And thus there is a time of recovery.
Some time passes as everyone regroups and recovers in Ysgard, Miranda's home there busy with many new faces there. It's a pleasant time, a time of mastery, your skills rising.
One morning over breakfast, Dana swallows the last of her bread and speaks up, "Shit," she drawls, "We got a plan now that we have our shit back together?"
"We barely had a plane on Ice! Why start now!?" Calleigh cries, hanging upside-down by her legs from a nearby lamp.
"Lots of reasons," Miranda begins after finishing a bite of fruit laden oatmeal. "But mostly because it lets us direct things as the plan falls apart, in your case."
Benyen sits next to Dana, yawning and having another bite of meat - you aren't sure what kind it is, a pinkish and purple cast to it. After swallowing he says, "A good plan lets you get more done than flailing around. Now that we're rested up, we should decide on what we're going to do now."
"We're not so good at the planning. Usually we get an idea and make it happen."
"Then let's fucking decide what we'll do, at least," Dana says.
"There's a coooouplea things we need to do. First, try to contact this sage dude. See if he'll give up the gems. Maybe appeal to his better nature? If not, then we gotta find him and steal all his stuff." Calleigh's face is turning red.
Miranda takes all that in and nods slightly, "Tryll, what do you think," she asks.
Tryll is silent for a moment, listing to the right as he floats over the group. 'I need to return to Lifasa at some point. In spite of what we've done, I can't really leave the re-creation of our race to the others. I suppose that can wait until we're done with this, though. As for a plan, it's not really in my nature. I've played things by ear for the last two million-odd years, and it has yet to really come back to bite me. Hmm. I think we should see if this sage is responsive first.'
"Yeah, that or investigate what the fuck's going on here," Dana says, "With these bonds we're getting. Whichfuckingever."
Miranda eats more of her oatmeal before adding slowly, "How hard will contacting this sage be?"
'I'd planned a sending or something similar to start with.'
"Easy to start with," Dana agrees, as...
We can start from there, sure. What's your sending going to be?
"Great Sage, My name is Tryll, and I have received information that you may know where I can find something that I'm missing."
'Who?'
A single word reply, nothing else.
'Who am I, or who are you? I'm Tryll. I'm a giant sentient incorporeal squid. If you don't know who you are, then we have a new set of problems.'
Sending doesn't let you hold a conversation, unless you're using something that allows it. Just a message and a reply. Are you using something that allows such?
Oh, no. Sorry. I'll be reusing the power. in order to reply.
Which power are you using, precisely? You went over the 25 word limit of standard sending.
Correspond. I can revise if needed. Must have miscounted.
Go ahead and revise.
'I'm Tryll. I'm a giant sentient incorporeal squid. If you don't know who you are, then we have a new set of problems.'
'I already find this sending conversation tiresome. Establish a faster means of talking.'
'He seems very grumpy.' Tryll tells the rest of the group.
"Archmage," Dana says, "Since aren't all sages fucking archmages?"
Benyen sits back, "Not all of them. I've met a few who were holy men." HE rubs his chin, "Like the one who got stuck on that mountain and I had to save. Never thought I'd ride a fire giant down a mountainside."
"That sounds like a story!" Calleigh says, now dangling from the lamp by her toes.
Meanwhile, Tryll tries again with the Correspondence. 'Could we meet? Would like to have an honest discussion regarding the heart rubies.'
'Heart rubies? Explain.' Is the answer Tryll gets.
Another Correspond is manifested. 'It's rather a long story, I'm afraid. I have a friend who could probably explain it better than I could. Would you care to meet?'
'Give me a location, an agent will meet you who can speak in my name.'
Meanwhile Dana watches, while Miranda finishes her breakfast and says, "Let me know if we'll have time to train this morning or not, Tryll."
Another one. 'Would Brightwater work?'
'Fine. When and where?'
Another one. 'Tomorrow around midday near the Silver Consortium work for you?'
'Very well. My agent will be a dwarf with four arms.'
'Alright,' Tryll tells the group. 'We have a meeting with the sage's agent in front of the Silver Consortium at midday in Brightwater tomorrow.'
"Great," Dana drawls. "We gonna shit around until then?"
'I'm going to make a stop on Lifasa and check in on the squidkids.' Tryll says.
Okay then, plans are to check on the baby squids and nothing else before that meeting?
I have a few other plans, but they'll take multiple days so I'd rather not deal with them now. We're working.
You find the baby squids swimming about on the surface of the ocean, playing and laughing. No one is immediately around, but on these days in Lifasa, it's hardly dangerous and someone may be watching anyway.
Go ahead and set up here whatever you want to do.
Really here because you told me to go back, but alright.
Tryll plays a bit with the children for a while, carefully tossing them about in telekinetic bubbles.
Fair enough, I'll glide past then.
The irrigo children are doing well - growing and playing with you. As you send them bouncing atop the ocean, plunging in and out playfully?
"They're beautiful," A man's voice says, quiet. Odd, since you're 100% sure that no one was besides you one moment ago.
Lifasa is a world of mysteries. 'Hmm?' Tryll turns an eye toward the voice.
A man. A man, clean shaven and decidedly middle aged, long and gray hair kept roughly controlled by a wide brimmed had. He wears a gray cloak and matching clothes, the sturdy clothing of a traveler, a walking stick in hand. If not for the fact that he stands on thin air as if it were nothing, he would look entirely normal.
"The irrigo children," The man says, "New born life always is."
'New-reborn. Ish. Pseudoblasphemous soul re-creation. We got permission. Hello.'
"If you got permission, it's not blasphemy." The man says, "So, have you gotten your marching orders yet?"
'Nothing as such. We're doing contract work for Sune right now. Also, there's a lich on Ice that's managed to irritate me. Who's issuing orders? Also, I don't believe we've met? I'm Tryll. You don't look immediately familiar, so you're probably not part of the Aurora or the refugees. Divine?'
"Just an old man," he says, "So you haven't been hearing a quiet voice nor has a child named Calley visited you, or any other type of guidance?"
'To be honest, I have not heard a quiet voice. Though to be fair, life has been extremely loud lately. A rather disproportionate amount of explosions, tiny ice golems that throw giant whirlwinds, angry yelling faces the size of houses, and Calleigh rather learning how un-fun Ice can be unfortunately. As for the child? The name doesn't follow irrigo naming conventions, so I assume it's a land-bound child? Two legs? Human? Elf? Those tend to be the most common, yes?'
"Human, 4 or 5 years old I believe. His mother's Sylvie, I believe you knew her." The man says, peering out at the playing irrigo as he speaks. "Then let's get through the tedious parts of this."
'Oh yes, the human turned some-sort-of-celestial with that whatever it was weapon thing with a chip on her shoulder about children. Twenty-nine or whatever. Twenty three? Always was partial to that number, but it feels wrong. Some book thing that hurt devils readily enough. Smart, but strange. Calleigh enjoyed annoying her. Please, though, do go on.' Tryll invitingly gestures with a facial tendril.
"You've felt a bond with chosen others and seen those who join it grow greatly powerful nigh instantly, have you not?" The man asks, "If you haven't, you're hopelessly behind."
'Ohh, yes. Now that you mention it I have noticed that. Picked up a valkyrie and one of Raziel's mortal servants and they both received some significant boosts in strength. I thought it was just me. Sounds like you're saying otherwise?'
"Do you really believe you brought that sort of rapid advancement on your own?" The man asks, dryly.
'I've seen weirder things in the last two million years.' Tryll replies in the same tone, 'But I did note it as odd. No event had preceded it. I am assuming you know what's going on? Does it have something to do with our ultimate goal?'
"It does," The man agrees, "Tell me, will you stand against Shar as she ends everything? When the Song of Oblivion can be heard all across Creation, will you close your eyes and fade away, or will you fight on that final day?"
'Well, considering my ultimate goal is to murder Shar and annihilate whatever remains of her divinity, I suppose our goals could mesh.'
A grunt at that, "Good, good. I see why now. You've been chosen to help aid in the battle against Shar. Her power waxes, and in return, a rare few are being directly empowered in groups to oppose her. You're one of those few, as are those directly around you."
'Ahhh, so it IS a divine something! I'd thought it might be. Got no response otherwise, though. Who's handing out power-ups then? The Triune? The Queen? Actually no, I'm pretty sure she'd just have summoned us. Usually either does that or sends a stuffed up tulani to spout at us if She wants us to do something for her. It's gotta be someone, though. At least one someone. Got a line? I know a valkyrie who needs to be made a proxy so we can go places as a team and do stuff without breaking Primes. Otherwise we need to figure out how to summon her as a planar ally each time without binding some of her power and yeah I'm rambling but you get the point right? Stuff to do, shadow goddesses that need a sharp stick in the eye. What's the deal?'
"You'll find yourselves growing stronger as you accomplish things," The man says, "More, you have tasks, three of them. Four other groups are working on the same tasks. They are to find Io, Lord of all Dragons. Secondly is to grow stronger, to prosper and develop yourselves. Third is to find 21. Additionally, you must find those four other groups and come to know them, for you will fight with them against Shar and her minions."
'Find 21. Sylvie? Again? Really? Well damn. Okay. Think I'll have to take it away from her?'
"It'll be harder than that," The man says, "Finding the other groups is part of your growth and I'm in a position that limits me, but...Return to Dana's world. Seek an archmage named Alyssa. A-L-Y-S-S-A, not to be confused with the deity Alicia Reynes. You're behind, get moving."
'Of course it'll be harder than that. What's she gone and done now? And of course they're not to be confused. They sound nothing alike.'
A short nod to that, "Good," he says, "Finish your business and get moving. This is more important than anything else, because of Shar wins...we're all nothing." The man turns to go at that.
'Mmm. Oh yes, can I have your name?'
"Rakhar," The man says, glancing back at you.
'Nice to meet you.'
A nod back and he's gone, leaving you with the baby squids.
Tryll spends a few more hours playing with the children, then returns to Ysgard and the others.
Tryll returns to Ysgard and...
Next move?
I want to finish up the Heart Rubies quest before we move on to the Big Thing. I'll look into the archmage the Obviously Not A God Dude told me about.
Okay, who is going to Brightwater with you then, if anyone?
Whole crew. We ride together, we die together.
It's not hard to find your contact, lingering near the Silverbrow Consortium. He is a stock, heavy dwarf with four arms, wearing well made clothing of green and black, two arms crossed while the other two hang at ease.
Go ahead, T&C.
Calleigh zips up to the dwarf, ahead of the group, "Mister dwarf! MISTER DWARF! Excuse me, Mister dwarf!? Is your name Forewarned!?"
The courre gets a long, even look before the dwarf smiles, "Ah, you must be...well, you can't be Tryll unless he is a she and not as anticipated." Looking up at the others, "It's an entire group." Rubbing all four hands together now, "How about you all treat me to lunch and we talk about this?"
'That seem-' Tryll is interrupted.
"BECAUSE FOREWARNED IS FOUR-ARMED!" Calleigh presses on, undaunted.
'-s agreeable.' Tryll finishes.
Dana keeps her distance while Miranda comes forth, offering a hand out.
The dwarf chuckles at the joke then shakes Miranda's hand. "I know this wonderful inn that serves the best pot lids - it's a thin pastry the size of the big pot lids they make them on. They fill them with the best things and roll them up tight."
'I-'
"WILL THERE BE BERRIES!?"
A deeper laugh, "If you want them with berries, yes," The dwarf says, as Benyen falls in step. "That sounds good, I ate a light breakfast anyway."
"Yaaaaaay!" Calleigh cheers, orbiting the dwarf's head in six quick circles before flying over to Miranda and perching on her shoulder.
