It is time. The ritual is ready and the six of you are here. The patterns are laid and the magic is prepared. When the final words are uttered, nothing happens...
...
...
Until a blank white portal appears, silent and motionless. Like a tiny tear in reality, nothing less and nothing more.
Will this be something like Beyond, but within Creation's rules?
Perhaps, like that dragon they met within Io's maze?
How big is this place? Is it infinite? Will Sylvie just... be there?
Moore steels himself for what's ahead and will let Seira lead the way, as she's had the most experience in this field.
Seira ties the six of them with telepathic links, in case talking wouldn't be possible over there, and then leads the way in!
The following spells are on SeiraAll spells here are to be precast before leaving home [CL 35].
Overall: Glorious Rally, Celestial Valor, Ghost Touch (Armor, Shield and Weapons), Recitation (per round spell)
Defensive: Shield of Warding, Foresight, Visions of the Future, Dragonskin, Foresight, Superior Vigor (per round spell)
Perception Modes and Protections: True Seeing, Sensual Blessing, Vision of the Omniscient Eye, Detect Scrying, Greater Arcane Sight
Movement Modes and Protections: Freedom of Movement, Pass Without Trace, Greater Anticipate Teleport
Skill Checks: Bibliotheca Arcana, Surge of Hope, Voice of the Dragon
Ability Checks: Surge of Hope
Immunities and Resistances: Mind Blank, Nondetection, Mass Death Ward, Heroes's Feast, Energy Res 30 (all)
Esoteric Boosters: Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Fortunate Fate, Spell Turning, Telepathic Bond
Chain Dispell channeled into Dragon's Grace, Keen Edge cast on Dragon's Grace, Crystalvein weapons, Golden Greatsword and natural weapons
One-Off Spells: Sign (+4), Divine Insight (1hr/level, +15 insight), Greater Improvisation (10min/level, CLx3 luck points)
Seira leads the way, Amaryl right behind her. Ranbar follows while Kascha stays with Moore and Xandra. Thus all of you step in and - !
It's the sound of the tides that lulls you.
You stand on a beach, a beach where endless expanses stretch ahead in both directions. No sign of a shore beyond beach, and the ocean itself is one vast, blue-white mass that constantly laps and froths against the shoreline. Yet as it comes close it becomes less white, pushed and purged away, turning to blue water that harmlessly licks against the shoreline.
It is flat here, no sign of a mountain unlike Celestia. Simply endless beaches and endless ocean.
Her voice. Sylvie's voice, coming from afar.
Are you surprised?
Don't be. Your minds collectively chose this.
All of our choices matter so much. It doesn't matter if we don't appreciate how important each one is.
Look.
The far northern horizon, far down the beach, far and far and farther yet? It becomes radiant with a distant light - a light that brings a chill to Seira's bones, as Kascha cries out and shields her face with her arms, while Amaryl shivers. The light of 21 shines as bright as a new risen sun.
The divine is not safe here. Death here will be your final death, be you immortal, mortal or divine. If this is acceptable to you, continue forward.
But you won't turn back, will you, Moore?
I said we'd meet again before the end, and so it will happen.
What are we but holy martyrs for all of Creation?
You know this great crusade won't end well for any of us.
May it at least end well for Creation through our tears and blood.
A beach, is it?
He barely has time to look around and understand before his attention is snapped forward.
He listens.
Then he shakes his head. "It's good to see you too, Sylvie. I made a promise and I'm going to keep it - we're bringing you home, through hell or high water." It isn't a threat. There is no malice there. It's a promise — a promise months and years and eons coming.
"We will show you the power that overcomes all - the power even 21 can't beat - Hope."
A snap. A shift.
Hope.
Is that really the virtue that will triumph over all others?
"What?" Amaryl says, arrow and bow readied at that shift. She gazes around as nothing else seems to change, yet things feel different.
"We hope for a better tomorrow, free of Shar." Xandra calls back. "That is enough."
Kascha slowly lowers her arms, "What else could it be? We all want a better Creation."
"Triumph... I think that's the wrong word. I think hope exists along with everything else. I think hope can't exist by itself... so if hope is triumphant, then that means perseverance, will, striving for a better tomorrow.. those go right along with it."
Moore takes a breath. "I bet you hope, too, don't you? 21 is a battle for a soul, after all. I can only speak for myself, but bringing hope to Creation is my Answer." Moore says.
You know, it's funny. Hope is something we all can get behind. In fact, some of us literally stand for it.
Where are you, exactly? I've got plenty of complaints to you about the way you've lived your life, and the idea of physical therapy appeals. We can discuss why you're wrong about our sad, sad eventual fate afterwards.
Then come forward. You'll find me eventually.
Sylvie's voice, but different this time.
Right, then. We're headed into the white water.
But not on foot, of course, there's no point in getting wet. Seira flies out above the sea.
A battle for a soul, hm?
Then it's a battle they will win.
Just hold on, Sylvie...
Moore follows Seiras lead!
The party flies on. Yet when you reach the storeline, you find you're unable to advance into the ocean. An unseen force stops you cold.
Seira experimentally drops her flight and tries to step onto the water, and if that fails, into them.
No good, none of that allows you to advance forward.
"It's a solid barrier, but I don't see anything, even with true seeing," Ranbar murmurs, "It feels hard as a wall of force."
"Perhaps we head to the light of 21 instead of over the waters?" Kascha offers, looking further up the beach.
As this happens, a large patch of white comes your way - !!!!
One hundred laughs join the gentle flute. Onward, onward, onward, onward, onward, onward, onward.
The flutes and the hands all unite together in the citadel that stands tall over the abyss that stretches to tomorrow and when yesterday reaches the zenith of the mountain you find the flutes all the flutes together and the laughs are coming from them all the happiness and the sorrows together in a great pile and they all loop back to the HANDS -
It is a thing. The white is a thing of hands and flutes and laughs. It has no shape and yet menaces, resisting and passing through the barrier, coming at the party.
Will save, all.
Init as well.
"That's the Beyond, probably. Excellent," Seira says sarcastically.
Will:
18:53 <Seira> roll 1d20+63
18:53 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=17]
Init:
18:54 <Seira> roll 1d20+25
18:54 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=4]
Everyone gets +15 to init.
Will saves
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+53 : 8 + 53, total 61[/blockquote] Moore, mettle
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+44 : 17 + 44, total 61[/blockquote] Xandra
Init
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+41 : 1 + 41, total 42[/blockquote] Moore
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+21 : 16 + 21, total 37[/blockquote] Xandra
> roll 1d20+46 Amaryl Will
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=19]
> OOC: Note for myself: Amaryl has surpreme init.
> roll 1d20+46 Kascha Will
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+29 Kascha Init
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+46 Ranbar Will huh they all have the same will save, that's odd, Elle has +34 too.
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+34 Ranbar init
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=11]
> roll 18d6 horror init
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d6=5,5,4,4,2,3,6,3,4,6,5,4,2,3,4,5,5,1]
Everyone made the Will save.
Init is Amaryl (Supreme) > Horror of Hands (71) > Ranbar (45) > Seira (44) > Moore (42) > Kascha (40) > Xandra (37)
Amaryl opens.
Amaryl hops back lightning fast, a barrage of arrows striking the creature before you.
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d6=5,5,4,4,2,3,6,3,4,6,5,4,2,3,4,5,5,1]
> roll 1d20+71 (+12 various)
> roll 1d20+71 (+12 various)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 89 > [d20=18]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=14]
> OOC: I'm sorry, that should be 66, grabbed the wrong value, so -5 on those.
> roll 1d20+66
> roll 1d20+66
> roll 1d20+66
> roll 1d20+66
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=10]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=8]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+65 to determine AC
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+66 crit?
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d8+35+10d6+6d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d8=4][d6=3,1,1,2,5,6,3,4,5,6,4,4,2,2,3,1]
A barrage of flaming arrows land, yet most are lost within the hands. Yet one plunges through a dozen hands, laughs and pain shared together as...
Horror is up.
The hands reach out, reaching out towards the party, towards Seira and Kascha in particular.
> roll 1d100 vs 65
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d100=43]
> roll 65-43
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 >
> roll 22*3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 >
AC, Seira?
[spoiler]
Moore would offer to take anyone coming by Hope's Landing's blessing stone for the following: Epic Mage Armor (CL24), Mind Blank (CL17) and Afina's Perfect Sight (CL27).
Xandra
HP: 567/567 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Amaryl
HP: 590/590
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Kascha
HP: 649/649
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Chaos Devotion 1/1 Pearl of Power Vest 3/3 Entangling Blast 3/3 Brass Ioun Stone Temp HP 3/3 White Sphere Ioun Stone Mass Heal 1/1
Spells Used: 6: Superior Resistance 8: Mind Blank
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes:
Ranbar
HP: 704/704
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Channel Energy 14/14 Inspiration 25/25 Cunning Save 4/4
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Baseline cunning insight is +4 from feats, exalted adds +6, ring adds +1, total of +11 if used in tandem with that.
103
Both you nimbly avoid the hands, dodging out of the way. At the same time, "Seira, will force kill such a thing?" Ranbar asks.
She's up, actions depend on your answer.
"It might, but hold on a sec," Seira calls to her, focusing her will on the Horror.
You're in Creation now, bitch!
The thing lacking a proper shape is placed in one through force, mittens covering each hand and sewn together like closed lips to cut off the endless laughter!
Let's try this.
Sure, gimme a Charisma check.
19:53 <Seira> roll 1d20+12+2+2
19:53 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=9]
To your will, hands are sewed together and bound, tight as the entire thing goes silent. White gives way to blue, gone just like that.
You've learned. The purpose of this place is to ensure Creation is not easily harmed by Beyond. Do you understand now?
Free act.
I actually understood from the start, Seira admits. The changing colors of the surf are very clear.
She starts heading down the beach towards that flare up of 21, even as she casts a few spells to ensure her friends are better protected.
Celestial Valor, Glorious Rally and Recitation.
Moore follows along!
The power of will made manifest, huh? Sounds familiar...
This trial is best served to those who seek to become One.
Bear that in mind well.
Seira laughs loudly as she leads the way.
We knew that much before coming here! Now stop playing coy and come out to say hi!
"I'm not sure she can." Moore says.
"You're still bound by 21's first and foremost curse, aren't you?" He speaks up.
Come closer. I'm waiting.
"If that's how she wants to do it, so be it," Amaryl says, striding along.
Xandra goes to Moore and murmurs, "The obligation to tell the truth?"
Moore nods to Xandra. "Notice how she didn't actually answer the question?" He says quietly back.
"I did," Xandra says, "Moreover, is this party the wisest one we could have? There are others who seek to become One amid our ranks."
"I don't think this place is going anywhere." Moore says. "Especially now that we know how to get here, it'd not be a problem to return."
Okay in that case, what's your marching order gonna be, y'all?
Seira walks cheerfully ahead, although she's always keeping an eye on threats. And her eye can look all the way for three miles!
Perception 10 for 105
Moore can be wherever.
Cool. I would like something more solid, though. At least a general order.
Seira, Amaryl, Ranbar, Kascha, Moore, Xandra
Works.
Onward.
You walk along these sandy shores for some time, the waves crashing and yet fully blue when they reach the sands. You do this a time until ahead, you see an object lying on the sands. It looks to be a page of a book, torn out and left there.
"Is that you? Or a part of you?" Seira asks, coming over and picking the page up.
Moore will wait for Seira to read it so as not to just look over her shoulder.
Ranbar is at your side as you read the page.
"I've made many mistakes in my life.
My greatest strength and my greatest sin is my inability to accept what I cannot change. From that all my suffering comes.
I wasn't the one meant to bear 21 to this point. Jaela, Afina, Ithea, Hanna, Adrian, Morniel, Ebony. Any of them could have bore 21 and accepted this path.
My greatest irony and my greatest sorrow is that I succeeded, that I was able to change what I should have been unable to change.
The heavy destiny of my Prime was enough. It wasn't my destiny, it was your destiny. It was Alicia's destiny. It was the Crimson Guard's destiny. Yet that destiny changed as well. The God-King was not defeated by your hand.
In this I curse you, Seira Aryn. In this I share your regrets, Seira Aryn. In this we both march forward."
In a sense, she did get a team and sponsored it to get that damned God-King, so wouldn't it still count as by her hand? Good enough for a prophecy, Seira muses.
"I see a letter to myself," she says, handing it over to Ranbar to read properly. "Do you see the same?"
"I do," Ranbar says, "Lad-ah. Seira," A clearing of her throat, "It's a letter of regrets and hopes."
"Someone else should pick up the next page. I expect there will be one," Seira voices, keeping on heading down the beach.
Moore flies along after them!
Onward. Ahead on the beach sits a stairway going up, up and ahead into nothingness.
Come, your trials await above.
That's pretty ominous! So Sylvie, let's talk a bit. Are the trials a mandatory part of reaching you? Must any who try to reach you attempt to become One? If the answer to that is yes, is your method better than Io's?
I've given so much.
I have not given up a chance to indulge myself one last time, and see if you are worthy.
Besides, the journey is important to all of you. Don't you see that? Every step forges you into the weapons you're meant to be, the ones that will rip Shar's throat out.
Moore rubs his chin as he expects no answers to come... then blinks as one does... ah, but it isn't really an answer, is it?
Of course she'd know how to get around that.
Are the voices actually different 'Sylvies', he wonders?
Seira climbs the stairway up.
Up and up.
A stone platform is here, five doors ahead.
The first door has a sigil of Sylica on it.
The second door has a sigil of Hope's Landing on it.
The third door has a sigil of a squid on it.
The fourth door has a sigil of Alyssa's new academy on it.
The last door has the sigil of the Cauldron on it.
Go as you will. The sigils are recommendations.
You're suggesting that we split up?
Do whatever you want.
"I imagine each door has lessons that each group should learn, or things to help them on their way. I'd further imagine that they probably will change when a full group goes in, as opposed to only a few." Moore says as he looks at the doors.
"I also imagine there are challenges suited to fit each group, though I'd think they're changed if only part of the group goes in... but we can't say that for any amount of certainty." He says. "I'm fine with either all of us going into one or us taking the doors that should suit us."
"It may be as she said, that it's a chance for each group to grow," Xandra comments, "Or not to grow as the case may be."
Moore nods. He doesn't expect an answer, but...
"Can we traverse these doors more than once?" He calls out.
Until you clear a door out, you can come and go as you want.
"Does what's behind each door change depending on how many people from our respective groups there are?" He asks aloud.
No.
"Then perhaps we should bring everyone." Moore says. "Lady Seira, what are your thoughts?"
Now she's talkative!
To confirm, we can take a peek past any of the doors and so long as we don't complete the entire trial or die in the process we can leave and return with a different composition?
Yes, now stop acting like a scared child and more like a dragon.
"There? See, Moore? Even though she's pointlessly rude, Sylvie confirms that it's alright to take a peek. Let's start with my door?"
She opens the one with the Cauldron's symbol!
Moore can't help but smile a little as he waits to see what's there!
Amaryl frowns at that, "So hostile," she murmurs quietly. Meanwhile Xandra keeps her opinion to herself, though Ranbar looks offended.
"Let's just keep going?" Kascha says, as Seira opens the door. Ahead is a cliffside path, narrow and tenuous. From above a rain of screaming hot, white lava cascades down. Yet soft, puffy blue clouds absorb it, dissolving it overhead before it can come down and incinerate any on the path.
Seira's not afraid of a bit of lava, so she heads on! Checking for traps as she goes, of course. This is her path, after all.
Perception 10 for 105
Sure enough, there is indeed a trap - on the very first few steps. Reach there and your footsteps will cause the path to collapse, sending you tumbling down. Moreover, the air itself is trapped somehow - leave the ground and you'll regret it, the barrier above will open and the lava will cascade down to you.
"Don't step on the bright-red spots," Seira cautions the others, illuminating the trapped areas. "Don't fly or float or otherwise do anything but walk. Follow in my footsteps as closely as you're able, please."
The path revealed will take some incredibly deft moves to transverse, you note. It won't be easy.
"Ah, correction. Moore, can you help everyone with their agility? It'll take a bit of contortions, and while I'm fine let's play it safe for everyone."
Moore nods. "A moment."
Marshal aura for +15 to dex checks and he will Inspire Excellence for dex for a total of +19!
Time to show everyone the proper way ahead!
Good Hope is +2 morale to ability checks, unless Inspire Excellence is morale?
It is competence!
Cool. Dex checks all. For every size in either direction you're removed from medium, you suffer a -7 penalty to the check, due to being too big or too small.
20:13 <Seira> roll 1d20+12+19+2+3
20:13 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=9]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+31 : 14 + 31, total 45[/blockquote] Moore
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+27 : 2 + 27, total 29[/blockquote] Xandra
> roll 1d20+34 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+27 Kascha
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+25 Ranbar
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=12]
> OOC: +11 more since brain over brawn applies.
This the party proceeds. It's careful movement, yet everyone manages it. You all head along this cliffside path, past the trap. As you go, "It's the same as before?" Kascha looks up, "With the white lava and blue clouds. But why blue?"
"Stands for both the sky and the oceans? Water is life, the cornerstone of Creation? Because we visualized the Beyond as a white wave crashing against the shores of Creation, and as it's being filtered we switch it in our minds to the proper color oceans tend to have?"
"I just figured white represented Beyond because we didn't really understand it, but the blue may be just that, refer to life and Creation itself or something." Moore says.
"Does that mean she wants to stand for life?" Ranbar asks.
"Or that life is preferable to what lies Beyond," Xandra points out, "The creatures there seem alive, but they are still anathema to us."
"She did speak in both white and blue, so perhaps it represents Sylvie belonging to both at present?"
Moore nods. "Like being stuck in between."
"Like someone holding such a thing no mortal was ever meant to," Kascha murmurs quietly.
Meanwhile ahead the path begins to widen, slowly giving you more space to walk.
"Yes, please do consider that when judging her." Moore says. "I'm here to get her out of here and hopefully break whatever hold 21 has on her. Or... at least make her stop punishing herself."
"Can we?" Kascha asks, "Can we stop something 21's begun?"
"We're here, aren't we?" Moore asks.
"You know, that's a pretty complex matter," Seira muses. "She's not one of mine nor did I have any particular personal connection to her, but Sylvie does come from Balmuria and I've kept an eye on Whimsical Sweets and the Aurora Crusade for other reasons. If we're talking of judging her over her poor life choices, those have started way before 21 entered the picture. They haven't really improved, either, as far as I can tell. On the other hand, even terrible people deserve to be rescued from a bad fate, and for all her rudeness she's actually petty rather than bad. As for the self-punishment? I think I'm with you there, Moore. Self-flagellation is something only Ilmater's people do unless it helps with self-reflection, so either it's already done its part or it's hopeless with her. Either way, needless suffering is needless."
Kascha's asked the most interesting question of whether they can affect 21, but discussing that honestly would probably lower morale so she better not. Instead, Seira cheerfully heads onwards! And keeps on checking for traps or hidden entrances.
Perception 10 for 105, again.
Kascha follows, "I don't think she's petty, Seira," she remarks, keeping her eyes above, on the lava that's blocked by the clouds. "You did start it by saying you wanted to hurt her." Her voice is kept quiet but she goes on, "She always excelled on Aurora, but I think that was her downfall, like she said. Someone with less talent would have learned to accept failures. Someone with less talent would have at least been barred by their own inability to do what she's done. All the talent she has isn't worth much if it leads to a bad fate, is it?"
"Pettiness and pride are common sins," Xandra speaks up here, "No, I would believe Seira on that, regardless of if she was provoked." Her own gaze stays ahead, on the widening path. "I believe she understands that now, with what she wrote and her choice to give her talents to another. A confession and a penance is what I see there, even if her choice of recipient is poor. No, she was never a destined hero. She was never meant to be what she became. Sylvie is merely a woman blessed with talent and strangled by that same talent, taken too far by that talent."
Kascha's quiet throughout that, before softly, "Is that what we're seeing? Moore called it a battle for a soul, and 27 once called 21 the battle for a soul. Is it now a battle for Sylvie's soul? One voice felt resigned and burdened by her destiny, the other feels as her and yet...she seems to care only a little. She sought not to structure this, but to allow us to approach all of this as we want."
"I'm not actually a big fan of destiny this or fate that," Seira muses as she advances down the widening path. "And on reflection, perhaps we should save our commentary on Sylvie's character and past actions until we've saved her? A bit was fine, especially as she was answering, but it might be mean to keep at it as we go."
She claps her hands all of a sudden. "So! Isn't it a hilarious coincidence, Moore, given our talk about One and Ascension?"
"It is." Moore affirms. "I'm guessing this place, whatever you want to call it, must've existed since Creation began. Or... well, maybe it existed, but..."
He shakes his head. "I guess it doesn't matter where it came from or how we managed to shape it to look like this. Still, I'm glad we're all here together for a common goal, and hopefully we'll all learn something in the process."
"If I understood the planar math correctly, it's always existed," Seira responds. "And I rather think we nailed it, given the portal ritual worked as expected. In retrospect, it does make a great deal of sense for there to be a buffer and filter for Creation. And that Horror we've seen is likely similar to others who came through from the Beyond, by managing to overwhelm a specific point in the barrier?"
"So, wouldn't that stand to reason that there's some sort of... I'm not sure what you'd call it, guardians or something here?" He asks. "Watchdogs, maybe is a better word."
"That's possible," Seira agrees. "Then again, a secret is only a secret if no one knows it."
"That's true, too." Moore nods. "I'm sure we'll find our answers once we get through all of this."
"Is anyone else going to try and Ascend as One?" Seira wonders out loud. "I'm assuming you are, Moore, and maybe if there's really any benefit to it I'm not aware of I'll risk it myself, but other than us?"
"I think everyone in my group will try it." Moore says. "We all have... different paths, I guess is the best way to put it. I had given the book to Alyssa, and she's pursuing learning the Words of Creation in order to help with it. Tryll... I think he could, given he rose himself to a paragon with the power of the Triune, so there may even be a lot of similarities between what he did and this."
"No, paragon is different," Seira says, shaking her head. "There are superficial similarities in the mechanics of most serious empowerments, but conceptually it's a very different process. Everyone in your group, though? You're pretty optimistic, given the horrifying consequences of failure."
"What is hope if not an overabundance of optimism combined with wisdom?" Moore says with a beaming smile. "You're right, though, it isn't something I think any of us will undertake lightly. Really, though, if that complete cancer on Creation, Gathgorian, can succeed at it, I'm certain all of us can."
"It could've been pure dumb luck," Seira notes with a grin.
"That would certainly stand to reason with him." Moore says with a harrumph. "Or his boss cheated the system, somehow. But I'd guess even he couldn't manage that."
"Asmodad actually has a divine seed, so I wouldn't put it beyond him. He also pulled some strings for Lixer's empowerment. Maybe he's actually as hard-working as Shar, behind the scenes."
"Asmodad?" Xandra asks as you go on, the path steady now, wider and much more comfortable. "Whyever do you call him that?"
"I like it." Moore says. "It fits the fact that he always has his nose in what his bumbling children are doing."
"It's just funny to me," Seira admits. Also he probably hears it every time someone says his actual name out loud.
Ahead the ground rises up higher - high up and in the distance the light of 21 shines. The chill returns to Seira, intense and sharp as a blade.
Prepare.
"I always feel like such a vampire around it," Seira mutters, glaring balefully into the distance.
Moore blinks.
Where has he heard that before...?
He shakes himself out of that with a look over to Seira. "I wonder why it doesn't seem to affect non-deities the same way? I don't feel anything from it at all when I look at it. Anyway, if she's saying to prepare, then I can do some more singing."
"The reason it affects deities is because it's an explicitly anti-deity weapon. It's not just good at it, there is a conceptual element. That's actually a good point to make. We're part concepts, but that does mean that concept counter to our very natures exist."
Her own spells still have a lot of time on the clock, though she nods at Moore. "Better prepare, yes."
Moore nods and will spend some time singing!
Songs (Inspire Courage, Heroics, Greatness):
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+8 Attack rolls, +3 fort 8d10+8 HD worth of HP
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
[13:27] <Nephrite> roll 8d10
[13:27] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d10=3,8,10,1,9,7,6,6]
Everyone gets whatever +8HD + 50 HP is as temporary HP.
In addition, he'll do Inspire Excellence for Strength and Constitution, which will be +8 competence bonuses to both of those. As a reminder, everyone still has the +8 for Dexterity, or should, since they last for 11 minutes.
Total of:
30 to attack rolls (18 morale, 8 competence, 4 from the strength bonus)
22 to damage rolls (18 morale, 4 from strength)
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC, with an extra +3 competence to fort, along with the bonuses of 18 to fear and charm.
This process will take two rounds.
How many do you manage in round one?
Round 1 is Inspire Courage and Heroics:
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
Moore manages to bolster everyone before the blue clouds above part. One great mass comes forth - a tumor 111 times, carefully curated through rambling, partitioned crimson words, which come together before you in a cavalcade of exemplary union, the reds of it not red, the oranges of it not orange, and while the purple around it a lovely shade of green.
Cravat mixed orangutan waltz.
Inquiry of forbidden paprika and smoked argalamamamamamama.
Broken connectors that cannot reconnect.
What is this place?
I do not accept it.
I DO NOT ACCEPT IT!
> roll 1d4 spending 5 acceleration
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 1 > [d4=1]
> roll 1+8
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 >
> roll 9*5
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 >
Does anyone have an effective Dexterity of 45 or higher right now?
> roll 1d4+45
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d4=3]
> roll 48+8
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 >
> roll 48+
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 >
> roll 1d20+45
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=19]
Init all. The portions in strike through can be ignored mechanically, so you don't need to answer the question about Dexterity.
Everyone gets +19 to their Init checks.
[17:47] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+45 Moore
[17:47] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=1]
[17:47] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+25 Xandra
[17:47] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=2]
07:47 <Seira> roll 1d20+19+19+2+3
07:47 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=2]
Good Hope gives +2 to all.
> Amaryl has supreme init.
> roll 1d20+29 Kascha
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+34 Ranbar init
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=13]
Init is Amaryl (Supreme) > Horror (64) > Ranbar (47) > Moore (46) > Seira = Kascha (45) > Xandra (27)
Amaryl bends her will, hand out as she cries, "Cleanse!"
> roll 1d20+12
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d4 spending 3 acceleration
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d4=4]
> roll 4+3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 7 >
> roll 7*8
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 >
roll 1d10-
Yet nothing happens, the great mass before all of you an endless line, stretching on and yet not, as all 111 of them murmur amid themselves, a growing chant of discordance, of chaos and confusion, of hunger, of hungering for the soft white and red bits that they crave and the growing life and death within all, until the spark is found and the spark is taken and the spark is metastasized because souls are wrong and souls are food and it has come and it is hungry and it hears his echo, he hears the echo that lingers around Kascha and he's so very hungry.
Fortitude saves, all. You all have a penalty on the roll equal to your Intelligence modifier.
17:26 <Seira> roll 1d20+67+16-18
17:26 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d20=4]
Fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
AC: +26 normal/+21 touch/+29 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield, +12 dodge from Moore)
Attack: +22 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore)
Damage: +22 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore)
Fort and Will Saves: +16 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +12 morale from Moore)
Ref Save +19 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +12 morale from Moore, +2 insight Foresight)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
66 temp hp
[10:29] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+61 Moore, mettle
[10:29] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=4]
[10:29] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+59 Xandra
[10:29] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 73 > [d20=14]
Moore's roll should be 55, and Xandra's 65.
Just a quick check: Saves are right since there's an overlapping +6 morale from glorious rally in play and Moore's +12 bonus to saves?
> roll 1d20+37 (+12 various, -8 int) Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=2]
> OOC: +6 more for 45.
> roll 1d20+35 (+12 various, +6 Moore, -14 int) Kascha
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+29 (+12 various, +6 Moore, -11 int) Ranbar
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=13]
[spoiler]
Xandra
HP: 567/567 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Amaryl
HP: 590/590
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Kascha
HP: 649/649
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Chaos Devotion 1/1 Pearl of Power Vest 3/3 Entangling Blast 3/3 Brass Ioun Stone Temp HP 3/3 White Sphere Ioun Stone Mass Heal 1/1
Spells Used: 6: Superior Resistance 8: Mind Blank
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes:
Ranbar
HP: 704/704
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Channel Energy 14/14 Inspiration 25/25 Cunning Save 4/4
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Baseline cunning insight is +4 from feats, exalted adds +6, ring adds +1, total of +11 if used in tandem with that.
