Okay, go ahead and give me how you intend to reach Erathaol and what you're going to tell him.
He'll use one of his Stupendous Sending Spheres (I've got the name now) for this.
'Lord Erathaol, I have been in contact with Alyssa, who is one of the leaders of another group, blessed like my own. She is from her own prime and I would like to offer her aid, if possible, but I'd wish to better understand what I can do to aid her, considering we're also at war. This is not an urgent matter, but I value your wisdom.'
DM nitpick: REfresh me, do the spheres have the 25 word limit?
They do not. It is Instant Sending without a word limit.
The reply is simple: 'Aid her as you can, as you can as you also maintain your responsibilities. This is a chance to learn and grow, for it is seldom you only have one or two concerns to manage at a time. As for aid, use your judgment base don what you can and cannot do, and ask if you feel something may be problematic diplomatically.'
Easily enough done. If she decides she needs a place of refuge, they can work that out later.
'Thank you.' He sends afterwards.
I suppose for now that's all we needed clarified.
Once they are gone and you're done with that, "Do not let his distract me from my duty of training you," Xandra says, "Correct me if I err down that path."
Moore laughs quietly. "I'm sure you wouldn't forget anyway. Maybe now isn't a bad time to continue with that." He says. "We know where to find the pieces of the Wheel, so there's no real rush to go out and get them right now."
"As you like," Xandra says.
Give me an Int check, Wis check and Cha check.
[13:14] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+11+15 int
[13:14] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=13]
[13:14] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+6+15 wis
[13:14] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=14]
[13:14] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+15+15+15 cha
[13:14] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=14]
The extra 15 on charisma comes from his aura, for reference.
You feel like you make a vague sort of progress - overall for sure, but your mind isn't quite into it. You seem to not quite be there today, your thoughts wandering with information.
Moore flops backwards onto his back.
"I wonder if i'm focusing on too many things at once." He says. "I don't know, but I'm glad we're moving forward, even if it's just a small amount."
"It's normal for this to happen. Not every advance is rapid," Xandra agrees, "It's been a busy day. I suggest resting and trying anew tomorrow." She comes over and smiles, "With rest everything is better."
"Every adventure is just a collection of smaller steps." Moore affirms. "Okay, we'll plan to try again tomorrow, then."
He doesn't have anything else on his agenda for the time being.
d100 then.
[14:09] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[14:09] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d100=30]
Thus you sleep, dream and rest. You awaken the next morning with Wood asleep besides your bed and breakfast laid out for you. You feel good and refreshed.
Go ahead, this is leading somewhere.
Moore stretches out and pats Wood's head a few times before he slips out of bed to eat!
Thus you eat. As you enjoy that? "Moore," Cresiel calls, knocking on your door. "We have a duty today."
"Come in." Moore says. "Let's hear it."
Cresiel comes in, "We are on reserve duty today. Should any action be intercepted and be unable to extricate themselves, we are to go and attempt to save them. This requires us being on alert and ready to go at a moment's notice. We are strong enough to crush most enemies, a bludgeon to be used in case it is needed. We will go in with minimal information and make things right."
"So not really any time to prepare, so short-term spells are out." Moore says with a nod. "All right. We'll all be ready, then."
"Have any preparations that last long term pre cast," Cresiel agrees to that. "We're gathering with books in the meeting rooms, so we can at least read and play games while we wait."
Any prep here?
Moore's standard spells for himself, there's nothing he has long-term for other people.
Note to self, see the status of their own mission readiness arch.
Thus the five of you gather. Dice and a deck of cards are out to game if you wish, books are stacked up and there's time as...
Set yourself up with how you're passing this as you wait, then gimme a d100.
Moore will spend his time reading whatever books are nearby!
[15:32] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[15:32] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d100=49]
An hour and then another passes uneventfully. Kaja slowly sharpens his scimitars while Cresiel waits silently. Xandra reads while Jetina begins to pace.
"Peace," Xandra doesn't even look up, "The patience to wait as a sentinel is a talent one cultivates."
"By waiting a lot?" Jetina asks back, "I'd rather be healing at least, rather than waiting and saving my energies here."
"While I don't disagree," Moore says, looking up from his book, "If there were needs for your skills to triage or act as a healer, I am certain you would have been called on."
Jetina gets up and paces, hands behind her back.
"Waiting builds patience," Xandra replies as she turns the page of her book. "Much as practice builds sword skill."
"Mm." Kaja murmurs, barely heard. "Some times of waiting are easier to endure than others. This is a hunter's wait, with no guarantee of prey arriving."
"Still, I feel so...after everything that's happened, sitting here and waiting feels like a waste." Jetina says as she paces.
"I'll see if we can find you a regular rotation in one of the groups that needs a healer." Moore says. "But for now, pacing won't help you."
Jetina doesn't stop pacing, "But it ... oh never mind," she goes to sit and takes the cards, "Do you know any card games, Moore?"
"I know a few." Moore says. "It usually depends on the plane you're on for some of them, though... slightly different rules and all that. I can teach you a few."
It is at that moment that a smooth, genderless voice intones, "Two miles southwest past Salovar Cape, aim for Sixth Eye Rock. The plane is Hades, you must rescue Foniar and his four companions. They were attacking Dimtrees, a known dao outpost for contacts with certain lower planar elements. Dimtrees is 2 miles northeast from Sixth Eye Rock. Good luck."
"Looks like we've been summoned" Moore says. He gestures once to transport all of them!
Greater Plane Shift. to Sixth Eye Rock to be clear, since it sounds like Dimtrees is warded.
It is also now that I realize I totally should've prepped by having some Phantom Steeds cast. I am very stupid. Oh well.
Gray.
All is bleak and gray. The sky is a hazy overcast with no sun or moon, no stars. Only gray as far as you can see. Dead, shadowy olive trees can be seen, like skeletons rising up from the ground. Boulders are scattered here, like tossed about jacks forgotten by a bored child. The one near you has eyes carved into it, seeming so real as to almost appear as flesh.
Faraway screams can be heard, along with the crack-sizzle of flames. Just audible, heard and yet indistinct.
"Forward," Cresiel begins, as the miasma of gray around you thickens, fog spreading. Fog is springing up everywhere, spreading all about.
Moore gestures to make them just a bit faster!
Haste, CL31, 31 rounds of +30 movement for everyone. We're just going to have to fly that way as fast as we can.
Kaja grins as the party begins to move - and the fog spreads, visibility dropping as...
Fort all. Disease immunity excuses you from the save.
[22:38] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+45 Moore, mettle
[22:38] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=3]
[22:39] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40 Jetina, mettle
[22:39] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=19]
[22:39] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+38 Xandra
[22:39] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+27 mettle Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+29 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=10]
The mists spread, visibility plunging to perhaps 50ft in any direction at most. It's hot here and yet the mist is chilly, rising up and cloaking everything in gray.
Take 10 on K:P (if appropriate) for 91, is this just A Thing on Hades or something else? Anything I can do about it?
Gray fog is normally a thing on the second layer of Hades, not the first. It's also not this concealing - whatever this is, it isn't natural.
Perhaps a strong wind could disperse it?
"Xandra, could you try and disperse this with something?" Moore asks.
Xandra will use Gust of Wind, which is a line that emanates out from her. She'll just try and push it all forward and away from the group with it.
The fog is blown away, at least for the moment, revealing the barren path ahead.
"Let's hurry. I think teleportation magic is out, so we'll just have to make it by running and flying." Moore says, moving ahead.
Okay, movement speeds here for all and are you all going fast as, or keeping line with the slowes tor what?
Jetina grabs onto or is somehow held by Cresiel, as she is the slowest.
Moore's the next slowest, but Kaja is only 5 feet faster than he is anyway, so we'll keep this at Moore's speed, which is 90ft.
Note to self: Cast 5 Phantom Steeds in the morning every day for situations like this.
Thus the party races ahead, running. Yet the fog is regathering as you go, moving at a steady clip as visibility again sinks.
"We need more wind," Cresiel declares, "Can you keep casting that spell, Xandra?"
"It's little trouble, but it will slow us down," she warns.
"Let me handle it." Moore says, then he makes a simple gesture!
Using Limited Wish to emulate Control Winds (druid 5) for the following benefit:
Blow wind outward in an area around the party to keep the fog at least 100 feet away.
If I need to be more specific I can be, but I figure this is entirely possible.
Your will is made into magic and the magic spreads, blowing the wind back and away from the party. A large circle around all of you that's clear, letting you advance in far less danger.
"Let's keep going, hurry! Speed matters," Kaja says, "The faster, the better!"
Moore nods as he continues flying!
On you go, on you go and race ahead. Running over the blasted ground at a good clip, clearing about 3/4ths of a mile. The fog beyond your circle thickens a moment and when it passes, they emerge from the fog. One from each of the four cardinal directions. Each is a gray thing, humanoid and wearing leather wraps all over their bodies. They have hunched over backs, eyes covered by their wrappings. They say not a word, but they approach as...
"Looks like they expected a rescue," Kaja smiles as his hands go to the hilts of his blades, "My lucky day."
Chance to react, but this is probably init.
"They'll slow us down, but better we get rid of them here than have them ambush us later!"
I am just assuming we'll kill them, yes.
[13:00] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41 Moore
[13:00] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=11]
[13:00] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+21 Xandra
[13:00] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=19]
[13:00] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20 Jetina
[13:00] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+30 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+20 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+11 North
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+6 South
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+14 East
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+8 West
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=7]
Init is Moore (52) > Cresiel (48) Kaja = Xandra (40) > East (32) > Jetina (25) > South (21) > North = West (15)
Open.
Moore makes a gesture, and then shouts to everyone.
"Let's smash whatever these are and then keep moving!" He calls out, words of power filling everyone!
Casting Harmonize as standard.
Swift is Inspirational Boost.
Move (via Harmonize) is Inspire Courage.
[13:15] <Nephrite> roll 3d4 nonlethal
[13:15] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 6 > [d4=2,2,2]
+18 to attack and damage rolls, and fort saves against charm and fear. Since they're all close they get an extra +2 to attack rolls, so it's +20 to attack and +18 damage.
Also, Take 10 on K:P for 91 to identify whatever these are if possible.
K:R, not K:P.
Well in that case it's 94!
[13:33] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[13:33] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d100=93]
They resemble mummies but it's not right. Some sort of variant - you recall old stories of obscene rituals, where slain mummies are animated a second time, wrapped in leather and imbued with a soul larvae. These mummies develop an overwhelming taste for the flesh of the living as well as a cunning malice. On more thought, you recall that a sickness is involved, some sort of disease made by a previous Oinoloth and likely able to be spread by their bite or even touch.
Ah, now it comes to you. They are named the Children of Death, for they have met death twice, once as a father and once as a mother.
Would it stand to reason that healing magic harms them like any other undead?
You don't see any reason why it wouldn't.
"Children of Death." Moore says solemnly. "Be careful of their diseases, but positive energy should work just fine against them!"
"Do you need personal defense?" Cresiel asks right off, hammer and shield ready.
"I'm fine." Moore says.
Cresiel's 5ft away from dropping a burst of glory on all of them, so he'll hold and play cleanup.'
Init is Moore (52) > Cresiel (48) Kaja = Xandra (40) > East (32) > Jetina (25) > South (21) > North = West (15)
Kaja and Xandra. Go.
Xandra hurls a Sunlance at the eastern monster!
4:18] <Nephrite> roll 1d20 touch
[14:18] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 13 > [d20=13]
[14:18] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+31 SR if needed
[14:18] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=3]
[14:19] <Nephrite> roll 30d6
[14:19] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 119 > [d6=2,6,3,1,6,1,2,1,6,6,5,5,6,6,6,2,6,5,6,6,2,3,5,1,3,4,1,6,1,6]
Add 18 for 137.
Sunburst damage:
[14:21] <Nephrite> roll 25d6
[14:21] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d6=3,1,2,4,5,3,1,1,2,6,5,4,4,2,3,1,6,4,5,3,2,3,4,1,6]
Ref 35 halves the Sunburst damage.
Not sure if the 160 radius on Sunburst hits the others or not.
> roll 1d20+24
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=11]
It would hit north and south.
> roll 1d20+20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+18
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=10]
A tremendous burst of sunshine explodes out, consuming the eastern Child of Death and exploding out. The radiance is nearly blinding from it, and at the same time? AS the light fades, beams of black fly at Xandra from the southern Child of Death.
> roll 1d20+30 touch AC
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=6]
AC?
I'm not 100% sure on her touch AC but from the looks of it that should hit her.
What aren't you sure about with her AC?
Because her touch AC is not listed.
56 (-1 size, +6 dex, +21 natural, +10 armor, +7 ____, +3 deflection)
I assume it's 25, taking the 31 from 56, so, from the looks of it, she should get hit.
Correct.
Fort save.
[15:29] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+38 xandra fort
[15:29] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=3]
The beam hit Xandra but she holds her ground, light spilling from her as the darkness fades. As the undead reel, Cresiel charges east, plowing into the reeling Child of Death.
> roll 1d20+55 (+18 Moore, +2 charge, -10 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d20=20]
> roll 2d6+24+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d6=4,4,4,4]
At the same time, Kaja charges north, blades out as he sprints, head low and comes in with blades swinging.
> roll 1d20+56 (+2 charge, +18 Moore, -20 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d6+84)+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d6=6,6,1]
Init is Moore (52) > Cresiel (48) Kaja = Xandra (40) > Jetina (25) > South (21) > North = West (15)
With a heavy hammer blow, East falls in crumpled heap. North is slashed deeply, leathered body sliced as..
Xandra.
I assume you mean Jetina here.
She'll use her channel energy ability to... well, you know. Channel energy.
I assume they get a Will save to halve it, the DC is 33 it looks like.
[15:55] <Nephrite> roll 16d6
[15:55] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d6=6,2,6,4,3,6,3,1,4,5,2,2,4,4,3,4]
Okay, so channel energy? Which ones are you going for and what's the range on it?
Assuming Channel Energy has the same range as Turn undead, it is 60 ft. Assuming she's in the direct center of all four of them, does that hit them all?
I lied. It's 30 feet. So she'll move to the northern one then and heal everyone who hasn't actually taken any damage.
They're each 100ft away, as they appeared at the edge of the fog. Glancing, it looks like that didn't make it into post somehow, so my bad. Feel free to redo her turn if desired.
Well shucks! Yeah she can't make it to any of them. She'll just hold in case any of them actually do anything bad, then.
Init is Moore (52) > Cresiel (48) Kaja = Xandra (40) > Jetina (25) > South (21) > North = West (15)> roll 1d20+30
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=10][/i]
From the south the Child of Death there holds position, more black beams coming from it, this time at Jetina.