Miranda smiles as Calleigh perches.
The inn is known as the Golden Down, a nice place if overdecorated. The pot lids are massive pastries, sweet and tender, filled with whatever you want. They're closer to a single one being a meal, massive and full. As you all settle in to order, "So! Let's talk business," The dwarf says, "Did I even introduce myself?"
'Last I heard, your name was Forewarned. Unless it's not?' Tryll says calmly.
"Oland," The dwarf says as he tucks into his meal, "So get me up to date with what you want here."
'So the short version is someone stole three Heart Rubies from Sune's temple. We tracked the thief to the lost city of Starline on Ice, and were told by the local master of the place that the rubies had been removed and were in your master's care. I didn't trust it, so we killed a rather large amount of creatures but we had to flee when they started to collapse the tunnel we were using as a choke point. I'm not sure if they'd have run out of forces before I ran out of power, but I didn't want to chance it. We contacted your master, and here we are.' Tryll replies.
A pause to eat a bit, cream and fruit filling napkined away before he goes on. "That is quite the situation, Tryll. So are you an agent of Sune? You all don't seem the types."
"Good," Dana says emphatically, munching on a meat filled snack.
Miranda sits back with a mug of ale, drinking deep before adding, "I think it's obvious we aren't. The valkyries who come to serve Sune rarely remain valkyries."
'Just doing a favor for a friend, really. She's a solar who works for Sune.'
"A solar?!" The dwarf looks up from a bite, "You travel in elite circles, Tryll."
'I do? Never really thought of it that way. I work with fun people who get things done.' Tryll says.
"Very done," Benyen agrees, sitting next to Dana.
"Very fucking done," Dana seconds, giving the dwarf a look.
Oland goes back to his food, quickly finishing. "My master is in possession of a Heart Ruby. Singular, one. He's willing to consider a neutral, anonymous turnover as long as you keep his name out of it to Sune, her servants and anyone who would tell her."
'Well, we could do that. We'd also like to know where he got it, and f he knows the location of the other two.' Tryll counters.
"He got it at auction," Oland says, "The information on where will require compensation, because of considerable damage to my master in exposing these matters."
'Define compensation.' Tryll says.
During the conversation, Calleigh has dragged her pot lid of her plate and onto Miranda. The ensuing consumption has covered both Calleigh and Miranda's shoulder in pastry bits and berry juice.
Miranda looks on in open amusement, "You will be cleaning that up afterwards," she adds to Calleigh.
Meanwhile, "50,000 gold, Brightwater standard minted coins." Is the answer, "The auction takes precautions for secrecy, freeing himself from the consequences of those precautions will not be free for my master."
'Well that's entirely reasonable.'
"What I want to know is, why the hell is your master folding like a fan?" Dana asks, over her half eaten pot lid. "Shit like that's hard to fucking get, and if he needed it, bet his ass had a good reason for it."
Oland has a sip of water before replying, "I'm not aware of my master's thought processes in this," he admits, "So I couldn't possibly say."
'Perhaps he's realized the error he made and doesn't want to be under the direct ire of Sune? That's not an unwise desire.'
"Maybe so," Oland agrees, "Well then, if you're agreeable, how fast can you get the money together?"
"We still have a bunch of that blue ice stuff to sell right?" Calleigh asks, smacking noisily on the last of her pot lid.
"Yeah," Dana says, "We can sell that shit here."
'An hour or two then, depending.'
"I'll meet you back here, then," Oland says.
Going to go cash in thing sand buy the Heart Ruby?
Yeah, we'll sell everything not damage, and see if we can find a smith who can repair the damaged stuff.
Sure, go post your intent and profits over in loot.
Soon enough you return, Oland waiting for you and...
Go ahead.
Calleigh pulls an improbably large sack of gold out of her tiny bag of holding and passes it to Oland. "One humungamungabungous bag of moolah!"
The bag is taken, "Then it is agreed. Here." A metal box is taken out, placed on the table. "I suggest opening it somewhere private."
"Will it explode!?"
A soft clearing of his throat as you get a few cautious looks from nearby diners.
"Ahem. It's just better that way. More discreet." Oland rises, "Good fortune to you, may the Lady of Luck smile on you."
"Sure! You too! You guys'll be hearing from us if we need anything else!" Calleigh says, hefting the box.
Dana rises as Miranda calls, "Good luck," As Oland goes. Once he's gone, "Let's get back and see if this is real or if it's a trick?"
"Or! We could open it now!"
"That's an idea, we are in Brightwater," Benyen says, "It might even get someone's attention right away."
Dana hums at that, "Then sure, what the fuck ever."
"Plus if we've been duped, we can chase dwarfguy." Calleigh opens the box!
Inside is a large red ruby shaped like a heart. It spreads red light everywhere, the entire room pausing.
You feel like everything is fuzzy and warm. You feel such compassion and love for all fill you that...
"Ahem. Mine. Thank you, Darlings," A feminine voice declares, before the box and ruby vanishes. The feelings vanish, but there's a loud THUMP in the box, something falling into it.
"Um. Sune? Nice lady? We were totally gonna give that back, but we were also hoping to use it to help find the other two?" Calleigh sort of asks.
No answer.
Meanwhile Dana peers int the box, "Fucking shit, look at that."
Benyen peeks in and whistles, "That's huge. That's almost as big as the dragon heart I ate after taking down Corovaxal."
Piscene eyes are rolled. Gods. 'What did she leave for us?'
It's a heart shaped ruby just as large as the Heart Ruby. What's more, an engraved arrow of gold is placed on the center of it.
For reference, the Heart Ruby was bigger than a man holding both of his hands together.
"Ooooohhh itsabigGEM! I bet we can do all sorts of stuff with it!"
"Probably fucking magical too, right?" Dana says, tapping the gold arrow. The arrow spins around and around before going still.
"It's still worth a small fortune," Benyen murmurs, glancing around at all the patrons staring. "People, we're just heroes doing what heroes do. Go back to your meals, knowing Brightwater is safe and that Sune herself approves of us."
"Or! You could buy some ART!" Calleigh is very suddenly in possession of a canvas with a terrible rendition of what may either be a cactus or a dragon.
"Tryll," Dana doesn't even look up at that, "The fuck does this ruby do?"
'No idea! We should check!'
Gimme a Spellcraft check, Tryll.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+52 : 8 + 52, total 60[/blockquote]
Loot.
'Oh, how convenient. It's exactly what we need. A giant heart-shaped ruby designed to guide us to Heart Rubies.' Tryll says.
"THANKS, SUNE!" Calleigh shouts at the sky while shoving the canvas into the face of some nearby patron.
"Well, we did prove we were effective," Miranda says, "So we proved we were worthy of reward from Sune."
"It's also got to be worth of a ton of money, if we get to keep this shit," Dana agrees.
'Looks like it'll only work to find two rubies though. Gotta be on the same plane too. Say, wasn't he supposed to also give us information on where the auction was being held? Or how he came to purchase the ruby?' Tryll checks the box.
There's some papers beneath the ruby, sure enough.
The papers are lifted!
The papers are examined!
The first paper reads, 'Do not attempt to unseal the other papers unless you are under Mind Blank or in a dead magic area, preferably the latter. '
The papers are stuffed into Calleigh's pouch! 'Shall we go find Debonah?'
'It's the least I can do,' The woman's voice is amused, pleased as with a puff of pink smoke, Debonah appears sitting where Oland was.
In her hand is a tea cup, a long blink before she finishes her drink and then says, "Ah. I've just gotten up to speed. Congratulations."
'Let's not get excited. Two to go still, and we've got to hurry it along. I received a visitor on Lifasa. A man who was obviously not a god came to tell me its time to get my act together and deal with Shar.'
"Say that again?" Debonah says, slowly.
'Did I forget to mention that earlier?' Tryll asks innocently.
"Divine visits are never to be taken lightly," Debonah says, "Explain."
"Yeah, what the fuck?" Dana says, "Who met you now and why?"
"I think it's storytime," Miranda thirds.
Condensing!
'Well, a gentleman by the name of Rakhar strolled out into the open air over the ocean on Lifasa to scold me.' Tryll says, taking a few minutes & telling the story as Calleigh acts out positions and faces. 'In the end, he told me I'll need to find 21 and an archmage named Alyssa. Any ideas?'
"I don't know a Rakhar," Debonah admits, "Find the archmage with divinations and work from there, if she's a part of that. Assuming whomever you met isn't blatantly manipulating you."
Miranda hms at that, "If he is, he's playing a dangerous game."
'Could be a random person, could be a passing god, could be a proxy. Former is unlikely, though. He knew far too much.' Tryll says.
"Great," Finishing her food off, Dana stands, "So let's get this fucking going then."
Next move?
Headed back to Miranda's cottage to read the letters.
Bringing Debonah along or asking her to come?
Sure am.
Thus you return and...
Prep for this, since it did mention it was dangerous.
Mind Blank for everybody!
Thus Tryll opens and reads. The first reads as follows.
Part 1: Delasos
Delasos is a secret auction and trade organization. Membership is by selection only and the goods produced are the rarities and wondrous things of Creation - both high and low, elemental and ethereal. They are discreet and use various means of supernatural secrecy to stay secret, as well as severe punishments for those who do not keep them secret. The main is known as the Glaungdarum Stone, which through an unknown magical enchantment, strikes down those who speak of Delasos. Mind Blank is sufficient to stop the stone when the information is passed, but mentioning it when not protected by it will provoke the stone. I suspect the stone is an artifact of not inconsiderable power.
The membership of Delasos is unclear, as well as the means to which they obtain their merchandise. I speculate it may be a venture of one such as Mask or Cyric, but I do not have enough information to confirm this. The power involved suggests it to be the private project of one of the many deities or powers, perhaps the yugoloths as well.
'Well, that's certainly dire and dangerous. Probably where the other two rubies went, too.'
Debonah's frowning, "If it's Mask's work, no wonder we've never heard of it," she murmurs, "Damnable."
"Well, that's great," Dana says, "More shadowy motherfuckers to smash in, what's not to love?" She smiles a bit, sharply so.
"The part about finding these shadowy thieves?" Miranda counters, "Knowing is part of the battle, but one still needs to know where to fire the arrow after finding out there is an enemy."
'And we haven't got forever, so we need to move fast on this. Let me try some divinations.'
In that case, divine away.
Starting with divinations, looking for the location of the rubies in case they've already been sold (expecting this).
Phrasing matters, so give me the first question you pose to divination.
What are the locations of the two remaining heart rubies that have been stolen?
As you might expect, the spell fails. It's been warded against, you can tell.
'No such luck with divination. Let's try the new thing.' Tryll tells the group.
"OH BOY THE NEW THING!" Calleigh is cheerleading.
Examine Astral Reverberations
Fully augmented to 32 PP cost.
Ignores Mind Blank
Will DC 40Examine Astral Reverberations
Clairsentience
Level: Psion/wilder 9
Display: Mental and visual
Manifesting Time: 1 minute
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Instantaneous
Power Points: 17
This power taps information stored in the astral, such as a creature's movements or location, if that creature or object fails a Will save. This power shows the movements of said creature and all of their actions taken within the last week, as well as who and what they interacted with.
This power does not work on any plane that is not connected in some way to the astral plane. This power only functions on creatures and objects with an astral presence; a mind. Inert, non-magical objects such as walls or non-thinking creatures such as non-intelligent oozes and mindless undead are invisible to this power.
Augment
If an additional 5 power points are spent, the power also attempts to postulate a likely future outcome. This provides a benefit similar to that of a divination, but less cryptic. Any information conveyed would concern one single action or possible action regarding that creature, and the question must be phrased to outline the direction for the power to take. Information conveyed can be contained in no more than one single sentence.
