Okay Alyssa, you now have a book to study and lots of todos. Which one do you want to hit next?
Check in on the slab things and then start with the book.
Paste what had to get done in prep there for me?
Had Bastian and Delaize try to find someone who's dealt with nagas and find group for recreating slabs
The first isn't too hard, "The good news," Bastian says, "Is that we found a few people who can advise us on how to fight nagas."
"I'm guessing that means the suggestion to try and talk to them was 'don't.'"
"It can work, but if they're dedicated to these slabs, we're wasting our time," Bastian replies, "You can try, but don't expect a miracle."
"Well, I'll go with the census from the experts you've found."
"Then it's a question of how we do this," Bastian goes on, "If we can't negotiate, we can consult and be prepared - though as a coven and ha-nagas, they're going to be formidable spellcasters above all."
"We could try remote contact first. We've got the bowl."
"Then try," Bastian says, "I don't think we'll surprise them after we've visited twice. We lose little by trying."
Alyssa nods, "Let's set up some extra defenses just in case. We can use some sendings if they seem somewhat amenable."
"What sort of defenses," Delaize speaks up here, quietly. "They must not be small ones or easily overcome ones."
"Anything that can protect against rebounding or remote strikes. I think my normal spells are usually sufficient. Any other suggestions?"
"Mind blank," Delaize lists off, "That is the biggest. Standard protective spells and mental defenses." A slight nod to Alyssa, "Be properly prepared."
"My regular things then. Let's get the others together for this."
Okay, going to get everyone together and then scry on the nagas, send them or something similar?
List any prep in case it ends up being relevant.
Just for complete reference sake:Long Duration:Everyone:Create Magic Tattoo: +1 Spellcaster Level, CL 32, Duration: 24 Hours.Create Magic Tattoo: Spell Resistance 20, CL 31, Duration: 24 Hours.Spell resistance equal to 10 + 1 per three caster levels.
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls.
+5 armor bonus to armor/shield. (+2 via Mind over Matter: Total bonus +7)
enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls of +5
This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
This spell is identical to mage armor, except that it grants a +20 armor bonus to armor class. (+2 bonus via Mind over Matter: Total bonus +22)
You have the benefits of the attune form spell (page 17) with respect to the appropriate element.
You are immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet.
Fire: Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained. Perfect recall of memory and anything heard/read. Speak all languages.
Improved Initiative.Magic Circle Against Evil, CL 32, Duration: 320 minutes.+2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistace bonus to saves. Immunity to possess or exercise mental control (charm/complusion). Natural weapons recoil.
+5 ehnacnce to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
HP: 281/281
AC: 57.
Spells Active: Magic Vestment (CL21), Create Magic Tattoo (SR/Spellcaster Level/Attack) (CL29/25/21), Elemental Body: Fire (CL30), Mind Blank (CL30), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL30), Energy Immunity: Cold/Acid/Electricy/Sonic (CL32), Epic Mage Armor (CL30)
Bonuses: SR 20 (CMT), +1 Caster Level (CMT), +1 Luck Attack (CMT), +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge checks (BA), +20 Armor Bonus (EMA), +7 Armor Bonus/Shield (MV)
Negative Conditions:
Thus with all of your protections readied and the party awaiting, you...
Go ahead, Alyssa.
"If you want to see something specific, let me know."
Alyssa focuses on the bowl and uses it to try and find the nagas near the slabs.
No good - they're clearly shielded or strong of will. It's also plausible if the valley with the slabs is warded against teleportation, that it's also warded against scrying and similar measures.
"No good. Shielded, probably by the slabs. I half expected it, but I was hoping their lair might be outside of the effect. Still, it gives me some clues. Their ancestors probably found the valley and felt the magic, moved in after noticing the protections, and eventually puzzled out the text on the slabs and learned magic from it, eventually expanding their abilities to become ha-nagas. Which means they likely consider it done sort of ancestral holy place, to some degree."
Jarem hms a moment, "That's an awful lot of assumptions, though it fits," he remarks, "It's probably something like that, or they were bound or drawn to it when it was made. I'd believe that, too."
"Still...now what?" Emily asks, "Can we contact one of them?"
"I don't think we know enough about them for a sending. A representative would have to go, but I don't want to open ourselves to an ambush... A golem? Using a summon seems a bit... Mean. To the summon."
"A calling," Dolmaya suggests, "A planar ally or servant, rewarded for the risks of the effort."
"That's what I'd do," Jarem agrees, "If you don't have anyone here you want to risk."
"Oh...or....well..." Emily considers a moment, "Well yes, that is best, just have someone who deserves to be paid for and has no problem with the risk. A calling is different from a summoning."
Alyssa nods and considers... Was there anything she give a calling to that nagas might hold in some level of reverence?
K:Dungeoneering.
K:D/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+84 : 3 + 84, total 87[/blockquote]
The truth is that it depends. For Ha-Nagas, what works best is any creature who comes bearing gifts and flattery. A silver tongue and a full purse can at least get you heard out. Pretty or handsome creatures, but not too pretty or handsome, works best.
Uh, some sort of Eladin? (Spelling) or celestial? Or would something not quite that Good be a bit better?
Eladrin.
Your knowledge suggests a creature that isn't inherently good would go over better - Ha-Nagas aren't nice creatures, usually.
"... What about a Mercane?"
Emily hums, "Well, they're usually diplomatic and good with words, and if you get the right one? It would be expensive, though."
"It always is with mercane," Jarem agrees, "But they do fine work."
Bastian nods a bit, "Speaking of money, you mentioned a crown or jewels, didn't you? How expensive was that going to be?"
Alyssa winces and looks away... "... A bit over one million gold..."
Speaking of, you never did give me a final answer, I don't think?
Link me to what needs an answer? I've been such a mess in mornings this week and with that, job hunting and surveys that DM work's not gotten much time.
A low whistle from Bastian, while Dolmaya smiles at that. "That's vision," she declares, "Vision and taste, though getting all the money will be a remarkable feat."
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104121.msg1151058.html#msg1151058
"Well, we've gotten that much before. Just... Not easily. Still, I have faith we can do it... With the right targets. I was thinking maybe something on the way to That Hellhole, perhaps? Or does anyone have a personal goal that might line up?"
"That's simple," Bastian says, "If we do defeat this Ha-Naga, I'm sure they'll have treasure."
"They will," Jarem agrees, "If it's enough and if it's worth it is another question."
"Well, every journey starts with a step. Does anyone have contacts with a Mercane? It might be wiser to go with someone we already have a bit of good will with."
Nods all around, except by Ianvasah.
"I believe I'd have the best," Emily speaks up, "Since Mom. Oh, I can talk to a few friends and find someone who will do it and do it well. I just need to know what traits we require for this."
"Well, someone who's not especially... Good. Nagas of all types are nasty and they'll not take well to it. Top tier diplomat. Top tier deal-maker. Someone who can take care of themselves... Someone who has a decent shot at over-awing them. Though I suppose an entourage of sorts might help with that."
"I'll see to it," Emily says, rising and going off.
Once she's gone, "What else is to be done?" Jarem says, "We have a lot to do."
"Keep working around here. Until we figure out the ha-nagas, that's the primary effort. Start planning the raid into the 10th layer, your lists of things to get done, and I have study to do. Dolmaya, do you have enough to work with to try to narrow down where on the 10th layer this place is so I can work on this book from Moore?"
"I can make it work," Dolmaya says, easy confidence in her voice. "You focus on that book."
Alyssa nods.
"Also, Dolmaya, as a former Empress, I thought I might have your input. Some of the new arrivals I've met have taken to calling me Queen. I figure I should make it official. How much of a ceremony do you think we should have?"
At this Dolmaya rises, "A huge one," she says, "The commonfolk look towards ceremony and meaning," she goes right on, "If you are to crown yourself Queen, then make sure everyone knows it. Impress them, thrill them, stun them."
"Well, do you have any interest in planning it with my sister?"
"Your sister? Does she have any idea of the scale and needs of it," Dolmaya says, a hand on her hip, "Any clue how to organize such a spectacle or the demands of it, from food to manservants to the seating orders for those seated?"
"No, but she'll need to learn."
"Well..." Dolmaya closes her eyes, "It's still a terrible idea. Have her learn by study and watching. She'll make a dozen botches of it and four dozen more she has no idea she's made until it's too late."
Alyssa nods, "Appoint her your assistant; errands, written orders, and she knows my tastes for food, drink, and colors. She will stumble in this. She needs to. She's been given great opportunities. Study as an apprentice to myself. Extended life. A home in the planes. She's feeling overwhelmed but I'm betting she's also becoming enraptured with dreams of how far she'll go. She can either stumble and slow over something like this, or when she over-reaches in magic. One is significantly less dangerous to her, and those around her, than the other. And you know exactly what I mean. No one gets as powerful as you and I, or lives as long as you have, without seeing the ruins others have made of themselves."
Give me a Diplo check, -10.
Diplo/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 10 + 57, total 67[/blockquote]
With a wave of her hand, "Fine, she can be silent and learn as my assistant. As long as she's wise enough not to get in the way."
"If she's not, that'll be another lesson. Do remember this is a place to learn, in all situations. This can teach her to organize herself, her tasks, and her time. Don't beat her down, but don't coddle her. Teach her, and help her develop."
An imperious nod and sweep, Dolmaya turning on her heel and striding off.
Jarem and Bastian share a look at that, Bastian chuckling while Jarem nods a bit. No words are said, while Ianvasah quietly stews, "This book," She rises, "What exactly does it do, Alyssa?"
"It may give clues to developing into that something else our patron mentioned. But it's something that may or may not take, depending on the person, I suspect."
"I'll read it with you," Ianvasah says, "I'm curious as to what it is."
Alyssa nods and motions for her to pull a seat up.
Going to study the book now?
Yup
Gimme an Int check real quick.
Int:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+10 : 3 + 10, total 13[/blockquote]
The book is complex - you can tell this is going to take a loooot of time. It's huge, long, complicated - you're getting a headache just starting on it.
Alyssa continues! Much like the words of creation, she just needs a little bit of an in to make progress!
Gimme another check.
Int:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+10 : 4 + 10, total 14[/blockquote]
Hours pass as you work with it and you're sure of one thing - this is going to take time. A lot of time, it's not a one afternoon project.
Resting back, "My brain feels as if it ran wild all day," Ianvasah says, closing her eyes and going limp, features becoming indistinct and skin taking a gray pallor.
"Welcome to the world of research. It's my home. But yes, a break is called for."
"Back to it tomorrow?" Ianvasah ventures, yawning after.
"Yes. With things this dense and complex early starts help immensely."
Going to keep at it then, Iddy? How long?
Til something else is ready to be done. Slabs or another thing.
Okay, gimme one more int check for the record.
Int:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+10 : 6 + 10, total 16[/blockquote]
A few days of study pass - you're going to be at this awhile, but you're slowly making headway. It's then that on a break Emily returns, "I have someone who can help," Emily says, peeking into your towertop office. "He's here to meet you and discuss terms."
Alyssa nods and slips the book into her desk, "Please bring him in."
The mercane brought in is tall. He moves with stiffness but quickly, posture upright and wearing a silver doublet paired with hose and boots. A red jeweled dagger is at his side, along with a large, golden signet ring. Around his neck is a golden chain, a pendant featuring a green gemstone the size of a man's fist, cut int he shape of a rectangle.
"Miss Songsteel?" he asks, staying standing.
Alyssa stands, "Yes, a pleasure to meet you and, hopefully, work with you. Please take a seat. Would you like some drink or food?"
"Tea with honey," Is the answer, sitting and with perfect, upright posture. His hands are neatly folded in his lap.
Emily comes in and joins you, taking a seat as well, "Oh, that sounds nice, but I'd like cold apple juice, please."
Alyssa uses a bit of magic for a sending to have them brought, "So we haven't been introduced. Might I ask who you are?"
Tea and juice are brought. After a drink, introductions. "I'm Tangulus," the mercane introduces himself, "An independent and self owned company of one. I specialize in diplomatic relations, especially where there is hostility and no relations at all." Slowly he sets down his teacup with a faint click of porcelain on porcelain. His voice is rather precise, each words clearly enunciated without any accent. "If you hire me, you will soon have no further problems."
Alyssa nods, "I am Alyssa Songsteel, Regent of the Arcane Order and, soon, Queen of this demi-plane. You come highly recommended by one I trust implicitly, and the recommendation was with nearly no thought. I place great weight in that and speaks highly of your company and reputation.
Your specialty is a perfect match for the issue, but what do you know of our possible transaction?"
"I've been informed of the current situation," Tangulus replies and pauses for another drink. "Inform me of your exact goals, please, so that there are no misunderstandings possible."
"There are slabs of stone in this valley. They are enchanted, but we don't know how exactly. I want to either replicate them or move them. Both will take time, both to study the magic and and to either move or replicate. I would prefer this to be done peacefully, but the ha-nagas make that unlikely. I can make some educated guesses about the ha-nagas, if you'd like, but it boils down to not wanting to waste my people's lives if I don't have to."
"Go on," The mercane invites, "What are your educated guesses?"
"Their ancestors were drawn to the magic of the slabs and valley. They eventually figured out that the magic masked them from being seen, magically, and built their lair there because of it. Eventually they puzzled some of the knowledge of the slabs out and began getting more powerful magic, eventually becoming ha-nagas. I think they'll revere the area and slabs to some degree."
"I'll bear that in mind. Now we must discuss my compensation for this task. My fee is 30,000 gold coins, standard Brightwater or Consortium mintages. I request 5,000 up front and the rest to be paid on the completion of this mission. Any expenses incurred in this will be added to my final payment as compensation." Tangulus says.
Alyssa considers, "Before we agree on a price, make me confident that you know nagas and what your expectation of an agreement with them will be. A promise of unlimited riches to these nagas is something I don't need you to offer. I want an idea of what you expect."
"I expect hard negotiations and possibility hostilities, depending on the nagas in question. Covens are usually more confident than a single naga, so I doubt they'll attack our of fear or territory right away," Tangulus says, "More likely I can parley with them and turn that into a proper negotiation. As for exactly what they'll want, riches usually will do, or magical lore, though I must caution an unknown coven of this power could have unusual or higher aims."
Alyssa leans back a bit, "I'll grant that you don't have a lot to build from, but that's far more vague than I wanted. I'll agree to your fee with a caveat: if you can negotiate a reasonable fee from then, then you will provide me as much combat I tell on them as you can. Location of the lair, numbers, layout of the lair, and if you can assess magic, what they have protecting them."
I tell? Do you mean intel?
Yes. Phone.
"I work with what I have," Tangulus says with a thin smile, "If you had more, I would have a far more concrete plan, but I would rather not over assume on generalities." A pause to nod, "I have no problem providing that service."
Alyssa nods, "A deal then. I can have someone take you."
Tangulus rises and offers you his hand, "A verbal contract will suffice for this."
Alyssa stands and shakes his hand, then draws the down payment out for him.
-5k posted.
"I'll prepare and leave within 24 hours," Tangulus says, "I'll return or send a message once I have results."
"If you need any help with preparations, please ask. If you want more information, then we can try some divination, but they did seem protected in our last effort. I could include you in our telepathic bond if you wish, though you'd have to wait until the morning."
"I'll launch my own preparatory efforts," Tangulus says, as...
Going to study and wait on this?
Or just a general checking in on things. Either works.
d100, would you?
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 78, total 78[/blockquote]
Ianvasah and yourself are deep in the book when there's a knock on the door, followed by Emily poking in again. "Tangulus is back," she says, "Are you ready to see him?"
"Yes, please bring him in."
Alyssa shuffles the book away.
Tangulus returns, striding in. Once seated and the opening niceties are done, "I managed to make contact with them," he says, "They are not inclined to be expository about themselves nor their inner doings, but they are willing to negotiate."
"And did you start negotiating? What were their expectations?"
"They want you to impress them in a spell exhibition, one champion to show them unique magic." Tangulus folds his hands together, "Of sorcerous magic in particular, not divine or clerical magic."
"I imagine they're going to try and learn whatever spell I show them... I can circumvent that, I believe, unless they have some special trick, but... What do you think Emily? Space Compression? Acid Cry? Solar Convex? Aerial Assembly?"
"I'm not sure, but having options will help. That does seem to be the purpose of it, but then...why not ask for the spells?" Emily says, "It doesn't make sense. Be more direct about it, we're negotiating as it is." A thoughtful frown crosses her face, "No, it doesn't make sense at all."
Alyssa looks thoughtful, "Perhaps... A way to establish ranking? Dominance? To see if our best is a threat or not? If our best is no threat, they attack? If we outmatch them, they try to scheme for whatever they can?"
"They were sincere," Tangulus says, interjecting with that. "Ugly things, hateful things without a doubt, but I believe it's how they determine rank or power, or perhaps some sort of mating ritual." He clears his throat at that, "You may be in for an interesting time if the last is true."
Alyssa snorts, "Better than them have shown interest. Still, that's all they asked for, or was that the entry fee to start negotiating the real price?"
"They indicated that was all, but I'm not certain I trust them on that, sincere about the contest or not," Tangulus says, "I believe they were mostly likely being opaque rather than it being a result of politics."
Alyssa considers, "Think you can get them to agree to a location of our choosing? I don't want to set ourselves up for an ambush if this goes sideways on us."
"They're insistent on the valley," Tangulus says, "Sufficient treasure may lure them out, but they seem clannish and uninterested in leaving the area."
"Hm. Let me consult with my people. In the mean time, please enjoy our home. We're still establishing things, but we have good foundations. You might find a reason to establish a more regular trade route here."
A nod, "I don't trade, but I know many who would be interested."
"Then please, see what we have to offer. There's always money to be made for contract negotiators. We'll let you know when we've come to a decision."
Thus Tangulus goes out and Emily looks over to you, "That went better than I feared it could," she says, "Will we take them up on it?"
"There's an angle I'm not seeing, but... I can't imagine they have a spell caster more powerful than any of us. The issue is the 'one champion' part. It's laughably reckless to let any of us go solo when they can bring all of theirs. He'll have to negotiate a set number of attendees. I'm pretty good at masking my magic, so I think I'm the best option to fulfill their challenge without making them stronger unnecessarily. Let's get the others in here and see what they think."
"I'll get them," Emily rises, "Will be be going today?"
"No, he's going to be going back to negotiate the attendees point regardless."
Getting everyone together is easy - except for Bastian.
"He ran out for a little bit," Jarem says as he helps himself to a chair, "Said he'd be back within an hour and if anything came up, go on without him as long as it wasn't urgent."
That's as far as he gets as Ianvasah settles in herself, for Dolmaya enters. "Alyssa Songsteel," she declares, striding up. "What do you have to say about your sister?"
Alyssa chuckles, "That she's my sister and my apprentice and I've dealt with her far longer than you. Why, what happened?"
"Well," With a voice like blue ice, "She wanted to seat herself before her parents, she wanted to serve peasant food at the celebration, she doesn't understand the different between a silk brocade and tafetta."
Jarem, his angle shielding him from Dolmaya, grins a bit at it.
"What is the difference between them?" Ianvasah speaks up, "Is it because one's colored or has golden threads, I think?"
"Oh no," Emily says, "They're both made of silk but they're spun differently and have different styles."
"Dolmaya, you've lost perspective, I think. I think this might turn into an interesting lesson for you, also, oddly enough."
Alyssa takes a breath, "You're so used to the trappings of nobility, you've lost sight of what regular people live like. Dolmaya, my sister and I are born commoners. My father is a blacksmith and my mother is a seamstress. We didn't get taught manners and she's barely ever seen silk, much less a tafetta. I don't know what that is, by the way. I put her with you so she could learn these things. She's going to be part of the royal family here and I understand people expect us to know those things. I have a familiarity with them from my position in the Order and meeting diplomats and nobles, but we weren't born to it, and you have a hundred thousand years of experience to draw on. We don't."
Dolmaya takes a breath, "Then she'll learn. Still though....is silk rare in your world?"
"I have no idea. I wasn't one for trade or fashion. I was a field researcher. Half the time I was underground and the rest was split between libraries and laboratory work. Silk doesn't survive any of that all that well."
"It's rare in most worlds," Jarem remarks, "Though there's usually exceptions to everything."
"Mmm-hmm, one of Mom's agents has a trade in salt, from a prime world that has gigantic salt deposits from a dried up sea," Emily speaks up, "He makes good money selling it for a profit from his contacts on that world. Salt's not rare, but it's extremely inexpensive and common on that world."
Dolmaya shakes her head, "Fine," she agrees, brushing back a bit of her hair. "You called us here about something important, Alyssa?"
"Our negotiator returned. The nagas are open to working a deal out, but they want us to send a champion, a mage, to demonstrate our most powerful magic first. Alone, it seems. I don't plan to accept anyone going alone, but I wanted all of your inputs on it."
"Absolutely not," Dolmaya says right away, "That's so brazen a trap I almost wonder if it's not one. A fool's bounty is what will come of accepting those terms."
Ianvasah adds, "I can find nothing to quarrel with there, Dolmaya's words have wisdom. A thief and a scoundrel isolates their prey, rather than face them with the prey's friends. Wolves surround and chase down a single cow to devour. It is the way of nature to pull one away and slaughter them."
"It's also the way of strategists," Jarem points out, "Isolating and enveloping an enemy army is one of the best ways to ensure a victory." With a hint of a smile, "You don't talk to a woman and all her friends and family, you get her alone at a table and get to know her, one on one."
Ianvasah frowns a little at Jarem's words, "There's wisdom in those, too."
"So, we're agreed. The next point is, who's going to be our demonstrator?"
"You will," Emily says quickly, "You're very good at this and have unique spells to impress them."
At this Dolmaya shakes her head, "Once the terms are adjusted, I'll show you. I have a long time and many unique spells over Alyssa. I'll do better at it - it's only natural."
Emily and Dolmaya share a gaze, sharp and appraising one another. As tension begins to fill the air, Jarem clears his throat.
"I don't know," Jarem says, "Alyssa has the benefit of being our leader, that adds more prestige to her performance." Sitting back, "Before we quarrel over it, are you interested in doing it yourself, Alyssa?"
More words are stopped as the door opens, Bastian coming right on in. "Did I miss anything?"
"By the God's, Bastian. So much. The nagas are open for negotiation, but they were apparently watching us. They want a solo champion from us to meet their coven alone. They say they're only interested in our strength to improve their group and seem to have been quite taken with you, since you were the only male that they saw with me. Warm, strong green arms were some of the words used, but I cut him off before he went into more detail."
Bastian takes out a double handful of peaches, tossing you one and holding another up. Jarem nods, getting one tossed to him before Emily perks up and does the same. Ianvasah shakes her head and Dolmaya waves it off, "I don't like peaches," she says.
Emily pauses midway to biting into hers, "Really? You hate peaches?"
Meanwhile, Bastian rolls his neck slowly, cracking it before he says, "Wouldn't be the first time. I was not interested then, I am not interested now."
"The texture's wrong," Dolmaya shakes her head, "It's also not important, there's plenty of other foods."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow at the fruit but continues on, "We've agreed that we can't let anyone go alone, but Jarem started arguing that he would go in your place. Something about taking one for the team and it making you owe him one. Dolmaya didn't seem too happy with how quickly he jumped at it. So, what's your input?"
Going to the window and looking out it. "Simple: Don't fuck nagas! Shandukul's boots, find a woman, not an aberration. I shouldn't have to tell you this, what the fuck?"
"Well, I didn't want to assume for you, but if that's your decision, then the only choice is to send someone to demonstrate our most powerful magic. Dolmaya volunteered, but... Dolmaya, do you know how to mask your casting? I don't want to give them more spells to use."
"Of course I can," Dolmaya says, "It'll be trivial to do that."
"So it comes down to this: Dolmaya has more powerful magic, but do we want to keep that as a trump?"
"I think we strike first with it," Bastian finally says, "Show them that we're not to be trifled with."
"No, save it," Emily retorts, "Alyssa should go and the rest of us can be the ace if something goes wrong."
"Better to win so you don't need them," The retort from Bastian is quick.
"Dolmaya, you're a legend and still unknown to be allies with us. I want to keep that in a back pocket. I'll go, but if you want to suggest a spell, I'm all ears."
"...fine, your logic is sound," Dolmaya agrees, "Have one spell that tells them that you can end them with it, if you need to."
"Solar Convex, then? I can Chain it. Or do you know a better option?"
"That should do to make an impact," Dolmaya says, considering it.
"Try not to let it come to that," Jarem shakes his head, "They'll be prepared for something."
"Well, do you have another suggestion, Jarem? Chaining it will show them that I can use it on all of them. I doubt there's more than 20 of them."
"My point," Jarem turns, "Is that your goal should be not to have to use it." Reaching up to run a hand over his head, then rest his head on his hand, "That's all."
Dolmaya smiles at that, "He's right, but make sure your big spell impresses and gets the task done. Do you have any other metamagic you can modify it with?"
"I can also Maximize and Empower it... Over-all, I'm trained to Empower, Maximize, Reach, Chain, and Echo spells. I get your point, Jarem, but unless I just release raw magic, I don't see how. Those are the most powerful spells I know."
"Alright then," Bastian says, "When is this happening? How long do we have to prepare?"
"Not until tomorrow at the earliest," Emily says, having more of her peach. "Oh, and this is great. Where did you get it?"
"Found a grove on my way back," Bastian says, waving it off.
Alyssa picks it up and takes a bite, "We'll be sending our negotiator out to deal with the solo part. Our team is going to go, one way or another."
Nods all around at that and once it breaks up?
"Goods news," Jarem says, "We've found some teaching and leading candidates."
"Excellent! Who are they?"
"There's a handful," Jarem says, "Magic wise, we got a wandering Inevitable. I haven't gotten the full story there but it seems like he was given some odd commands, maybe a superior gone wrong. I don't know. Anyway, his name's Pallus III and he's a skilled wizard. A generalist but he's found his way here and is interested in staying for awhile."
"We'll need to know what those commands were. I don't want a conflict to come up, or him get into a position that opens us up to something that we didn't see coming."
"Talk to him," Jarem says, "Let's see. There's several lesser wizards who can assist and teach more basic classes," he goes on, "As long as they're given a proper wage. Lesser leaders and more backbones of support."
Alyssa nods, "Let's set up a time for him. Anyone else?"
"A Sir Rickar Stokesland," Jarem says, "From some Prime or another and doesn't want to talk much about it, but he's an expert at logistical organization. He knows his stuff, he'll be useful if you're willing to work with him."
Alyssa nods, "Did we check into his trustworthiness?"
"I'm having it done, but it looks fine and divinations are positive," Jarem waves a hand, getting up. He goes to Bastian's window and peers down, "He's a bit on the surly side, so don't go expecting in finer social graces. He's much more of a ready warrior than a courtly knight."
"We can deal with that. Your people are most likely able to deal with him. Get someone to be his buffer."
"Done," Jarem says, "That's it for now. Deal with the Inevitable and I'll get Rickar going."
"Done. Let's get our Mercane friend in here."
Getting him in here is easy enough and...
Go ahead.
"There's no way we're going to send anyone alone. You'll have to negotiate for our group to be there."
"I agree," Tangulus says, slowly sipping a cup of honeyed tea. He sits ramrod straight as he adds, "Is there anything else?"
"Limit the number of them as much as possible. I don't want to show up to a 5 to 1 fight, if it turns on us."
"That I doubt they'll agree to," Tangulus says, "Is that demand inflexible?"
"At least a one for one, if you can manage it. As close to."
A long sip of his tea before, "Then if that's all?"
Alyssa looks to the others, "Any other requests?"