Touch AC? If a hit, make Fort.
[20:52] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40 jetina fort mettle
[20:52] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=20]
Yet Jetina shakes this off as from the west, a cold wind blows. A scything-sharp wind, blowing into the party as it holds position, untouched.
The figure stares impassively, unmoving now, letting the fog billow around it.
> roll 1d20+23 SR
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=3]
Ref saves if this doesn't beat SR. Note either way for people.
Does not beat Moore, Cresiel or Xandra's SR.
Jetina and Kaja don't have any, so:
[21:00] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+28 ref kaja
[21:00] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=8]
[21:03] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40 ref jetina evasion
[21:03] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=6]
I was gonna roll Kaja, but that works well enough.
Kaja immunes the underlying effect and Jetina evades.
The wind blows and yet nothing happens, as fists and feet fall on Kaja, directly fighting back and forth.
> roll 1d20+35 Kaja 1
> roll 1d20+35 Kaja 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=6]
Whiffs.
Yet Kaja's blade blocks all comers as...
Moore.
"Keep going!" Moore calls out, further emboldening his allies!
Inspire Greatness, Inspire Heroics.
[21:13] <Nephrite> roll 12d4 nonlethal
[21:13] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d4=2,2,2,2,3,1,2,1,1,2,4,4]
[21:14] <Nephrite> roll 18d4 nonlethal
[21:14] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d4=4,2,4,1,4,1,4,2,2,1,2,4,3,1,3,1,4,3]
Everyone gets 47 Temp HP, along with:
+8 competence to attack rolls, Attack rolls, +3 competence fort
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
Cresiel aims to play cleanup charger in that case. Go, Kaja and Xandra. Xandra in particular, I'll resolve those two after.
Xandra moves to cut down the southern mummy!
[22:01] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+53+18+3+8
[22:01] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d20=19]
Guessing it's immune to crits.
Xandra's AC is 68 if it gets an AoO.
Hit and no AoO so damage.
[22:08] <Nephrite> roll 3d6+19+18+3d6 holy
[22:08] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d6=3,5,3,5,3,3]
So as an addendum, everyone should have 47 Temp HP, plus 8 times whatever their con mod is.
Going forward, I will just calculate this so you don't have to do extra math, and I will keep a record of what everyone's is somewhere. I've listed what everyone's temp HP should be for now.
Moore: 64+47 = 111
Cresiel: 88+47 = 135
Xandra: 72+47 =119
Kaja: 64+47 = 111
Jetina: 56+47 = 103
Xandra flies and engages, slicing deep into the southern Child of Death. No blood from the wound, only a soundless exhale of air as she cuts its stomach open. Instead black beams come from it and...
Provokes an AoO from Xandra.
[spoiler]
Add in +18 Moore bonus as well as bonus from latest bardic.
+8 competence to attack rolls, Attack rolls, +3 competence fort
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
Moore: 64+47 = 111
Cresiel: 88+47 = 135
Xandra: 72+47 =119
Kaja: 64+47 = 111
Jetina: 56+47 = 103
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 538/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 529/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
[11:36] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+53+18+3+8
[11:36] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+53+18+3+8 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{98}
[11:37] <Nephrite> roll 3d6+19+18+3d6 holy
[11:37] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 3d6+19+18+3d6 holy --> [ 3d6=11 3d6=11 ]{59}
A second cutting slice is through the body altogether, the Child of Death falling in two pieces. Both try and thrash, try and move - but it's in vain, going still.
Init is Moore (52) > Cresiel (48) Kaja = Xandra (40) > Jetina (25) > North = West (15)
Kaja and Cresiel. Kaja first for likely blendering.
> roll 1d20+64 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gem 1
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gem 1 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{74}
> roll 1d20+59 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gem 2
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+59 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gem 2 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{61}
> roll 1d20+54 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gem 3
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+54 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gem 3 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{66}
> roll 1d20+49 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gem 4
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+49 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gem 4 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{57}
> roll 1d20+64 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gold 1
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gold 1 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{74}
> roll 1d20+59 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gold 2
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+59 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gold 2 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{66}
> roll 1d20+54 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gold 3
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+54 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gold 3 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{71}
> roll 1d20+49 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gold 4
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+49 (+26 Moore, +2 vs evil, -20 PA) Gold 4 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{65}
> roll 1d6+64+2d6
> roll 1d6+64+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+64+2d6 --> [ 1d6=1 2d6=3 ]{68}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+64+2d6 --> [ 1d6=1 2d6=10 ]{75}
> roll 1d6+64+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+64+2d6 --> [ 1d6=5 2d6=6 ]{75}
> roll 1d6+64+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+64+2d6 --> [ 1d6=2 2d6=10 ]{76}
> roll 1d6+64+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+64+2d6 --> [ 1d6=4 2d6=12 ]{80}
> roll 1d6+64+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+64+2d6 --> [ 1d6=1 2d6=10 ]{75}
> roll 1d6+64+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+64+2d6 --> [ 1d6=2 2d6=6 ]{72}
> roll 1d6+64+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+64+2d6 --> [ 1d6=5 2d6=6 ]{75}
> roll 1d6+64+2d6 two weapon rend
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+64+2d6 two weapon rend --> [ 1d6=4 2d6=7 ]{75}
Init is Moore (52) > Cresiel (48) Kaja = Xandra (40) > Jetina (25) > West (15)
What happens next is Kaja ripping the Child of Death asunder, nothing else. Shreds of now thrice dead flesh rain to the ground, all that remains as Cresiel turns west. He flies forth in a single, bloody minded charge, hammer raised high.
> roll 1d20+49 (+26 Cresiel, +2 charge, -30 PA, +14 furious strike)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+49 (+26 Cresiel, +2 charge, -30 PA, +14 furious strike) --> [ 1d20=3 ]{52}
> roll 2d6+62+2d6+7d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6+62+2d6+7d6 --> [ 2d6=3 2d6=5 7d6=20 ]{90}
The heavy blow slams the Child of Death back, caving in much of its chest. Yet it lives through sheer unholy power, despite a wound that would slay any mortal. It stumbles back, withdrawling, retreating into the mists and out of immediate sight, shielded by them.
Free act, enemy is in retreat and hidden by the fog. Feel free to pursue if you'd like.
"Onward, ignore them!" Moore shouts. "If they regroup to attack us again then we'll destroy them!"
"Forward!" Cresiel seconds, taking to the air again.
Gimme Perception and note any special senses, Moore.
He has always on True Seeing.
Take 10 for 67.
You advance through the fog - which begins to thicken, pressing against you, threatening to slow you with every step.
Chance to react to this.
Note if you have anything relevant.
Shouldn't the Limited Wish Control Winds still be pushing it away, or did that stop? I was under the impression it was a continual effect but I may have misunderstood.
See, that's why weekend breaks suck. My bad. Strike that line.
You advance through the fog - which begins to thicken. However, you winds disperse it around the party, blowing it away and keeping you moving. You're moving fast as everyone can, clearing a mile for sure. It's getting hotter as you advance, a reddish glow starting to permeate the fog.
Chance to react or to just keep going.
"Be ready for... something!" Moore shouts to the others. "Jetina, can you ward us against fire to be safe?"
Mass Energy Immunity (Fire), CL32
Jetina's voice rings true as the red glow becomes bright. Incoming! Great gouts of lava are flying sideways like blasts of water, directed right at the party.
Reflex if you care to dodge, though being fire immune obviously makes the burning to death part not a concern.
Let's just barrel through it. If it ends up being magical lava that burns through fire protection then obviously I've made a terrible mistake.
In that case, give me Strength checks, all.
[12:57] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+4 str Moore
[12:57] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+4 str Moore --> [ 1d20=11 ]{15}
[12:57] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+9 str Cresiel
[12:57] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+9 str Cresiel --> [ 1d20=20 ]{29}
[12:57] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+8 str Xandra
[12:57] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+8 str Xandra --> [ 1d20=11 ]{19}
[12:57] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+13 str Kaja
[12:57] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+13 str Kaja --> [ 1d20=15 ]{28}
[12:57] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+7 str Jetina
[12:57] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+7 str Jetina --> [ 1d20=11 ]{18}
Cresiel advances onward, determination letting him plow shield first through the great blasts of liquid rock. Kaja is behind him, using him to advance. Yet Moore is caught hard, checked and blasted back as Xandra is merely checked, holding position against the lava, arms up to shield herself. Jetina is the same, shield out and digging in.
"They're just stalling us. FORWARD!" Cresiel calls, "Lives count on our alacrity."
"Easy for you to say." Jetina says, then gags, "UGH! Lava tastes horrible."
Moore struggles to get up. "I'll just avoid it next time, it's fine! Just keep pressing forward!" He shouts to the others.
Cresiel and Kaja continue while...
Strength checks, everyone but those two.
[13:16] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+4+15 str Moore (+GI points)
[13:16] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+4+15 str Moore (+GI points) --> [ 1d20=20 ]{39}
[13:16] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+8 str Xandra
[13:16] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+8 str Xandra --> [ 1d20=13 ]{21}
[13:16] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+7 str Jetina
[13:16] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+7 str Jetina --> [ 1d20=16 ]{23}
Behind but not stopped, Moore and the others manage to surge forward, even Moore able to recover and flitter amid them. However, Moore being knocked back gives the blasts more room to work with, trying to catch him as...
Again for Moore. He got knocked back so he has room to make up.
[13:27] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+4+15 str Moore (+GI points)
[13:27] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+4+15 str Moore (+GI points) --> [ 1d20=14 ]{33}
Down to 62 points, for reference.
Moore manages to pass them, jets flying by, ending as the party passes. Ahead you can see Cresiel and everyone advancing, keeping pace with you for controlling winds. Now the lava is forming a tall wall, jets stopping as it spreads out, a barrier of shimmering yellow-orange-red lava.
Moore mutters under his breath as he looks to the others. "Ideas? We could try a Disintegration, but then it would likely just reform. Should we try and freeze it and then smash through it?" He offers to the others.
"I like your idea," Xandra says, "We don't have time to come up with a better plan."
"Agreed, forward," Kaja says, "Freeze it."
Cresiel stops a moment, waiting, "Hurry."
"I'd do it if I hadn't already messed with the winds." Moore says. "Xandra, try something like Cone of Cold!"
Xandra steps forward to catch as much of the lava wall as she can with her magic!
Trying Greater Cone of Cold here.
[13:51] <Nephrite> roll 30d6+18
[13:51] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 30d6+18 --> [ 30d6=102 ]{120}
The blast of pure cold freezes the patch of the wall where it hits, a moment of flash frozen stone before all of you.
"Go!" Moore calls, trusting in his allies to break through the wall!
Cresiel surges forward, a single, powerful swing that...
> roll 1d20 1 check
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 1 check --> [ 1d20=4 ]{4}
Crushes right through the stone. For a second, all of you have a path ahead, even as lava falls and fills in and...
Ref all.
As a reminder, everyone gets +12 bonus to saves for right now.
[14:18] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 1 check --> [ 1d20=4 ]{4}
[14:21] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+53 Moore reflex, evasion
[14:21] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+53 Moore reflex, evasion --> [ 1d20=5 ]{58}
[14:21] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+47 Xandra reflex
[14:21] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+47 Xandra reflex --> [ 1d20=6 ]{53}
[14:21] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+52 Jetina reflex, evasion
[14:21] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+52 Jetina reflex, evasion --> [ 1d20=9 ]{61}
> roll 1d20+51 Cresiel evasion
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+51 Cresiel evasion --> [ 1d20=11 ]{62}
> roll 1d20+40 Kaja
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+40 Kaja --> [ 1d20=3 ]{43}
Yet all of you are fast enough, getting through the gap and on. Here a field of lava erupts alla round - great pillars and lines of it, tunnels and grooves. Great passages forming and collapsing around you, a maze being born anew every few seconds.
'You're good,' A whisper-soft voice murmurs in Moore's mind. 'Good enough to still be alive.'
'Then you know we won't give up until we rescue who we're here to rescue.' Moore says in his mind. Whether it reaches whoever this is, it'll simply have to be seen.
I admit I'm having a bit of difficulty mentally visualizing this.
Do you mean there's lava that's erupting out all over and it's what's briefly creating tunnels and things? Is there any way above this or is it all over?
Imagine lots of tunnels, walls, tubes and shapes appearing in the air. Imagine it like geometry in midair, constantly changing itself.
'Leave and keep your lives,' The voice whispers to you. 'They are doomed already. Leave them.'
'Then you'd have no need to be stalling us so.' Moore responds.
"We don't have time to be delayed here, but we have no choice. Keep going!" Moore shouts.
Aura switched to dex, hopefully it helps everyone get through this.
Indeed. Dex checks.
Everyone gets +15 to theirs.
[21:12] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+11+15 Moore
[21:12] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+11+15 Moore --> [ 1d20=2 ]{28}
[21:12] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+6+15 Xandra
[21:12] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+6+15 Xandra --> [ 1d20=14 ]{35}
[21:12] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5+15 Jetina
[21:12] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+5+15 Jetina --> [ 1d20=10 ]{30}
> roll 1d20+26 Cresiel
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+26 Cresiel --> [ 1d20=15 ]{41}
> roll 1d20+27 Kaja
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+27 Kaja --> [ 1d20=4 ]{31}
Curves, shapes, angles, dodges. It is chaos, it is horror, it is a glowing lavascape that all of you must pass. Yet the party is the match of this, properly encouraged and surging - and ahead they can see a structure of some kind looming in the fog, some sort of dark place. Yet that is not all. Advancing ahead, 100ft away, is a simple figure. It is clad in armor head to toe, armor that is cherry-red hot and burning.
'Moore. I challenge you to single combat.' The voice whispers in your mind.
'You probably know me well enough to know I'm not suited for that.' Moore responds. 'If you really want to honor single combat, then I'll allow it, but I'll send one of my representatives.'
'Choose one. I will wait.' The creature says.
"It's offering us single combat. I'm sure it wants to just slow us down more, but If we just go past it we'll have more to deal with." Moore says to the others, he looks to Cresiel and then Kaja. "Do either of you have a preference?"
Kaja smiles unkindly, "Allow me."
Cresiel nods, "Quickly. Transparent or not, we can't leave such a foe alone."
"Then let's just rush him together. Why do we care about his offer?" Jetina scowls, "He's likely a daemon or worse."
"We have honor to uphold." Moore says. "Kaja, do what you do best." Moore adds with a nod.
Kaja steps forward with a grim smile, raising his blade.
The armor clad creature does the same and...
Going to toss anything out here or just let it happen?