Check my spoiler, it lists the Moore bonus since it's bigger.
Correct, the total should be +16, 4 from Celestial Valor and +12 from the morale bonus.
Moore failed, Xandra passed, Seira failed, Amaryl failed, Ranbar failed, Kascha passed.
> roll 43d7
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 179 > [d7=2,1,4,3,5,6,6,7,1,4,6,3,3,3,3,2,4,5,4,1,3,5,2,4,3,5,4,5,5,5,3,6,6,7,7,1,6,5,7,5,1,7,4]
All take full except for Xandra and Kascha, who take none.
> roll 4d7 dex damage
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d7=6,6,6,4]
22 points of Dex damage.
Pain.
So much pain. Tumors eat away at most of you, your bodies erupted in them all over. Great fleshy masses gnaw at your bodies, confused and hungry. Yet Xandra and Kascha somehow resist such a thing, endurance unphased by it as...
Wordless words. Seira can hear them, as well as Moore. Words from those tumors, arguments without meaning and yet at war with all of you, quibbling and quarreling over points inane, insane and incomprehensible.
Diplomacy check, anyone who took damage here.
19:10 <Seira> roll 1d20+78
19:10 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=15]
We all had 66 temp hp from Glorious Rally, so damage to me is 113.
22 dex damage, too.
Fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
AC: +26 normal/+21 touch/+29 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield, +12 dodge from Moore)
Attack: +22 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore)
Damage: +22 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore)
Fort and Will Saves: +16 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +12 morale from Moore)
Ref Save +19 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +12 morale from Moore, +2 insight Foresight)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
[12:18] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+105
[12:18] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 112 > [d20=7]
Good catch on the temp HP.
> roll 1d20+73 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+68 spending one inspiration for +11.
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+43+1d7+1d4+6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d20=11][d7=6][d4=3]
Yet all of you endure the arguments and pain, while Ranbar calls, "Don't you dare hurt her!" She glides in, a spearing thrust at the horror before you.
> roll 1d20+89 (+2 charge, +22 inspiration, +12 various, +6 Moore) Testing if it can even be meleed at the party's level so Seira or someone doesn't get a rude surprise if they try
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 107 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d8+70+2d6+1d6+1d6 one more inspiration spent for damage
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d8=3][d6=5,1,3,5]
Ranbar's spear is able to wound it, stab into the horror's tumorous flesh. No blood comes forth, but the entire thing is impaled. A moment later holy power strikes from above.
Twinned, barraged holy smite. Fails for reasons you'll see.
Yet to this the magic is consumed, eaten by the endless consensus of tumors and gone in an instant. "Weapons, not spells," Ranbar calls.
Init is Amaryl (Supreme) > Horror (64) > Ranbar (47) > Moore (46) > Seira = Kascha (45) > Xandra (27)
Moore, go.
[spoiler]
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
Xandra
HP: 567/567 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Amaryl
HP: 477/590
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Kascha
HP: 649/649
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Chaos Devotion 1/1 Pearl of Power Vest 3/3 Entangling Blast 3/3 Brass Ioun Stone Temp HP 3/3 White Sphere Ioun Stone Mass Heal 1/1
Spells Used: 6: Superior Resistance 8: Mind Blank
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes:
Ranbar
HP: 599/704
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Channel Energy 14/14 Inspiration 22/25 Cunning Save 4/4
Spells Used: Twinned Holy Smite.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Baseline cunning insight is +4 from feats, exalted adds +6, ring adds +1, total of +11 if used in tandem with that.
Moore shivers from the bizarre creature in front of him.
Still, if Seira's divine will earlier worked, then wouldn't...?
He speaks one word, hoping to have some sort of impact.
"Cease."
Free action to switch his aura to +15 Charisma bonus.
He is trying to somehow affect it via Words of Creation, his idea is to hopefully cleanse the idea of the tumors out of this thing, however he might do so.
Charisma check.
[12:56] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+46
[12:56] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=2]
> roll 30d4 lethal
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d4=2,3,4,2,2,2,2,3,3,4,1,3,1,4,4,2,4,4,2,1,3,3,4,3,4,3,3,4,2,3]
Damage to you.
In the beginning all was good and all was tumor. Tumor grew. Tumor grew. There was 21 ways to progress the silk21en path. The path of s21tone and 21 leads to the 212121 path of 21212121212121.
Cleansed. What was is now no more. Whatever it was no longer menaces you. It is gone, broken into a thousand blue fragments that proceed on. The light of 21 shines far ahead, its radiance reaching even here.
It's not as effective and more effective at once. Were you in the Far Realm the results would be different. Beware, this will not always work here, not in this place, because it has already begun.
Nothing can withstand the light of 21, save the Incarnations themselves.
21 is the number of our crusade.
21 is the number of our blood and tears.
21 is the number of our sacrifice.
You use the Words. Do you understand what the Words are, Moore?
Perhaps the Incarnations do not know good and evil, but they knew things before Creation, things they have used to their own ends, such as divinity.
Free act.
"Nicely done," Seira congratulates Moore, healing him.
He lets out a breath and nods his thanks to Seira.
"I think..." Moore considers for a moment. "I'm not positive on this, but... I think they're an embodiment of power that 'translates' the same way between here and Beyond. It's a difficult thing to actually phrase. I remember the creature in the labyrinth said they were 'whole,' which I think is... I think it's something that we can't really translate into Creation's language, that term."
"The Words of Creation and their infernal counterpart? All pieces of the whole that exists outside Creation, I believe? I've actually had high hopes that Sanzha might be able to learn it, but alas."
Two swifts used for mass cures that should top everyone up. If not, I'll keep spamming them as we go!
Moore nods. "I think you're right. Oh, if it's a matter of learning the Words of Creation, I can help teach her, once we're done here."
"Alyssa attempts the same, but it is far from safe," Xandra notes.
Amaryl's quieter, "I wonder if it's because we aren't One? Do you remember the dragon who spoke of being whole, and that the Words of Creation are whole while nothing else was, save for Oberuth's sword and Antenora? Would this study come earlier to someone who is already One?"
"My understanding is that it's also more difficult to become One after you become a deity, for... some reason." Moore says with an unhelpful shrug.
"That's actually not true," Seira interjects. "Io's materials and Antenora's experiences suggest there is little to gain while the risks are considerable. If anything, the risks are lesser for deities attempting the ritual."
"Oh, I see. Okay." Moore nods. "Either way, just a moment..."
Moore is going to finish the song boosters from before, just to be on the safe side.
So that's Inspire Greatness:
+8 Attack rolls, +3 fort 8d10+8 HD worth of HP
It's 8 HD + 50 temp HP. For Moore that's 114, for Xandra it's 122.
In addition, he'll do Inspire Excellence for Strength and Constitution, which will be +8 competence bonuses to both of those. As a reminder, everyone still has the +8 for Dexterity, or should, since they last for 11 minutes.
EDIT: He's also swapping his aura back to Dexterity.
Active Spells: Superior Resistance (CL 31), True Seeing (CL10), Bibliotecha Arcana (CL31), Mind Blank (CL15), True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
HP: 516+112 (652)
AC: 64 (94), 48 (64) touch, 54 flatfooted 20% miss chance, SR 48, 30 resist all to elements
33/39 Bardic music uses 3/3 Refrain
Inspire Courage/Greatness/Destined Strike buffed attack, with dex bonus and BAB +66
Damage bonus: 25
Spells:
Bard
0th - 4/4 (DC 22)
1st - 8/8
2nd - 7/7
3rd - 5/7
4th - 7/7
5th - 7/7
6th - 6/6
7th - 6/6
8th - 6/6
9th - 5/5
10th - 4/4
11th 0/1
Favored Soul:
0th - 5/5
1st - 9/9
2nd - 9/9
3rd - 9/9
4th - 9/9
5th - 8/8
6th - 8/8
7th - 8/8
8th - 7/8
9th - 8/8
10th - 3/3
Going to continue on now, y'all?
Yes
The path stays wider now, easier. On you walk, the path sloping up the mountainside. Ahead is a great thing, a large stone shrine. It blocks the way ahead further, the doors shut firmly. It is of plate stony gray rock, smooth and well hewn.
As always, Seira keeps an eye out on the road.
Perception 10 for 105.
Seira doesn't see anything awry here.
Seira attempts to force the doors open!
You find the doors are not locked. Within is an empty space, save for in the center. A stone bier with chains over a vast vortex of white can be seen. No blue fights against it, yet the chains of dark, deep blue hold it at bay. The vortex is pure white and about the size of a large horse or so.
"Well, this seems... obvious." Moore says.
"Oh?"
Xandra studies it a time, "It seems safe bound up like this. Are we to free it and destroy it?"
"No, I don't think so," It's Kascha who speak up, coming forward, "This trial is based on the Cauldron, and destruction isn't our first choice. But can anything like understanding be obtained from something of the Far Realm?"
"Good advice," Seira tells Kascha, trying to manifest a blue chain from divine power!
Moore will stand back to watch! Maybe he can learn something about how to affect something from Beyond with his own power.
Just like a chain of iron painted blue or trying to mimic whatever those chains are?
Trying to mimic those chains!
You find nothing happens - if anything, you feel like you need to know more.
I don't suppose there's a hint on how to form the chains?
Seira touches one, trying her best to study it.
Hm, if the chains are blue, then they likely must come from Creation in some capacity, right...?
For his part, Moore will try a knowledge check and I guess spellcraft? Not exactly sure what's relevant here!
K:A and Spellcraft, both of you.
Take 10 for 112 and 107 then.
K:A 10 for 122, Spellcraft 10 for 108. My marshal aura boosts Int-based checks by +18. Anything from you, Moore?
Oh, let me toss out the Int-boosting song, that'll be +4 to both of us.
So 116 and 111 for me, and 126 and 112 for you.
On study, the chains seem to be pure, concentrated 'reality'. It's like everything about Creation in a nutshell, a primal display of it forged and full of meaning. It's rather like using words or will against the Far Realm, in a way.
JK with the marshal aura it's Knowledge for 134 and spellcraft for 129.
This is what I am like on Mondays. Not sure that changes anything here, though.
"How about we try to form a chain together?" Seira offers to Moore. "I'll focus the divine will to forge it, and you'll give it meaning through the Words?"
"Sure." Moore nods.
Switching aura to Charisma.
"I'll heal you if it goes wrong," Kascha declares, a shift. A phoenix is now behind you, wings fanned out protectively over the two of you.
Charisma checks you two.
We should both get +15 from my aura to Charisma checks.
[13:32] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+46
[13:33] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=5]
20:33 <Seira> roll 1d20+12+2+3+15
20:33 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=14]
Should be +2 higher with good hope, so 53.
Like this - will and words, combined together. A blue chain is forged from nothing and another comes forth, the vortex further chained down.
The enaction of will. Do you remember that, Kascha?
"Oh!" Kascha gasps, a hand to her mouth, "The Guardian of 21 said that he could do magic without magic, without the Veins of Mystra, through the enaction of will."
The Words of Creation. The Enaction of Will. Do you begin to understand now, when faced with the eternal white emptiness of Beyond? A creature that is complete could perhaps manage this.
One who is complete, One who is whole.
Those given the gift of divinity by the Incarnations lack this one aspect. They are bound to Creation's rules and to Creation's limitations, for they are a creature of Creation.
"So master the One state, gain a fresh language?" Seira muses, trying to form a chain all on her own now that she'd experienced it properly alongside Moore.
20:47 <Seira> roll 1d20+12+2+3+15+17 greater improvisation
20:47 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=1]
So happy can't fail on a 1
"Huh, does that mean Eblis should be able to do this...?" Moore says quietly.
It's done - harder without Moore, but you have enough.
One could do this. I believe any creature from Beyond is One, in their own unique, twisted way. But they are too alien to us to comprehend meaningfully. Our perceptions are that of Creation. They are a mistake to us, they are errors our minds try to assign words and meaning to.
One can create outside of Creation. One can survive outside of Creation. One is a creature of will, one who is sufficient by themselves.
Yet as it is seen, One can be lonely. Not even the Incarnations were alone.
"So the goal is to avoid loneliness," Seira muses. "Achieve self-sustainability, but don't keep people out once you figure out what rests at your core."
"Yet the whole process is something you have to do ultimately alone." Moore says with a small frown. "Well, I suppose having the knowledge that friends are there to help can at least be reassuring, but they still can't aid in the ritual itself."
Ranbar hms, "So...anyone could theoretically become a divine reality warper if they try in Beyond, but most likely their own sense of will isn't strong enough to do it? What a fascinating theory! If Creation is artificially made from Beyond, then are we all like that, but forged into something by Creation and its bounds?"
The potential lies in any soul.
Yet the Incarnations curtailed this, chose to control it. Out of the bounds of what they wanted Creation to accomplish, I have no doubts.
We are made so not only is it possible, but it is almost suicidal to try. We are meant to stay within Creation, as Io found out. There is no meaningful Answer Beyond.
"A paradox," Xandra muses, "Surrounded and yet alone." Listening to Sylvie, she then adds, "At least not one we can understand. Not as we are now."
"Unless you know of something like Two? Or Three, I suppose? I've been wondering whether something like the Triune effect can work for this."
I do not know of such a thing. Only one can become One.
To stand alone against everything and be sufficient is a task that can only be completed internally and externally at once.
21 is cold, but it does not lie. Once you have become One, a Triune could be for you and others who have ascended, but not until then.
"This answers so many questions," Kascha says, wings still protecting the party. "Why tell us now, Sylvie?"
You have to keep getting strong and learning more.
If Shar triumphs here, everything we did is meaningless.
It may yet still be meaningless even if we defeat her, but I never expected to survive this once I understood.
"But... 21 can't know about things that have never happened, can it?" Moore asks. "Mm, maybe that's a little complicated."
Moore flies over to the chains to just look at it for a moment. "So that would mean that the dragon we met in the Labyrinth is also One. I wonder where they got off to, or if they just returned there."
"I wonder..." He murmurs, and he tries see if he's at all capable of the same sort of thing, but perhaps in a slightly different way. He doesn't have divine will backing him, but he has his own will...
"Creation."
He's trying the same thing as Seira, basically. In his mind, he's trying to create chains that represent Creation and have that represented in one Word.
[14:29] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+46
[14:29] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=19] This is a charisma check.
> roll 70d4 ow
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 183 > [70d4=183]
A great flare of pain, but sure enough, another chain is made.
"Moore," Kascha chastises as she heals you, energy mending your wounds one moment after the next.
Does Moore feel like this process was the same as when he created the trees on Lifasa? Is it more or less the same 'process,' but focusing on the thing to be created?
"You don't get to talk." Moore says as he turns and wags his finger at her. "You never mentioned this 'Guardian of 21' to me! That could've helped a lot, you know!"
It's the same and different at once. The chain you think, which comes far too easily and yet drains you painfully.
Kascha blinks, "Didn't you read the excerpt in the library?" she says, "We met him before your time."
"You know how big that library is." Moore says with a huff. "Either way, we'll talk more about it some other time. Still..."
He turns back to the chains to lay a hand on one of them. "It's strange, for the power that these represent, it's almost... too easy for me to manifest them, but it seems to pull out my own strength to do so."
This place is meant for such things, Moore. Do not be surprised.
"...Ah, so if I tried to accomplish this anywhere else except, perhaps, save Lifasa, that it would be nearly, if not completely impossible?" Moore asks.
"That means becoming One may be easier here," Seira muses. "That'd be pretty nice!"
Focusing her divine will in this specific way again, she tries to form something other than a chain. The sea had a filter, didn't it? So that's what Seira intends to make, a dark blue net that would make the white from the Beyond into a part of Creation (or break it down if necessary).
06:36 <Seira> roll 1d20+12+2+3+15+17 greater improvisation
06:36 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=2]
It's surprisingly easy here - it simply happens, such a net made and appearing before you as desired.
"If I'm right about this, the net will purify invasions from the Beyond up to a certain strength similarly to the seashore filter," Seira muses. "Anyone willing to double-check my work?"
Moore will have a look!
Knowledges for 134 and Spellcraft for 129
Moore thinks it'll do just that.
"That's useful," Kascha says, "Would it work against something that makes it into Creation itself?"
"As far as I can tell, it'll work just like you think it should." Moore confirms. "I don't see any reason it wouldn't work in Creation, at least at a glance."
"Nice!" Seira cheers. "So, what next?"
At this, the blue chains and net are gone. All of them.
Prepare.
The vortex comes alive. Ten points of reference within ===!!!===, cascading bottle dynamic third blessed. ===!!!===!
===!!!=== watches with no eyes.
"Oh no," Kascha breathes, "It's free!"
"Then we'll deal with it," Xandra says, "Be silent, abomination."
Init.
18:51 <Seira> roll 1d20+21
18:51 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=11]
I never switched the charisma aura back, so no bonus to init this time.
[11:53] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+45 Moore
[11:53] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=5]
[11:53] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+25 Xandra
[11:53] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=15]
So these should be 15 lower, so 35 and 25 respectively.
> Amaryl has supreme init.
> roll 1d20+14 Kascha
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+19 Ranbar
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=19]
Init is Amaryl (Supreme Init) > 10 (100) > 9 (90) > 8 (80) > 7 (70) > 6 (60) > 5 (50) > 4 (40) > Ranbar (38) > Moore (35) > Seira (31) > 3 (30) > Xandra (25) > Kascha (23) > 2 (20) > 1 (10)
Amaryl opens.
Amaryl eyes the horror before her, she eyes ===!!!=== as her blonde hair blows back with an unseen wind. She extends one hand out and in a voice of deep authority, commands, "Close."
> roll 1d20+27 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=14]
===!!!=== ||||||||| ===!!!=== ()()()()(!!!!)
Init is Amaryl (Supreme Init) > 6 (60) > 5 (50) > 4 (40) > Ranbar (38) > Moore (35) > Seira (31) > 3 (30) > Xandra (25) > Kascha (23) > 2 (20) > 1 (10)
Four of ten close. They are gone, sealed, silent. Yet the sixth watches without eyes, watches as...
> roll 1d20+68+1d4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=4][d4=2]
AC all?
AC should be 94 by my count. Xandra's ought to be 82.
higher than that
It's a feeling of being struck, but all o f you endure. Then another point, another portal within the vortex. This one is a sharp shift as you understand - a dozen black scaled arms, wielding blades of all kinds, come forth to slice at you.
> roll 1d20+63
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d20=9]
Yet Amaryl just isn't there, while Kascha throws up wards of magic to block the rest.
A fourth portal, a fourth point. This one shifts, transformed into a leg. A vast leg of black scales, far larger than the vortex itself, thumping down hard.
"Is it...learning?" Xandra marvels, "Look at it!"
Within the vortex parts of it are becoming black scales, spreading out all over.
"And the last time one of these horrors learned, we had to kill it!" Amaryl calls back, "Whatever it's doing, stop it!"
The leg rises and stomps down hard, a shockwave passing through the ground and then up and out, sonic blasts of rock pelting all.
Ref saves, all. Seira, you can't fail the save nor can Amaryl, so you don't need to roll.
"Erase it from existence! Don't let things get to conventional combat!"
[12:27] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+60 ref, Xandra
[12:27] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=1]
[12:27] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+59 Moore, Evasion
[12:27] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+53 Kascha
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+69 Ranbar will spend one inspiration because fuck this so +22 more.
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d20=6]
> roll 40d10
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 177 > [40d10=177]
Seira none, Amaryl none, Moore none, Xandra full, Kascha full, Ranbar half.
The ground shakes as force buffets you all. Yet Seira and Amaryl dodge as one, Moore a blur of magic and movement. Only Xandra is caught off guard, a look of alarm, "It's not seen to -!" is all she gets out before she's slammed down, blasted and bloodied. Kascha goes to dodge...and trips over a bit of earth, a cry as she faceplants and is battered down. As Ranbar at least holds her position, "SEIRA!" she shouts, "Smite them all!"
Holy power comes forth, as...
Kascha and Xandra are prone.
Maximized Vivacious Twinned Star Explosionx2, her fuck this button. She'll spend the inspiration on cunning breach to bypass any SR.
> roll 2d2 str damage
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d2=2,2]
> roll 25*6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 150 >
> roll 150*4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 600 >
> roll 1d20+30
> roll 1d20+30
> roll 1d20+30
> roll 1d20+30
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=16]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=8]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=18]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=17]
600 damage between all saves and vivacious. Ow.
Stars erupt and explode around that leg and mass, blowing chunks of scales away. YEt more come, flowing freely from that vortex, the growth slowed a few moments as...
Moore.
[spoiler]
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
Xandra
HP: 390/567 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Amaryl
HP: 590/590
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Kascha
HP: 472/649
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Chaos Devotion 1/1 Pearl of Power Vest 3/3 Entangling Blast 3/3 Brass Ioun Stone Temp HP 3/3 White Sphere Ioun Stone Mass Heal 1/1
Spells Used: 6: Superior Resistance 8: Mind Blank
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes:
Ranbar
HP: 624/704 (4 str damage)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Channel Energy 14/14 Inspiration 21/25 Cunning Save 4/4
Spells Used: Twinned Holy Smite, Maximized Vivacious Twinned Star Explosionx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Baseline cunning insight is +4 from feats, exalted adds +6, ring adds +1, total of +11 if used in tandem with that.
"Close."
It's a simple word, but it seems like the vortex is the primary culprit...
He is attempting to make the vortex obey the rules of Creation and close!
[12:53] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+46 charisma
[12:54] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=16]
One by one the vortexes slam shut.
Yet it is not enough, not now.
The shrine shatters around you, stone broken outward in all directions. For a vast hulk arises. Twenty legs, forty arms and a dozen heads. It is a great, black scaled thing, looming over you as the Destroyer once loomed over Seira. Yet amid the heads are ten other heads, and these heads whisper to each other. They whisper in words of no meaning, tongues connecting and looping around one another.
Give me a second Charisma check, Moore.
13:04] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+46 charisma
[13:04] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=1]
It's there, alright, and not leaving.
Init is Amaryl (Supreme Init) > Ranbar (38) > Moore (35) > Seira (31) > Horror (30) > Xandra (25) > Kascha (23)
Go Seira.
Seira summons the blue chains again, tying all of its legs together tightly so that it wouldn't be able to move!
20:08 <Seira> roll 1d20+12+2+3+15+17 cha
20:08 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=16]
I have two swifts, I'll use them as this resolves.
Chains of deep blue emerge and wrap around the creature's legs. They are solid and hold, binding it at least for this one moment.
Seira promptly uses the creature's lack of mobility to set it on fire!
Delayed Blast Fireball x2!
20:12 <Seira> roll 2#1d20+40
20:12 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 44, 57 >
20:13 <Seira> roll 2#20d6 goldenfire Ref DC48 half
20:13 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 59, 63 >
> roll 1d20+30
> roll 1d20+30
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=14]
Twin fireballs blast the black beast, blistering brightly before it howls in pain. All the heads so howl as flames lick at it, no escape for it at all.
That it for your t urn?
yes
Init is Amaryl (Supreme Init) > Ranbar (38) > Moore (35) > Seira (31) > Horror (30) > Xandra (25) > Kascha (23)
The horror struggles against the chains, rocking against them in vain, all while it rears back, before crashing forward onto the party, like a falling mountain.
Ref saves, all.
[13:35] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+60 ref, Xandra
[13:35] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d20=17]
[13:35] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+59 Moore, Evasion
[13:35] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=11]
20:37 <Seira> roll 1d20+64+19 improved evasion
20:37 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 94 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+60 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+53 Kascha
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+69 Ranbar and 1 inspiration spent
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d20=10]
> OOC: Amaryl also has evasion like things, dur.
Sheer, desperate panic drives all of you to flee, to run back and out of the way. It's the right choice - for the great beast lands with a tremendous thump as you scurry over the remnants of the shrine. The beast lands and begins to roll forward, tumbling down and towards the party.
"Stop it! We can't dodge," Kascha warns as she flees, when...
Xandra, go.
Xandra is going to try her Music of the Outer Spheres technique to see if it's able to do something to this creature.
Unless her intuition says that wouldn't work. But she'll try otherwise!
Sure, give me a perform check.
[14:06] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+48+2+15
[14:06] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=13]
The creature...stops. Already bound, Xandra's song is unlike anything you've heard. There are no words, only sound that stops the creature as surely as a steel wall. It stops, shrinks. Many heads become one, many limbs become four. As she sings Xandra steps forward, coming to the creature and taking it into her arms. It is a black dragon wyrmling - a creature type Seira knows well.
"Become whole to Creation," she sings, the first words you understand. "The light of Chronias grants you mercy."
Free act.
"Nicely done," Seira congratulates Xandra. "Amaryl, Kascha, can you try forming something with that same power? Perhaps an arrow or a melee weapon, instead of a chain?"
Whole...
Moore nods to Xandra, as if he finally understands something.
"Thank you, but I...I didn't know I could do that until I did it," Xandra admits, "Not like that." She holds the black dragon in her arms, "It was also the easiest, most natural thing I've done in my life."
As Amaryl does so - an arrow of the stuff created - the back ruins of the shrine crumble down and away. A stairway going up the side of the mountain is revealed.
Seira nods at her wife. "We're here to train using this stuff, so let's focus on that over the conventional means. Kascha, your turn!"
> roll 1d20+26
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=7]
Kascha focuses and it slowly forms, her face a mask of concentration. "Is it...supposed to be so hard?"
"Yes, absolutely. This is why we practice." Seira peers over at Ranbar. "Not with divine power, but maybe you could try focusing your will as well? Anarchs might have similar abilities, and we never did test you for that."
"Oh, that may be why it's a bit easier for me to do it." Moore says.
> roll 1d100 check if Ranbar happens to be an anarch
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d100=67]
"I will, Seira," Ranbar focuses...but nothing comes of her efforts.
"We'll work on that," Seira assures Ranbar, leading the way ahead!
On the party goes. Up and up and up the mountain, rising up the stairs. As you go, "Moore, did you grasp something there?" Xandra asks, following along.
"Sylvie, any advice on someone who fights in a similar way to you?" Seira asks curiously, glancing back at Ranbar again.
...you are similar, aren't you?
"We fight alike?" Ranbar asks, "How so, Seira?"
"Yes." Moore says. "I think finally see what 'whole' is. Or, rather, what being whole in Creation is versus in the Beyond."
"Well, what is the difference?" Kascha asks, "I'm still putting the pieces together on a lot of this."
"Think of it like the different colors. The dragon before was white, and now it's blue. Right?" Moore says. "So blue in Creation means whole -- which means wholly of Creation, without any more influence in Beyond. But what is 'whole' as it comes to someone from Beyond?"
He thinks for a moment as he tries to figure out how to articulate it. "Anything to something from Beyond is 'whole,' as they are wholly from Beyond. There, the laws of Creation mean as little as the laws of the Beyond mean here. So when we have things here in Creation that can affect Beyond, we basically have a 'whole' that is both blue and white at the same time. Does... that make a little bit of sense? It's like translation, I suppose... from one to the other."
"There's the core of your skills," Seira tells Ranbar in the meanwhile. "And you supplement it with unusual feats when inspiration strikes you. You've focused on the magical aspects, but if there is a useful approach here that Sylvie could share with you, it may be one more goal for you to strive for."
Xandra considers while Kascha says, "I get some of what you're getting at, but it is complicated. Hmmm. Like mixing two substances until one is completely removed by the other?"
I'll show you how I fight in person, Ranbar. Keep coming this way.
Seira leads the way again, albeit slowly enough that Moore, Xandra and Kascha don't feel rushed.
"Yes, that's a good way to think of it." Moore says. "There are certain substances that can neutralize dangerous elements of each other, so... I think that's similar to how this process works. I mean, not... literally, but I think it's the best way for our Creation-oriented minds to understand it."
Up. Up and up and up - and to the top. Here is an open space, where a single figure stands. A phantasm of light, a phantasm of white light. This phantasm resembles Sylvie, featureless and yet in the right shape. It regards you, awaiting.
"Is it you, or is this another trial?" Moore asks.
He supposes it'll be obvious based on wherever her voice ends up coming from.
Or is this Sylvie but not Sylvie?
"Well, that was shorter than I imagined."