"Nothing worth fighting over for now," Emily finally says, "Not when our main goal is to get them to allow more of us. Anything else we can argue about later."
"Might be better to get everything on the table for our negotiator so he can make plans. It might be frustrating to bargain something away to get one point only to revisit later."
"In that case," Emily says, "How about a third party oversees it, if they're willing? For everyone's safety?"
"Which works great, unless we decide we need to start hostilities," Jarem shakes her head, "We don't want to impede our options if it comes to it."
"I can't imagine anyone they'd agree to. What do you think?" Alyssa asks the negotiator.
"Highly doubtful," Tangulus agrees, "Let alone someone powerful enough for one side or another to not disregard or attack should it come to that."
Alyssa nods, "Then let's not try for it."
Ready to let him go do his thing then? If so, anything to do while he works?
He's fine. Either continue to study or check on sis.
Okay cool, pick one and we'll go with that.
Let's do some RP. Sis.
You find your sister resting in a room full of papers - planning on a glance. She sits there with a mug in hand, slowly drinking and groaning. "Siiister," she says tiredly.
Alyssa chuckles and casts a Vigorous Circle around her sister.
"Perk up! There's plenty to be done."
Looking up, "Miss Dolmaya is a madwoman!" she exclaims to you. "She has no restraint and constantly pushes, pushes, pushes!"
"As I would, if I had time to do more than give you lessons. All you're doing is to a purpose."
"A breakdown is the purpose," Sister shoots back, "My feet hurt, my mind is mush and I've learned more about cloth and silk that I learned in all my life before this."
Alyssa chuckles, "Yes that is partly it. You're studying to become a mage. That will require long hours of work. Drawing a spell circle just right for hours and hours, and if one line is out of place it all collapses. Or worse, explodes or summons something that can over power you. Or, say, casting a week long spell to give your sister a few extra years of time to study, and it all going to waste because of a single misspoken word.
Exhaustion is constant. And to keep every word and every line just right requires a knowledge so deep and complete, that you wonder at it. And are frustrated by it."
A soft, ever so gentle groan at that. Alihana just stays there for long moments until she wearily asks, "How are you not always exhausted them, sister?"
"I was. For a long time. It's like anything else. Waking up early becomes normal if you do it long enough."
"Do it until you're too exhausted to be exhuasted?" Alihana banters back.
Alyssa smiles, "Do it until you're used to it."
"Just as bad. Worse!" Alihana declares, closing her eyes and letting her head loll back.
"Yes, but if you do it long enough, you get to have an assistant or two."
"How long, sister?" Is the answer, sounding almost hopeful.
"Depends on how fast you learn, which depends on how much effort you put into it. I did tell you that it would be hard."
"...can you at least get Dolmaya to be less of a shrew?" Your sister asks, slowly getting herself up, standing with a wince.
"She's as frustrated as you. I put you together for a reason. You're going to have to work with people you don't get along with. Imagine she's a customer for the shop who's going to pay you enough for a year."
"Then I pray I find better customers!" Alihana declares imperiously, posture straightening, like Dolmaya's.
"Learn well then, and become someone who can."
The glare is maintained a few moments, but your sister can't hold it. Instead she shakes her head, "Well, let's take a chance and get dinner. The rest of it this can be tomorrow's problem."
"Dinner is a good idea. But if you want to impress Dolmaya, come back after. Even if for just a little while."
You get a look between exasperation and suffering, before...
Give me a Diplo check here.
Diplo/Cunning Knowledge:
Take 10 for 86.
...and Alihana nods, "Alright, sister, I'll do that."
Alyssa moves to hug her and whispers, "I know you can get to where I am. I know it in my heart."
"If my feet don't rebel and my arms don't collapse first," Alihana says back, as the two of you go off.
"I can grow them back if they do."
Amid lighthearted banter the two of you go to share a meal and then...
Anything else to add here?
Nope.
Anything else to do before getting in touch with Tangulus?
Nah, not unless someone else has anything.
d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 41, total 41[/blockquote]
Tangulus returns, and once honeyed tea is provided, "There is good news. They've invited all of your group to come," Tangulus reports, "Though they have no interests in discussing limiting their own numbers."
"Then we need a plan of some sort to keep them from potentially overwhelming us. Jarem, Ideas beyond showing up with an army? Or are we confident in our power?"
Jarem takes a few moments, "No, I think we have to be confident here," he finally says, "Both as a matter of projecting the right image and as a matter of practicality."
"I agree. Our protections are considerable and each of us individually could complete this challenge of theirs. Let's get a time set for this."
"I'll see to it," Tangulus says, as...
Any prep for this?
Just refreshing daily spells. I might want to go over my spell list.
Do that so you're ready. Let me know when you're good.
Spell list actually looks okay. I'm satisfied with it for now.
In that case, post spell prep as needed so I can prepare spoiler blocks.
Long Duration:Everyone (+20 people):Create Magic Tattoo: +1 Spellcaster Level, CL 33, Duration: 24 Hours.Create Magic Tattoo: Spell Resistance 19, CL 29, Duration: 24 Hours.Spell resistance equal to 10 + 1 per three caster levels.
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls.
+5 armor bonus to armor/shield.
enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls of +5
This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
This spell is identical to mage armor, except that it grants a +20 armor bonus to armor class.
You have the benefits of the attune form spell (page 17) with respect to the appropriate element.
You are immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet.
Fire: Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained. Perfect recall of memory and anything heard/read. Speak all languages.
Improved Initiative.Magic Circle Against Evil, CL 33, Duration: 330 minutes.+2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistace bonus to saves. Immunity to possess or exercise mental control (charm/complusion). Natural weapons recoil.
+5 ehnacnce to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
HP: 281/281
AC: 53.
Spells Active: Magic Vestment (CL23), Create Magic Tattoo (SR/Spellcaster Level/Attack) (CL33/29/25), Elemental Body: Fire (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL33), Energy Immunity: Cold/Acid/Electricy/Sonic (CL33), Epic Mage Armor (CL33)
Bonuses: SR 19 (CMT), +1 Caster Level (CMT), +1 Luck Attack (CMT), +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge checks (BA), +20 Armor Bonus (EMA), +5 Armor Bonus/Shield (MV), +5 ATK
Negative Conditions:
Everyone is prepared to go, armored up and awaiting Alyssa. "We're ready to go when you are. Who's providing the gate?" Emily asks.
Alyssa responds by casting the gate spell herself.
It's so hot.
Humidity clings to you.
The jungle is noisy with insects and the gentle sounds of birds, a rainbow of color and greenery before you.
Jarem openly grimaces, "Red Knight's mercy, did you aim for a humid Hell?"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow from inside her comfy personal ball of air, "You're this great, epic planar soldier and you have no personal preparations to deal with planar conditions?"
Also, since I'm thinking on it, don't forget the buffs that Emily/Jarem were supposed to take over for.
I assumed those were in your block, just cast by them. Is that not true?
Nope, I left them out since they were cast by others. Do you want me to include them?
Please, go edit them in.
Long Duration:Everyone (+20 people):Create Magic Tattoo: +1 Spellcaster Level, CL 33, Duration: 24 Hours.Create Magic Tattoo: Spell Resistance 19, CL 29, Duration: 24 Hours.Spell resistance equal to 10 + 1 per three caster levels.
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls.
+5 armor bonus to armor/shield.
enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls of +5
This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
This spell is identical to mage armor, except that it grants a +20 armor bonus to armor class.
You have the benefits of the attune form spell (page 17) with respect to the appropriate element.
You are immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet.
Fire: Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained. Perfect recall of memory and anything heard/read. Speak all languages.
Improved Initiative.Magic Circle Against Evil, CL 33, Duration: 330 minutes.+2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistace bonus to saves. Immunity to possess or exercise mental control (charm/complusion). Natural weapons recoil.
+5 ehnacnce to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
HP: 281/281
AC: 53.
Spells Active: Magic Vestment (CL23), Create Magic Tattoo (SR/Spellcaster Level/Attack) (CL33/29/25), Elemental Body: Fire (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL33), Energy Immunity: Cold/Acid/Electricy (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity: Fire/Sonic (CL27), Epic Mage Armor (CL33)
Bonuses: SR 19 (CMT), +1 Caster Level (CMT), +1 Luck Attack (CMT), +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge checks (BA), +20 Armor Bonus (EMA), +5 Armor Bonus/Shield (MV), +5 ATK
Negative Conditions:
"I'm not stupid," Jarem retorts, as Emily smiles and Ianvasah smirks, "Protected or not, this is still terrible weather."
"Ah, so you're simply looking to establish camaraderie through mutual suffering? How incredibly... male of you. Bravo, well done."
"He's right," Here Dolmaya speaks up, "This weather is beastly." Wrinkling her nose, "No one wants to endure it if they don't have to."
"Right or not, we can do better than what Jarem wants here," Ianvasah says loftily, striding forward.
Rolling his eyes, "Soldiers bond like that." Jarem says, "This weather IS disgusting, though."
"Mmm... I think you might have to compete with Dolmaya for that, Ianvasah. Well, unless you can get her to agree."
Perception as you banter.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 8 + 46, total 54[/blockquote]
Ianvasah blows out a breath as you all go on, deeper into the forest.
Give me a d100 real quick.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 41, total 41[/blockquote]
The walk is uneventful this time, and soon you're close - going much further will take you to the valley. There's a moment to prepare, if you wish to take it, or simply plunge forward.
Alyssa strides ahead confidently.
The valley is as you remember it - mostly. At the bottom a new slab of stone is present, floating just off the ground. It is ringed by tall statues of nagas, looming above it.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and inspects it.
Detect Magic if need be.
You'll have to get within 60ft of it to analyze it with DM due to its range. You going to do that?
Yeah, that's fine. We're all here and being careful.
Flying or walking down?
Walking.
Thus the party walks down, on guard. As you do, you feel it - the ground begins to gently quake, a vibration that echos throughout it.
Alyssa floats herself a few inches off the ground so as not to stumble and looks around for the source.
"There," Jarem calls, Dolmaya also taking to the air.
The ground around the slab at the bottom is shaking, starting to break apart. They emerge all around - great nagas, crimson colored and with beautiful faces atop snake bodies. Stone and dirt flies away from them, not marring them in the slightest as they emerge from the earth. Each is taller than several Hannas, over a dozen rising up before your eyes.
Uh, Detect Magic and inspect what spells are protecting them. Gonna disguise the casting as a Prestidigitation to move the dust away from me.
Sure, gimme a CL on it. They be warded up.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 20 + 33, total 53[/blockquote]
They're arrayed in layers of very strong defense magic. You could take a few rounds to just sit there and analyze for details, if you want.
Remember, baseline DM takes 3 rounds to get full details.
Alyssa motions the others forward to make initial contact and announcements as she takes the time to study them.
Jarem falls in step with you, Emily and Dolmaya staying back. Bastian takes your other side, Ianvasah taking up the rear.
Go ahead and star twith whatever greeting and I'll reply to that and give you spell info as you go.
Jarem begins intoning as best he can, "We have come to meet your challenge and triumph. I present Emily Aryn, Champion of the Cauldron. I present Ianvasah, High Druid. I present Bastian, faithful of Shaundakul and Seeker of the Horizon. I present Dolmaya Augurson, Archmage and Empress. I present myself, Jarem Aruwood, faithful of the Red Knight, and Commander. We hold allegiance to Alyssa Songsteel, High Regent of the Arcane Order, faithful of Shaundakul, and Seeker of the Horizon."
Since you did the speaking, give me a Perform (Oratory) check with Jarem, would you?
Perform (Oratory):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+41 : 15 + 41, total 56[/blockquote]
Your approach is watched by the naga. One - a beautiful woman's head, brown hair kept short and watching yo uwith the regal gaze of a queen, "I am Ss'sarii," she declares, "Current Coven Mother and Queen of the Valley of Wisdom. You come, mighty in magic and lore?"
"We do, and we are. We seek to meet your challenge and agreement in place of war, to save both sides time and blood, if possible."
Ss'sarii eyes your entire group, swaying back and forth. "Who will step forward?"
"Show us," Another naga, this one pretty in an unnatural way, like a statue, with silver hair. She hisses this slowly, "Show us this."
"Silence, Dyass," Ss'sarii declares coldly, "Do not speak out of turn."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "We have done you the honor of presenting ourselves in full. Presenting our names and you meet this with demands, a single name, and disorder? This does not fill us with confidence that you speak as leader. Will your word hold after the challenge or will others disregard the agreement?"
A hiss like an angered snake, Ss'sarii glaring as another laughs - this one androgynous, short hair framing a pretty face. "Oh," she(?) says, "You can't even stop a visitor from realizing you're incompetent."
"Silence, Ryssi!" Ss'sarii glowers as the other nagas watch the unfolding dramatics.
"You should listen and know your place," Dolmaya says, voice sweet, "If you can't control your underlings, you're hardly any mother and queen. We expected better."
"Indeed. What strength do you hold to demand we prove ourselves your equal? Only we hold order and discipline it seems. But... As we are the guests here, we will grant ea moment to get your house in order, so to speak. Ss'sarii, prove to me you deserve to have my challenge."
"Prove to you?" Ss'sarii hisses, "PROVE TO YOU?" She rears up high, "We honor you by giving you this chance, human!"
"You don't even have control over the ones with you, yet I am to believe you hold dominion over the whole valley? This isn't about your honor. It's about your ability to hold the others to your agreement. Prove that to me and I will believe your challenge has honor."
Give me a Diplo check here?
Diplo/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+67 : 15 + 67, total 82[/blockquote]
Then Ss'sarii turns, a frigid glare over the other nagas, "ENOUGH!"
> roll 1d20+80 (+20 ???, +3 ???, +12 ???)
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 95 > [d20=15]
None of the ones who need to make the opposed Intimidate check can beat this, so not going to bother.
This shuts them up at once. Her sheer presence, the menace she exudes, is nigh overwhelming. Emily stands her ground and Jarem grimaces, while Ianvasah steps back and Bastian grunts. Dolmaya smiles slowly at this, the nagas going silent. Ss'sarii turns back to you, the other nagas not daring to utter a word. They stay where they are, frozen, not resisting. "Done. I have reminded them of who rules them."
Alyssa nods. "Then I will hold to our agreement. I will meet your challenge."
"Come," Is the invitation, "Come and show us your magic."
Alyssa steps forward to present herself and begins casting!
Flase Spell to... Oh, Light I guess. Let's see if I can horrify them with a Cantrip.
Real spell:
Solar Convex Focal (Chain, Maximize, Empower), CL 33, Concentration.
Targets: 21 points on the ground around/near the Nagas. Close enough to prove my point but not close enough to make them attack back.
225 fire damage.
Since I'm basically just shooting the ground, you want me to make the ranged touch attacks?
The what is flase spell?
False spell is the trick that masks the casting to prevent counter spelling. Or in this case, studying the spell. It's mostly RP here, to make it look like I can turn a Cantrip into death or keep them from identifying it.
Blistering sun fire blasts down from above, all the points of it raining down and striking hard. The nagas are frozen in place by the blasts, or perhaps simply enduring them - but they don't move regardless. There is absolute silence after that spell, the blasts of solar flame leaving the air even hotter than before.
Alyssa calmly breaks the silence, "Sufficient?"
Just for the record, give me an Intimidate check.
Intimidate/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+45 : 9 + 45, total 54[/blockquote]
There's silence after that until, "You have made your power clear," Ss'sarii agrees, "Your arcane magic is mighty."
Alyssa replies with a tone of expectancy, "Then I've met your terms for access to the slabs."
There is a pause - a longer pause, before, "You have."
"You seem dissatisfied. I don't like the idea of sending my people here with you harboring spite or a grudge. Speak your mind, one ruler to another."
There is a pause before, "You have...proven yourself," Is the voice says, "Unthinkable for a human."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow. "You're a snake that learned magic from a rock that can twist the fabric of existence, defy the natural order, twist an existence into something new, and rebuff the finality of death and the issue is that I'm human? I think you might need to take a trip or two outside of your valley, Ss'sarii."
"Be silent and be grateful we grant you this," Ss'sarii snaps back.
"I'm speaking to you as an equal. Be grateful I grant you that. Had you a more reasonable disposition, I might have even invited you to my realm. Which could lead to those trips to other places with new magic. Perhaps think on that and where you currently are and where you could be. If a mere human could get to where I am, where might you end up? But that that is for you to think on. I will have my people dispatched to begin work and study. If you want us gone faster, please help with understanding the protections of the stones."
A curt nod, "We will watch you and see," is the answer.
Alyssa turns and heads back to the others.
"Good work," Dolmaya raises, "Let's accomplish this before they try anything."
Alyssa nods and leads them out of the teleport block, "Further discussion when we get back."
...did you come here, do this and...leave without doing anything?
I thought we were sending in teams to do the research since there were so many slabs? Or did you intend for Alyssa to do it personally? I have no issues either way.
Oh okay, misunderstand then. That's fine, I was just headtilting at it. So going to have people get to work on this?
Yeah, I had Delaize look into people for it and start getting groups together. I will say that I probably want security with them, even if for the local animals. Same with the stable master, I was waiting for one to show up and have them go capture the shocker lizards
No problem. Going to be hands on or off about this?
Is there any benefit to overseeing it personally? Like, will it happen more reliably or faster?
Probably ab it, versus it eating up more of your time. Your call.
Speed is what I want, so I guess I will oversee it.
Okay, gimme an K:A check.
K:A/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+84 : 19 + 84, total 103[/blockquote]
It's hard work and a lot of it. The information on the tablets is vast, even sped up with magic and other tricks. Fortuntely, the naga keep a distance when they're seen at all, not pressing the situation. It's going to take a good deal of time even so - weeks and weeks even with magic, possibly far more depending. Unless you can speed it up further, of course.
Uh, is there a way to speed it up? I have Chain Spell, so if there's something like.. I dunno... That spell that lets you read books in an instant that will help, I'll do it.
Sure, if you don't mind using wishes as well to cover some of the patchy spellwork parts.
If so, gimme a d100.
Oof. If wishes are called for, I'll do it, but I'll want one of the other node members around for back up just in case things go sideways. That change anything?
It's noted. Gimme that d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 58, total 58[/blockquote]
This goes well - time consumingly, but well. This is largely shaping up so the question looms: What do you do with all this knowledge?
Alyssa does what every researcher and mage does... Search it for new or lost magic, knowledge, and use it to expand the tower's library to aid in research!
Okay, could you narrow it down a little bit? There's a ton here so more of a focus is desired.
I mean, what are my options really? New magic and research bonuses would be best.
Like a specific kind of magic or lore, but just trying to figure out how useful it is and get some sort of library set up is okay, too.
Lets go with the library. It's more fitting RP wise, what with the school and all.
Okay, go ahead and describe what sort of library setup you want?
Want three main focuses: history/lore, magic, and skills.
I mean, what sort of library? Like stylistically and visually? Just a reference for us to have in mind for later uses of it.
Oh, geez. I dunno. Library architecture isn't something I thought about. I guess multi tiered with some sort of small arboretum type deal in the center and in nooks?
Sure.
Thus, it is done. Your new library has an open center with plenty of books, with nooks all along the outer wall for more. A glass domed ceiling lets in the sunlight, but dims it slightly to provide everything with a late day glow. New written books by and large, sections of the lore your workers are still working at sorting, so much more to do. Nonetheless without any doubt it's a fine foundation, all sorts of assorted information gathered.
Alyssa tours it feeling pride. A real first step for the school.
"So much more to do." She looks around to make sure everything is going smoothly.
It is. A few students are working, a few mages are researching. It's respectfully quiet, save for one thing. Footsteps.
Bastian walks up to you, "So is this where your path lead?" he asks, taking in the view of it all. He idly rubs his left hand with his right, cracking the knuckles after.
"Partly. Everyone needs a comfortable place to rest sometimes. Mine are schools apparently. First the order, now here. Maybe more. Why? Do you dislike my school?"
"No."
Bastian takes it all in, "I wondered where your dusty roads would lead you and how you'd walk them, Alyssa."
"And what have you decided of my methods in your darkly stormy brooding? Or do you just do that for the girls?"
"I do not brood," Bastian says after a moment, "Nor do I brood darkly and stormily."
Alyssa Pat's him on the shoulder, "Yes, yes, you're much more manly than that. What have you decided on my methods? You've been on the fence for a while, deciding if I can really bring us across the finish line."
Not reacting to that pat on the shoulder, "In spite of it all, you can when it matters," Bastian says, "This path shows that much."
"In spite of what, exactly? Improvement is always needed."
"The roads are right before you, and they'll teach you," Bastian says, as a moment of radiance. You feel a connection to Bastian growing bright, strong and full as...
Node update. Note that it's to a piece of your gear this time, so check it out.
Alyssa blinks and sticks a toe out to inspect her boots, "Well, that's a pleasant surprise. I'm flattered that your faith in me is strong enough to empower my magic equipment. How toughtful. I'll have to get you something also."
"I'll be expecting it," Bastian says with a bit of a smile, turning and walking away. You catch him smiling just as he goes, a glimpse of it before he heads back onto his path.
Alyssa chuckles and shakes her head, "That man might need a sister more than anyone else I've ever met. Ohhh, there's an idea. Maybe I'll inflict Alihana on him..."
As you concoct truly horrible ideas and plots...
Next move?
Uh, I was waiting on the others to come up with their lists and then pick something to do.
It's not long until Jarem comes over, "Alyssa," he calls as he enters your office, "How are we doing on equipment?"
"Not sure. But now is a good time for a surprise inspection. Start at the forges and let the soldiers get word on their own, or start with the soldiers?"
"No." Jarem comes over and taps his gauntlet on the table, knuckles hitting against it. "I mean our equipment, after our recent improvements."
"Ah. Emily and I still have to deal with the ring, but... Outside of a few things to improve skills, I'm happy with what I have. Until I can get the gems finished at least. Bastian... The way he fights makes it difficult to find things that can help him, and he seems satisfied.. Ianvasah has her own issues with shape shifting but she seems solid. Emily seems happy. What about you? Your input is always helpful. Almost always."
"Almost always," Jarem challenges back, a hint of a smile on his face. "Really?"
"You're right, too much credit. I wanted you to feel you were doing well, but I see your point. Too much praise can swell a man's head. Very well, I agree with your assessment. I expect better in the future, Jarem."
Jarem gives you a long look at that, "It's always interesting to see someone dig themselves in deeper," he says, "Rather like a burrowing worm escaping a hunting dragon."
"Agreed. When a subordinate cops an attitude with a superior, they always dig themselves into a grave. As such, I'll impose a punishment on you: You're to arrange a double date with you, Dolmaya, Bastian, and Alihana."
"Not a chance in Hell or the Abyss," Jarem banters right back. "As I was saying, are there any more needs we need to address with our equipment, in your opinion?"
"Not especially, I don't think. I feel Bastian's a little light on things, but getting an opinion out of him is like getting water from a rock, sometimes. I think he's in a mode of 'hasn't been a problem yet, so it's not a problem.' Other than that, I think we're fairly well equipped. Things could always use improving, though. The eternal battle."
"The eternal battle," Jarem agrees, "Still...we're worthy and equipped now, and that just means we need to take more treasure from our enemies."
"Yes. At least... Oh... 1 million gold worth. After splits. Ideas? Something that might contribute to our battle? Or help the Red Knight somehow?"
"Well-" That's all Jarem gets out when you feel it. A growing connection to him, blossoming amid you as...
Node update.
Racking them up, nice.
"You too? Busy day. Bastian as well, earlier. We're making sound progress in our little band of rebels, it seems."
"We need to go and make an impact," Jarem goes on, "But most importantly from what I understand, we can summarize this knowledge and present it to Moore, unless he's already gotten information from it?"
Summarize what knowledge? Are you meaning the new library or the book he gave us? Or something else?
On the blank look, "I mean the information from the slabs to Moore, from our library or however else we wrangle it."
That was OOC but sure, we'll roll with that.
"Well, it's quite a bit to summarize. We can start a project for it and cross-reference it with what we know and take it the next time I go for a lesson with him. That'd probably be best."
Whoops.
"Alright," Jarem says, "I'll go see about getting us a worthwhile mission in the meantime."
Alyssa nods, "You still owe me a list of personal goals, too. Delaize found us a couple more solid people. Care to meet them with me?"
You do remember Jarem talked to you about them IC, right?
I remember him mentioning them, but we didn't meet the new ones yet, did we?
You didn't, just that he told you so naturally he's aware of them already.
"Yeah," Jarem says, "We did talk about that."
Alyssa nods, "And now we have time to meet them. Shall we?"
Which one first?
Sir Rickar Stokesland
Sir Rickar Stokesland is a brawny, middle aged warrior in plate armor, with a faded sigil of a hound on his surcoat. He sits and nods to you briskly, standing up. "Queen," he greets, "You want to hire me?"
"You come recommended to me by my leaders. What do you offer and what do you ask for?"
"Good money, a good home and good food," Rickar says, right to the point. "What I know is equipping and managing a military's supplies. Logistics, it's called."
"Logistics makes or breaks an army, it's true. But we're more than an army here. This is going to be a home; a school. If I take you on, I expect you to share your expertise outside of the military. Teach the civilian side what you know. If they can improve their trade lines and internal movement of resources, everyone benefits."
"As long as they sit down and shut up to learn," Rickar says, running a hand over his balding head, only a few wisps of light brown hair remaining. "There's no point teaching those who don't want to learn."
"Everyone here is here to learn. I expect the same of you. This Academy is going to be where the good come to become better and the good come to become great. If you expect them to learn from you, I expect you to learn from others. If you're still interested, Jarem here can take you to meet the current Quarter Masters. I expect you to work with them and the civilians for supply routes and warehouses. I have an idea for a distribution network. Supplies last longer underground, so what do you think of having tunnel routes from supply points and warehouses? Reduces the congestion top side and keeps the populace out of military supply issues. Helps restrict access and can serve as emergency bunkers and troop movement inside our area, since warehouses and supplies are always top targets."
"As long as the tunnels are fine," Rickar agrees, "They can be in the sky for all I care, as long as the process works."
"You're not here just to take orders. You're here to help improve things. If you see a flaw in any of the ideas, I expect them to be pointed out for discussion and correction. If you're fine with that, the job is yours. We have resident Earth Elementals that can help."
"The job's mine, then," Rickar grunts, "I'll handle it."
Alyssa nods, "We'll get your pay and housing situated then. Welcome to our Academy."
A handshake at that, a rough one - and he pulls you into a back thumping hug, "Cheers to victory and success," he declares loudly, grip strong.
Alyssa uses her telekinesis to thump him back.
"Perhaps a bit more decorum in public, but I look forward to having you in my circle of friends."
Okay, going to move onto the Inevitable now?
Sure. Be hilarious if it was the one we beat looking for a job.
Pallus III is half horse, half human and all metal. A horse's lower body, gears and a human's upper body, also gears. He awaits you and paces back and forth, "Ah. Question: Alyssa of Shaundakul?"
"Yes. You are Pallus III?"
"I agree, I am Pallus III," he answers right off, "Unlike Pallus II, who died to the glare of an eye tyrant's wrath." Pacing back and forth, "Pallus I perished to lava. It's always lava that melts you."
"Hmm... I should make a spell for that. Something like a Corn Movement... With tremor send? Anyway I am she."
Alyssa does not a note down for the spell, though.
....corn movement?
"Then you understand what must be done and taught," Pallus III says, ceasing his pacing and turning to you fully.
Xorn. And tremor sense. Goddamn phone.
"To deal with lava? I have ideas. But don't forget acid, too. Anyway, what type of work were you interested in doing with us?"