He'll get a Fortunate Fate, even though I have total faith that my songs will let him win this. : )
"We're just going to stand here?" Jetina hisses quietly, "Let Moore go, he didn't say anything about us waiting."
"If I go, you'll all have to deal with the fog again." Moore says. "Have patience and faith."
For the sake of you not twiddling your thumbs while this happens, roll init for Kaja? I need a sec anyway.
[22:27] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+30 kaja init
[22:27] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+30 kaja init --> [ 1d20=2 ]{32}
> roll 1d20+14
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{34}
Unfortunate.
Knight (34) > Kaja (32).
Knight opens.
Before Moore or Kaja can react, the armored creature slashes down with a heavy, two handed slash and...!
> roll 1d20+38
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+38 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{56}
Yet Kaja bats the ethereal slash before him away with both blades and...
Kaja is up in the next post, splitting this up for reactions and post length control.
Kaja smiles grimly, advancing in and...
As he does, you see a faint, transparent shimmering around the knight, a 10ft radius all around it coming into being. It's like a wall of force in sphere form, at least visually.
Moore quickly uses his Stupendous Sending Stone to send a message to Kaja!
'It looks like he has a wall of force or similar surrounding him all of a sudden.'
If he has time, which he may not.
Roll init in that case, see if you beat Kaja's score. If yo udo, you can.
[23:02] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41
[23:02] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+41 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{47}
Kaja stops at that, "Baited," he utters in open irritation, glaring at the knight. He spits aside, sizzling and boiling on the ground. "Honorless thing, trying to send me against a defense no blade can shatter."
The Knight holds his position and whispers into your minds, 'You whine like a scolded dog, afraid of the first setback of your scimitars.'
Moore shakes his head. "It looks like this was just a waste of time. A challenge like that serves no purpose." He gestures at the others as he starts to fly up and over the Knight. "If you're going to challenge us by yourself, you have that right, but otherwise we're going to continue on. You stalled us for time as was likely your purpose here anyway, I suggest you take that as a victory."
The Knight....steps back and away. 'My purpose is done here,' he agrees, slipping into the embrace of the fog.
Cresiel's gaze is on him, "Engrave this on your soul: There will be a judgment for what you have done today, and on that day, all of this realm shall hear your lamentations." HE says that even while flying along, hurrying.
Moore continues forward!
"Even if they've been taken into the fort or worse, we'll just have to smash into it to rescue them." He says.
All of you hurry along, and as you do, "We must exercise caution. The enemy has the advantage, as well as time to muster reinforcements. They anticipated us, this may well be a trap to eliminate rescue efforts." Xandra declares, "Be prepared."
"No plan survives first contact with the enemy." Moore says with a smile. "They're ready for a rescue effort, they're not ready for us."
Thus you fly along - and as the fog parts as you advance, you see it. A cliff rising over a glowing-red sea, where a tall lighthouse rises up. No light comes from it, painted a fading, blotted white. A large building is nestled around it, like a snake choking prey. The front doors are torn down, shattered, and parts of it are scorched or broken, roof having caved in for those places.
"That must be Dimtrees." Moore says. "Let's keep going, see what we can find. If you can't teleport into it, it's possible that they can't teleport out of it and are still there."
"There's an awful lack of trees here," Jetina remarks as you hurry forward.
"Worry later," Cresiel leads on, advancing towards the door.
Order here?
Cresiel, Moore, Jetina, Kaja, Xandra.
Cresiel strides over the broken door. Inside is a short entry hall, a bit dinged but otherwise intact. Doors go all about here - and as one, they open. Joining the fine stonework and statues are a dozen figures. They wear loose white robes and metal face masks, completely covering them. They are perhaps 8 or so feet tall each, striding ahead with inhuman grace.
"We've heard of you," One of them declares, then another adds, "Duke Moore of Celestia. The Voice of Aurora. Agent of Erathaol." Then a third picks up, "An enemy. A walking corpse." They all speak with the same deep, sonorous voice.
"If I had a gold piece for every time called me a walking corpse." Moore laments. "I don't know who you are, and frankly, don't really care either. You know exactly why we're here, and if you were smart about it, you'd just tell me where they are and we'd leave. I am going to guess you're going to decide to try and attack us, and are all going to go from 'walking corpses' to 'literal corpses.'" He says, not giving even an inch for kindness at this point.
Cresiel smiles coolly, "Run or die," he says, succinctly. "Or kneel and repent."
Kaja draws his scimitars, no words at all.
Jetina's blade is bared and shield ready, "Giv eme a reason to smite you in Raziel's name."
Xandra is silent a moment before she says, "Either they are dead, gone or you are stalling for time. Which?"
A fourth declares, "Those you sought are dead. It is your time to join them."
At that - !!!
Initiative, they aren't folding.
"Then you're about to join them." Moore says.
[13:54] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41 Moore
[13:54] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=11]
[13:54] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+21 Xandra
[13:54] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=13]
[13:54] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20 Jetina
[13:54] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+30 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+20 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+11 masked men
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+14 ???
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 18 > [d20=4]
Init is Moore (52) > Kaja (39) > Cresiel (36) > Xandra (34) > Jetina (32) > ??? (18) > Masked Men (17)
Open pixie.
[14:05] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[14:05] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d100=4]
Moore gestures ... but nothing happens, alas!
He merely smiles after that as he raises his voice. "You'll return to whatever devil pit spewed you out!" The words empower all of his allies!
Standard is a no go because of spell failure, but he's using his movement via Harmonize on a song.
Destined Strike, +4 to attack and damage rolls, Improved Critical Feat, +15 to threat confirmation
"Am I clear?" Kaja calls quickly, ready to pounce.
Aimed at Xandra. He's going to go unless Xandra's saying otherwise.
"Yes."
> roll 1d20+58 (+30 Moore, -30 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=8]
> OOC: +2 more charge.
> roll 2d6+188+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 205 > [d6=4,5,5,3]
Kaja is there on the first of them, scimitar cutting head from neck. That one collapses into a pile of pebbles, nothing more. "Trickery," Kaja growls as...
Cresiel.
"Then let me," Cresiel strides forward, a single gesture. A mass of glorious light gathers around Cresiel before exploding out, slamming into all of them.
Burst of Glory.
> roll 29d12
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 171 > [d12=5,7,1,5,12,1,10,5,2,12,11,10,4,7,10,4,5,1,4,1,8,11,6,9,9,1,4,5,1]
> roll 1d20 1 check touch AC with all the bonuses
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 8 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+29 SR
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=7]
The bolts slam home...and nothing happens, rolling off the masked creatures as...
Xandra'n'Jetina. Go.
[spoiler]
Add in +18 Moore bonus as well as bonus from latest bardic.
+8 competence to attack rolls, Attack rolls, +3 competence fort
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
+4 hit and +15 crit confirms.
Moore: 64+47 = 111
Cresiel: 88+47 = 135
Xandra: 72+47 =119
Kaja: 64+47 = 111
Jetina: 56+47 = 103
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Burst of Glory
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 538/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 529/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Xandra wants to cast Rain of Desolation, how many can she catch with that? It's a 40ft radius.
Obviously she wouldn't want to catch any of their allies in it, if possible.
Strike that. She's going to use Sandalphon's Amazing Barrage.
[14:57] <Nephrite> roll 1d3+30+18
[14:57] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d3=3]
I'll wait on Jetina's turn to see what happens with that first.
Does it allow SR?
It does not.
Each one is struck hard, forced back by a powerful shot and staggering, as...
Jetina.
Jetina calls on Raziel's strength to bolster everyone!
Celestial Valor, CL32
+8 sacred vs fear and emotion effects that would sap the will to fight, +4 sacred to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class and saving throws, weapons count as holy (non stacking).
Init is Moore (52) > Kaja (39) > Cresiel (36) > Xandra (34) > Jetina (32) > ??? (18) > Masked Men (17)
Suddenly, walls of fire fill the battlefield. Blazes separate everyone from one another, erupting out and ripping through all of you like blades.
Ref saves, all. Fire immunity covers most but not all.
[spoiler]
Add in +18 Moore bonus as well as bonus from latest bardic.
+8 competence to attack rolls, Attack rolls, +3 competence fort
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
+4 hit and +15 crit confirms.
+4 celestial valor bonuses too.
Moore: 64+47 = 111
Cresiel: 88+47 = 135
Xandra: 72+47 =119
Kaja: 64+47 = 111
Jetina: 56+47 = 103
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Burst of Glory
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 538/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 529/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
[/quote]
Everyone has +16 to saves.
[21:15] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+57 evasion, Moore
[21:15] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+57 evasion, Moore --> [ 1d20=10 ]{67}
[21:15] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+51 Xandra
[21:15] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+51 Xandra --> [ 1d20=14 ]{65}
[21:15] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+56 Jetina, evasion
[21:15] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+56 Jetina, evasion --> [ 1d20=5 ]{61}
> roll 1d20+55 Cresiel
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+55 Cresiel --> [ 1d20=10 ]{65}
> roll 1d20
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{10}
> OOC: That's for Kaja for a total of 54. Cresiel also has evasion.
Yet the party dodges the whizzing flames, but all of you are parted by crisscrossing lines of semi solid flames, obstructing the battlefield utterly. They burn and sizzle around you as meanwhile...
Masked men are up. Do you have any means to see through flames or otherwise perceive what's happening, Moore?
I don't think so. I have True Seeing, which would tell me if they're not real, but other than that I don't think so.
The flames are real.
> roll 1d20+44 Kaja
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+44 Kaja --> [ 1d20=14 ]{58}
> roll 20d10+40
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 20d10+40 --> [ 20d10=107 ]{147}
A crash of stone from beyond, the sizzle of the flames loud as...
Moore.
[spoiler]
Add in +18 Moore bonus as well as bonus from latest bardic.
+8 competence to attack rolls, Attack rolls, +3 competence fort
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
+4 hit and +15 crit confirms.
+4 celestial valor bonuses too.
Moore: 64+47 = 111
Cresiel: 88+47 = 135
Xandra: 72+47 =119
Kaja: 64+47 = 38
Jetina: 56+47 = 103
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Burst of Glory
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 538/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 529/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Moore just tries to dive through one of the fire walls to see what's on the other side!
He'll go through the first wall to see what's going on since he doesn't want to be cut off permanently, if possible. So say 10 feet forward? Will resolve if he needs to keep moving.
Str check.
You and your strength checks!!!!!!!
[21:49] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+4+15 STR
[21:49] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+4+15 STR --> [ 1d20=3 ]{22}
Ah! While safe from burning, the wall resists you, like a stream of fire pressing you back, and checks you in place.
Movement's stopped, but you have the rest of your actions.
Yes, pixies have Str checks. I am clearly the Evil DM.
Moore tries to move through again!
[22:00] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+4+15 STR
[22:00] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+4+15 STR --> [ 1d20=2 ]{21}
[22:00] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d20=2]
[22:00] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+4+15 STR kobot
[22:00] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+4+15 STR kobot --> [ 1d20=18 ]{37}
[22:00] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=15]
If you want to take the first set of rolls since they were the same I do understand.
No, they don't count since it was two bots, even if they were identical. Your lucky day.
Moore finds himself able to advance, blowing through wall after wall and...
Where are you going? For now it looks to be each 5ft square is walled in every direction, utterly tanking visibility. But for the round you can move freely.
He's going to stop whenever he finally sees someone or something friendly, if possible.
Which direction are you going or who are you going for?
Hmmmm. I'm not sure about direction, so let's say he's going to Kaja.
You fly to Kaja and are stopped. He is pierced and held by dozens of sharp stone spikes, growling in pain as...
Anything else or that it?
He doesn't have anything else for his turn. Don't forget Kaja has temp HP though, if it matters!
It helps.
Init is Moore (52) > Kaja (39) > Cresiel (36) > Xandra (34) > Jetina (32) > ??? (18) > Masked Men (17)
"Xandra, cool the flames down," Cresiel barks over the sizzle of flame. "Can you?"
She really doesn't have any high-level cold spells except Polar Ray and Cone of Cold, which really aren't sufficient for this I don't think.
Unless you have a suggestion I'm overlooking.
Nothing really useful here.
"I don't have anything to use on all of this." Xandra responds.
"They can't harm you, they're just annoying!" Moore shouts.
Quick question, does Kaja have any bonuses to checks from you? I don't think so but this is important enough to be sure on.
Only to saving throws and the like.
> roll 1d20+13 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=2]
Kaja struggles to escape his impalement, stuck by the jagged stones, but can't seem to break free. "Bastards," he hisses, struggling in vain as...
Cresiel.
"CEASE!" Cresiel booms, a thunderclap echoing from his voice as...
He's invoking his 1/day SLA miracle.
> roll 1d20+32
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=1]
Rain falls. A cold rain that hits the flames and weakens them. They aren't gone, but gaps are coming and steam is rising, giving you glimpses of the greater battlefield. The 11 remaining masked creatures haven't moved as...
Jetina'n'Xandra. Everyone can get a glimpse of the mess Kaja's in now. Movement is likely easier thanks to the walls being reduced by this rain.
To be clear, all of the masked men are still present?
Except the one already taken out by Kaja, yes.
Xandra fires a disintegration at the rocks impaling Kaja!
[12:09] <Nephrite> roll 1d20
[12:09] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 14 > [d20=14]
Assuming she can see them and this works, anyway.
Jetina will hold in case the masked folks do something that actually harms everyone.
Go ahead and roll damage for it, it matters here.
> roll 1d20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d20=12]
[12:15] <Nephrite> roll 20d6
[12:15] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d6=3,1,5,3,1,3,2,4,3,6,2,2,2,4,4,2,2,4,1,2]
Disintegrate is 2d6 per CL, max 40d6.
You know what's funny, I totally read that off the page and still managed to type it wrong...
[12:19] <Nephrite> roll 40d6
[12:19] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 148 > [d6=3,6,4,6,5,5,2,5,1,6,4,2,6,6,2,3,2,2,3,4,5,1,4,6,4,5,1,5,1,3,6,4,4,1,4,1,4,1,5,6]
The rocks are hit and collapse, stone giving way and freeing Kaja. He hits the ground, prone from the attack but already scrambling to his feet as...
Ref save, Moore.
[12:34] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+57 evasion
[12:34] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=2]
Nice try, Penuche!!!!!
Something in Moore tells him to move, so move he does. Amid the rain a sphere of fire appears where he was a split second ago, avoided by the barest margin - but it charges you, opening wide and pursuing, splitting open to get you.
Second Ref save.
[12:45] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+57 evasion
[12:46] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=8]
Yet Moore dodges that as well, as a moment later the masked men all point at you - the only warning you have before the earth erupts below, attempting to impale you as Kaja was.
