus, Nessus and Chronias," Seira voices, growing serious now. "And it's important to understand whether the Arbiter is the Incarnation of Balance. As for approval, an Incarnation is the one deciding whether someone can ascend to godhood within Creation. Before, Ao's judgement could be appealed to another, but as he's the only one remaining, his decision often chooses the would-be deity's fate."
Amaryl has a hand to her mouth, stone silent and eyes wide. She listens to all the words, taking them in solemnly.
"Is everything..." Jetina begins, but can't seem to finish the thought. "Then...I..."
"It means we have so much more yet to do," Antenora's voice is firm. "But...how can we stop an Incarnation? Even if we slay Shar, surely that will get Ao's attention."
"A weapon to slay something from Beyond," Oberuth speaks up, "Ones and weapons to fight Beyond. Could that hurt Ao?"
"The Arbiter appears to operate on the same scale as an Incarnation, so some deities believe it to be the Incarnation of Neutrality. But no one actually knows. We can't fight Ao, the prospect is absurd - stopping Shar buys us time, but to stop Ao requires his equal and opposite. That is why we need to find the Incarnation of Law - and yes, because of the numbers given it's possible the Incarnation of Law has somehow sundered itself, but there is so much we do not know, operating on mere scraps of knowledge and riddle," Alicia adds her own piece.
'No one' might not be quite correct, and Seira watches Io in hopes of being illuminated on these questions.
"I believe the Arbiter to be the Incarnation of Balance," Io says, "But I cannot prove it. It explains why he has vanished, as Ao seems to have found a way to restrain him. I have not met another as the Incarnations are in my travels, but I cannot say there are not others and the Arbiter is not one of them, working for his own reasons."
A pause, "But I believe I am correct, and it fits too smoothly into what is known. The Incarnations have taken different forms and names when it suits their purposes."
"And Law?" Seira presses. "There's something different about the lowest plane of Baator and highest plane of Celestia. Do you know anything about them, or about the missing Incarnation of Law? Would we even have a way to know whether an Incarnation still lives, or whether one's left Creation behind?"
Moore just nods and takes in a breath.
He still has... a lot of questions, but for now he cedes the floor on them.
Wait... three into ... two and one? ...Could it..?
He blinks a few times. There's no way, right?
There is a long pause, longer yet. "I do." Io finally says, "But it is Zaphkiel's story to tell. That was his request. For you will meet him when you have met me, you have found 21 and are strong enough."
"Two and one, huh." Moore says quietly. "Was Sylvie intended to be part of all of this, or was she just an unfortunate side effect of taking on the mantle of 21?"
"That nicely segues into another question I had," Seira notes, swallowing her unhappiness just as she ignores the involuntary reactions 21 causes in her. "Do you know where 21 is right now? How about its bearer, Sylvie? Are they together? In fact, is 21 the only such artifact in Creation, or did the Incarnations make others we could pursue?"
"I do not know," Io says, "For 21 is yet beyond me." A shake of his vast head, "I believe someone was meant to bear 21. I do not believe it was her in particular, from what I have seen of Sylvie before she vanished."
Seira glances over at Moore, asking, "Do you think that reading twenty one as two and one connects to any of this, by the way? We saw the memory of 21's creation, and the Incarnations seemed to be there--"
Returning her attention to Io, she asks him, "All three were there as 21 was made, correct? And speaking of the Incarnations, what are their goals? Their natures? Know thy enemy is the basics, and knowing more about the other two might help us find Law or confirm Balance's identity. If you suspect it's the Arbiter, what caused you to think that?"
"I think it does." Moore says with a nod. "If you read what you all learned as 'Three into two and one' as 'Three into 21 into three,' I think.. it kind of makes sense that way. Almost like... 21 is eventually split back again into three somehow, maybe to make new Incarnations?" He shakes his head. "I find it... too convenient that you could read it that way, and it seems like everything we're doing is also pushing us to find 21. Considering it's a tool that was made by the Incarnations, I think it would stand to reason that it could be used against Ao somehow. ...Oh, uh, speaking of that..."
He looks over at Io. "Since not all of us can remember anathemic knowledge, are we going to forget most of what we discussed here when we leave?" He asks.