The figure of light watches as you all approach.
Let me see your power and your blood.
Moore is switching back to dex aura. >:(
Moore looks to Seira. "That certainly sounds like a challenge to me."
"Can we just show you power without excessive bleeding?" Seira inquires, fashioning a filter net of deep blue.
Actually, I'd suggest you keep the Cha aura since we'll try to nuke stuff with it
Roger that! Sticking with charisma
Going to call init here in that case, go ahead and roll.
19:35 <Seira> roll 1d20+19+2
19:35 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=17]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+32 : 9 + 32, total 41[/blockquote] Moore
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+12 : 16 + 12, total 28[/blockquote] Xandra
> Amaryl has supreme init.
> roll 1d20+16 Kascha
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+21 Ranbar
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+37 Sylvie phantasm
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=17]
Init is Amaryl (Supreme) > Sylvie Phantasm (54) > Moore (41) > Seira (38) > Ranbar (36) Xandra (28) > Kascha (26)
> roll 1d20+27 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+44 touch Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=18]
Sylvie Phantasm spent one inspiration for ???.
Amaryl extends her hands out with a cry, a blue net coming into being before Sylvie. It flies - but the light phantasm blurs aside. A ripple of unreality as she is not where she should, the net errant entirely. In a split second she's inside of Amaryl's guard, lightning fast. As she does a blast of pure, soul-shuddering light comes from the phantasm. The light of 21 manifests before Amaryl, as if to engulf her utterly.
> roll 1d20+60 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=10]
Reflex save and Amaryl has evasion.
Yet Amaryl rolls aside, bow and arrow in hand, readjusting in an instant. It's not fast enough, a flurry of blows raining down on her.
> roll 1d20+102 and one inspiration spent per attack
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 113 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+97 and one inspiration spent per attack
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 117 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+92 and one inspiration spent per attack
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 107 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+97 and one inspiration spent per attack crit
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 115 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d100 vs 51 divine dodge attack 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d100=100]
> roll 1d100 vs 51 divine dodge attack 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d100=97]
> roll 1d100 vs 51 divine dodge attack 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d100=12]
> roll 1d100 vs 51 divine dodge attack 4 crit
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d100=43]
> roll 1d100 vs 51 divine dodge attack 4 cri5
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d100=28]
> roll 5d10+50+21
> roll 5d10+50+21
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d10=3,7,8,9,1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d10=2,6,1,3,2]
Beats Amaryl's DR.
184 damage.
The barrage of blows slams into Amaryl, the first one smacking her in the face and the second into her stomach. She grimaces but holds, blinking away as she coughs. "She's much better than even someone from Aurora," she shouts, as...
Go Moore.
[spoiler]
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
Xandra
HP: 567/567 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Amaryl
HP: 406/590
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Kascha
HP: 649/649
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Chaos Devotion 1/1 Pearl of Power Vest 3/3 Entangling Blast 3/3 Brass Ioun Stone Temp HP 3/3 White Sphere Ioun Stone Mass Heal 1/1
Spells Used: 6: Superior Resistance 8: Mind Blank
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes:
Ranbar
HP: 704/704 (4 str damage)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Channel Energy 14/14 Inspiration 21/25 Cunning Save 4/4
Spells Used: Twinned Holy Smite, Maximized Vivacious Twinned Star Explosionx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Baseline cunning insight is +4 from feats, exalted adds +6, ring adds +1, total of +11 if used in tandem with that.
"...This is a test, isn't it? It's so like you." Moore says with a smile. "Well, time to give this a go..."
He takes in a deep breath.
Whole.
Whole.
Empty!
That's the secret, isn't it? The secret to defeating even someone like an Incarnation? To deny their own rules, to deny Creation. To deny a tool made by them.
"Break!"
Moore utters a word, a word not like the words he used to create the chain that was held together by everything that made up Creation. No, this is a word that translates directly to the Beyond, to make something that is whole, something that is not.
21 is a battle for a soul, and it's time to break it.
If it is not clear, Moore is trying basically the opposite of what he did with the chains. He is trying to use a word that symbolizes 'breaking' Creation the same way that Beyond does.
[21:23] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+46 charisma come on gimme a 20
[21:23] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=18]
I really hope he doesn't die.
Well, aren't you experimental. Give me a Constitution check.
[21:30] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+7+16+4 con check
[21:30] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=3]
It's not a 1, I'll take it.
> roll 100d4+40d4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 355 > [100d4=253][40d4=102]
Lethal damage. Do you survive this and if so, by how much?
Yes, and... 409. He had some temporary HP from singing earlier!
Moore is blasted back, mind blank and reeling at once. The others can see the Sylvie Phantasm is unaffected, whatever you did leaving you pained all over, blood pouring from your nose.
Anything else this turn?
That could've gone worse.
That does it for the turn.
Moore lands in a heap, but slowly gets back up, panting. No, it surely had an effect, even if it isn't apparent...
Seira, you're up.
Not the best idea
Seira turns into goldenfire, crossing the distance in a flash and materializing opposite Amaryl. She'd asked Sylvie for advice Ranbar could use while fighting, but it is certainly true that she too shares a great deal with Sylvie where it comes to combat. It is that mastery which Seira displays now, fighting with Dragon's Grace and her limbs in tandem!
Swift to get into a flanking position, swift to activate Armbands of the Spark to deal precision damage and crits. Then, full attack! And at the end, Gambit.
11:05 <Seira> roll 1d20+66+22+10 (Cauldron's Hearth sacrificed for Arcane Strike)
11:05 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=1]
11:09 <Seira> OOC: Didn't add the later Moore buffs, to +8 to attack and +4 more from boosted strength, so that's 111
And then I forgot to apply the buffs to the rest of the rolls as well. Hence the manual adjustments below:
11:11 <Seira> roll 1d20+66+22+10+30 Many Moments of Prescience used if 111 missed
11:11 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 139 > [d20=11]
Attack of 121 if 111 hit, 151 otherwise
11:11 <Seira> roll 1d20+66+22+10+30 Many Moments of Prescience used if 111 missed
11:11 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 139 > [d20=11]
Attack of 121 if 111 hit, 151 otherwise
11:11 <Seira> roll 1d20+66+22+10+30 Many Moments of Prescience used if 111 missed
11:11 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 135 > [d20=7]
Attack of 117 if 111 hit, 147 otherwise
11:12 <Seira> roll 1d20+61+22+10+30 Many Moments of Prescience used if 111 missed
11:12 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 131 > [d20=8]
Attack of 113 if 111 hit, 143 otherwise
11:12 <Seira> roll 1d20+56+22+10
11:12 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=3]
Attack of 103
11:12 <Seira> roll 1d20+51+22+10
11:12 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=4]
Attack of 99
11:13 <Seira> roll 3#1d20+63+22+10
11:13 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 101, 100, 98 >
Attacks of 113, 112, 110
Damage rolls, thankfully I caught the error by then:
11:15 <Seira> roll 7#1d6+102+20d6+26+10d4
11:15 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 217, 229, 233, 227, 231, 227, 215 >
11:16 <Seira> roll 1d8+105+20d6+26+10d4
11:16 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 224 > [d8=5][d6=1,6,6,2,1,3,1,5,1,6,5,6,5,2,1,2,4,3,1,2][d4=1,3,3,3,3,1,3,2,3,3]
11:16 <Seira> roll 2#1d4+99+20d6+26+10d4
11:16 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 235, 218 >
Fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
AC: +26 normal/+21 touch/+29 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield, +12 dodge from Moore)
Attack: +34 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore, +8 untyped from Moore, +4 from Moore's +8 Str)
Damage: +26 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore, +4 from Moore's +8 Str)
Fort Save: +20 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +12 morale from Moore, +4 from Moore's +8 Con)
Ref Save +19 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +12 morale from Moore, +2 insight Foresight)
Will Save: +16 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +12 morale from Moore)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
+8 HD + 50 temp HP, +4 HD hp
Seira is there, her blows strike true. Yet she strikes light, reality and form merely nothing but a vessel of 21's radiance. Each strike makes you chill and numb, each strike hitting and tearing, yet it is like momentary ripples. You may have harmed it, but if so, it's not showing it it any meaningful way.
No, check that. It seems slower after all of that, your excellent sight and training allowing you to notice that. Not that you have time to capitalize as...
Init is Amaryl (Supreme) > Sylvie Phantasm (54) > Moore (41) > Seira (38) > Ranbar (36) > Xandra (28) > Kascha (26)
"Magic then," Ranbar calls, "Xandra!"
Ranbar's magic is mostly anti evil stuff, which she has fair reason to suspect isn't going to be super effective against something involved with 21. She'll see how Xandra's magic does first since she's the warmage.
Xandra's up, go. Ranbar will go after and either melee or try magic, depending on what Xandra does.
Let's give Magic Missile Massacre a good old try.
[11:43] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+33 SR check
[11:43] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=20]
So it's 32 x 2, which is 64... so...
[11:44] <Nephrite> roll 64#1d4+1
[11:45] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 4, 3, 2, 4, 5, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 2, 3, 2, 4, 3, 3, 4, 5, 2, 2, 3, 5, 4, 3, 4, 4, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 4, 3, 2, 5, 5, 5, 4, 2, 4, 5, 3, 3, 5, 3, 5, 4, 3, 5, 3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 3, 2, 2 >
I won't make you add all of that... It's 234, by the way. So +18 for 252.
And, for whatever it matters, if this applies: If the creature is ethereal, ghostly or otherwise incorporeal, any attack against it can strike and harm it as if were a force effect.
I know we had ghost touch on all our stuff, but there might be shenanigans here!
There are shenanigans, yes.
Missiles cluster and fly - and each one slams into the phantasm. It's pushed back by that, slammed hard and fast.
Ranbar calls, "Magic," she surmises, already starting to chant as...
Maximized Twinned Vivacious Magic Missile and Unseen Needle. She'll spend 3 more inspiration to ignore SR here, if relevant.
> roll 25*2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 >
> roll 25d6 unseen needle
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d6=2,3,1,1,6,5,6,3,5,3,5,5,3,6,4,5,1,1,5,1,5,4,2,5,3]
> roll 1d20+47 requires ranged touch, inspiration used.
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=6]
Missiles pelt Sylvie's Phantasm, battering it a little more after Xandra's barrage. At the same time Kascha chants away before, "Wooden gates, open forth and slam away!"
Maximized Empowered Wrath of the Elder Treant, with the 1/day free twin from class features.
> roll 1d20+62
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d20=15]
> roll 350/2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 175 >
> roll 350+175
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 525 >
> roll 525*2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 1050 >
The Elder Treant appears, slamming through Sylvie there. It just makes her slower like Seira's attack does, "Force or raw magic," Kascha cries, "Try darkness magic, maybe!"
Amaryl is up, chance to react since this has been a long post. Once I have a reply and get back around to this I'll do Amaryl's turn.
[spoiler]
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
Xandra
HP: 567/567 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Amaryl
HP: 406/590
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Kascha
HP: 649/649
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Chaos Devotion 1/1 Pearl of Power Vest 3/3 Entangling Blast 3/3 Brass Ioun Stone Temp HP 3/3 White Sphere Ioun Stone Mass Heal 1/1
Spells Used: 6: Superior Resistance 8: Mind Blank 14: Maximized Empowered Wrath of the Elder Treant Other: Free daily twin for wrath of the elder treant.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes:
Ranbar
HP: 704/704 (4 str damage)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Channel Energy 14/14 Inspiration 22/25 Cunning Save 4/4
Spells Used: Twinned Holy Smite, Maximized Vivacious Twinned Star Explosionx2 Factotum: Maximized Twinned Vivacious Magic Missile and Unseen Needle.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Baseline cunning insight is +4 from feats, exalted adds +6, ring adds +1, total of +11 if used in tandem with that.
There has to be more to this than meets the eye...
For now, Moore will get the magical experts handle it!
Amaryl goes on the defensive, healing her wounds and stepping back from it, leaving it for Seira.
Mass Heal. Sylvie Phantasm is up. 250 HP if either of you needed a heal.
A moment later Sylvie is on Seira, a blast of light that engulfs her head to toe.
Ref.
[spoiler]
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
Xandra
HP: 567/567 (fast healing 8)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Amaryl
HP: 590/590
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Emergency Skirmish 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Elemental Summon 3/3 Smiting 1/1 Dragonfire 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Always goes first with supreme init, +4 bonus to attacks after the first miss in a round.
Kascha
HP: 649/649
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Chaos Devotion 1/1 Pearl of Power Vest 3/3 Entangling Blast 3/3 Brass Ioun Stone Temp HP 3/3 White Sphere Ioun Stone Mass Heal 1/1
Spells Used: 6: Superior Resistance 8: Mind Blank 14: Maximized Empowered Wrath of the Elder Treant Other: Free daily twin for wrath of the elder treant.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes:
Ranbar
HP: 704/704 (4 str damage)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Damage+10 (+4 sacred, +6 morale) AC+14 (+2 dodge, +2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Saves+12 (+2 luck, +4 sacred, +6 morale), Skills+4 (+14 perception, bluff, diplo, intimidate)(+4 morale), Checks+4 (+4 morale) 2d6 holy weapons
Resources: Channel Energy 14/14 Inspiration 22/25 Cunning Save 4/4
Spells Used: Twinned Holy Smite, Maximized Vivacious Twinned Star Explosionx2 Factotum: Maximized Twinned Vivacious Magic Missile and Unseen Needle.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
Notes: Baseline cunning insight is +4 from feats, exalted adds +6, ring adds +1, total of +11 if used in tandem with that.
19:29 <Seira> roll 1d20+64+19 improved evasion
19:29 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=17]
Yet Seira dodges out of the way, avoiding the attack with an unnatural smoothness. As she does so, Sylvie closes in - and opens her hand, a chant of arcane words before...
Bit personal here. She's casting a enhanced twinned orb of force at you. Going to try and counter?
Rejected
19:51 <Seira> roll 1d20+45+3
19:51 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=11]
Yet the spell shatters before you, a moment as it crumples before your magic and then - !
Moore.
Moore's last trick didn't work out very well, so he decides to focus on what he does know - everything has a destiny, and here he can ensure that it isn't one that will be allowed to keep fighting them!
Using 3 bardic music uses for Melody of Misfortune, which is this:
With this ability, a fatesinger targets a single foe within their line of sight and if successful, the foe takes a -5 penalty on all attack, skills and ability checks while the Fatesinger performs.
There is no Will save for this usage.
Is there any magic on Sylvie? Greater Arcane Sight makes the knowledge free, and my spellcraft is ridiculously high.
Okay then, Seira.
There is - but it's odd. It's magic lumped together, serving purposes to enhance her without being raw spells. 21's work, of that you have no doubt. You think it's possible to dispel, however.
Shatter, Seira proclaims, focusing her arcane might upon breaking 21's imitations!
Another Superb Dispelling
20:04 <Seira> roll 1d20+45+3
20:04 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=19]
Moore's dirge is a dreadful one, enough to slow Sylvie's Phantasm. Enough to stop her a moment, enough for your magic to slam home like a fist. The globbed magic around her shatters apart, effects ending in one great burst of blue and silver spellfire before...
Continue.
"Not yet!"
Orbs of fire ignite in Seira's hands, and she slings one before turning in place to launch the other at Sylvie! The two split in flight, and with a twitch of Seira's fingers four fiery orbs slam into her opponent from every direction to further confuse her!
20:04 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=19]
20:14 <Seira> roll 1d20+59+34+30 ranged touch Twinned Orb of Fire impromptu SA
20:14 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 128 > [d20=5]
20:14 <Seira> roll 1d20+59+34+30 ranged touch Twinned Orb of Fire impromptu SA
20:14 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 132 > [d20=9]
20:16 <Seira> roll 15d6+18d6
20:16 <Seira> roll 15d6+18d6
20:16 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 104 > [d6=5,1,2,3,4,3,1,1,4,6,3,2,2,2,5,2,1,6,1,1,6,5,4,3,1,3,4,3,3,5,6,3,3]
20:16 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d6=3,3,6,1,4,1,2,1,2,1,6,5,2,4,2,6,5,3,1,6,3,4,6,5,1,3,2,4,4,2,1,4,6]
Twinned, so 208 and 2018
Fort 44 or Dazed (x4)
Quick and obvious question: Second damage total is a typo, right?
218, yes
Can't be dazed, but damage is good.
The orbs slam into the Sylvie Phantasm, enough to rock it back. It stops at that and...
Enough.
The nets are sufficient and your strength is sufficient to overcome mine.
You've grown even more, Seira. But....how mighty is your magic? How strong is your pride and joy?
At this the Phantasm instantly becomes to chant. Magic gathers around her, a single, spell less beam of pure arcane might. It's coming at you in a second and...
You can try and counter if you want.
I have my ups and downs, though I steadily get better at it
Countering with Superb Dispelling again
20:35 <Seira> roll 1d20+45+3
20:35 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=7]
A crash of magic as the beam is stopped cold. It stops utterly before at last?
The white phantasm is gone in an instant, between the blinks of an eye.
Well done.
You are back where you were before, the door you went through gone, only four left now.
I saw the past.
You've grown so much.
I understand why Balmuria looks to you as a legend.
Free act.
Seira is speechless for a moment, before inclining her head.
"My friends, we should leave for now," she says to the others. "I'd like to let Alicia know, and pass on word to Emily as well. Perhaps we can return in a short while?"
"One down," Kascha agrees, "Good work, everyone."
"Moore," Xandra says softly to him, as if one word says it all.
Moore nods, though he turns and looks up above the doors.
"Sylvie, you know one of the reasons I didn't give up on this was to bring you back. Can you leave here without these being finished?" He gestures to the four other doors.
"Since my door had a direct challenge to me as the final test to overcome, I suspect we need the others to do this properly," Seira tells Moore. "I hoped it was a selection of paths, but it seems closer to how seals were back in the Balmuria ruins. That's another reason why we should head back to regroup."
Thank you for caring, Moore.
All of our choices matter so much. It doesn't matter if we don't appreciate how important each one is.
You know this great crusade won't end well for any of us.
"Very well," Amaryl agrees after a moment, "We have no need for haste, caution costs us nothing."
"You know," Seira addresses Sylvie now, "everyone here came to try and rescue you, and there are others who would lend a hand if only they knew. Plenty of people care about you over here, threats of violence aside. And as for the crusade? Don't decide it'll end badly all on your own!"
Oh Seira.
Say that after you understand. It won't be long now.
Make sure our sacrifices are worthwhile and let those in the future honor them. Let there be a future for them to honor us in.
Seira snorts.
Sure, let's table that. Can you give Ranbar a few pointers before we go? Taking a step closer to One by having a way to form those chains, perhaps? I bet that's possible if you get inspired enough.
"I'm glad to see you're still willful." Moore says with a sigh. "Fine, we'll go through all the doors, but you and I are going to have a long talk once all of that's over, and then you're coming back."
Brace.
"W-" Ranbar says before falling over, clutching her head. She screams for a long moment before it stops. "...what?" she says slowly. "Oh. Is that what you did with Calley?"
A lesser version. 21 has no real limits, the Incarnations aren't being of limitations by their nature. It's not as powerful as an Incarnation, but anything we'd consider limits are meaningless to it, if you know how to use it.
Don't you see? Almost all of this, here and outside, has been to have all of you grow. You won't be sufficient as you are now. Grow, Seira and Moore.
"We'll be back," Seira says, taking them back to the Cauldron.
In case you missed chat, giving you a chance to reply here or move on, Moore.
Oh, sorry.
Moore lets out a breath once they're back. "We'll get her out of there somehow."
"We will," Xandra agrees, "In the meantime, what preparations do we need now?"
"Moore, I'd like to send Sanzha with you. You've made the offer to try and teach her the Words, and I've decided to give it a try. I'll have a chat with Alicia, as stated, and since Elle and Donald should be with Emily I'll have them fill her in. That leaves the fifth one."
Moore nods. "Of course, we'd be welcome to have her. As for the last, I can reach out to Tryll and explain the situation."
"Excellent. We can try to press on without the others in case I was wrong about the personal nature of the final trials, but it'd be best to at least have their blessing if they wish to bow out. And since I wasn't the one to choose them, I can't deny them their chance at being tested." Seira grins at Moore. "Of course, your door is fair game, so once we're done with all this let's regroup and challenge it. By then we should know what will be done about the other three paths as well."
Moore nods. "Absolutely. I'll reach out to him and we can reconvene."
"I'll expect you here tomorrow morning, then, bright and early?"
"We'll be here." Moore affirms.
Okay then, next moves, both of you?
I'm pretty sure that hit my Node goals so I'd prefer to clear those while figuring out what Ranbar can do! Then it would be time for me to contact Elle and Donald, and then Sylica.
This would be where Moore would ideally have his meeting with Tryll to fill him on everything. YMMV on how you want to handle that given the current situation.
Okay, I'll move you both to new topics on your boards. This locks for now.
Okay, round 2 here. Moore and Seira, let me know any prep, who is coming and all of that. Get it lined up here first OOC.
My usual prep offered to people http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104109.msg1115887.html#msg1115887
I'm taking Amaryl, Kascha, Ranbar and Sanzha with me post-Anarch.
Everyone on my end should be, so Xandra, Cresiel, Kaja Jetina
I am going to assume we'll get the same spells from Seira again when we go. We'll also hit up the Blessing stone again for Epic Mage Armor, mind blank and Afina's perfect vision.
Since he knows there'll be combat, or the likelihood is high, he will pre-do the following songs:
Inspire Courage, Heroics, Greatness:
Attack: +31
Weapon damage: +22
AC: +12 (12 dodge)
Saving throws: +12 (12 morale)
Inspire Excellence - Constitution, for everyone to get +8 competence to Constitution, along with the temporary HP from Greatness, which is
[22:27] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d10=2,3,10,6,2,8,3,6]
(this is just the temp HP, I didn't factor in the con bonus to anything)
Moore: 104
Cresiel: 128
Xandra: 122
Kaja: 104
Jetina: 96
Dropping this spoiler block here for my reference for later.
Active Spells: Superior Resistance (CL 31), True Seeing (CL10), Bibliotecha Arcana (CL31), Mind Blank (CL15), True Seeing (CL35), Glorious Rally (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Ghost Touch Armor (CL35), Ghost Touch Weapon (CL35), Recitation (CL35), Foresight (CL35), Visions of the Future (CL35), Superior Vigor (CL35), Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL35), Detect Scrying (CL35), Greater Arcane Sight (CL35), Freedom of Movement (CL35), Pass Without Trace (CL35), Greater Anticipate Teleport (CL35), Surge of Hope (CL35), Voice of the Dragon (CL35), Nondetection (CL35), Mass Death Ward (CL35), Heroes Feast (CL35), Resistance to Energy (All Five) (CL35), Fortunate Fate (CL35), Spell Turning (CL35)
HP: 516+104 (652)
AC: 64 (94), 48 (64) touch, 54 flatfooted 20% miss chance, SR 48, 30 resist all to elements
39/39 Bardic music uses 3/3 Refrain
Inspire Courage/Greatness/Destined Strike buffed attack, with dex bonus and BAB +66
Damage bonus: 25
Spells:
Bard
0th - 4/4 (DC 22)
1st - 8/8
2nd - 7/7
3rd - 5/7
4th - 7/7
5th - 7/7
6th - 6/6
7th - 6/6
8th - 6/6
9th - 5/5
10th - 4/4
11th 1/1
Favored Soul:
0th - 5/5
1st - 9/9
2nd - 9/9
3rd - 9/9
4th - 9/9
5th - 8/8
6th - 8/8
7th - 8/8
8th - 7/8
9th - 8/8
10th - 3/3
Everyone is gathered and together.
"Large group," Kaja says laconically, eyeing everyone.
"Kaja, right?" Ranbar comes over, "We've never had much chance to talk."
"We don't now," Kaja glances over as the others prepare the ritual, "Afterwards, perhaps, once our deeds and tasks are done. We have a woman to bring back, and she'll be mad. Angry women make everything more troublesome."
More than a few gazes go over to Kaja, who bears them all before he says, "The point is made, so it must be proven?"
"It is ill-spoken, but it is not false," Cresiel speaks up before anyone else can. "Discord and disagreement always work against harmony."
Amid a few less than friendly glares, Kascha looks over from where she aids Seira, "Well, it will not be easy to bring Sylvie back, we already know that. She didn't sound angry, but instead calm and resigned."
"Treat this as a training expedition," Seira instructs. "Learn the way we manipulate our environment, observe everything, and advance on the path to One."
She opens a portal, then, waiting for everyone to cross over before following.
"Try and not get riled up by anything Sylvie says." Moore says to the others as he goes through.
Thus the party steps through. You stand on the beaches again, all as it was before. There is silence, horizon to horizon, save for the waves.
"How about you try it as you go?" Seira asks, reasoning that Sylvie would be at the same place as before and leading the way. "Especially you, Ranbar. Is it easier, now?"
"Welcome to our vision of what lies between Creation and Beyond." Moore says. "It's my understanding that this place technically has no form and we're just imposing our collective unconscious will on it so we can understand what it is... or something along those lines."
"I'll focus," Ranbar agrees to that, as meanwhile Cresiel rubs his chin, "It's taking a form we can understand, you mean?"
Meanwhile, Seira helpfully demonstrates the uses they've seen thus far. A deep blue chain of binding and a net of filtering of the same color, which she follows with attempting to form a sword that cuts through Horrors from the Beyond with the concept of being wounded.
Moore nods to Cresiel. "Yes, more or less."
Seira sees progress, hers producing slow and steady as they learn.
At the same time Jetina murmurs, "Will these avail us against the true threats of Beyond?" she wonders aloud.
Yes and no.
Nothing is consistent in the Far Realm, Beyond does what Beyond will. Moreover, those made by deities will be less effective than those made by mortals.
It's good to see you again, all of you.
"Sylvie?" Kascha looks up from her efforts as Ranbar says focused, Sanzha casually weaving a pair of chains together in a braid.
"A voice to the name," Kaja remarks, "Good to hear you at last. Moore's not given up on you."
That's another time deities are shafted in favor of mortals, Seira notes. Please tell us the reason for it so I can see if I'm understanding the situation properly.
A sidelong glance, "Another time?" Jetina asks, "There's a first?"
Meanwhile...
The Beyond resists divine power of all kinds.
The One that they are resists those who are also One, or who are close to it - the divine. They reject our reality and our Creation.
There is no Answer Beyond.
So becoming One would allow me to negate that disadvantage?
No, but it may help.
Unless you succeed even where Io did not, where only the Incarnations have succeeded.
"It strikes me as being a bit different than that," It's Ranbar who speaks up, "Have you ever tried pushing two magnets of the same power against each other? They repel, not attract. The theory's complicated, but in essence like repels and opposites attract."
"Hm." A small noise from Xandra, "Different but both are One, but incompatible Ones. Similar and yet opposite."
"Something to study, then!" Seira says cheerfully, indeed inspecting everyone's progress. She's not too familiar with Moore's group, but she has a proper deity in Amaryl, one taking her first baby steps in Kascha, someone as close to divinity without actually crossing over in Sanzha and a proper quasi-mortal with Ranbar. Observing an actual mortal like Kaja would probably complete the set, she muses, and then she could see the differences and try to experiment with her own powers.
Moore, since it matters for your group's side -they aren't anarchs and prepared for instance - are you running your Charisma aura?
"So, to try and walk you all through something we did... try to imagine everything in Creation embodied as a chain." Moore says, gesturing to Rambar and the others. "I'll try and make it easier for you to accomplish, but... focus your will into that idea."
Charisma aura for +16 if any checks are needed here.
you beat me to it
It's like reverse pixie terror.
> roll 1d20+28 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+29 Xandra
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+22 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+25 Jetina
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=6]
Chains are starting to form - Xandra and Cresiel, while the others struggle away, working.
It's easier here.
This is a place where those chains are supposed to be.
"So if we tried to manifest them in the Far Realm, it'd be significantly more difficult?" Moore asks.
Seira tries to see whether her divine will, nascent anarch powers or just plain arcane control over reality can affect the way others form such chains, perhaps similarly to a bubble of planar space or aura around her.
Yes.
Seira is able to do so, bending her will so that the chains crumble apart.
"That's nice, it could work to increase your difficulty," Seira muses, now trying to see whether she can use her powers in the opposite way and help others along.