Ref again. Not a good day to be a pixie.
[12:55] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+57 evasion
[12:55] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=3]
They are incredibly fast foes, pushing and causing you to land on one and spring into the air, dodging four more coming at you - but dodge them you do as...
Go.
"Cresiel, try again!" Moore shouts.
Switching aura to SR-piercing, as I should've done two rounds ago and didn't because...........
Anyway, everyone gets +15 to overcome SR.
With that, he grits his teeth and goes flying towards one of the masked men, drawing his rapier as he attempts to stab it!
So if Moore is close-ish to Kaja, let's say he goes for one that's not closest to Kaja, but second closest, if that makes sense?
13:05] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+24+11+18+3+8+4
[13:05] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=19]
[13:07] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+24+11+18+3+8+4 crit?
[13:08] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=19]
[13:08] <Nephrite> roll 2d4+36+16+8
[13:08] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d4=3,2]
That was a crit, is the damage correct?
I believe so. Normal damage should be 1d4+18+8+4 for reference.
Already smacked by Xandra, this one crumples up after being stabbed, collapsing into a pile of pebbles. 10 left!
That it for your turn?
That is it for my turn.
> roll 1d20+47 vs 45 to stand from prone as a free action epic skill usage Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=20]
Kaja springs up in a split second, blades out as he runs low, before leaping in at the next with a snarl.
> roll 1d20+62 (+30 Moore, +2 charge, +4 celestial valor, -32 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=8]
> roll 2d6+188+2d6+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 212 > [d6=1,6,5,1,5,6]
9.
Twin slashes sever the chest of the masked man apart, causing it to fall into a pile of rocks. As this happens, Cresiel intones, "Face your judgment!"
> roll 1d100 vs 50 miracle
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d100=53]
> roll 1d20+29 SR
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=18]
A burst of glory erupts from him, a wordless snarl of power that slams into the masked men.
> roll 29d12
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 201 > [d12=8,12,3,2,8,12,5,1,5,7,11,9,7,1,11,7,11,4,11,2,8,4,12,4,11,6,10,1,8]
> roll 1d20 this is a 1 check, really, with all of Mooring bonuses
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 1 > [d20=1]
Yet perhaps it is too much. Cresiel's magic sputters out as it flies, fading with a grimace.
Jetina and Xandra.
Xandra gestures again to cause a bolt of force fly towards all the remaining masked men!
Another Sandalphon's Amazing Barrage. She doesn't want to deal with trying to avoid hitting allies right now.
[13:57] <Nephrite> roll 1d3+30+18
[13:57] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d3=2]
This time, all of the remaining nine fall apart into rocks, rocks that merge into the ground and slip away. No sign of your enemy - at least visually.
Jetina.
Jetina prays to Raziel for power to heal her allies!
Mass Heal. She isn't sure how much actual damage anyone's taken, but this is a cheap way to get fast healing on everyone either way in case anything else happens.
Everyone's fine, temp HP. Feel free to redo.
Then she'll just move over to Kaja!
Jetina hurries over as the walls of flame give up the ghost, fading. Is it over?
A moment later, the ground begins to glow red hot, feet starting to sink into the suddenly burning stone.
Moore, go.
"Everyone, move!" Moore calls.
Goal is to go down the hallway (I think it was a hallway) and away from where this is probably going to blow up or whatever it is.
Ignoring the side doors, the party rushes ahead. Double doors are here, dented and battered, but in place. As you fly along, the floor starts to boil, "Hurry," Kaja growls, right behind you.
A moment later...
> roll 1d20 Cresiel 1 check here
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=17]
Cresiel meets the doors hammer first, flinging them open as you all escape. Ahead is a larger, grander room, a room full of dented decorations and blast marks. Art and treasures are hung and in glass displays, the floor clean, smooth and polished marble. There's a door to the left, right and ahead - the one ahead and ot the right are both badly dented, the one on the right sagging back, as if about to fall off the hinges entirely.
As you rush into here, the floor behind you ceases bubbling, starting to cool - as the floor of this room repeats the trick, growing cherry hot as you stride in.
"Oh, that little bastard is going to bleed for this," Kaja snaps, "Putting himself in a position that we walk right away and he can do this to us with impunity!"
[14:39] <Nephrite> To clarify, the left door looks untouched?
[14:40] <Kotono> Correct.
"He clearly didn't do enough to actually delay us." Moore says. "But it seems like if we keep moving, he can't do anything. Do you think he's still outside?" Moore considers for a moment. "Let me try something!"
He then gestures towards the floor.
[14:42] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[14:42] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d100=74]
Greater Stone Shape -- he's trying to basically just drop most of the floor in the center down, kind of like ripping off a bandaid. He's curious if this is actually lava or something coming up or just something heating the floor, for whatever it's worth.
So moving the floor downward, you mean, like sagging it down or wanting it to collapse?
Yes, basically sinking the middle of the floor as much as it'll go -- so either it collapses in the middle or we see whatever's causing the floor to get hot. Or it just collapses and there's nothing underneath it at all and it's just magic making the floor hot.
Cresiel picks up Kaja as the rest of the party stays off the floor. It sinks down but does not give - solid stone beneath it, the floor starting to bubble and boil.
Moore blinks and just flies up himself and over to Kaja.
[15:05] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[15:05] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d100=27]
Air Walk for him so he doesn't have to get carried.
"Well, if the goal is to inconvenience us some more, I suppose it's doing its job. Should we just keep exploring and stay off the floor? It doesn't seem to actually be... doing anything." He says.
Kaja takes to the air and eyes it, "No, I suppose it-"
Oh, you see now. A giant hand is forming, rising up right at Kaja. That could be a problem. A giant hand of lava, burning and grasping.
Chance to react, all.
"Let's just deal with it, then." Moore says!
If Xandra can she would definitely try a spell, but I imagine that sets us into init.
Moore is switching to the dex aura.
Go ahead and try for Xandra.
Xandra extends a hand and summons an enormous cone of cold fury!
Greater Cone of Cold, using a Smite for higher SR and save DC.
[15:24] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+39 SR
[15:24] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=6]
[15:24] <Nephrite> roll 30d6+18
[15:24] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 118 > [d6=5,3,1,4,2,1,4,4,4,6,1,4,5,2,2,1,2,1,1,2,6,6,6,3,1,6,5,4,3,5]
DC 44 Ref save halves.
> roll 1d20+13
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=19]
Almost made a 20. Alas.
The hand becomes sluggish and slow, the blast of cold turning semi solid, slow enough to easily evade as Kaja jets up. It feebly reaches for him before hunks of flash-frozen stone fall out of the hand, causing the entire thing to fall apart.
"Hmph." Moore says. "Give me a moment, please, shout at me if you need my attention. I want to see if I can figure out if this is a lost cause or not."
Using Hindsight to see if he can identify what happened in this room, if anything. He's looking for the fight that likely just happened in here today, specifically.
No good - whomever was here was warded, enough to interrupt and stop the spell.
Is it something specific to this location? I.e. I get information (that I don't care about) from things way in the past, but the current event I want can't be done, or does the spell stop entirely due to (assumedly) something here preventing divinations from functioning?
Latter. It's hitting something that's blocking it, basically.
"Something here is preventing me from even seeing what happened." Moore says. "Let's... try the left door. If they were taken, it probably wasn't through a smashed door."
With that, he flies over to try and open it!
As you go...
Perception.
Take 10 for 67.
You hear a sudden swirling and swishing of liquid below, the floor boiling fully now and starting to move. Looking down, you see dozens of flaming spears and swords of lava forming, all beginning to rise up at the party.
"They're persistent, if nothing else." Moore says. "Let's go this way and I can just block the door off to buy us time, if they don't catch up with us first."
"Hurry," Xandra says, "They're about to strike." Cresiel throws the left door open - flying to a simple hallway with paintings on the walls, showing various dao on a glance. It's a long hall with brown, red and gold carpet on the stone floor, which catches ablaze as the floor begins to heat up, the previous room's floor beginning to still.
There's a door on the far end - which is opening as you come in, as if someone is coming from the other side.
[21:43] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[21:43] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d100=87]
Wall of Stone over the door, making it as thick as possible to hold off the weapons.
"Keep going!" Moore shouts. "Whatever is there, we'll deal with!"
On the door you just came through or the door ahead that's opening?
Sorry. The door we just came through.
Stone boards up the way you came, moments later a hissing from the far side, stone and fire perhaps meeting.
Cresiel advances, shield and hammer ready to strike - and a bleeding, staggering dwarf comes through. His beard is mostly gone and what remains is charred. His face is a mask of blood and he limps badly, "S-solar..." he manages in a staggering word, before collapsing. He's wearing badly damaged plate armor, bloodied and rent in places, a great hammer dropped to the ground as he falls.
Moore doesn't even need to say a word, Jetina already casting Heal on the dwarf!
Blah blah blah 150+25 healing.
Init for Jetina.
[22:02] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20 Jetina
[22:02] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=20]
Good thing she was boosted.
The burning floor begins to cook the dwarf, but Jetina's just fast enough. Healing begins to heal him, fast enough for Cresiel to put hammer on his back and lift the healing dwarf up. "Guh...guh..." he coughs. "Disaster. I'm the only survivor because I could play dead, and they're surely following now. Entire...entire thing was known, somehow. A damned traitor or twice damned magic. They were prepared for our strengths."
"We're at a disadvantage if we stay to fight, as much as I want to." Moore says. "Cresiel, can you try and open a Gate? I doubt it will work, but we may as well try."
Jetina casts another Heal for the meantime.
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d100=43]
"Not after what I did to stop the fires," Cresiel says, looking to the wall, "We're close to the exit."
Moore nods.
"Let's see if I can make us a hole, then." He says.
[22:20] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[22:20] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d100=62]
Greater Stone Shape again, he's just trying to make a giant hole in the wall going out and upward to try and make an exit.
The wall opens - into a hallway to the south, another wall shortly ahead.
[22:32] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[22:32] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d100=33]
Another Greater Stone Shape is cast to try and open an exit!
"We'll find something interesting, or the exit, either way..." Moore says.
Another wall opens - air! A new exit is made, your chance apparent.
"Let's go. I'm sure they're not going to let us go this easily, though, so be ready for anything." Moore says as he goes through the hole!
"Careful," Cresiel agrees - as you fly out, only for the flames to erupt. They form as lava erupts from the ground, a tidal wave of it surging up in a moment, looming above the party.
Kaja snaps off a foul word as Jetina cries, "We need ice magic again, fast!"
"Hold on!" Moore shouts.
Moore is going to use his Boots of Temporal Acceleration power, which gives 2 rounds of Time Stop.
I'm not sure how this will affect the dwarf, whom Cresiel is carrying. Can he still be carried during that?
Dwarf would be frozen, which would stop Cresiel from moving unless he lets go of him to move without the dwarf.
Okay, action stands regardless.
"We don't have that kind of magic." Moore says, as he activates a power of one of his items -- everything coming to a sudden halt. "I bought us a few seconds, let me try something." He says.
One swift down.
Taking the standard action I have, or would assume I have.
[11:47] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[11:47] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 18 > [d100=18]
He gestures, then makes a silent curse.
"I'm going to try and just summon a blizzard to help us with this, but I think our best bet is to fly up, unless anyone else has any ideas?" He asks. "Don't hold back, time is of the essence."
He still has his two time stop rounds, as do everyone else, technically.
"Move," Jetina agrees, "We're retreating, not fighting this out."
"I see no better ideas," Xandra seconds, "Haste avails us here, not standing our ground. This was at least a trap for them, if not for us as well."
"Right, then everyone up." Moore says as he flies up!
So I made an error, and Eb was kind enough to correct me. I used a swift in 'real time,' then one time stop standard.
I am moving with my first time stop action.
My second time stop action will be an attempt at a spell:
[12:16] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[12:16] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d100=20]
which again fails because why not.
Then moving again.
Cresiel can't move, but everyone else should be able to. He's also the fastest of all of us anyway, so that should be okay.
so basically, everyone gets two rounds of movement to go up except Cresiel.
What aura do you have up right now?
Dex.
> roll 1d20+30 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d20=10]
Yet Cresiel is fast enough to catch up, barely. The tidal wave misses, stopping before it hits Dimtrees. It instead begins to gather into a great geyser, rising up and twisting to follow all of you.
"I admit, the manipulation magic is impressive. Just keep going!" Moore shouts at the others. "Up higher, it must have an actual limit!"
Movement speeds? Matters here.
Slowest is Jetina at 30 with perfect maneuverability.
Then Kaja with 55, Moore with 60, Xandra's 90 and Cresiel's 150.
What are the relevant maneuverability? I should have asked that right off, that's my mistake.
Moore is Good, Cresiel and Xandra are perfect, Kaja is ... uh... ... Air Walk doesn't specify, so I would assume average.
The party rises up, flying fast and high. The sky up here is dark and cold, glowing fire chasing you higher and higher - until at last it approaches no more, left behind as you ascend.
"Let's keep going. I want to get far enough away that we can get out of here without something diverting us." Moore says.
They're going to go southwest, which is the same way they took to get here.
d100 real quick.
13:42] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[13:42] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 95 > [d100=95]
I LOVE LAVA DRAGONS
In that case, give me Perception too?
Take 10 for 67.
Ahead in the fog, ahead into the cold sky above. Here all seems empty and dead and yet you glance up. A gleam of red coming faster and faster by the moment, something approaching at tremendous speeds, getting bigger and bigger - it's coming close and it's HUGE! Huge enough to crush all of you like Hanna might crush a gnat underfoot.
"They're really persistent!" Moore shouts. "Look out, above us!"
He does his best to get out of the way!
"Move," Cresiel seconds as the dwarf holds on tight, the party flying along fast - and you can already see it's too big - it's mammoth, a great mountain of burning red stone coming down your way.You need to do something, fast!
One round's actions each. Use them wisely.
"Just move! Don't worry about anything else!" Moore shouts.
He's just going to try and get out of the way. If anyone looks like they may struggle to make it, he'll sacrifice a second move action to use his ability to grant a move action.
The party hurries - and it's still coming, your inspiration helping but...
Ref saves, +4 bonus all.
Everyone still gets +16 to saves, as a reminder, so that should be +20 total for everyone.
[14:37] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+61 evasion, Moore
[14:37] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=19]
[14:37] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+55 Xandra
[14:37] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=4]
[14:38] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+60 Jetina, evasion
[14:38] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+55 Cresiel evasion
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+44 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=9]
It's bigger and bigger - you aren't going to make it. It's a giant mountain, a rock coming your way. You're dead for - there. THERE! Xandra calls, "In there." A crag in it, a natural cave in the mammoth, burning thing. With no other options the party flies in, grabbing the sides and holding on. You're no longer in danger of being crushed, but it's still falling towards the ground.