If an additional 10 power points are spent, the manifestor may make an opposed caster level check to reveal information about a target that has or had an active mind blank spell.
For every 2 power points spent in either of the above augmentations, the power's DC increases by 1.
Cool, what are you aiming it at?
The gems themselves and anyone holding or possessing them.
Okay, since you fully augmented it, make your caster level check against mind blank.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 1 + 33, total 34[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+24 at least you got a shot
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+33 ruby 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=8]
Urgh, no good. Both are protected fiercely enough to resist even this powerful ability.
We are doing this again.
Examine Astral Reverberations
Fully augmented to 32 PP cost.
Ignores Mind Blank
Will DC 40Examine Astral Reverberations
Clairsentience
Level: Psion/wilder 9
Display: Mental and visual
Manifesting Time: 1 minute
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Instantaneous
Power Points: 17
This power taps information stored in the astral, such as a creature's movements or location, if that creature or object fails a Will save. This power shows the movements of said creature and all of their actions taken within the last week, as well as who and what they interacted with.
This power does not work on any plane that is not connected in some way to the astral plane. This power only functions on creatures and objects with an astral presence; a mind. Inert, non-magical objects such as walls or non-thinking creatures such as non-intelligent oozes and mindless undead are invisible to this power.
Augment
If an additional 5 power points are spent, the power also attempts to postulate a likely future outcome. This provides a benefit similar to that of a divination, but less cryptic. Any information conveyed would concern one single action or possible action regarding that creature, and the question must be phrased to outline the direction for the power to take. Information conveyed can be contained in no more than one single sentence.
If an additional 10 power points are spent, the manifestor may make an opposed caster level check to reveal information about a target that has or had an active mind blank spell.
For every 2 power points spent in either of the above augmentations, the power's DC increases by 1.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+32 : 8 + 32, total 40[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+24 ruby 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+33 ruby 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=15]
* Nephrite (Nephrite@70.127.166.40) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
> roll 1d20+8 item will save eneds a 20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 19 > [d20=11]
This time you get an image for one. An image of a ruby sitting on a purple pillow, in a simple if dark room that lets the radiance of the gem illuminate the area around it. It has been there they entire week, though on occasion a scaly claw gently caresses it, one dark and made of seeming shadow stuff.
K:A.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+52 : 16 + 52, total 68[/blockquote]
It looks like the claw of a shadow dragon, on a glance.
'Oh good. A shadow dragon.'
Reminder that I still get a divination on him. Her. It.
"Beg pardon? That's a new one," Benyen says, "So like a shadowy dragon?"
Debonah frowns, "Anything else about it?"
I wanna know what plane it's on.
Specifically: What plane is this shadow dragon residing on?
Does the spell actually provide that?
It's the 5 point augment. So sorta. Rereading it, it's similar to the benefit provided by Divination.
Okay, I get it now. I didn't realize you were phrasing that question as the request for it.
The dragon is on the elemental plane of Earth.
'Yes! On the plane of Earth!'
"OH BOY ROCKS!"
"Where on Earth?" Miranda speaks up, "There's infinite Earth out there. We could wander an eon and not come close to it."
'No idea! But the heart finder ruby will surely lead us in the right direction.'
"OH BOY DIRECTIONS!"
"So...when, then?" Dana speaks up, "We got time for any other shit first or are we rushing in headlong again?"
Benyen chuckles, "Well, rushing in headlong usually makes better stories."
'Did you have something you needed to do, Dana?'
"OH BOY DANA!"
As Calleigh happily goes about, she shakes her head, "What I want to know is how long we have before we go."
'Depends on what you want to do. If you're planning a month of vacation, we're leaving before that.'
"How about we just decide when we'll go?" Debonah says, cutting in. "Well?"
'I'd rather not delay any more than necessary. Tomorrow?'
Okay then, any prep that needs to be done for this? Any spells precast before going in? Any way of narrowing this down from 'Somewhere on Earth?'
Do we have allies on Earth?
'Do we have allies on Earth?"
Headshakes all around at that.
"I know a few people," Debonah says, "But it's not an area I have many contacts."
'Say, wasn't Moore on good terms with that one guy from Earth? Or was it Mineral? That Crystalle guy. I think that was his name. I'm pretty sure that's where we got the quarter million tons of adamantite or however much it took to build the tarrasque golem.' Tryll looks at Dana.
"That's a thought, go fucking get on Moore's ass for it," Dana agrees.
"Better than going in blind, which is a waste of our time," Miranda seconds, blowing out a breath, "Tempus's sword, we could use a direction or two."
And thus a Correspond is drafted. 'Moore, it's Tryll. Are you busy, my friend? I'd like a moment of your time.'
No reply at all. It's like you cast that message into the ether, never to be seen or heard of again.
'...did Moore die when we weren't paying attention?' Tryll asks.
"He was alive last time I saw him," Dana shrugs, "Shit, devils might have got his ass. Or maybe he's asleep or something and slept right through the message?"
'Well that's unfortunate. Hmm.'
"What about the Silver Consortium guys! They're all dragons!" Calleigh suggests.
'That's true.'
"Worth trying," Dana shrugs, "Dragons know dragons."
"Go message them," Benyen says, "Let's get going, I'm getting restless standing here while you cast spells and talk."
"Yeah!" Dana perks up, "Let's go and fucking DO something!"
'Let's just go to Brightwater then if you're all restless. I'm fine with that. It is better then just sitting around, after all.'
Okay then, paying the Consortium a visit?
Yep, will gate in.
d100 real quick?
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 72, total 72[/blockquote]
The Silverbrow Consortium looks as it always does as you approach, nothing unusual here on a glance.
Go ahead, ball is in your court.
Tryll hwuafts inside! 'Let's head in.'
Hwuafts?
it's a gentle, lazy floaty thing
Inside is as it always is, one of the women at the desk asking, "Welcome to the Silverbrow Consortium, Tryll. How can we help you?"
'We're looking into a shadow dragon on Earth, and wanted to know if anyone here knew anything.'
"Of course. Please go upstairs," Is the answer you get.
The chocolate pudding is remarkable this time, Calleigh notes. As that is enjoyed by the party, Ruby comes forth. "Welcome," she says, "You're interested in a shadow dragon that lives in Earth. What else do you know about it?"
'Very little. It's come into possession of a Heart Ruby, and we're after the ruby.'
"Hm." A consideration at that, "That does not narrow it greatly, but there are relatively few known shadow dragons on Earth."
'It's all we have. Can we get a list of known dragons and any allies nearby?'
"We will see to it," Ruby says, "As well as consider proper compensation for this service."
'Consider away.'
"In this case, we request 20,000 gold, coins," Ruby says after a moment. "Is this acceptable?"
'Sure. Calleigh, pay the lady.' Tryll says.
"YOU pay the lady! I'm tired of being your mule!" Calleigh retorts.
'Calleigh. You are the one who has the money. I cannot carry the money. I do not have a physical body.' Tryll replies patiently.
"So what!? Maybe I wanna keep it!" Calleigh says mulishly.
'You can't keep it. We need to find the dragon so we can steal his stuff.' Tryll explains.
"Ooooh stuff! I like stuff! Especially a dragon's stuff!" Calleigh's eyes have gotten frighteningly large and shiny.
'Right. Pay the lady.' Tryll finishes.
Calleigh slings a sack of gold onto Ruby's desk. "One sack of gold in trade for location of dragon's stuff! Hey, are all shadow dragons evil?"
Just because I'm a DM that has to ask these things, that is the full gold in there, right?
Assuming it is, post the expense in loot.
Yes.
The gold is carefully counted, but swiftly at the same time. "This will do," Ruby declares, "Please, be comfortable while we prepare your information."
Calleigh starts building a nest in Miranda's hair.
Miranda clears her throat, "Calleigh?"
"Yep?"
With a long look up, "Why?"
"Why not?"
Miranda closes her eyes and sighs softly.
Debonah looks over, "Child," she remarks, "Do not disrespect a warrior so."
"Aw." Calleigh pouts.
Debonah goes into her bags, coming out with a cunningly carved set of stone figurines, "Would you like to play with these? Touch one and you'll see." They're warriors and knights, mages and clerics and other such things.
"Toys!" Calleigh leaps off of Miranda's shoulder and flies over to Debonah.
Tryll nonchalantly casts Prestidigitation to fix Miranda's hair.
Miranda turns and mouths, 'Thank you,' to Tryll once Calleigh can't see it.
Dana and Benyen are drifting closer together, watching.
"Touch one and it'll move and you can give it commands," Debonah says, "Once on a time, a visiting nephew enjoyed them greatly, but he's grown to an age to feel himself past such trifles. I think it's better than someone has a chance to enjoy them rather than them sitting in a forgotten closet."
Calleigh immediately touches all of them and orders them to march around.
The soldiers do just that, starting to march around and following her orders.
Calleigh orders them into ever-more-complex circles!
Fun is indeed had while you wait for Ruby, who soon returns. "We have what you requested," she says, "As well as a request."
'Do tell.'
"Have you heard any...rumors about Mister Sisatar lately?" Ruby asks, to the point.
'That name sounds familiar.' Tryll muses.
"It should," Ruby says archly, "Do you?"
'Unfortunately I have heard no rumors lately. Didn't he work with you at some point?'
Ruby's expression turns rather cold. "To mock us at a time like this...! Get out. Our business is concluded."
'I say, I'll admit that my memory is rather poor, but such a reaction is rather telling. I simply don't recall. I'm sorry if I've offended, but I'm not leaving until you explain yourself. Also, you owe me twenty thousand gold pieces worth of information still.' Tryll is calm in the face of her anger.
Debonah rises at this as Dana grins at the back and forth and Miranda sits upright, a hand going to the hilt of her sword.
"Peace," she says, in a voice that carries, echos amid the room. Her six wings extend out, a luminous glow coming from her. "We are on Lady Sune's business. Whatever Tryll has done to give offense is not intentional."
Give me a Diplo check, +10 bonus.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+50 : 3 + 50, total 53[/blockquote]
+10 to that
"Mister Sisatar is our leader," Ruby says crisply, "He is missing."
'And my presumption of him working with you is offensive because...?' Tryll is confused. And suspicious.
"He is our leader," Ruby says tightly, "You know of his vanishing and you speak so casually of it!"
'I don't know anything about the man, least of all any vanishments. Please do not presume I would be so callous.'
A look - a sharp one. A long one. "Perhaps...there was a mistake with your file," Ruby finally says, "I will investigate this in detail."
'I mean, I've heard his NAME, and I might have met the man. I don't know. I've done a lot of things. They get jumbled together. I was not aware of his disappearance, though.'
"In that case, please do not tell others of this. If you hear anything of Mister Sisatar, tell us immediately." Ruby says.
Miranda takes all of this in while Dana kicks back, "Yeah, sure thing."
'We'll let you know if we find anything, but it's a big multiverse out there.'
"Yes. Now then, let us get to the information," Ruby says.
'Let's.'
"The first is Shadolemanar," Ruby reports crisply, "An ancient wyrm that specializes in the creation of shadow magic and illusions so real that it's hard to distinguish them from reality. He lairs within Grumbar's abode and is under his protection - which serves him well, as Shadolemanar violently betrayed Shar and struck out on his own. Should he be the one to have it, a soft touch is recommended. Grumbar's protection is not only against Shar."
'Hopefully he's not our dragon, then. Who else is there?'
"Cindynandarale," Ruby recites coolly, "A wyrm that terrorized a Prime Material, but was forced off of it approximately 1,000 years ago. The mortals there were unable to finish the job, but strong enough to ensure Cindynandarale could not return. She has carved out a section of territory and is content to enrich herself - for now."