"You have to understand," Io begins, "The Incarnations do not think as we do. They do not act by emotion...or I thought that, but perhaps I was wrong and Ao has proven me wrong." Here the dragon deity bows his head a moment, as if mourning. "They act for a purpose. They have no concept of good or evil. Their concept is of Order of Chaos. Shall things be Orderly and Lawful, or Chaotic and Changing? It is something the Incarnations understand well and we do not understand as well, especially mortals. Yet good and evil are the fruit of Creation, understood by us well and not by the Incarnations. They will act without regard for good and evil because they had no concept of it until it came about in Creation."
After that and a moment, "They are driven to their goals and pursue them, relentless in their ways. For they are seekers of knowledge, ones who wish to find an Answer to the question they have proposed."
"Yet if Ao is as you said..." Amaryl says, "...could it be not that he was always corrupt and all is his distractions, but that he grew to embrace evil instead?"
"It may be so," Io replies. "I do not know. They only tell us what they wish, what I believe they believe will best serve their own goals. They are selfish without being selfish. They are not cruel by nature, but can inflict great cruelties in search of their Answer. Likewise they can make great mercies without being merciful. But above all, I believe them to be creators rather than destroyers, or I once did. They will destroy when needed, but are more inclined to create, to add, to let things grow and advance."
Moore's comment provides a pause for Io, "You will remember this. You will be incapable of forgetting, even if you were so callous as to care nothing of Creation. Guard this knowledge with your life and soul."
Seira inclines her head, mulling on this knowledge. It will take time to truly consider, and she decides to change tracks. "Might I ask the question of whether other artifacts of 21's caliber exist? If you are aware of any, and we might pursue them, it might aid in our intermediate goal of taking Shar down."
"I do not know," Io confesses, "But...I have made something through great sacrifice, through great knowledge and a great amount of time that may equal one of their creations, if in some small way, by what they gave me."
Seira perks up, all curiousness!
Before you it forms - a great thing of light, condensing down. What appears there is a seed. The seed the size of a fist, floating in the air and radiating light.
It is something Alicia has encountered before: A divine seed.
"A divine seed, an echo of the authority they gave me with the platinum, prismatic and ruby dragons, honed and grown over unthinkable eternities," Io declares. "One with three charges, to allow ascension safely to one to three, or to further empower existing divinity. It is my gift to the hopes of Creation. The three charges may be used separately or by the same creature, as you all choose and see fit."
I'm going to spell this part out OOC so it's perfectly clear, as this is important enough that clarity is crucial.
This divine seed has three charges. Each charge advances a creature's divine rank by 1, to a maximum of 20. A creature without divine rank gains divine rank 0 from this and may gain further divine rank normally or with other charges from this or another divine seed. Alternately, an existing deity may simply gain divine ranks from it, with each charge providing a single rank.
Alicia gasps, a hand going to her mouth as she beholds it. "It's just like the one Asmodeus showed me," she breathes.
Moore just silently looks on in some surprise and shock that something like this exists!
"Wow," Seira breathes out, staring wide-eyed at the seed. "How did you make it? Was it in the Beyond, with Words of Creation? Somehow, over time?"
Antenora gasps in perfect unison with Alicia, wordless.
Amaryl murmurs, "Such a miracle exists!"
Jetina is silent as well, mouth slightly ajar.
For this, Oberuth looks on, calm.
"All of that and so much more, based around the authority the Incarnations touched on me," Io says, "I do not believe I could tell you meaningfully, there are not words in Creation's languages that can explain it, save perhaps the Words of Creation."
"So becoming divine and increasing your divine powers is essentially one and the same," Seira murmurs to herself. "The divine seed can do both, not just seed the powers to begin with." Looking at Io again, she asks, "Short of directly stealing a portion of another deity's divine power, are there other means of growing in power once you already are divine?"
"Um... well, I may not have mastered them, but I'd be curious to at least try." Moore admits.
"Time and the Competition," Io says, "It is not a fast process. The normal methods, which I presume you have been taught of?"
To Moore, "Can you speak the most profound words of making, then?"
"I can create from myself, if that's what you mean." Moore says.
In your mind, you hear Words and...
Int check and Cha check, Moore.