"Magic, of course. The way Creation works," The Inevitable goes on, "What else would I do, polish gears?"
"What type of magic? Any specialty?"
"All," Is the quick answer, "Suppositional question 1: Why would anyone discard parts of magic?"
"Mortals don't have as much time to do things as others. Sometimes they discard one thing to advance another faster. And we're always interested in more researchers. Do you have any other specialties than pure research? Magic items or other skills?"
"Construction, golems," Is the quick answer, "Those mortals are foolish then, and fools they be." The Inevitable goes back to pacing, "There's no logic in discarding parts of the Weave."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, knowing her own focus. "Pallus, you're free to have your opinion, but understand that others have the right to disagree. Some people have natural talent in certain things, and no talent in other things. Regardless, we are always interested in more researchers, as I said. You're welcome to a home here, and please take part in other projects as well."
"Then I will. Errors cannot be tolerated," Pallus agrees, "I will ensure they learn properly." Clunk, clunk, clunk go his hooves as he paces, "Logic is critical."
Alyssa looks up at the ceiling after he leaves, "Shandakul and Mystra help me. That one is going to cause conflicts."
Jarem smiles faintly, "You won't get bored, Alyssa. Thank the Red Knight for that."
Alyssa narrows her eyes and looks at Jarem out of the corner of her eye, "Well, as she isn't within reach, I'll just have to pass my gratitude on to her best and closest at hand representative."
"I'll gladly accept your prayers of thanks," Jarem raises his chin up with a cocky little grin, "I could get Bastian here and you could thank Shaundakul for bringing his path onto yours at the same time, too?"
"Yes, it's best if you're both here to plan the double date with Dolmaya and Alihana. An excellent suggestion."
"You know, you can be less subtle about trying to marry your sister off," Jarem says, "You should find her someone quieter."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "Bastian isn't quiet?"
"Not the way Alihana would want a husband," Jarem says, turning to go, "Don't think he's the marrying type, either."
"Hm. I could always use a Wish to find her the right man..."
Jarem smiles at that as...
Okay, next move pending interrupts?
Not sure. Jarem was going to get us a mission? And the others still owe me goal lists.
Okay, gimme a d100 real quick while I check a few things.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 18, total 18[/blockquote]
Jarem's back soon - far too soon. He marches in, "Well, we have something to do - but it's a problem," His face is set, jaw clenched.
"When is it ever not? What's the story?"
"A friend was intimidated and left with this message," Jarem says, taking out a sheet of paper. "Read it."
Alyssa takes it and reads it over.
It reads as follows.
Jarem Aruwood, we know your master Alyssa Songsteel have taken what is ours from our vault. You will return any and everything you took from the vault of Rosier to Agreil, First Circle General and Special Aide to Head Diplomat in your Red Knight's court.
You have one chance to return what you stole.
Uh, I'm not sure what we did with that stuff and not really able to look it up at the moment.
That is pretty critical, so check your notes when you can and reply.
(~Ebiris) http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104121.msg1146279/topicseen.html#msg1146279
(~Ebiris) Room 11: Rosier
(~Ebiris) Gold and Platinum Chain: 1,400 gold.*
(~Ebiris) A gold plated human heart: 1,950 gold.*
(~Ebiris) 54,390 gold coins: 54390 gold.*
(~Ebiris) Silver Chalice, inlaid with dragon fangs: 2,400 gold.*
(~Ebiris) Seems like that stuff was sold and the staff and shard were kept.
(~Ebiris) http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104121.msg1146280.html#msg1146280
(~Ebiris) Fragment: A strange metal fragment that radiates an eternally fading aura of magic, impossible to identify and yet never fades away. No obvious value. (Research for use.)
(~Ebiris) Witch Staff: This staff functions as a quarterstaff+6, impact. Yet it is only truly mighty when used by a witch. When it is, the witch gains her Charisma modifier as a bonus to armor class and a +2 bonus to the caster level and save DCs of any witch spells. This is a minor artifact. (Do we know anyone who could use this? NPCs/Allies? Otherwise sell.)
"Who is this person? Someone of position in your order?"
"Yeah, a friend. His name's Barryn," Jarem explains simply.
"And Agreil? I assume he's good at his job, but how flexible is his reasoning, you think? We have the staff and shard, but the res is liquidated. I don't terribly mind returning those two, but... I won't return them into hands that will use them against us."
"I've met him. He's sharp," Jarem says, "Smooth as a prince and with a mind like a blade. Cuts right through deceptions and to the quick of the truth." You notice Jarem's fist has balled up as he goes on, voice even and controlled. "Then we talk and see if we can get something in writing about that in exchange, if we're going to do that. If."
Alyssa nods. "We need to know who's involved in this. That fact that he's name dropping means he's had dealings. The fact that it's in the form of a threat means it's not official. Let's meet with this diplomat and see how far this goes. Is your friend still here or did he leave right after delivery?"
"He's in Warrior's Rest. I went over there to check on a few leads," Jarem admits, "The paths will get us close enough, so we can save a spell that way." He's already going, "I suggest not lying to Agreil at all, he'll pick up on it. Refuse to answer or deflect, but don't lie."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and replies mildly, "When have I ever lived?"
"Double dates keep coming to mind," Jarem retorts right away.
"Who says I was lying? Just because I haven't manipulated the situation to make it true yet doesn't make it a lie."
With an eyeroll Jarem leads you on and...
Taking anyone else and any prep?
Dolmaya, and daily buffs should be fine.
"...so that's the situation," Jarem finishes as you walk walk towards the paths leading away from your home.
Dolmaya falls in, "I'll support you - this will be a negotiation, not a brawl. Are your words sharp enough for this, Alyssa?"
"I'm a researcher, not a diplomat. But I have learned in my time as Regent. It depends on what we're walking into."
At that Dolmaya falls into step. Along the endless roads you walk - until you come out in a well organized field, a path going through it. Ahead is a rather large fortress made of black stone. The fields are tended to by soldiers - in bearing if not in clothing, tilling with the practiced ease of a well formed team. Others tend to orchards or animals, from cows to chickens to horses.
"Blackstone Castle," Jarem says, "The embassy from Baator stays here, and proves the architect had no imagination for naming." Gesturing ahead at it, "Come on, we're expected."
Alyssa continues on, inspecting the layout of the building and land for tactical advantages and innovations to use herself.
Got any ranks in anything relevant to that?
K: Engineering.
Gimme a roll.
K: Engineering/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+63 : 9 + 63, total 72[/blockquote]
It's a solidly built, classical fortress. It's well made and competently so - you'd hate to have to take it without magic, let alone what unseen magic may protect it further.
The gates are opened as you approach and you head inside. Within are devils - largely barbazu drilling, practicing without pause, overseen by a handful of hamatula. They never speak, practicing in silence save for footsteps and the swings of their polearms.
Near the gate a little red, spiky and winged thing awaits, like a gargoyle, perching against the wall. "Jaremmmmmmm," he says, drawing it out. "You're expected, as is Alyssaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa."
"Then announce us and bring us to our meeting."
"Yes, ma'ammmmmmm," The gargoyle-like creature says, "Follow."
Dolmaya adds as you follow, "Spinagon, a loathes little devil barely better than a lemure. Little more than a spy or a page." Her voice is rather chilly, "Vicious if you give them a chance to express it."
"They all are. Strike when they feel like victory is sure."
The spinagon keeps on flying, not saying a word.
Jarem smirks a bit, "This one's well trained. They already cut your balls off, devil?"
Not even a reaction, being lead deeper in.
Alyssa walks along, inspecting the castle and memorizing the layout as they go.
You're in, past all the mundane things and into a hall. A hall decorated well with red and orange banners, hanging from the roof. A long table of smooth wood is here, a cornucopia in the center. It is filled with fruits of all kinds.
There are many windows looking out over the fields, and at once of them a pit fiend stands in the sunlight. He is shined on without flinching, hands behind his back as he looks out at the workers. He is a taller pit fiend, looming big but with a slender profile, wings curled around his fine silken clothes.
"S-" Is all the spinagon gets out.
"There's no need," The pit fiend's voice is completely pleasant, fatherly. "You've done your duty, Hales." Instantly the spinagon perks up, "Take a fruit and leave us."
Silently the smiling fiend bows and flies over to the cornucopia, snaring a pear before flying out and closing the door in behind him.
"Jarem, you've gotten into trouble," The fiend says, as an apple flies up through unseen forces, into the pit fiend's claw as he turns. He catches it and takes a bite, a crisp crunch as juice stains his lips, his serpent-like tongue coming to lick it away.
With an overdone shrug, "You know how it is. You take plunder and it turns out someone else wants it. Hazards of getting money, everyone wants it. Ever been there, Agreil?"
"Once or twice. Violence always solves it, eventually." After another bite of his apple, "Let's get to brass tacks. You have something Duchess Rosier owns and she expects her items returns immediately, Alyssa. I'm sure you have them and are ready to return them."
"Not all of them, but the ones she wants, yes. I'm sure you can understand that I'm leery of returning powerful items to someone who may simply turn and use them against me. Though I'm sure I wasn't quite on her radar before this, I certainly am now."
With a smile that shows white teeth and fangs, "If you return the items, the Duchess has no reason to use them against you. The loss of certain other goods worth purely money is troubling, but we can write that off as adventuring enthusiasm."
Dolmaya looks on at this all before clearing her throat, "In writing. We want anything like that in writing and reviewed, devil." Stepping forward, "You understand how important it is to have matters all laid out so everyone understands their duties and responsibilities."
"That's only proper," Agreil agrees, another bite of his apple. "We can work out a binding contract to ensure that."
"I agree to the framework of it. Details in the documents to be gone over, of course. That aside, there's also the matter of how this... request... was delivered. While the threat used in it is certainly balanced by loss of the item, I don't like my people being threatened. This message could have been handled much more professionally and respectfully. You surely understand the value of respect, Lord Agreil."
"Of course," With a final bite the apple is consumed, core and all. Not a speck is left behind. "I find a certain restrained indication of violence saves everyone a good deal of misunderstandings. Especially with someone like Jarem involved."
To this Jarem smiles. "Your agent knew the risks."
"I'm afraid you're still mistaken on that being my agent," Agreil counters, "But history aside, the point is made and your considerations will be taken into account for any future dealings."
Alyssa nods, "Very well then. We'll arrange the delivery of the items. And Lord Agreil, let us not be mistaken. Your restrained indication of violence isn't what won you this agreement. My attention being required elsewhere is. I'm here as a sign of, hopefully, mutual respect across lines. I found your people's bank and I cracked it apart in a matter of minutes. And kept it as a trophy. Your side isn't the only ones capable of implying force."
"I believe we understand each other well," Agreil says, "Tell me, do you deal in witchcraft at all?"
"I've studied it, but it's not my primary focus. As a new mechanical friend of mine mentioned, ignorance of any part of the weave is foolish."
"Duchess Rosier is always looking for new students," Agreil offers, "To study the arts of witchcraft in her name."
"Hm. An interesting prospect, indeed. I'll tenuously offer this: send an instructor of a sort to me. One shall we delicately say will be palatable to those with a more stringent view of the battle lines and I'll be open to meeting them. My realm is an Academy, and there's no useless knowledge."
"I'll see to it," Agreil says, offering his clawed hand out to you.
Alyssa shakes on it.
"Oh, and as a matter of courtesy, please have the Duchess restrict the number of spies she sends to my Academy to just the one. It is a bastion of learning and I'd prefer to keep politics restricted to only my personal dealings."
A mere smile is your answer to that, "I'll be sure to pass on your sentiments to her." He has a good, strong grip, you notice. Like iron.
"Thank you. Now to the documents?"
Do you have any ranks in anything dealing with such things, Alyssa?
I dunno? I have Calligraphy, Appraisal, Diplomacy? Any of those apply?
An appraisal check very incidentally, so give it a try.
Appraisal/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+37 : 8 + 37, total 45[/blockquote]
This is mostly out of your depth, but it looks in order? Lots of technical words and legal definitions.
Alyssa passes it around to the others for their satisfaction.
Dolmaya frowns as you all read it, and quietly, "Conspiring with Hell rarely works well," she says, "Are you intent on this course?"
Alyssa says to Agreil, "A moment, if you would be so kind? My companion is far more well versed in these things and would like to consult in private."
Agreil merely smiles, a wave of a claw dismissing you.
Alyssa moves off with Dolmaya and the documents to somewhere reasonably private.
Easy enough - a little side hallway with no one around.
Go ahead.
"To be on the same page, please speak your concerns."
"Devils are vile things and dealing with them is a fool's game," Dolmaya says, "I can accept returning the staff and whatever else, but asking for them to send a representative and give them a foothold? Foolishness!"
"Normally I agree, but I never said we'd allow them to stay. I'm trying to think long term about the bigger fight. The others are bouncing all over creation fighting almost everything they come across. Evey fight they get I to puts another enemy in Shar's pocket. If we can turn this into an opportunity to establish formal neutrality, should we not at least make an overture at it?"
"I don't like it," Dolmaya begins, raising a finger up towards your face.
"It's also good politics, as long as we're careful," Jarem cuts in, "The devils will keep the letter of their promises, if not the spirit of them. Just make sure you know exactly what the letter is and what it says."
"Exactly! If we can can arrange a formal neutrality agreement, it's only less knife in your backs, as long we're smart. Again, I don't like it either, but let's be realistic here. How many fronts can we fight on while having to focus on our real fight? How far do we get dragged into fight after fight until we're pulled so thin she can just brush us aside? And, hoping beyond hope here, what if we can get a few more on our side? Face it: they have every bit as much desire for us to win, even if they don't know it. We lose, and so do they. So does everyone. Can we afford not having every advantage we possibly can?"
Before you get too far into your words, Jarem interrupts by clearing his throat. "Let's not be too vocal here. The walls are strange things, growing ears all the time. The point is we have our opinions and let's make our choice here, whatever it is. Make Agreil at least work for it rather than handing it to him."
"In that case, what do you suggest that add on be?"
"If you're going to deal the staff and return it, do so, then politely decide on the teacher and be done with it," Jarem says, "I personally think Dolmaya's right, it's a bridge too far with Emily there."
"Hm. A point. What about the option of keeping a line of communications open? Maybe a neutral ground meeting in the future, with no date set yet?"
"Yeah, as long as you don't commit to anything," Jarem recommends, "Nothing binding in writing or verbal contract."
Alyssa nods and heads back.
Agreil smiles once you're back in, "Have you come to a decision?"
"Mmm... Seeing as how I operate a school, I've decided that a teacher I haven't set any rules or hard framework for would be inappropriate. I'll have to think on how to word a contract to keep any influences beyond pure academics out of what they'll teach. As such, I'll have to decline her representative for now. On a personal level, however, the opportunity for another teach is still enticing, and I would like to revisit the idea once I've come up with an appropriate contract. Please pass this on to the Duchess."
"I will," Agreil's smile stays quite steady, not even the slightest reaction, "Now then, it's a question of returning what was taken."
Alyssa nods. "We have it stored away at the moment. We'll arrange for it to be delivered to you here in short order."
"Then I look forward to that," Agreil says agreeably, "I expect to receive it shortly."
Alyssa nods. "It's been... An event, Lord Agreil. Thank you for your hospitality."
With that the four of you part and head out. Your escort out is a barbazu this time, who gives you one look, grunts and grinds out, "This way." It's a short trip out, out of the castle and to freedom. Only one question looms: Now what?
Ball is in your court as you leave.
Head back and send someone to return the items. After that, look for a mission. I actually wanted to do some investigations into Shar's operations. Maybe something like kicking her cult or something off of a plane or the like.
Okay, how are you sending them back and what are you sending? We'll cover that real quick and move onto investigations.
I was thinking just a messenger or summon through a gate to them, and the staff and the fragment.
Done easily enough. Go post what you're giving up in loot.
Done.
Okay then, looking into Sharran operations. Where and how?
Well, I want to start with something a little lower end, not just assaulting an epic cabal, so... I guess a good option would be doing a bit of info gathering for rumors/information about new Shar cults or assassinations. Bastian and Jarem are probably the most likely to have contacts for that, and then if we have diviners at the Academy, using them as well. With precautions considering past experience.
Sure. Any particular area of the planes you're focusing on? It's a big multiverse out there.
Yeah it is. Hmm... Maybe start with someone/some place friendly? Or a place that one of our allies has interests in? I'd like to start making in-roads to places.
Sure. Up to you where or ask someone for advice. Your call.
Advice would be best.
Very good, who?
Bastian and Jarem.
Finding Bastian and Jarem isn't hard. They're practicing down below, blade against fist. It's a whirling dance of martial skill between them, the clang of iron and the thump of footsteps.
Alyssa waits for them to have a break to interrupt them.
In time the two exchange a flurry of blocks and attacks, until at last they part. Bastian's grinning, "Almost!"
"Almost," Jarem agrees, taking off his helmet and pulling out a cloth, wiping his sweaty head down. "That elbow counter's new."
"Haven't used in a long time," Bastian reaches up, rubs his elbow. "Your ribs liked it."
"Fuck you," Jarem says, "Your face still yearns for my shield again?"
"I'll settle for something less ugly than that," Bastian's laugh is a rough thing, "It's too bad Emily has the mother she has, she'd be great for a tumble."
"Yeah?" Jarem shakes his head, "She's not my type. Too green, too...Emily. She got raised by two mothers in a whole other world, she has some strange notions. Like you have to be a girl in bed."
Bastian throws his head back and laughs at that, "That's how they do things?"
"Now, now boys, let's shelve that for when I won't be tempted to let her know about it. I've got a job for you two."
"Yeah," Jarem turns, "What do you got?"
Bastian looks on unconcerned, "Need something killed?"
"Need you to find something to kill. Sharrans, specifically. We've moved locations, meaning she's likely lost track of our exact position. I want to start striking back at her. The others are all going out fighting whoever they can. I want to start getting some blades into her flanks and make her bleed. I want you to find targets that will weaken her grip on or completely release planes from her grasp. Start with any new cults she's starting on planes that are likely to affiliate themselves with us. We can't sling spells with gods like Seira can, but we can loosen her grip. Let's start by cutting fingers off, if we can."
Bastian nods and turns to go, "I'll see where my feet take me," he says with a wave.
Jarem continues wiping his face down and adds, "I'll ask around. This on any sort of schedule?"
"Not specifically, but the longer we delay the fight, the stronger she gets. Also, see if you can't find some rich Sharrans."
With a quirk of his lips upward, Jarem says, "I'll be sure any Sharrans are rich princes or nobles."
"Excellent. I look forward to it."
Doing anything while you wait on them to dig something up?
Study the book? Or a trip to Moore with the new info from the slabs.
Up to you which, gimme a choice.
Let the dice God decide!
[blockquote]Rolled 1d2 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]
Book it is.
Sure thing. Give me another round of checks on it.
What were they?
Int.
Alrighty. Gonna be using the Dragon Princess spells.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+12 : 1 + 12, total 13[/blockquote]
Your head just isn't in it today. You stop after a few hours, a headache and little progress. Tomorrow, you decide, going to rest.
Whiff, feel free to try again the next day, it takes Jarem and Bastian a bit of time to get things done on this front, or move to something else.
I can try again the next day, but if you wanna finish this day with something random, feel free.
Let's stay focused. Int again.
Int!
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+12 : 1 + 12, total 13[/blockquote]
No good. Early on in the day you realize your head simply isn't in it still, quickly enough to at least salvage most of the day.
Alyssa heads out to clear her head and find something to help with.
Gimme a d100 then.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]
You get about halfway downstairs when you see someone coming up the stairs. Bastian, taking them at a steady clip. "Alyssa," he calls, "Is Jarem back yet?"
"I've been reading so I have no idea where he is. What's going on?"
"Got a lead," Bastian says, "Along with some big news."
Alyssa nods, "We'll get runners to find them, then. Let's wait in my study."
Bastian sits back while runners go do that, pulling out a silver flask and tossing it to you, before pulling out one of his own. "Have a sip," Bastian offers, pulling out another and doing just that. It's a silvery flask, whirling designs on it that don't make anything in particular, but are rather elegant and pretty.
Alyssa does so!
It's deeply cold ice water, pure and chilling. Colder than merely water with ice cubes, the sort of cold that comes from a tiny bit of meltwater in the winter, when it's scavenged off a mostly frozen stream.
Bastian has a long pull on it, "Found these....about a thousand years ago?" he says, "The coldest, cleanest water I've ever had and it's an infinite supply. Forgot I had them, found them when I was checking some things.""
"Is everyone that works for me older than me by hundreds and hundreds of years?"
Bastian has another long gulp before wiping his brow with the back of his forearm. "What's eternity?" Bastian says, "You'll grow into it."
"Well, unless Shar kills us."
Bastian's answer is more water before capping his flask and putting it away. "First of all, I don't know if you've heard but the efreet had a change of leadership and got a beggar's peace. Groveled like dogs," Bastian growls. "The new leader is a coward representing a tribe of cowards."
"Interesting... It's a positive, but nothing we can immediately benefit from. Well, I'm sure there are hold outs, and if we hit them hard enough to break them, this new guy probably won't want to try to stop us. How did he become leader, though, if he's such a coward?"
"His name's Akil bin Faheem," Bastian says, "The devils back him, they say fiendish legions march in the City of Brass to support their ally in this time of trouble. Dragonshit, it sounds like an occupation. Cowards rolling over, one and all."
"It's probably not that simple, but not far off. Which devils are backing him?"
"I haven't heard names, but big ones. Hell itself," Bastian explains, "Got in touch with a friend who knew some efreet who made a quick escape before the city got locked down fully. The way I hear it is that the new Grand Sultan is having a time eliminating his old enemies. Rooting out traitors and saboteurs to the war effort is the official excuse."
"Hm. Money to be made there if we're fast. They'll all be running to find spaces under rocks, though."
"I hear Magma and Ash will do well," Bastian says, "Which gets to my point. Have you ever been to Ash?
"No, but I've been meaning to. I heard they have a new Archomental."
"Which one?" Bastian asks, curiously.
"I don't know. I haven't had a chance to investigate. Is there more than one new one?"
That line of conversation is interrupted by Emily, Ianvasah and Dolmaya striding in. "Alyssa," Dolmaya calls, "What's going on?"
"Bastian has news about a mission I sent him on. Is Jarem back yet, Dolmaya?"
"No," Dolmaya says shortly, "Not yet."
"Well, we'll have to brief him when he gets back. Go ahead Bastian."
Bastian recounts what he's said before, and then, "What I did pick up from those efreet was a lead on some Sharrans. They're desperate and let it go."
"Good!" Emily says, "Where?"
"In the Smouldering Karst Mountains on Ash," Bastian remarks, "We'll need to do the legwork from there."
A rather considerable frown from Ianvasah, "How much legwork?"
"We have legs. Use them," Bastian says rather laconically.
"Hm. We might be able to do two things at once here. Do we know if the new Archomental has territory near there? We could make an offer to take care of them for him. Diplomatic bonus to killing Sharrans."
Refresh me on what you know about this, Iddy? It's been long enough I want ot make sure we're on the same page.
Nothing. Just that there's a new one.
"I don't think so, but new," Bastian says, "I'll take a walk around and see if I can find out more, if I have time."
Alyssa nods. "Good. A chance at Sharrans. Emily, you're the expert there. When he gets back, I want you and Jarem to come up with a framework. Things we need to prepare for, special defenses, that sort of thing. Bastian, every scrap of information on them and the area they're in is a tool in hand. We'll have to get you a cadre of scouts at some point. Dolmaya, you've got more experience than all of us. I know you're already busy, but give it a once over when they have everything together. I'll be around to help with anything you need."
"We'll probably need to go find it ourselves," Bastian speaks up here, "I know people, but it's a lot of space to cover."
"We can do that then. You and I scout while everyone gets ready."
Bastian smiles a bit, "Come on, I'll take you to the Stacks."
"Don't choke to death, be prepared with the right magic," Dolmaya speaks up, "Ash is miserable otherwise."
"Got a bubble of air at all times."
Alyssa holds up her item.
With that you go off and...
Any prep?
Uh, just regular stuff and telepathic bond.
Bastian will request planar tolerance or something similar as a good sense backup for both of you, if that isn't included.
It isn't. Give me a second to shift some spells. Also, put that on his gear list to-dos. Do we have one of those?
Got that done faster than I thought. Spell is on the list and he's now got it at CL 24 via Divine Factotum.
We don't. It's an 1 hour/level spell so it's usually practical to just cast it.
Cold.
It's cold!
You stand amid ashen, burnt mountains. Mountains of ash, the air choking with it. Yet your magic protects you, warding away the choking miasma. The sky here is dead dark, the ground a lifeless, barren wasteland. The mountains rise high, no path to follow here.
Without missing a step, Bastian hops into the air and begins to fly as if it was as normal as walking."We're not too far from the Stacks. Look sharp.'"
Alyssa follows him and keeps an eye out!
Gimme a d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 2, total 2[/blockquote]
As you fly along, you catch something. Something brown sticking just out of the ashen ground below, standing out as a blast of color amid gray-white ash.
Alyssa sends to Bastian, 'What's that? Any idea?'
Bastian pauses his flight and peers down, 'Debris, could be anything. Ashstorms bury groups of travelers whole, and occasionally they're unearthed later.' You note he's already flying down towards it, though.
Goes with him but keeps a little away and above for a better vantage point and look out.
It looks to be something like a...wooden wheel? A wagon's wheel, perhaps.
"Clear the ash out with magic," Bastian instructs, shortly.
Alyssa picks up huge scoops of it and sets it aside with her TK, taking care not to blast up a cloud with it.
You begin to reveal what looks like a wag- gah! Ash white snakes slither and fall out of the ash you move by the dozen, more slithering out from the wagon and into the ash below.
Alyssa sets the pile aside but snags one them with her TK to inspect, making sure to keep in the air.
"Bastian, don't set down!"
Bastian stays where he is, at least for now.
K:P.
K:P/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+61 : 4 + 61, total 65[/blockquote]
+3 if Terrain Mastery applies.
It is a sootsnake. These snakes are poisonous but mostly avoid bigger creatures unless stumbled on. Just don't get bit, really.
You also know they usually stay in pockets of heat or elemental energy, or other sources of power.
"Just a sootsnake. Watch your feet and you'll be fine. But it does mean something under here is giving off heat."
Alyssa sets the snake down and keeps working!
It is a wagon and several skeletons.
Bastian keeps above it and shakes his head, "A wagon trip in Ash. Fools," he says shortly, "Elf brained idiots."
"Elf brained, hm?"
Alyssa goes for a more detailed inspection. Could there be anything to identify them or of value?
You check in the wagon and around it. Inside the wagon are several dozen sootsnakes, lying and coiled around something, a nest of them that isn't moving.
Alyssa moves them with her TK.
Done and done. Sitting on the floor of the wagon is a set of armor in a pile - metal armor, full plate if you don't miss your guess. You can feel heat radiating from it now, even from here.
Alyssa uses her TK to bring it close enough to inspect, just in case it's cursed or something.
Inspecting it with detect magic, you can see it is the following.
Loot post incoming in one sec.
Alyssa packs it away for later.
"Well, that's an interesting piece. A worth while stop."
Bastian smirks as he goes, "You're lucky, Alyssa. Those sort of finds happen, but not commonly."
"I'll take what I can get. Let's keep moving."
Over several more hills you go. In time you see it - a small plain. Here on this plain of ash and ruin sits a city. A city of weathered, crumbling stone, choked by great heaps and winds of ash. The buildings are sealed up tight, several dozen in connected clusters, no gaps between them, built wall to wall. No one is about and around.
"Let's observe for a bit before we do a perimeter scout. See if we can figure out how many might be wandering around."
