Okay, so first observation. How do you plan to observe this?
Not sure. Scrying likely won't work, so probably boots on ground with Prying Eyes or the like.
Okay, and who is going to do that?
I highly doubt there's anyone who can really out-stealth his perception, but someone with a decent chance I guess? Bastian's and Alyssa are about the only "stealth" we have in the group. He did the last round of watching, so I guess I will.
When you gate back into Ocanthus, you notice something right away.
The ice has begun to fill itself back in. Not all the way, but the chasm opened up into it is somewhat smaller and narrower now.
Alyssa tucks herself into hiding and sends out her eyes, starting to track the progress of the ice to estimate how long until it fills itself in.
Quick and dirty, you'd suspect a few days. It's not rapid, but steady and productive instead.
Alyssa sends a message back to the others about it and her guesstimate timeframe, then considers her prying eyes...
Okay, a couple questions here about spells might interact with Prying Eyes. First off, can I use shrink item on them? Shrink Item lists non-magical items, so I'm guessing not, but I want to be sure. If not, is there a spell that can shrink magical items, or can I make a boosted version to do so?
Secondly, how are these eyes detected, exactly? Like, they're constructs, so what senses/spells do I need to be worried about here? Like, do they still need mind-blank? Superior invisibility?
Third, can these things be the target of spells like that, even?
Fourth, if they can't be targeted by those spells, would it be best to just make a custom spell for a better Prying Eyes?
No to shrink item. You could manage something with alter reality, however, this is far from unreasonable.
By sight, the spell notes the eyes are visible. They'd also radiate magic.
The orbs can be targeted as long as a spell can affect an object.
A custom, upgraded spell is entirely possible.
So, with the radiating magic part, the only spell I know of that hides that is Magic Aura, which is a level 1 illusion spell, so I'm going to guess that it won't fool DvR anything. So, if I'm looking at an upgraded version that has stealth and non-detection stuff, what would a rough level for it be, at a guess?
Depends on the stealth you go with. Aim high with it and you can always lower it if you overshot.
Mmm... Superior Invisibility on the high end and some sort of camouflage ability on the lower end?
Superior Invisibility would push it into epic. Camouflage would be non epic unless you got really crazy with the bonuses.
Alright, I think I'll work up version for both and toss them at you and we can figure out which would be more effective. For now, though, I'll just keep an eye on the hole in the ice.
As in staying here to watch it or more generally?
More generally since it's not a 'happening right now' type deal.
Give me a quick 1d100 then.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 95, total 95[/blockquote]
"I have Mom Amaryl ready if we need it," Emily reports, "I also have Latha willing to help if it's needed. I can get more if needed, but I talked to Antenora and she agreed - Mephisto is likely to simply move his base rather than risk a confrontation of that level."
"Well, the hole in the ice will take a few days to close. I didn't send an eye all the way down, though. Should we get them readied and then scout and abort as necessary?"
"Why not send one all the way down?" Emily suggests, "If it's gone there's no point."
"If it's not then it tips our hand, potentially. Which is why I'm considering if we want to get everyone ready to move first."
"I can have everyone ready if we do move," Emily suggests, "While you go and check?"
Alyssa nods and heads back!
d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 86, total 86[/blockquote]
You go and check. Mercifully uneventful - and indeed, the cathedral is gone. However, you note there is a deep indentation in the ice, and what's more, it glows with a dull blue/white radiance.
Alyssa sends an eye to inspect it and test for a trap.
It's gone. Stand down.
No sign of a trap at least. The blue/white glow does radiate magic, however.
Too bad, but he did flee.
Alyssa moves in to check it out personally, keeping an eye out for traps via Arcane Sight.
Spellcraftings.
Spellcraft/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+132 : 18 + 132, total 150[/blockquote]
It looks to be a wellspring of intensely powerful magic based around ice and cold. Free flowing, it wells up from below.
Alyssa taps her chin...
I think I found why he was here in the first place. Dolmaya, would you come and take at look at this with me?
It doesn't take Dolmaya long to arrive, wrapped in protective magics.
"Hm?" A simple question as she comes down with you.
Alyssa gestures to the well of magic.
"Well of ice and cold magic. I imagine he was tapping it for something. Ideas?"
Dolmaya goes down to study it.
Dolmaya takes 10.
"How long can we keep it?" Dolmaya asks instead. "Add it to a weapon, armor or magical item already slanted to cold and you'd see a vast improvement if you did it right, but you'd cease the energy flow for some time after. Use it up at once rather than let it seep out over time."
Alyssa taps her chin, "I can't recall if we have any..."
"We don't," Dolmaya says, "Unless you reach one on the fly and try it."
"Offer it to an ally?"
"Got one in mind?" Dolmaya asks right back.
"Not specifically? Hmm..."
Alyssa sends to everyone, Do we know anyone who uses cold or ice based equipment?
Cresiel has an icy blade. Dana has a silver dragon's shield that's based around frozen power.
Dana? Isn't she with... Mmm... Tryll? Was that the name? We haven't had much contact with them... Perhaps this would be a good chance to make some inroads there.
It's not a bad idea. Why don't you send Tryll a message?
Alyssa does just that!
Excuse me, Tryll? Would you happen to have a few moments?
Waiting here on a reply over there.