[14:58] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+30 Int
[14:58] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+34 Charisma
[14:58] <Rei-chan> Nephrite rolled : 1d20+30 Int --> [ 1d20=6 ]{36}
[14:58] <Rei-chan> Nephrite rolled : 1d20+34 Charisma --> [ 1d20=19 ]{53}
+15 from GI, for reference.
The words uttered are simply incomprehensible to Moore.
"It was not right," Io says, "But my speaking of the Words is still crude. Here they are a thing of the righteous."
"Can I inquire about this method of creation?" Seira voices. "Waukeen had a ring, some sort of artifact left from the beginning of Creation that allowed us to walk a Prime without damaging it. Is that something this method would cover, and allow us to reproduce?"
'Had' a ring.
Ouch.
Alicia just lowers her hand and looks at the seed, letting the others ask their questions.
Moore frowns. "They're incomprehensible to me right now. I'll try and understand them at some point, though." Moore says with a smile. "Maybe they'd make more sense in the Beyond."
"Possibly, but I do not believe I have what is needed to make such a thing. Zaphkiel may." Io states.
Meanwhile Antenora eyes the divine seed, as does Amaryl and Jetina. Oberuth is watching Io instead.
Seira nods, and as she sees everyone eyeing the seed decides to give voice to the obvious question. "You're bequesting the divine seed to us, I take it?"
"It is my gift to you," Io agrees. "Use it amid the five nodes as you all see fit."
That's just silly, they were the ones who reached this part. "I propose an even split between our three parties," she tells the others. "With Oberuth covered under mine, if he wished to ascend. What do you say?"
"That makes the most sense," Alicia agrees with Seira, turning to Moore and Jetina. "With this one of you or someone you choose could become a deity, think well on the responsibility that entails. You could of course use it to bolster an allied deity, but growing stronger is far more trivial than ascending to start with."
"Given what we've learned here today and what I already know, you two wouldn't benefit as much from it," Seira tells Amaryl and Moore. Nodding at the latter, she says, "Prepare for ascension via the One method, that would be my recommendation. As for you, Amaryl, the growth of your divine power and Antenora's would be fastest at this point, without any boosters."
She's actually thinking Kascha would make an adorable goddess, especially since Seira isn't about to risk her to Far Realm experimentations.
Moore takes in a breath. "I see... ah... hm. I don't think I'm ready for that sort of responsibility right now. If I could, I... would like to pursue the path to becoming One first, then maybe use this afterwards. Unless this is something we have to use right now, I suppose."
"I would rather take a charge now," Antenora says, "But I yield to Alicia in this, and see the wisdom in elevating another." Shaking her head, "I am drawn to this and the potential of what I may be, I know I do not think clearly."
"Who would with that offer," Amaryl murmurs, "We have cover as well: As news of Antenora's ascension spreads, they'll think we've managed it again."
"Not I," Oberuth says, "Give that cup to another." Frowning, "I don't need that sort of power."
"It will remain here to be used at your leisure. You may return here when you wish," Io says.
"I would elevate Latha, if she is willing," Alicia says to Antenora. "Though I understand your desire."
She nods at Oberuth, before addressing Io. "I know it might be a bit underwhelming after that incredible gift, but might I ask about more mundane things? Of course, the mundane things have to do with 21." Snorting, Seira asks him, "You cannot see it or Sylvie, but can you see her son, Calley? Can you confirm whether she empowered him with 21's power, and if so for what purpose?" Pausing to retrieve the notes she and Moore are keeping on that phenomenon, Seira adds, "Might this help? It's a copy of magical research he is working on, and our annotations of it."
"He is empowered," Io agrees, "Let me see your copies of those notes."
How far along are yo uon the, Moore?
Seira has made copies for Moore and Alicia before, so it's a simple matter to make another copy for Io's benefit! Perhaps he hasn't even touched that sort of magic, so it might aid him in turn. She'd be happy if that's the case, so it's not a constant stream of taking and not giving anything back.
191
Thus Io speaks, pointing out a few things and adding more.
40 more added, new total of 231, Moore.
This certainly warrants another fist pump! Eager to strike at the metal while it's hot, Seira asks Io, "What does it mean to pursue one of the paths to draconic perfection? I'm not arrogant enough to believe that I've started the fifth path just because I'm persistent and have been successful so far, but is that a real possibility for me? And if so, how do I make it reality?"
"It is not something you need. You are already divine," Io says, "It is a path for my children to chase perfection and perhaps ascend past mortality altogether."