'Sounds like a good target for a raid either way. Next?'
"Pain." Ruby says, "A wyrm and blackguard of Ogremoch. A devoted champion and with a mate, Calinatanara, as well as many lesser off spring. Unlike most dragons, the family maintains connections and cooperates. With Ogremoch's blessing, they can glide through the earth as easily as any earth elemental."
'Another good target. Might need a bigger team though if it's a family of dragons. Any others?'
"Those are the biggest three," Ruby says, "Shadow dragons are not common on Earth. Others are lesser or unknown, or transients," Ruby says, "It is possible your quarry is new and not well known yet. Shadow dragons on Earth are not there casually, many are hiding or attempting to start a new, and desire discretion. However, other shadow dragons there may be aware of others, interrogations may prove fruitful."
'Alright. Thanks for the info. In addition, is there any information on how or why Sisatar vanished? Where was he last seen?'
"He was out on his business and has not returned," Ruby says, "It is not like him and we cannot contact him."
'Know where he went?'
A headshake, "It makes us all the more worried. This is not like him."
'Well, if we hear anything we'll let you know!' Tryll says, heading for the door.
Ready to move on then. What is your next move?
We'll prep for Earth. Tryll & Calleigh are set, checking if the others need anything. If not, good to go to head for Earth. We'll start near Cindy.
...Cindy?
Cindynandaraleralegarfieldcumberbatchmnightshamalamadingdong.
What are you talking about?
Okay, figured out you meant one of the dragons. In the future, please be clear about these sort of things, okay?
yar
"Cindynandarale," Ruby recites coolly, "A wyrm that terrorized a Prime Material, but was forced off of it approximately 1,000 years ago. The mortals there were unable to finish the job, but strong enough to ensure Cindynandarale could not return. She has carved out a section of territory and is content to enrich herself - for now."
Thus the party appears in the empty recesses of Earth, a cavern dim and dark indeed. There no light here, only superior vision letting anyone see anything at all. The air is moderately stale and unpleasant, but it is breathable.
Tryll immediately checks the Heart Finder Ruby!
The Heart Finder Ruby is pulling you to the southeast, roughly.
'Onward!' Tryll says, heading Southeast with tentacles trailing.
"Light would help," Benyen calls, as a moment later light fills the cavern, Debonah glowing bright.
"Show off," Dana grins at that, following along.
Marching order? May matter here.
Dana & Benyen up front. Debonah in the middle. Miranda & Calleigh in the rear. Tryll in the middle.
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d100=11]
You walk a short time, through tight passages and winding paths. You come to a closed in, tight cavern. This cavern is thick with mushrooms - dull gray mushrooms, growing a foot tall from all the stone here.
"Gross! Anyone know what those are?"
K:P checks here, all.
Tryll[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+52 : 2 + 52, total 54[/blockquote]Calleigh[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+40 : 12 + 40, total 52[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+37 Miranda
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+38 Benyen
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+47 Debonah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=2]
Consistent.
Careful: Those are Stone Mushrooms. They can transmute parts of the body to stone that tends to shatter - making them disfiguring to lethal. Touching them or ingesting the spores is not advised, ever, unless you're an earth elemental or similar creature.
Calleigh makes a face, "Wow okay, gross."
"A problem. Burn it," Debonah says, "It'll take a little while, but it's safe."
'Wouldn't that cause bits of mushroom to float into the air?'
"Do you have a better idea?" Debonah asks, "If you do, by all means."
Tryll fires a disintegration beam into the passage, just to see what happens.
Where are you hitting?
Nearest set of mushrooms, I suppose?
Quick d20 for a 1 check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 16, total 16[/blockquote]
A big hunk of stone and mushrooms are gone after that blast, as expected.
Is it just a small patch of mushrooms, or does it fill the corridor for the foreseeable area?
It's thick with them. You'd think 2 or 3 more could give you a path through, though.
Then a total of 5, just to be safe!
Four more beams lash out in quick succession, removing the horrid, evil, monstrous, deadly, and disgusting mushroom filth from existence!
A way is cleared, mushrooms purged and the path revealed.
Dana strides forward once cleared, while Miranda adds, "Mushrooms. Nothing good comes of mushrooms," she says, "Especially giant ones or ones that transform you."
"Some mushrooms are tasty, though!" Calleigh says from Miranda's shoulder.
Note: Moving on.
Thus the party proceeds deeper in. To a winding path, narrowing tight. Not so tight as to be a problem, but hard, ungiving walls of scraping stone. As they go around a corner, Dana turns back and calls, "You're needed, it's a fucking cave in," she says.
And thus disintegrations are doled out.
A single one clears the way. It's darker ahead, the light not penetrating into that shadowy gloom.
Tryll checks the ruby again!
It's pointing in the direction you're going, into the dark.
"OH BOY INTO THE DARK!" Calleigh enthuses as the group proceeds.
Thus you go in - and not even darkvision is working, nor Debonah's light. "Magical darkness and not a weak darkness," Debonah declares, "Of course, a shadow dragon surrounds itself with shadows."
"More fucking importantly, can we counter this shit?" Dana chimes in.
Tryll activates True Seeing!
Aaah. You can see normally now.
"I can see!" Calleigh shouts.
"As can I," Debonah says, "Can you extend that to others, Tryll?"
"Please," Miranda calls out, "I can't hit anything with arrows if I can't see them."
'Unfortunately not. The only reason Calleigh gets it is because of the familiar bond. Unless the rest of you want to become my familiars? It's a good deal.'
Dana scoffs as Benyen hmmms, while Miranda says, "We'll have to make do, in that case."
"What else do you get in the deal?" Benyen asks.
'Several supernatural abilities, pooled finances, and a health benefits plan that's unheard of.'
"Wait, I get health benefits!?"
'No. That's why it's unheard of.'
"Health benefits? Like a healing spell?" Dana crosses her arms, glancing over.
"Tryll, you are properly seeing to Calleigh's health?" Debonah asks.
'She's a courre. She doesn't get sick.'
Perception.
Tryll[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 15 + 48, total 63[/blockquote]Calleigh[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+41 : 2 + 41, total 43[/blockquote]
A dull, thudding sound echos about, perhaps coming from ahead.
'Something is coming.' Tryll warns.
Everyone goes still at that, waiting and readying weapons, conversation dying.
Chance to do anything or merely wait if you prefer.
Does it sound like its coming closer?
You just heard the one dull thump and nothing else is heard immediately.
'Or maybe not. Let's proceed.'
From here the shadows lead on, speed reduced by half the party being in the dark. Nonethless you pass through another cavern without interruption, coming to a sharp narrowing, a tunnel going lower down. As you approach, your keen eyesight can note symbols have been carved all around this opening.
Decipher Script?
K:A.
Tryll[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+51 : 7 + 51, total 58[/blockquote]Calleigh[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+39 : 3 + 39, total 42[/blockquote]
They are strange symbols dedicated to the night and shadows, asking all to fall into darkness ahead.
Tryll checks to see if the heart finder ruby points inside!
It does.
'The symbols represent night and darkness. This looks to be our place.'
Dana peers in the shadows, "It's fucking darker than Shar's cooch, so you're probably right."
Benyen blinks at that one, headtilting a little bit.
"Whatsa cooch?"
Debonah's expression becomes foul, "Dana," she says, a single word crackling with command. "Never mind that, let's continue."
Dana scowls herself but stays quiet.
"'Kay!"
'Let me take a moment to examine this effect. Perhaps I can break it.' Tryll says, activating Detect Psionics to see if he can dispel the darkness.
Spellcrafting.
Tryll[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+51 : 19 + 51, total 70[/blockquote]Calleigh[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+39 : 10 + 39, total 49[/blockquote]
The magic seems segmented - you could destroy it in a section, but not altogether. It would like be hammering something in one nail at a time.
How many segments here? Is there a source? Some overarching anchor or something?
You aren't sure, there's certainly a source deeper within. It's segmented more than anything else and you can't tell all that much just seeing this little part o fit.
Can I tell which part is the darkness?
All the segments are - it's like if the different areas of the darkness were somehow counted as different effects. Like if one room's darkness was one segment, and another room's was another.
'Well, that's unfortunately complex. Very well. Calleigh and I will scout. Those of you with true seeing, guide those who do not. We'll seek out the source.'
"Sensible," Debonah agrees, as everyone gets in position, Debonah leading the way after you. "Tell us if you need reinforcement, Tryll."
'Of course.' Tryll says as he and Calleigh head inside.
The passage down is dark and narrow. It clings in, pushes in, constricting. Down this passage you go, deeper and deeper in. The shadows are moving as you come down a slope downwards - and Tryll's sharp and clear eyes can note a faint wetness on the ground here.
Tryll & Calleigh are ever-sharp and at the ready! They will miss nothing!
> roll 1d20+42 Dana acrobatics
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=15]
Dana follows next and bites off a foul few words, "Ground's wet," she whispers "Don't break your necks. It's slippery, don't think it's water. She squats down and runs a metal clad finger on the ground, peering at it carefully.
"Not sure what the fuck it is," she mutters, "Slimy."
'We don't see any actual slimes, though. Probably just some sort of mold, or the trail of some creature.'
"On focus," Debonah murmurs, "Step carefully."
With that the party reaches the end of the downward tunnel. Ahead lies a deep chasm, perhaps 40ft long, plunging into the shadowed dark. On the far side it continues on.
"Barrier to keep out the land bound or is it more tricky?" Miranda murmurs, "It could be either."
Any teleportation wards or dimensional anchors in here?
Yes, I believe it came up before. Is a refresher needed?
Sorry, must've missed it then. Okay.
Tryll creates a few walls of ectoplasm across the chasm to act as a temporary bridge!
Done and done. As the party crosses, nothing untold happens. "Just a chasm?" Debonah murmurs, "I expected more, as we are within the dragon's defenses now."
'It's dark, so it would be easy to fall into. It would probably catch most questing mortals.'
Dana pauses, considers, "Think there might be loot down there?" she peers into the depths. "Bodies to plunder?"
"It may be so," Miranda agrees, "But I doubt not too much, because dragons are nothing but rapacious."
'We can check it on our way back.'
Thus you continue on, through tighter passes and shadows.
In the distance you can begin to hear the faraway, echoing sound of rock crashing.
'Well, SOMEthing is up ahead.' Tryll says, surging forward.
The party follows and...
Making any effort at stealth here?
Tryll and Calleigh are naturally silent. We're scouting, so care is being taken as to not be seen.
Gimme stealth just in case someone can even perceive you.
Tryll[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 17 + 9, total 26[/blockquote]Calleigh[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+18 : 19 + 18, total 37[/blockquote]
+8 for Calleigh
Thus the two of you take the lead in the shadows - and past a turn is a large cavern. Here human sized elementals toss boulders about, well over a dozen of them. It's a loud crashing now, tossed about, gotten and tossed again in the shadows.
Calleigh silently casts Detect Evil!
You do not detect any evil.
'Elementals up ahead. They don't seem to be evil. Perhaps they're amenable to conversation. Your thoughts?' Tryll sends back to the group.
"That? They're guardians," Miranda says, "Even if they're unwitting ones."
"Probably," Benyen agrees, "But maybe we can throw whatever they're throwing around, scare them off or impress them?"
'Maybe. They seem about your size, Benyen.'
"I've heard better ideas," Debonah finally says, "But it's still better than killing them unneededly, if they aren't the enemy."
"This reminds me of those fucking giants," Dana says, "You ever watch them, Tryll?"
'Giants? What?'
'The ones who played galuh," Dana whispers back, "The boulder throwing game?"