"I'm left without many suggestions, I admit." Moore says. "Do we want to chance just trying to plane shift out of here?" He asks, knowing that they don't have a lot of time to debate it.
"Try," Jetina urges, as her protected hands cling to the sides of the rock.
"Got no better ideas," Kaja grunts, as the dwarf clinging to Cresiel adds, "It's that or fates worse than death, so choose!"
"If it doesn't work, I have an idea." Moore says as he waits to see what happens!
Jetina will cast Greater Plane Shift, then to try and get them out of there!
CL check.
[15:27] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+31 CL
[15:27] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=15]
What plane is she aiming for?
Celestia.
With a shuddering plop, all of you appear in a heap at Lunia, on the shores of the gentle beaches there.
"...Whew." Moore says, as he lets a breath out. "Come on, we're still not entirely safe. Let's get to Hope's Landing, there may be other operations in peril for the same reason."
Xandra rises slowly, "We were fortunate," she finally says, "That could have gone far worse."
Jetina dusts herself off and adds, "That fire controlling warrior will have to be accounted for," Jetina declares, "I'm going to research him the first thing when I get back."
The dwarf is groaning and dazed, while Cresiel rises and gently places him down. "He will be held to judgment, I vow it."
"We'll find him and take him out, but we weren't there to defeat him." Moore says. "But yes, let's get back to make a report, because there's definitely a few things that seem to be happening right now."
Okay, next move as you go back?
Send a message to Romiel that we rescued the dwarf and that someone should come get information from him ASAP, as there were lots of complications.
Also, he'll give him a brief bit of information about the Knight who had some sort of telepathy powers and controlled lava.
Oh, and the 9 dudes we fought, or 12... or whatever it was.
EDIT: One more edit, this is via his Sending orb.
12.
Go ahead and compose the message real quick? Doesn't need to be huge, just a run down is fine. It may matter is all.
'Romiel,
We have retrieved a dwarf who was part of the group sent to Dimtrees. He is the only reported survivor.
The dwarf suggested that they were prepared for the attack and the group was ambushed and killed. We either have several spies or powerful divinations.
On route, we met an armor-clad being who used powerful lava manipulation magic. They also spoke to us via telepathy.
Inside Dimtrees, we fought 12 masked individuals who all turned into pebbles when slain. I do not know if they were fabrications from the other being or not. They also seemed to be prepared for our coming.
I haven't pressed the dwarf on the particulars, but I would suggest sending someone immediately, as we may have other operations in peril.'
Within minutes, archons come to escort the celestial away. Not long after, 'Thank you for your bravery,' Romiel's voice is heard through the sending. 'More information will be given as soon as we have it.'
In the meantime, they will just rest. Once an hour has passed, Moore is going to cast 5 Phantom Steeds, which will take him 50 minutes, if he has them.
Where are you keeping the steeds?
Near the main entrance to Hope's Landing.
EDIT: and to be clear, he's making one for each of his node.
Soon enough, a message comes for you by courier. "From Lord Romiel, sir," The courier says, "He says it's about today's urgent business."
Moore takes it to read it!
It reads as follows.
We suspect a powerful oracle, but spies cannot be discounted. Unintentional spies are possible as well through myriad means, we are investigating this. We are adjusting our efforts as well as intensifying our own divining efforts to spoil and counter efreet strikes.
I do not know of those opponents you mentioned, but I will send word if my researchers find word of them.
Go with the light of Chronias, Moore. Your valor saved a life and a soul this day.
Moore nods and then disposes of the letter!
I assume we're back on watch duty.
d100.
[12:34] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[12:34] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 1 > [d100=1]
Well, well, well.
You're fortunate - nothing else happens the rest of the day. Yawning and tired, you go to rest after your watch is done.
Sitting in your room is Erathaol, reading a book and patiently waiting. He looks up as you enter, "Moore," he greets you.
Moore jumps with a start.
He offers a bow as he shuts his door. "Lord Erathaol. I apologize if you've been waiting long." He says.
"I was waiting just the right time," he says, gesturing to a nearby seat.
Moore moves over to take a seat!
Well, he's still awake, so he isn't in trouble... right?
Once you're seated, the book is put down and Erathaol turns to you.
"I knew not precisely how Eblis obtained his power, but I understood the theory behind it," he speaks softly, "I wish to ask if that is the path you desire to walk, to seek to become One, to seek what lies beyond."
There's a pause for a moment as Moore looks off, outside to his window.
"I met Antenora Reynes for the first time not too long ago." He says, his attention still outside. "We found out that she had done the seemingly impossible and ascended outside of Creation's views." He says.
"It was... surprising, to say the least. I'd never even thought about it for myself. Me? A deity?" A sharp laugh. "Could you even imagine, I thought." A breath in and out.
"I learned a great many things within Io's Labyrinth, as I am sure you know." He says, his attention now turning back to Erathaol. "I was... almost disappointed to hear that I was the one being considered for it. It made it feel like my accomplishments weren't my own, but merely... people helping me out, to give me what someone else wanted."
He's silent for a moment, as his gaze turns down to the floor.
"The mistakes I made, the successes..." He says, quietly, before he takes in a breath and looks up again.
"They're my own. Whether I was helped along or not, they were my choices, my decisions. Whatever my life has become, it's because of my own actions and no one else's." A smile slowly creeps onto his face. "I think... ultimately, that's why I do. I do want to become One, because I want to realize, with my own ability, what I can truly do. There is a book we were all gifted by Lord Io, that will apparently help us. It is currently with Lady Seira, as I believe she has one who she would like to walk that path. I was going to read it myself, when they were done."
Erathaol listens as you speak, not interrupting. He listens until the end, "The ways of Zaphkiel are mysterious, even to one such as I. I have seen deeply into the light of Chronias, farther than any other and pondered it for eternity, pondered what I have seen there."
He pauses as well, looking out the window to the light. "His purpose rests with you, to what ends I do not know, but it is the path the mountain calls you to. You have chosen wisely, Moore."
"It's... hard to imagine Lord Zaphkiel." Moore admits. "I mean, we're sitting here, talking... we've even enjoyed drinks together. I can't picture doing that with him. Or... if I do, I imagine it more like my sitting at a table with a nebulous white mist on the other side."
A pause as he clears his throat, looking a shade of embarrassed for even bringing it up.
"I don't know how much of what I know you know as well." Moore continues, with a bit of a lopsided smile. "I always assumed you just saw everything I did, but I don't know that I lead an interesting enough life. There are a few facts I would like you to know, bits and pieces that I think may be relevant. Ah... well, unless you do already know, in which case I won't bore you."
A consideration here, "I know there are things I must not know, know that I must not know for a long time. Speak not of them, for I am guided by the highest power." Erathaol says, and then, "I have encountered the form of Zaphkiel. A golden angel taller than I, who with a mere word can enact miracles beyond even my power. He is glorious and he is terrifying, for he is not the same as us."
Moore nods. "I will defer to your and His wisdom, then." A smile after that. "That certainly gives my imagination something more tangible to work with."
Here he pauses again. "I continue to study the Words of Creation with Xandra. If there's anything else you can offer wisdom on, I would be thankful."
"That you stride ahead with confidence and wisdom," Erathaol says, "And that you remember who you are and what you are. That will be of the utmost importance in the trials ahead of you."
Moore nods. "If there's one thing I can't forget anymore, it's how to be me."
"Then go forward with confidence," Erathaol says, gone a moment later, leaving you to your rest.
A nod after that, as he settles in to go to sleep!
Plans for the next day, assuming no interrupts?
It's probably time to look at all the information that's been gathered on the research from our node gathering.
Okay, paste what you have?
231/777, unless you mean "what I have to review," in which case:
Update 1
Raldare's group has found some lore that may help with Calley's notes. Feel free to read them whenever you like.
Update 2
Raldare's group has found even more lore that may help with Calley's notes. Feel free to read them whenever you like.
Okay, gimme an K:A check and Spellcraft check for each of them.
Take 10 on K:A for 106, Spellcraft for 86 for both.
They're both worth 3 points for them for a total of 237/777.
So updated.
If there's nothing else that grabs his attention, Moore will take Xandra and go to Xiranthador.
If he goes there, the idea will be for him to use the research he has to see if he can find any potential connections or further research that might give him some insight.
Sure.
As you prepare to go, Kaja ducks in, "Moore," he calls as you and Xandra are about to walk out, "We found something about that fire knight."
"Oh really?" Moore says. "I'm going to guess they must be important, but I am very curious as to who they serve."
"His name's Lethan, a servant of the previous Oinoloth. Not a lot is known about him, thank you very much yugoloths adoring secrecy, but he's said to control the veins of fire that burn in the ground. Which is definitely true," Kaja scowls, "He wasn't seen for a long time before the Adversary took the Siege Malicious, so no one really knows if he's still serving his old master or not."
"Interesting. I wonder why he interfered with us, then." Moore says. "Can you do me a favor and find out what exactly the operation at Dimtrees was supposed to accomplish? It might explain why this Lethan decided to try and pick a fight."
"Elimination of a dao asset," Kaja says right away, "Hardly unusual the last few days."
"Then... mm." Moore frowns. "That leads to more questions, which we don't have answers to right now. But I suppose it's safe to say if there are any more operations in Hades, we should expect resistance from him and whoever else served the Oinoloth previously."
"Can't say I disagree," Kaja seconds, "I can't see his presence there as being accidental. Not with finding out it was at least one layer of a trap. More worryingly, the former Oinoloth..." A trail off, "Do you happen to know what happened to previous Oinoloth? I know the Adversary took over a few decades ago."
"I don't, offhand." Moore says. "Aurora was never focused much on the Blood War or demons."
"Damn," Kaja murmurs, "I'll ask about it, I'm not deeply versed in it, either."
"I'm actually heading to Xiranthador, so while I'm there I'll see what information I can gather." Moore says.
"Let me know, I want to end the bastard," Kaja agrees quickly.
Moore nods. "Contact me if anything comes up."
And off they go!!!!
d100.
[21:12] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[21:12] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d100=15]
The trip to Xiranthador is without incident, blessed by the light of Chronias above. Once you're there, you...
Go ahead.
Moore will find a quiet place to put all of the notes he has so far out.
If he can find the same books as last time, he may get some sort of insight that he missed last time...
Idea here is to just review everything he has so far and see if, due to that, it gives him an idea or two.
K:A and Spellcraft, oh dread pixie.
Okay.
He's going to go all out with this and do all sorts of spells and things to maximize his chances!
Surge of Hope, Divine Insight, Greater Improvisation, and so on.
With that in mind, Take 10 for 110 on K:A and 105 on Spellcraft.
That's pretty high. Can you get me the results for your last visit here and checks?
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104179.90.html Starts here, day 1 of 4 of learning about it.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104179.msg1120182.html#msg1120182 This is the end with Day 4.
I just meant any relevant check totals, Moore. Not that I don't respect the thoroughness, of course.
K:A for back then was 90, there were no Spellcraft checks at that same time.
You have indeed advanced, no doubt in your mind about it. You can see more of the pattern, more of the ritual to go somewhere, to open a path to another place. And yet so much more remains, so many more pieces.
It confirms everything so far and yet provides but one benefit: 3 more parts, things under your nose and missed by being at the beginning.
Update the total?
That puts it at 240/777
You rest back a few moments after the work, Xandra putting down her book. "Progress for a grand cause," Xandra says.
"Yes, we're almost a third of the way, actually." Moore says. "I wonder if someone like Oghma would have some insight on this sort of thing..."
"So he may," Xandra says, "Perhaps we can go or one of our higher placed allies can ask directly?"
"Let's see if there have been any developments at Hope's Landing, and if not, we can go to the House of Knowledge." Moore says.
d100.
[21:12] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[21:12] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d100=22]
So close, and yet, so far away.
The trip back to Hope's Landing is without incident.
"It's fairly quiet except for trading," Grias says, "They're setting up a trading post outside in earnest now, especially with plunder from the battle floating around."
Moore nods. "Perfect. We're going to be visiting the House of Knowledge for some time, but please contact us if anything arises." Moore says.
Take 10 on K:R for 94 (or K:P for 91, if more appropriate) -- Moore did manage to find Oghma that time before but this time he'd like to actually go to the House of Knowledge proper and do some research to see if there's anything there that may give him insight.
He isn't sure what the protocols are for going there, i.e. if it's customary to bring a gift of knowledge or what have you, so if there are he'd like to follow those customs.
Are you going as a mere traveler or in a more diplomatic role?
Hmmm. At this point, it's probably best to go in a more diplomatic role, unless I have reason to believe with the war going on that it might cause more problems.
In that case, a gift of knowledge or some kind is good diplomatic manners, yes. As well as going through Celestia's embassy there.
Moore will then Greater Plane Shift Xandra and himself to Celestia's embassy and we'll go from there.
The celestial who greets you is a planetar - one who wears a monk's brown robes, offering his hand out to Xandra and a polite bow to you. His expression is gentle, a compassionate look on his face. "I am Sir Yallan, former Knight-Errant of the Arinnaphim. I've heard good things about you, Duke Moore."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Yallan." Moore says, offering a bow in response. "I hope I continue to give you good reason to hear things of that nature." A smile after that.
"I am here to utilize the House of Knowledge to research something. I have found all I can find in Xiranthador, so this is the next logical place." He says. "I would also like to speak to Lord Oghma at some point, but I understand he can be... difficult to reach." Another smile after that. "I have brought a gift of knowledge."
Moore offers out a written scroll.
It's a piece of parchment that contains the arcane knowledge for Bredanalundalum's Wit, but isn't an actual like... Scroll of it, as per usual.
A reply is lost as you hear another voice, soft and seductive. Alluring, beautiful, spellbinding. It is the voice of a perfect temptress, lulling you into her honeyed embrace.
Shall we play a game, Moore?
'I have nothing to say to you, Shar.' Is the response.
Xandra holds a hand up for silence, watching you.
How unfortunate, because I have so much to say to you.
Inwardly, Moore just screams.
'Then be done with it.'
You seek the remnants of Syllen. I have the most important piece of them all.
'Let me guess, Syllen's soul?'
Yes.
'Then, by all means, propose the terms of your misbegotten game that in no way favors me.'
Come to the Forsaken Heart Citadel in the Negative Energy Plane. Do not die.
K:P for 91, Do I know anything relevant about that? K:R for 94 if that's more appropriate.
I mean besides 'wow, you shouldn't go there.'