Moore decides to try something for his own — using only his will and his anarch powers, he tries to manifest a blue shield in front of himself.
To be clearer, of the same creation-stuff as the chains.
Charisma real quick and then I'll adjudicate both, Moore.
21:15 <Seira> roll 1d20+12+2+3+16
21:15 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=20]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 11 + 48, total 59[/blockquote]
It's harder - much harder. But you do feel and see some success.
Meanwhile Moore is able to make a shield easily enough.
"I'll be practicing on making it easier for the rest of you to manipulate this energy for this excursion," Seira tells the others. "Although I'll take care of counterspelling as well if you would like me to."
Moore makes a tight-lipped face, and tries to do the same thing except with the Words of Creation right next to his last one to see if there's any difference in terms of feeling or effort.
In case it's needed, Charisma
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 4 + 48, total 52[/blockquote]
Charisma again, Moore.=
"Thank you," Cresiel says as all of you work. At this point Sanzha sits on a throne of blue chains, watching the others while twirling a small chain around her fore finger. Kascha is lost in her own work, as is Ranbar, but Amaryl says, "There," she says, "It's so easy with divine will here."
"Mm." A little noise from Jetina as she works, "It's not like casting a spell at all, is it?"
you beat me again! It's up above.
If it's too easy with divine will by now, try relying on the anarch powers from now on, Seira suggests to Amaryl.
Am I the pixie now?!
Moore is able to do so as Amaryl shifts, and why they do?
Have you come only to practice today?
Take 10 on Spellcraft and the Knowledges for 123 and 128 respectively. Are there any differences at all in the shields?
"No, we intend to go through my door today." Moore says.
Fundamentally, no. They seem to naturally take that shape here.
Then approach.
They do!
Moore mulls that over as he proceeds.
You reach the doors without incident. The Cauldron's door is gone, only four left now.
"Be on your guard. The last place had a rather elaborate trap set up that we only passed through because of Seira's deft vision." He says as he goes to open the door with Hope's Landing's sigil on it.
What lies ahead is a library. Bright white light slams against blue pane windows, which stops the white light cold. It opens unto a library hallway, bookshelves on both sides, in between the windows.
Take 10 for 93 on Perception, and 123 on Spellcraft. Since Seira spotted traps last time, Moore would like to try and do the same!
Do you have trapfinding?
Is that a skill...?
No, BUT! Moore does have Find Traps as a spell, so... yes!
This time Moore finds no traps at all, nor any sort of barrier to his passage within.
"I don't see any traps at all." Moore says.
Do any of the books look at all familiar to him in any way?
Not on a glance.
"Well, we've visited enough libraries for this," Jetina remarks.
Kaja strides in once you say that, "How many libraries? Too many, but at least that's done."
Seira picks a book after making sure it is safe, taking a glance inside.
Perception 10 for 123
It looks to be a book on musical theory. Interesting, though nothing magical or immediately relevant.
Seira returns the book and picks another, looking for one on magical theory.
It's not too hard to find one on basic magical theory. In the meantime Kascha follows in, "I think it's lovely," she says, going to a window. "A library protected against the ravages outside, where knowledge can rest securely."
"Yes, but there's surely more to it than face value." Moore says as he looks around, is it just one long hallway?
For now yes, the hallway stretches on.
"Perhaps we could explore?"
Moore nods and continued forward, keeping an eye out for traps and other surprises!
Marching order here, it may matter.
Moore, Seira, Cresiel, Kaja, Ranbar, Jetina, Sanzha, Anaryl?
Amaryl! And yeah, sure, Kascha can bring up the rear.
Thus you head down the passage. As you do the passage winds on and on and on and on and on ahead. No sign of anything more, no sign of anything but a bright, light filled passage ahead of you.
"I suppose this is where the training is supposed to take place." Moore reasons.
He looks to the shelves to see if, perhaps, there are any books on the procedure if protecting ones self from the Beyond, or anything similar to what they've studied thus far.
Nothing like that on a glance, the light glinting off each title.
"Is it getting brighter in here?" Ranbar asks, a hand up to shield her eyes.
Cresiel looks ahead, "There's so much light here."
Seira forms blue windows all around them to filter out the light and see whether anything might be charging at them from behind that blinding screen.
The blue windows do nothing to stop the light.
You don't see anything approaching nonetheless.
"Oh, uh... Is that just regular light...?" Moore asks.
He turns back to the shelves to look for books on light or maybe blindness!
"I can perceive everything while functionally blind, so let's keep going," Seira offers to Moore, focusing her divine power on boosting her blindsight, scent and tremorsense.
"If this is what I think it is, I would actually suggest just trusting in it to guide you properly." Moore says. "I think this is supposed to be representative of the light of Celestia that people trust to show them the way."
It's too late. The light is too bright to see in, even for Moore.
It's just on time. The light is just right, especially for Moore.
Seira looks about but all is light. Form fades to it, light embraces everything.
Seira is lost in the light. Form fades to it, light embraces everything to become things that are not things.
"I can't see a thing," Amaryl says, "But I can feel...light?"
"I can see everything," Amaryl says, "I can feel the light."
Moore is behind Moore.
"It's all right." Moore says. "I'm not sure what this is, but trust in it."
He turns around.
Do I know about Moore's Light-based background?
You'd have at least an idea, yes.
Well, it is your quest, Seira tells Moore. We'll follow your lead.
Moore turns around.
Moore approaches.
All around him is light.
All around him is Moore.
You even brought her.
You didn't forget Jetina.
Those were some times, weren't they? But that light wasn't the light of Beyond, was it?
That isn't light at all. Then why...?
Light is one of the great building blocks of Creation. Light provides the medium in which we observe Creation. Light is tied to life, to goodness and to growth. But it is something of Creation, not of Beyond.
"No, this isn't light at all. At least, not the light of life." Moore says as he turns around again to proceed forward.
"There are similarities between this light and the whiteness of Beyond... but one is of Creation and one isn't. They're not the same thing. That place... no, that light just hid things. That's all it did. This is... a little different." Moore says.
"Don't let this light blind you. Trust in yourself and who you are and move forward. Listen to my voice if you get lost." He says.
"Forward," Jetina echos, even as the light blinds everything. "Follow Moore."
Give me Charisma checks, all.
Seira follows!
20:53 <Seira> roll 1d20+12+2+3+16
20:53 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=6]
Everyone still gets +16
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 11 + 48, total 59[/blockquote] Moore
Dune can you please roll for Jetina and Xandra? I believe they have +18 to their rolls.
Sure.
> roll 1d20+18 Jetina
<Penuche> ThanksgivingKo invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+18 Xandra
<Penuche> ThanksgivingKo invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+26 Cresiel
<Penuche> ThanksgivingKo invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+22 Kaja
<Penuche> ThanksgivingKo invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+18 Jetina
<Penuche> ThanksgivingKo invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+18 Xandra
<Penuche> ThanksgivingKo invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+26 Cresiel
<Penuche> ThanksgivingKo invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+22 Kaja
<Penuche> ThanksgivingKo invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+27 Amaryl
<Penuche> ThanksgivingKo invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+30 Sanzha
<Penuche> ThanksgivingKo invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+27 Kascha
<Penuche> ThanksgivingKo invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+24 Ranbar
<Penuche> ThanksgivingKo invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=10]
Light. Forever light.
At last the light parts away. You stand in a massive, multistory library. The great entryway, multiple levels above full of books glimpsed. It's book wall to wall, save for the blue windows in regular intervals, and a great ceiling pane of it far above, above the seventh and final story. Stairways allow access to higher levels, dotted about regularly.
Moore has to chuckle a bit. "It's a little more obvious what this is a motif for, I think." He looks around to the nearby books — anything notable at a glance?
There's all sorts of titles and books - you'd have to narrow it down.
Beyond/Far Realm stuff.
You find a few like that here and there, yes.
"Will these books exist after we complete this trial?" Moore asks.
He reaches out to read one via magic!
"There are books on the Far Realm. There may be other subjects of interest to us." Moore says to the others!
Sanzha comes over as you scan it - it is titled FAR REALM. You read it - and it's merely things you already know, nothing more.
Moore will move on to other similarly titled items and do the same thing!
No answer... oh well.
"Ahem," Sanzha says, "I am here."
Meanwhile Kascha has another book while Ranbar is with her, whilst Cresiel approaches, "Is it anything useful?"
Just a heads up, Seira crashed early.
"So far, just things I know already." He says. "How about for the rest of you?"
"Same," Kascha says, "Well, I knew this theory mostly, but there's a few bits I hadn't read about in it."
"So these books aren't things we already know." Moore says with a nod. "Good. Still, I imagine there's more advanced things the further up we go, but there's no reason to rush."
Are the books in any sort of order? Alphabetical by title or subject? Are there authors listed on any of them?
No authors listed and no organization that you can tell of.
Moore will start on the bottom row of shelves and go across each book individually -- is there anything in completely random ones that jumps out as anything interesting?
He'll basically just go book by book since we don't seem especially pressed for time.
Cool. Going to do the same, Seira, or something else?
As it is Moore's trial and he is in no danger, Seira merely observes for now.
d100 then, Moore.
[12:16] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[12:16] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d100=60]
It's generally things you know. Stories you've read, information you've found and so on and so forth. As book after book passes, you can't help but note how familiar all of this is to you. Every interesting book is a treatise on known things - at least for you.
"Don't you think that this could have been set up to hold you back?" Seira muses out loud. "Haven't you held back at a library too long before and gotten ambushed?"
"Well, the thing I notice is that all of this is something I already know." Moore says. "So, in essence, yes, you are correct. Since this is all already known, there's no sense in staying here any longer, so we may as well go up to the top. There's nothing here that couldn't be taught outside of this place."
He will take the invitation the stairs offer to start heading up!
Seira follows after Moore!
The rest of us can follow alphabetically.
Thus you stride up - and as you do?
"Look," Cresiel calls back. The floor you just left is beginning to shimmer white, some of it breaking through from below.
"Ah... yes, I suppose that's the challenge." Moore says. "I wonder if it's a race to the top?"
"Knowledge, as dust on the wind," Cresiel murmurs, moving ahead. Kaja joins him in running up, while Kascha lingers a moment.
"Or that knowledge is meaningless before the Far Realm?" she ventures.
"I don't think there's a deeper meaning. So don't linger!"
"You can interpret this place in a variety of different ways." Moore says as he continues up. "I see no reason to stop on any of the floors, save for maybe the last one."
Just straight hustling then, y'all?
Yes
Yep.
The white begins to spread and follow, but you pick up some ground on it. Atop the library, amid all the many books, sits a bookshelf in the center, free standing. But one book sits here, radiant with the light of 21, like a cold whip across Seira. It is familiar to Moore, it is the book Sylvie wielded with 21.
"Huh... why is her old book here?" He asks as he flies over to investigate it.
Blah blah check for traps and magic and whatnot, Spellcraft for 121 and Knowledge for 126.
As Moore rises to his challenge, Seira attempts to adjust reality in a way to shield her against 21's light. Even if she can't replicate it in Creation, perhaps here it could be diverted a bit?
No sense for a roll here.
Seira finds it does no good - 21's light is relentless.
Kascha droops before while Amaryl shivers, "Dreadful," she murmurs, "They made such a fearsome thing."
Meanwhile, Moore sees no traps around it, nor any magic. Only the light of 21 and the book are ahead.
"Kascha, you'd seen 21 before you ascended, right?" Moore calls out as he goes to lift the book up. "It's interesting how you all have such a reaction to it because of your divine natures."
"You don't understand how bad it is for us," Kascha says, "I never saw 21 like this until I did ascend."
"No, I really don't, and I'm not sure anyone can until they do. It's just... curious, I suppose is the word. I mean, 21 can obliterate me just the same as you all, you know?" Moore says. He goes to open the book and see if there's anything particular in it. Was this a diary?
Should he even read it is if it is a diary?
Inside the book looks to be page to page, cover to cover, bits of a mathematical formula.
"It's a built-in aversion in our powers, drawing out a reaction similar to one you'd have if we unchained our auras," Seira tells Moore, giving up on her attempts to glance at the book's contents anyway.
Moore nods to Seira. "I see, so it's like a... primal sense."
He pauses as he looks in the book. "Huh... it's some sort of mathematical formula." He says as he starts to flip through it.
Does it seem at all familiar to him in any way?
Int check.
[13:16] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+15+18+10
[13:16] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=19]
That should be +1 more, for 63.
Extra 18 is from the aura, assuming it's still going. If not, the total is 45.
20:18 <Seira> roll 1d20+19+2+3+19
20:18 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=7]
It is, though it's +19 now so your result is 64.
It looks to be a dreadfully complex formula, all adding up to 21 in the end.
Your experiences let you note it may well open some sort of gate, like the lore you had to gather to get this far.
"Portal math, I'm thinking. You?"
"Yes, I agree. I assume it's the final trial to get out of here." Moore says. "Well, we may as well see if we can actually do it, since we're probably on a timer anyway."
However it is that we can use it, let's try and do so!
Int checks, both of you.
20:34 <Seira> roll 1d20+19+2+3+19
20:34 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=19]
[13:35] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+16+19+10
[13:35] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=1]
The white behind you rises.
"May want to hurry," Kaja calls, as you work. You call on the math and the names, angle with the magic and with a whirl, a portal appears where the bookshelf was.
"Everyone through." Moore says.
He glances off at the other books and decides there's no reason to try and grab any of them. Anything that can be found here can still be found elsewhere.
Seira waits for everyone to get through before following!
Everyone hurries through - and you're on the other side. Moore, Seira and Kascha are here, while the others are gone.
You stand on a stairway leading up into the night sky and the cosmos there, a deep and dark starscape ahead. Those stars are great points of white, comets of blue knocking them aside and apart in the skies.
They're safe.
Why just the three of us?
Moore nods over at Seira, looking up expectantly for an answer.
"I wonder that as well," Kascha calls up.
It's always three.
Numerology can be tiresome, but it's still true.
Keep going.
And yet, why us three specifically? Seira insists, even as she starts ascending the stairs. If this trial is chiefly about Moore, why not those that support him? If knowing you is the key, wouldn't Cresiel be a better fit than I? And we do have a trio of deities present....
"I suppose we did have nine, so maybe they're in two other groups?" Moore says as he follows along.
They aren't needed right now.
Up you go. Up the stairs, up them as you see the stars and comets wage war above you. Yet as you do, you see one comet shatter when it meets a star, the white star plunging down after that impact, coming in your direction.
"Oh boy." Moore says as he glances up.
Seira forms a blue comet that smashes into the falling star from the side to divert it away from the stairway!
Moore attempts to manifest a blue shield in case of any debris coming their way!
No need for a ranged touch attack roll there, but give me a Charisma check, Seira.
You too, Moore.
21:20 <Seira> roll 1d20+12+2+3+16+17 I'll use improvisation here
21:20 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=7]
[14:23] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+16+16+16 Charisma
[14:23] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=4]
Another comet hits it and explodes, the debris of blue-white blocked by Moore's shield. You break off a few parts as
[
]
advances.
[
]
continues ahead. Appraisal of cerulean pocket pill. Moore understands that
[
]
eats pardal samsamsam ogres crunch.
[
]
questions irrelevant elimination modification.
[
]
understanding is not required.
[ ]
Before you the great tempest of white and space reaching out towards the locked fortress where another was held.
Q'pa.
Seira knows this thing as it twists and turns. It is a known enemy.
Two creatures, two patches of broken, impossible geometry and angles.
"Q'pa, if it's the first you lay eyes on one," Seira voices, enforcing euclidean geometry on it.
"Oh, these have a specific term?" He asks. "I think I read about something like this..."
Init!
21:48 <Seira> roll 1d20+21
21:48 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=10]
No +16 this time.
[14:50] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+27
[14:50] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=14]
Init, you two.
That was what we just did.
Oh whoops, didn't see the new page.
> roll 1d20+16 Kascha
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 18 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+15 Q'Pa
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+15 Q'Pa
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=16]
Int is Moore (41) > Q'pa (32) > Q'pa = Seira (31) > Kascha (18)
Open Moore.
Moore takes in a breath and lets it out. If these things represent geometry that's impossible, then it's just a matter of...
"Sphere."
Much like what Seira is trying, he's attempting to speak Words to impose his will of them being Sphere-shaped.
[15:19] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+16+16+16 Charisma
[15:19] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=17]
What do you hope to accomplish with that, mechanically?
Make follow Creation's set of rules as it pertains to shapes, more or less. If they're still hostile, they'll at least be hostile regular spheres instead of ceramic triangle underscore fish fox.
Both of the spheres shake, a few twisting cracks appearing over them. The non-shapes don't change, but you feel a distinct sensation of twists and cracks from them.
That it for your turn?
It is!
"I... it must've done something, so keep at it!" Moore encourages Seira and Kascha.
At this one of the Q'pa begins to move and...
Are you immune to mind-affecting, Moore?
I have mind blank! So... maybe!
So yes.
Space twists around all of you as the Q'pa passes, everything twisting, reality shattering apart around all three of you.
> roll 20d6 damage to all of you, no save or resistance
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d6=3,4,1,1,4,4,4,2,4,3,2,3,3,3,5,5,2,6,6,4]
69 damage all.
> roll 20d6 damage to all of you, no save or resistance
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d6=5,1,3,4,4,4,2,1,4,4,4,2,6,6,5,5,6,1,4,6]
77 more damage, all.
The two horrors move, space breaking around as they pass you, twisted space tearing as your bodies. Everything is wrong and broken and if you were any less your minds would break and you can't stop breathing f- a breath. The Q'Pa are ehind you now, their wake tearing at you as...
Seira.
Though Moore is quicker on the draw, Seira attempts to enforce euclidean geometry upon the Q'pa!
17:59 <Seira> roll 1d20+12+2+3+16+17 improvisation
17:59 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=5]
Also, as a reminder we had 68 temp hp from Glorious Rally.
Thanks.
The cracks get larger, but you feel resistance from it, as if the Q'pa are made of steel. As the cracks are seen, you...
Anything else with your turn?
Seira swiftly heals everyone!
Mass Cure Serious x2 with my two swifts, along with the temp hp this brings up back to full.
18:55 <Seira> roll 4d8+35
18:55 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d8=8,4,2,4]
18:55 <Seira> roll 4d8+35
18:55 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d8=5,8,2,4]
The wounds of the party begin to heal, magic restoring the party further. As they stand there, Kascha flies out of the broken space and turns, a focus of will that...
> roll 1d20+27 Kascha
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=10]
Fizzles against them, not strong enough.
She's at a disadvantage for divine + only DvR0, which means she's relying on other powers and it's basically harder for her.
Int is Moore (41) > Q'pa (32) > Q'pa = Seira (31) > Kascha (18)
Moore.
Typo fixed. That wasn't healing the Q'pa.
Since what they're doing seems to be working, he simply tries again!
"Sphere!" the words of power come as his will tries to enforce their meaning!
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 19 + 48, total 67[/blockquote]
Give me a Will save.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+65 : 17 + 65, total 82[/blockquote]
Moore holds his ground as the crack a little further, but it doesn't seem to be working as well now. Instead the two sail back, one flying 50ft to the left and 50ft up, the other going 100ft away to the right and back, diagonally.
> roll 20d6 Moore and Seira
> roll 20d6 Moore and Seira
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d6=2,3,4,3,2,3,6,2,3,4,1,3,1,4,3,3,1,5,6,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d6=2,3,4,3,3,1,5,3,4,1,4,2,1,3,5,6,4,6,2,2]
Reality continues to crack around the two of you, tearing at your bodies as you shudder, enduring the wrongness.
Seira.
Since this is bringing them diminishing results, why not try violence? Seira turns into fire and streams towards the Q'pa on the left before striking at it even as fiery spirits harass it all over!
Swift to get over, swift to activate the armbands of the spark, then full attack with Arcane Striking using a 10th lvl spell.
20:05 <Seira> roll 1d20+62+10+10+30 impromptu sneak attack, arcane strike 10th lvl, many moments of prescience
20:05 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 115 > [d20=3]
20:19 <Seira> roll 1d100
20:19 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d100=45]
20:19 <Seira> roll 1d20+62+10+10+30 impromptu sneak attack, arcane strike 10th lvl, many moments of prescience
20:19 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 128 > [d20=16]
20:19 <Seira> roll 1d100
20:19 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 73 > [d100=73]
20:21 <Seira> roll 1d6+84+20d6+10+10d4
20:21 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 191 > [d6=4,5,3,4,4,3,3,6,6,3,4,3,3,2,3,1,2,4,1,1,4][d4=2,2,4,1,3,3,4,4,2,3]
20:21 <Seira> roll 1d6+84+20d6+10+10d4
20:21 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 187 > [d6=4,1,2,3,1,6,4,5,6,6,1,3,2,6,1,2,4,2,2,4,1][d4=4,2,1,4,1,4,2,2,3,4]
I'll continue the full attack after this, since you asked me to stop here.
Both blows hit - space twists around them but not enough, leaving the creature wounded and reeling as...
You got through, but continue. Miss chance is 20%, go ahead and roll one at a time and stop if you get a 20 or lower on miss chance.
20:37 <Seira> roll 1d20+62+10+10 impromptu sneak attack, arcane strike 10th lvl
20:37 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 94 > [d20=12]
20:37 <Seira> roll 1d100
20:37 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d100=72]
20:38 <Seira> roll 1d6+85+20d6+10+10d4
20:38 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 191 > [d6=6,6,1,1,4,5,2,4,4,5,6,5,1,1,3,5,1,1,6,5,1][d4=2,1,2,2,3,3,3,3,1,3]
20:38 <Seira> roll 1d20+62+10+10 impromptu sneak attack, arcane strike 10th lvl, +30 many moments of prescience if 94 missed
20:38 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 102 > [d20=20]
20:38 <Seira> roll 1d20+62+10+10 impromptu sneak attack, arcane strike 10th lvl, +30 many moments of prescience if 94 missed, crit?
20:38 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d20=10]
20:38 <Seira> roll 1d100
20:38 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d100=58]
20:39 <Seira> roll 2d6+170+20d6+20+10d4
20:39 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 287 > [d6=4,6,3,4,5,5,1,5,6,3,1,5,1,1,3,6,4,6,3,2,2,1][d4=1,3,1,4,2,3,1,1,1,3]
20:39 <Seira> roll 1d20+57+10+10
20:39 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 89 > [d20=12]
20:40 <Seira> roll 1d100
20:40 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d100=23]
20:40 <Seira> roll 1d6+85+20d6+10+10d4
20:40 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 201 > [d6=5,3,3,4,1,2,6,6,6,1,3,6,5,1,3,2,4,4,3,2,6][d4=3,4,4,3,3,2,2,3,4,2]
20:40 <Seira> roll 1d20+52+10+10
20:40 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=15]
20:40 <Seira> roll 1d100
20:40 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d100=78]
20:40 <Seira> roll 1d6+85+20d6+10+10d4
20:40 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 200 > [d6=4,2,1,4,5,3,5,5,1,6,2,5,2,2,6,2,4,3,6,5,2][d4=1,3,2,4,1,3,4,4,4,4]
20:40 <Seira> roll 1d20+47+10+10
20:40 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=3]
20:40 <Seira> roll 1d100
20:40 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d100=41]
20:40 <Seira> roll 1d6+85+20d6+10+10d4
20:40 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 188 > [d6=3,3,2,2,4,6,4,3,1,1,1,6,3,5,1,5,5,3,4,2,2][d4=2,3,4,2,4,4,2,1,2,3]
20:41 <Seira> roll 1d20+59+10+10
20:41 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d20=13]
20:41 <Seira> roll 1d100
20:41 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d100=96]
20:42 <Seira> roll 1d8+88+10+10d4
20:42 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 123 > [d8=2][d4=3,1,2,2,1,3,3,1,3,4]
20:42 <Seira> roll 1d20+59+10+10
20:42 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d20=3]
20:42 <Seira> roll 1d100
20:42 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d100=17]
Stopping here as requested!
Didn't need to go that far, so.
Blow after blow rain, and after a few more, the Q'pa is twitching, shapes changing rapidly.
Q'pa has regeneration and is above its non lethal damage limit, so it's out of commission for the moment. Another remains. IS that it for your turn?
Seira will smack it one last time to ensure it takes its time recovering, and that's it for her turn!
20:49 <Seira> roll 1d20+59+10+10
20:49 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d20=5]
20:49 <Seira> roll 1d100
20:49 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d100=96]
20:50 <Seira> roll 1d4+82+10+10d4
20:50 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 115 > [d4=2,1,1,1,4,3,2,1,3,2,3]
With one down Kascha hesitates, "Holy magic can finish it off," she calls, flying above and forward. "Seven gates, seven worlds, seven strikes against the wicked!" Kascha intones.
> roll 1d100 vs 50 first of all
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d100=99]
Quickened Twinned Maximized Righteous Smite.
> roll 20*8
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 160 >
So 320 damage. No SR since Kascha can't fail the roll.
> roll 1d20+23
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d100 vs 50 first of all
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d100=34]
No good on the second, can't redirect while helpless, though.
Holy smites strike the downed Q'pa, battering it further as more cracks appear along it.
Moore.
"Most of my stuff isn't going to work here!" Moore calls out.
Although...?
He attempts to form a blue spear that he hurls towards the other Q'pa!
Not sure if this is even legal, but let's try it.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 11 + 48, total 59[/blockquote] Charisma
Attack roll if needed: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+66 : 12 + 66, total 78[/blockquote]
Miss chance if needed: [blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 71, total 71[/blockquote]
The spear flies and hits the second Q'pa - and both vanish in a twinkle of light. 21's light, merciless and cold.
Well done. Do you understand the point of this?"
That deep blue spears are more effective than straight up violence, and both are far superior to seizing control of reality?
Moore considers for a moment. "That once sufficiently in Creation, a being like them has to be dealt with via Creation's rule? I'm... curious, though, are those Q'pa any fundamentally different than any other being from the Far Realm?"
That the Q'pa, terrible as it is, is not unique. Creation frames those of the Far Realm into certain shapes, and sometimes the same pattern and form suffices. Do you understand?
"Oh, so it's more like Q'pa in Creation are all different things on the Beyond side." Moore says. "But something on that side causes them to manifest in Creation as Q'pa."
Creation tries to process things of the Far Realm. They are treated akin to demons, but the process is imperfect, because the Far Realm's nature destroys Creation. Creation is a thing of patterns, of processes.
Why demons, actually? I know that's what happens, but I never got an explanation of why they fit better than slaad. And speaking of normalizing Far Realm creatures into demons, we can't forget Pale Night. Do you have anything interesting you could share about her?
I believe it to be simple: They destroy Creation. They are destroyers, as demons are destroyers.
The Pale Mother is behind him.
I saw them watching. She watches through him, for Sylian is her instrument. The Pale Mother gave him a little of her own blood, as you once gave him your blood, Seira.
"She... did she create demons here in Creation?" Moore asks.
Her name is not unearned.
"But not all of them, right? Just... a supplementary force, I guess is the way to put it?" Moore asks.
I do not believe she is the mother of all demons, Moore.
Merely too many as it is.
Moore nods. "I understand. I... hm. Through all of this training, it's been clear that being here makes it easier to manifest the various skills and abilities that we need to fight creatures from the Far Realm." He says, then he gestures around. "If we were in the Far Realm itself, would what we do here be significantly more challenging? Could I even do it, without a divine will?"
Perhaps you could, with the words you speak.
"Do you know if the Words of Creation and the power of Anarchs were originally the same thing in the Far Realm? It's... curious that using both here ends up with the exact same results." Moore says.
He blinks for a moment. "Or... maybe it's that they both translate into the same 'Beyondese'...?"
I do not know, but I don't think so.
Moore nods. Maybe he can find his answers back in Creation.
"Do you think I can use this... Power of Creation somehow in the ritual for One? I've been thinking about how it might apply there and I have some... I guess you can call them ideas, but there's no way to know what would work and what wouldn't."
He pauses again. "Oh... no, I guess... can this place be used to practice that ritual?"
No, you are still within Creation.
To use the power of Creation is to bind yourself to Ao's judgment over the divine.
"So then... I guess I'll admit my ignorance, I understand the lessons of what we've learned so far, but I'm not... really seeing how they help with becoming One." Moore says.
There is more to learn yet.