'Oh. Oh! Yes! Calleigh liked the loud noises they made. Hmm. You're proposing to teach them the game?'
"...why not?" Dana finally says, "It'll get you talking to them and draw them in."
Miranda shakes her head, "It's not the worst idea. Sports and competition bring people together."
"Especially when it involves big ass rocks," Dana agrees.
'Okay. So, Dana's going to teach them how to play the game. I just need to get their attention, then?'
"Yeah," Dana says, "You do that, you do that fucking good."
There is the non-verbal sensation of a sidelong eyeing directed at Dana.
Dana returns that look, arms crossed and seeming to just invite you to say something.
Tryll appears before the elementals! 'Hi.'
As one, the elementals slowly turn to you, boulders held and not thrown. They stare, not a word said as they behold the strange creature before them.
'Would you like to learn a new rock-throwing game?'
The answer is a rain of boulders right your way.
Fortunately, none seem magical and they pass through you without any harm at all.
'No, not that one. A different one.'
The elementals go at a steady pace, lifting up more boulders and throwing them at you. It's as effective as it was before.
'You DO understand that you're not hurting me, right?'
The elementals stare at you all the while.
Here one stands for the others, given freely. His soul is lightened by his ally and familiar, one who will stand with him and support him, my son. Can you say the same of your harems, of you and yours? I pray that you look closely here as well, look closely and consider wisely.
Finally, one points and says, "No smash?"
'No smash. Want to learn a game instead?'
More rocks. Boulders fly and through you before they finally say, "Game?"
'It's called galuh. It's very popular.'
Gimme a Diplo check here, just for reference. You said something worthy of it.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+49 : 20 + 49, total 69[/blockquote]
The elementals stare, "Galuh?" One finally says. "What is Galuh?"
'My friend Dana will explain.' Tryll says, 'Dana, you're up.'
Dana emerges, "Alright, you fucking elementals, now listen up and hold onto your stone cocks with both hands, because I'm going to fucking change your worlds."
> roll 1d20+41 Intimidate Dana
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=14]
From here it's all Dana teaching elementals. It's...surprisingly effective, falling in line with her comments as she teaches them the ancient giant game.
As they do, Miranda comes to Debonah, and in a low voice to just the two of them, "Do elementals have stone..." she gestures at one's middle.
Debonah blinks, "And why in Lady Firehair's name should I know that?"
"You oversee men and only men. I assume you understand what falls under your purview," Miranda replies, watching the boulder throwing. "Well, do they?"
This gets Debonah to shake her head with a wry smile, "Not that I know of, but elementals aren't like us. Maybe? Half elementals come from somewhere and they all can't be the results of flukes and insane wizards."
Meanwhile, Benyen stays farther away with Calleigh, "Hey," he calls, "What do you want to be when you promote, Calleigh?"
'They're elementals, and therefore mostly sexless.' Tryll tells Miranda and Debonah, 'The average elemental is either spawned from its home plane or created by a higher elemental or god. Humanoid elementals are occasionally capable of interbreeding, though.'
"A courre, of course!" Calleigh replies to Benyen.
Meanwhile, Benyen smiles and adds, "But you're already a courre. You can't be a double courre."
"That's a great idea!"
"...huh," Benyen rubs his chin, "Do you think...you could have two courre bodies at the same time?!"
"Do you really think two of me is a good idea?" Calleigh asks Benyen.
"...then how about three of you?" Benyen asks right back.
"That's a MUCH better idea!"
As they all talk?
"And that's how you do it. Get playing," Dana declares, the elementals going to the rudimentary galuh board, starting to hurl boulders once more.
'We all set?' Tryll asks.
Nods all around, "While they're busy," Dana agrees.
'Let's proceed, then.' Tryll heads on.
Thus you continue past this cavern, heading in deeper. Into the shadows, deeper and deeper - and ahead lies door of smooth metal ahead, vast as a few Hannas and blocking the way.
DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETEEEEEEEEEEEECT MAAAAAAAAAAAGIIIIIIIIIIIIIIC (psionics whatever)
Have an Arcana roll, just in case. [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+51 : 2 + 51, total 53[/blockquote]
The door is not enchanted.
The door is summarily removed with Disintegrate.
The door disintegrates. That was surprisingly easy. A simple, smooth and worked passage leads deeper.
"Hmmm...." Dana comes forth and eyes it, "Seems too easy."
"Not every dragon is capable of stopping heroes like us," Miranda chides, "Nor are we facing Hell's wrath every battle."
"I know and it fucking lets me down," Dana sighs, "This'll be some pussified dragon that can't even scratch my armor, won't it?"
"It'll probably be like fifty dragons when we get in there." Calleigh says, "Knowing our luck."
Calleigh appears to be perplexed.
'Dana, don't hit on Calleigh.'
Oh ewwwwwwwwwwwwww, I thought that was Tryll. That's gross enough that I'm going to strike that line and revise entirely. Deleting the last post, will repost in the next post.
Dana grunts at that, while Benyen smiles, "How about sixty dragons?"
"Yeah," Dana's frown turns upside down, "Let's go and kick the ass of sixty dragons - no, seventy's even better."
"Eighty!" Calleigh chimes in.
"Ninety," Miranda adds with a small smile.
"Oh fuck it, let's hope for a fucking hundred," Dana's grinning now, "Let's go and teach them what it means to be afraid again."
"Yeah!" Calleigh cheers, diving through the doors.
The passage indeed heads deeper. Deeper and deeper in, plunging down into shadow. As you go, it emerges from the stone - a head, human sized, and made of rock. It's about 10ft ahead and poking out of the floor. In rough Common it asks, "Master want know why you do this."
"We're looking for a big heart-shaped ruby!" Calleigh says.
Tryll checks the heart-finder ruby to make sure they're going the right direction!
It's going half in that direction and half towards the left side wall at the moment.
"Well, just come out and say it," Miranda says, "We want it."
"Noooo," The head groans, "Master not give treasure." Then it ducks and is gone, leaving the party be.
"Well, there's the last shred of stealth," Benyen says, "Good, that means we can get serious when they attack."
"That's not a good way to get ahead in life!" Calleigh points at the vanishing head.
'Now's not the time to lose our heads. Stay focused.' Tryll admonishes.
"Yeah! We gotta be headstrong about this!" Calleigh agrees.
Debonah softly sighs.
"C'mon," Dana strides on, "Less yapping, more getting this done."
"Geez, no need to bite my head off." Calleigh says.
Benyen smiles at that one as you proceed on.
As you begin to go, Tryll can hear a faint but distinct rumbling from the ground below.
'Rumbling underground. Might be something coming, or more elementals throwing rocks.'
You hurry along at that, the rumbling repeating, "They're preparing something," Debonah seconds, as you come ahead to another large cavern. Here dozens of elementals, human sized and larger, are prepared. Each has a big boulder in hand, raised above their heads and ready to throw as you come into the room.
Those boulders magical?
Some are on a glance. About 70/30 normal/enchanted.
Readied action: Twinned Maximized Chained Disintegrate. If they all throw at once, I'll target most of the magical ones. If I can't direct it, it'll still mean 40 rocks that no longer exist.
'I'll handle it.' Tryll says, heading inside. Once within the chamber, he addresses the elementals. 'Hello.'
Perhaps rather predictably, this gets a whole lot of rocks hurled your way.
Go ahead.
Ranged touch![blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 4 + 28, total 32[/blockquote]
Like that, boulders are nothing but dust on the wind. The elementals all stare in your general direction.
'How is everyone today?'
What follows is an outright charge - they're coming at all of you!
Init.
Tryll[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 6 + 9, total 15[/blockquote]Calleigh[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+15 : 2 + 15, total 17[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+9 Dana
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+15 Miranda
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+6 Benyen
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 18 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+11 Debonah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20-2 Elemental jerks
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d20=12]
Init is Dana (27) > Debonah (25) > Miranda (22) > Benyen (18) > Calleigh (17) > Tryll (15) > Elemental Jerks (10)
More next post.
Dana strides in casually, "Hey you rock fuck holes? Here I am," she says, shield ready.
Making a spectacle of herself and a target.
Meanwhile Debonah steps out smoothly, not missing a beat as a hail of arrows follows.
> roll 1d20+65
> roll 1d20+65
> roll 1d20+65
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=9]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=18]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+60
> roll 1d20+55
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d20=19]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+50
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=14]
> roll 2d6+35
> roll 2d6+35
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d6=4,6]
> roll 2d6+35
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d6=6,2]
> roll 2d6+35
> roll 2d6+35
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d6=1,1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d6=3,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d6=1,5]
> roll 2d6+35
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d6=4,3]
At the same time Miranda does the same, "Easy targets," she declares, the twang of her bow joining Debonah's.
> roll 1d20+67 (+15 favored enemy, +2 bane)
> roll 1d20+67 (+15 favored enemy, +2 bane)
> roll 1d20+67 (+15 favored enemy, +2 bane)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d20=15]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=18]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+62 (+15 favored enemy, +2 bane)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+57 (+15 favored enemy, +2 bane)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+52 (+15 favored enemy, +2 bane)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d8+35+2d6
> roll 1d8+35+2d6
> roll 1d8+35+2d6
> roll 1d8+35+2d6
> roll 1d8+35+2d6
> roll 1d8+35+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d8=6][d6=2,5]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d8=4][d6=4,2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d8=2][d6=6,4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d8=7][d6=1,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d8=6][d6=1,6]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d8=3][d6=3,3]
Twin barrages of arrows fly out, each striking an elemental with enough force to knock them back. Several fall from the assault, slender arrows ripping stone asunder with sheer strength and precision. They tumble on down, collapsing as...
Benyen, but he'll play cleanup as needed. C&T.
'You guys got this, or do you want me to clear some out too?' Tryll asks the group. 'I'd hate to just erase a good fight for Dana, after all. If she doesn't get to punch at least one thing in the face, she gets grumpy.'
"Fuck off and kill 'em, they're just elementals," Dana retorts.
What's the grouping look like?
They're semi clustered but showing gaps thanks to the barrage of arrows.
It's another Twinned Maximized Chained Disintegrate!
To hit (ranged Touch)[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 16 + 28, total 44[/blockquote]
That's a hit.
> roll 1d20+13
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 14 > [d20=1]
That's a failed save. Go nuts.
Fort Save DC is 30.
Primary shot if save failed: 264
Primary shot if save succeeded: 60
Secondary shot if save failed: 132
Secondary shot if save succeeded: 30
Per feat rules, every creature hit makes its own save. Strikes 20 creatures.
I'm running them as one creature since each one is individually unimpressive. So splat.
The remainder begins to rally - only to turn to dust, wiped out by a powerful volley of magic. Well, that worked.
Free act.
'Unfortunate they had to be destroyed.' Tryll says.
"Yeah! Elemelementals are neat!"
Dana snorts, "C'mon, let's go wreck dragons," she says, striding along, Benyen falling in step with her.
Miranda turns to Debonah, "Your bow skill is remarkable," she says, plainly. "You should come to Ysgard more often and demonstrate those skills."
"When I have time, or a lover who is an archer," Debonah admits plainly, "My duties keep me busy enough."
'I was thinking to ask if you wanted to join our crew of marauders after this, but you're a solar for a very active goddess. It's unlikely we'd be able to keep you for very long, considering how much downtime we tend to get.' Tryll remarks as the group progresses.
"Thank you for the offer," Debonah says, "But frankly, there are also not enough men here."
'I'm technically a male of my species. I think? The whole thing doesn't translate well to modern species.'
Debonah merely inclines her head at that as you go on, "Be it as it may, it's my duty to tend to men loving men. I need to be out there seeing to that."