"Ah, you misunderstand," Seira tells him. "I meant that dragons only really strive to follow one of two paths, because honestly no one really pays much attention to the ruby one. So since I believe that I'm doing the right thing for the right reasons, I want other dragons to follow me. I'm just not sure what it would take to stand shoulder to shoulder with the three known paths for dragonkind and inspire them. Clearly, just seizing things by force doesn't work, given Baleruk's example. Do I... need your blessing for that or something? I do honestly think dragons could accomplish great things following my example over Tiamat's, say."
Or Bahamut, honestly.
"I will give you my blessing, if you want it and you feel it will aid your tasks ahead," Io says, "Dragons are drawn to dragons. It will take time for you, as many still see you as a humanoid grown large. Being a dragon is the best way to inspire other dragons."
That phrasing makes Alicia smile a little, though she hopes Seira doesn't notice.
"Speaking of inspiring other dragons, Is... there any chance you have the ability to rescind a punishment bestowed by other dragons?" Moore asks. "As I'm sure you know, those who helped Baleruk were punished for it with a brand forever. I... don't feel like that was justified, or at least, just like those who have been trapped here, I think the punishment has served its purpose for them. It's my understanding that you were the one who decreed it, but I'll admit I don't have the full story." Moore says.
"I do, I really think I do." Seira grins, reminiscing, "Once upon a time, I would've wanted validation of my efforts. But at this point, I think it's really to have more of an effect. I'm already trying to change things around in the existing dragon order, so having those I approach view my efforts as sanctioned and legitimate would go a long way and let me get my foot in the door. I'll handle the rest myself."
Thinking about this for a bit more, she asks, "It does make me curious how much we can speak of having met you. Do you wish to keep it a secret, for us to relay something to those who inquire, or something else entirely?"
At Moore's words, she unwittingly clenches her fist at her side. That fucking Bahamut again....
"You would desire that I free them?" Io asks Moore, and then to Seira's words?
"My return is not unknown, but I wish to stay largely rumor. Keep it a secret from those who have no reason to know."
"I would, yes." Moore says. "Far be it from me to question your motives, so... please do not take offense. But it's as you said yourself -- compassion may be something that is... foreign, sometimes."
"I understand," Seira responds. That blessing will probably be somehow felt by other dragons! She'll see how things work out with the Astral Reds.
"Ah, and since you're the absolute authority on this, would you have any advice on how to become an even better dragon?"
Refresh me on who still has that brand, y'all?
Afina, Jaela, and Ithea I believe.
"It is done," Io declares, "Both deeds." No pulse of power, no display - just a stone cold certainty is it is finished.
"Thank you." Moore says. He looks at the others. "I don't want to interrupt anyone else's questions, if you all have them, since the rest of mine will mostly be selfish, I think."
"Be a dragon," Io says again, and in what you swear is an amused voice, "I believe you know how. Do draconic things."
"I'll do my best," Seira promises. "And I just want to ask what now? Are we able to come here again once we leave? Not just to bring those who would touch the divine seed, but to converse with you if we need to? And the Arbiter or his herald, would you know of any means of contacting them? I had a few possibilities in mind, but none seemed safe enough to try before."
"You and those of the five nodes may come here whenever you wish," Io says, "You will not need to travel the maze again. I do not, they will contact us as needed."
"Who are the other two... leaders, I suppose, of these nodes?" Seira inquires, since she might as well confirm her knowledge. "And is Oberuth covered by a sixth node of sorts, under Sylian's auspices?"
"You know the one I chose and empowered directly. The other is the irrigo of Aurora, Tryll." Is Io's reply.
"I think Ebony recently worked with him when I sent her to handle something in Princess Dana's homeland," Alicia speaks up. "Though the experience left her rather rattled. Can I ask why each of us were chosen?"
Her and Seira obviously have their earlier charge from the Arbiter, but what motivated selection for the rest?
What!?
"Him!?" Moore blurts out. "...Because of the power of Three." He says almost immediately afterwards. "Of course."
"Who?" Seira shakes her head, deciding that Alicia's question is better. "And to build up on that, may we confirm who exactly chose each of us? And why Oberuth is not called the sixth despite being in this fully with us?"