"None. Next." Bastian doesn't even slow down, flying on. "There's a trick to getting in."
Alyssa follows.
Bastian flies to atop one of the buildings, one with the remnants of a tower atop it, just the foundations of it. Here Bastian goes into the middle and gestures, "Clear away the ash," he says, a layer of it over everything.
"Aren't I supposed to be in charge?"
Alyssa does as asked.
"I know the way, you don't," Bastian reasons quite calmly, as moving the ash reveals a heavy stone trap door.
As he goes to it, "Never try to open it directly," Bastian says, instead going about two feet to the left of it. He stomps his foot down three times, and on the third time the trap door pops open.
"Are you taking point or am I?"
Bastian's answer is to fly right in and call, "Follow me."
Alyssa does so!
Down several stories of stairs - and as you go, it gets warmer again. Down and down and down...until opens up. A grand underground place, dozens of tents, wagons, impromptu structures of wood and metal and more aside. Riff raff from across the planes wander here - from mortals to immortals to odder things yet, a melange of things on a single glance.
"The Stacks," Bastian says. "Three rules. One, you don't ask any nosy questions about people. Two, you don't attack anyone or settle grudges here. Three, no cold magic."
"Interesting. You know people here, then?"
"Maybe. People come and go," Bastian admits, as you take a breath of the clean air, no storm of ash within here. "You're safe here, safer than in most cities and settlements on other planes. Just remember the three rules."
"Mmm... Are we meeting someone here, or just sightseeing?"
"No," Bastian says, "Did you already forget why we came here?"
"To scout. But you haven't told me why we've come here, specifically."
"Scout information," Bastian says shortly, "Talk to people, see if anyone knows anything. Scouting isn't just creeping in undergrowth and spying on enemy forces."
"Show me, then. I research and have met people, but typically it's through brokers."
Bastian nods and leads you to a large tent with a handful of people sitting around. Several casks of booze are here, the smell of it strong.
One creature is a green, warty troll. Unlike most it is absolutely bald, rippling muscle otherwise and a rough, battered greataxe sitting by it. It drinks from a tankard, wearing a loincloth and boots.
The next is a dwarf, drinking up. No beard, just a stubble of red hair on his head. He's missing an arm, his one good arm gripping his cup with a death grip. He wears well worn clothes, no armor or weapon around him.
The third is a hound archon, nursing a small glass of something clear as water. His expression is pensive, eyes unfocused. A chain shirt and scimitar rest besides him, along with a belt lined with pouches.
The fourth is a stranger sight yet - a sahuagin, except with dead white skin, flaky and peeling all over. He wears plain clothes, dirty and torn, andcarries no weapon either. He at least looks up from his drinking, a nod to the two of you.
The fifth and last is an efreet, drinking up with abandon. He wears rich if stained clothes, head bowed in between gulps. He twitches regularly, thick and fat cheeks showing signs of sinking in, of loss, hints of hanging skin on his forearms.
Bastian tosses a handful of gold coins to the casks, "Whomever is selling, I'm buying," he announces.
The efreet looks up with bleary eyes, stumblingly using his mug to get the coins to him, spilling ale everywhere. "Drink," he slurrs out, a few more mugs by the casks. Bastian goes and fills two glasses to the brim, passing one to you as everyone gets refills.
Alyssa takes it and subtly inspects those in the tent before speaking to the efreet.
"Displaced by the recent regime change?"
Bastian kicks back at this, drinking up.
A long, bleary look at you again, "Fucking Faheem," The efreet slurrs.
"Idiot," The hound archon snaps, a growl after, "You got him going AGAIN." He then says something in a language you don't know and is only translated by your magic, harsh and cruel and sounding entirely unkind about you, your mother and your dietary habits relating to certain parts of your mother.
The troll shrugs and drinks, not saying a word.
"Father said it every day like pearls of wisdom: Faheem is a hold over gone traitor. He was for us with the Crimson Firebrand around, but now he's nothing but a devil lapdog! Now he's gone and taken control." Another full gulp, more booze gotten before he goes back to drinking. "Trash! A thousand curses on his house, may him and all of his be neutered by a rusty hook!"
"Yeah," Bastian's kicking back now, "Worthless pile of shit." Having a long sip of his ale, "You the only one who got away?"
The efreet shudders at that, throwing his mug down, booze spilling out. "I'll kill him. I'LL KILL HIM FOR FATHER AND MY WIVES!" He rises, staggering badly, face flushed even redder than usual. Lapsing into Ignan, voice crackling like a campfire, "Scum! SCUM!" He wobbles once, twice and falls face down over his fallen drink.
"Well, at least he's quiet now. I suppose we should take him to talk somewhere where he'll annoy the locals less?"
"No, let him sleep it off," Bastian says, drinking.
Here the sahuagin takes a refill, "He's also not here to charge," he says quietly, "Deadscales. You?"
"Bastian," Bastian replies, letting it go at that.
Alyssa takes a moment to inspect the others, looking for clues to their general health.
"There's drink here, but what about food?"
Got ranks in Heal or anything relevant to that beyond surface impressions, Alyssa?
Got a couple ranks in Heal but way more ranks in K:N.
Heal check.
Heal/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+31 : 7 + 31, total 38[/blockquote]
They all look in decent health - the sahuagin's tough to say because of his particular condition and heritage - you'd just need more information there. The efreet less so, but he's also an immortal so that covers a lot of issues.
Alyssa sends to Bastian, 'What now? The one with information we might be able to use is passed out.'
'We're here for Sharrans, not the efreet. Focus on the others. Can you heal the one armed dwarf? If you can, get him alone and work something out for information. Privatley.'
Alyssa quirks an eyebrow, 'Alright, but we ha e allies who are interested in the efreet. Keep it in mind, it could be an easy but to offer them.'
With that, she turns to the dwarf, "Master dwarf, I was hoping to speak to you. I have an assistant who's a fellow dwarf. There's an upcoming celebration and was hoping to ask about a few things, if we could talk privately. I'll make the minor effort of our conversation worth your while."
Give me an immediate Diplo check, would you?
Diplo:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+44 : 1 + 44, total 45[/blockquote]
"You paying?" he grunts, not a single change of expression.
"I'll make sure the payment is suitable."
A curd nod, the dwarf getting up. "Lead on."
Alyssa leads him to a corner out of the way, "I'm sure you're clever enough to know that this isn't about dwarf customs, so I won't insult you by veiling it any more. I'm looking for information on a group and I can offer you something valuable in return."
A cool look, "What do you have, woman, and what do you want?"
"What I have is magic. To restore your arm, unless there's a lingering curse to it. Which I'd be willing to look into. What I want is information on a new group that's moved into Ash."
"..." A grunt look, then a deep bow, "You'll have it if you can do that," he says.
"I don't mean to be cruel, but I want to make sure you're aware of the stakes and price. I want information on Sharrans, and if I ever hear of it beyond your lips, the price will rise. Significantly."
A curt nod, "I'll tell you anything I know about them," The dwarf promises right away.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "You'll have to convince me that you do know something. Let me see your arm while you do so."
Alyssa starts examining the limb as she waits for him to start.
Detect Magic as needed.
There's no magic about it - no curses, nothing like that.
"I've heard they've been seen around, or shadows too," he says, "Stories from travelers. They stay away from the cities."
"And you have more details than that?"
A moment's pause, a narrow look, "North," he finally says, "Maybe. Reports vary."
Alyssa nods and begins casting.
Regeneration, CL 23.
"You will assist us for the rest of our time here."
The dwarf watches with baited breath - and when your spell finishes, he grunts in pain as his arm regrows. It takes a few moments but it's back, a wide, dwarven smile on his face as he flexes both hands. "Fine," he says quickly, "Honored matron."
Alyssa smiles and lays a hand on his shoulder replies in dwarven, "Welcome back from the depths, lost warrior. May your axe and arm lead you to blood and honor once again."
"My arm is all I need," he smiles widely, "I can punch with both fists again!"
Alyssa laughs. "No wonder Bastian brought me here, then. What do you plan to do after we find who we're looking for?"
A few moments before he says slowly, obviously, "Punch a lot of people with two fists?"
"Yes, but where? Wherever you happen to find yourself?"
"It's as a wise one of Clangedding Silverbeard once told me: There's always another motherfucker to punch." A big grin follows that.
"Well, should you happen to impress me and get Bastian's vote of confidence, we might have further opportunities to have you punch people with us. Let's get back to Bastian and celebrate a little. Perhaps two mugs at once for you?"
With an even bigger grin you two go back and...
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=14]
Bastian's drinking and talking away with the sahuagin. "...problem with them - you know how to calm them down but look at it!"
Deadscales laughs, a wheezy, wet sound.
The efreet is still out cold and the troll is still drinking.
The hound archon is sniffing the air, his gaze turning to you as you come in.
Alyssa locks eyes with him with a quirked eyebrow for a moment but continues to glide to the table, taking up her mug again and drinking as she sends to Bastian, 'He has information to the North. He's agreed to assist us for the rest of our expedition. I'd like you to observe him and evaluate him for possible recruitment while we're working with him here as well.'
The hound archon sniffs several more times, even leaning in close to you, but says not a word.
'Alright. Deadscales doesn't know anything - he been away for the past several months,' Bastian sends back.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and a finger at the archon and gives him a slight push on the snout.
"If you're going to proposition me, at least do so properly. Why, I don't believe you even bought me enough of drinks to get quite that nose-full."
"You smell of healing magic," The hound archon retorts, pushed back slightly from your finger. "But you don't reek of righteousness."
Bastian's smiling, smirking almost really, but he hides it by having a drink.
"Yes, quite so. I'm very adept at many things. I have some skill with divine magic, through a... slightly different type of devotion, and a far greater skill with arcane magic."
"I like that," The hound archon licks his lips, "You like to have fun, wizard?"
Alyssa snorts and chuckles, "Are you truly propositioning me? We're here on business."
"I know how to have fun, unlike other archons," The hound archon says, a low, throaty growl after.
Deadscales chuckles at it, still visibly grinning. "You probably smell like wet dog," he retorts. "She's Bastian's, anyway."
"Not my type," Bastian says, and with a hint of a smile, "But push it at your own risk, hound."
Alyssa chuckles. "Well, I hadn't thought of it since I'm here on business, but it's an amusing proposition. Work first, at the very least, but I do wish you luck."
She turns to the saughin, "And dear sir, consider this a... teaching moment. If we should ever happen to have dealings again, it would be unwise of you to ever so much as imply that I belong to anyone. I assure you, it would make me quite annoyed."
You get a sallow, unblinking stare from Deadscales at that, but Bastian just gives him a glare - enough to shut him up, at least.
'Move on, Alyssa, they're not the polite type.'
'I'm fairly certain I can throw them around if it came to it, but yes, let's finish and get going.'
"Well, as pleasant as this has been, we're here to get things done. Bastian, master dwarf, shall we?"
The dwarf rises as you all go. Once out?
"Crucy." The dwarf says roughly, "Call me that."
Alyssa nods, "Crucy. What have you heard and where are you leading us?"
"I don't know, but someone else might," he says, "He'll want money."
"Lets go, then."
d100 real quick?
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 47, total 47[/blockquote]
You're lead to another tent, one in the back, a bit away from the others. It looks like any other tent, worn and beaten. Crucy steps aside, "In here."
One bonus morning post, rest this evening.
Alyssa heads in, keeping an eye on the dwarf and surroundings in case they've attracted attention.
Within the tent is an orc. An orc with a blindfold over his eyes, wearing battered clothes with dirt and tears all over. His head lolls forward as if asleep, drool trickling down his chin. He licks his lips as you enter, "One and son, so you are from the deepest depths, beyond this pile of ash, where I see dusty paths, and yet the paths go everywhere that is not dusty, but they take you here, where ash and death are king and queen. Loss and across, the dagger sliced deep, leaving behind the mercy of darkness, but I see you, for I see everything and nothing, all because it struck across."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "A seer?"
Crucy grunts, "He knows things and that's good enough."
"Sweet and teat, red as summers forgotten, I miss them even now, for they open the doors ahead, doors to seek what is sought, a small and delicate taste of yesterday, grown in the warmth of the sun, where under it the same red blood is shed." The orc recites.
"A blood fruit of some sort?"
Bastian scratches his chin, "A red fruit or similar thing. An apple, strawberries, blood figs, anything like that."
The orc is silent after reciting those words.
"Hmm... Is there anything near by?"
"Food's here but expensive," Bastian says, "Mostly dregs. I'd suggest magic if you can manage to wiggle your fingers in the right way." His arms are crossed as he regards the sleeping orc.
I don't know off hand what spell would do this?
I guess Create Food and Water.
"I don't have that spell ready, but... I suppose a quick trip back would solve this as well."
Create Food and Water makes bland, nutritious food. A wish would suffice.
Bastian nods, "How fast can you do it?"
"It's overkill to use a wish on it... I can open a Gate easily enough, though. Be just a few minutes."
Plan?
Just gate back for an apple. I'm not expending a wish and destabilizing my magic for an f'n apple.
Sure. You'll need to walk out and fly away a little bit, you okay with that and a round trip?
Yeah, that's fine, but before that...
"Bastian, since I'm going back, is there anything else you think I should grab? I feel like there might be some good recruits here for our Academy."
"Food's good," Bastian says, "Anything fresh in particular. You don't see much here."
Alyssa responds telepathically, 'Do you mean like a soup kitchen for everyone?'
'I mean like fresh food to allure people,' Bastian retorts right back.
'Why can't it be both? It seems a wonderful idea, and you don't have to hide it by wrapping it pragmatism all the time. I'll see if I can't round up some students who can cast Heroes Feast and make this really special.'
To the others, "Wait here for a bit! I'll return in a bit."
'There's people here who don't deserve to be pissed on if they were on fire,' Bastian replies back, 'Or has Emily rubbed off on you?'
'That also implies there are people who deserve better. You can't fool me, I know your secret now, Bastian The Missionary!'
With that Alyssa heads off!
'If that's your logic, then I pity anyone you teach logic to.' Bastian sends back to you.
Okay, so going to hop out and...?
Feel free to bicker with Bastian if you don't want him getting the last word or take exception or whatever.
Eh, doesn't matter. I can just spread it around that it was his idea to open a soup kitchen. Everyone else will do everything I need them to from then on.
As for plan, yes, head out and Gate back, round up some magical peeps, and get back for foodings.
Okay then, assuming that goes without incident, how are you planning on doing this exactly?
Get them in some sort of decently open area and have the spell cast. I can't imagine it'll be organized exactly, but hey, it's something.
It's not hard to get an open space a bit away from the tents as...
Go ahead and set this up, sell it, get attention, whatever. Your thing, go for it and it'll get reactions.
Alyssa uses a bit of Prestidigitation to amplify and project her voice, "To those who are hungry, a feast is being offered to all. No knives, no violence, full bellies for all."
This is definitely a time I'd like a diplo check as well if you're doing it like this.
Diplo/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+67 : 9 + 67, total 76[/blockquote]
To your clear words attention comes - people poke out of tents, eyeing and sniffing the air.
Alyssa motions for those she brought to get the feast going!
You get long, careful looks - before Crucy goes up and starts eating. A human, a dwarf, a gnome. Odder and odder things yet, more and more coming at the sight of free food.
Alyssa nods in satisfaction before going to a nearby pile of food and snatching up two apples before heading to the blind man again.
The blind man sits where he is, awaiting you perhaps, or simply letting time pass him by.
"Here you are, sir."
Alyssa places the apple in his hand.
The apple is considered and then put down. "Small and against the wall, ripe and red in the mind's eyes, they are what are the path ahead, a small and delicate taste of yesterday, plump droplets taken far."
Alyssa sends to Bastian, 'What the hell does that mean?'
'Something besides an apple,' Bastian replies back. 'It's hardly the only red fruit there is.'
'Small and against the wall? A strawberry or the like?'
'I think so, too,' Bastian says, 'Try those.'
Alyssa heads back to the feast and snatches up some Strawberries!
Easy enough. This time the old man takes one and eats it in two bites. He says nothing, but a smile graces his face.
"More old man? Or something different this time?"
Blindfolded eyes are unseen, but his head is in the right angle to look at you. "Ask what you want," he says.
"There are Sharrans here. A new cabal. We're looking for information about them and their location."
"I've heard a few secrets about that," Is your reply, "They reside in the Ash Basin, most likely."
Alyssa turns to Bastian, "Know that area?"
"Been there once or twice. It's a deathtrap," Bastian shakes his head, "Full of lowlands with quickash. Like quicksand but worse."
"Hm. Should be alright, considering, as long as we go slow and be stealthy."
Turning back to the old man, "Would you happen to know anything about their numbers or leader?"
A shake of his head, "Only where they are likely to lair."
"Hm. Anything else of interest, then? Since we're here, we might as well check on things if they're on our way."
"Nothing urgent," Bastian says, "It's not much of a city. It's shit built on ashes."
"Alright, then. Thank you old man. Would you like us to take you to the feast so you can enjoy it?"
A shake of his head, "I've had the feast I wanted already, human."
"Farewell, then, and good luck."
Okay then, next move?
To this basin for scouting? Unless Bastian wants to go home.
He's up for it. How are you going to get there?
Flight? I mean, how far is it?
According to Bastian, a day or so by flight, barring interruptions.
Well, in that case, we can just go back, redo spells, and then I'll have Greater Teleport. Much easier.
Sure. Let me know when you're ready. Any mix ups to prep?
Just swapping a spell for the teleport is really it. Gimmie a sec.
Sure, post when.
Done. Let's go!
Thus the two of you appear on a small, crumbling ledge. Bastian hops into the air after a moment as you look ahead.
Here is a vast basin, a depressed land sinking deep into the ground. Great piles of ash are here, the air thick with it and everything covered. It is a dead wasteland as far as you can see.
'Fun place. How do you want to do this?'
'Stay low, keep moving and keep looking," Bastian says, 'If we get attacked, that answers a lot of questions.'
'Let's try not to get attacked. What kind of search pattern do you want to do?'
'Look around,' Bastian says, 'Work from there. Keep moving - we can go again if we need to.'
Alyssa nods and heads out as stealthily as she can!
Stealth check and a Perception check, let's start with those.
Stealth/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+88 : 5 + 88, total 93[/blockquote]
Perception/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+69 : 11 + 69, total 80[/blockquote]
Do you see invisibility or true see, and do you have any exotic senses beyond darkvision?
True Seeing, Blindsight 30ft, Tremor sense 30ft
Cool, d100 then.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 46, total 46[/blockquote]
You fly on for an hour, beginning. It's largely empty ash and space so far, nothing unusual at all. Barren, empty, cold and ash choked. Bastian shows no sign of stopping, keeping up a meandering pace that covers ground fast.
Alyssa continues on as well, keeping her position off set from Bastian to prevent any sort of area strike getting both of them, but keeping an eye out for any possible buried objects like the cart.
Another few hours of searching and nothing - you're just not turning up anything so far at all.
'If it were me, I'd look for an underground cavern and use teleport or dimension door to get in and out. No one would ever see you coming or going...'
Alyssa watches for any sort of terrain feature that would hunt at underground caves or passages.
Got any relevant skills to this?
K: Geography and K: Nature with underground terrain mastery.
Gimme a check on both.
K: Geography/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+61 : 6 + 61, total 67[/blockquote]
K: Nature/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+61 : 6 + 61, total 67[/blockquote]
It's hard to tell in the ash, but a deep sink would be a sign of it, since an open cavern would fill with ash here. Anything like that would be a big sign.
Alyssa keeps an eye out for such!
d100 take 2.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 19, total 19[/blockquote]
After about another hour and as hunger begins to gnaw at you, you notice something. A depression in the ground, maybe roughly 30ft in diameter and 20ft deep.
Alyssa sends to Bastian, 'Look here, I think this might be something underground.'
She slows and further inspects the area, looking for more proof.
It's burnt ash everywhere, par for the course. Nothing looks different here beyond the depression.
Alyssa uses her TK to probe the area carefully, testing the ground for any sort of entrance.
Pushing at the ground, you see the ash quickly caves inward several more feet, throwing up even more ash into the air.
'Think that's it?'
'It might be,' Bastian says, 'Or it could just be a depression that hasn't filled in.'
'If it is and we open it, then we reveal ourselves. Let's mark it in our minds and continue on.'
'You already poked it. If they're vigilant, we've already tipped our hand,' Bastian points out, then adds, 'Can you make an illusion worth a damn?'
'With a wish, but it'll destabilize my magic. We can take an over watch position and wait.'
'Alright.' Agreement with nothing more as...
How long are you going to watch and wait?
Eh, few hours. Realistically, you'd search for a few days, but this be a game.
At a bit past an hour, suddenly...with a soft THUMP the ash gives way more - another dozen feet or so of depression, settling out after, sending more into the air.
Alyssa stays in place, watching closely.
Bastian does the same as suddenly, 'MOVE!' Bastian barks into your mind, flying back and up.
Alyssa Dimension Doors away, getting out of danger.
Thus you dimension door away from it all, slipping away. From a far distance you can see a vast plume of ash rising up, Bastian heading in your general direction fast, eating up the distance with a quickness.
'Volcano of some sort?'
'Close, it's more like an eruption of life draining ash,' Bastian says, 'Seen it turn a dragon into a skeleton in seconds.'
'Now that's.... interesting. I want some of the ash. Maybe a lot. It could be very useful...'
'It is - and hard to keep, but I heard there's ways around that.' Bastian stops at your side now. 'Also not Sharrans.'
Alyssa considers the best way to collect the ash.
Based on your arcane knowledge, in a sealed container magically warded against cold and life draining.
Alyssa marks the place down for return once she gets such a container.
'Let's keep moving then. We'll also need to plan for the Sharrans to have this ash.'
Perception real quick, would you?
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 8 + 46, total 54[/blockquote]
You notice something - below, a rippling in the ash, coming to directly below the two of you.
'Move! Below us!'
Jetting away, a frantic movement. As you do it erupts out, another plume right below you that...
Ref. Avoided an ambush.
Ref/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+35 : 12 + 35, total 47[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+20 Ref saves are Bastian's weak point
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d20=1]
Improved evasion, forgot to mention it last night since it was at end of session.
> roll 15d8
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d8=6,8,2,5,4,1,2,3,1,5,8,5,4,4,7]
Halved for both of you.
The plume erupts around the duo, draining and uugh. You feel weaker in it, struggling to rise up and escape it, ash everywhere, clinging to you as...
Go.
I guess I should have rolled for the DD cool down. Want me to do that?
Yes.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d4 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
Cool. Anyway, your turn.
Alyssa gets more altitude and moves towards Bastian to help him in case he needs it.
'Are you okay? Is this something attacking us?'
Bastian begins to jet up and away from it while he sends back, 'I'm fine. You?'
'Burns a little, but nothing I can't heal for both of us once we're clear.'
'Then move!' Bastian sends back.
Alyssa head off with Bastian, keeping an eye for movement in the ash.
Below you see it - the ash is shifting, moving. Stirring, rippling far below as the of you rise up.
'Could be a few things,' Bastian says, 'None worth the fight.'
'It should lose interest if we get far enough away. Come here, I'll teleport us.'
Bastian comes on over at that.
Alyssa uses Dimension Door again get them as far away as she can!
More distance again, the ash below you still now. Bastian exhales, "Good," he speaks aloud. "One of the many reasons no one lives in Ash."
'What was it?'
Alyssa begins casting Vigorious Circle!
Fast healing 3 for 40 rounds.
'An ash worm, an ash wyrm, an ash winder or anything like that. The natives aren't creative, but there's a few too many predators who go through the ash like water,' Bastian replies.
'Hm. Well, shall we keep looking or head back? I'm sure we've attracted attention with that thing blowing ash all around.'
A click of his tongue, 'They're out here somewhere, the cowards. But I think we need a different approach.'
'Let's get out of here first, then think on it.'
How are you getting back?
If it's been an hour I can Gate again.
Sure. Okay . Plan once you get back?
Consult with the other for ideas.
"Well," Emily places down her teacup as you all sit in your towertop, "That means we need someone who knows Ash, don't we?"
"Or the right spell," Dolmaya seconds.
"Or both. A local can help give guidance to any troops we send out, but magic will help minimize our exposure beforehand."
"Anything like that," Dolmaya agrees, "Can we divine more about it or is that not possible?"
"Sharrans," Jarem says in a word, "They'll be warded from here to Fire."
Alyssa nods, "My Order's best diviner was blinded when he tried. Cursed. Best way to do this is probably the old fashioned way. Bodies on the ground. That's why I wanted a spy master."
This gets Dolmaya to scowl, "Too bad. Sharrans," she says it like a curse.
"Then we all go?" Ianvasah speaks up, "We all search?"
"It's not the worst idea," Jarem says, "But it's not great. We're still hoping to get lucky."
"Locals, I think. Cruchy might have contacts?"
"Speaking of him," Bastian says, "We going to do anything with him?"
"Can we? You know him better than I do. Is he reliable? What can he offer? Is there a chance he'll slip back into a bottle?"
Bastian grunts, "Give him something to do and friends here and he should pull himself together. I'll find something useful for him to do."
"If you vouch for him, then he's invited."
"I'll take care of it," Bastian agrees.
"Back on task," Jarem cuts in there, "Even if Alyssa likes her dwarves. See about any contacts if they help while the rest of us do the legwork and see if we get lucky."
Alyssa nods. "Let's see if that feast built us any good will. We'll need to plan for that Ash worm, too. I don't doubt it's presence is part of why they chose that area. We can see if we can get any elementals to map it out?"
"That's an idea. Bind several and have them work for us," Jarem says, "Are you familiar with the magic for it?"
Emily nods, "Oh! We don't have many ash elementals, but I can ask the few we do have."
Alyssa points at Emily, "Start with the ones we're friendly with. How many is that? As for the magic, I can manage it. We have others who can as well."
"I'd have to go home and check," Emily says, "But at least a dozen. Mom focuses more on the main planes, there's a lot of quasi and para elemental planes," Emily explains, "But Mom's good at dealing with them, too."
Alyssa nods, "Keep it quiet, but get it done. Jarem, are we lacking any sort of specialists? Emily might be able to pull one or two from her Mother's retinue to bloody these Sharrans. If we can find them."
"No one I know," Jarem admits, "It's specialized work because of how unpleasant Ash is, and there's not a lot of call for them."
"Well, maybe Cruchy will know someone. Let's get it pulled together and find them, fast. I don't want them to slip away."
Cool. Next move then?
Nothing specific until those pieces are in place. Just scouting and setting up for it.
Gimme a quick d100 then, I'm mostly setting you for this evening.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 7, total 7[/blockquote]
Gimme another d100, you hit SUBTABLES.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 72, total 72[/blockquote]
Who all is scouting?
I assume Bastian, me, and whoever else we can find that's interested and competent at scouting.
Jarem and Ianvasah. Emily's off to a quick Cauldron trip and Dolmaya will be the magical reserve.
You've been at it a few hours when you see it - a depression in the endless expanse of ash, about 10ft deep, notable.
'There. That could be an entrance. Take up good positions out of sight and I'll give it a nudge, see if it opens up.'
'We'll position,' Jarem sends, 'Good luck.'
Alyssa takes up as best a stealthy position as she can and keep the depression in range.
Stealth check then.
Stealth/Cunning Knowledge (+3 to this if Terrain Mastery applies):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+88 : 11 + 88, total 99[/blockquote]
You're hiding as well as you can in the ash storm, ready to act as you please.
Alyssa uses her TK to give the depression a shove, testing how stable it is while focusing on her Tremorsense, hoping to get something of a reaction from below.