At the worst, understanding will come when we finally meet in person. It's been some time.
"I hope you know how much we all want to save you." Moore says.
Is Pale Night an ally to our cause, ridiculous as that might sound? Seira decides to ask. I've faced off against her, and I know just what sort of depravity she's capable of. But Io suggested this, and given Zaphkiel's silence I really have to wonder.
Not all victims are saints.
Her suffering is true.
If that is enough lies in the hands of others than I.
Are you suggesting that Celestia, Io or the Arbiter have lied to us? Seira asks carefully.
I'm suggesting that it's not my choice to make.
I can live without deciding if a Demon Princess is worth tolerating.
Fair enough. Seira glances over at Moore, to see if he wants to keep talking to Sylvie.
"If she's beyond saving then we will do what we have to." He says, then nods to Seira and will start up the stairs anew.
Up. Higher. Forward.
A platform.
Here the others emerge from nothingness. Cresiel pauses here and nods, "Moore. Are you well?"
Amaryl smiles, "Seira, you aren't hurt?"
"We ran into some snags on the way up but nothing we couldn't handle." Moore says.
"It'll take more than that challenge to harm me," Seira assures her.
"As did we," Jetina speaks up, "But we overcame them, too."
Only five can proceed ahead. Choose wisely. A distorted echo of the past awaits you above.
"It would make sense to send those who need to experience more of this." Moore says. He looks to Seira, "I was thinking me, you, Lady Sanzha, then two others."
"That's fine," Seira agrees.
"In that case then, let's go with Jetina and Kaja." Moore says.
"I would like to go," Cresiel steps forward, while Jetina adds, "Myself as well, or maybe Kaja?"
Amaryl merely nods her head forward, "I understand. My grasp of this is sufficient."
"I've learned something about myself already, and yet more secrets of Creation-"
A moment. Both of you feel it - a connection between Moore and Xandra, a spark that flows between them.
Node update.
Somehow this didn't pop up. I've read it!
"Okay. Cresiel and Kaja, then. Jetina, I'll handle your learning from all of this myself." Moore says.
Moore, Seira, Sanzha, Kaja and Cresiel. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Thus the five of you step ahead, ready to go.
This is mostly an in between post, but marching order now?
The order your listed them is fine.
"I wonder whose past this will draw upon...."
"I'm curious about that too." Moore says.
On, ahead.
You fought her in the past, a pretender who corrupted a pretender.
This is not that. Yet sometimes those of Beyond become something similar, if not identical. Or worse, stronger.
Like that one, this one adjusted and adapted. Yet it is content to remain here, able to withstand and uninterested in going farther.
Please no.
Moore blinks as they continue on. "I'm guessing you have an idea?" He asks as they go.
"None whatsoever. It must be from your past," Seira insists.
It doesn't talk like her. It doesn't communicate at all, but it is vicious.
Here Sanzha quietly exhales through her nose.
"We will not yield," Cresiel agrees, stepping forward.
If people still have some minor injuries, I'll heal those now.
Sure. What spells?
"I guess we will see." Moore says as they continue on.
Assuming we have time, Moore will refresh / restart Inspire Courage, Greatness and Heroics to keep all the buffs up. It seems like we do since we know something is coming.
Sure. Any other prep, you two? Sylvie's at least not that bitchy to deny you it.
Right, then. My own prep are the combat loadout spells: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104109.msg1115887.html#msg1115887
Already precast, but it's a good reminder. Also, I'm precasting Arcane Spellsurge and activating the Armbands again.
Nothing from me to add.
Cool, I'll do spoiler blocks in the next post. Moore, refresh me on the total bonuses you're going to lay down.
Before you, space twists open. It is 50ft above you. A ten armed creature, an angel of light and glory. A halo of flame is above it, your skin starting to burn as you see it. It has no expression, a massive creature that looms over you with a dreadful presence.
"A mockery?" Cresiel declares, "Then we will face down this mockery."
Kaja merely readies his blades while Sanzha adds, "Careful about getting in fighting range with that. You'll splatter everywhere under that many assaults."
[spoiler]
Protection against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects (Mind Blank, Nondetection)
Never surprised or flat-footed (Foresight)
See through everything within 120ft (True Seeing)
Immunity to death effects, energy drain and negative energy/negative levels (Mass Death Ward)
Immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast)
Gain 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
Immunity to dazzled and blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
Energy Res 30 (all)
1d4+6 spell levels are turned on original caster/spells that have you as a targets/not melee touch spells (Spell Turning)
Casts Heal on you if you are killed/taken to -30 or below (Fortunate Fate)
+25 insight on any one attack roll, opposed ability or skill check, saving throw or to AC vs single attack even if flat-footed (Moment of Prescience, +30 for Many Moments of Prescience)
+15 insight to any single skill check (Divine Insight)
+25 to stealth (competence, circumstance, racial)
+20 to disguise (untyped)
+10 insight bonus to Perception (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
+10 insight to all knowledge checks (Lore of the Gods)
+4 morale to all skill checks (Greater Heroism)
+4 competence bonus to Escape Artist (Shadow Form)
+9 untyped to init (Sign, Nerveskitter)
+7 sacred and insight to AC and Reflex (Foresight, Shield of Warding)
+5 racial to natural armor (Spiderskin)
+4 morale on attack and immunity to fear and 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
+4 morale to damage/ability checks and fear immunity (Surge of Hope)
+5 morale to saving throws (Conviction)
Seira draws Dragon's Grace and points it at the fiery angel in clear challenge!
Songs (Inspire Courage, Heroics, Greatness):
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+8 Attack rolls, +3 fort 8d10+8 HD worth of HP
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
[blockquote]Rolled 8d10 : 1, 4, 7, 10, 2, 3, 3, 9, total 39[/blockquote] temp hp + whatever 8 HD is for everyone.
8 HD for these two since I have it.
Cresiel: 88
Kaja: 64
Is the non Dex aura still up? Just need to know real quick.
Also init.
[spoiler]
Protection against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects (Mind Blank, Nondetection)
Never surprised or flat-footed (Foresight)
See through everything within 120ft (True Seeing)
Immunity to death effects, energy drain and negative energy/negative levels (Mass Death Ward)
Immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast)
Gain 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
Immunity to dazzled and blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
Energy Res 30 (all)
1d4+6 spell levels are turned on original caster/spells that have you as a targets/not melee touch spells (Spell Turning)
Casts Heal on you if you are killed/taken to -30 or below (Fortunate Fate)
+25 insight on any one attack roll, opposed ability or skill check, saving throw or to AC vs single attack even if flat-footed (Moment of Prescience, +30 for Many Moments of Prescience)
+15 insight to any single skill check (Divine Insight)
+25 to stealth (competence, circumstance, racial)
+20 to disguise (untyped)
+10 insight bonus to Perception (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
+10 insight to all knowledge checks (Lore of the Gods)
+4 morale to all skill checks (Greater Heroism)
+4 competence bonus to Escape Artist (Shadow Form)
+9 untyped to init (Sign, Nerveskitter)
+7 sacred and insight to AC and Reflex (Foresight, Shield of Warding)
+5 racial to natural armor (Spiderskin)
+4 morale on attack and immunity to fear and 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
+4 morale to damage/ability checks and fear immunity (Surge of Hope)
+5 morale to saving throws (Conviction)
Songs (Inspire Courage, Heroics, Greatness):
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+8 Attack rolls, +3 fort 8d10+8 HD worth of HP
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
Rolled 8d10 : 1, 4, 7, 10, 2, 3, 3, 9, total 39
temp hp + whatever 8 HD is for everyone.
8 HD for these two since I have it.
Cresiel: 88
21:18 <Seira> roll 1d20+19+2
21:19 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=9]
I would've switched it since we knew this was coming, so add +16, please.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 11 + 43, total 54[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+45 Sanzha
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+40 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+40 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+20 Angel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=18]
Init is Halo of Flame (9999) > Sanzha (61) > Kaja (55) > Moore (54) > Seira (46) > Cresiel (45) > Angel (38)
As you gaze on the creature before you, deep flames come from it as...
Fortitude, all.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+61 : 15 + 61, total 76[/blockquote] mettle
07:50 <Seira> roll 1d20+68+19
07:50 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d20=12]Fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
AC: +26 normal/+21 touch/+29 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield, +12 dodge from Moore)
Attack: +30 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore, +8 untyped from Moore)
Damage: +22 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore)
Fort Save: +19 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +12 morale from Moore, +3 untyped from Moore)
Ref Save +19 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +12 morale from Moore, +2 insight Foresight)
Will Save: +16 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +12 morale from Moore)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
+8 HD + 39 temp HP
> roll 1d20+39 Cresiel mettle
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+41 Kaja mettle
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=18]
> OOC: Kaja does not hav emettle, mistype.
> roll 1d20+43 Sanzha will likely be boosting too since ow
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=5]
Good news: It's an all or nothing save, and Moor eand Seira made the save.
Bad news: The others didn't. Pain incoming.
> roll 57d10 half fire half divine
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 279 > [57d10=279]
-30 for fire resistance for Cresiel, so 249.
Kaja nulls fire so 124 for him.
249 for Sanzha as well.
Fire. So much fire. Sanzha withstands the assault even as Cresiel blisters and Kaja grimaces, divine power leading to bloody cracks along his scales. She raises her head and begins to sing, a song of elegant waters, movement without end or fatigue.
Inspire Excellence for +4 competence Fortitude all. Mpre HP plus a Fort save bump, something needed right now. She also chooses to go under melody of water, which grants her the following.
+charisma to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class, init.
Fast healing equal to Cha.
Immunity to crits/precision damage.
+30 speed and can use swim as a fly speed.
Don't trigger AoOs by moving.
+33 temp HP.
Does not fail rolls on a natural 1 automatically.
Sanzha's song fills you all with more vitality, strengthening you as Kaja holds just one second.
Kaja holds for Moore since Moore usually boosts everyone. Go Moore.
[spoiler]
Cresiel
HP: 674/835 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 33/33 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL34), Detect Snares and Pits (CL34), Discern Lies (CL34), True Seeing (CL34)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Kaja
HP: 669/699
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Lady Sanzha
HP: 534/680+33 (fast healing 3(12))
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Channel Elements 15/15 Bardic Music 34/34 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes:
Melody of Water:
+charisma to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class, init.
Fast healing equal to Cha.
Immunity to crits/precision damage.
+30 speed and can use swim as a fly speed.
Don't trigger AoOs by moving.
+33 temp HP.
Does not fail rolls on a natural 1 automatically.
Protection against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects (Mind Blank, Nondetection)
Never surprised or flat-footed (Foresight)
See through everything within 120ft (True Seeing)
Immunity to death effects, energy drain and negative energy/negative levels (Mass Death Ward)
Immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast)
Gain 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
Immunity to dazzled and blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
Energy Res 30 (all)
1d4+6 spell levels are turned on original caster/spells that have you as a targets/not melee touch spells (Spell Turning)
Casts Heal on you if you are killed/taken to -30 or below (Fortunate Fate)
+25 insight on any one attack roll, opposed ability or skill check, saving throw or to AC vs single attack even if flat-footed (Moment of Prescience, +30 for Many Moments of Prescience)
+15 insight to any single skill check (Divine Insight)
+25 to stealth (competence, circumstance, racial)
+20 to disguise (untyped)
+10 insight bonus to Perception (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
+10 insight to all knowledge checks (Lore of the Gods)
+4 morale to all skill checks (Greater Heroism)
+4 competence bonus to Escape Artist (Shadow Form)
+9 untyped to init (Sign, Nerveskitter)
+7 sacred and insight to AC and Reflex (Foresight, Shield of Warding)
+5 racial to natural armor (Spiderskin)
+4 morale on attack and immunity to fear and 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
+4 morale to damage/ability checks and fear immunity (Surge of Hope)
+5 morale to saving throws (Conviction)
Songs (Inspire Courage, Heroics, Greatness):
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+8 Attack rolls, +3 fort 8d10+8 HD worth of HP
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
+14 total Fort for all right now.
"I'm not sure what this thing is, but don't lose your focus!" Moore shouts, encouraging everyone and shaping the power of destiny to support them!
Moore is using Destined Strike, which gives everyone (on top of what they have already),
+4 to attack and damage rolls, Improved Critical Feat, +16 to threat confirmation.
He will also switch his aura from dexterity to Spell Resistance-piercing, so everyone gets +16 to their roll to overcome that.
The song is heard, another voice bolstering you all amid the horror that advances onward. You feel that much stronger, that much tougher as...
Seira.
[spoiler]
Cresiel
HP: 674/835 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 33/33 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL34), Detect Snares and Pits (CL34), Discern Lies (CL34), True Seeing (CL34)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Kaja
HP: 669/699
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Lady Sanzha
HP: 534/680+33 (fast healing 3(12))
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Channel Elements 15/15 Bardic Music 34/34 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes:
Melody of Water:
+charisma to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class, init.
Fast healing equal to Cha.
Immunity to crits/precision damage.
+30 speed and can use swim as a fly speed.
Don't trigger AoOs by moving.
+33 temp HP.
Does not fail rolls on a natural 1 automatically.
Protection against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects (Mind Blank, Nondetection)
Never surprised or flat-footed (Foresight)
See through everything within 120ft (True Seeing)
Immunity to death effects, energy drain and negative energy/negative levels (Mass Death Ward)
Immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast)
Gain 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
Immunity to dazzled and blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
Energy Res 30 (all)
1d4+6 spell levels are turned on original caster/spells that have you as a targets/not melee touch spells (Spell Turning)
Casts Heal on you if you are killed/taken to -30 or below (Fortunate Fate)
+25 insight on any one attack roll, opposed ability or skill check, saving throw or to AC vs single attack even if flat-footed (Moment of Prescience, +30 for Many Moments of Prescience)
+15 insight to any single skill check (Divine Insight)
+25 to stealth (competence, circumstance, racial)
+20 to disguise (untyped)
+10 insight bonus to Perception (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
+10 insight to all knowledge checks (Lore of the Gods)
+4 morale to all skill checks (Greater Heroism)
+4 competence bonus to Escape Artist (Shadow Form)
+9 untyped to init (Sign, Nerveskitter)
+7 sacred and insight to AC and Reflex (Foresight, Shield of Warding)
+5 racial to natural armor (Spiderskin)
+4 morale on attack and immunity to fear and 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
+4 morale to damage/ability checks and fear immunity (Surge of Hope)
+5 morale to saving throws (Conviction)
Songs (Inspire Courage, Heroics, Greatness):
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+8 Attack rolls, +3 fort 8d10+8 HD worth of HP
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
+14 total Fort for all right now.
+4 to attack and damage rolls, Improved Critical Feat, +16 to threat confirmation.
"Let's take it down together!" Seira calls over to Kaja with a grin, lighting their enemy up with punishing goldenfire!
Swift to travel across our enemy so I'd be able to flank with Kaja, swift for Twinned Blazing Radiance, then full attack. I'm assuming Kaja follows suit and charges at the same time so I'd have flanking.
19:41 <Seira> roll 1d20+54+34+25 ranged touch, moment of prescience
19:41 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 129 > [d20=16]
19:42 <Seira> roll 1d20+40+3+16 SR
19:42 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=19]
19:42 <Seira> roll 40d12+19d6
19:42 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 286 > [40d12=224][19d6=62]
Twinned, so 572 of goldenfire, no save.
19:48 <Seira> roll 1d20+66+34+10 10th level arcane strike
19:48 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 123 > [d20=13]
19:48 <Seira> roll 1d20+66+34+10 10th level arcane strike
19:48 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 117 > [d20=7]
19:48 <Seira> roll 1d20+66+34+10 10th level arcane strike
19:48 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 115 > [d20=5]
19:48 <Seira> roll 1d20+66+34+10 10th level arcane strike
19:48 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 111 > [d20=1]
19:49 <Seira> roll 1d20+61+34+10 10th level arcane strike +30 MMoP if 111 missed
19:49 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 121 > [d20=16]
19:49 <Seira> roll 1d20+56+34+10 10th level arcane strike
19:49 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 108 > [d20=8]
19:49 <Seira> roll 1d20+51+34+10 10th level arcane strike
19:49 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d20=8]
19:49 <Seira> roll 1d20+63+34+10 10th level arcane strike
19:49 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 110 > [d20=3]
19:49 <Seira> roll 1d20+63+34+10 10th level arcane strike
19:49 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 122 > [d20=15]
19:49 <Seira> roll 1d20+63+34+10 10th level arcane strike
19:50 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 127 > [d20=20]
19:50 <Seira> roll 1d20+63+34+10+16 10th level arcane strike crit?
19:50 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 136 > [d20=13]
19:50 <Seira> roll 1d6+103+20d6+22+10d4
19:50 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 236 > [d6=4,3,5,6,2,6,3,5,5,1,2,5,6,4,4,6,5,5,5,2,2][d4=1,2,1,3,2,3,1,4,4,4]
19:51 <Seira> roll 1d6+103+20d6+22+10d4
19:51 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 220 > [d6=4,1,4,5,5,2,6,6,2,1,1,6,3,4,4,5,5,1,2,1,3][d4=2,4,4,1,2,1,2,2,4,2]
19:51 <Seira> roll 1d6+103+20d6+22+10d4
19:51 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 218 > [d6=4,5,1,3,5,5,6,4,6,5,2,1,1,3,1,2,3,4,3,1,1][d4=1,1,2,4,4,2,4,4,3,2]
19:51 <Seira> roll 1d6+103+20d6+22+10d4
19:51 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 228 > [d6=1,2,5,6,6,6,3,5,4,1,3,2,5,2,4,3,4,6,4,1,4][d4=4,3,1,3,3,3,4,2,2,1]
19:51 <Seira> roll 1d6+103+20d6+22+10d4
19:51 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 226 > [d6=4,1,6,1,5,5,5,3,2,6,3,4,6,4,3,1,6,2,6,4,2][d4=3,1,4,1,3,1,1,3,1,4]
19:51 <Seira> roll 1d6+103+20d6+22+10d4
19:51 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 234 > [d6=2,4,1,3,3,2,6,3,2,3,5,5,5,5,4,2,3,6,3,6,5][d4=4,4,4,3,1,2,2,3,4,4]
19:51 <Seira> roll 1d6+103+20d6+22+10d4
19:51 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 216 > [d6=2,1,3,5,5,2,3,1,5,4,3,2,3,2,3,4,1,6,5,4,5][d4=4,2,3,1,1,2,4,2,1,2]
19:51 <Seira> roll 1d8+106+19d6+22+10d4
19:51 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 220 > [d8=7][d6=1,5,2,6,1,1,6,4,6,2,1,3,1,1,4,6,5,1,4][d4=1,1,1,3,4,4,2,3,2,4]
19:51 <Seira> roll 1d4+100+19d6+22+10d4
19:51 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 227 > [d4=2][d6=5,4,1,3,5,1,5,5,6,4,5,3,5,1,5,4,5,6,2][d4=2,4,3,2,3,4,4,4,1,1]
19:52 <Seira> roll 2d4+200+19d6+44+10d4
19:52 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 337 > [d4=2,1][d6=5,5,5,6,4,1,6,5,3,1,3,1,4,1,2,1,2,5,4][d4=4,3,2,2,4,2,3,1,3,2]
Fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
From Sanzha: Don't trigger AoOs from movement.
I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
AC: +26 normal/+21 touch/+29 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield, +12 dodge from Moore)
Attack: +34 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore, +8 untyped from Moore, +4 from Moore)
Damage: +22 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore, +4 from Moore)
Fort Save: +21 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +12 morale from Moore, +3 untyped from Moore, +2 from Sanzha)
Ref Save +19 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +12 morale from Moore, +2 insight Foresight)
Will Save: +16 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +12 morale from Moore)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
+8 HD + 39 temp HP from Moore
+4 con from Sanzha (competence)
> roll 1d20+117 (+2 charge, +25 insight since fuck 'em, +18 Moore, +8 Moore, +4 Moore)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 120 > [d20=3]
> roll 2d6+128+2d6+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 149 > [d6=5,1,6,3,2,4]
Kaja is just -there- in an instant, just as you strike. It's incredibly hard to hurt, harder than diamonds and steel. Yet some blows manage to strike true, manage to ravage it. Kaja draws blood as you do the same, pincering it together as Kaja grins, "Leave not a scrap of it alive!" he declares. Kaja slashes open an arm, you tear into the back of it, as...
Init is Halo of Flame (9999) > Sanzha (61) > Moore (54) > Kaja = Seira (46) > Cresiel (45) > Angel (38)
Cresiel stays where he is and instead intones, "Raziel, your bravery will never be denied," he says, "Shine down with eternal fire."
Mass Valiant Fury. +6 morale strength/con, plus an extra attack like haste (does not stack with haste).
The Angel turns, no words and yet you can feel it. Three spells or close enough to it, cast in a single burst, together. Healing, you can tell that much.
Does not provoke AoOs from this. Going to try and counter, Seira?
[spoiler]
Cresiel
HP: 776/937 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 33/33 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL34), Detect Snares and Pits (CL34), Discern Lies (CL34), True Seeing (CL34)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Kaja
HP: 771/801
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Lady Sanzha
HP: 636/782+33 (fast healing 3(12))
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Channel Elements 15/15 Bardic Music 34/34 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes:
Melody of Water:
+charisma to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class, init.
Fast healing equal to Cha.
Immunity to crits/precision damage.
+30 speed and can use swim as a fly speed.
Don't trigger AoOs by moving.
+33 temp HP.
Does not fail rolls on a natural 1 automatically.
Protection against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects (Mind Blank, Nondetection)
Never surprised or flat-footed (Foresight)
See through everything within 120ft (True Seeing)
Immunity to death effects, energy drain and negative energy/negative levels (Mass Death Ward)
Immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast)
Gain 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
Immunity to dazzled and blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
Energy Res 30 (all)
1d4+6 spell levels are turned on original caster/spells that have you as a targets/not melee touch spells (Spell Turning)
Casts Heal on you if you are killed/taken to -30 or below (Fortunate Fate)
+25 insight on any one attack roll, opposed ability or skill check, saving throw or to AC vs single attack even if flat-footed (Moment of Prescience, +30 for Many Moments of Prescience)
+15 insight to any single skill check (Divine Insight)
+25 to stealth (competence, circumstance, racial)
+20 to disguise (untyped)
+10 insight bonus to Perception (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
+10 insight to all knowledge checks (Lore of the Gods)
+4 morale to all skill checks (Greater Heroism)
+4 competence bonus to Escape Artist (Shadow Form)
+9 untyped to init (Sign, Nerveskitter)
+7 sacred and insight to AC and Reflex (Foresight, Shield of Warding)
+3 more hit/damage from Mass Valiant Fury and free extra haste attack.
+5 racial to natural armor (Spiderskin)
+4 morale on attack and immunity to fear and 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
+4 morale to damage/ability checks and fear immunity (Surge of Hope)
+5 morale to saving throws (Conviction)
Songs (Inspire Courage, Heroics, Greatness):
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+8 Attack rolls, +3 fort 8d10+8 HD worth of HP
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
+14 total Fort for all right now.
+4 to attack and damage rolls, Improved Critical Feat, +16 to threat confirmation.
Try harder! Seira scoffs, as her magic clashes with the false angel's.
Superb Dispelling
20:12 <Seira> roll 1d20+35+10+3
20:12 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=16]
20:12 <Seira> roll 1d20+35+10+3
20:12 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=17]
20:12 <Seira> roll 1d20+35+10+3
20:12 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=3]
Fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
From Sanzha: Don't trigger AoOs from movement.
I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
AC: +26 normal/+21 touch/+29 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield, +12 dodge from Moore)
Attack: +34 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore, +8 untyped from Moore, +4 from Moore)
Damage: +22 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore, +4 from Moore)
Fort Save: +21 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +12 morale from Moore, +3 untyped from Moore, +2 from Sanzha)
Ref Save +19 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +12 morale from Moore, +2 insight Foresight)
Will Save: +16 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +12 morale from Moore)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
+8 HD + 39 temp HP from Moore
+4 con from Sanzha (competence)
+6 str from Cresiel (morale)
+6 con from Cresiel (morale)
The three spells shatter, Seira able to stop them cold. But yet a moment later fists come, so many slams against the two of you. It is a flurry of blows, so many at once, all ten arms working in an impossible ,smooth tandem. Space is wrong between them, wrong and wrong and only your superior wills keep you from wanting to scream at this abhorrent motion.
> roll 5#1d20+97 vs Seira
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 116, 101, 113, 103, 115 >
> roll 5#1d20+97 vs Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 112, 100, 102, 101, 100 >
ACs, you two? Also any possibly relevant miss chances?
My Moore-boosted AC is 116.
I think Kajas is 85.
Then one hit for Seira and five for Kaja. Thanks Moore.
> roll 10d8+30 bypasses DR SEira damage
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d8=4,2,1,2,7,1,4,2,1,6]
60 to Seira.
> roll 10d8+30 bypasses DR Kaja
> roll 10d8+30 bypasses DR Kaja
> roll 10d8+30 bypasses DR Kaja
> roll 10d8+30 bypasses DR Kaja
> roll 10d8+30 bypasses DR Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d8=7,2,4,4,6,1,3,3,3,4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d8=6,3,5,4,6,1,8,5,2,8]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d8=7,7,2,2,8,2,2,8,7,6]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d8=1,6,6,1,2,1,4,5,2,5]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d8=3,1,4,3,6,6,1,8,2,5]
359 to Kaja. Ow.
Seira takes a strike to the side, one that makes her wince, even her divinely fortified body pained by that. Kaja is battered and beaten, holding position blood pours down his face, a crack as his chest is hit, a rib surely going at that. "Should have...brought Jetina," he manages.
Init is Halo of Flame (9999) > Sanzha (61) > Moore (54) > Kaja = Seira (46) > Cresiel (45) > Angel (38)
Halo is up. Fort all.
[spoiler]
Cresiel
HP: 776/937 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 33/33 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL34), Detect Snares and Pits (CL34), Discern Lies (CL34), True Seeing (CL34)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Kaja
HP: 412/801
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Lady Sanzha
HP: 636/782+33 (fast healing 3(12))
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Channel Elements 15/15 Bardic Music 34/34 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes:
Melody of Water:
+charisma to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class, init.
Fast healing equal to Cha.
Immunity to crits/precision damage.
+30 speed and can use swim as a fly speed.
Don't trigger AoOs by moving.
+33 temp HP.
Does not fail rolls on a natural 1 automatically.
Protection against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects (Mind Blank, Nondetection)
Never surprised or flat-footed (Foresight)
See through everything within 120ft (True Seeing)
Immunity to death effects, energy drain and negative energy/negative levels (Mass Death Ward)
Immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast)
Gain 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
Immunity to dazzled and blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
Energy Res 30 (all)
1d4+6 spell levels are turned on original caster/spells that have you as a targets/not melee touch spells (Spell Turning)
Casts Heal on you if you are killed/taken to -30 or below (Fortunate Fate)
+25 insight on any one attack roll, opposed ability or skill check, saving throw or to AC vs single attack even if flat-footed (Moment of Prescience, +30 for Many Moments of Prescience)
+15 insight to any single skill check (Divine Insight)
+25 to stealth (competence, circumstance, racial)
+20 to disguise (untyped)
+10 insight bonus to Perception (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
+10 insight to all knowledge checks (Lore of the Gods)
+4 morale to all skill checks (Greater Heroism)
+4 competence bonus to Escape Artist (Shadow Form)
+9 untyped to init (Sign, Nerveskitter)
+7 sacred and insight to AC and Reflex (Foresight, Shield of Warding)
+3 more hit/damage from Mass Valiant Fury and free extra haste attack.
+5 racial to natural armor (Spiderskin)
+4 morale on attack and immunity to fear and 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
+4 morale to damage/ability checks and fear immunity (Surge of Hope)
+5 morale to saving throws (Conviction)
Songs (Inspire Courage, Heroics, Greatness):
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+8 Attack rolls, +3 fort 8d10+8 HD worth of HP
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
+14 total Fort for all right now.
+4 to attack and damage rolls, Improved Critical Feat, +16 to threat confirmation.
20:39 <Seira> roll 1d20+68+24
20:39 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=8]Fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
From Sanzha: Don't trigger AoOs from movement.