There comes a full-bodied squiddy shrug. 'That happened sometimes. We didn't have any laws or stigma against it. We were all chaotic by nature, and gravitated toward what we wanted.'
"Hey, over here," Dana calls, interrupting.
"Dana saves us from boring talky-talky! Yay!" Calleigh cheers.
Ahead is more darkness, yet ou can see enough. A great, yawning chasm - where only a single stony path leads you deeper within, winding in circles lower and lower, even true seeing aided eyes unable to see a bottom.
'Well, this looks to be the way. Maybe.' Tryll says, heading down the stairs.
Less stairs and more of a sloping path down. Smooth, no stairs. Just a slope to walk down.
"We need to see better," Benyen says, "We're vulnerable out here with our vision so limited."
*slope
Tryll uses Detect Magic to see if they're getting closer to the source of the darkness!
Spellcraft.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+51 : 14 + 51, total 65[/blockquote]
You're closer, but again, segmented. You'll have to keep going and going downwards to find it.
'Have you considered developing blindsight?' Tryll offers helpfully.
"It's harder than it sounds," Benyen replies right back.
'Is it? Just sense the air around you. It can't be that different from water, after all.'
"He's right, though," Miranda speaks up, "We're vulnerable if we go down as we are, begging to be ambushed."
'Then one of us will have to scout ahead. Probably myself. Calleigh will stay here. I'll go directly to the source of the darkness and destroy it. Be aware that this will probably draw everything in this place to my position, and possibly yours as well. Debonah, Calleigh, keep watch over them.' Tryll says, renewing his True Seeing.
"Good luck," Debonah bids you, "Fall back if you need to, we'll be ready to attack anything you draw to us."
'Righto.' Tryll says, taking off through the rock and following the magic.
To be clear here, following the magic rather than the chasm, if applicable?
Correct. Helps with not needing to make Hide checks.
Thus you begin to head down into the darkness, following it. As you do...
Perception is highly relevant here since you refreshed true seeing.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 16 + 48, total 64[/blockquote]
After going down towards it, perhaps 200ft? You can hear the swishing of air coming from below.
Tryll approaches cautiously!
Deeper below, you see them rising in long circles around the sloping path down. Two shadowy dragons, one on each side, ascending higher and higher. They're more shadow than solid, darkened and black even amid the shadows here.
Any sign of the source of the darkness?
Not yet.
Tryll follows the lines, then, skirting the edges of the room!
Down you go, down and down yet. As you do..."Here they come," Miranda's voice carries far from above you continue to descend.
Chance to react and go back up or keep going as you please, or something else.
Oh, you meant THAT kind of rising. Well shit. Somehow I imagined something different. Let's strike the last line, shall we?
Tryll follows the dragons back up, staying behind them!
In this case, give me a Stealth check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 7 + 9, total 16[/blockquote]
And in a case of DM not thinking, how far back do you aim to stay behind them, roughly?
120 ft, roughly.
Thus you fly up until...the dragons begin to speed up abruptly, near the top, about 300ft away from where your friends are, rising like darts.
Chance to act, this may go into init as needed. Bear in mind that baseline true seeing has a range limit of 120ft.
How close are they to each other? Also is there a chance they're friendly? What do I know about these things?
They're about 80ft apart, each on the far side of the path. They look fairly similar to each other. Have you made a knowledge check on shadow dragons already?
Don't think so.
Go for it then. K:A.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+51 : 6 + 51, total 57[/blockquote]
Shadow dragons are true dragons with power over shadows. They are often associated with Shar at least indirectly and drenched in evil power as a result. While not the strongest dragons physically, they are exceptionally intelligence, wise and charismatic. Beware their breath weapons, which drain life force directly akin to an enervation spell.
How fast are they moving? Want to see if I can overtake.
On a glance and without letting them get away, fast. Around 140-200ft straight upwards. Your K:A score lets you know that dragons usually aren't that kind of flier.
Using a Run action to move at 240ft.
Tryll launches himself upward, sticking to the inside of the wall and rapidly catching up to the dragons.
Tryll soars upwards with them, blowing past. He's only 60ft away from the party now as the dragons rise up, only 100ft away. "There," Debonah calls, "Here they come!"
"Your treasures will decorate our hoard," One of the dragons challenges back, "Quail in fear!"
Init for everyone.
Tryll[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 14 + 9, total 23[/blockquote]Calleigh[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+15 : 5 + 15, total 20[/blockquote]
'Anyone who can, death wards immediately! Their breath weapon has a draining effect!' Tryll warns the group.
> roll 1d20+9 Dana
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+15 Miranda
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+6 Benyen
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+11 Debonah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 19 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+15 (+5 nerveskitter) dragon pair
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=17]
Init is Miranda (33) > Dragons (32) > Dana (29) > Tryll (23) > Calleigh = Benyen (20) > Debonah (19)
Miranda is somehow faster than you all, arrows raining down before anyone can react.
> roll 1d20+79 (+27 arcanists, +2 bane)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+79 (+27 arcanists, +2 bane)
> roll 1d20+79 (+27 arcanists, +2 bane)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+74 (+27 arcanists, +2 bane)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+69 (+27 arcanists, +2 bane)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+64 (+27 arcanists, +2 bane)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d100 vs 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d100=59]
> roll 1d100 vs 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 > [d100=9]
> roll 1d100 vs 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 > [d100=9]
> roll 1d100 vs 4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d100=75]
> roll 1d100 vs 5
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d100=38]
> roll 1d100 vs 6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d100=67]
Of the arrows that fly, many simply pass through harmlessly. Others hit and pare away shadows, dissolving them away yet leaving the dragons beneath it untouched.
Go ahead and make an K:A check since I presume you'll want to.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+51 : 5 + 51, total 56[/blockquote]
The shadows are semi living creatures, rising up to take the arrows for the dragons and protect them. Semi real things, semi living - and somehow taking the arrows.
Not undead shadows?
They are not.
Delightful. Carry on.
The dragons rise up, flying up and before anyone can react, twin blasts of breath engulf everyone above, great waves of darkness spreading. The two shadow dragons rise up and up, moving in smooth tandem as - !!!
Reflex saves x2, everyone but Tryll.
Calleigh has Improved Evasion.[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+29 : 18 + 29, total 47[/blockquote]
Need two saves, that's only 1.
Calleigh has Improved Evasion.[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+29 : 3 + 29, total 32[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+39 Dana evasion 1
> roll 1d20+39 Dana evasion 2
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+39 Dana evasion 1 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{45}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+39 Dana evasion 2 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{54}
> roll 1d20+27 Miranda evasion 1
> roll 1d20+27 Miranda evasion 2
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+27 Miranda evasion 1 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{33}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+27 Miranda evasion 2 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{29}
> roll 1d20+32 Benyen
> roll 1d20+32 Benyen
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+32 Benyen --> [ 1d20=17 ]{49}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+32 Benyen --> [ 1d20=17 ]{49}
> roll 1d20+35 Debonah 1
> roll 1d20+35 Debonah 2
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+35 Debonah 1 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{42}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+35 Debonah 2 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{53}
Okay. Calleigh takes 4 negative levels. Dana takes no negative levels and evades. Miranda takes 16 negative levels. Benyen takes 8 negative levels. Debonah takes 8 negative levels.
What condition does that leave Calleigh in?
[spoiler]
Dana
HP: 618/618 (fast healing 2)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Rage 1/1 Offensive Chain 3/3 Defensive Chain 3/3 Defensive Stance 10/10 Protection Devotion 1/1 Bulwark 3/3 Haste 10/10
Spells Used: Power Points 485/485
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Triggers frost blood on a slashing or piercing melee attack.
Miranda
HP: 421 (341)/421 (341)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack-16 (-16 negative levels), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves-16 (-16 negative levels), Skills-16 (-16 negative levels), Checks-16 (-16 negative levels)
Resources:
Spells Used: 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th level are expended.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Favored enemy applies to attack rolls. No real resource issues with anything she does, can function all day.
Benyen
HP: 632 (592)/632 (592) (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Magic Circle Against Evil 10ft (Protection from Evil), Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack-8 (-8 negative levels), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves-8 (-8 negative levels), Skills-8 (-8 negative levels), Checks-8 (-8 negative levels)
Resources: Smite Evil 21/21 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 60/60 Remove Disease 1/1 (week) Incarnum Overload 1/1 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Rage 2/2 Hell Striker Takeover 1/1 (mth) Dimension Door 3/3
Spells Used: Healx4, Cure Critical Wounds, Plane Shift
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Typical smite bonus damage is 28*2=56+6=62. 62+12=74*2=148 on charge, 74 normally.
Debonah
HP: 873 (833)/873 (833)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack-8 (-8 negative levels), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves-8 (-8 negative levels), Skills-8 (-8 negative levels), Checks-8 (-8 negative levels)
Resources: +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd)
Spells Used: Power Points: 634/742
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Should pretty much use rapidshot full attacks or swarm of arrows in any round she makes ranged attacks.
Currently unavailable:
[13 pp]7: Energy Conversion, Psionic Moment of Prescience
[15 pp]8: Debonah's Physical AwakeningA, Psionic Greater Teleport
[17 pp]9: Debonah's Mental Awakening, Genesis, Reality Revision
[21 pp]10: Heavenly Glory
See below.Tryll
HP: 793/793 (fast healing 41)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Free manifesting 1 & 2, 3/day each.
Spells Used: Power Points 106/974
SLAs Used:
Spells/Powers Active: Inertial Armor (+19 AC, CL 31, Extended), True Seeing (CL 31, Extended), Attune Form
Notes: Incorporeal
Calleigh
HP: 414 (366)/414 (366)
Negative Conditions: 4 negative levels.
Aura: Magic Circle Against Evil
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dorje of Stygian Conflagration (1 charge), Dorje of Entangling Ectoplasm (3 charge) Wand of Heroism (1 charge)
Spells Used: Power Points 0/57
SLAs Used:
Spells/Powers Active: Inertial Armor (+19 AC, CL 31, Extended), True Seeing (CL 31, Extended), Attune Form
Notes: When near any psionic creature, +2 to all checks.
Remember the penalties to attacks, checks, saves and skills from negative levels, -1 for each level. Also a lost of any PP and memorized spells/spell slots.
The darkness blast is nigh overwhelming, a shadow-wave passing over all the party. When it clears Miranda is on her knees, withered and gasping. Debonah and Benyen manage to stand tall while Dana tosses her head back, "Fuck you!" she says, untouched, "Try harder, you prissy sluts!"
The dragons glare on, "Worthy enemy or not," it snaps back, "You'll die all the same." Abruptly they stop rising - and begin to plummet down, reversing into nimble dives and fleeing. In an instant they're back outside of the range of true seeing - 140ft below the rest of the party, for Tryll's lower position lets him see them as they dive down and flee into the shadows.
Init is Miranda (33) > Dragons (32) > Dana (29) > Tryll (23) > Calleigh = Benyen (20) > Debonah (19)
Dana is up.
"AROUND ME!" Dana calls, as the air shimmers around her. A manifestation of will, a sphere of golden sparkles around her.
Manifesting breath barrier.
You're up, Tryll.
[spoiler]
Dana
HP: 618/618 (fast healing 2)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Rage 1/1 Offensive Chain 3/3 Defensive Chain 3/3 Defensive Stance 10/10 Protection Devotion 1/1 Bulwark 3/3 Haste 10/10
Spells Used: Power Points 480/485
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Triggers frost blood on a slashing or piercing melee attack.
Miranda
HP: 421 (341)/421 (341)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack-16 (-16 negative levels), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves-16 (-16 negative levels), Skills-16 (-16 negative levels), Checks-16 (-16 negative levels)
Resources:
Spells Used: 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th level are expended.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Favored enemy applies to attack rolls. No real resource issues with anything she does, can function all day.