It's stable. Surprisingly so. Not a hint of give in it at all. There's not much trembling in ash, but none whatsoever when your feet touch the ground. It's stops at a certain point, stops cold, like there's nothing solid there at all.
'I think there's a cavern under us. Anyone have Detect Life ready?'
That's not an actual spell, Iddy.
I thought it was a Necro spell. Huh. I guess Detect Thoughts would be the next best thing. Or Detect Weapons.
Range and possibly being blocked by the ash is a concern as well for those. Go ahead and retool your post regardless, since detect life isn't an actual spell.
'Anyone have Detection Spells ready? I think they found a cavern and sealed it behind them. Though... If we can set up a large enough radius, we can use Divert Teleport into a Force Cage and overlay it with a Teleport Cage..'
'Nothing useful,' is Ianvasah's reply 'Do you think it's it, Alyssa?'
'It very well could be. Let's mark the are for some elementals to check out and keep going.'
Okay, in that case give me another d100 real quick?
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 37, total 37[/blockquote]
You wander a time, but aren't seeing any more after a few more hours of effort.
'Call it and wait for the Elementals to confirm?'
At that soon enough, 'There's a cavern,' Ianvasah sends back, 'They haven't gone far, but there's an area free of ash below.'
'That will be it, most likely. Okay, let's keep a couple here to monitor for them abandoning it and the rest prepare for that assault.'
Okay then, what prep are we looking at?
I was thinking some assault groups, a few groups of mages to use divert teleport and force cage or antimagic field to hold captives. One or two groups go in with some elementals making tunnels for them, one or two to teleport in, one to act as reserve. The main assault group will test for teleport protections before proceeding, coordination via telepathic bond with group leaders.
Okay then, what's your role in this and the roll of your node?
Team leaders. Alyssa will go with the assault force in case of crazy stuff needing to be dealt with.
Okay then, any spell prep for you?
Ehh, lemme look after work Maybe something like Xorn movement or some special sense.
Sure, let me know when you're set.
Done. Just added Xorn Movement.
Okay, go ahead and set up your plan and I'll start resolving it.
As I said. A group or two for tunnelling, one with me for teleport in, one in reserve.
I mean do the teleporting or whatever's going to open this.
Alyssa gates to Ash, getting into range at an organization point, getting the groups together.
"Any last minutes before final step off?"
"Nothing, ma'am," Is the answer you get. "We're ready."
Alyssa nods and teleports everyone to their positions to begin the assault.
Thus you teleport in. The cavern is pitch black, as you might perhaps expect, save for the light all of you provide. It's an ash strewn cavern, old stone slowly crumbling to ash. The cavern continues ahead, into the darkness.
Alyssa uses here telepathic bond, 'First cavern empty, proceeding.'
'Got it,' Jarem sends back.
Alyssa continues with her team.
Give me Perception.
Perception/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+69 : 9 + 69, total 78[/blockquote]
It's hard to tell with the poor lighting, but you proceed on. The cavern winds on - until it hits a plain dead end, nothing remarkable about it at all to the casual glance.
Alyssa takes a second to cast Greater Blindsight on herself.
What's the range on that?
60.
You don't see anything with your greater magical senses.
Alyssa keeps going.
It's a plain dead end. Are you going to go back and explore in another direction or what?
Alyssa does indeed turn to explore the rest.
It's simply a cavern, Nothing unusual about it, just an unusually empty space in Ash. No signs of anything awry here at least to a casual check over.
'Nothing. Have the elementals come across anything?'
'Nothing yet,' Jarem says, 'We may not have found anything worthwhile.'
You hear a faint, faint noise coming back the way you came.
'Hold on. Heard something. Everyone, take positions as best you can.'
Alyssa takes to the air, hovering a few inches from the ceiling to get out of line of sight and creeps back that way, doing her best to be stealthy.
Sure, Stealth check then.
Stealth:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+65 : 16 + 65, total 81[/blockquote]
You advance ahead - and you see nothing but another simple snake, slithering ahead.
Alyssa leaves it for now, 'Just an Ash Snake. Let's reset and check the other area of note.'
Do you have true seeing or anything like that?
I have continuous true seeing.
As you focus on the snake, you see it slowly shows something above it. The image of a humanoid of some kind, ghostly and transparent. A humanoid with red hair. The creature before you is a shapechanger of some kind.
Alyssa stays hidden and watches it, 'No, wait... It's a shapeshifter of some sort. Humanoid, red hair. Going to watch it and see if it shows us anything. Jarem, dispatch the reserve team to scout the second area if you think it's worth doing.'
'We'll hold for the moment,' Jarem says back, as the snake slithers and watches you.
So it noticed me, or is this it just looking around?
It's not showing any outward sign, but it's also a snake. So y'know, hard to tell.
Alyssa will wait a few longer before she does anything else.
The snake lingers but is slithering away, in that slow way snakes tend to.
Alyssa watches it, hoping it reveals a secret passage, but will pin it with her TK before it looks like it'll disappear into the wall.
It slithers on away, into the shadows. It looks like it's going out of sight, you'd have to follow it.
Alyssa follows it, ready to pin it with TK if she thinks she's going to lose it.
The snake slithers into a small pile of ash and does not come out.
Alyssa shifts the ash, looking for an opening a snake can fit through.
With your hand or your TK?
TK.
The ash is moved. The snake has just begin to curl up amid it, cover blown away as it looks up, hissing.
Alyssa snatches it up and floats it into the air.
The snake does what is natural for a snake - it tries to bite you as you bring it up.
> roll 1d20+19
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=15]
AC?
I've got 30ft range. I wouldn't bring it that close to me. How big is it?
Oh right, TK, had a brain fart. Dur. It's small, just a snake. Disregard the attack roll.
Alyssa brings it close enough to speak to, "I can see your red hair, shifter. Speak to me and I'll release you. I have no intention of harming you, unless you continue this charade or try to attack."
Suddenly, a red haired man is there, clad in simple clothes and a pair of iron bracers. He eyes you, and in halting Common, "What...do you ...want?"
Alyssa sets him back on the ground, easing the pressure of her TK.
"We're searching for a certain group. Might you have an idea of who I mean?"
"Tell me what you want...plainly," he scowls.
"We're hunting Sharrans and have information they're here. You're either a hermit or a scout."
"Not...that." The man grinds out, "Not this cave."
"Do you know where?"
"Deep," A single word, emphasized, "DEEP."
"Would you be willing to guide us to them?"
"No," He says, flatly. "Leave...me."
"At least tell me if they're directly below us."
A headshake at that, "Ahead, north and below."
Can I tell if he's a doppleganger like Ianvasah?
No, he doesn't seem to be. Your natural knowledge suggests some sort of druid.
Alyssa releases him, "We have a druid with us. Another shifter. If you want to commune with her, you can accompany us when we're done."
"No." A flat refusal, "I want...to be left...alone." His eyes are narrow now, "Leave."
Alyssa nods. "Thank you for your help. I apologise for snatching you up, but we didn't know if you were hostile. We'll leave you be."
"Leave," Is the repeated message, slow and steady.
Alyssa nods and does so.
'We found a druid. Says the Sharrans are North and deep underground. Let's get going.'
'Best that we prepare ourselves for a direct assault,' Jarem says after some thought. 'They sound well fortified and prepared - let our forces be a reserve as we go in and deal with this.'
'Sounds good. Let's regroup and get going.'
Okay, if the main party's getting together, what spell prep is happening here?
My regular stuff is already on everyone. I'm still doing dinner and family stuff, so I'll post my list after. Might be a while.
That's fine, this is for spoiler blocks and possible combat so it needs to be right.
Long Duration:Everyone (+20 people):Create Magic Tattoo: +1 Spellcaster Level, CL 33, Duration: 24 Hours.Create Magic Tattoo: Spell Resistance 19, CL 29, Duration: 24 Hours.Spell resistance equal to 10 + 1 per three caster levels.
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls.
+5 armor bonus to armor/shield.
enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls of +5
This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
This spell is identical to mage armor, except that it grants a +20 armor bonus to armor class.
You have the benefits of the attune form spell (page 17) with respect to the appropriate element.
You are immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet.
Fire: Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained. Perfect recall of memory and anything heard/read. Speak all languages.
Improved Initiative.Magic Circle Against Evil, CL 33, Duration: 330 minutes.+2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistace bonus to saves. Immunity to possess or exercise mental control (charm/complusion). Natural weapons recoil.
+5 ehnacnce to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
HP: 281/281
AC: 53.
Spells Active: Magic Vestment (CL23), Create Magic Tattoo (SR/Spellcaster Level/Attack) (CL33/29/25), Elemental Body: Fire (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL33), Energy Immunity: Cold/Acid/Electricy (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity: Fire/Sonic (CL27), Epic Mage Armor (CL33)
Bonuses: SR 19 (CMT), +1 Caster Level (CMT), +1 Luck Attack (CMT), +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge checks (BA), +20 Armor Bonus (EMA), +5 Armor Bonus/Shield (MV), +5 ATK
Negative Conditions:
Okay then, were you going to add Xorn Movement to this since I know it was discussed.
[spoiler]
Vestment on shield last. Greater magic weapon too. Epic Mage armor too.
+5 enhance to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
Jarem
HP: 504/504
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 6/6 Knight's Challenge 21/21 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 503+31/503
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 11/11 Channel Energy 14/14 Lay On Hands 33/33 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 525/525 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Bastian
HP: 527/527 (fast healing 2)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources:
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes:
Yeah, I have it prepped but it's a pretty short duration so I was going to wait until we're closer to the area for it.
Okay, how close to it then?
Right before we go down. I can hit 21 peeps with it, so it needs to be before we all split up from the reserves so they can work with it too.
Where exactly are you going to search, then?
Well, to the north and using elementals to find hollows.
Cool. How deep?
Eh, 100 ft
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d100=61]
A few hours pass until word comes - they've found something deep below.
'Excellent, everyone get into positions, final checks. We're hitting hard. Captives are nice, but we're here to scour them from the planes.'
'Ready,' Emily sends. 'We'll smash them, Alyssa.'
'Let's go,' Dolmaya says, 'Let's make them fear us.'
With a quick casting of Xorn Movement on her people, Alyssa sends the command, 'Begin.'
Down. Down down down down down as...
Any particular order here?
Eh, nah. People who are awesome at going first can go first.
Thus you descend down - and when you emerge, it is an empty chasm. A chasm plunging down deep, the air here completely clear of ash. So are the walls, smoothed over and regular, worked.
'Keep going. If this is their staging point, there will be traps and defenses, keep watch and lets find them.'
Alyssa keeps going, hoping to come across Sharrans!
'Slow and careful,' Jarem has his shield up, taking the front. Emily and Dolmaya hang back, while Ianvasah stays at your side. Bastian is at Jarem's side, arms crossed as he descends, expression calm and unconcerned.
'Careful as visiting a princess late at night,' Bastian agrees, which causes Jarem to chuckles faintly. Dolmaya smiles at that one while Ianvasah openly scowls.
'Careful as remembering my mother is the Dragon Princess,' Emily retorts in their minds.
'Your Mom's surely told her share of jokes,' Bastian chides right back. 'Let the tension go and smile. You fight better loose.'
'Careful as Bastian is of having a personality.'
'Fuck you,' Bastian thinks back, no heat in it.
Meanwhile you all fly down and down - it's getting darker, your light no longer penetrating. Whatever's below, mere normal light won't illuminate it.
Alyssa chuckles to herself and recasts Greater Blindsight on herself and keeps going, being stealthy.
23 minute duration, 60ft.
You can at least sense through that. It's more chasm straight down for 20ft, then solid ground.
'Solid ground, 20 ft. Let's pick a direction to go.'
'We need to do something about the darkness first,'Jarem retorts, 'Fighting blind is fighting stupid.'
'When we find them. I don't want to light up a beacon for them to home in on until we have to. Unless we have to.'
'I can gift two others with blindsight, but one of them will be myself,' Ianvasah says, 'Emily.'
'Thank you,' Emily flies over to Ianvasah as magic is worked.
Below you plunge into the dark. You can feel it - a chasm bottom big enough that blindsight doesn't cover it all. You'll have to move around to get the lay of it, but right now it feels like a normal cavern.
[spoiler]
Vestment on shield last. Greater magic weapon too. Epic Mage armor too.
+5 enhance to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
Jarem
HP: 504/504
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 6/6 Knight's Challenge 21/21 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 503+31/503
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 11/11 Channel Energy 14/14 Lay On Hands 33/33 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Greater Blindsight (CL34)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 525/525 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Greater Blindsightx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Greater Blindsight (CL34)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Bastian
HP: 527/527 (fast healing 2)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
Dolmaya
HP: 472/472
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
'Lets form a line and maximize our sight ranges. Who wants to be in charge of lighting the place up when the time comes? Emily?'
'I'll handle it,' Emily agrees, 'It'll do.'
'Let's get to it.'
You carefully wander in the pitch black darkness, blindsight helping. Soon enough you feel it - a chasm, with a stairway leading into it. Smaller than the original, more like a simple gap in the ground.
'Stairs. Let's check it out.'
Getting closer, the stars are narrow - single file only. What order do you all wish to go down them?
'Jarem take the lead. Emily, then me, Ianvasah, Bastian watch our backs.'
Thus you descend down. Down into the darkness, not a shred of light, only supernatural senses letting you feel the way ahead. Down and down the stairs you go, your footsteps echoing on the hard stone steps. Down and down and down and down, continuing on. A good several minutes of walking until you can 'see' it below and ahead - a side ledge, a door as the stairs continue deeper on.
'Door. Let's check it for traps and alarms.'
Refresh me, having an idiot moment. Is Alyssa trained for that?
She is. Factotum. She won't mind help though.
'How well do you see here, Alyssa?' Dolmaya asks as you consider.
I dunno? How does greater Blindsight stack up?
As long as you don't have to read or discern color it should be workable.
'Should be fine unless color is involved. Let's see here...'
Detect Magic here for traps.
You don't detect any magic on the door.
Alyssa pulls out her Skeleton Key and taps it to the door, waiting for a reaction.
Refresh me on that?
Skeleton Key: This brass key can unlock any locked, sealed or barred door or object as if by a knock spell (caster level 25th). At the user's option, objects or doors unlocked with this ring automatically re-lock in one minute's time. No lock needs to be present, the key merely needs to be pressed against the door or object to be opened.
The door is promptly unlocked.
Alyssa opens it slowly and quietly, peeking around it to per inside.
Light. Pale purple light spills out from the crack in the door, momentarily dazzling your eyes.
You see Jarem squint against it while Emily shields her eyes with one hand.
Blinking your eyes clear, you can see some sort of chamber - the angle's not good for it, unfortnately.
'Everyone adjusted? If so, let's move. Pale purple light and Sharrans. A bit telling, perhaps?'
'Carefully,' Dolmaya says, 'We're ready.
'Ready,' Ianvasah agrees.
'Ready!' Emily sends back.
'Bring them on,' Bastian adds.
Alyssa opens the door and slips in, a spell ready just in case!
Ahead is a chamber, purple-lit by lanterns that hang from the ceiling from metal chains. They rock back and forth slowly. In the back of this room is a little recess, in which sits a bowl of black stone.
'Well that's bait. And certain to be cursed. Keep an eye on it, but let's clear the area before we focus on it.'
My detect magic still running?'
Sure, feel free to roll Spellcraft if you're studying it.
Spellcraft/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+81 : 1 + 81, total 82[/blockquote]
If the right offering is made into this bowl, an unholy blessing will be bestowed.
'It's a sacrifice bowl. We'll deal with it later but let's not become the sacrifices.'
Is it just an empty room or are there hallways and stuff?
Empty room.
'Okay, this room is good for defense, but it'll also lock us in here. Do we want to destroy this now or take it and destroy it later and continue to clear this place out?'
'Destroy it,' Jarem sends. 'Make progress now.'
'That's only if yo uthink we won't win,' Emily says, 'We'll triumph.'
'And a survivor could take it and flee,' Jarem points out.
'I agree, destroy it,' Dolmaya says at that.
Bastian just shrugs, seemingly uncaring.
'Set defenses and I want Jarem and Emily outside the door. Let's not get trapped in here if we can avoid it. Dolmaya,help me with breaking the magic on this thing as fast as we can. Bastian, cover our backs in case there's a second way in we missed.'
Everyone takes position, Dolmaya with you. She looks on as she sends, 'Dark magic. You want to dispel it or destroy the item?'
'Let's try to dispel it first. Destroying something that might be repurposed is wasteful. Let's check for traps and curses.'
Sure, go ahead. How are you checking it?
Detect-o Macic-o.
'Dolmaya, would you happen to have a version of Arcane Sight ready? Otherwise we're using Detect Magic for this.'
Gimme Spellcraft.
'Never fit that one in,' Dolmaya says, murmuring a few words as well.
She'll Spellcraft as well in the next post.
Spellcraft/Cunning Knowledge :
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+81 : 6 + 81, total 87[/blockquote]
You don't sense any curses or magical traps on the bowl.
'Nothing that I can see. Dolmaya?'
> roll 1d20+45
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=2]
Mostly perfunctory here since you have tons of Spellcraft running.
'Nothing,' Dolmaya agrees.
'Let's start the dispelling then. I'm not a Specialist Abjurer. Do you want to lead on this?'
Not sure how you want to do this with two of us.
It's up to you which tries to dispel it. Bear in mind dispelling an item isn't permanent, though breaking it usually works.
Will breaking it ruin my chances of using it for that locator idea?
No.
Let's break it then.
'On second thought, I don't want Shar using this as a foci while it's in our hands. Break it.'
'Jarem, you're strong. Come break this,' Dolmaya says.
Jarem comes in at that, eyeing it, 'Nothing I need to know about?'
'We didn't find any traps or curses. Break it, but I have an idea how to use whatever is left.'
> roll 1d20 this is just a 1 check max PA ect ect
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 19 > [d20=19]
With one heavy, cleaving blow, Dellos comes down and through the stone bowl. The adamantine blade isn't even slowed by it, the thing cut in half with several shards torn away as well. It's done, only the heavy sound of stone being broken.
Alyssa uses her TK to get the pieces into her haversack.
'That likely got attention. Let's move and get ready.'
'Let's go,' Emily agrees, as...
Which way are you going now?
Keep going deeper.
You go deeper yet - coming to the bottom, where but a single door awaits you now, leading deeper in.
'I'll check it. Be ready to enter.'
Alyssa checks the door over for traps and tricks and magic!
Perception as well as Spellcraft.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 2 + 46, total 48[/blockquote]
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 14 + 58, total 72[/blockquote]
Not trapped, but it is locked.
Alyssa pulls out the Skeleton key again and gives the others a nod before tapping it to the door!
Sure enough, the door is now unlocked.
'One, two, three...'
Alyssa pushes the door open!
Ahead lies a black all, no light whatsoever. Not even darkvision pierces this gloom ahead, but you can feel it with blindsight. Something big is moving in there, stirring in the darkness beyond.
'This is magical darkness, I think. Something is in there. Large. I can feel it with my blindsense.'
Does tremorsense give me any more detail?
You can feel it's starting to move towards you, making the ground quietly quake.
'It's coming this way. Someone try to dispel this darkness, or lets set up for an ambush in case it breaks through the wall here.'
'We have bigger problems if it's hostile,' Jarem warns, shield out as...
> roll 1d20+29
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=9]
"Be undone," Emily calls, the darkness fading. A hall is ahead of you, but you barely have time to look. A great lion is here, dark tinted and huge. It's charging at the party, barely a moment to react.
Init.
[spoiler]
Vestment on shield last. Greater magic weapon too. Epic Mage armor too.
+5 enhance to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
Jarem
HP: 504/504
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 6/6 Knight's Challenge 21/21 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 503+31/503
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 11/11 Channel Energy 14/14 Lay On Hands 33/33 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: FS: Superb Dispelling
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Greater Blindsight (CL34)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 525/525 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Greater Blindsightx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Greater Blindsight (CL34)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Bastian
HP: 527/527 (fast healing 2)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
Dolmaya
HP: 472/472
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
Alyssa casts a quick spell!
Nerveskitter (Chain), CL 33
+5 to Init.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+21 : 10 + 21, total 31[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+10 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+14 Emily
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 18 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+17 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+9 Bastian
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 13 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+21 Dolmaya
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+12 Lion
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=8]
Init is Alyssa (31) > Jarem (29) > Dolmaya (25) > Ianvasah (21) > Lion (20) > Emily (18) > Bastian (9)
Open.
How big is this thing? Like weight Wise?
It's pretty big. At least a ton you'd guesstimate off the cuff.
My weight cap is 1650 with TK, can I expect to pin it?
For clarity, which function of TK are you using?
It'd be Combat Maneuver
You could try, sure.
Alyssa tries to stop its charge by slamming it into the ground and holding it there.
Cunning Breach, 10/12 Inspiration.
Telekinesis, CL 38
Combat Maneuver, No Save, SR allowed but bypassed with Cunning Breach.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 3 + 48, total 51[/blockquote]
Forgot the gauntlets.+3 to that for a total of 54.
It fights like a beast, held by your telekinetic force, at least for the moment. It struggles constantly as meanwhile Jarem quickly asks, 'You aren't planning on taking this cat home too, are you?'
'If we had more time in a different place other than a Shar cult, maybe. Rather be safe than sorry.'
> roll 1d8+26
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d8=8]
> roll 2d8+52
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d8=3,1]
> roll 2d8+52
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d8=7,8]
> roll 1d20 1 check for a maximized twinned empowered split ray Dolmaya's Force Ray, 12th level spell total
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d20=11]
So that's 180 * 3 in essence. 540 damage.
Jarem stabs the lion while it down, taking the chance and bloodying it. Then Dolmaya snaps her fingers, and a trio of force rays spear into it, piercing through and leaving it lying, resisting no more.
'No time to waste,' Domaya says, 'Before they rally themselves, that always makes it more difficult.'
Free act.
[spoiler]
Vestment on shield last. Greater magic weapon too. Epic Mage armor too.
+5 enhance to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
Jarem
HP: 504/504
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 6/6 Knight's Challenge 21/21 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 503+31/503
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 11/11 Channel Energy 14/14 Lay On Hands 33/33 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: FS: Superb Dispelling
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Greater Blindsight (CL34)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 525/525 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Greater Blindsightx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Greater Blindsight (CL34)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Bastian
HP: 527/527 (fast healing 2)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
Dolmaya
HP: 472/472
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used: 1 12th level spell
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
'Let's remember to come back for this, it'll certainly have some good materials. Do a quick check of the area for hidden rooms and treasure, then let's continue on before they get fully organized.'
'Right,' Emily agrees as Bastian strides forward and...
Who is searching?
Anyone who's interested in making it go faster, I guess? Alyssa'll help.
Gimme quick Perception.
Perception:
[roll]1d20+46[blockquote]'' is not a valid dice string![/blockquote][/roll]
Dunno what happened to the last one. 2nd try!
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 1 + 46, total 47[/blockquote]
The others will take 10.
The hall is fairly plain - nothing too fancy here, nothing of worth noticed. It just continues on to a door at the end - a set of double doors, thick and heavy indeed.
Alyssa approaches the doors and inspects them like the last ones!
Same round of checks as last time, Spellcraft and Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 6 + 46, total 52[/blockquote]
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 20 + 58, total 78[/blockquote]
No traps but the door is magically bound and locked, it'll take excessive strength or skill undo it. Or magic, one supposes.
Alyssa tries the skeleton key again!
The door unlocks, just like that.
'That's a lovely little tool,' Bastian remarks, 'I want one for myself.'
Dolmaya chuckles in her mind, 'Better than bashing doors down, it gets so tiresome.'
'Well I got it from a Shar assassin, so take a good look around.'
Alyssa opens the door!
Ahead is a stairway plunging straight down. From below you hear it, the echoing of strange chanting, words twisting in on each other.
"Mother, mother.
Sister, sister.
Master, master.
Come to us.
Come to us.
I offer my spark and my soul to you, Dark Lady.
Come to us.
Come to us.
I offer my blood and my tears, Dark Dancer.
Come to us.
Come to us."
'Well, that's encouraging and disconcerting. Seems we found them. Let's get this done.'
'They're summoning something,' Emily says quickly, 'Something big. We have to hurry.'
'Before it gets harder,' Jarem agrees grimly.
'Let's go. Hard and fast.'
Thus you all rush down, hurrying down the stairs. You hurry and hurry, the song continuing.
"Mother, mother.
Sister, sister.
Master, master.
Come to us.
Come to us.
All is yours, Dark God.
Come to us.
Come to us.
We shall quench ourselves forevermore, Lady of Loss."
As you rush you see it. 30ft down to heavily armored creatures - glowing white eyes is all that you can see - block the way with heavy shields. They make not a move to advance, just enough of a gap to see someone beyond, someone in armor as well.
I don't recall if there was a way for me to detect a teleport block?
DM can do it depending, but you haven't sensed one.
Of course, other means that a spell can do it, to be fair.
'Get close, I'll try Dimension Dooring us past them.'
In that case let's do init.
Alyssa casts a quick spell!
Nerveskitter (Chain), CL 33.
+5 to init.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+22 : 4 + 22, total 26[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+10 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+14 Emily
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+17 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+9 Bastian
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+21 Dolmaya
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+6 shield guard
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+6 shield guard
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+13 ???
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=15]
Init is Dolmaya (29) > ??? (28) > Ianvasah (27) > Alyssa = Shield Guard 1 (26) > Emily (24) > Jarem = Bastian (17) > Shield Guard 2
'They're Sharrans,' Dolmaya shoots back, 'Exterminate them instead.'
'Fast. We need to stop that summoning. Or hijack it for our own if anyone has the spell ready.'
Dolmaya make a short, sharp gesture at that. A wave of semi visible energy bursts out from her, slamming into the armored warriors.
> roll 28d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d6=3,5,2,6,4,4,3,3,6,2,6,2,3,3,1,3,3,1,2,6,5,2,6,1,6,5,4,3]
> roll 1d20+23
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+21
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+25
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=5]
The armored warriors and the man behind them are sent flying back, tumbling down the stairs in a heap, landing below in a tremendous clang of metal. "The way is open," Dolmaya declares, "Forward."
Free act for now.
[spoiler]
Vestment on shield last. Greater magic weapon too. Epic Mage armor too.
+5 enhance to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
Jarem
HP: 504/504
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 6/6 Knight's Challenge 21/21 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 503+31/503
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 11/11 Channel Energy 14/14 Lay On Hands 33/33 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: FS: Superb Dispelling
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Greater Blindsight (CL34)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 525/525 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Greater Blindsightx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Greater Blindsight (CL34)
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Bastian
HP: 527/527 (fast healing 2)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
Dolmaya
HP: 472/472
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used: 1 12th level spell
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
What spell was that?
'You'll have to give me pointers.'
Alyssa heads in!
Dolmaya's Scathing Rejection.
Dolmaya smirks as she goes, Emily adding, 'I'd like to hear about that spell as well, later. I'm growing fond of resorting to direct force rather than the elements, at least in certain situations.'
'Magic talk later,' Bastian says as you head down. The three lie there in a heap, double doors ahead. Heavy black rock, closed tightly shut.
Alyssa inspects the door, looking for traps
Spellcraft and Perception, Iddy. Same as last time. Feel free to roll these in advance if you're inspecting doors here in the future.
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 18 + 58, total 76[/blockquote]
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 8 + 46, total 54[/blockquote]
The door's magically bound not to open from this side, only the other side. It's also enchanted to open in absolute silence, not a sound made when it does open.
'Let's see if this key does it's job again.'