I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
AC: +26 normal/+21 touch/+29 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield, +12 dodge from Moore)
Attack: +34 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore, +8 untyped from Moore, +4 from Moore)
Damage: +22 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore, +4 from Moore)
Fort Save: +24 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +12 morale from Moore, +3 untyped from Moore, +2 from Sanzha)
Ref Save +19 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +12 morale from Moore, +2 insight Foresight)
Will Save: +16 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +12 morale from Moore)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
+8 HD + 39 temp HP from Moore
+4 con from Sanzha (competence)
+6 str from Cresiel (morale)
+6 con from Cresiel (morale)
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+61 : 7 + 61, total 68[/blockquote] mettle
> roll 1d20+44 Cresiel mettle
> roll 1d20+46 Kaja
> roll 1d20+48 Sanzha
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=6]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=19]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=2]
Everyone failed it except Seira. so everyone but her takes this damage. Half fire and half divine.
> roll 57d10
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 280 > [57d10=280]
280 damage base.
250 to Sanzha and Cresiel.
140 to Kaja.
Let me know how much you take, Moore.
Sanzha after a post to that, her fast healing for the coming turn was already applied. Description in that post, too.
[spoiler]
Cresiel
HP: 526/937 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 33/33 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL34), Detect Snares and Pits (CL34), Discern Lies (CL34), True Seeing (CL34)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Kaja
HP: 272/801
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Lady Sanzha
HP: 431/782+33 (fast healing 3(12))
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Channel Elements 15/15 Bardic Music 34/34 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes:
Melody of Water:
+charisma to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class, init.
Fast healing equal to Cha.
Immunity to crits/precision damage.
+30 speed and can use swim as a fly speed.
Don't trigger AoOs by moving.
+33 temp HP.
Does not fail rolls on a natural 1 automatically.
Protection against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects (Mind Blank, Nondetection)
Never surprised or flat-footed (Foresight)
See through everything within 120ft (True Seeing)
Immunity to death effects, energy drain and negative energy/negative levels (Mass Death Ward)
Immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast)
Gain 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
Immunity to dazzled and blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
Energy Res 30 (all)
1d4+6 spell levels are turned on original caster/spells that have you as a targets/not melee touch spells (Spell Turning)
Casts Heal on you if you are killed/taken to -30 or below (Fortunate Fate)
+25 insight on any one attack roll, opposed ability or skill check, saving throw or to AC vs single attack even if flat-footed (Moment of Prescience, +30 for Many Moments of Prescience)
+15 insight to any single skill check (Divine Insight)
+25 to stealth (competence, circumstance, racial)
+20 to disguise (untyped)
+10 insight bonus to Perception (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
+10 insight to all knowledge checks (Lore of the Gods)
+4 morale to all skill checks (Greater Heroism)
+4 competence bonus to Escape Artist (Shadow Form)
+9 untyped to init (Sign, Nerveskitter)
+7 sacred and insight to AC and Reflex (Foresight, Shield of Warding)
+3 more hit/damage from Mass Valiant Fury and free extra haste attack.
+5 racial to natural armor (Spiderskin)
+4 morale on attack and immunity to fear and 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
+4 morale to damage/ability checks and fear immunity (Surge of Hope)
+5 morale to saving throws (Conviction)
Songs (Inspire Courage, Heroics, Greatness):
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+8 Attack rolls, +3 fort 8d10+8 HD worth of HP
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
+14 total Fort for all right now.
+4 to attack and damage rolls, Improved Critical Feat, +16 to threat confirmation.
Should be 250 by my count.
Yet there is fire and pain. Moore burns, Kaja screams. All of you withstand the pain of it, yet burning away save for Seira as Sanzha glides forward. Her trident strikes out as she is like the water moving, a single and decisive strike into the creature's side.
> roll 1d20+120 (+12 charisma, +25 insight since fuck 'em, +18 Moore, +8 Moore, +4 Moore, +3 Cresiel, +3d6 fire damage from trident swift action used, no AoO due to melody of water)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 125 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d8+53
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d8=1]
> roll 3d6 fire
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d6=6,2,4]
Her trident plunges in, another wound on it, not allowing it any chance to escape. "Finish it," she declares, "Before this gets out of control."
Moore.
He doesn't have anything to do here but will heal everyone, at least!
Mass Heal, 250 restored to everyone.
Healing spreads through the ranks, mending wounds and buying time. Time enough to win, time enough to overcome this strange, silent thing.
Seira and Kaja.
[spoiler]
Cresiel
HP: 776/937 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 33/33 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL34), Detect Snares and Pits (CL34), Discern Lies (CL34), True Seeing (CL34)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Kaja
HP: 522/801
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Lady Sanzha
HP: 681/782+33 (fast healing 3(12))
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Channel Elements 15/15 Bardic Music 34/34 Water Devotion 1/1 Trident Elemental Damage 3/3
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes:
Melody of Water:
+charisma to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class, init.
Fast healing equal to Cha.
Immunity to crits/precision damage.
+30 speed and can use swim as a fly speed.
Don't trigger AoOs by moving.
+33 temp HP.
Does not fail rolls on a natural 1 automatically.
Protection against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects (Mind Blank, Nondetection)
Never surprised or flat-footed (Foresight)
See through everything within 120ft (True Seeing)
Immunity to death effects, energy drain and negative energy/negative levels (Mass Death Ward)
Immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast)
Gain 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
Immunity to dazzled and blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
Energy Res 30 (all)
1d4+6 spell levels are turned on original caster/spells that have you as a targets/not melee touch spells (Spell Turning)
Casts Heal on you if you are killed/taken to -30 or below (Fortunate Fate)
+25 insight on any one attack roll, opposed ability or skill check, saving throw or to AC vs single attack even if flat-footed (Moment of Prescience, +30 for Many Moments of Prescience)
+15 insight to any single skill check (Divine Insight)
+25 to stealth (competence, circumstance, racial)
+20 to disguise (untyped)
+10 insight bonus to Perception (Vision of the Omniscient Eye)
+10 insight to all knowledge checks (Lore of the Gods)
+4 morale to all skill checks (Greater Heroism)
+4 competence bonus to Escape Artist (Shadow Form)
+9 untyped to init (Sign, Nerveskitter)
+7 sacred and insight to AC and Reflex (Foresight, Shield of Warding)
+3 more hit/damage from Mass Valiant Fury and free extra haste attack.
+5 racial to natural armor (Spiderskin)
+4 morale on attack and immunity to fear and 20 temp hp (Greater Heroism)
+4 morale to damage/ability checks and fear immunity (Surge of Hope)
+5 morale to saving throws (Conviction)
Songs (Inspire Courage, Heroics, Greatness):
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+8 Attack rolls, +3 fort 8d10+8 HD worth of HP
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
+14 total Fort for all right now.
+4 to attack and damage rolls, Improved Critical Feat, +16 to threat confirmation.
[/quote]
Seira dodges the last strike a bit too far, it seems at first, but then she becomes a majestic dragon that rips and tears into the fake angel!
21:29 <Seira> roll 1d20+82+37+10 10th level arcane strike
21:29 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 139 > [d20=10]
21:29 <Seira> roll 1d20+82+37+10 10th level arcane strike
21:29 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 145 > [d20=16]
21:29 <Seira> roll 1d20+82+37+10 10th level arcane strike
21:29 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 147 > [d20=18]
21:29 <Seira> roll 1d20+82+37+10 10th level arcane strike
21:29 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 140 > [d20=11]
21:29 <Seira> roll 1d20+77+37+10 10th level arcane strike
21:29 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 133 > [d20=9]
21:29 <Seira> roll 1d20+72+37+10 10th level arcane strike
21:29 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 121 > [d20=2]
21:30 <Seira> roll 1d20+67+37+10 10th level arcane strike
21:30 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 120 > [d20=6]
21:30 <Seira> roll 1d20+77+37+10 10th level arcane strike
21:30 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 131 > [d20=7]
21:30 <Seira> roll 1d20+77+37+10 10th level arcane strike
21:30 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 138 > [d20=14]
21:30 <Seira> roll 1d20+77+37+10 10th level arcane strike
21:30 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 132 > [d20=8]
21:30 <Seira> roll 1d20+77+37+10 10th level arcane strike
21:30 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 142 > [d20=18]
21:31 <Seira> roll 6d10+115+19d6+25+10d4
21:31 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 276 > [d10=9,7,4,9,10,8][d6=5,3,2,3,1,1,2,6,2,4,4,1,4,5,3,2,6,5,4][d4=3,4,3,1,1,3,4,1,4,2]
21:31 <Seira> roll 6d10+115+19d6+25+10d4
21:31 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 277 > [d10=6,4,5,10,8,5][d6=2,1,6,4,4,3,5,4,2,2,6,6,3,3,4,4,5,6,6][d4=1,1,3,1,2,1,3,4,3,4]
21:31 <Seira> roll 6d10+115+19d6+25+10d4
21:31 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 256 > [d10=4,8,4,5,6,1][d6=3,2,3,3,6,3,4,1,3,3,2,2,2,5,5,5,1,4,3][d4=2,4,4,2,4,3,2,1,2,4]
21:31 <Seira> roll 6d10+115+19d6+25+10d4
21:31 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 259 > [d10=1,3,8,3,8,8][d6=4,1,6,3,6,2,2,1,4,6,1,5,4,1,5,6,2,1,3][d4=4,1,2,3,3,1,3,2,2,4]
21:31 <Seira> roll 6d10+115+19d6+25+10d4
21:31 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 279 > [d10=10,5,10,1,8,7][d6=6,3,3,2,6,4,5,2,5,6,2,4,5,1,4,4,1,3,6][d4=3,3,1,2,2,1,4,4,3,3]
21:32 <Seira> roll 6d10+115+19d6+25+10d4
21:32 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 273 > [d10=7,6,1,5,9,4][d6=6,6,4,3,1,6,3,5,1,2,2,6,4,4,6,5,6,4,5][d4=2,2,1,3,2,2,3,2,3,2]
21:32 <Seira> roll 6d10+115+19d6+25+10d4
21:32 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 266 > [d10=8,10,6,5,3,2][d6=1,6,1,3,6,1,6,4,3,4,2,2,6,4,5,2,5,4,4][d4=3,4,1,1,3,2,4,2,2,1]
21:32 <Seira> roll 4d6+115+19d6+25+10d4
21:32 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 262 > [d6=1,6,6,2,3,1,2,6,4,6,5,6,2,4,2,3,6,3,2,5,6,5,4][d4=3,2,4,3,3,4,3,3,3,4]
21:33 <Seira> roll 2d6+105+19d6+25+10d4
21:33 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 233 > [d6=6,2,3,4,6,1,1,2,1,3,5,6,3,6,5,1,6,4,6,4,1][d4=4,4,3,2,2,1,1,2,4,4]
21:33 <Seira> roll 2d6+105+19d6+25+10d4
21:33 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 220 > [d6=3,6,4,5,1,1,3,1,3,6,1,2,4,4,2,5,1,4,3,2,5][d4=3,3,1,1,4,4,2,1,3,2]
21:33 <Seira> roll 2d8+126+19d6+25+10d4
21:33 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 253 > [d8=8,6][d6=3,2,6,1,4,1,2,2,3,6,3,4,2,5,5,4,2,1,4][d4=4,2,1,4,3,4,2,1,3,4]
I'll take my remaining swift after Kaja's turn if this thing is still around.Fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
From Sanzha: Don't trigger AoOs from movement.
I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
AC: +26 normal/+21 touch/+29 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield, +12 dodge from Moore)
Attack: +37 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore, +8 untyped from Moore, +4 from Moore, +3 from Str)
Damage: +25 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +18 morale from Moore, +4 from Moore, +3 from Str)
Fort Save: +24 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +12 morale from Moore, +3 untyped from Moore, +2 from Sanzha)
Ref Save +19 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +12 morale from Moore, +2 insight Foresight)
Will Save: +16 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +12 morale from Moore)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
+8 HD + 39 temp HP from Moore
+4 con from Sanzha (competence)
+6 str from Cresiel (morale)
+6 con from Cresiel (morale)
It resists.
Armor, body, deflection, inhuman power.
It still isn't enough. Despite the party's wounds, Seira's draconic form proves triumphant once more. The creature is torn apart, arms broken and blood shed, body tearings - and suddenly great bottle or-
The light of 21 shines, what is left of Angel purged into oblivion.
You're as strong as a deity should be, Seira.
Moore, you've grown stronger and made friends amid the greatest in Creation.
This remnant did not understand some things, I believe, such as movement, yet it was absurdly powerful in others.
Free act.
Moore lets out a breath.
"That's what will save Creation -- the bonds we all have, even before we were empowered." He says. "They bind us all together for a better future, but don't chain us down."
Kaja rests a moment, "Hit like a tarrasque, too."
Cresiel resumes his climb upward. "That's why we keep going, Sylvie."
Sanzha dusts herself off, as if merely rising from some trifle. "I hope we entertained you well enough." Sardonic, amused, a smile crossing her face.
And yet, all Seira could think was how weak it was. It was a climatic battle between a titan and mortal heroes bolstered with the powers of divinity, back then. But now, her body and magic have both grown strong enough to deal with it on her own, if she had to.
What would the danger be in using the opposite power? she asks Sylvie, as this is about them learning. Mastering the power to be alien to Creation, or making things alien to it?
She tries to recapture the feeling the fake angel had, of belonging to Creation. Perhaps if she figures out the right way to do it, she could allow those from the Beyond she uses it on to coexist with Creation.
Nothing happens.
Where it only so simple as that idea, any deity could solve the Far Realm problems.
To use that power would be to be alien to Creation, were you able to somehow use it.
We're here to learn, aren't we? And the only thing I can think of right now is to copy the way she faked belonging to Creation. Can you help me seize that concept?
"Someone else who might be able to help with that is that dragon we met." Moore says. "I'm not sure where she ended up, though."
You can try, and I will aid you, but do not expect success.
You understand that it is something that has to be done by oneself.
The Beyond resists divine power. Do not expect success when the very nature of your target resists what you are to do.
Seira tries!
Gimme a Charisma check.
22:05 <Seira> roll 1d20+12+2+3+16+17 let's use improvisation
22:05 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=14]
It just doesn't work. It falls apart before you, unable to happen.
"That's not true," It's Sanzha who speaks up, "Xandra was able to deal with that black dragon. Explain." she says, looking upward.
Zaphkiel's power is another matter.
Come closer now, you're almost there.
Two of five are almost complete.
Perhaps going the other way is key, then? How do we use Zaphkiel's power?
"I wonder if he'd just explain it to us if we asked." Moore muses.
If he grants to you is the way.
One does not merely demand or obtain Zaphkiel's power of their own ability.
Not even One.
Seira snorts at the pun.
So what can you try to teach me? It'll be nice to have a chance to practice it until we finally reach you.
For now, only to walk forward.
Come.
I even included a reward, for what aid it may give you before the end.
"We'll find a way." Moore says as he starts ahead.
Maybe it has something to do with how he can use Lifasa's support...?
Nothing to do but come forward, then.
Up. Up and up and up and up. At last the top where it ends.
Here a familiar sword, at least to Seira, sits.
Frozen Oath lies atop the last step, as if it was never given away and then broken.
A phantasm of the past.
A gift, enhanced and prepared for all of you. Use it wisely.
It will serve a swordsman well.
Seira studies the weapon, because Frozen Oath would only have sentimental value to her as it was.
"Huh. Any idea what that is?" Moore asks as he goes over to investigate it!
blah blah spellcraft and K:A, 121 and 126.
Frozen Oath
This is a longsword+7, icy blast. Each time you deal damage to an enemy in combat with Frozen Oath, you heal 4d8+20 hit points. This healing doubles on a critical hit.
"My comrade in arms made that sword as we fought an infestation of undead," Seira reminisces. "A group of heroes that inherited it used it in the Hells for a while, until it broke." She snorts, adding, "It seems that I'm not the only one hit with a bit of nostalgia here, Sylvie."
I've had the time and power to look back.
Nostalgia is a dull blade that kills by inches, but...
You know this great crusade won't end well for any of us.
"Ah." Moore nods. "I think Kaja could use it, though it isn't a scimitar, but since it's something from your past I'm happy to let you keep it with you if you can think of anyone to put it to use."
He looks up and briefly frowns.
Just hold on a little bit longer, Sylvie.
"Let's agree to disagree. So, three left, I take it? I understand that Alyssa feels she is unable to complete her part at this time, so does that mean you'll stay captive here indefinitely?
"A longsword? I've been trained with one as part of learning the ways of the Fifth of the Hebdomad," Cresiel speaks up, "I could use it as well."
"So could Jetina if she needs a sword, but redundant for her," Kaja points out, "I'll pass, it's not a scimitar."
I'll wait a little longer.
We have a little time yet.
Soon.
To Moore, she thinks, It's alright, my old friend would be happy if her work was used for good once more.
Moore nods to Seira and he looks up.
"We'll bring you back. Thank you for everything you're doing." He says.
He goes over to lift the sword up for the time being, assuming that will be the trigger for them to all return.
With that, you have returned once more. Two doors are gone, three remain.
"Well, that's that. Moore, how about you work on Alyssa to get her to open her door? Maybe if she hears it from you it'll give her the necessary push. Alicia should be stopping by pretty soon, but that's on me. And that leaves... the squid person."
"Tryll," Cresiel points out, "He has a name."
"He is a squid, though," Jetina says, your friends back with you. "How'd it go? You finished it?"
"The door has the drawing of a squid and we've never met, so...."
"He's supposedly on a mission for Lord Zaphkiel, so I don't know when he'll be able to clear his." Moore says. "Either way, yes, I'll see what I can do with Alyssa."
"I'll see if Zaphkiel won't answer me about this matter, then. You never know! So, keep in touch?"
Like this farewells and handshakes are exchanged, the parties parting way once more.
Next moves, both of you, so I can thread you up?
Amaryl's node goal probably triggered, so let's start with that. I can ask Zaphkiel for insights after.
Let's go back home and discuss our next steps.
Cool, both of you. Moving you back to your boards.
Thus you all gather together.
Antenora awaits before the portal with Amaryl, the two deep in study as they watch it manifest.
Syala stands at Alicia's side and murmurs, "I meant to ask, where is Calley right now? Has anyone taken him in to visit or at least have Sylvie see him?"
Latha and Jessica are in a conversation in the background - about faiths, establishment and support, as well as using the divine voice.
"Calley is home, unless he slipped out again," Seira tells Syala. "I considered bringing him over, but until the trials Sylvie's imposing on us are complete he couldn't see her. It'd just be cruel, especially as Alyssa and Tryll are unable to complete theirs so far."
Alicia merely nods as Seira provides an acceptable answer to Syala's question. "Is the portal ready? We just go through?" she asks, ready to proceed.
Seira leads the way!
You stand on a beach, a beach where endless expanses stretch ahead in both directions. No sign of a shore beyond beach, and the ocean itself is one vast, blue-white mass that constantly laps and froths against the shoreline. Yet as it comes close it becomes less white, pushed and purged away, turning to blue water that harmlessly licks against the shoreline.
It is flat here, no sign of a mountain unlike Celestia. Simply endless beaches and endless ocean.
What are we but holy martyrs for all of Creation?
You know this great crusade won't end well for any of us.
May it at least end well for Creation through our tears and blood.
"That's pessimistic," Alicia says flatly to that dour greeting. "Either way, inaction is guaranteed to end poorly."
"Then we'll prove you wrong," Antenora's reply is immediate.
Syala steps forward, "Sylvie. You've gone places since Aurora."
You'll see.
For now, come forward and approach your trial.
Congratulations, Latha.
"Where do we go?" Alicia looks around, seeing featureless expanse in all directions.
"Ah, yes, congratulations!" Seira belatedly says, before starting to lead the way towards the challenges. "When we just arrived I tried walking towards the sea but it didn't work, we only ran into a Horror from Beyond."
"We've seen enough of those," Alicia says, following after Seira.
"Yeah, exactly. And Sylvie keeps on saying that but then refuses to explain, which is a bit of a downer since it'd be rude to just ignore her."
"There's a point to it," Antenora remarks, "One that speaks ill of our coming struggles." Then she smiles rather warmly. "It's hardly something we haven't faced before, and yet here we are."
"Optimism becomes you," Amaryl agrees, "But I fear that Sylvie does not speak only to speak, but for reasons true and worrisome."
Jessica lingers a moment, gaze out onto the white seas beyond, that forever wash against the barrier there.
With a glance back, Antenora and Syala both start to head back towards Jessica. As they do, "Antenora, you remember that the horror that stalked my sister was able to speak and understand us, in a fashion. With all we have learned, have we yet learned what made that horror different from the others?
Meanwhile, the portal you went through ripples and opens. Alyss, her node, Moore and Xandra come through, stepping in as well.
I said this last night in chat and I'll repeat it here: I don't expect you all to stay together long, the number of NPCs isn't manageable. However, both groups are going to the same place at about the same time, so here we are.
Alyssa takes in the area and familiar face.
"Well hello. Popular place, isn't it?"
Moore greets everyone with a wave!
"Alyssa, this is it. I'm not sure what to call this place, but I think referring to it as "The Inbetween" isn't a bad idea. It's a buffer between Creation and Beyond. My understanding is that it really is rather formless, but our interpretation of it makes it manifest like this." He says with a gesture.
"Once we continue up towards that light," he points in the direction of 21s light, "You will find your trial."
Alicia turns back on hearing the new arrivals, pausing a moment in case Sylvie is going to give them an introduction. But after Alyssa speaks she returns the greeting. "Hello again Alyssa, everyone," she nods, there being too many to welcome them all by name, though Emily gets a familiar smile when they meet eyes. "Serendipitous timing, we'd only just arrived here ourselves."
"Hello! An interesting place. I'd like to spend some time experimenting here. If it's formed from our interpretation, we could do some fantastic things here."
"Aunt Alicia," Emily smiles and nods. "There much be so much to learn - that's 21's light ahead?"
The light of 21 will forever shine silently.
Your trials lay ahead, but learn as well.
Be strong.
Jarem steps forward and takes it all in. "That's 21 and that's Beyond, Sylvie?" He looks ahead and then to the waves. He rubs his helmeted jaw with his hand, "I always imagined it to be less...white."
"Moore's right. There's no form to it at all. It is what it is because of our perceptions," Syala says, "It matches what we've seen when we've stepped into the Beyond."
Ianvasah looks on at the waves, as if spellbound.
"Divinity," Dolmaya bows to them.
Seira waves at Dolmaya, smiling at the newcomers.
"Why not white? It's been the color of the pristine and unused in our cultures forever. It speaks of potential, of a blank canvas, wouldn't you agree?"
Seven deities in one place is certainly an occasion, even if none of them are especially powerful. Still she says to Dolmaya, "You need not bow. We are all allies here, bound in common cause of safeguarding Creation from a fate too terrible to name. I'm grateful for your presence and your courage, all of you," she looks over the rest of the assemblage after that.
Alyssa considers the area and decides to try an experiment, trying to pull a small glob of white to her and focusing on it, trying to convert it to blue using the Words, "Become Blue."
"We can't let everything go to shit, can we? We all need Creation," Bastian agrees, coming forward. "I heard about your road trip to Avernus, decades ago," he calls to Alicia and Seira. "A good trip."
Meanwhile Xandra comes forward to Emily, a murmur to her, as the two fall into a quiet, whispered conversation.
Jarem also goes over to Jessica, his hand out to her. She takes it as he says, "I hear you get along well with my Lady," he explains, "Anyone who can do that is a friend to me."
"Still," Latha speaks up, "Are we at risk of a creature breaking through to us?"
Cha, Alyssa.
Cha:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+15 : 13 + 15, total 28[/blockquote]
"We do like to visit Avernus now and then to keep them on their toes. Lixer was a good host recently too," Alicia chuckles as she greets the half-orc. "Bastian, yes?"
I'm just assuming I can make the arcana/religion/planes checks to identify new faces here and save on tedious introductions.
"I still have a souvenir from that trip, would you believe it?"
Agreed, Alicia.
A blue ball rises up to Alyssa's command at this. It's surprisingly easy - there's no resistance here.
"Bastian," he agrees, "Of Shaundakul." The orc slowly rolls steps forward, "No love for the devils here. Vile, vile things with delusions of superiority."
"I like this one, Alicia," Antenora murmurs to Alicia, before, "Wisely spoken."
Meanwhile Amaryl comes over to Alyssa, "That's right. It's easier here, this place is supposedly meant for it."
Meanwhile Jessica replies to Jarem, "She's a worthy friend," The handshake is taken, "Are you taking good care of our Emily?"
"Aunt Jessica!" Emily turns at that, a blush there. "Jarem does not need to take care of me!"
"Things do break through on occasion, but I'm not convinced it isn't on purpose to train those who are here." Moore says.
Absently, still regarding the ball, "Maybe not take care of, but redirect certainly. Though you're improving. You think and consider more obtuse approaches than before."
Alyssa attempts to merge the merge the blue and white together to see what happens.
"Ah, Alyssa, since we're all here anyway. Are you done with Elle? I've sent her over to help you with your crown."
"For now, we've done what we can. I'm short a rather significant amount of gold for materials. Until I get everything together, it's at a standstill. Thank you for sending her to help."
"An accurate assessment," Alicia agrees with Bastian. "But still, lets not tarry? Events move swiftly in Creation and I'd rather not be tied up here if something tumultuous happens back home."
"Oh! Right!" Moore shouts suddenly as he withdraws a book from his bag. "Now is a good time to pass this to you, Lady Alicia."
He flies over to offer it out to her. "We've already read through it, so if you have any questions I'll be happy to help with it."
"Ah, just in case...."
Seira demonstrates the various uses she's discovered here for the blue energy, from protection to filtering to conversion and ending with outright destruction.
"Thank you Moore. I'll have Antenora read it when we're back in Sylica so she can add her own perspective," Alicia takes the book and puts it away in her portable hole before watching Seira's demonstration.
"So it's just a case of willing to create these things? But not the way you'd normally do when emulating a spell?" she asks uncertainly, attempting to create a 'blue bubble' around herself. Which would sort of work like an anti-life shell except doing... whatever it is this blue energy does.
The two balls meet and cancel out, nothing left behind.
People watch the demonstration in the meantime, Dolmaya in particular. "Creation and destruction," she surmises, "Does that fully extend to the Far Realm?"
"What I would like to know is, what exactly IS the Far Realm," Ianvasah speaks up, "It seems to be madness unchecked, is it not?"
For Alicia it's surprisingly easy. It seems to to just come to her here, the sphere manifested with a mere effort of will.
Still it's just a... blue bubble. It doesn't really feel useful.
Perhaps when she sees it used against something of Beyond it'll be more clear to her. She attempts to make it go away with the same effort of will.
"Interesting. Thanks for the techniques. And an equivalent amount of blue negates both. I wonder how much is needed to remove something from Beyond?"
Antenora meanwhile glances at the book, "I'll do that as soon as events allow us," she agrees. "Were Eblis available I would also seek his council, but I fear he will not be for a long time."
The bubble is gone, just like that.
"It's much more complicated, it appears," Xandra replies to Ianvasah, "We still don't understand it all, but we understand more than most." She gazes out at the sea of white, "Almost like endless light, that shines on silently, forever." She then turns to the light of 21, "Yet what are you that makes everything recoil from you in such terror?"
"I think that depends on who you ask." Moore says. "The Far Realm, Beyond, I really don't know that it's that much different than Creation... it's just that we don't understand it. From the perspective of something from there, we may seem to just be as alien."
"The Beyond is a place with no rules, whereas Creation was carved out of it through the establishment of said rules," Seira tells Ianvasah. At Dolmaya's question, she shrugs. "We haven't gone to find out just yet. I can tell you it's a lot harder to work with this energy manipulation in Creation proper, but still possible with practice and preservation."
"Perhaps it's the harmony of the two. Creation and the Beyond seem to be polar opposites. If it's the harmony between them, it's effectively an abomination to it. Or perhaps it's from outside of the Beyond. Or from before it."
"Either way, don't let us keep you." Moore says. "Alyssa, if you want to practice here, I can stay and help if you want. It's no trouble to get here and back, anyway."
"It's much easier here. Seems like the boundries here merging relaxes the rules. It doesn't fight me the same way. But yes, let's get moving. "
"We do have things to do," Antenora agrees, as she turns towards 21 and that light, striding ahead.