Benyen
HP: 632 (592)/632 (592) (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Magic Circle Against Evil 10ft (Protection from Evil), Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack-8 (-8 negative levels), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves-8 (-8 negative levels), Skills-8 (-8 negative levels), Checks-8 (-8 negative levels)
Resources: Smite Evil 21/21 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 60/60 Remove Disease 1/1 (week) Incarnum Overload 1/1 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Rage 2/2 Hell Striker Takeover 1/1 (mth) Dimension Door 3/3
Spells Used: Healx4, Cure Critical Wounds, Plane Shift
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Typical smite bonus damage is 28*2=56+6=62. 62+12=74*2=148 on charge, 74 normally.
Debonah
HP: 873 (833)/873 (833)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack-8 (-8 negative levels), Damage+0 AC+0, Saves-8 (-8 negative levels), Skills-8 (-8 negative levels), Checks-8 (-8 negative levels)
Resources: +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd)
Spells Used: Power Points: 634/742
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Should pretty much use rapidshot full attacks or swarm of arrows in any round she makes ranged attacks.
Currently unavailable:
[13 pp]7: Energy Conversion, Psionic Moment of Prescience
[15 pp]8: Debonah's Physical AwakeningA, Psionic Greater Teleport
[17 pp]9: Debonah's Mental Awakening, Genesis, Reality Revision
[21 pp]10: Heavenly Glory
So they fled?
Fleeing on down, yes.
'Everyone alright up there?' Tryll asks.
'Not good,' Miranda calls right back.
'I'm fine, the others aren't,' Dana reports briefly.
"Gross! Note to self! Get wand of restoration! Yuck! Shadow stuff is gross!" Calleigh complains.
'Anybody got restoration magic?' Tryll asks.
"I can manage something," Debonah says, and with a pained smile, "It'll compromise my psionics afterwards for an hour."
'We can head back if you're not comfortable with it.' Tryll offers.
"No, we end this while we have a chance," Miranda declares, as...
Doing anything but talking on your turn?
'Do that, then, Debonah. I'll keep watch on the cavern and make sure they're not coming around for another go.' Tryll says, readying a Celestial Conduit.
Cool. Calleigh?
Calleigh responds by drooping into the floor.
"You'll need to be within my range, not hiding in the ground," Debonah warns.
Calleigh zips back out of the ground, "Present!"
Debonah raises her hand, and in words that momentarily illuminate the chamber, "LADY FIREHAIR!"
Those two words are enough. A raw cascade of healing power touches the party, washing away the negative levels like dirt in the bath. Calleigh instantly feels better as...
Anyone taking any actions beyond that, or move onto the next combat round with all the holders?
[spoiler]
Dana
HP: 618/618 (fast healing 2)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Rage 1/1 Offensive Chain 3/3 Defensive Chain 3/3 Defensive Stance 10/10 Protection Devotion 1/1 Bulwark 3/3 Haste 10/10
Spells Used: Power Points 480/485
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Triggers frost blood on a slashing or piercing melee attack.
Miranda
HP: 421/421
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources:
Spells Used: 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th level are expended.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Favored enemy applies to attack rolls. No real resource issues with anything she does, can function all day.
Benyen
HP: 632/632 (fast healing 3)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Magic Circle Against Evil 10ft (Protection from Evil), Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 21/21 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 60/60 Remove Disease 1/1 (week) Incarnum Overload 1/1 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1 Rage 2/2 Hell Striker Takeover 1/1 (mth) Dimension Door 3/3
Spells Used: Healx4, Cure Critical Wounds, Plane Shift
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Typical smite bonus damage is 28*2=56+6=62. 62+12=74*2=148 on charge, 74 normally.
Debonah
HP: 873/873
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack 1/1 (rnd)
Spells Used: Power Points: 634/742
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Should pretty much use rapidshot full attacks or swarm of arrows in any round she makes ranged attacks.
Currently there is notheing else that can be done productively, so no.
A beat and a few more - the dragons aren't immediately returning back. Miranda has her bow at the ready, while Dana waits, shield ready and barrier shining.
Free act, at least for the moment.
"Okay, so we know what to be prepared for. Wow!" Calleigh says.
"It's respectable," Debonah agrees, "They are likely not that stout relative to dragons if they employ such defensive tactics."
"Give me a few good and clear shots," Miranda speaks up, "I know I can take them if I get a chance."
'Then we'll blast them good. You guys want to stay here and have me sen them back up or come on down?'
There's a moment's consideration as...
Perception.
Tryll[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 15 + 48, total 63[/blockquote]Calleigh[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+41 : 1 + 41, total 42[/blockquote]
Calleigh sees rocks. Ooooh, nice rocks. Pretty rocks. Rooooocks! Calleigh loves her rocks.
Tryll meanwhile notices small cracks appearing in the ground beneath the party, spreading with nary a sound.
'From below! Under your feet! Move!' Tryll warns.
As one people leap into the air and take flight, all the party moving - just in time, as the entire winding walkway below shudders once and plummets down, falling apart in on it inself.
Amid the din of stone and the rising of rock dust, "Fuck!" Dana calls, "The old feint!"
"Check that, we won't win here but letting them come at us, they won't give us the chance easily," Benyen calls, "We need to find them and end them!"
"Damn right!" Dana grins at that, already starting to go down.
'Watch your steps! If you fall, I'll try to catch you.' Tryll says, keeping pace with the group as they head down.
Down into the dark goes Tryll's party - and you see it incoming. All the collapsed stone is hurtling up at the party, like a wide range blast of it to smash all of you against the ceiling. It's incoming!
"Block!" Miranda calls quickly, "Dodge!"
Tryll blocks with a chained disintegrate!
ranged touch![blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 4 + 28, total 32[/blockquote]
Abruptly, much of the material coming at the party is simply dust, a hole sufficient to allow them to fly past it safely. It hits the ceiling with a titanic thudding - and that and hunks of the ceiling begin to rain down all over, more coming your way.
Tryll blocks with another chained disintegrate!
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 20 + 28, total 48[/blockquote]
Aaand like that, more of it's dust in the wind. As it passes by safely, "Good!" Miranda calls, already heading down after them. "Let's show them that no amount of rock and ruin will stop us."
Debonah's smiling a bit as she heads down, "Oh, this is going to be good. An intelligent enemy is one worth defeating."
"Yay! TWO dragons! Twice the loots!" Calleigh cheers as they proceed.
Down you fly - until a massive crash echos again, more dust thrown into the air. Everything is silent after that, no noise whatsoever. Merely silence, merely the stillness of the earth.
You reach the bottom - a dead end with nothing but stony rubble here, littered about from the collapse.
True Seeing?
You don't see any awry with true seeing.
'Five minute rest while we search the walls.' Tryll & Calleigh spread to either side of the cavern, phasing into the walls and rotating throughout, checking both walls & floor for passages.
Perception.
Tryll[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 5 + 48, total 53[/blockquote]Calleigh[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+41 : 12 + 41, total 53[/blockquote]
Checking the walls, you find narrow tunnels - only big enough for a rat or raccoon to pass through, perhaps. The walls are honeycombed with them.
'The walls are filled with small tunnels. Nobody but Calleigh could comfortably fit through them, though. We may need to go back up a bit.' Tryll says.
"Unless the dragons can shapeshift," Benyen speaks up, "I've met dragons that can do that. In which case we may not be able to follow them any more."
Debonah scowls, "Like rats in the walls?"
'We may need to,' Miranda replies to your words, "At least into a situation where we aren't so vulnerable, or return later with better protections."
'I could disintegrate toward the cavern I found them in before, but that will take time, will not be subtle, and will use up a significant portion of my manifestation ability.' Tryll warns, 'It WOULD give Debonah a bit to recover, though.'
"In other words, our choices are all poor," Benyen agrees.
"If we leave now," Dana says slowly, "The assholes will be locked in here tight. We'll give them time to prepare, knowing they have an enemy willing to strike them, or pack up and leave."
"So if we stay, a bunch of us might die. If we leave, we might lose track of the Ruby." Calleigh summarizes, "Right?"
"Right," Debonah agrees, "Pick your poison."
Calleigh makes a face.
'Technically, only Dana and Benyen are likely to die. Unless it's from negative energy. Then we all die the same.' Tryll points out. 'Dana, any chance I could convince you to run to Brightwater and buy some sort of wand or scroll of death ward?'
"You want me to be your page?" Dana retorts, eyes narrow. "...fine. I fucking see why, at least. I'll need to run back so I can gate to and back."
'I could send Calleigh if you don't want to go, but she's easily distracted.' Tryll says.
"Yeah. Be safe,' Dana says and flies off at that, leaving the rest of you behind.
Now what?
Describe the room and all exits or ex-exits please?
Tryll takes a quick moment to reconnoiter.
As noted before, the bottom is a mess of collapsed stone paths. As such, the bottom is quite completely caved in and telling much about it is hard due to this.
You've seen the walls around this place are riddled with small tunnels and passages.
There's no obvious path deeper in, or at least any intact.
Tryll drops through the floor, seeking another way.
Nothing like that. Just more tiny passages by and large.
'Right. We're going back up. Let's try to find the passage the dragons came through.'
How are you intending to look?
Gonna start with eyeballs here first. True Seeing still active yo
Sure. A single Perception check for the searching, Calleigh as well, I'll roll NPCs.
Tryll[blockquote]Rolled 1d2+48 : 1 + 48, total 49[/blockquote]Calleigh[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+41 : 13 + 41, total 54[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+42 Miranda
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+38 Benyen
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+56
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=2]
You fly back up to the exit from this massive chasm downwards, having seen not a single place the dragons could have used to emerge from, at least as they were when you fought them.
Next is in-wall investigations!
Give me a quick d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 80, total 80[/blockquote]
More tiny passages, but less and less as you ascend higher. Nothing else immediately near the cavern, though you could go farther if you like.
Tryll does so!
d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 45, total 45[/blockquote]
After a few minutes and drifting farther out, you come out into a larger cavern. A pitch black cave, only your magic letting you see. It's just big enough for a dozen Hanna sized earth elementals to stand, each one unmoving and still.
Any other exits?
None in or out, just blank stone walls.
A correspond is sent to Miranda. 'Found a cavern with some sort of inert earth elementals in it.'
'Inert? But why?' Is the answer you get back.
Another is sent back. 'No idea. Could wake them up and ask?'
'If you feel it prudent.'
Tryll reaches out and gives one of the elementals a mental poke. 'Hey you.'
'What?' A rough thought, plain and uncaring, is your answer.
'Why're you guys sitting in the dark here?'
'Purpose.'
'And that purpose is?'
'Moving the stones, when they need to move.'
'Well, now is the time to move the stones. Up and at 'em.'
'You are not the master.'
'Who's the master, then?'
'The master is the master.'
'Where can I find the master, then?'
'When the master comes here. He travels from ahead and below in the stones.'
Tryll loses his patience and leaves, manifesting Detect Psionics to once again follow the magic toward the source of the darkness.
Thus on you fly, on and down you follow. Deeper and deeper down - it's drawing you sharply downward now. Down a time until you at last come to the roof of a vast cavern. Here much of the ground is flooded, a shallow lake here that sheds a faint light, enough to see dimly by. Within that shallow lake is a small island, on which sits a crystalline sphere, a floating space around it of twisting shadows, all connecting to it.
Awesome. Disintegrate.
Make the attack roll.
ranged touch on stationary object[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 16 + 28, total 44[/blockquote]
With this zap, the crystalline sphere crumbles away into dust. Got it! The darkness fades a moment later, bringing the natural darkness of the caverns back.