Alyssa taps the Skeleton Key to the door!
What's the CL on it?
25th.
With a tap of the key, the door goes silently ajar, able to be pushed open.
'I love this thing. Let's go.'
Alyssa opens the door and slips inside.
Darkness within, darkness impenetrable. Again.
You can sense many people within, forming a circle as the chants continue.
"Mother, mother.
Sister, sister.
Master, master.
Come to us.
Come to us.
I offer my spark and my soul to you, Dark Lady.
Come to us.
Come to us.
I offer my blood and my tears, Dark Dancer.
Come to us.
Come to us."
Sister, sister.
'Emily, you're up. Let there be light. Be ready to hit hard.'
> roll 1d20+29
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+29
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=10]
Darkness shatters at Emily's word. Here the ground is one great mosaic, tiles making a circle lined in purple. Dozens of hooded, robed beings are here, chanting in a circle. In the center of the circle something is forming, shadowy and indistinct. It's about 50ft within, the people all around it as they chant.
Jarem steps forward, "Go!"
Init here.
Init:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+19 : 20 + 19, total 39[/blockquote]
No nerveskitter this time. I did forget to include the dragon princess bonuses last time tho.
> roll 1d20+5 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+9 Emily
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+12 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+9 Bastian
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+16 Dolmaya
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+10 cultists
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 19 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+38 ???
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=3]
Init is ??? (41) > Alyssa (39) > Dolmaya (35) > Ianvasah (31) > Bastian (22) > Jarem (21) > Cultists (19) > Emily (12)
The shadow in the center of the circle is growing solid rapidly. Whatever it is, it's growing fast.
Go.
Alyssa throws out a spell!
Spending Inspiration to bypass SR, -2
Disintegrate (Chain, Maximize), CL 33.
Save: Fort 25
Could someone roll 21 rolls of ranged touch attack at +37 please?
By request.
[19:01] <@Ebiris> roll 21#1d20+37
[19:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 53, 38, 45, 42, 56, 50, 44, 48, 43, 57, 42, 40, 44, 45, 38, 43, 54, 38, 44, 43, 50 >
Just to be clear, you're targeting the cultists here, the shadow or both?
Cultists in hopes of disrupting the spell.
> roll 1d20+15
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=11]
Damage.
Maximized. 240.
In a flash, the cultists are gone. Yet the shadow remains, growing larger by the moment.
"It needs to be dispelled," Emily calls, already starting to chant.
Is that it for your turn?
Yup.
Init is ??? (41) > Alyssa (39) > Dolmaya (35) > Ianvasah (31) > Bastian (22) > Jarem (21) > Emily (12)
Dolmaya looks on in disdain, "Be not, be gone," she commands, pointing at the shadow.
> roll 1d20+36
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=8]
"Tsch!" A wordless sound as the shadow ripples and yet does not fade, "Destroy it! This is not a normal manifestation, it has power."
Indeed, the shadow is solidifying by the moment, into something almost human like.
K:A.
K:A/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+86 : 17 + 86, total 103[/blockquote]
Something tremendously powerful is manifesting here, able to keep it going in spite of the ritual being stopped. It may well be something divine or close to it.
'... I think this might be some sort of champion... Or an avatar. Everyone, it that thing with your most powerful dispel or light spell!'
> roll 1d20+33
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=11]
"BREAK!" Ianvasah calls, chanting it several times. Yet it does not slow the shadow down in the least, becoming more real by the moment.
Bastian readies himself in front of it, fists poised to strike. At the same time Jarem chants, "For victory, my Lady!" he declares.
> roll 1d20+33
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=1]
Again, nothing happens to budge it all. Emily takes a breath and calls, "Ready!"
Alyssa.
Okay so. Questions: Can Alyssa see any sort of spell circle or anything helping this along?
Looking carefully you can see there is a runic circle, yes.
Okay, so I have Solar Convex Focal chained. Can I hit both the shadows and the circle with it? Are there other cultists left?
No, the target is explicitly a creature.
The cultists are now dust on the wind.
'Someone try to clear that rune circle, I'll put some spells into the shadow!'
Finally responding to her name, "Shar. I'd say I was honored to meet a deity, but you're hard to make friends with I've noticed."
> roll 1d20+29
> roll 1d20+29
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=15]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20 touch AC mostly a 1 check.
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 18 > [d20=18]
Emily chants twice, yet the magic doesn't fade. Not relenting, she reaches up and a lance of pure sunlight gathers in her hand. With a cry she hurls at the gathering image, striking it dead on.
> roll 30d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d6=6,6,1,2,3,2,3,5,4,2,4,1,5,6,1,4,2,6,2,6,2,3,5,6,1,6,2,3,3,1]
> roll 25d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d6=5,6,3,2,6,2,3,3,5,2,3,2,3,6,3,1,3,6,6,6,6,5,2,6,6]
> roll 103+51
> roll 101+50
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 154 >
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 151 >
305 damage total.
The sunburst sinks into the shadow, not escaping. Instead it begins to illuminate it from within, gathering - and with a violent SNAP, the circle shatters and the shadow is gone.
"I got it!" Emily calls, "It stopped!"
"Well now, that's certainly an achievement. You stopped her from some sort of manifestation. Be proud, Emily. Let's check for any other nasty surprises. And loot everything."
Jarem exhales slowly, "We got lucky."
Dolmaya says, "We got good, instead."
Perception, Alyssa.
"We got both. We were lucky we didn't dally or get delayed. We were good enough to find the weakness and focus on it."
Perception (+3 if terrain bonus):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 19 + 46, total 65[/blockquote]
You can notice that the room's fairly spartan beyond this and several doors leading deeper in.
That and shadowy darkness is slowly leaking in from beneath those doors, spreading about the walls of the room.
'Look at the shadows seeping in. Anyone have a daylight spell? I'm going to guess we'll find a runic circle in most of the rooms pulling shadows in. Let's go check them out and do what we can to stop this.'
'Quickly,' Emily agrees.
Quick question for you: Do you have anything like a daylight spell available as I go to check NPC spell lists?
Solar Convex Focal is the only spell I have that's a Light spell. It's concentration.
There is a surprising dearth of light spells beyond sunlance and sunburst available. Someone can wish/miracle something, but you'd need to cover for miss chance and bear that in mind.
Ianvasah. She doesn't magic blast, she shifts, so would probably be the best for it.
And druids are the one class that doesn't get wish or miracle.
Jesus, uh... Emily is too dependent on magic... Jarem I guess.
"Red Lady, illuminate!" Jarem chants. The light is enough to keep the shadows from advancing in.
"This should do to at least hold them," Jarem says, "Let's go."
'Quickly.'
Alyssa goes to the nearest room and checks the door.
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 6 + 58, total 64[/blockquote]
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 12 + 46, total 58[/blockquote]
Locked but nothing else. On tapping it with your skeleton key it opens, a dark hallway. The darkness fades from Jarem's glowing form, retreating back. In it, along with doors on both sides, several on each, are heaps of things, Barrels, saws, shovels, handaxes, picks and similar things.
'Search for the source of the shadow. Keep the rune circle in mind. If we find o e here, we'll find them in the other rooms.'
Bastian goes over, "Building materials," he says, kneeling by a shovel and inspecting it. "Used recently."
Dolmaya hms at that, "Then we may have cut them off before they could finish their work here."
"That's what I was thinking," Bastian agrees, "Better to root out an enemy before it becomes an enemy." A snort and adding in Orcish, "Wise, even if used by those who hate merely to hate."
'We can figure out what they were building after we cleanse the area. There's plenty worth taking back. Let's get this shadow taken care of.'
Give me Perceptionf or general searching needs.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 15 + 46, total 61[/blockquote]
The next rooms are half filled storage rooms - mostly sealed up supplies or barely opened supplies - from building things to clothes to blankets to even a room with unsorted weapons and armor, next tone with various unholy symbols of Shar and other such things, such as vials of unholy water. Past this it opens up into the back, where a half worked cavern sits. Ash elementals work here, silently clearing away ash, revealing stone as others polish it, work it. They do not react to the party entering, nor do they seem affected by the shadows, even as Jarem's light chases them back.
Alyssa inspects them to tell if they are under some sort of control spell.
There is no active magic on them.
Bastian eyes them while Emily says, 'Elementals can be focused. Let me.'
Jarem keeps his eyes moving, watching any lingering shadows while Ianvasah says, "The building blocks of reality, but not the mind of it."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "What do you mean? The Elementals?"
Alyssa starts looking for the source of the shadow.
The shadow's creeping in from closed doors, here and there and everywhere.
"Hello?" Emily says, a strange and heavy tongue spoken.
No response, no reaction.
Emily frowns and steps forward, "You watery bastard," she cries, contempt in her voice.
No response, no reaction.
Emily next waves a hand in front of a working elemental's face.
No response, no reaction.
"They're not in control, or their minds have been compromised," Emily announces, "They're working by instinct and rote, rather than anything else."
'If this is all they're doing, then let's deal with them later. We don't know what other fights are in store and expending strength needlessly won't help us or them. Let's find the source of the shadows."
"Alright," Emily agrees, "You're right, they can wait."
Alyssa moves to the closest room shadow is coming from.
You're lead down another hall with supplies, to some bedrooms and past them. A room down a short flight of stairs, another door barred ahead. This one is enchanted to be locked - you'll need your key again, at least.
Alyssa checks it over for the tricks and traps first, as usual.
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 19 + 58, total 77[/blockquote]
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 4 + 46, total 50[/blockquote]
No traps, just locked as noted above.
Alyssa taps the key to it and opens the door.
Inside is a candle, unlit, sitting on a table. The shadows spill from it, Jarem's light holding them to a thin area around it. "Hm, not a circle at all. Just an item," Jarem readies his blade, "Easy enough."
'Wait. Curses are Shar's tools. Don't do anything until we check it out.'
Alyssa proceeds to!
Spellcraft.
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 8 + 58, total 66[/blockquote]
The handle is emitting constant shadows - a mass of them, semi sentient. It's the course, alright.
It's not cursed.
'It's the handle... It's semi-sentient, how unusual. Not cursed though. Ideas? I suppose I can... Just put it in my haversack and that'll stop it for now.'
"It's Sharran materials. Destroy it," Emily insists, "Before it has a chance to do worse."
Bastian eyes it, "Can ti do anything besides the shadows? Is it a tame magical item?"
'You'd have to interact with it to find out. Dolmaya? Ideas or help me break it.'
'Break it,' Dolmaya says, firmly. 'Before this gets out of hand.'
Uh, I don't actually have Dispel or Disjunction memorized. How the hell did I miss that. Does anyone else?
Yes, several. What's your plan?
Break it like with the bowl. Or does that mean it just needs to be physically broken?
Sure, who is breaking then?
'Jarem, Bastian, one of you break this thing.'
One swording later, the candle is severed. The shadows fade entirely, no longer threatening.
"We've gotten lucky," Jarem speaks up, "To manage to both stop them before they made trouble and before they were fully established."
"Lucky's better than good most days," Bastian points out.
'Luck is helped by wise decision making and prompt action. Let's get this place cleared out of any other surprises and start transferring these supplies and loot back home.'
Okay, so what's your general plan here and in what order are you going to do things?
Check every room for remaining hostiles and a quick check for traps. Then open a gate and get the general loot out, then look for hidden stuff while that's being done. Before we leave see if we can't help those ash elementals. If not, then summon/call other ash elementals and have them either help or give permission to put them down. Best to be polite.
Okay, we'll begin with a general Perception and Spellcraft check to be used for this.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 1 + 46, total 47[/blockquote]
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+56 : 5 + 56, total 61[/blockquote]
You search about. More storage rooms - and a treasury. A treasury with coins of all kinds, as well as precious metals and some works of art and treasure. They're stacked up and sorted well enough, it looks like no paltry sum.
More coming, just a chance to react to this.
Alyssa gets the gate ready and sends a sending to Delaize to gather some idle hands to start the transport.
'Jarem, Bastian, keep security on the transport. Don't want our people getting surprised.'
To be clear, you aren't done yet, in case that matters at all. That was just the first noteworthy thing, hence why I said more coming.
Oh, then yeah, hold on that.
Searching further, you find a set of stairs going down, deeper into Ash.
"Another floor?" Jarem speculates, "Might be a lot more to this."
Alyssa nods, 'Use elementals to scout?'
"Not the worst idea," Bastian agrees, "If you're afraid of what's down there."
"It's prudent. This is not a good place," Emily says, "Shar's places hold terrible things."
'Call them in. Jarem let's get some soldiers here to secure floors as we clear them so they can't come up behind us.'
Easily enough done. The only question is: How many and what type of elemental are you sending in?
Ash Elementals would be wisest, I think. Barring them, Earth so they can Earthglide. Number? As many as we can manage. The more we have, the faster it'll go.
Okay.
Thus your elementals are sent in.
Minutes pass, nothing. Nothing at all, none of them returning.
'That's bad. Something's either turning them mindless like the others or killing them. Time to move in force. Jarem, lead the way.'
"I was afraid that would happen," Jarem agrees. "Marching order," he says, as everyone falls in.
"Careful," Ianvasah says a loud, "My spine tingles. Something awaits us."
Alyssa.
'She's calling to me, which means she's manifested at some level. Anyone have a deity they can call on for backup? We might need one if there's an Avatar.'
"You don't just call a deity," Jarem retorts right away, and as Emily starts to speak, "Not counting blood relatives." Once Emily shuts up, "It could also be a trap."
'All valid reasons to have back up. But arguing it here won't solve the problem there. So prayers one and all and lets get to work.'
You going to? If so, go ahead and do one.
'Shaundakul, I'm going to explore the depths of this darkness and bring knowledge of it and light to it. Carry me swiftly to my foe, and put my feet on the path to victory and wisdom.'
If your prayer is heard, there's no answer to it.
Alyssa motions the team to go forth!
Give me a new Perception check too.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 7 + 46, total 53[/blockquote]
You walk down. Jarem is ahead, Ianvasah behind. The party is with you as you go down the steps, one after another after another.
Will save.
Will/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+35 : 20 + 35, total 55[/blockquote]
You feel a moment of lightheadedness as you go down the stairs, leaving you woozy.
Alyssa shakes her head to regain herself. 'Did anyone else feel that?'
'Feel what?' Dolmaya sends back, as you keep on walking down the stairs, down and down and down and down.
'Something just made me a bit woozy. I think she tried a mental attack on me. Watch each other. Anything strange, get us out. Better to fight another day if she's going after us individually.'
'I...' Dolmaya's voice trails off in your mind.
Alyssa looks over at Dolmaya, examining her for outside magic.
CL check.
CL:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 10 + 33, total 43[/blockquote]
You don't detect anything awry.
'Dolmaya, you alright?'
Dolmaya turns and speaks, but no words come out.
'Silence?' Dolmaya sends back, 'Can you hear this?'
'I can,' Bastian sends, 'It must be based down here somewhere.'
'So, they want to counter our spellcasting and possibly cover for assassins. Dolmaya, Emily, do you have any alternatives to your spells?'
'My sword,' Emily says, 'I have a few other tricks.'
'I'm a good archer if needs must,' Dolmaya sends, 'Best to smash whatever causes it.'
'Yes, but until then... Be cautious. Jarem, Bastian, lead us. Use the silence to our advantage.'
Alyssa draws Life-Drinker and gets it ready with her TK.
In that case, stealth checks, everyone.
Stealth:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+65 : 5 + 65, total 70[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+5 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+5 Emily
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+39 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+38 Bastian
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+8 Dolmaya
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 14 > [d20=6]
Thus you all sneak on, down the silent steps. As you approach the bottom of them, you can see a simple stone floor and a hall leading deeper in.
All ya'll suck at stealth. Geez, gonna have to get them some ninja items.
'I'll bet there's an ambush there. Ready?'
They do suck.
'Ready,' Jarem sends, several nods and agreements at that. Emily readies her blades while Bastion silently cracks his knuckles.
'GO!'
The party races out - and it's a simple hallway, no signs of an ambush at all. It just goes on, a few doors on each wall until a door at the end.
'Keep moving, let's find the source.'
Onward you go. There's the doors ahead - which ones are you going to check?
First one. Do them in order. Skeleton Key 'em.
The first room is an empty cell.
The second room is an empty cell.
The third room is a cell. Hanging on the wall by the arms is a man - arms and torso and head, nothing else left below the waist. He is completely hairless and bloodstained, sobbing silently.
'I don't know who this is... He's suffering, but if we can dispel this silence I can use Regenerate.'
Jarem looks on with his jaw set, not making a sound.
Bastian shakes his head, muttering something never heard.
Emily closes her eyes and breathes slowly. 'If there's anything of his mind left,' she says. 'The body live, but the mind withdraws to the soul, to await when it is freed from the vessel.'
'Let's at least get him out to the other level. We can heal him and see if our people can get him somewhere secure.'
Jarem goes to him at that, working on the chains. After a few moments the man is still sobbing, the chains not giving. A slice of Jarem's sword and another manage to break them. Emily's there, catching him as he shakes and sobs.
'Let's go.'
The party goes back...and the stairs to leaves are gone.
Alyssa sighs to herself. 'Gather close, let's see if Dimension Door works.'
'Shit,' Bastian says, a single, sour word muttered.
'Well, if we got in we can get out,' Emily sends, as you all gather.
Naturally, Dimension Door fails.
Okay, I gotta ask something technical. I know there are spell circles, but can I draw a spell circle out and activate with silence in effect?
Like a particular spell or what do you have in mind here?
Particular. I've got Xorn Movement prepped. Also Regen.
You can't unless you have something specific that says you can.
Drat. Okay.
'Let's find the source. We can't bypass anything until we do that. Do we want to leave him or keep him with us? Or Ianvasah, can you shift into something that can tunnel us up?'
'I can turn into an elemental,' Ianvasah says, 'Step back.'
'We'll have to leave him,' Bastian cuts in, 'He's a liability in combat.'
'You're right,' Emily says quietly, 'We can only pray that this isn't so spiteful as to try and kill him even now.'
'If nothing else, Ianvasah can make a cubby to hide him in.'
Ianvasah becomes the earth, surging forward and tearing into the stone...and yet?
Nothing really seems to happen. Stone and ash is moved but no progress is made. 'It's not right,' she says after several tries. It's not going anywhere even when I move something.'
'What about creating?'
'If I could cast magic right now, I would,' Ianvasah says, 'Can you?'
'I don't know silent casting... A weakness I might have to look into. Well, I suppose we have no choice to but try to camouflage him as best we can in one of the rooms and keep going.'
How do you plan to camouflage him, then?
Just like hide him behind crates and stuff in the rooms. if there are any.
They're empty cells so far. Not much to hide in them by their nature.
Ah well, just in the corner out of line of sight of the doorway, then.
With that done, you see there are 5 more doors to check on the walls and the door leading on ahead as well.
'This isn't going to get any better,' Dolmaya's voice is tight, 'Atrocities rarely travel alone.'
'Yes. Let's at least check them, though. We could get lucky and find one of her torturers and kill them.'
The fourth room is a cell. It's mercifully empty.
The fifth room has what looks to be a woman, filthy, curled into the fetal position. She rocks back and forth.
'Nothing to be done yet. We'll help them when we deal with this silence. Let's find it.'
The sixth room is another cell. Here perhaps two dozen heads are arrayed, each staring at the door. The eyes are gone, utter emptiness within. The mouths move, silent screams unheard.
A moment.
'HELPITHURTSMOTHERMOTHERMOTHERMOTHERMOTHERI'MSORRYCHAUNTEAI'MSORRYI'MSORRYI'MSORRYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA'
Dozens of voices are heard in your mind, screaming at you, uncontrolled.
Mind Blank prevents negative impact here.
'This is horrific. But, Chauntea? Emily, don't you have a connection to her through your mother? Do you think a prayer would get through to one of your mothers to be passed on? I shudder to think Shar's placed a curse or the like on them to pass their souls to her if they fully die.'
'I've been praying, but I haven't heard a reply,' Emily sends, 'I can try again.'
'So she found a way to interfere with it... Let's find the source of the silence. After that we may have to try again. Let's keep moving.'
The seventh room is empty.
The last cell before the passage ahead is also, mercifully, empty.
'Well, let's get through this.'
Alyssa moves to check the door to the next passage.
The door's not locked - it's solid wood and can be opened.
Alyssa opens it, Life-Drinker at the ready.
Within is a large room. A room with rack and chains, spikes and whips. Devices strange and twisted, a pit with hot coals and another with ice that lets out a semi transparent steam that quickly fades away as it rises up. Shelves with devices on them - some obvious things like blades or corkscrews, others beyond your learning to identify.
Alyssa tries to focus past the tools in the room, knowing that she's there to put an end to it and keeps moving.
'Ugh.' A soundless groan from Ianvasah, while Bastian takes it in as he advances in.
Going in, you see it's a large room but it has no further doors. This seems to be all that's on this floor.
'It's got to be something here... Or a hidden room. Get searching.'
No response. There's just silence as you peer ahead at the room.
Alyssa turns to find the others.
They're there, watching you. No conversation. After several seconds Bastian points to his head and then shakes it back and forth.
Alyssa looks annoyed and then motions to her eyes and around the room, then points to her throat.
A nod at that and...
Still searching? If so make a Perception check.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 14 + 46, total 60[/blockquote]
You can notice a few things.
There's no secret passages, there's really nothing hidden of note. No trapdoors. Merely a torture room, for as much as 'merely' is.
The door out of this room is gone.
Alyssa approaches the others, taps them on the shoulder and points to the door.
Emily looks and pales, before taking a long breath.
Jarem doesn't even look surprised, and goes to where the door was and gives it a good kick.
Bastian shakes his head, looking about.
Ianvasah goes and pushes Jarem aside, starting to turn elemental.
Dolmaya's eyes are darting about all over, rapidly.
Alyssa takes a moment to focus on her tremorsense, walking the perimeter of the room, feeling for any differences in the walls or floor, or movement.
The floor is very subtly and gently vibrating, focused on the middle of the room.
Alyssa waves the others over and puts her hands on the ground trying to feel out the exact point and what's going on.
As everyone gathers, you can feel it. It's a steady, gentle shaking, almost imperceptible. It repeats once a second or so.
Alyssa motions out the timing to the others and looks at them questioningly.
Ianvasah turns big and earthy, then points down where you are and makes a digging gesture with both hands.
Alyssa moves out of the way.
Ianvasah begins to tear at the earth again. Yet the same thing happens. In spite of her efforts, progress fails to occur. Ianvasah slams her hand down hard, rattling the ground silently.
At this Jarem goes over and stabs into the ground again and again, adamantine longsword slicing into the stone. After a moment Emily joins him, Ianvasah resumbling as Bastian comes, slamming his foot down regularly, cracking the stones.
Alyssa taps them on the shoulders and motions for them to move out of the way and focuses all of her telekinetic power into striking the ground.
I figure my 1,650lbs of force can do more than they can.
Cool. Any particular usage here?
I would say Violent Thrust is probably the most applicable?
Mmm, we'll call this a CL check. Make one on TK.
Correction, it's 1900lbs of force.
CL Check:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+38 : 14 + 38, total 52[/blockquote]
Cool, give me a Fortitude save.
Fort/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 12 + 33, total 45[/blockquote]
You stagger back from the impact.
You lose track of everything for several seconds.
When you shake your head clear, you can see there's a great cobweb of cracks all along the ground where it hit. The ground's sagging inwards there.
What was that supposed to be? Pressure wave?
Alyssa shakes her head and takes a moment to gather herself, looking at the others.
Yes.
The others are knocked back - and they are being pulled back. Chains grasp for Jarem, blades seek Emily. Dolmaya tries to escape a rack, while Bastian is pummeling against manacles.
Meanwhile the ground is starting to recover itself, cracks and impact deep but ever so slowly starting to repair.
Alyssa tries to use her TK to pink all of the attacking objects to the ground!
Pink?
pin*
CMB for TK.
CMB TK (TK uses CL as BAB):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+41 : 4 + 41, total 45[/blockquote]
It resists.
The tools resist as the others fight, as...
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 12 + 46, total 58[/blockquote]
You glance - a sharp cleaver is coming right at you. This lets you react and...
Avoided being flat footed.
> roll 1d20+42
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=9]
AC?
53.
Alyssa Songsteel
HP: 281/281
AC: 53.
Spells Active: Magic Vestment (CL23), Create Magic Tattoo (SR/Spellcaster Level/Attack) (CL33/29/25), Elemental Body: Fire (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL33), Energy Immunity: Cold/Acid/Electricy (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity: Fire/Sonic (CL27), Epic Mage Armor (CL33)
Bonuses: SR 19 (CMT), +1 Caster Level (CMT), +1 Luck Attack (CMT), +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge checks (BA), +20 Armor Bonus (EMA), +5 Armor Bonus/Shield (MV), +5 ATK
Negative Conditions:
Yet it's a bare miss, whizzing by you by an inch.
Go.
Alyssa focuses again and throws another blast into the center of the room. If she can break through the floor and get to whatever is hidden there, maybe she can stop this whole debacle. And maybe the pressure wave will knock the fight out of the weapons and objects.
Violent thrust.
CL check:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+38 : 2 + 38, total 40[/blockquote]
Fort again.
Fort/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 9 + 33, total 42[/blockquote]
Another wave, another momentary staggering. When you can see again, the ground is cracked even more - but its starting to restore itself faster.
Alyssa throws herself into it again!
Violent Thrust.
CL:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+38 : 5 + 38, total 43[/blockquote]
Fort/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 10 + 33, total 43[/blockquote]
At the same time...
> roll 1d20+42
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=3]
Another cleaver flies past you but you dodge, a crack as the ground gives way. Something's beneath it, something that sheds a faint purple light.
Alyssa hurries to the hole, intent on seeing what's down there!
Lying within it, the ground already covering it anew, is some a purple sphere of solid metal. It's perhaps the size of both of your fists together, glimpses of runes on it as the ground rises to protect it.
Alyssa doesn't hesitate: she slams the full and complete force of her telekinesis into the sphere, planning to shatter it.
Violent thrust.
CL check:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+38 : 7 + 38, total 45[/blockquote]
Fort/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 11 + 33, total 44[/blockquote]
You hold position, slamming your force into the orb. You hold, you maintain as...
> roll 1d20+42
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=7]
Your mage armor flares into visibility as a flying blade slams into your elbow, repulsing it in a display of power. In return you send your telekinetic force down hard, the sphere folding inward before - !
Pain. Your head hurts, your eyes are closed, you're lying down.
Alyssa groans and tries to roll over to get sight of the orb, trying to clear her head enough to throw another blast at it if need be.
You're lying face down by the stairs out of this floor, no sign of the orb or the torture chamber.
Alyssa tests her voice as she looks around for the others, "Well that was hell."
You can speak - but you look about and see none of your friends at all.
Alyssa tests out her telepathic bond, 'Anyone still there?'
No reply.
Alyssa gets up and stretches, looking around before heading to the first cell to check it out.
You find that the cell doors are gone. The only door is the door into the torture chamber.
Alyssa goes in and looks around, looking at the center of the room especially.
The room is empty now, save for a stairway going down.
Alyssa tries her Dimension Door ability to pop back to the way up.
Nothing happens.
Alyssa grunts at that and decides to head down, slipping into the shadows and being generally cautious.
Stealth:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+65 : 2 + 65, total 67[/blockquote]
The stairs head down. As you walk down them, you can feel the air growing colder by the step, your breath beginning to mist out.
Alyssa rolls her eyes at the petty annoyances of Shar and keeps going.
It's shivering cold when you reach the bottom. A single hallway is here, leading to a door at the far end.