"Be careful and safe," Syala says, going to follow.
Is everyone going ahead here?
Yes lets go.
yup
Sure thing.
Vamos!
Ahead.
Congratulations, Latha.
Which one did you find, Alicia?
Like One, I don't believe you were meant to find them yet, even if it has become possible before the end.
As Sylvie talks, you see it ahead. The doors, three left, standing ahead.
Alyssa approaches hers, "Designed for us specifically. Let's get to work."
Alyssa heads in.
The root of the Infinite Stairway, left by the Incarnation of Balance. I'm not interested in waiting on someone else's timetable, Alicia's voice responds to Sylvie and Sylvie alone as she looks over the three doors ahead.
"This one is for us?" she asks, gesturing to the one bearing a sigil of a wavy line with four four-pointed stars above it. They'll have to update that soon of course, but it represents Sylica and it's four commonly known goddesses.
The word four has lost all meaning.
Four has died for you, has it? Scary.
"Let's go," Syala agrees.
"Good luck," Emily calls over as she follows Alyssa.
To Alicia alone then, heard only by her? The rest of them...you'll all see. Soon.
Your trial awaits, Alicia.
Go.
"And to you," Alicia calls over to Emily and company, before she opens the Sylica door and leads her own group inside.
Okay, Alicia and Seira in this thread, since they were here first. Iddy, I'm gonna make a new thread for you momentarily. More, don't reply past this post until I give another post.
Gears.
You stand on a stairway that leads into a tower. An open air tower, riddled with stairways and gears. A clock tower of some vast design, the works of Mechanus all about. They grind and turn, a melody of metal that rings throughout this tower. A tower that rises high and higher up, an impossible design that doesn't seem to end.
There are regular windows of transparent blue, ones that hold back a pounding white rain from the outside.
"Good thing we didn't bring Marie after all," Alicia says as she takes in the tower up and ahead. Going to the side she peers out of one of the blue windows, looking up and down from it before she returns her attention to the tower.
"Do you expect much in the way of combat or traps, Seira?"
Syala turns, hands on her hips as she looks dead on at Alicia and Antenora and then Latha. "I blame the three of you for this," she declares.
"Thank you," Antenora banters right back, cracking a smile.
"My path had traps but Moore's hadn't. I'll make sure to scout all the same, but these things seem thematically adjusted to us personally. Which is why, yes, good thing Marie isn't here. As for combat, I ran into an annoyance that was easily dealt with, and then was faced with a stronger opponent in the end. That much seems to be constant."
Seira will look for traps all the time with Perception 10 for 105.
No sign of traps for Seira, at least down here.
"Looks good so far."
"Lets take a moment to prepare, then?" Alicia says, casting some useful spells.
Sensual blessing, repelling shield on self.
For everyone:
Greater heroism (CL 34), +4 morale attack/saves/skills, +20 temp hp
Recitation (CL 34), +2 luck attack/saves/ACWith that done she continues down the walkway towards the tower, letting Seira check for traps ahead.
Alicia HP: 704+20/704
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 34), extended mind blank (CL 35), extended nondetection (CL 35), greater heroism (CL 34), sensual blessing (CL 34), repelling shield (CL 34), recitation (CL 34)
Defences: AC 81, CMD 96, spell resistance 49, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 49)
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/saves/skills, +9 shield AC, +3 luck attack/saves/AC,
Perceptions: Arcane sight, perception +80
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/16/9/9/15/9/8/7/8/7/6/7/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/9
Thus you go upwards. You begin to climb the tower, and as you do? It' sa maze of staircases and walkways inside, but superior divine vision largely mitigates this problem.
As you pass a window, Antenora pauses before it. She looks out, hand resting on the glass. Her palm is open as she stares out, silent.
"...Antenora?" Latha asks, a moment.
"Nothing," the former erinyes turns away, falling back in line.
Seira readily nods in agreement, using her own spells on everyone present.
Celestial Valor: +4 sacred to attack, weapon damage, saves, AC, +2d6 holy damage
Glorious Rally: +6 morale to attack, weapon damage, saves, AC, 70 temp hp
"Please don't be mysterious, Antenora," Alicia asks as they navigate the interior. With the tower being open air are they exposed to that white rain? Is it bad for them?
Alicia HP: 704+70/704
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 34), extended mind blank (CL 35), extended nondetection (CL 35), greater heroism (CL 34), sensual blessing (CL 34), repelling shield (CL 34), recitation (CL 34), celestial valor (CL 35), glorious rally (CL 25), greater visage of the deity (CL 34)
Defences: AC 95, CMD 119, spell resistance 49, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 49)
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale skills, +9 shield AC, +3 luck attack/saves/AC, +4 sacred attack/damage/saves/AC, +6 morale attack/damage/saves/AC, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Arcane sight, perception +80
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/16/9/9/15/9/8/7/8/7/6/7/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/9
The tower is open air from the inside - which means no real floors internally. Just walkways and stairways. It's not exposed to the rain outside.
"Sorry," Antenora apologizes as Seira casts. "My mind came to the duty I should bear, should we all fail but I survive the end. I dread it, but I continue to prepare, should that dark day come to pass."
"We all work hard to ensure it won't come to that," Alicia comforts Antenora, ascending via stairs rather than simply flying, just to get use out of the place that's been built for their benefit.
"How about we just kill Shar and save everything?" Seira agrees with Alicia, projecting natural cheer.
This makes Antenora smile, "Of course, but better to be prepared than not."
"I do-" Syala says, then turns sharply to a window. "There."
Just ahead a window suddenly cracks, a torrential downpour slamming into it like a hammer.
Is the white in danger of touching them? What's it doing to the interior of the tower where it rains in? Alicia looks on to take things in before she reacts.
The window is cracked, but not yet broken. Therefore the tower isn't affected by the rain yet. The rain's slamming into it like a hammer though, and it may not be much longer.
"I'm curious what'll happen when the window breaks," Alicia says. "Is it safe to watch or should we reinforce it now?" she asks Seira since she's done all this before.
"Sylvie told us that even deities can die permanently here," Seira cautions. "That said, I'm all for experimentation!"
She forms a sheet of deep blue in a hemisphere around the window, enough that once it breaks the adjacent walls and floor will be affected but overall contained all the same.
Alicia takes that warning for what it is and tenses to move if necessary should Seira's bubble falter.
"Yet the Beyond isn't innately harmful to us, so this white rain must have something more to it," she says, considering she's been out there before, both for Antenora's ascension and during a teleport mishap with Latha.
"So am I," Latha concludes, as the window shatters. Yet the sphere holds, at least for the moment. It's keeping the rain out.
Does the wall or the floor within the sphere suffer anything from the rain?
Seira studies the masonry to see if it's being eroded, as if by acid.
"I wonder if the white is just the flow of energy from the Beyond, or actual concepts traveling here," she voices. "It could be that letting it come in contact with us will result in allowing a Horror past."
The masonry and wall do not show any signs of eroding, at least not immediately.
"It could," Jessica says, rapier drawn. She focuses a moment and more blue reinforces Seira's sphere. You also notice that the window reassembles itself, stopping the rain. "That is also very simple to do here. It's responsive."
Seira decides to ask!
Sylvie, what would happen if that white rain were to touch us?
Are there puddles of white left inside after the window seals itself?
There are, a puddle of it gathered at the bottom of the hemisphere.
What would happen if any creature of Beyond touched you?
Let's find out.
For your sakes and the sake of learning.
A flash of white, bright and brilliant. The light of 21 makes all here recoil back. The hemisphere is gone-
WHIPS BAKER ANTENNA WILE, "AT WORSE, BITS BUSTER BOO BAH PREPARED WEAN BOUT."
"ALI ADA-" KAALTA BOYS, BURNT SHARPLY BOW BAT WIDOWS. "WHORE."
BUT AMEND ALL WIDOWS SUDDENLY BLACKS, ALE TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR BLAMING AUTO AFT BLOKE ACE AIMER.
"WYLIE WORD AX BEAT ADEN BETTIES BAND AIDE PERMANENTLY WHORE," ZEBRA ACTIONS. "BEAT AIDA, AIR'm ALPS WOE EXPERIMENTATION!"
ARE BORES AND WHEEL BOW BEEP BUY WIG BAH HEMISPHERE WOUND AH WINDOW, BOUGH BRAT ZONE WHIT BRATS ATE ADJACENT WALSH AGE BLOOD WISE BERN AFFECT BURR OVERALL CONTAINED BALA ACHE BANE.
"I wonder if the white is just the flow of energy from the Beyond, or actual concepts traveling here?
Rain falls.Twenty indexes of rain collated throughout the impossible path created retrograde tears of the lion, connected together.
The rain is one. The rain watches you from a dozen retrograde tears, shed of the lion that stands beyond tomorrow. From all reality comes forth, the party engulfed and...!
Init.
Alicia has supreme init.
Alicia HP: 704+70/704
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 34), extended mind blank (CL 35), extended nondetection (CL 35), greater heroism (CL 34), sensual blessing (CL 34), repelling shield (CL 34), recitation (CL 34), celestial valor (CL 35), glorious rally (CL 25), greater visage of the deity (CL 34)
Defences: AC 95, CMD 119, spell resistance 49, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 49)
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale skills, +9 shield AC, +3 luck attack/saves/AC, +4 sacred attack/damage/saves/AC, +6 morale attack/damage/saves/AC, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Arcane sight, perception +80
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/16/9/9/15/9/8/7/8/7/6/7/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/9
21:08 <Seira> roll 1d20+19+6
21:08 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=14]
I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
AC: +14 normal/+9 touch/+17 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield)
Attack: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Damage: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Fort and Will Saves: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Ref Save +13 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +6 morale Glorious Rally, +2 insight Foresight)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
70 temp hp
Also fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
> roll 1d20+19 Antenora
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+19 Antenora --> [ 1d20=17 ]{36}
> roll 1d20+30 Jessica
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+30 Jessica --> [ 1d20=7 ]{37}
> roll 1d20+18 Syala
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+18 Syala --> [ 1d20=6 ]{24}
> roll 1d20+19 Latha
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+19 Latha --> [ 1d20=2 ]{21}
> Amaryl has supreme init.
The Retrograde Lion sacrifices 18 ep to go fir
> roll 1d20+318
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+318 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{325}
The Rain sacrifi
Init is Alicia (Supreme Init) > Amaryl (Supreme Init) > Retrograde Lion (Supreme Init) > Rain (Supreme Init) > Seira (39) > Jessica (37) > Antenora (36) > Syala (24) > Latha (21)
Go Alicia.
"Well, lets see what we can do with this new thing," Alicia says, considering a moment.
Then she casts a spell, a globe of warm yellow sunshine forming in her hand. Yet before she throws it she focuses that blue energy of creation into the spell to tint it azure and only then unleashes it at the... that.
Swift action for a quick-cast maximised sunlance, standard action to alter reality 'blue' into the spell.
[19:23] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+62 ranged touch
[19:23] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+62 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=1 ]{63}
[19:23] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+37 SR lol
[19:23] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+37 SR lol --> [ 1d20=6 ]{43}
Normal spell would do 180 damage to the lion (target) and 48 damage to the lion and the rain both, with a DC 38 ref save to half the 48 and avoid being blinded.
Alicia HP: 704+70/704
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 34), extended mind blank (CL 35), extended nondetection (CL 35), greater heroism (CL 34), sensual blessing (CL 34), repelling shield (CL 34), recitation (CL 34), celestial valor (CL 35), glorious rally (CL 25), greater visage of the deity (CL 34)
Defences: AC 95, CMD 119, spell resistance 49, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 49)
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale skills, +9 shield AC, +3 luck attack/saves/AC, +4 sacred attack/damage/saves/AC, +6 morale attack/damage/saves/AC, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Arcane sight, perception +80
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/16/9/9/15/9/8/7/8/7/5/7/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/9
Give me a Strength check, add a +1 bonus per 5 levels in a class that grants you spellcasting.
56 total class levels that grant casting (34 sorc, 17 duskblade, 5 abjurant champion
[19:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+18+11
[19:32] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+18+11 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{38}
I'm turning in early, just have me go last?
Current Armor Class: 104 (Touch AC 73)
Current Saves: Fort +78, Ref +78, Will +75
I'm not flat-footed. I will counterspell anything (as a free action, as many a round as needed) at 1d20+48.
I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
AC: +14 normal/+9 touch/+17 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield)
Attack: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Damage: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Fort and Will Saves: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Ref Save +13 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +6 morale Glorious Rally, +2 insight Foresight)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
70 temp hp
Also fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
Very apt timing to mention that, Seira. Could I get a counterspell roll for Seira?
[19:53] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+48 Seira counterspell
[19:53] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+48 Seira counterspell --> [ 1d20=3 ]{51}
Twenty indexes of rain collated throughout the impossible path created retrograde tears of the lion, connected together.
"ell, lets see hat e can do ith this ne thing,"
Sylvie, hat ould happen if that hite rain ere to touch us?
A ripple amid the indexes of the rain and the lion.
A riposte back. A spell shattered by Seira, or something close enough to one.
Init is now Alicia (Supreme Init) > Retrograde Lion (Supreme Init) > Amaryl (Supreme Init) > Rain (Supreme Init) > Seira (39) > Jessica (37) > Antenora (36) > Syala (24) > Latha (21)The lion roars, a sound of broken glass and nails dragging against boards. It comes forward - a great lion the size of Hanna or so, flickering into that size and shape. It shifts yet further, adjusting. A mane of woven gold and crystalline pink regrets, a body of flesh and steel combined into one. It shifts before your eyes, adjusting by the moment.
Fort all.
18:43 <Seira> roll 1d20+78
18:43 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 95 > [d20=17]
[16:43] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+79 mettle
[16:43] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=12]
Also the funky text is nice but I'd like some feedback on whether the blue spell seemed to do anything worthwhile or not.
Did it just make them ripple? Or were they rippling when they talk in funky text?
Alicia HP: 704+70/704
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 34), extended mind blank (CL 35), extended nondetection (CL 35), greater heroism (CL 34), sensual blessing (CL 34), repelling shield (CL 34), recitation (CL 34), celestial valor (CL 35), glorious rally (CL 25), greater visage of the deity (CL 34)
Defences: AC 95, CMD 119, spell resistance 49, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 49)
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale skills, +9 shield AC, +3 luck attack/saves/AC, +4 sacred attack/damage/saves/AC, +6 morale attack/damage/saves/AC, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Arcane sight, perception +80
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/16/9/9/15/9/8/7/8/7/5/7/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/9
It definitely had an impact. The lion is changing and defining itself before your eyes.The moment Alicia and Seira resist the roar, it ceases.
15 21 1 18 5 20 8 5 15 14 5 19 25 18 9 1 4 19 16 15 11 5 15 6
ddmmm mdddm dmdmm mmmmm dmmmd mmdmm dmmdd mmddd mmdmm mdddm mddmd mmdmm dmmdm mddmm ddmmm dmmmd mdmmm mmmmm mmmdd dmmdm mdddd mdddm mdmdm mmdmm mdddm mmdmd
Yae ipc zrc avcu Qypwix spoke ah.
67 76 99 46 86 39 68 36 57 88 68 59 67 56 67 84 78 46 58 67 59 47 67 69 69 65
You are the mcxa Uaigpw axqbc dy.
"What?" Syala lowers her arms up from a block slowly, "Did it say something understandable?"
Go ahead and react, including to attack if you like. It isn't immediately attacking further.
"You can infuse blue energy into evocation spells, what about a divination like tongues?" Alicia suggests in the vein of experimentation.
Even as Alicia speaks, Seira is already using a Miracle to combine comprehend languages and tongues into something that might allow them to communicate, her divine power injecting blue energy into the magic!
Jessica is at he ready, into the shadows.
Amaryl's bow and arrow are raised, but no magic comes. Instead.
You are the ones Myriad spoke of.
He has me watch these places to serve his purposes.
You are not ever to be harmed, I will not harm you any more.
Technically, they weren't actually harmed....
What are his purposes? Seira decides to ask.
I do not understand them.
He has taught me enough to see these places and understand them.
But I do not understand all, and he speaks in many voices at once when he commands me.
Alicia loosens her stance a bit. She thought Sylvie was summoning and controlling these things with 21, but perhaps Sylian is contributing somehow as well? She lets Seira handle the questions as she has it in hand.
Places, plural? Where are other places like this? And how do you find them? We too would like to know that.
This place is many places.
It is the same as the woman above, who is two.
It is the same as Myriad, who is far more than two.
I see. Strangely enough, she actually does. I want to talk to Myriad. Do you have the means to contact him?
Yes, I can.
Myriad listens with many ears.
You are not to be harmed by his command.
Please demonstrate for us how you find places like this, and how you talk to Myriad and get him to talk back to you, Seira requests.
I watch for this place with my eyes. Myriad allows me to see it. I see like this.
I think to Myriad when I wish to talk to him, like this. Watch and listen.
Both are because of Myriad.
Sylian? Can you hear me? I want to meet for a chat.
'Seira. Not here, not through this thing. It is not safe enough.'
The voice of Sylian is heard in your minds, one and all.
Antenora's expression schools into careful neutrality.
Find us and soon, or we'll go looking aggressively in ways you may not like.
Having delivered her message, Seira glances at the others to see if they want to pursue any other lines of inquiry.
Alicia simply shakes her head.
'Come to Beyond. I have spoken to Alicia there before.'
It is all he says, as Syala shakes her head as well.
"I have questions," Antenora says, "But not here, not if it's unsafe."
"Another time," Latha concurs.
As you said, there is no reason for us to fight, Seira tells the maybe-lion from the Beyond. Can you find your own way back?
The answer is a roar, the lion turning and galloping out. The window vanishes in a wink of white light, the entire beast and rains leaving.
I...did not expect that. At all.
Glad to hear that we can still surprise you! And for the better, I hope~
"You did not know of Sylian's involvement?" Alicia asks on hearing Sylvie's voice. "How did you compel the creatures of beyond to manifest here on cue, then?"
I didn't expect one his agents, rather.
"That he has even managed to gain agents in the Beyond is darkly impressive," Alicia concedes. "But 21 gives you control over its creatures as well?"
21 isn't a thing of limits, unlike us.
The Incarnations did not settle to merely affect Creation, even when not needed.
"For a tool to understand good and evil it's remarkably versatile," Alicia agrees.
They really need to find 20 or 22.
Do you think we could make our version of 21's control over them? If you show us how that works, this would be the best place to try it out.
I wonder about that myself.
I wonder if the Incarnations even have a real concept of too much power?
As for control...no, but you'll understand why soon. Come ahead now, I'm above you.
Perhaps they were spared the climatic fight, then! Seira grins at Amaryl and then gestures for Alicia to have the honors.
With that, Alicia resumes ascending up the stairs and walkways of the clocktower.
Up. Higher, higher.
The sounds of the clocktower never cease as you ascend. Outside the rain continues to fall, thick and heavy.
At the top it ends, a roof here. Yet on the last gear stands a figure of pure blue. Sylvie is there, arms crossed.
I wanted to say something before we begin.
Antenora nods slightly, waiting for it.
You two did the most for Calley.
Thank you.
"Even then I don't know if it was enough, you put that boy in a strange situation with a lot of pressure," Alicia says as she stops at the edge of the gear facing Sylvie. "But you're welcome. I hope he stays safe and grows up healthy."
He'll have a life.
A life with power, a life with meaning, a life forever if that's his choice.
I gave him the blessing of power and options, so that he may decide his own fate.
All the Gods know he'll do better at it than I did.
"If he were here and had a choice, I bet his would be to ask you to come back with us to Creation."
"Does that mean you won't take back the power and skill you placed in him?" Alicia asks.
I know.
No.
It doesn't matter now.
Once Alyssa finishes her trial, this one is finished and the last...soon.
Soon.
The blue figure leaps down to the platform all of you are on.
The two originally chosen to save us all.
I want to face the two of you in battle. Just the two of you.
"Please state the terms of the duel," Seira responds, willing to focus on whatever is holding Sylvie back until getting down to questioning her properly.
"Brave of you," Alicia says, taking hold of her sword while Seira makes sure the terms are satisfactory.
Alicia HP: 704+70/704
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 34), extended mind blank (CL 35), extended nondetection (CL 35), greater heroism (CL 34), sensual blessing (CL 34), repelling shield (CL 34), recitation (CL 34), celestial valor (CL 35), glorious rally (CL 25), greater visage of the deity (CL 34)
Defences: AC 95, CMD 119, spell resistance 49, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 49)
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale skills, +9 shield AC, +3 luck attack/saves/AC, +4 sacred attack/damage/saves/AC, +6 morale attack/damage/saves/AC, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Arcane sight, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/16/9/9/15/9/8/7/8/7/5/7/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/9
To the defeat or submission.
"Nonlethal, then, with all combat styles allowed. Very well. Amaryl, would you please give the signal, darling?"
Amaryl steps forward. "On three," she agrees. "One...two....three!"
Init.
Alicia has supreme init.
Alicia HP: 704+70/704
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 34), extended mind blank (CL 35), extended nondetection (CL 35), greater heroism (CL 34), sensual blessing (CL 34), repelling shield (CL 34), recitation (CL 34), celestial valor (CL 35), glorious rally (CL 25), greater visage of the deity (CL 34)
Defences: AC 95, CMD 119, spell resistance 49, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 49)
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale skills, +9 shield AC, +3 luck attack/saves/AC, +4 sacred attack/damage/saves/AC, +6 morale attack/damage/saves/AC, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Arcane sight, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/16/9/9/15/9/8/7/8/7/5/7/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/9
21:03 <Seira> roll 1d20+19+6
21:03 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=14]
I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
AC: +14 normal/+9 touch/+17 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield)
Attack: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Damage: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Fort and Will Saves: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Ref Save +13 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +6 morale Glorious Rally, +2 insight Foresight)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
70 temp hp
Also fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
> roll 1d20+53
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=11]
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Sylvie (64) > Seira (39)
Go Alicia.
Alicia does not in fact fight in her usual decisive style - perhaps Sylvie really is strong enough to take it with whatever she has bolstering her here, but immediately wiping her out with the sort of attack that can kill an avatar of Malcanthet or Lixer, instead ensuring Sylvie will have a chance to attack her and Seira and handle something from each of them.
A quick spell protects her from rays, before she shifts space putting her closer to Sylvie so she can reach out and quickly touch her before withdrawing her hand and ending her space compression to break the link.
Quickened ray deflection. Free action to compress space so I'm in melee with her, standard for a maximised ravaging touch (with quickened true strike), free action to end permanent emanation so we're no longer in melee together.
[19:18] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+85 melee touch, true strike
[19:18] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 88 > [d20=3]
[19:18] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+37 SR
[19:18] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=3]
8 points of ability drain to all scores, fort DC 37 halves.After that, whatever the result, she circles partway around the gear so she's not quite so close to Seira.
Alicia HP: 704+70/704
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 34), extended mind blank (CL 35), extended nondetection (CL 35), greater heroism (CL 34), sensual blessing (CL 34), repelling shield (CL 34), recitation (CL 34), celestial valor (CL 35), glorious rally (CL 25), greater visage of the deity (CL 34), extended ray deflection (CL 35)
Defences: AC 95, CMD 119, spell resistance 49, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 49)
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale skills, +9 shield AC, +3 luck attack/saves/AC, +4 sacred attack/damage/saves/AC, +6 morale attack/damage/saves/AC, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Arcane sight, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/16/9/9/14/9/8/7/8/6/5/7/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/7/9
Sylvie is touched, though it doesn't seem to phase her at all. Instead she turns as suddenly a burst of light erupts around Seira.
Ref Seira.
21:28 <Seira> roll 1d20+78 improved evasion
21:28 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d20=12]
SEira blurs out of the way as the light of 21 explodes where she was a moment ago. But then dozens of tiny balls of that light track her, homing in right for her.
> roll 1d20+113 (+21 inspiration)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 116 > [d20=3]
AC?
Sadly 104 at present. However, I'd like to ask whether the Aegis or Spell Reflection help.
The most powerful aspect of the shield is its ability to reflect lines, cones and rays. Any such attack targeted at the user has a 50% chance of being harmlessly deflected away. As this is not an illusion or displacement effect, True Seeing has no effect on this miss chance. Normal ranged attacks like arrows are not affected.
You gain the supernatural ability to reflect magical attacks back on their caster. If an enemy misses with a spell or spell-like ability aimed at you you can use an immediate action to redirect the effect back at its original caster.
I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
AC: +14 normal/+9 touch/+17 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield)
Attack: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Damage: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Fort and Will Saves: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Ref Save +13 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +6 morale Glorious Rally, +2 insight Foresight)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
70 temp hp
Also fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
This is not a spell or spell like ability, nor is it a line, cone or ray.
210 damage.
The shots hit Seira dead on, rips of pain as Sylvie meanwhile is suddenly in Alicia's face. She comes in hard and...
> roll 1d20+131
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 149 > [d20=18]
CMD, Alicia, she's trying to avoid an AoO.
Popping blinding speed and a moment of prescience to put my CMD at 151!
So I'll take that AoO.
[16:45] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+114 AoO 10th level arcane strike, moment of prescience
[16:45] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 120 > [d20=6]
[16:46] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+39+2d6+10d4+17 last 17 is fire
[16:46] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d8=8][d6=4,1][d4=3,4,1,4,1,3,1,3,2,1]As fast and cunning as Sylvie is, Alicia sees through her technique and stabs out her sword to interrupt her dash!
Alicia HP: 704+70/704
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 34), extended mind blank (CL 35), extended nondetection (CL 35), greater heroism (CL 34), sensual blessing (CL 34), repelling shield (CL 34), recitation (CL 34), celestial valor (CL 35), glorious rally (CL 25), greater visage of the deity (CL 34), extended ray deflection (CL 35)
Defences: AC 95, CMD 119, spell resistance 49, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 49)
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale skills, +9 shield AC, +3 luck attack/saves/AC, +4 sacred attack/damage/saves/AC, +6 morale attack/damage/saves/AC, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Arcane sight, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/16/9/9/14/9/8/7/7/6/5/7/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/7/9
Moments of prescience: 2
Alicia's blade strikes, a slashing blow across her forearm. She manages to take a scraping slice and little else, going in low.
> roll 1d20+113 (+21 inspiration)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 131 > [d20=18]
AC?
96.
> roll 21d10+210
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 329 > [d10=6,6,4,10,7,3,6,7,6,6,3,9,1,3,6,10,4,10,2,5,5]
> roll 1d20+113 (+21 inspiration)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 131 > [d20=18]
The blow slams Alicia back hard, almost as hard Antenora charging into her, which...
CMD?
151, popping another MoP.
Alicia HP: 445/704
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 34), extended mind blank (CL 35), extended nondetection (CL 35), greater heroism (CL 34), sensual blessing (CL 34), repelling shield (CL 34), recitation (CL 34), celestial valor (CL 35), glorious rally (CL 25), greater visage of the deity (CL 34), extended ray deflection (CL 35)
Defences: AC 95, CMD 119, spell resistance 49, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 49)
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale skills, +9 shield AC, +3 luck attack/saves/AC, +4 sacred attack/damage/saves/AC, +6 morale attack/damage/saves/AC, +1 natural armour, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha
Perceptions: Arcane sight, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/16/9/9/14/9/8/7/7/6/5/7/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/7/9
Moments of prescience: 1
The blow is titanic, but not enough to unbalance Alicia, if not by much. She feels her balance wobble, but sheer will and magic keeps her upright.
Seira.
A spellsurge speeds up Seira's spellcasting as she pursues an idea. She'd taken the spell itself from Imix, given that it was shockingly non-objectionable in any sense. Yet even with Goldenfire, the Fire of Creation, she's often felt it lacked something. This time Seira attempts to inject deep blue energy into her fire, similarly to the way she and Alicia had boosted their spells against Sylian's minion, even as she charges into the fray!
Swift for arcane spellsurge, standard for divine power adding the deep blue energy, swift for Imix's Touch to smack Sylvie with while moving over to flank with Alicia!