Any other reactions?
Tryll manifests a Correspond: 'Darkness is down. You lot okay?'
None.
'We're fine,' Miranda responds. 'No reaction from the dragons - we're wondering if they've fled outright.'
Tryll checks the heart finder ruby.
It's pointing ahead.
steadily ahead, not moving?
Yes.
'I'll be investigating further in.' Tryll sends with another correspond, 'Have Calleigh contact me if anything gets weird.'
You fly on a ways - perhaps 400ft or a little more. It's then you hit a soft TINK. A familiar feeling, the feeling of pressing against an area warded against incorporeal travel. In particular, this feels like a wall of force or similar effect.
Tryll casts Knock Disintegrate.
Ranged touch attack roll.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 5 + 28, total 33[/blockquote]
As you hoped, the field shatters to your disintegration spell, as does the rock immediately around you.
Tryll proceeds!
Abruptly, the pull of the gem begins to go downward and to the right, starting to drift in that direction more and more.
Corrrespond.
'Haha! They are LEAVING! I am following!' Tryll says, picking up the pace and making a direct line toward the source.
'Careful,' Miranda says sharply, 'It could be a trap or luring you into a battle on their terms.'
Tryll will be mindful of traps, physical or magical or otherwise!
Perception![blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 15 + 48, total 63[/blockquote]
It's moving more and more away and to the side, faster as you pursue.
Movement speed?
120ft to start, can move faster up to 240 if need be.
You're keeping pace with it or perhaps catching up, you think, adjusting for the moves through solid stone.
Please list all means of perception you have, including supernatural ones and true seeing, if applicable.
Normal vision, Darkvision, True Seeing
You fly on - and come to a hollow. Here is a big, flat floor with nothing on it save for a few small coins, littered about. It's quite a big space, hundreds of feet long and wide. The stone here is a plain brown, unremarkable with the occasional hint of green in it.
A cavern used for a horde? Tryll tracks the ruby again without slowing down.
Dexterity check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+10 : 7 + 10, total 17[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 5 > [d20=2]
You're racing ahead, racing on and on and on and on and on. Then you run smack into it - something blocking your progress through the stone, something solid even to your ethereal state. Likely something hedging out incorporeal creatures.
Tryll activates Detect Psionics!
It's custom work - it blocks explicitly ghostly and incorporeal creatures, but nothing else by itself.
Dispel Psionics maybe?[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+20 : 17 + 20, total 37[/blockquote]
Whatever it is, it dissolves to your magic.
Tryll gamely continues forward!
On you fly. Ahead you see more of them - more of the tiny passages, stretching out and weaving along. Lots of them.
Tryll cares not for physical barriers and continues forward at RAMMING SPEED.
Perception. Note if you have tremorsense.
Nope. Just Darkvision & True Seeing.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 4 + 48, total 52[/blockquote]
Distantly you can hear the sound of something moving, something scurrying.
Tryll ignores it, as he's probably faster than anything that could chase him! He does send a Correspond to Miranda, though!
'Got noises in the rocks. Small things in little tunnels. Could be headed your way. Will open gate to you once dragons located.'
'Understood.' Miranda sends back. 'Be careful ahead.'
Speed 240
Tryll speeds ahead toward the gem!
On and on and on you rush. You rush right into a crystalline cavern, reflecting light a thousand times over. A rainbow of radiance illuminates the room, every inch covered in thick inches of pure, flawless crystals. Great stalagmites and stalactites of it can be seen as well, the entire chamber hundreds of feet wide and three dozen feet tall.
The pull of it leads you along and ahead.
Tryll makes note of the location, yet does not stop.
As yo ubegin to go, you notice the crystals in the room thrum. A gentle, crystalline music, before abruptly great blasts of pure force slam into you, coming from all directions, as if the air itself objects to your passing.
Ref save.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+26 : 9 + 26, total 35[/blockquote]
> roll 20d6 force owwies
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d6=6,1,5,3,5,1,2,1,6,2,1,1,3,3,4,4,2,5,6,6]
Plus Fort. It's stunning, note if immune.
Not immune[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+24 : 12 + 24, total 36[/blockquote]
> roll 1d4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d4=3]
Stunned 3 rounds.
You're stunned, unable think or move. You float there in a daze, the crystals going quiet. Just as you get your wits back, the burst happens again, slamming into you as you regain your facilities.
Beware possible stun locking. Ref again.
Oh look a large scale trap. How big is the room?
On and on and on you rush. You rush right into a crystalline cavern, reflecting light a thousand times over. A rainbow of radiance illuminates the room, every inch covered in thick inches of pure, flawless crystals. Great stalagmites and stalactites of it can be seen as well, the entire chamber hundreds of feet wide and three dozen feet tall.
From the post when you came in.
Oh, groovy. Thanks.
Paragon's Fortune.
Tryll denies the effect, his nature as a paragon overwhelming whatever power the crystals have. Simultaneously, he speeds straight downward and through the cavern floor!
It's a momentary burst of power, enough to escape out of the trapped room and safe. Whew. You avoid any more pain and suffering from it, struck hard but nothing more.
Fast healing is a Real Thing.
Tryll skirts the edges of the cavern, continuing his chase after the ruby.
This does slow you down a bit, but it lets you keep following. And soon enough you erupt into another large cavern. This one is without the crystals of the last and quite large - and here you can sense it and...
Perception is needed.
True Seeing & Darkvision
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 5 + 48, total 53[/blockquote]
A blur. Two quick, tiny mice moving far faster than mice should, down into a tiny tunnel like the others you've seen, on the far end and out of sight. It's the exact direction you're being pulled in, too.
Straight lines are faster than twisty tunnels! Tryll marches on!
Though he keeps an eye out for rocket mice.
Onward you go - and abruptly the pull is heading down and ahead, rather than just ahead, by the time you reach the far end of the cavern.
Tryll pours on the speed, following.
A Correspond to Miranda, 'I think I'm being toyed with.'
'How so?' is the answer you get.
And another! 'I'm unsure how the dragons could be evading me at this point. I'm able to move faster than they are. I wonder if these mice have the gem.'
'They might be the dragons," Miranda points out, 'Magic to change shape into them.'
Oh right, I always forget they can do that, Tryll thinks.
Run action toward the gem.
You sprint-fly into the wall, into a great mass and nest of twisting, tiny burrow passages like before. Ahead! Ahead is light, the two mice going through and into that light, into somewhere bigger ahead, out of immediate sight. The same direction you're being pulled in still.
There is a Disintegrate.
Which is aimed at and the goal of it is to...?
It's aimed at the area the mice are running through in an effort to disrupt them. Just in case the mice are the dragons.
Cool, gimme the ranged touch attack roll.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 1 + 28, total 29[/blockquote]
Guh! You misaim, hitting space before them and disintegrating that, doing nothing to stop the retreat.
Tryll hurries after the mice and prepares to take better aim!
You rush in and abruptly the light is bright, so bright. It's such a difference from the shadows or the darkness of passing through stone as...
Fort.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+24 : 18 + 24, total 42[/blockquote]
You blink away the sudden light. Within this chamber is a large crystal obelisk, made of forest green crystal and rising well over two dozen feet tall. As the mice scurry towards it, a strange light envelops you...but nothing happens.
Whatever it was, perhaps incorporeal creatures foil it.
Detect Psionics should still be up.
Arcana[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 20 + 48, total 68[/blockquote]
The light disrupts living, corporeal creatures, dealing harm to them. Oddly the mice don't seem impacted - for they reach the obelisk while you analyze, going into it like it's solid and vanishing.The light of the crystal begins to dim, quickly fading away.
Tryll ckecks for the location of the ruby. A diversion?
It is now pulling you right at the obelisk.
Hmm. Tryll attempts to enter the obelisk as well.
You attempt to do so as the light dims further into darkness, and suddenly all the world is pain.
Fortitude save, Yuth.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+24 : 15 + 24, total 39[/blockquote]
You try and push in, but you are repulsed. You are pushed back as the shadows intensify - and you feel weaker, starting to feel...
Do you have death ward or anything similar up?
Nope. Save? Any SR for any of these?
Fort save.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+24 : 2 + 24, total 26[/blockquote]
BONK
> roll 20*8
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 20*8 --> {160}
160 damage.
Guuuuuuuh! You feel weaker now, the contact with the obelisk and the draining leaving you dizzy. You just feel dreadful in general from it, as...
Go.
Am I inside or still outside?
Tryll should have expected that.
Outside.
Arcana asks: What the fuck?[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 20 + 48, total 68[/blockquote]
What are you using to analyze? The time expended matters here.
Trying to figure out what this is and how to get inside.
No no, what spell are you using? Detect psionics or something else?
Oh, oh yes. Detect Psionics. Sorry.
The crystal is intensely powerful - it's drawing energy out of everything around here that isn't protected by Death Ward or similar things. While that isn't enough to get you due to your incorporeal nature, contact with it is.
Tryll examines the point where the mice entered, also checking the ruby for direction.
The ruby is dead ahead, right at the obelisk. Nothing looks awry where the mice entered.
It's not some sort of portal?
It does not appear to be.
Awesome. Disintegrating it. [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 10 + 28, total 38[/blockquote]
Damage. It doesn't count as an unattended object and has hit points worth considering.
Twinned Maximized Disintegrate
DC 30 Fort
If no save: 264 damage
If save: 60 damage
> roll 1d20+20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=10]
Ting! Your blast hits it and a few cracks run along the obelisk, parts of it gone - but only a few small parts, the entire thing intact. As you do, you notice it's starting to glow even brighter.
Again!
Twinned Maximized Disintegrate
DC 30 Fort
If no save: 264 damage
If save: 60 damage
> roll 1d20+20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d100=68]
Your next shot hits the crystal and abruptly it begins to crackle and break, before suddenly all is white, shards of crystal flying and...!!!
Fort again.
SR available at all here?
Afraid not.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+24 : 17 + 24, total 41[/blockquote]
240 more damage.
The pain is immense as the crystal is gone. Debris litter the room as you're floating to the side, dazed from the assault. The two rodents lie in the center, slowly rising as well, bloodied and battered.
'Right.' Tryll says. He would clap if he had hands. 'This has been eventful. Cough up the heart ruby and we'll leave. No need to open portals to the positive energy plane or Jovar or anything horrifying.'
One of the rodents recovers enough to give the general direction you're in a beady eyed look.
But after long moments of gazing in your direction, there's a clatter as the Heart Ruby falls to the ground, followed by the rodents scurrying away.
See example: How to succeed on a bluff roll without rolling.
Tryll picks up the ruby and immediately opens a gate back to Miranda & Co.
Unfortunately, the magic stopping that is still intact here, it seems. You'll need to fly back instead.
How rude. Actually.
Tryll checks the heart ruby finder. Just to make sure this is the right one.
It is the Heart Ruby.
Huzzah. Two down. Tryll heads back.
The trip back is without incident. All the party is waiting for you as...
"Is that it?" Dana calls as you make it back.
'This is it. Let's get out of this godsforsaken hole.'
Planning to get on out and retreat? Anything to do on the way out or just hope you aren't interdicted?
I'll grab everything not nailed down, but yeah
As you walk back Dana shakes her head, "Still, this was pretty fucking fun," she says, "Life really is looking up." As she says that, you feel it. A connection between yourself and Dana, resonating between the two of you.
Node update. Go read and reply.
Have seen.
"Alright!" Dana says, "Feels great, shit's finally going right!"
Miranda smiles a bit, "Things are looking up, we have the Heart Ruby," she says, Benyen laughing as he follows and...
Congratulations, you've reached level 33! Go begin your level up, I'll see to NPCs soon.