Alyssa creeps down the hallway to the door, keeping an eye out of traps, hidden things, locks.
Perception here, -3 penalty.
Booo, penalty. Does Terrain Mastery: Underground apply? If so, then +3!
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 1 + 46, total 47[/blockquote]
Whoops, that would 44 total. Got enthusiastic.
It does and you Iddied that roll.
You proceed onto the door without incident. No sign of traps that you see or anything like that.
Alyssa taps the door with her skeleton key before opening it!
This room is darker, the stone a deeper shade. It is empty save for a stairway going down.
Alyssa takes a moment to walk around the room focusing on her tremorsense like she did in the torture chamber, feeling for anything unusual.
You sense no vibration in the floor.
Alyssa heads down, same as before, cautiously and stealthily.
Down more stairs.
You walk as silently as you can, creeping along.
At the bottom of these stairs is a wood door, closed firmly shut. It's getting colder down here as you go.
Alyssa uses her key once again!
The door opens. Here is another empty room with stairs going down, the air bitterly cold, miserably cold. Only your energy immunity spell wards it off, the room ahead darker than the previous, tinting black and radiant purple.
Alyssa suspects another artifact and carefully searches, using her tremorsense and skill.
The floor is still, no vibrations. You find nothing unusual at all.
Alyssa continues to the stairs, as cautiously as ever.
Down. Down and down and down.
Perception again.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 12 + 46, total 58[/blockquote]
As you walk down, you catch a dull glint of light out of the corner of your eye.
Alyssa moves through the shadows towards it, inspecting it to see what it is.
Turning, you see nothing in particular. A trick of the dim light, perhaps.
Alyssa narrows her eyes and chants a quick spell, using Detect Magic to inspect the area.
CL check.
CL Check:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 9 + 33, total 42[/blockquote]
You don't detect any new magic.
Alyssa looks around suspiciously but continues her exploration, knowing there's a trick to this place... There always is.
You go down another set of steps. At the bottom is a sloping passage down, plunging even deeper into Ash.
Alyssa considers for a moment and goes back up a level just to see what happens.
You return back up a floor without incident.
'Well, there's that, I suppose. Always forward.'
Alyssa keeps heading deeper, constantly searching for anything hidden or clues.
You don't see anything, going down the slope. Down and down and down. Soon the walls have patches of ice on them, the air so cold that it's like breathing in frigid shards of glass. Yet you keep going down deeper into Ash, deeper into this place.
How long you walk you aren't sure, but you hear it. A scream, a loud scream of pain, coming from below.
Alyssa uses her flight to hover just a few scant inches from the ground, making her movement as silent and undetectable as she can as she slips from shadow to shadow heading towards the sound.
As you go down you hear it.
"PLEASE! PLEASE!" Sobbing follows, "LET ME DIE! PLEASE! MERCY!" A man's voice, mad with pain and fever.
Alyssa continues, searching and watching.
"PLEASE, PLEASE! OH GODS!" The voice sobs, choking.
Ahead the slope ends in a hallway - one with three doors on either wall, as well as a passage ahead, just like the torture chamber's passage.
Alyssa heads towards the screams.
Second door on the left.
You're sure of it as you go and open it. Within it is a nude man, chained to the wall, feet a good foot off of it. His body hangs there, chained tight and unmoving. His eyes are wide and bloodshot. "MERCY! KILL ME!" he begs.
Alyssa slips in and uses her TK to knock the man out.
As you cross into the room, you see the man's legs and chest swell, pulse. Flesh pushed outward as he screams again, shuddering swells and pushes..
Alyssa uses her TK to slam the man into the wall, hoping to end whatever is about to happen.
Which usage if any, or just a generic push back here?
It would be some form of Violent Thrust, but there's not really anything written in the spell or classes that translates the raw force of it to any sort of damage. I suppose we could do some sort of conversion for the amount of force-lbs to damage? Fling Skyward might be close, but that has nothing for someone hitting an object, just fall damage.
Okay, we'll work with that.
Your telekinetic slam hits the man hard. With a cry he goes limp - even as his skin begins to swell and push out, more and more by the moment.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and steps back out of the cell. That's sure to be messy.
You step back as the man's flesh expands out more and more.
Once, you remember watching Mother cook when you were young. You sat and watched the cookfire as she cooked a sausage, only to need to run out for a reason that escapes you. You remember the sausage starting to burn and overcook, the skin of it splitting apart and greasy juices dribbling out under the heat.
As blood splashes about the room, the memory is recalled in vivid detail. It's rather like that. You can glimpse something within, something writhing and moving inside of the man.
Alyssa tries to pin whatever it is to the ground before it can attack or do anything else.
The man's chained up on the wall and it's inside of him still. How are you going to get it to the ground?
I thought he was split open and stuff? Could I just target it and pull it out or the like?
He split open but it's still inside. You could try sure, if you don't mind possibly hurting him more.
Granted he's in a bad way anyway. Don't need a Heal check to tell that.
I mean, the only way he's surviving is if I get this out of him and then use Regenerate on him, so it's sort of a need-to-do thing. That said, Alyssa *is* super good with TK, so it's pretty reasonable to do it.
You can try, sure. Gimme a CMB check here.
Can I knowledge devotion this foo?
Yeah, sure, it is a creature.
What check be it?
K:Dungeoneering.
K:D/Bibliotheca:
Take 10 for 71.
A writhing, larval white thing is pulled out. Enough that you manage to yank it free. It squirms wetly, blood dripping from its white body, yet not staining it at all. The man slumps, body torn open and ruined. His blood flows free as a river out of him.
Alyssa keeps the thing held in the air and casts a spell on the man.
Heal, Cl24.
+150 hp.
Nothing happens.
That's pretty much proof that what happened was instantly fatal to him, or he was in bad enough shape that it was inevitable.
Alyssa gets a look of distaste on her face and turns back to the larval thing, inspecting it and trying to figure out what it is.
It writhes in the air, perhaps the size of a large ball. You inspect it carefully - it resembles a soul larvae but isn't one, some sort of insect larvae more than anything else. Something twisted and that should not be - a unique aberration, something that should not be. A thing of teeth and claws, of blood and suffering.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and tries to crush only it's head. Perhaps something of Shar's minions can be learned from it.
It is not hard. The thing's head is crushed in a burst of fluids and flesh, the entire thing going still.
Alyssa keeps it clear of herself as she puts it in her haversack and moves on to checking the res of the area.
It is silent now. None of the other cells have anything of note that you see.
Alyssa moves to the next room, expecting another stairway down.
Before you is a dead end, an empty torture room with no further path that can be casually seen.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and walks the room, focusing on her tremorsense.
The ground beneath your feet is still, unmoving.
Alyssa casts Xorn Movement on herself and sinks into the ground, looking for other levels or rooms.
You try and do so, but you find the ground resists you even with your magic. Something is blocking it, something hard and inflexible.
Alyssa furrows her brows and attempt s to punch through the ground with her TK again.
CMB real quick.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 3 + 33, total 36[/blockquote]
You crack the ground a little bit, yet nothing else. The near silent sliding of stone follows, the noise coming from all around you.
Alyssa floats into the air and looks around to see what's going on.
The walls are slowly starting to close in on you, from all angles.
Is there anything around I can use try and punch through the walls or wedge them in place?
There is not, at least not lying around the room.
Alyssa chants a spell, firing off beams at all the walls and floor!
Disintegration (Chain, Echoing), CL 33.
I can hit 21 targets, so space that out into appropriate cubes to stop the walls and punch through the floor.
Give me the obligatory attack roll to check for a 1.
Single roll or one for each?
Single.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+34 : 13 + 34, total 47[/blockquote]
Walls give way. A moment - above you! Stone is peeled away from your spell, and straight above you is a purplish sphere, dark colored and seeming to suck the light out from it. The wall you pared away is reappearing by the second, moving to shield the sphere.
Alyssa rips it out of the stone with her TK!
CMB.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+45 : 4 + 45, total 49[/blockquote]
You pull at the orb, but it is too strong. You cannot dislodge now, and a moment later...
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=10]
AC?
54.
You juke aside on instinct, losing sight of the sphere as you dodge. A cleaver from nowhere misses you by an inch, whirling around back towards you.
Go.
Alyssa strikes at the sphere with her TK, intent on crushing it like the last.
CMB again.
CMB/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+54 : 4 + 54, total 58[/blockquote]
You send your will at the sphere as you see it crack all over - and you end up face down again, eyes closed. Wa...what happened?
Alyssa rolls over groaning and checks herself over before surveying the area.
> roll 1d20+41
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=13]
AC? Also any miss chance?
AC is 54. 20% miss chance.
> roll 1d100 vs 20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d100=43]
> roll 3d8+22 and fort
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d8=8,4,3]
Counts as magic to overcome damage resistance, if you have any.
Fort/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+32 : 16 + 32, total 48[/blockquote]
Pain. You can barely see the same room as before, repaired now - when a cleaver strikes. It goes right through your elbow, slicing off your left arm at the elbow. A flood of sheer pain hits you, blood spilling out from the wound, pouring fourth as your severed arm hits the ground.
An additional 30 points of damage. Act.
Is there more than one cleaver thing?
Just one on a glance.
Alyssa tries to capture the cleaver with her TK.
CMB, sure.
CMB/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+54 : 7 + 54, total 61[/blockquote]
Bleeding and pained, you are able to focus your will and capture the knife in your mental grasp.
Alyssa solves this as simply as she can: she shoves the damn thing into her haversack to be dealt with later.
Done. The cleaver is now in your haversack and your stump is still gushing blood.
Okay, so I've never seen anything really addressing this. Can something like Vigorous Circle or Heal reattach the limb if available? Or what are my options? Only Regeneration?
It requires regenerate, yeah. Healing can stop the bleeding at least, though.
Will missing the limb have any real negative for Alyssa? She doesn't use two handed weapons or anything.
Short term no, as long as she doesn't come on something that requires two hands or the like. You also only have one hand available for spellcasting, which means you need to keep that hand open and free for somatic components.
Alright then.
Alyssa focuses on her limited divine magic and casts a spell!
Vigorous Circle, CL 24.
Fast healing 3 for 34 rounds comes out to 102 hp.
The wound begins to scab over as it heals, relief filling you as the blood flow stops. You feel woozy but that's abating, your injury at least no longer bleeding.
Alyssa takes the time to inspect the room, suspecting another teleportation.
There are no exits. The walls are plain and bare. It's another empty torture room.
Is Xorn Movement still active? I doubt it. Would be 34 rounds.
It is not.
Alyssa focuses and chants a spell!
Disintegrate (Chain, Echoing), CL 33
Send 1 ray where the sphere was, a few at the walls to check for hidden doors, rest in the same place I found the stairs on previous levels.
Nothing.
The wall are but a thin shell. Beyond them is blank nothing, emptiness as far as anything can see.
Do you have anything that provides you air or protects your breathing. Or for that matters, relieves you from having to breathe at all?
Yup:
Talisman of Long-Life, 17,250: Immune to all harmful vapors and gases (such as cloudkill and stinking cloud effects, as well as inhaled poisons) and allowing him to breathe, even underwater or in a vacuum, and continually provides its wearer with life-sustaining nourishment, its wearer needs only sleep 2 hours per day to gain the benefit of 8 hours of sleep.
There is no air, yet you can breathe, your talisman proving its worth.
Alyssa considers.
"A demi-plane made into a dungeon? How appallingly wasteful, Shar. You've had your fun, tortured those here. Unless you take a more direct hand and draw more attention than you're ready for, this little outpost is lost to you. End this with dignity and a small tick in my favor and let's both be about our business."
There is nothing around you, no reply either. Your only companion is the void all around you.
Alyssa shakes her head.
"Petty. I expected more elegance from a Goddess. Though I suppose that's part why you're always regulated to Selune's shadow. To think you once stood next to her."
Alyssa inspects the void, trying to decipher the magic creating it to better understand it's strength and how to break it.
There is no magic here. It is empty, void of even magic, save what surrounds you.
Alyssa attempts a Plane Shift back to Ash!
Greater Plane Shift, CL 33.
Nothing happens, the spell fails.
Alyssa closes her eyes for a moment and focuses on her faith, on Shaundakul, the paths she's walked, and on her companions and lets the wanderlust that's driven her entire life fill her with the need to move and follows it.
Charisma check.
Cha check:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 18 + 3, total 21[/blockquote]
Nothing happens.
Yet you feel the faintest something at that, some sort of feeling. Almost like the wind against you as you walk.
Alyssa focuses on the feeling of it, following after it, searching for the path over the horizon.
Charisma check again.
Cha:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 3 + 3, total 6[/blockquote]
There's still something, you can feel it, but....
Give me a quick d100 in the meantime.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 4, total 4[/blockquote]
As you focus on it?
A blur from your side. Bastian is there, arms crossed and regarding you coolly, looking you over.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow at him, trying to determine if he's an illusion or trick.
Bastian nods back at you and taps his head, then scowls. He mouths slowly, 'Blocked again?'.
Alyssa attempts to send to him, 'Possibly?'
This time you hear Bastian. 'Finally,' he responds. 'What hell is this?'
'Void. I think Shar is using her dominion over Shadow and Darkness to create a sort of Demi-Plane. I imagine we were transported when the first set of stairs disappeared. I found another orb in the ceiling of a different level and destroyed it. Disintegrating the walls after that opened me up to this place. What did you experience after we separated?'
'Something like that,' Bastian's reply is short, 'Have you seen the others?'
'No. Shaundakul led me to you. Or the other way. I felt the wind on my back and followed it. If the two of us focus on the others, I think it'll work. Take my hand.'
Alyssa holds out her stump with a sardonic grin.
Bastian's eyebrows go up, 'Shaundakul's boots and Selune's shoes, you're smiling over that?'
'Would crying help? I'll just regenerate it later. It's inconvenient, but it doesn't hinder my spells. I'd rather save the spell in case one of the others needs it more.'
'I've seen seasoned warriors break over losing an arm,' Bastian's expression hardens, And you smile over it?' Cracking his knuckles, 'What Sharran doppelganger are you?'
'I smile because I have magic that'll restore it. It hurt more than anything else when it happened. Damn flying cleaver. If I didn't have that spell... Do you have any idea how hard it would be to make notations for spell formula with only one hand? I'd have to refine my telekinesis control for it.'
Well, you at least earned a Diplomacy check, but with a -10 penalty. Go.
Really? I took that as him joking around. Alrighty. I'll just cheat then!
Diplo/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+67 : 5 + 67, total 72[/blockquote]
You get a long, long, looooong gaze. Bastian finally grunts, 'That's not normal,' he finally sends back.
'I didn't say it was. I just meant that it's logical. I can grow it back at my leisure with a single spell. That knowledge is keeping the panic and horror at bay, creeping around the edges. I can use it now and deprive myself of being able to help one of the others, possibly, when it doesn't really stop me from being effective, or make the smarter choice.
In either case, we need to find the others before I use the spell. Let's get to work. I don't know how you do it, but I always focus on my wanderlust, letting it build until it nearly bursts and then just start moving.'
'Just move,' Bastian says, 'Isn't it obvious?'
'To each their own. Here, let's start.'
Alyssa rests her good hand on his shoulder and focuses on her wanderlust and the others.
Charisma again, +4 bonus.
Cha:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 7 + 7, total 14[/blockquote]
You feel something building, sparking more. Bastian looks at you. 'Just do it. You've moved all your life. Walk.'
Alyssa gives him a shove and starts moving, following the feeling.
Charisma +4 again.
Cha:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24[/blockquote]
It's like a snap, suddenly your body moving, everything working like it should.
Alyssa follows the feeling, hoping it'll lead her to the rest of the group.
You fly in the empty void and...
Just going to try and follow that? Okay, give me an Int check.
Int:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+12 : 2 + 12, total 14[/blockquote]
You're following in this voice, empty and silent. A silent word, a dead world, an empty world. You're flying, drifting, lost.
You...
You...?
What is your name again? You have a name, don't you?
Alyssa tries to focus on her name... On who she is.
Int check.
Int:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+12 : 15 + 12, total 27[/blockquote]
Alyssa. You remember suddenly. Your name is Alyssa.
Alyssa shakes her head and looks at Bastian.
'You okay? That was odd.'
'I'm fine,' Bastian says, 'What was that?'
'Shar. Trying to steal our memories. Let's find the others.'
Thus you fly on at that. You fly and see something ahead. A building of black streaked marble, like smears of midnight mixed into milk. It floats in the void, Shar's unholy symbol emblazoned on the front, above closed gates that lead within.
Alyssa inspects the place, looking for the sure to be there traps
Perception.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 1 + 46, total 47[/blockquote]
You don't see anything awry or that speaks to a trap, at least from here.
'I don't see any traps. That means this place itself is the trap. Ideas?'
'Go in, don't die,' Bastian says shortly, 'Or go back to wandering this void. We have two shit choices.'
'Let's get this done.'
Alyssa heads towards the gate.
The gate is made of good, solid wood and is firmly shut. An iron lock and latch keep it closed.
Alyssa taps the lock with the Skeleton Key.
The latch undoes itself easily enough.
Alyssa opens the gate and slips inside!
Within is a simple, broad hallway leading in. It is dark, only the deepest shadows to flickering, dying light within. Ahead lies but a single door at the far end, leading further in.
Alyssa motions to Bastian and sends, 'Come on. Single door, look for anything hidden.'
Bastian follows, 'Yeah, I'm with you. Should be able to find the others.'
'Hopefully.'
Alyssa moves down the corridor, checking for hidden rooms, traps, and things with her tremorsense.
Perception again, Mr. 11000 posts.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 10 + 46, total 56[/blockquote]
No traps or anything hidden that you see.
Alyssa approaches the door and taps it with the key.
The door unlocks.
Alyssa opens it and slips in all stealthy like.
Inside is...again. The torture room. The same walls, the same floor, the same ceiling. Again. Again. Again.
Soft, whimpering cries can be heard from within.
Alyssa rolls her eyes. 'A little lacking in imagination isn't she? Let's find this whimpering person.'
Bastian nods as you look around - the whimpering looks to be coming from a closed iron maiden.
Alyssa moves to the side of it and taps it with the key.
Do you have any special means of perception like tremorsense and true seeing?
I have both of those and Blindsight.
You open it. Inside is Ianvasah, eyes empty and impaled a dozen times over. She shakes and bleeds, "M-mother..." is all she can manage, blood pouring down.
Alyssa pulls her out and casts a spell on her.
Heal, CL 24.
150 hp
Bastian's face sets in a grim line as you heal her and...
> roll 1d20+32
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+32 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{38}
Her wounds begin to seal. She whimpers, gasping, sobbing for air and breath.
Alyssa grabs her face and forces Ianvasah to look at her.
'Ianvasah! Look at me! Focus on my voice!'
Ianvasah's wounds heal, silence following. Then she screams, a scream of utter, pure terror.
I think I misinterpreted the previous posts per IRC. Redo it or carry on?
Does it change your action?
I'd use Regenerate.
Okay, does that heal any hit points?
Yes:
[blockquote]Rolled 4d8+24 : 4, 6, 2, 5 + 24, total 41[/blockquote]
Eyes slowly rebuild as some of her wounds mend, Ianvasah moaning in agony, slowly whimpering.
Alyssa keeps a hold on her, ready to reassure her when she starts responding.
Ianvasah's eyes regrow and focus on you. She is silent...until she begins to scream at the top of her lungs, eyes wide and expression panicked.
Alyssa pulls her into a hug and sends to her, 'Ianvasah, focus. It's over. We're here. Just focus.'
The screaming doesn't stop, despite her wounds, screams loud.
Any kind of K check here to help? Got no real idea where to go with this.
Have anything related to psychology and the mind?
Not... Really? Is there even a psychology skill in D&D?
Not really, no. In that case give me...A heal check, I suppose.
Heal/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+31 : 5 + 31, total 36[/blockquote]
You know just enough to know she's having some sort of breakdown from trauma. She's not thinking clearly as of now.
Do I know enough to help her calm down at all?
Yes. Something sharp to get through to her, a sort of mental chance to reset.
This is more a question of the limits of the spell; could Prestidigitation do it? Like a burst of light and crack of sound or the like?
I'd rule no, not enough oomph there.
Flash Bolt do the trick? This is kind of a weird thing to pick a spell for.
Refresh me on what the spell does?
Flash Bolt
Transmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard cction
Range: Close (25ft + 5ft/2 levels)
Target: One creature
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes
You point at your target as you chant, the words of magic causing your hand to glow until a bolt of light fires from your hand with the last word.
You fire a bolt into your target's face with a successful ranged touch attack that blinds them for 1d4+1 rounds.
This spell has no effect on creatures without eyes or creatures that don't depend on eyes for vision.
It might, depending on how she takes going blind again.
Well, I don't have much else... We'll see if Bastian has anything.
'Bastian, do you have anything that can give her a shock? Something to snap her out of this? I have a spell, but it might be too much.'
Bastian nods, motioning you to move aside.
Alyssa does so!
Bastian simply holds her, letting her scream for several moments. He meets her gaze, impassive as she dissolves into shudders and tears, shaking and mostly silent besides wracking sobs.
"Ah...ah...Alyssa..." Ianvasah manages to choke out.
Alyssa moves in and hugs her.
'Ianvasah, it's over. Just let me know what you need.'
Ianvasah hugs you back, shifting. She takes her true form, crying despite no tears coming now.
"S-she...I felt her presence," Ianvasah sobs, "She w-wants us to hurt. She wants us to suffer. S-she didn't want me to die yet, just hurt."
'And yet here you stand. Shaken, but not broken. You stand here with us. She will break her teeth on us.'
Gasps for air, Ianvasah looking on at you with widened eyes. "W-what about the others?" she asks aloud.
'That's what we're working on now. You were the first we came across.'
"T-t-then let's go," Ianvasah manages, "We have to find them and get out."
Alyssa nods.
'Yes, but do what you need to first. Shar's sure to try and stop us.'
"Healing," Ianvasah says, "My spells are expended."
How hurt is she? My healing is pretty thin.
Impaled, if scabbed over thanks to regenerate's healing. She needs medical attention, though as an epic hero she's not down yet.
Bleh.
Alyssa chants a spell!
Heal, CL 24.
+150hp
Ianvasah's wounds heal further, no longer so dreadfully wounded.
'That's the most I want to do right now. The rest of my spells are limited and focused on group healing. Judging by how we found you, the others will likely need healing as well.'
"We have to go then," Ianvasah agrees, "My wounds should be healing by themselves but they aren't."
'Hmm...'
Alyssa looks Ianvasah over with Detect Magic, looking for any lingering magic that could be stopping her healing.
Spellcraft.
Spellcraft!
Take 10 for 68.
Nothing that you can sense, at least that's magical. The spells on her are all gone, worth noting.
'Hm... I can't see anything interfering with your healing... But it may just be that Shar's magic is more subtle than I can pick out right now. All of my spells on you are gone as well, and I don't have enough magic to recast them on you again, so be very careful. You're far more vulnerable than before...'
Alyssa turns to give Bastian the same once-over.
On a glance, Bastian looks fine.
'Alright, let's move. Same thing Bastian. Ianvasah, keep your hands on our shoulders and just follow us.'
Where are you headed?
Back out and then to do the wandering thing again.
You go back and out and...
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 4 + 46, total 50[/blockquote]
As you head out, you hear a soft, almost unnoticed sound of something rattling behind you.
Alyssa spins, send to the others, 'Rattling behind!'
The party turns, the back wall shaking and rattling. It's visibly vibrating in the air, the sound of it getting louder.
'Bet there's an orb in there about to turn this place into a death trap. Exit is probably gone or blocked.'
Bastian cracks his knuckles, 'Then let's be ready.'
Ianvasah manages a shaky nod, "Ready."
Alyssa uses her TK to try and punch a hole in the center of the shaking wall.
At the same time the wall gives. Behind it is...Emily. Emily is there, magical flame around her hand. At her side is Jarem and Dolmaya, "Good work," Dolmaya commends, sheer, almost invisible waves of force gathering around her hand.
"Alyssa!" Emily's face lights up, "Are you alright?"
Alyssa blinks and gives a slight wave with her stump.
'I appear to be a bit short handed for the amount of work to be done, but fine otherwise.'
Jarem flies over, grasping your stump. "Stay still," he commands, all business. "Once your hand is back we're getting the hell out of here."
Alyssa rolls her eyes, 'I appreciate it, but I don't swing swords. This doesn't hamper my casting, so save your magic for once we're out of here. Something worse could happen between now and then that calls for your magic more. And we're not leaving this place for others to stumble into or Shar to expand.'
Alyssa turns to Dolmaya, 'Did you see the voidscape?'
"Overruled," Jarem says, not letting go, starting to murmur a prayer under his breath.
"We did," Dolmaya says, "As well as what may be a way out."
'Ideas on it? I didn't spend much time studying it. I. Think it's some variation of darkness and shadow manipulated into a demi-plane. What's your theory?'
Meanwhile as Jarem casts, your arm begins to regrow, regenerate.
There's healing attached as well if you need it. Do you?
Yeah. The damage wasn't super significant, I don't think. I'd have to go back and look, but phone/work.
> roll 4d8+35
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d8+35 --> [ 4d8=25 ]{60}
In moments you feel better, whole once more. "Better than a leg," Emily murmurs, "But that didn't stop me."
'Ianvasah has a worse story, but that's for later. Dolmaya? Theory on the voidscape?'
"Some sort of empty space," Dolmaya replies, "Possibly some sort of projected demiplane, though it's a clever set up if that is it."
'Yes... Such a trick could be useful... Still... What's your idea for escape?'
"The fact that we found what may be an exit, but didn't want to leave yo uthree behind," Dolmaya replies right off, "Come along now."
Jarem lets your restored armed go, "Before something worse happens," he agrees.
Bastian just cracks his knuckles, starting to fly ahead.
'The exit is likely a trap. Best be ready. Everything I've found here has been designed to instill hopelessness. The illusion of an escape is likely the same.'
"Do you have a better idea, then?" Dolmaya asks right back.
"I wish we did," Emily says, "But we haven't come up with anything better."
'I only meant it as a precaution. There's have to be substance to the exit for it to be an effective trick for us. That means if it does turn out to be a trick, there's likely something we can learn from it to find or make an exit of our own. I simply mean to be aware and watch for it.'
A nod at that and...
"Do you need any spells cast on yourself?" Jarem asks as you all begin to go back they way they broke in, another identical torture room on the other side, stairs leading out of it.
'Ianvasah had all her spells dispelled. Anything you can give her will greatly help our chances.'
Jarem nods, "We'll help her," she says, Ianvasah flying over. At the same time Dolmaya glances at you, "And you, Alyssa?"
'My spells are intact. As for everything else... It can wait until we get out.'
I'll handle Ianvasah spells in a bit or when they become needed. Meanwhile...
You are lead up familiar stars, up and out another temple. Before you is the void, yet in the distance you see something. Something brighter, something that stands out from the nothing. A mere star in the sky, but you can see it.
Alyssa inspects it as they approach it, trying to pick out any traps or tricks, and watching how it interacts with the void around it.
Sure, Perception with a -25 circumstance penalty.
Perception -25:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+21 : 13 + 21, total 34[/blockquote]
You can only see a point of light as you fly, the details seeming to escape you. If anything, you begin to feel dizzy.
Alyssa tries to focus on what's going on, but the dizziness is getting in the way. She tries to focus on what's causing it
Con check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15[/blockquote]
You aren't sure, but you feel dizzy and dizzier by the moment.
'Something's... wrong. Dizzy. Worse and worse.'
Jarem's there, "I gotcha," he says, his hand on your arm. "It'll pass. I had it happen and Emily had it happen."