Got it in one. It's said to be a horrid place of death - okay okay, redundant. It's whispered to be an outpost of some horrid thing in the Negative Energy Plane, surrounded by the dead and undead.
It's sometimes thought to be a base of Shar. Othertimes Orcus is named, or sometimes Cyric or Bane. Opinions vary on who is behind it, since those who go there don't tend to come back. One of the few legends about it is obscure, but mentions a great dead hulk that ravages any who come close.
Does her presence seem to be gone, or is she waiting on me affirmation or declination?
You haven't heard anything else.
"My apologies." Moore says to them both. "Where were we?"
"Is all well?" Yallan asks, "Do you need rest and recovery, Duke?"
Moore shakes his head. "No, I will be fine." A smile after that. "Just some matters I need to tend to when we return. For now, my attention is here, though."
"As I was saying, I understand you have business here. We are at your disposal." Yallan says.
Moore nods. "I appreciate that."
He again holds out the piece of parchment.
"I hope this gift will be considered acceptable." He says. "I will likely need access to the highest-tier books of arcane knowledge that are housed here."
The parchment is taken.
"This knowledge is no paltry offering," Yallan admits, tapping the parchment with a finger as he reads it. "Do you know anyone who serves any of the deities here? Someone to vouch for you would be helpful, especially if they're placed higher up."
As far as I, OOC, can remember, the only one was Sylvie. I don't know that he's met anyone else who serves either Gond or Ohgma, but just checking to ask you if there might be someone from Aurora I'm overlooking or something like that.
There is not.
Moore shakes his head.
"There is one person, but she isn't around right now." Moore says. "I did have a good meeting with Gond some weeks ago, for whatever that's worth, but it wasn't in relation to why I'm here today." He adds.
Note to self, I need to test the functionality that Gond added to my rapier when I get some downtime, I forgot all about it until right now.
"Then we'll make do," Yallan says, "We'll make do."
"Celestia always finds the way," Xandra remarks quietly, "Fear not, our quest is blessed."
Moore nods. "I don't mind waiting, if it's something that may take time."
"I'll get you in contact," Yallan says, "That is my duty."
Xandra inclines her head towards him. Once the three of you begin to walk away, deeper into the embassy of smooth stone and finely carved stonework, "How did one of the Arinnaphim end up as a planetar diplomat?"
"If I'm not mistaken, those serve Vel Custos?" Moore asks. "He has a... very impressive presence."
"Indirectly, through Starala," Yallan agrees, "We Arinnaphim are tasked as solo warriors on the Prime, and in instructing a kingdom after liberating them from the rule of a mad prince who bowed to Cyric, I found my truest talent lay in diplomacy. I solved several wars in the regions, rooted out evil and my words lead to a golden era of peace in that region."
"Ah," Xandra says, "So you were noticed and promoted?"
"In time," Yallan agrees. "Not so grand a rise as yours, Duke Moore. I've heard the stories of Aurora and your name as one of its great heroes. Makes me wish I was assigned to combat duty, I would have loved to serve with Morniel there. Why," With a growing smile, "My arms feel steely and burning just thinking about it."
Moore laughs quietly. "My own strength lies in the strength of others, really." A smile after that. "It's funny, I almost feel the opposite, I think I would enjoy diplomatic roles more than fighting. I think that's how Morniel ended up in his own position -- to listen to him speak was really inspiring when I first arrived there."
"I've heard his promotion was well earned," Yallan agrees, "He is one of the throne and tome now, if I understand correctly?" Reaching out to scratch his left arm, "I wish my place had been there, yet I do good here every day, and it is the will of the Holy Mountain that I serve here. Perhaps another time - for what we want and what we need are often two different things. For what we need is so often what we do not understand or anticipate."
"Celestia guides us all," Xandra murmurs, "No matter how strange a path it will be, we go where we are best needed. We cultivate wisdom so that we can grasp the truth of the matter, and perhaps see past our confusion and discontent when we seem to be in the wrong place."
Moore nods to them both and then smiles. "You have to trust both in the wisdom of Celestia as well as your own wisdom." He says. "There's always more to be had, and it's good to have aspirations beyond your current station -- it helps to motivate you to become more and better at what you know." He adds.
"There's no harm in wondering how things could be different or having desires to change things -- it helps give you a framework and perspective on the good deeds you do in your current role." He says.
"I see why you're a Duke," Yallan says, "Well spoken."
Moore laughs again. "If you'd like to know a secret to add to the House of Knowledge, the title of Duke actually came from Queen Titania, and it's a bit of a holdover from Lifasa's liberation. I'm not really much for titles anyway."
"It's acknowledged by Lord Erathaol and matched in Celestia," Xandra adds, "But regardless, it is a true and noble title, one well earned."
"That is a secret I will keep and spend wisely," Yallan agrees, as...
What's your plan here, get introed in and diplo your way through?
Let's go with that.
Give me a Diplo check real quick.
Take 10 for 112, using GI points.
It's a few hours of effort to get through all the preliminaries. It's nothing interesting, just meeting functionaries and doing all the small, little things that are involved.
Fortunately, they serve amazing pastries. Who knew that magically flash-frying a jam filled pastry would taste so good?
As Xandra munches on her second, a contented smile on her face, a man comes to join you in the pleasant library room you're sitting in. An unremarkable man, looking nothing more than a gray bearded librarian. His clothes are simple and he wears no jewelry save for Oghma's holy symbol, cast in pure, gleaming silver and worn around his neck. "Duke Moore," he greets, "Saylin Oeken, former Viscount of Malany. I understand you have a gift for Oghma?"
Moore nods, offering a bow. "Yes, that is correct. It's a pleasure to meet you."
He offers the rolled up parchment over.
The parchment is taken and read. "Your gift is accepted," Saylin looks up from it, "So this is a diplomatic visit? No time to waste, let's get to it."
Moore nods. "I'm here to research something." Moore explains. "Basically, I've exhausted the materials I have easy access to." A smile after that.
"Then let's get to researching already," Saylin says, as Xandra doesn't even look up, lost in munching on her pastry.
Moore nods, withdrawing the notes he has so far!
As a reminder, we have 240/777
K:A.
Take 10 for 106.
As you settle down and search, a folded up sheet of paper falls out of the book you opened.
Moore blinks and goes to look at the piece of paper!
Quick detect magic on it to make sure this isn't another poisonous message!!!!
Take 10 on Spellcraft for 66 if needed.
It's not magical.
It reads: "Seira of the Cauldron sought this same information from me not long ago. Is this related?"
Oh, she was here? That would make sense.
Moore writes down a reply on the piece of paper.
'Yes, it is likely related. I am collecting information for a similar purpose.'
Another piece of paper falls out. IT reads: 'She has what you seek here.'
Moore nods.
'Are there any other places you would suggest looking?' He writes. 'I don't mind getting my hands dirty.'
'You care for her.' An old man's voice in your mind, unassuming, a simple statement.
Moore blinks.
'Yes, I do. She doesn't deserve what's happened to her.' Is the response.
'There are many who that can be said of, many who you know, some who you care of. What makes her tragedy more compelling to you to seek it so?'
'Because everyone continues to say she can't be helped, and I want to prove that wrong. She's thought of as just a tool for 21's power, and not the person she was before then.'
'Seek Foggard in the Deep Ethereal,' Oghma commands to you.
Take 10 for 91 on K:P, is that a Person or a Place, if I know?
It's the location of an ancient library or some such - details are hazy, as things about the Deep Ethereal often are.
'Thank you.' Moore says in his mind.
He turns to Xandra. "We have what we've come for."
Xandra clears her throat, "May we tarry a short time longer? There is a small matter I wish to pursue first."
Look forth. Look at them, my son. The simplest thing brings her happiness, brings them happiness with the creation of memory. How often does the fruit of your trees bring this? How often is this path the path you walk, and how often do you mourn it is not?
Pausing a moment before you can go on, "I wish to find the recipe of those pastries."
Moore's face slowly turns into a wide grin.
"Of course, by all means." He says with a gesture.
Thus it's a short trip to the kitchens. Here a human with skin of purest brown-black works, humming away as he fills pastry shells with jam. He has long purple hair to his waist and is tall, over six feet tall and built slender.
"Oh," Not even a look up, "Someone wants my recipe? Well, thank you for the complement," he says. "Who wants it?"
"My name is Moore, of Celestia." He introduces himself. "It seems they're quite a sensation."
"Then watch, watch," The chef looks up with a smile, "Watch."
"You must use just the right amount of eggs and vanilla in the pastry. Throw it out if there's a double yolk, throw it out of the vanilla is too little or too much. Remember: Just enough magic to smooth it, not enough to flatten it."
"Jam! The freshest jam only. Let them cool in enchanted ice after heating them with wood flames. No magic, no oil or grass or anything. Wood! Good wood! The best wood."
"No! Never normal oils or fats. Fry them in Peingre Duck Fats, no matter how much it costs. You can't do better. If someone says otherwise, hit them over the head with a jam jar!"
It is a vigorous lecture, the entire process shown to yourself and Xandra. He gestures wildly, going on and on about points, about this and that, every aspect discussed.
Moore takes copious mental notes during the lecture to ensure he can write the recipe down and the process for it.
"I had no idea cooking could be so involved." He admits.
"Cooking is WAR!" The chef turns, pointing a jam coated mixing spoon at Moore. "A war waged in every mouth the chef feeds!"
Xandra cracks a smile at that, "A war you've won for me."
Moore holds his hands up defensively with a wide smile.
"I would expect nothing less." He says. "I thank you for sharing the secrets to your battles with me. Hmm, maybe..." He rubs his chin. "Considering this is the house of knowledge, perhaps I can share a recipe with you in trade for this one?"
"Nothing better!" The chef declares, "Show me."
Moore will write down the recipe he got from the brass dragon at the Silverbrow Consortium, I believe it was a chocolate cake recipe.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104159.405.html
Give me a perform (oratory) check here, purely for giggles. Feel free to play it up if you want.
Take 10 for 100.
Moore clears his throat and takes plenty of time going over each step of the recipe in great detail.
"The most important thing to keep in mind is that fresh is always better than something fabricated. But you know that, I'm sure." He says offhandedly. "No matter what, though, the airiness of this cake is apparently brought on with a bit of magic to spin through it during the baking process which causes it to open up just a bit."
He goes on to describe the exact type of chocolate that was used, pointing out where one is likely able to procure it from.
"Just like the Peingre Duck Fat, you really can't beat this quality." He says. "That confectionery in Balmura comes close, though."
"Brilliant," The chef declares, "Then I'll make that tomorrow for guests, they'll love it. A good recipe!"
"If you're ever in the neighborhood of Lunia, please feel free to stop by Hope's Landing. We'd be happy to trade more recipes." Moore says.
Good to go back home and talk about Definitely Not Going To Shar's Obviously Trapped Horrible Place.
Getting everyone together is easy as...
Go ahead.
"So, while I was there, I was contacted by Shar." Moore says, his expression sour.
"You all may know about Syllen, he's someone who's gear I've been collecting, and who made a few spells. Well, Shar has his soul, and offered me a 'game' of it if I came to the Forsaken Heart Citadel in the Negative Energy Plane."
He lets that settle for a moment before he continues.
"I can't say I have any real plans on going there." He adds. "But, if there's even a slim chance she's somehow being honest, and we could salvage someone's soul from her clutches...?" He shakes his head. "I guess that's how she operates, isn't it? Trying to prey on people who have hope."
"Feasting on them like a jackal," Cresiel's expression is sour, "It could well be a trap. A lie, nothing but a dead gauntlet to reave us from our lives."
"On the better side, Sharrans to kill," Kaja says, sharpening one of his scimitars in the meantime. "That's hardly a downside."
"I think we need to ask a better question: Can we live with ignoring it, in the event she's telling the truth?" Jetina asks, "Can we live with ourselves if we find out she was honest?"
Moore leans back to consider that.
"It's a risk, but maybe we can take countermeasures against it." Moore says. "Something to keep us from being trapped dimensionally there, or something like that?" He offers.
"I don't like it," Xandra speaks up, "It feels too much of bait, and I fear what Shar will have for us when she knows we're coming."
"A fleet means of escape," Cresiel says, "Strong protection against the negative energy there, beyond protective magics. Something harder to disrupt or dispel, so that native conditions cannot overwhelm us."
"There's wisdom in going, but perhaps not right now." Moore says. "It feels like an open invitation."
"We can discuss it with our allies as well," Kaja adds at that, then smiles, "Perhaps Shar will be less amused if we come with far greater forces than she expects."
"Maybe so," Jetina sighs as she sits back, a long note of sublime beauty. "It will gnaw at our souls if we ignore this, and yet...we know it is likely a trap. I fear she wins no matter what choice we make."
"I do not wish to leave anyone in her clutches forever." Moore says. "But at the same time, we cannot sacrifice ourselves for the possibility, knowing what we do about Shar. I intend to go there eventually, but... not yet."
A pause after that. "There's no reason to rush into something like this, at least in my opinion. I just wanted to get everyone's thoughts on it, first."
"For the best," Cresiel finally says, "We cannot allow the enemy to take advantage of us like that. Sometimes we need patience and understanding that a day of reckoning is not this day."
Moore nods. "With that in mind, we will be going to Foggard in the Deep Ethereal. It's a library... or something like that. Would anyone care to go with me?" He offers.
"I shall," Cresiel rises immediately.
Kaja rises as well, "Myself as well. Three is an auspicious number and should be enough. Is it enemy territory?"
Jetina shakes her head, "I'll stay here in case my healing is needed."
"I don't expect there to be anything to fight there, but it's the Deep Ethereal, so who knows." Moore says. "Xandra?"
Xandra bows her head a few moments, lips working silently.
"I'll stay," she finally announces.
Moore nods.
"All right. Contact me if anything happens." Moore says.
Only real prep here is to make sure his mind blank is active after the update from Melia, after which we're going to Greater Plane Shift to the Deep Ethereal and as close to Foggard as the spell will let us get.
EDIT: They will take three Phantom Steeds with them in case there's travel necessary.
Here the fog is thick and heavy, blanketing out almost everything beyond 10ft. Your steeds float in the air along with you as Cresiel peers ahead, while Kaja merely takes a breath of the cold, foggy air. It's cold here - cold enough to snow and ice, if you don't miss your guess.
"Winter fog," Kaja holds a hand out, waving it back and forth and setting the mists around him to stirring. "An omen of coming storms in my homeland."
"A moment, then." Moore says.
He's going to spend 3 rounds casting Lay of the Land (unless that wouldn't work here then he wouldn't bother) to make sure we at least are near Foggard.
The only location of note is Foggard, which is approximately 4 miles upwards and 14 miles westward.