"Alyssa and Tryll both have the right potential and meaning," Io says at last. "Moore is correct about Tryll as well. Our weapons are chosen carefully - for all that a grieving widow and an isolated half elf seemed like unlikely champions, they have become magnificent."
"Chosen by whom?" Seira repeats, since she might as well know.
"The three of us. Zaphkiel, myself and the Arbiter's servant," Io explains.
"To confirm, the three of you picked all five of us? Or were Alicia and I picked by the Arbiter, Alyssa by yourself and Moore by Zaphkiel? Something else? I'm just curious at who to thank for the nice stuff that sometimes appears out of thin air, and whether it's the same source for us all."
"I had no doing in your selection of Alicia's," Io says, "I believe that to the Arbiter or perhaps Zaphkiel as well. Zaphkiel is the source of the powers of your nodes."
Seira nods her understanding. It would be interesting to hear about the others, but this is good enough. She just waits for Io to address the issue of Oberuth and Sylian before she is satisfied.
"I would like to know as well," Oberuth says, "About my role in this."
"You are not part of a node. You are a contribution from another," The dragon deity explains, "You simply are."
"Can one of you sponsor Oberuth, so that things around him develop into a node in its own right? The Crimson Guard would make good candidates to help, and I keep a few powerful and determined agents in Oberuth's company."
"No, we have spent our energies in what is made now," Io states, "We have done what we can - the future lies in all of your hands now."
She'd tried. Seira gives Oberuth a nod to reaffirm that she considers him one of them, whatever else, and then curtsies again before Io. "I never believed it possible, but I have asked all I wished to clear up our situation. You have my eternal gratitude for shedding some light on it, Lord Io."
"Then are there others?" Io asks, looking to the rest.
Alicia shakes her head. "I am content with what I have learned thus far. We will return soon to exercise our share from the divine seed."
"I have a few, then." Moore voices. "I'd like to understand when exactly I was... uh... chosen, for all of this, and whether or not the abilities I have were because of my own efforts or simply as a result of influence beyond my understanding. I... am sorry that I can't just be satisfied with standing here before you after all of this, but I've always followed a path that I thought was right and good for me and those around me. I want to believe that everything that's happened to me hasn't just been because someone's been in the... brightest light, pushing me forward."
"You were chosen when you returned from the light," Io says, "The growth you have made before the node is yours, save the gift Erathaol gave you before leaving for Aurora. Your growth has been fostered, but it is your growth and effort."
Moore nods. "Thank you. You said Jetina wasn't intended to be with me... does that mean that all of us can continue to somehow defy 'fate,' as it were?"
"Yes, I'd like to know more about that," Jetina adds.
Io simply says, "Your place was not at Moore's side, but...so it happened, and your nodes are build so you can bring in those that happen, by design or by chance. Our plans are not hard fate."
"Well, I can imagine a few places you probably would've ended up." Moore says.
He rubs his chin for a moment, deciding on his next question. "Is there anything you can share on the path to become One that would aid me, or are the lessons for it something I simply need to learn outside of here?"
"You are being taught, and studying the tome I gave all of you would not be amiss," Io says. "But a critical part of it is your ability to impose your will and your presence on those around you."
Moore nods. "That makes sense, for all that it's something I'm still a bit uneasy with." He admits. "But I will continue to follow the path I forge." He says, then he takes in a breath. "The dragon from the Far Realm, or Beyond... Actually, are those the same thing? I'm sorry, this is all still a bit new to me." He clears his throat. "She mentioned that the Pale Mother was somehow trapped by Ao, do you know anything about that?"
"The Far Realm is Beyond. It is a name for it, nothing more," Io replies, eyeing Moore now. "The Pale Mother is not of Creation. She sought to enter Creation and Ao....chose to imprison her." There is a pause when he speaks, "An unusual sentence, rather than banishment or destruction."
"...Wait, are all demons from Beyond, then?" Moore asks.
"No," Io says, "Demons are a creation of Creation. Creatures of Beyond destroy by their nature, and are interpreted into something akin to demons, but are not true demons."
"Pale Night is also an obyrith," Oberuth points out here, "Older things, madder things than demons."
Moore nods. "Does that mean that the dragon from Beyond had her nature changed?"
"That dragon is an attempt to make something similar to Beyond," Io replies, "An experiment."