'Suspicious. Let's keep on our toes.'
Do you have protection from ability score damage?
Does Terrain Mastery: Negative Energy plane cover it? States negative levels.
It would not, no. That just covers negative levels.
Then nope. Don't believe so.
> roll 1d3 con damage
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d3 con damage --> [ 1d3=1 ]{1}
The feeling passes, even if you feel drained and exhausted after it.
'Ugh. Feel a bit sick.'
"Can you keep going?" Jarem asks, simply. "We can carry you if you're too weak."
'I'm fine. Let's be done with this.'
Thus you fly on. As you get closer, you see light. A great point of light, ash in the air, faint but notable against nothingness.
Alyssa continues on, doing her best to study it as they go.
It's like a large dot growing larger as you approach. A dot of light that spreads, ash blowing out from it.
"That's it. I hope we can get out there," Emily says, "Past whatever trap stops us."
"I hope," Dolmaya says, "I know we will."
Alyssa focuses her determination and speeds ahead!
Thus you all fly on...but as you do, it's not getting any closer. It remains what it is, ash blowing as the party advances not a step closer, even as they fly along.
Alyssa frowns and closes her eyes, again praying to Shaundakul and focusing on her wanderlust and desire to escape, trying to feel what direction her senses are telling her to go.
Gimme a Charisma check real quick.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 14 + 3, total 17[/blockquote]
Yet you're getting no closer. In fact, it's beginning to slip away.
"Come on," JArem calls, grasping his holy symbol, "GO! If we lose this chance, we may never get out."
"Which means fucking GOING!" Bastian snaps, "I have no plans to die in this cursed place!"
'Stop. This is the trap. We're getting further from it. Bastian, feel it with your instincts. The same with Shaundakul's path. We're walking the path she wants us to, not where our own feet would lead us.'
Alyssa holds a hand out to Bastian, motioning the others to come closer.
Everyone gathers and...
Go ahead, it sounds like you have an idea.
'Bastian, just like before. Let's focus on our path. Let our wanderlust lead us and not Shar.'
"Then let's focus," Iavansah takes a shaky breath, "Everyone, together!"
"Beats Shar," Jarem agrees, as...
Cha checks, all. Gimme yours first, Alyssa.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 8 + 3, total 11[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+5 Jarem
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+5 Jarem --> [ 1d20=8 ]{13}
> roll 1d20+12 Seira
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+12 Seira --> [ 1d20=8 ]{20}
> roll 1d20 Ianvasah
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20 Ianvasah --> [ 1d20=20 ]{20}
> roll 1d20+4 Bastian
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 Bastian --> [ 1d20=14 ]{18}
> roll 1d20+13 Dolmaya
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+13 Dolmaya --> [ 1d20=5 ]{18}
The party begins to fly ahead - and you move, move and move some more. You're getting there, the light getting closer now!
'I can feel us getting closer. Keep focusing on wanting to get out. Follow your instincts. Follow Bastian and I and just keep moving.'
"Go," Bastian urges the party on, urging all of you on, urging your escape. "GO!"
"I'm going," Emily shoots back, rushing on as...
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 20 + 46, total 66[/blockquote]
Ahead of you, something is starting to emerge from the nothingness itself. Something human shaped by far too big.
'I'll bet we're about to fight that...'
Alyssa tries to identify it.
"Fight what?" Bastian asks aloud, as...
K:R.
K:R/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+61 : 2 + 61, total 63[/blockquote]
The creature that emerges is a nightwalker, a powerful undead shadow. It rules over lesser undead, can crush magical items and has a lot of magical powers. They're fearsome champions of Shar generally.
'Nightwalker! Champion of Shar! It can destroy our items and has a large number of abilities!'
Jarem readies his blade as Emily frowns, "WE have to get past it," she calls, Ianvasah shuddering.
It emerges about 100ft away. A mountainous figure of pure black, risen from the nothingness. It says not a word, but instead points at the party as...
Init.
Reposting this just for refresher for anyone it still applies to:Long Duration:Everyone (+20 people):Create Magic Tattoo: +1 Spellcaster Level, CL 33, Duration: 24 Hours.Create Magic Tattoo: Spell Resistance 19, CL 29, Duration: 24 Hours.Spell resistance equal to 10 + 1 per three caster levels.
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls.
+5 armor bonus to armor/shield.
enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls of +5
This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
This spell is identical to mage armor, except that it grants a +20 armor bonus to armor class.
You have the benefits of the attune form spell (page 17) with respect to the appropriate element.
You are immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet.
Fire: Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained. Perfect recall of memory and anything heard/read. Speak all languages.
Improved Initiative.Magic Circle Against Evil, CL 33, Duration: 330 minutes.+2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistace bonus to saves. Immunity to possess or exercise mental control (charm/complusion). Natural weapons recoil.
+5 ehnacnce to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
HP: 281/281
AC: 53.
Spells Active: Magic Vestment (CL23), Create Magic Tattoo (SR/Spellcaster Level/Attack) (CL33/29/25), Elemental Body: Fire (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL33), Energy Immunity: Cold/Acid/Electricy (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity: Fire/Sonic (CL27), Epic Mage Armor (CL33)
Bonuses: SR 19 (CMT), +1 Caster Level (CMT), +1 Luck Attack (CMT), +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge checks (BA), +20 Armor Bonus (EMA), +5 Armor Bonus/Shield (MV), +5 ATK
Negative Conditions:
Alyssa chants a quick spell for the group!
Nerveskitter, CL 34, Duration: 1 round.
+5 bonus to init.
Init:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+22 : 15 + 22, total 37[/blockquote]
Alyssa Songsteel
HP: 281/281
AC: 53.
Spells Active: Magic Vestment (CL23), Create Magic Tattoo (SR/Spellcaster Level/Attack) (CL33/29/25), Elemental Body: Fire (CL33), Mind Blank (CL33), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL33), Energy Immunity: Cold/Acid/Electricy (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity: Fire/Sonic (CL27), Epic Mage Armor (CL33)
Bonuses: SR 19 (CMT), +1 Caster Level (CMT), +1 Luck Attack (CMT), +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge checks (BA), +20 Armor Bonus (EMA), +5 Armor Bonus/Shield (MV), +5 ATK
Negative Conditions:
> roll 1d20+10 Jarem
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 Jarem --> [ 1d20=6 ]{16}
> roll 1d20+14 Emily
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Emily --> [ 1d20=18 ]{32}
> roll 1d20+12 Ianvasah
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Ianvasah --> [ 1d20=10 ]{22}
> OOC: +5 more for her.
> roll 1d20+9 Bastian
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 Bastian --> [ 1d20=11 ]{20}
> roll 1d20+21 Dolmaya
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+21 Dolmaya --> [ 1d20=4 ]{25}
> roll 1d20+20 Nightstalker
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+20 Nightstalker --> [ 1d20=10 ]{30}
Init is Alyssa (37) > Emily (32) > Nightstalker (30) > Dolmaya (25) > Ianvasah (22) > Bastian (20) > Jarem (16)
Open.
Did my check give me any info on weaknesses of this thing?
Yes. True sunlight weakens them, silvered magic weapons overcome their damage resistance. Anti undead abilities are also generally effective.
'True Sunlight, Silver, and anything that harms undead will be effective. Be wise.'
Alyssa casts a spell!
Effulgent Epuration, CL 34, Duration: 34 rounds.
34 spheres absorb and completely negate any spell or spell-like ability, regardless of level, that directly targets the subject.
Note that it specifies spells targeted at you, not area spells.
Emily immediately holds sunlight in both hands, a pair of sunlances gathered. "Lathander's light, pierce the darkness," Emily chants, hurling one after another.
1 checks, you'll see why in a sec.
> roll 1d20
> roll 1d20
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{15}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{17}
The sunlances fly - but the void consumes them as they fly. Sunlight fades to nothing, powerful magic completely consumed.
"We'll have to get in close," Emily says, as she calls on, "Mother!"
Celestial Valor on all. Nightstalker is up.
The nightstalker rises up, looming large now. It slowly takes a step forward in the void, hand out as it gestures at the party and...
Fort all.
Fort/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 3 + 33, total 36[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+34
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+34 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{43}
> roll 1d20+43 Emily
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+43 Emily --> [ 1d20=8 ]{51}
> roll 1d20+32 Ianvasah
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+32 Ianvasah --> [ 1d20=4 ]{36}
> roll 1d20+22 Bastian has saves issues
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+22 Bastian has saves issues --> [ 1d20=8 ]{30}
Maximized, so 240 damage. Everyone but Emily takes full.
Agony hits all of you, bodies alight with pain as you stand amid the void. It tears at all of you, bloodying and beating the party.
Dolmaya is up.
Dolmaya takes a breath at this, "Then close in," she agrees, "Enough."
Empress's Remand.
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 10#1d20+35 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{52}, [ 1d20=4 ]{39}, [ 1d20=18 ]{53}, [ 1d20=3 ]{38}, [ 1d20=20 ]{55}, [ 1d20=19 ]{54}, [ 1d20=2 ]{37}, [ 1d20=6 ]{41}, [ 1d20=14 ]{49}, [ 1d20=12 ]{47}
Dolmaya got a haste spell, which she puts on Jarem. She also got a shadow crown spell, which she lets be dispelled, along with epic mage armor (no one needs it). A super heroism spell is put on Alyssa, which is +6 morale to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves and skill checks, as well as +40 temporary hit points and proficiency with all weapons. Caster level 35th. The other spells are dispelled as they're distasteful and vile.
Init is Alyssa (37) > Emily (32) > Nightstalker (30) > Dolmaya (25) > Ianvasah (22) > Bastian (20) > Jarem (16)
As magic is torn away Ianvasah stays by Alyssa, shielding her as Bastian and Jarem share a look, then a nod, before charging in at the monster as one.
Those two are up, feel free to react and update with the stolen spell, this post has gone long as it is.
[spoiler]
Vestment on shield last. Greater magic weapon too. Epic Mage armor too.
+5 enhance to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
Jarem
HP: 264/504
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+2 (+1 haste, +1 luck), Damage+0 AC+1 (+1 haste), Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 6/6 Knight's Challenge 21/21 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Haste (CL35)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 174/503
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 11/11 Channel Energy 14/14 Lay On Hands 33/33 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: S: 10: 1 13: 2 FS: Superb Dispelling
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Greater Blindsight (CL34)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 285/525 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Greater Blindsightx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Bastian
HP: 287/527 (fast healing 2)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
Dolmaya
HP: 472/472
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used: 1 12th level spell
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
Alyssa gasps as she's rended by the spell, nearly broken by it, by tries to stand firm against it.
41/281 hp.
Alyssa is bleeding so much, barely able to see the two charge in and...
It lacks combat reflexes, so only one AoO.
> roll 1d2 1 Jarem 2 Bastian
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d2 1 Jarem 2 Bastian --> [ 1d2=2 ]{2}
AoO bonus saved him.
> roll 1d20+59 (+2 charge, +1 luck, +1 huntress)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+59 (+2 charge, +1 luck, +1 huntress) --> [ 1d20=1 ]{60}
> roll 1d20+63 (+10 deific foe, +5 smite, +2 charge, +1 luck, +1 huntress)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+63 (+10 deific foe, +5 smite, +2 charge, +1 luck, +1 huntress) --> [ 1d20=1 ]{64}
Geez.
Yet it is all for naught. Blows are traded but none hit, the three in melee as you bleed, vision flickering and...
Go.
[spoiler]
Vestment on shield last. Greater magic weapon too. Epic Mage armor too.
+5 enhance to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
Jarem
HP: 264/504
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+2 (+1 haste, +1 luck), Damage+0 AC+1 (+1 haste), Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 5/6 Knight's Challenge 21/21 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Haste (CL35)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 174/503
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 11/11 Channel Energy 14/14 Lay On Hands 33/33 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: S: 10: 1 13: 2 FS: Superb Dispelling
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Greater Blindsight (CL34)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 285/525 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Greater Blindsightx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Bastian
HP: 287/527 (fast healing 2)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
Dolmaya
HP: 472/472
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used: 1 12th level spell
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
Can I identify that spell/power it used was and if it would be vulnerable to it?
Sure, gimme Spellcraft and K:A.
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 2 + 58, total 60[/blockquote]
K:A/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+61 : 15 + 61, total 76[/blockquote]
It was a supernatural ability using the consumptive powers of the void around you. You doubt such a thing would hurt a servant of Shar.
Alyssa focuses on her magical powers and uses a spell and ability!
Swift: Minor Shapeshift: +33 temp Hp
Standard: Space Compression, CL 34, Duration: 34 rounds.
Point directly in front of of us connected to a point directly next to it (side of body/head)
'I've connected the space in front of us to next to it.'
Meanwhile Emily works away, healing all around her. "Seira, mother, protect and restore us!"
Mass Healx2, 500 HP healed.
"Do you need more aid, Alyssa?"
[spoiler]
Vestment on shield last. Greater magic weapon too. Epic Mage armor too.
+5 enhance to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
Celestial Valor up.
Jarem
HP: 264/504
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+2 (+1 haste, +1 luck), Damage+0 AC+1 (+1 haste), Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 5/6 Knight's Challenge 21/21 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Haste (CL35)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 503/503
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 11/11 Channel Energy 14/14 Lay On Hands 33/33 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: S: 10: 1 13: 2 FS: Mass Healx2, Superb Dispelling
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Greater Blindsight (CL34)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 525/525 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Greater Blindsightx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Bastian
HP: 287/527 (fast healing 2)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
Dolmaya
HP: 472/472
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used: 1 12th level spell
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
'Killing it would be the fastest way.'
Emily then flies 50ft forward and chants, "Be healed again in my mother's name!"
Mass Heal on Jarem and Bastian.
The undead horror before you rises high, hand extended out again as he steps back and...!
Fort again all.
[spoiler]
Vestment on shield last. Greater magic weapon too. Epic Mage armor too.
+5 enhance to Natural Armor, racial bonus on saves vs. poison, racial bonus on Hide checks.
+10 enhancement to str, dex, con. +8 enhancement to Natural Armor. +20 competence bonus to Hide/Move Silently, +6 to iniative checks, cannot be flatfooted, gain Combat Reflexes feat, and scent special quality.
Celestial Valor up.
Jarem
HP: 504/504
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+2 (+1 haste, +1 luck), Damage+0 AC+1 (+1 haste), Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 5/6 Knight's Challenge 21/21 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Haste (CL35)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 503/503
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 11/11 Channel Energy 14/14 Lay On Hands 33/33 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: S: 10: 1 13: 2 FS: Mass Healx3, Superb Dispelling
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33), Greater Blindsight (CL34)
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Ianvasah
HP: 525/525 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources: Protection Domain 1/1
Spells Used: Greater Blindsightx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Has notes for shapeshift on her sheet.
Bastian
HP: 527/527 (fast healing 2)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
Dolmaya
HP: 472/472
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+1 (+1 luck), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 Caster level+1
Resources:
Spells Used: 1 12th level spell
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL33, 29, 25), Mind Blank (CL33), Energy Immunityx3 (CL33), Mass Energy Immunityx2 (CL27), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL33), Spiderskin (CL33), Power of the Huntress (CL33)
Notes:
Wouldn't the space compression in front of us divert it?
Do me a favor and paste space compression here?
Space Compression
Transmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 14
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Personal
Area: 100ft/level radius emanation
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
Under the effect of this spell space and distance become malleable, able to change at the caster's whim. Once per round as a free action the caster may alter the distance between any two points within its area of effect such that distant squares are treated as adjacent to one another. Once set, the points remain in their new configuration until either the caster resets them or else moves so that one of them falls outside the radius of the spell (based on its 'true' position - this spell cannot be used to extend its own area).
For example a caster can link her present square with one at the edge of the spell's radius and cover several hundred feet with a single five foot step, bypassing any obstacles or attacks of opportunity in her path. Or she may connect her square with that of a distant enemy, allowing melee attacks to be made through the compressed space. Lines or ray attacks can travel through compressed space normally, whereas for a radius effect a cone is projected through compressed space based on the orientation of the squares and the remaining radius of the effect. For example if a 20 foot radius fireball detonates 10 feet to the left of a square that is linked elsewhere, a 10 foot cone is cut out of the fireball's radius moving past that square, and the 10 foot cone then issues forth from the linked square aimed in the same direction drawn from the fireball's point of origin.
A creature threatens normally through linked squares, potentially increasing their melee reach and triggering attacks of opportunity on other creatures moving around them.
Space Compression would have linked the squares for that heal too.
Cool. In that case it's covered by something else, but...
The healing fades around it, the void seeming to consume it when it comes to the undead monster.
At the same time the attack is diverted away harmlessly. A chance!
Dolmaya tosses her hair back at this, "Well, it seems your luck has run out, nightmare," she declares, advancing slow and careful.
This particular setup hoses her b ad, so she's holding.
Init is Alyssa (37) > Emily (32) > Nightstalker (30) > Dolmaya (25) > Ianvasah (22) > Bastian (20) > Jarem (16)
Ianvasah stays back, shivering silently.
> roll 1d20+40 Celestial Valor's +8 is relevant here
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+40 Celestial Valor's +8 is relevant here --> [ 1d20=18 ]{58}
"...I can't..." she whispers, "Let you HURT THEM!" With a roar she morphs, taking dragon form and flying ahead. As she does she charges in, going in from above for a heavy bite.
> roll 1d20+62 (+2 charge, +1 luck)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+62 (+2 charge, +1 luck) --> [ 1d20=9 ]{71}
> roll 4d8+39
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d8+39 --> [ 4d8=24 ]{63}
Ianvasah bites into the creature's head, roaring as she chomps down. At the same time Bastian and Jarem pursue, striking away furiously.
> roll 1d20+57
> roll 1d20+57
> roll 1d20+57
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+57 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{74}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+57 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{66}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+57 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{70}
> roll 1d20+52
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+52 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{56}
> roll 1d20+47
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+47 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{61}
> roll 1d20+42
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+42 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{55}
> OOC: +6 more for terrain.
> roll 4d8+46+2d6
> roll 4d8+46+2d6
> roll 4d8+46+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d8+46+2d6 --> [ 4d8=21 2d6=5 ]{72}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d8+46+2d6 --> [ 4d8=17 2d6=6 ]{69}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d8+46+2d6 --> [ 4d8=16 2d6=4 ]{66}
> roll 1d20+69 (+10 deific foe, +5 smite, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion activated because Shar sucks)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+69 (+10 deific foe, +5 smite, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion activated because Shar sucks) --> [ 1d20=18 ]{87}
> roll 1d20+69 (+10 deific foe, +5 smite, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion activated because Shar sucks)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+69 (+10 deific foe, +5 smite, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion activated because Shar sucks) --> [ 1d20=9 ]{78}
> roll 1d20+64 (+10 deific foe, +5 smite, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion activated because Shar sucks)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 (+10 deific foe, +5 smite, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion activated because Shar sucks) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{69}
> roll 1d20+59 (+10 deific foe, +5 smite, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion activated because Shar sucks)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+59 (+10 deific foe, +5 smite, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion activated because Shar sucks) --> [ 1d20=15 ]{74}
> roll 1d20+54 (+10 deific foe, +5 smite, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion activated because Shar sucks)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+54 (+10 deific foe, +5 smite, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion activated because Shar sucks) --> [ 1d20=11 ]{65}
> roll 1d20+64 (+10 deific foe, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 (+10 deific foe, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion --> [ 1d20=20 ]{84}
> roll 1d20+59 (+10 deific foe, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+59 (+10 deific foe, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion --> [ 1d20=20 ]{79}
> roll 1d20+54 (+10 deific foe, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+54 (+10 deific foe, +1 haste, +1 luck, +1 huntress, +7 law devotion --> [ 1d20=9 ]{63}
> roll 1d8+59+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+59+2d6 --> [ 1d8=8 2d6=10 ]{77}
> roll 1d8+59+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+59+2d6 --> [ 1d8=8 2d6=8 ]{75}
> roll 1d8+59+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+59+2d6 --> [ 1d8=4 2d6=6 ]{69}
> roll 1d8+59+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+59+2d6 --> [ 1d8=1 2d6=6 ]{66}
> roll 2d6+29+2d6
> roll 2d6+29+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6+29+2d6 --> [ 2d6=10 2d6=6 ]{45}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6+29+2d6 --> [ 2d6=6 2d6=9 ]{44}
With Ianvasah the two attack. Bastian slams the creature back leaping up to hammer its chest with both hands, then flip up and kick it in the neck. Jarem goes low, hacking away at its legs. Shards of shadow stuff are torn away as, "Die," Jarem snarls, "Return to the bitch who made you!"
The beast is reeling back from the assault, trying to hold up as...
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 18 + 46, total 64[/blockquote]
A glance back, a faint noise. The shadows 100ft behind you are starting to form another nightwalker.
Go.
> roll 1d20+20
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+20 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{32}
Init is Alyssa (37) > Emily = Nightstalker 2 (32) > Nightstalker (30) > Dolmaya (25) > Ianvasah (22) > Bastian (20) > Jarem (16)
'Second one behind!'
Alyssa takes a moment to study how it's forming looking for a way to shatter the void.
Going to spend your turn on studying and watching it?
Yeah. Gotta find a way to stop it from absorbing everything and spawning more.
Sure, K:R here.
K:R/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+84 : 18 + 84, total 102[/blockquote]
As far as you can tell, it's a property of both the void and the nightwalkers. You'd have to change the terrain somehow.
'It's terrain. It's generating the void. If we can change it, some how, we'll be able to affect things better.'
Init is Alyssa (37) > Emily = Nightstalker 2 (32) > Nightstalker (30) > Dolmaya (25) > Ianvasah (22) > Bastian (20) > Jarem (16)
"Planar Bubble!" Emily exclaims, "Can you cast it?"
'With a wish. Anyone have it ready?'
"Same!" Emily calls back. "I can't heal us and risk failing, though!"
'I'll do it then. Your spells are more suited to fighting them.'
Emily holds, since odds are you'll need healing in a moment and her offense is mostly negated.
The newly formed Nightwalker rises, gathering energy to it, before darkness engulfs you, darkness that fades away, one sphere consumed.
Your defensive spell paid off.
A moment later greasy darkness surrounds all of you, cloying and cold.
Will for you and Ianvasah.
Will/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+35 : 8 + 35, total 43[/blockquote]
> roll 5d8
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 5d8 --> [ 5d8=22 ]{22}
> roll 1d20+32
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+32 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{40}
Both of you made the save and take 25% total, for 5 damage.
Yet this does almost nothing to you, barely an effect at all. The other nightwalker gathers in darkness and steps back, blending into the shadows and gone.
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 11 + 46, total 57[/blockquote]
"We have a chance!" Jarem calls, "COME ON!"
Init is Alyssa (37) > Emily = Nightstalker 2 (32) > Nightstalker (30) > Dolmaya (25) > Ianvasah (22) > Bastian (20) > Jarem (16)
Dolmaya takes that with the way seemingly clear, jetting ahead and towards the light.
Ianvasah lingers by you a moment, as Bastian and Jarem take the chance as well, flying ahead.
Go, you're up.
Alyssa starts casting!
Wish, CL 34.
Intent/Wording: Change thee terrain and void around us to a plane that radiates or shines true daylight.
CL check then.
CL check:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+34 : 9 + 34, total 43[/blockquote]
Does that include the CL boost from the tattoo you gave everyone?
Yeah. Though I can Push It, if it's trying to overcome SR or something.
What's push it?
Glarion Wizard/Arcane Duelist (ACF: Scribe Scroll):
Wizards who train at the Arcanamirum spend much of their time studying the practical applications of their spells, often in the school's dueling fields. As such, some of them have learned the above special ability, which replaces the Scribe Scroll feat gained at 1st level.
Arcane Duelist (Su): Wizards with this ability are specially trained to push their spells when needed to gain the upper hand. When pushing a spell, the wizard can choose one of the three following effects: increase a spell's DC by +1, add +2 to the level check to overcome spell resistance, or add a +2 morale bonus on attack rolls made with the spell. A wizard can use this ability a number of times per day equal to his Intelligence bonus. Using this ability is a swift action.
Yet your magic is not enough. You muster it but the void consumes it, the sunlight coming to nothing as your wish fails.
So close and yet so far. Anything else this turn?
'It wasn't enough. It needs more power behind it than I could muster.'
Init is Alyssa (37) > Emily = Nightstalker 2 (32) > Nightstalker (30) > Dolmaya (25) > Ianvasah (22) > Bastian (20) > Jarem (16)
Do you have spell stowaway for time stop, by the way?
Nope.
"Then let's go!" Emily says, suddenly at your side.
Time stop, duration irrelevant, rolling for reference. All she needs is one round.
Normally I'd roll this, but netsplits are being troubling and I don't feel like fighting with it. She'll take the minimum result of 1 for 2 total which is sufficient.
Emily grabs you, "Come on," she says, "I'll pull you along."
Alyssa takes hold of Emily and follows!
Emily hurries, Ianvasah with her. Like this the party hurries along, hurries in. You're heading towards that light, fleeing for dear life. "I'll cover!" Dolmaya shouts, "Go!"
Alyssa watches their progress, hoping they're getting closer.
On...on...on. Light. Light.
At once everything is real again. You hit the ground of Ash, coughing. Is it over? Are you free? Your friends save Dolmaya are at your side, Jarem already rising from the ground. "Everyone okay? I think that was it."
Alyssa looks disgruntled, but checks the area around them over.
It's the floor above this one, before you went down into that hell hole. The main floor of this, as near as you can tell.
Emily gets up and helps Ianvasah up, "Whatever it is, we escaped. Thank you, Mom."
Bastian is resting nearby, "Ugly is what it was. Uglier than a troll with boils."
That gets a short, sharp laugh from Jarem, "Knew an ogre with boils, close enough. Poor bastard."
'There's still work to be done. Dolmaya. Can anyone sense her?'
"No," Ianvasah is human again, slumped. Emily goes to her, supports her as Jarem turns back.
"...We'll have to wait," Jarem says, "She's strong and she's capable. Trust her to get the job done and get out."
Okay, the idea here is kind of obtuse, but work with me here. I have Cooperative Spell. Is there any way I can use that feat to sort of link with the others and have Jarem use Miracle to help Bastian and I with Horizon Walker/Shaundakul's pathing help?
Run me through that a little more carefully? I think I get what you mean, but it's a situation where nuance matters.
Okay, so Bastian and I focus on our Horizon Walker abilities: traverse planes, find the path stuff. Along with that, we also focus on our connection to Shaundakul and the ability or whatever it's been that's been helping us find our way. Jarem and Emily, if she can, try to use Miracle to pump power into it and help us find a path for Dolmaya to get back to us.
As you discuss that?
Worry not.
Dolmaya stumbles out, bleeding form a gash on her shoulder. She tumbles down and takes a few gasps for air, then looking up, "Alyssa dear?" she says, "Your idea of adventuring needs a little bit of refinement."
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=12 ]{12}
Alyssa rushes over and lifts her up.
"Well, maybe the sense of scale might be a bit off. Let's check this place over one more time before getting out of here."
"We should seal off access to below," Emily says, "I'll take care of it."
Dolmaya rises with your help. As she does, "At least we knocked some heads in," Bastian remarks.
"Poked her in the eye, so to speak. We may not have beaten her champions, but we crushed her cult here. Let's clear this place out and get back home."
Okay, clean up will mostly be without incident, and we'll cover node updates post level up. Congratulations, you've made it to level 34!
Nice. What about loot stuff?
I'll hash that out over the weekend. For now focus on leveling up unless something in loot is integral to that.