"This way." Moore says. "We're about 14 miles east of where we need to be."
He turns his steed the right direction and heads towards Foggard!
Gimme a d100.
[12:37] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[12:37] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d100=72]
As you begin to fly, snow and ice begin to fall. Both mixed together, soft snowflakes and hard little daggers of ice. Your breath mists out as your steeds go along smoothly, the fog growing thicker from the wintry weather. Visibility is becoming truly horrid and...
Are you immune or resistant to cold?
resist 30
Fortunately, the cold is something you can easily endure.
"Is Foggard always like this?" Kaja asks, blowing little puffs of flame into her hands. "I had not thought it so cold!"
Will save, -10 in the meantime, Moore.
[13:02] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+37
[13:02] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=10]
In that case, Perception.
You do have true seeing active, yes?
I do, it's always on for me.
Take 10 for 67.
You catch it out of the corner of your eye - a green eye floating in the air, stylized and drawn, watching you. It's about 20ft away in the storm, keeping its impassive gaze on you.
Tch.
Moore continues on his way, but will use his Sending stone twice on the way.
'We have a scrying on us. It could be anyone, I am going to pretend I don't see it.' He sends to both Cresiel and Kaja. 'Just keep going for now.'
'Understood,' Cresiel sends, tersely, 'We will be ready when Hell strikes.'
'More victims for my blades,' Kaja declares, ever so softly.
Moore continues on and keeps an eye out (har) for more scryers!
He does also cast a quick spell on the way.
Vision of the Omniscent Eye, +10 to perception.
Take 10 for 77 as they continue to go for any more.
You are able to note the eye follows at a general distance, keeping up with you as you travel along. It's matching your pace in spite of your steed's excellent speed in the storm.
Am I able to spend a minute Spellcrafting it for the Identify Caster DC while my steed continues along?
If you'd like to, sure.
Take 10 for 86 on Spellcraft then to identify the caster of the scryer!
The caster is Lixer, Lord of the First.
Double tch.
Moore uses his stone again.
'We're being spied on by Lixer.' He sends to both of them. 'I don't trust my magic to be strong enough to dispel something like that. I wonder if Hell is doing something in Foggard and this is just a guard, or if this is because of us specifically? Perhaps we should regroup with everyone just to be safe.'
'Hell isn't attacking? Curious,' Cresiel responds.
'Do we know if Hell's doing anything in Foggard or is that speculation?' Kaja asks back.
'I do not know if Hell has any operations here.' Moore sends to them. 'It's entirely speculation, I just don't want to run into them without our whole team.'
'Then let's stay the course,' Kaja says, 'We can flee if we need to.
Moore continues on towards Foggard!
d100 again.
[14:24] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[14:24] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d100=68]
You ride on, the eye following you all the way. At about halfway, the storm becomes thicker, a solid curtain of ice and snow before you, freezing and bitterly cold.
"It's getting stronger," Kaja calls over the storm, "Is Foggard always so covered by foul weather?"
"I really doubt it!" Moore shouts over the weather. "This is probably some sort of magic, maybe as a deterrent!"
A pause after that. "Let me see if I can do anything about it!"
Take 10 on Spellcraft for 86 again, is there anything ambient in the area that would tell me if this is just a magical storm or anything like that?
There is no magic here that suggests such a thing.
"I don't know enough about Foggard to answer that! We should be pretty close by now, though!" Moore shouts.
"Onward, brace against the cold," Cresiel declares, huddling down against his mouth.
"Moore," Kaja calls over the storm, "Can you ward me against cold?"
"Let me try!" Moore shouts. "I don't normally use it like this!"
Moore is casting Planar Tolerance for the plane of Ice. In theory, this should at least provide some sort of respite from the cold, I'd think, given the description of the spell.
Worth a try for reference.
After a few moments Kaja shivers and adds, "I d-don't think it w-worked!"
The spell protects not against cold per se if used like that, but the natural conditions of the plane in question. The thing is, this isn't the natural conditions of Ice, on Ice. It's a blizzard in the Deep Ethereal, which is not normal in this place, so it wouldn't help.
"It sure seems that way!" Moore shouts. "Let's just go back for right now and prepare to deal with a blizzard!" He adds.
"Back," Kaja agrees, shivering more and more as you all turn around.
Going back and teleporting back to prepare, or a more measured and lesser fall back?
Planeshifting back to Hope's Landing.
We're going to get Xandra and Jetina too.
Moore will contact Erathaol via Sending Orb to let him know, quote, 'We went to Foggard in the Deep Ethereal. There was a scryer there from Lixer -- Hell may be doing something there, but I cannot confirm. The area was also surrounded by a blizzard -- I do not know if this is manufactured or natural.'
You get an answer right away.
'Hold until I give you word to leave.' Erathaol sends back.
Moore will gather the others!
"So, while we were on our way to Foggard, I found a scrying censer from Lixer." He says. "We're to wait here until further orders, but we may be attacking Hell's holdings there."
Cresiel smiles, slowly cracking his knuckles.
"Just like old times," Jetina remarks, sitting back. "Do we know anything else about the threats?"
Moore shakes his head. "No idea. But if Lixer is watching it, it can't be good."
The silence is filled by Cresiel getting up and kneeling, Xandra and Jetina quickly following suite, then Kaja doing the same. Between the blinks of an eye Erathaol is before all of you.
"I believe this information is worth passing on in person," he says, expression grave.
How did they...?!
Moore bows his head respectfully. "If it is so dire, then I hope we can do something about it." Moore says.
"It is...difficult." Erathaol says, "I confronted Lixer over his interference and scrying, and he extended a formal invitation for our aid in evicting the servants of Orcus and Cryonax from Foggard."
Silence follows that.
Moore opens his mouth.
Then he shuts it.
He shakes his head after that. "I think we should do it." He says after a pause. "But... maybe I'm incorrect, but I assumed Cryonax and Hell were allies? Is that not the case?"
"As anything with Hell, it is more complicated than that," Erathaol says.
"I have no desire to aid Hell, but no desire to leave Orcus and Cryonax free to do what they will," Cresiel grimaces openly. "It is distasteful."
"So it is," Erathaol agrees, "A bitter cup is put forth to us. Lixer has made his wish to dislodge those forces there. Yet is it any different than when we dislodge a demon company in the Blood War? Be not afraid of such things, and know that the light will show the way forward, no matter what the voices of the wicked claim."
"The point is taken," Xandra says, "I move we prepare to go to battle, then."
"It may come that Hell tries to push us out once we've settled the matter there. If they do, then they'll see why that is a fool's errand." Moore says. He nods. "But yes, I say we prepare to fight there -- and do it for our own reason, not for Hell."
Erathaol nods, "Then travel under the light of Chronias." He is gone that moment after, leaving all of you to prepare.
Kaja exhales, "Three. Three groups to fight. What a wonderful day," he smiles slowly.
"It's going to be interesting, for sure."
How long would Moore estimate it will take them to get to Foggard, assuming the Phantom Steeds speed of 240 and double move / just charging for 4x speed?
20ish minutes, but it could vary depending on how ghastly the weather gets as you get closer, since it looked to be intensifying as you went.
Okay.
Would I have any reason to believe Surefooted Stride (the spell) would help with that?
It might help, but aerial travel is a different beast than land travel.
Okay. Since it'll take time, let's do this from Jetina:
Celestial Valor (CL 32)
+8 sacred vs fear and emotion effects that would sap the will to fight, +4 sacred to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class and saving throws, weapons count as holy
Let's get a Mass Energy Immunity, Cold from Jetina too, CL32
Mass Freedom of Movement on everyone + horses (CL32, 320m)
Mass Death Ward (CL32)
Are there any other spells from her you can think of that we might want for this?
From Moore:
Fortunate Fate (CL20) on everyone,
Mass Surefooted Stride on everyone + the horses
Surge of Hope, +4 morale bonus to attacks, saves, skills, CL31 (31m)
I think that's all his good stuff that lasts longer than half an hour, anyway.
Not offhand.
Adding anything else? I want to get all the boosting done at once for the spoiler block, if possible.
Not adding anything else until we get there, as they'll end up falling off during the trip.
Thus everyone is prepared and...
Go ahead.
[spoiler]
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+4 (+4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 538/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+4 (+4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 529/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+4 (+4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+4 (+4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Plan will be to Greater Plane Shift back to the Deep Ethereal.
Once there, I'll spend a moment to cast Lay of the Land again to make sure we're in the same spot to get to Foggard, and then everyone will start heading that way as fast as the steeds will take them!
Hopefully Vision of the Omniscient Eye will help Moore see through the blizzard. We shall see. Get it??????
Your Greater Plane Shift is unremarkable.
Xandra looks about, snow and ice falling. "Two evils, working together - as if we had not enough of that with Baator and the efreet."
Jetina holds her hand out as snowflakes fall onto it, "It's like a wonderland," she says, "Everything wrapped in fog, to go to sleep and dream of winter snowstorms and hot drinks afterwards."
Meanwhile, you find that you're in the same place as before, the spell confirming it.
"Poetic," Cresiel murmurs, "But do not mistake this of the innocent white snows of childhood. Black evils await within."
"I know," Jetina lowers her hand, "We didn't really get snow where I grew up, anyway. I heard an eladrin describe winter that way at Aurora. It stuck with me, to find beauty even in the harshest season of the year."
"I'd really like to find out why Orcus and Cryonax are working together." Moore says after a moment.
"Once we start heading towards Foggard, we're going to run into a lot more snow and wind -- hopefully these spells will help us get through it, but be prepared. This isn't the type of snow you can just sit inside next to a fireplace with some hot cider, I promise." A small smile after that.
"Maybe someday. Forward!"
With that, he heads back towards Foggard!
Give me a d100.
[12:07] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[12:07] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d100=77]
AHA!
Your trip is blessedly without trouble despite the snows. At about 3/4ths of the way there, the storm becomes a blanket, visibility poor indeed. The fog and weather make it 10ft ahead of you at most, like you're wrapped in your own frozen tombs. You can't even see Kaja as he calls, "We're sitting ducks like this. Can you do anything about the weather?"
"There's a spell that does it but it takes a long time to cast, and probably wouldn't work here anyway!" Moore calls out. "We just have to keep going, just call out every few moments to make sure nothing's happened! We're almost there!"
In that case, make Perception.
Take 10 for 77.
> roll 1d20+52 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+65 Xandra
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+43 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+50 Jetina
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=10]
As you ride along, the winds begin to blow - and yet with them, beneath them, are howlings. Howlings like the winter winds, hungry and consuming.
"Elementals... maybe, not sure!" Moore shouts. "Keep going, these steeds should be able to outrun them without too much trouble! We'll fight if we have to, but I'd rather try and get to Foggard first!"
"Onward," Cresiel shouts back.
"Be on guard! Spirits of the cold cry out to feed," Xandra says from amid the storm, "We will not go uncontested."
The last time he used his magic for something like this it caused all sorts of problems, so they're just going to have to deal with it and try and disengage as much as they can and try to get to a solid ground, or, better yet, inside Foggard where the blizzard is likely not present.
You barely go farther before you see it. A woman clad in pale blue flies along, coming just within 10ft of your ride. She howls all the while, a mournful cry as...!!!
"I have one over here," Jetina shouts from within the storm, "Brace!"
Init.
[12:49] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41 Init
[12:49] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=10]
[12:49] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+21 Xandra
[12:49] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=14]
[12:49] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20 Jetina
[12:49] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+30 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+30 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+12 Ice spirit
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+14 ????
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+12 ????2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+14 ????3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+8 ????4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+8 ????5
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d20=8]
Init is Moore (51) > Kaja (43) > Xandra (35) > Cresiel (32) > Ice Spirit (28) > Jetina = ????1 = ????3 (25) > ????2 (22) > ????4 = ????5 (16)
Moore opens.
Freedom of movement negates penalties here, though visibility is still crap.
"Can you all get away from them, or do we need to fight?" Moore shouts.
Basically, this is a 'can the steeds move fast enough at double move to get away from these things' question for the others. He'll also gauge that for himself.
"Not sure!" Jetina calls back. From your eye, they're keeping pace with you, seeming to glide along at the same rapid speed, on the winds of the blizzard.
"Then we fight!" He shouts.
Standard for Harmonize, CL31. Lets him use Bardic Music as a move action.
Swift for Inspirational Boost, +1 to Inspire Courage.
Move action is Inspire Courage, +18 to attacks and weapon damage rolls and +18 to saves against charm and fear.
Free action to switch aura to SR Piercing, gives everyone +15 to any check to overcome it.
[13:14] <Nephrite> roll 3d4 nonlethal
[13:14] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 7 > [d4=3,1,3]
"I bet fire works really well!" He shouts, as his music and words of encouragement carry over the storm to his allies.
Meanwhile in the blizzard...
> roll 1d20+60 (-20 PA) Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d100 vs 50
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d100=24]
Not rolling an auto pass Acrobatics check for Kaja.
"Ghostly!" Kaja shouts from within the blizzard, "Fight accordingly!"
Meanwhile...
Before Xandra is a spirit gliding along her side, much like Moore's, ready to reach out for her.
Xandra is up.
[spoiler]
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 538/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 529/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Xandra hurls a lance of sunlight at the creature -- both to illuminate where she is and hopefully destroy it!
[13:32] <Nephrite> roll 1d20 touch
[13:32] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 > [d20=9]
[13:32] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+32+15 SR
[13:32] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=9]
[13:33] <Nephrite> roll 30d6
[13:33] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d6=2,3,2,3,4,3,3,1,4,6,4,1,4,1,6,3,2,5,4,4,2,1,3,4,2,6,5,2,3,3]
Add 18 to that, so 114.
13:33] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+32+15 SR for the sunburst if needed, not sure if it is
[13:33] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=17]
[13:34] <Nephrite> roll 6d6+18
[13:34] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d6=3,3,2,2,1,2]
I'm guessing other things would get hit by the sunburst explosion, but I don't know how the blizzard impacts that sort of thing.
Give me a caster level check for another reason, Moore.
[13:55] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+32+2 CL
[13:55] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=19]
Okay, it's close enough combat here that everyone would get hit with the sunburst. You okay with that?
Yes, that is fine. The damage is negligible anyway.
Then make saves, all.
[13:55] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=19]
[14:17] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41 Moore, evasion
[14:17] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=18]
[14:17] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40, Jetina evasion
[14:17] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=7]
[14:18] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+35 Xandra just in case
[14:18] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+47 Cresiel evasion
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+36 Kaja this reminds me of how long and how badly Myann wanted evasion
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+31
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+35 evasion
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+32
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+40 improved evasion
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+23
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+22
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=9]
DCs, Moore?