"I see." Moore nods. "Mm... I think that's all of the questions I have." He bows his head. "Thank you for indulging me."
"Are there others?" Io asks.
Antenora comes forward, "I have a few," she says. "How can I best be One?"
The answer comes with a faint smile, or perhaps it is your imagination? "Be yourself that became One. You are."
Antenora takes that in and hmms softly. "If...if the worst happens, is there any way I could ever bring back those I will lose from it?" Her voice is quiet, "I cannot dismiss the possibility we will fail, not against what we face. I would be a fool to be able to."
"I don't know," Io admits, "I truly don't. If you suffer this fate, then you have a cause to occupy your eternity, Antenora. But I also do not find it likely you will survive a clash with Shar that sees her triumphant...but we hold our hope out, nonetheless."
Moore smiles at Antenora. "Even if that happens, we'll find a way." Moore says, then he snaps his fingers. "Actually, that made me think of something. Is that seed our reward for finding all of those keys?"
"It is not, but had you opened that door with the wrong keys, our discussion would not be so happy and your path to me not so easy." Io says.
Moore blinks, then lets out a laugh. "Well, it's a good thing we did, then. Well, unless there were more golden orbs after what faced us." He says with a broad smile.
Antenora flashes a smile at Moore for his words.
Meanwhile, Amaryl says, "Maybe later, but now I have enough to ponder."
"As do I," Oberuth declares, "Jetina?"
"Oh!" Jetina looks up, "I...Not to you, but Moore? Who will we use our part of the seed on?"
"It's something we can discuss when we return." Moore says. "We all have a lot to talk about with regards to all of this."
"Remember, only those directly in your node can be told of parts of this," Io says, firmly. "Use all restraint. Talk only in the safest places. Come here if in doubt, for it is safe. Do not speak of it lightly or frivolously."
"Can I assume that talking to Zaphkiel is the same as talking to you?" Moore asks. "And that if he instructs me to tell things to, for example, the Hebdomad, there is no reason to doubt it?"
"On his direct word, yes," Io says, "But only on it and only with the greatest surety. Do not assume. A single mistake could make this all veer into disaster. Alicia's warning is a wise one." Io's voice is grave, heavy.
Moore nods. "I'll find a way to be sure it is His voice, then." Moore says with a nod. "Thank you again." He turns to Antenora. "Sorry for bogarting your questions again."
Antenora nods to Moore, "Say no more."
"There are a few more matters to address," Io says, "Alicia, Marie is safe for this, even if she is not always your familiar now. The long time connected to you. If you are not certain someone is in your node or not, bring them here. Only people who are part of one of the five nodes - or Oberuth - can enter. If you are not sure, do not speak with them of anything beyond the conviction to defeat Shar. Do not speak of Ao the Endless Chaos."
"Secondly, ensure the other two nodes grow stronger and closer. They are behind your nodes, but they are no less valuable. The final battles will doubtless require all your strength as well as those to step up if some of you fall."
She supposes Marie was 'merely' her familiar when this node thing started up, but good to know she can be exposed to catastrophic secrets.
Secrets. She wonders if that's why Shar knew about her spying, is any secret endeavour against Shar doomed to fail because of her divine portfolio over them? Something to discuss with the others when back in Sylica.
"We'll keep an eye on the others, but I won't coddle them. They won't gain true strength that way," she says to the latter point.
"Agreed," Io declares, "Strength does not come from softness. Power and heroes are not meant to be nurtured forever."
"I'll talk to Tryll." Moore says. "I don't need to fill him in on all the particulars of things, but I can at least fill in some gaps for him and get him set on the right path."
Alicia nods. "In any case, we'll depart. And likely return soon. Thank you for everything, Io."
And thus you all walk out, gone past the maze in an instant back to the entrance.
"That is much to think about," Antenora says, and...
Okay, I presume everyone's splitting up, unless any thing wants to be hashed over IC first? If so, let me know what each of you wants to do right off?
Go home and deal with the Marie problem and see if Latha wants to ascend.
Clean up the loose ends from the efreet golem guy and then have a brief discussion with the team about Stuff and potentially reach out to Tryll afterwards.
Go home, gather my Node and Emily as well, if she's available. Please set it up.
Alrighty then. Closing this thread. Congratulations on making it this far!