19:12 <Seira> roll 1d20+43 SR
19:12 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=5]
19:13 <Seira> roll 1d20+54+2+30+10 impromptu sneak attack, stunning fist, 10th level arcane strike, MMoP, touch
19:13 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d20=7]
19:15 <Seira> roll 40d12+19d6 sudden enhance'd Imix's Touch and SA
19:15 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 322 > [40d12=256][19d6=66]
Forgot Arcane Strike damage:
19:18 <Seira> roll 10d4
19:18 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d4=1,4,4,2,1,2,1,3,3,2]
The fire will keep burning for 40d12 every round unless a Wish/Miracle is used with a CL check that beats DC 50.
Stunning Fist is Fort DC46.
I'll go into Gambit, and will use Wings of Cover on the first two attacks should Sylvie strike at me next turn.
I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
HP: 580/712
AC: +14 normal/+9 touch/+17 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield)
Attack: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Damage: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Fort and Will Saves: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Ref Save +13 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +6 morale Glorious Rally, +2 insight Foresight)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
Also fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
The touch hits Sylvie. The blue phantasm burns, no bluer than before, but it does burn. She holds her ground from it, even as flames crackle across her form. If the blue did much it's not obvious, but perhaps she's a bad target for it?
Seira notes her flame tints blue on that, seeming to suffuse it as it did Alicia's sunlance.
Not subject to stunning fist. Alicia, go.
How did the blue energy affect my fire? I'm pretty curious. Also, what spells if any are on Sylvie? My spellcraft is ridiculously high.
Edited.
Same as last time - globs of magic roughly mimicking spells.
"I'm impressed," Alicia tells Sylvie before she swells to titanic proportions over this cog, looming over her and Seira, but not slowed down a jot as she hammers Sylvie with the flat of building-sized blades.
Swift to go huge and full attack.
[17:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+116 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, nonlethal, channelled maximised vampiric touch, moment of prescience
[17:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 117 > [d20=1]
[17:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+116 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, nonlethal, channelled maximised vampiric touch, moment of prescience
[17:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 124 > [d20=8]
[17:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+116 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, nonlethal, channelled maximised vampiric touch, moment of prescience
[17:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 131 > [d20=15]
[17:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+116 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, nonlethal, channelled maximised vampiric touch, moment of prescience
[17:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 126 > [d20=10]
[17:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+111 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, nonlethal, channelled maximised vampiric touch, moment of prescience
[17:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 119 > [d20=8]
[17:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+81 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, nonlethal, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[17:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=2]
[17:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+76 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, nonlethal, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[17:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=5]
[17:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+76 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, nonlethal, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[17:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=15]
[17:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+71 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, nonlethal, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[17:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d20=8]
[17:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+71 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, nonlethal, channelled maximised vampiric touch
[17:48] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d20=11]
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+37+4 SR for vampiric touch
[17:49] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=13]
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+48+2d6+10d4+17+60 the 17 is fire and the 60 vampiric touch
[17:50] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 175 > [d6=3,5,3,5,2,1,6,6][d4=4,2,2,2,1,1,2,1,3,1]
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+48+2d6+10d4+17+60 the 17 is fire and the 60 vampiric touch
[17:50] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 168 > [d6=1,1,3,3,3,1,1,5][d4=4,4,3,1,4,3,2,2,1,1]
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+48+2d6+10d4+17+60 the 17 is fire and the 60 vampiric touch
[17:50] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 178 > [d6=2,5,4,1,2,5,6,2][d4=3,4,3,3,2,1,1,2,4,3]
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+48+2d6+10d4+17+60 the 17 is fire and the 60 vampiric touch
[17:50] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 184 > [d6=5,4,4,4,4,1,3,1][d4=4,3,4,4,4,2,4,4,1,3]
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+48+2d6+10d4+17+60 the 17 is fire and the 60 vampiric touch
[17:50] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 179 > [d6=4,6,3,1,1,3,5,5][d4=4,2,3,3,1,4,4,2,2,1]
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+48+2d6+10d4+17+60 the 17 is fire and the 60 vampiric touch
[17:50] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 168 > [d6=5,2,1,5,2,4,2,2][d4=3,2,1,3,1,4,1,1,1,3]
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+48+2d6+10d4+17+60 the 17 is fire and the 60 vampiric touch
[17:51] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 172 > [d6=1,4,5,4,1,2,2,5][d4=1,2,2,4,4,1,2,1,2,4]
[17:51] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+48+2d6+10d4+17+60 the 17 is fire and the 60 vampiric touch
[17:51] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 176 > [d6=1,5,5,6,6,2,2,1][d4=2,1,3,3,1,3,3,3,1,3]
[17:51] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+48+2d6+10d4+17+60 the 17 is fire and the 60 vampiric touch
[17:51] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 177 > [d6=6,3,4,2,2,2,5,2][d4=3,2,1,3,1,2,3,4,4,3]
[17:51] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+48+2d6+10d4+17+60 the 17 is fire and the 60 vampiric touch
[17:51] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 192 > [d6=6,6,2,6,6,3,3,5][d4=1,4,4,4,2,4,1,3,3,4]
Quickened many moments of prescience cast after the first attack, I'll stop if she drops or yields.
Alicia HP: 717+60/976
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 34), extended mind blank (CL 35), extended nondetection (CL 35), greater heroism (CL 34), sensual blessing (CL 34), repelling shield (CL 34), recitation (CL 34), celestial valor (CL 35), glorious rally (CL 25), greater visage of the deity (CL 34), extended ray deflection (CL 35)
Defences: AC 99, CMD 141, spell resistance 49, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 49)
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale skills, +9 shield AC, +3 luck attack/saves/AC, +4 sacred attack/damage/saves/AC, +6 morale attack/damage/saves/AC, +15 natural armour, +36 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size
Perceptions: Arcane sight, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/16/9/9/14/9/8/7/6/6/5/6/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/10/7/9
Moments of prescience: 1
Three hit for the sake of vampiric touch.
The 124 was the best roll to hit her, since it was asked and it saves you some effort.
It's like fighting...well, a phantasm. She moves and dodges with unreal grace, blurring and dodging. Yet you manage some blows, each one tearing in, but nothing deep. Nothing decisive.
Anything else?
I'm all done.
I'll drop MMoP on AC vs the next four attacks she uses on me past the first two.
Oh, +2 flanking on all my hits if that makes a difference.
That gets you one more hit, which helps but isn't decisive.
The at the last moment Alicia manages a sharp blow, a bash more than a slash. It's enough to nail Sylvie, slowing her - before the light of 21 erupts around both of you anew.
Reflex save, both of you, -21 penalty.
[18:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+42 ref
[18:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=8]
Alicia HP: 717+60/976
Active spells: Extended mind blank (CL 35), extended nondetection (CL 35), greater heroism (CL 34), sensual blessing (CL 34), repelling shield (CL 34), recitation (CL 34), celestial valor (CL 35), glorious rally (CL 25), greater visage of the deity (CL 34), extended ray deflection (CL 35)
Defences: AC 99, CMD 141, spell resistance 49, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 49)
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale skills, +9 shield AC, +3 luck attack/saves/AC, +4 sacred attack/damage/saves/AC, +6 morale attack/damage/saves/AC, +15 natural armour, +36 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size
Perceptions: Arcane sight, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/16/9/9/14/9/8/7/6/6/5/6/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/10/7/9
20:17 <Seira> roll 1d20+78 improved evasion
20:17 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 89 > [d20=11]I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
HP: 580/712
AC: +14 normal/+9 touch/+17 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield)
Attack: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Damage: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Fort and Will Saves: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Ref Save +13 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +6 morale Glorious Rally, +2 insight Foresight)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
Also fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
420 damage Alicia, none Seira.
The light hurts Alicia as Sylvie blurs - and in a burst of inspiration, the blue phantasm is 30ft away and 20ft up, atop another gear. She's out of immediate reach now.
Alicia shudders - the light of 21 ravages her, but only a graze. Any more and...her skin crawls, she feels weak and drain and wrong all over.
Seira.
Alicia HP: 357/976
Active spells: Extended mind blank (CL 35), extended nondetection (CL 35), greater heroism (CL 34), sensual blessing (CL 34), repelling shield (CL 34), recitation (CL 34), celestial valor (CL 35), glorious rally (CL 25), greater visage of the deity (CL 34), extended ray deflection (CL 35)
Defences: AC 99, CMD 141, spell resistance 49, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 49)
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale skills, +9 shield AC, +3 luck attack/saves/AC, +4 sacred attack/damage/saves/AC, +6 morale attack/damage/saves/AC, +15 natural armour, +36 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, -8 size
Perceptions: Arcane sight, perception +82
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/16/9/9/14/9/8/7/6/6/5/6/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/10/7/9
Seira roars, and turns herself into fire! It is not an application of her newest spell, but rather a swift method of travel as she chases Sylvie down before rematerializing. Yet it is as her majestic draconic self that Seira reappears, striking as soon as she is able!
Fire continues to burn (bypasses immunity and resistance):
20:57 <Seira> roll 40d12 fire
20:57 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 248 > [40d12=248]
Swift to do fiery leap to get past Sylvie and flank with Alicia, swift to go DRAGON
Full Attack!
20:44 <Seira> roll 1d20+82+10-4+25+14 nonlethal, MoP, 14th level arcane strike
20:44 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 128 > [d20=1]
20:45 <Seira> roll 1d20+82+10-4+30+14 nonlethal, MMoP, 14th level arcane strike
20:45 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 148 > [d20=16]
20:45 <Seira> roll 1d20+82+10-4+14 nonlethal, 14th level arcane strike, impromptu sneak attack (target loses dex to AC)
20:46 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 105 > [d20=3]
20:46 <Seira> roll 1d20+82+10-4+14 nonlethal, 14th level arcane strike, impromptu sneak attack (target loses dex to AC)
20:46 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d20=7]
20:46 <Seira> roll 1d20+77+30+10-4+14 nonlethal, 14th level arcane strike, MMoP
20:46 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 136 > [d20=9]
20:47 <Seira> roll 1d20+72+10-4+14 nonlethal, 14th level arcane strike
20:47 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d20=5]
20:47 <Seira> roll 1d20+67+10-4+14 nonlethal, 14th level arcane strike
20:47 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d20=13]
20:48 <Seira> roll 1d20+77+10-4+14 nonlethal, 14th level arcane strike, impromptu sneak attack, bite
20:48 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 108 > [d20=11]
20:49 <Seira> roll 1d20+77+10-4+14 nonlethal, 14th level arcane strike, claw
20:49 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 112 > [d20=15]
20:49 <Seira> roll 1d20+77+10-4+14 nonlethal, 14th level arcane strike, wing
20:49 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 112 > [d20=15]
20:49 <Seira> roll 1d20+77+10-4+14 nonlethal, 14th level arcane strike, wing
20:49 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 113 > [d20=16]
20:49 <Seira> roll 1d20+77+30+10-4+14 nonlethal, 14th level arcane strike, tail, MMoP
20:49 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 129 > [d20=2]
Damage:
20:51 <Seira> roll 6d10+115+19d6+10+14d4
20:51 <Seira> roll 6d10+115+19d6+10+14d4
20:51 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 266 > [d10=8,4,8,7,5,6][d6=6,6,6,2,2,2,6,3,1,1,3,4,6,3,4,5,1,3,6][d4=1,3,4,1,4,2,1,2,1,2,3,4,2,3]
20:51 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 276 > [d10=4,5,9,2,10,8][d6=6,6,6,6,2,1,5,6,3,3,2,6,3,5,6,1,1,5,3][d4=4,3,1,4,4,3,3,1,1,1,3,3,4,2]
20:51 <Seira> roll 6d10+115+19d6+10+14d4
20:51 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 243 > [d10=1,6,4,6,5,10][d6=6,2,4,1,3,2,6,2,3,3,3,1,5,3,3,3,1,1,3][d4=2,1,2,2,1,2,2,1,2,1,3,4,4,4]
20:51 <Seira> roll 6d10+115+19d6+10+14d4
20:51 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 241 > [d10=5,8,6,3,8,8][d6=1,1,1,1,1,2,5,1,1,2,5,4,4,1,5,2,4,4,2][d4=3,1,3,3,1,4,2,1,4,2,1,3,2,1]
20:52 <Seira> roll 6d10+115+19d6+10+14d4
20:52 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 253 > [d10=1,9,3,2,5,7][d6=1,2,5,4,4,4,2,1,2,3,3,6,6,1,4,4,3,6,6][d4=2,3,4,3,3,4,2,2,3,1,3,1,2,1]
20:52 <Seira> roll 4d6+115+19d6+10+14d4 bite
20:52 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 242 > [d6=4,6,2,6,2,6,6,4,3,3,4,2,5,3,5,2,5,2,6,4,1,2,1][d4=3,3,4,2,2,4,2,2,1,2,1,1,3,3]
20:53 <Seira> roll 2d8+126+19d6+10+14d4 tail
20:53 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 248 > [d8=2,4][d6=3,6,1,3,2,3,2,3,1,6,6,2,6,5,3,4,2,5,4][d4=4,3,1,2,4,2,3,2,4,2,4,4,1,3]
As before, I'll enter Gambit and be ready to use Wings of Cover vs the first two attacks going my way.
I and my avatar also cast the following on ourselves (each on herself):
Sensual Blessing, Many Moments of Prescience, Moment of Prescience, Mind Blank, Bibliotheca Arcana
My numerical benefits:
HP: 588/712
AC: +14 normal/+9 touch/+17 incorporeal (+2 insight Foresight, +5 sacred Shield of Warding, +2 dodge Visions of the Future, +5 natural armor Dragonskin, +8 ghost touch shield)
Attack: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Damage: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Fort and Will Saves: +10 (+4 sacred Celestial Valor, +6 morale Glorious Rally)
Ref Save +13 (+5 sacred Shield of Warding, +6 morale Glorious Rally, +2 insight Foresight)
Ability Checks: +2 (+2 morale from Good Hope)
Init: +2/+6 (+2 morale from Good Hope, +4 one-time bonus from Sign)
Also fast healing 8 (Superior Vigor), immunity to all death spells, magical death effects, energy drain, and any negative energy effects (Mass Death Ward), immunity to poison and fear (Heroes's Feast), energy resistance 30 to fire/cold/acid/elec/sonic (Energy Resistance x5), being a difficult target to divination (Nondetection), becoming impossible to track without magic, and limiting the usefulness of scent (Pass Without Trace), moving and attacking normally everywhere, as well as receiving +15 to CMD vs grapples (Freedom of Movement), being healed with 150hp once if dropped below 0 (Fortunate Fate), reflecting 1d4+6 spell levels of spells that have you as a target and aren't touch spells (Spell Turning), +10 enhancement bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks and a really nice and deep commanding voice (Voice of the Dragon), true seeing, +10 to perception and immunity to being dazzled or blinded (Vision of the Omniscient Eye), immediate ability to analyze magic (Greater Arcane Sight) and our favorite combo of detecting when someone's scrying on you and blocking their teleport for 3 rounds any time they try to teleport within a 165ft radius of you.
This time blow after blow lands - and Sylvie is knocked back, and to a knee, unable to resist another barrage.
Enough.
Before this all ended, I wanted to face the two of you. Of all of this, you were the ones first chosen and the ones that need the least help once the base lessons are learned.
Forgive me this indulgence.
Seira snorts, extending her claw to Sylvie and then she is standing there in her regular form, hand extended to pull the blue woman up. "It's fine. We all like to test ourselves against worthy opponents, so it's flattering, really."
"I understand the feeling," Alicia says as she returns to her normal size and heals herself with silver fire. "Although with the very real threats on Sylica's door I had to hold something back for later. I hope you weren't disappointed."
Seira heals Sylvie up, since that fire won't stop burning otherwise. "Don't you think we need the most help?" she voices. "After all, we've been at it for ages and didn't make as much progress as we hoped until very recently. Apparently, someone up there got tired with just us and summoned three more to help."
Divinity is a great equalizer, and that your groups have the most of.
And...I owe you and yours a prize now, as I gave one before.
Here.
Before the two of you a breastplate and supporting equipment appears, lying in a neatly sorted pile. It's steel with blue inlays - it looks like actually blue colored metal and not the blue itself - and looks finely made.
"Enchanted armour?" Alicia asks, stepping closer and giving it a look over.
Take 10 for 65 on spellcraft.
Seira too studies it, unable to resist!
Taking 10 for 109 on Spellcraft. Alicia too benefits from my +19 aura to Int skills, btw.
The armor is...
Blue Resolve
Breastplate+7, heavy fortification. Grants a +7 bonus to Will saves and Wisdom checks. Grants a +2 bonus to Wisdom.
"Not bad," Seira voices. "Very good for priests, by the looks of it."
Peering at Sylvie, she asks, "Can we talk at last? I've got a lot of questions, and this place only added to them. But if you want to tell us what happened with you and what's behind your ominous words and split nature, that might start answering them far more effectively."
It's... a bit of a step down compared to what Alicia and Antenora usually wear, since it limits mobility so much in comparison. "Is this meant to aid in the sort of drawing on and manipulation of Creation that we've practiced here?" she asks Sylvie, since it might still be useful as an alternate in specific circumstances.
Soon.
This is almost over. The others proceed on.
It's almost time. Finally.
Yes, it could. May you have the wisdom to use it wisely.
"So assuming Alyssa's group completes their side, we'll have to come back after Tryll's group finishes theirs?" she asks, collecting up the armour parts.
Linger.
Tryll's group will be handled separately now.
It's almost time.
"We'll wait then - back outside?" Alicia suggests, going over to rejoin the others at the edge of the gear.
Once you take the armor, all of you are back by the doors. Only the door for Alyssa node's remains and it is shut tight.
"If we're waiting on your story," Seira says, trying to avoid sounding dejected, "can you talk to us about the whole blue and white thing? How did my blue fire or Alicia's blue light lance differ from normal? What are the benefits and demerits of using those variants? Would my blue customized communications spell be good for anything but a creature from the Beyond? Can I make a white spell variant for it, or is that reserved to Words of Creation?"
...Seira, please.
Be silent, please.
This isn't painless. Do you think I can use 21 at this level without sacrifice, that any being short of an Incarnation can? Just...please. I'm almost there and I'm running out of willpower.
Don't tell Moore. Please. I've been holding strong for his sake. I promised him.
Let me focus on finishing this for Creation's sake. It was my own mistakes that lead me here. At least let me finish this.
Quieter after that, it's Amaryl that speaks up, "...you've mean you've been...? Is that why you've spoken of martyrs?"
Alicia keeps respectfully silent as she digests this new information. Of course all that Sylvie's shown here has been impressive, but there's a cost.
If she's dying, it's even more important that they talk. They might even find a solution! Sylvie's already been surprised once during their interactions....
But free will is important, too, so she'll wait until Moore is done and hope that there is still time then.
Silence falls on that, quiet and respectable. What is there to say in face of that?
Content to wait for Iddy's node to finish that segment of it?
We have no choice, so yes.
Waiting, yes.
I'll make sure that my missing Node members will show up to wait with us, since if we're skipping Tryll and Sylvie's time is running out better that they all experience what happens first hand. And Donald and Elle didn't have a chance to practice, so they can try here offscreen I guess.
Noted.
As Alicia, Seira and allies wait? Everyone is there, talking quietly when...a shake. Another shake. The last door vanishes before Alyssa and Moore return, friends in tow.
"How did it go?" Syala asks as you all return, but there's hardly time.
Here. Hurry. I thought I had more time.
A blue portal appears before all of you.
"Poorly and well at the same time. Seems we have more pressing things."
Inside, Seira declares, heading into it.
"Haste, then," Alicia says as she hustles through the newly formed portal.
Alyssa motions her people through and follows.
Moore goes through as well!
Thus everyone goes through - no time for talk, no time for anything.
Light!
Light!
LIGHT!
Overwhelming light is everywhere. For Alyssa and Moore, it is merely blinding. An overwhelming light. For Alicia and Seira, it is like a dagger to the throat, ready to cut them open. Sheer, animal terror rips through them like claws, only decades of hardened battles and victories enough to stop from screaming in fear.
"....Help..." Amaryl shivers, shaking violently.
Antenora looks on, "Sylvie?" she manages, only a dull tremor to her words.
Dolmaya's striding ahead already, "Where are you?"
"...just...over here..." A voice. Sylvie's voice, her real voice. "...Moore, I kept my promise. Come here."
Alyssa moves to help those that seem to be struggling, hoping to guide them.
She's been frightened by the best! Or would that be the worst? Either way, Seira doesn't let it stop her.
"Tell us what's wrong with you so we could extend your life enough to figure out a solution," she says, forcing herself to head into the light towards Sylvie's voice.
Alicia flinches but marshals her willpower and forces herself to advance towards the sound of Sylvie's voice, deeper into that deadly light.
"You... can't control it anymore, can you?" Moore says as he flies through the light, trusting in it to know where to go.
"Yes, you make a lousy martyr." Moore says as he flies. "I know you believe the truth that this can't end well for any of us, and it's wrong. Let us save you."
Ahead. With Alyssa guiding others and the rest proceeding on, ahead.
It sits on a throne of light and diamond. The book Sylvie used when she summoned 21, the form it took for her. It is there, all the light radiating from it.
A flicker.
A ghostly, washed out, half gone image of Sylvie. She holds the book to her chest, eyes closed.
"...Moore....everyone. I'm sorry. I thought I had more time. I thought I could manage 21 longer. I held on long enough, but only barely. I'm here to ask you one final favor, to signal the end of the beginning."
Alyssa glances at Moore, "Remember what we did with Ianvasah? Perhaps..."
"Absolutely not." Moore says. "Let go of 21 and go back to being Sylvie." Moore says. "Stop believing in a truth that is filtered through the understanding of the Incarnations. There is always hope."
Moore nods to Alyssa. "Yes, I agree. This time, We're the ones who get to be selfish and indulgent, Sylvie. Believe in us to save you."
"You've done more than most," Alicia says, squinting through the light. End of the beginning sounds ominous though, it suggests things are going to escalate in a way they may not be ready for. "What do you need?"
Alyssa strides up next to Moore, "Same way? Except you and the others focus on her and I try to bring her back?"
"It's too late..." Sylvie trails off, "I gave everything to 21. 21 wasn't ever meant to be used by a mortal...but a mortal was the only way to temper it, to guide it for what needed to be done in the days ahead. It...it was never meant to be me. I had the right mind to destroy the Child of Lifasa. A mother who hated her own child and what it said of her..."A laugh, a sad one, flickering in and out of audibility.
"Thank you, but stop. Moore. Please stop. I've given myself to 21 in every way. This is just...this is just the last of me, holding on to finish this one final task. Please." A breath, "In this book is everything you need from me, every bit of lore and knowledge that will help you is engraved into these pages of 21. Every hope I have that Creation will be saved. Every hope I have poured into 21. It's ready now. When I vanish...don't mourn me. Instead, take the book, take 21. Do not bear it, do not open it, do not read it. Take the book to Chronias. The promises I made to all of you will be fulfilled there."
"This story, the story of our Creation? It's...it's his to tell, and it's finally time for that to be heard." Sylvie sighs softly, flickering in and out of visibility.
"... Moore, remember making the Beyond ones into Creation? How about... Making 21 into Sylvie? She gave everything to it, so she exists with in it, right? Flip that. Make her... More so that she can?"
"It sure sounds like there's enough of you here to bring back," Seira says, shaking her head. "Fight back with us with some of that hope you say you've poured into 21!"
He takes in a breath.
Then again, as he wipes something from his eyes.
"You're right about one thing, I won't mourn you. There is always hope. Rest, now, and let us bear this burden. I still have too many things to yell at you about for you to get off that easily, so expect that rest to be interrupted."
If there's anyone who has the power to help them, it's Him.
He turns to Alyssa. "I think you're right and that it'd be possible, but I have faith that the person we're going to see soon can help facilitate that." A smile after that, "I'm too stubborn to just give up."
He looks over at Seira.
If now is a good time for prayer, he's never had a better one.
'Zaphkiel, please, help us save her!'
"Sylvie, I understand and I'm grateful," Alicia says, her voice more tempered. "But please, let them try. You don't yet know everything in Creation, there might be a way..."
She doesn't want to encourage false hope but if Moore and Alyssa are so determined to try something they've figured out, is there really any harm in it?
Silence.
"If mortal means could stop 21...we would not be so desperate as we are now." Sylvie speaks.
"...promise me you'll do as I said." Sylvie goes on. "Do not bear 21. Do not open 21. Do not read 21. Please." Sylvie flickers again, less and less of her visible by the moment.
Be not afraid, Moore. Bring her and 21 to me.
This time the Gates will open.
Alyssa looks a little smug at this, "Seems you over-estimate your own wisdom. I don't know you, Sylvie, but I've met your son once. You've got work to do still, so let's get moving."
"Hold on just a little longer. Seira, Alicia, please take ALL of us to Zaphkiel with your divine will. It'll work, I promise."
Sylvie bows her head and fades away entirely with a final sigh. 21 sits there, awaiting.
"I know, I heard. Get the book," Seira tells Moore, using her newly-found knowledge to open a portal to the bridge of Al-Sihal!
Moore will grab 21!
Moore picks up 21.
He immediately feels an urge to take it, to bear it. To take it into himself.
"Hurry," Latha speaks up, as the portal appears. She flies through it first, not hesitating a moment.
"Such events," Emily murmurs, falling in step with Seira and Amaryl. She gives them a smile, nervous and tense.
Alicia doesn't say it because Latha already did, walking through Seira's portal herself.
Alyssa follows along.
"We'll talk more later," Seira promises, her answering smile firm and confident. She gestures for Moore to step past, intending to follow on his heels.
Moore goes through! His mind are on other things right now, so he's able to ignore the will of 21!
It is so radiant here. The light of Chronias overwhelms and yet...
Not a single soul tries to cross the Bridge of Al-Sihal. Horizon to horizon not a soul can be seen, save for Xerona. She stands before the bridge, seven dots of light twirling around her.
"Xerona?" Latha steps forward, "What is going on?"
At the same time Syala comes through, followed by Dolmaya. "Chronias," the latter murmurs, gaze turned up at it, silent after.
"So is this it?" Jarem asks. "Now what?"
Xandra stares on ahead, going several times as if to step forward. Yet she stops each time, going still.
"Seven of you may come forward and into the light," Xerona speaks, "Each of you shall wear a blindfold I give you, or you will never return." Her voice is a command, iron and unyielding. "Alicia, Moore, Alyssa and Seira must come. The other three are yours to choose among yourselves."
Alyssa considers... "Any volunteers?"
Moore looks at Xandra. "I know you're stoping yourself, but is it time now to go and return for you?"
"We're a team, you and I," Seira tells Amaryl, before glancing over at her friends. "Since I'm one of those going, I would like Amaryl at my side. Any objections?"
Alicia steps forward, ready to take a blindfold. "Latha and Antenora would be suitable," she suggests, although given that's two from her group some might deem it unfair. "Both are aligned with Celestia, and Latha has guarded this bridge before," she says for the benefit of those who don't know them like she does.
"...not yet," Xandra shakes her head.
At the same time Latha speaks up, "I will go."
"I'd like to," Bastian speaks up, "I'd never get to travel there otherwise. Who can say they've walked on Chronias and returned to tell the tale?"
"None from me. Bastian? Agreed, from me."
"I would like to go as well," Antenora agrees, "I have business there with his son, if he's to be found there."
"Choose amid yourselves," Xerona says, each point of light a blindfold once passed over.
Alyssa hands one to Bastian and puts hers on.
"We'd all like to go," Amaryl takes Seira's hand, "Who wouldn't want to?"
Moore puts a hand on Xandra's shoulder before he moves ahead. "It sounds like it's just between Latha and Antenira, then."
"If each group must be represented, so be it," Alicia says, though she'd gladly give up her slot for Latha and Antenora. "Latha, please come with me."
I'm sorry, Antenora. But we must be humble and willing to sacrifice for others even here. Especially here. And newly risen Latha has other reasons for visiting the Hebdomad.
No apology needed. I would have yielded to Latha. I know what this means to her.
Thus the seven of you come forward and...
So run down the group so we're all on the same page on who is going now?
Alyssa + Bastian. If anyone else thinks there's someone more suitable than Bastian, I won't argue too hard.
Just Moore from his side.
Amaryl on my end
Okay, so Alyssa, Bastian, Moore, Seira, Amaryl, Alicia and Latha?
Moore, Alyssa, Bastian, Seira, Amaryl, Alicia, Latha.
Cool. New topic incoming.