That probably would've been helpful to mention up front, huh.
35.
Kaja takes 15, no other PC is hurt.
And now that I think about it, the steeds are there and need to make saves, too.
I'm not entirely sure what their saves even are, since their stats aren't actually listed.
They only have 27 HP anyway, so it's fine if they get wiped out, they were going to die to something at some point anyway.
I really doubt it could even make the save unless it used the rider's stats somehow.
We'll call it that, sure.
The sunlance obliterates a howling spirit, the sunshine cutting through them as if they were solid. For a moment the blizzard is flash illuminated, showing spectral women on all of you save Xandra, as well lingering, twisted spheres, like chunks of ice with faces carved into them, keeping about 40ft of distance.
Then the flash is gone and...
Init is Moore (51) > Kaja (43) > Xandra (35) > Cresiel (32) > Ice Spirit (28) > Jetina = ????1 = ????3 (25) > ????4 = ????5 (16)
Cresiel is up, chance to react in case that info helps at all.
"Cresiel, go ahead and see if you can get everything at once, especially those weird face-sphere things!" Moore shouts.
Cresiel stands tall as his mount is torn asunder, a wordless cry before he demands, "Heavenly light of Chronias, purify all impurities!"
> roll 1d20 this is touch AC so 1 check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+29 SR if needed
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d100 miss chance vs 50
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 > [d100=9]
> roll 29d12
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 177 > [d12=2,8,12,6,11,7,2,5,1,5,1,1,9,6,9,4,1,8,4,5,11,9,9,7,3,8,4,8,11]
The blast of holy power sails through the frozen woman near Moore, while you hear the sounds of shattering ice amid the storm and...
Ice Spirit is up.
Immediately, a deathly chill comes over Moore - but nothing happens. A moment later the woman is drifting in towards you, hands first.
> roll 1d20+38 touch AC
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=4]
Touch AC?
[spoiler]
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Burst of Glory
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 538/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 11th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 514/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+8 (+4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
[/quote]
51 currently.
Init is Moore (51) > Kaja (43) > Xandra (35) > Cresiel (32) > Ice Spirit (28) > Jetina = ????1 = ????3 (25) > ????4 = ????5 (16)
Yet Moore glides away from that touch in the air, horse torn apart as he evades her grasp. At the same time...
Jetina and two of the ghosts.
"Restless dead, begone!" Jetina cries, "In Raziel's name, rest!" Her holy symbol is held up, bursting into flames as healing light washes over you all.
Mass Heal. Not really needed for your side, but boy the ghosts don't like it.
> roll 1d20+23 Will 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+22 Will 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+25 Will 4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=11]
The ghostly woman by Moore shudders like a failing illusion at that spell, even as Moore is rejuvenated. At the same time...
> roll 1d20+43 vs Cresie
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+43 vs Cresiel crit
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+40 vs Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=11]
No damage but paralysis chance even if you null the damage. Kaja immunes paralysis.
> roll 1d20+35 Cresiel Fort mettle
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=16]
Yet as all this happens, the winds howl, only your magic keeping you untouched. As you recover from that..
Ref, Moore and Xandra.
[21:08] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41 Moore, evasion
[21:08] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=6]
[21:08] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+35 Xandra
[21:09] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=11]
Yet both of you avoid a flash of ice, great blocks of it forming where you were moments before.
Moore.
"Don't give in!" Moore calls out. "This is a mere trifle for us! We're pushing them back!"
The words flow through the blizzard as if its howls and noise was simply not there.
Inspire Heroics, and Inspire Greatness.
Everyone gains +12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC, plus +8 competence to attack rolls, +3 to fort saves and then 53 temporary HP plus their con mods. I'll calculate it again because asking you to do it is kinda shitty.
Moore: 64+53 = 117
Cresiel: 88+53 = 141
Xandra: 72+53 =125
Kaja: 64+53 = 117
Jetina: 56+53 = 109
[21:14] <Nephrite> roll 12d4 nonlethal
[21:14] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d4=2,3,4,2,3,2,3,3,1,1,4,4]
[21:14] <Nephrite> roll 18d4 nonlethal
[21:14] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d4=1,3,2,4,2,1,2,3,2,3,1,2,4,4,3,2,2,1]
Give me a Perform check for each bardic music.
I am assuming I cannot take 10 on these.
[21:25] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+79 Perform for Inspire Greatness
[21:25] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=4]
[21:25] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+79 Perform for Inspire Heroics
[21:25] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 94 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d100 vs 50 Kaja first of all
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d100=55]
> roll 1d20+58 (-30 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d6+94+2d6+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 112 > [d6=1,6,4,6,1]
Init is Moore (51) > Kaja (43) > Xandra (35) > Cresiel (32) > Ice Spirit (28) > Jetina = ????1 (25) > ????4 = ????5 (16)
A lamenting howl in the blizzard amid your bard song, as moments later bursts of power slam out everywhere, deadly projectiles.
> roll 1d3+48
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d3=2]
Init is Moore (51) > Kaja (43) > Xandra (35) > Cresiel (32) > Jetina (25) > ????4 = ????5 (16)
"The ghosts are defeated!"
That is called as the spirit you fight is struck by a lump of pure force, ripped apart and into the blizzard, leaving you safe. Xandra's voice carries over, "Only the outer enemy remains!"
Chance to react since long combat post.
[spoiler]
Moore: 64+53 = 117
Cresiel: 88+53 = 141
Xandra: 72+53 =125
Kaja: 64+53 = 117
Jetina: 56+53 = 109
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+19 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Burst of Glory
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 538/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 2 11th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 529/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
"Fantastic work, everyone!" Moore shouts. "Do what you can to get rid of the last remnants, then we'll group back up!"
Cresiel holds, he doesn't want to waste his limited bursts of glory here, since he has few other options due to visibility.
Jetina holds as well for the same essential reasons.
From the storm no further attack comes, no sign of resistance. Is it over for now?
Free act.
"Everyone, come to me!" Moore calls out, in order to guide them all. "It's just a bit further -- it will be slower without the steeds, but we can make it easily enough."
Once everyone's at least close enough to see each other briefly, he'll turn and start heading towards Foggard again.
Sure. What's movement speeds here?
Slowest is Jetina at 30.
We really need to get that fixed, by the way.
Moore will cast Haste (CL31, 31/r, so not very long) to give everyone a +30 movement speed boost though, so that brings it to 60.
Sounds good. Perception for reference, since this demands a new check.
Take 10 for 77.
You fly onward - and carried on the blizzard winds are far away sounds of metal on metal, of cries of pain. With your superior hearing, you believe they're somewhere ahead, carried by the blizzard of ice and snow.
"Something's ahead of us." Moore calls to the others. "Be wary!"
He continues on, unsure of what exactly they're going to find.
You fly on, closer and closer. You catch a flash of red and a flash of green, both reflecting off thousands of crystalline ice drops. Ahead lies a rambling, large building several stories tall at points, glimpsed for a moment. Also glimpsed are various pockets of battle - demons and evils, gelugons and vrock, barlos and Necrolyte cornugons doing battle. Glimpses of it all, mere glimpses of the dead against the dead, raging storm again relentless death.
Does it look like there's any way past the battle or are we likely going to have to wade into it to get to the building?
From the glimpse you saw? You can't tell, you'd need a better look.
"Our enemies here aren't the devils!" Moore shouts. "Forward, and try to avoid combat! Our goal is the building! Whatever is causing this is probably there!"
"We can't afford to be bogged down," Kaja agrees, "Break through!"
Just charging flat out or...?
Yeah, just going forward. They'll try and go under or over any groups that are really in the way, but the goal is to avoid things as much as they can.
Switching aura back to dex.
Yeah, gimme Dex checks and Perception checks for everyone.
[11:20] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+11+15 Moore
[11:20] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=18]
[11:20] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+6+15 Xandra
[11:20] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=7]
[11:21] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5+15 Jetina
[11:21] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=18]
Moore takes 10 for 77, Jetina 56, and Xandra 71.
> roll 1d20+52 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+43 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+26 Cresiel Dex
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+27 Kaja Dex
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=5]
The party flies along, under a cluster of raging battle between a marilith and vrocks versus cornugons, while the dead and frozen spirits clash. Mere glimpses in the snowstorm - and as you approach, suddenly a blast of overwhelming, slicing and unnaturally frigid cold sweeps across the party.
Fort all.
[11:32] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+42+12+3 fort, mettle, Moore
[11:32] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d20=18]
[11:32] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+50 Xandra
[11:32] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=2]
[11:33] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+52 Jetina, mettle
[11:33] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+43 Cresiel mettle
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+45 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=10]
> roll 20d6 Kaja and Xandra half and is piercing cold, others mettle out of it
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d6=3,3,5,5,5,2,5,6,5,5,5,5,1,2,2,5,4,1,6,2]
The wind scythes through you as battles spill about - there! A moment's flash of green light and you see it. A gap between warring ghosts and living blizzards, a gash in the wall, an opening. It'll be tight though for sure, and the storm's blowing ferociously.
[spoiler]
Moore: 64+53 = 117
Cresiel: 88+53 = 141
Xandra: 72+53 =125
Kaja: 64+53 = 117
Jetina: 56+53 = 109
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+19 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Burst of Glory
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 500/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 2 11th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 491/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
[/quote]
"There! An opening!" Moore calls out. He starts flying towards it!
"Go!" As ice batters you, Jetina calls that, rushing forward with the party once more.
Second roudn of Dex checks, -4 penalty due to the difficulty and narrow opening.
Does that factor in Freedom of Movement and Surefooted Stride?
[11:56] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+11+15-4 Moore
[11:56] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=1]
[11:56] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+6+15-4 Xandra
[11:56] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=6]
[11:57] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5+15-4 Jetina
[11:57] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=17]
It obviously isn't going to matter in Moore's case, but the others it may help out!
Yes.
> roll 1d20+22 Cresiel Dex
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+23 Kaja Dex
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=4]
Onward. All of you fly and dart towards it - only for a floating wall of ice to appear. Cresiel manages to dive under it, Kaja over and Jetina around it. That leaves you and Xandra, a moment of shock before both of you crash into it, hard.
DR mitigates the damage, at least, but you're stopped cold.
Xandra gestures to try and destroy the ice!
Trying Disintegration on it to make a hole for us to get through.
[12:12] <Nephrite> roll 1d20
[12:12] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d20=4]
The ice wall dissolves, its center cored out. Just in time to hear a loud rumbling amid the shrieking blizzard, just behind you.
Init, Moore and Xandra.
[12:17] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41 Moore
[12:17] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=13]
[12:17] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+21 Xandra
[12:17] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+12
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 14 > [d20=2]
Go, Moore and Xandra, init isn't even close.
Moore gestures for Xandra to follow him as he flies through the ice wall's hole to follow the others!
To be clear, Xandra will also follow him.
With speed, the two of you flee in and out of the storm.
Within here the storm faintly blows in, ice and snow coating the immediate inside. Here is a room with a few battered tables torn apart, chairs as well. books are on inset bookshelves to the wall, light coming from smokeless torches with soft white flames. They are set into the walls. There is only a faint fog in here, nothing more, visibility far better.
There is but a single door out, albeit in fine condition.
"We can look around once we deal with the problems. Jetina, would you please bolster us?" Moore asks.
Jetina is casting Celestial Valor, CL22. Will last 22 minutes.
+8 sacred vs fear and emotion effects that would sap the will to fight, +4 sacred to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class and saving throws, weapons count as holy (non stacking).
Once that's done, Moore will head for the door!
That's already active, Moore.
I'm very dumb.
Scratch that then except the door opening.
The door does not open.
Cresiel steps forward, "Allow me to be the key."
"I've really got to learn Knock." Moore says as he gets out of the way.
WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!
Down goes the door to Cresiel's hammer. Here is a faintly foggy hallway, stretching to a four way intersection ahead. AT the far end past it is another door. From the left side of the intersection comes a frigid white fog.
"Let's see what's to the left." Moore says, intending to head down the hallway and look to see where the fog is coming from!
Kaja nods, blades out as...
Marching order here, since it may well matter a bunch.
Moore, Cresiel, Kaja, Jetina, Xandra.
You peek around the corner. Here a corner is utterly coated in ice and fog, coming more from a passage that turns to the north. Bloodstains decorate the walls, frozen blood on the floor.
Moore frowns. "Let's see where this ends." He says, gesturing for the others to follow him.
He's going to cast Foresight, CL31 on himself as he goes. +2 insight to AC and reflex, blah blah warnings of impending danger and so on.
You go round the corner - and ahead the walls are shattered, replaced by ice. Here it marches forward, 45ft away. A frozen balor, ice and snow and hate, all glaring at you. A blade like a jagged icicle is on one hand, a whip of frost in the other. Around it they form - swirling elementals of ice and snow, gathering in around him.
"Finally, someone made it here," it grins, little ice chips trailing from its lips.
"I'll give you one opportunity to leave with your life." Moore says, holding a finger up. "I know not why you and your kind came here, but it's clear you're not welcome."
Your answer is a roar of fury, the balor charging ahead at you headlong.
Didn't really expect anything else here. Init.
[14:28] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41 Moore
[14:28] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=5]
[14:28] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+21 Xandra
[14:29] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=19]
[14:29] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20 Jetina
[14:29] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+30 Cresiel
> roll 1d20+30 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=12]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+20 Frozen Balor
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+11 frost spirit 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+11 frost spirit 2
> roll 1d20+11 frost spirit 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=19]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+11 frost spirit 4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+11 frost spirit 5
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 19 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+11 frost spirit 6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+11 frost spirit 7
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+11 frost spirit 8
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+11 frost spirit 9
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+11 frost spirit 10
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 19 > [d20=8]
Init is Moore (46) > Cresiel (42) > Xandra (40) > Kaja (31) > FS2 (30) > Jetina = FS3 (29) > Frozen Balor = FS8 (28) > FS4 = FS9 (25) > FS7 (22) > FS6 (20) > FS5 = FS10 (19) > FS1 (16)
Moore opens and can make an K:P check.
Take 10 for 91.
Switching aura to SR piercing.
Moore gestures at the balor!
Reaving Dispel.
This is not a normal balor. Balors burn and rage, not freeze like ice. It has been altered, changed with fell and frozen magic. You know not this particular balor - but the Abyss is said to be infinite or close enough, so who knows where and what it is?
Six checks.
[21:06] <Nephrite> roll 6#1d20+20
[21:06] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 22, 24, 39, 33, 25, 33 >
I will take, assumedly, the one spell I dispel.
Mind blank. Enjoy it. Anything else this turn?
he'll also use his move action to do Destined Strike.
+4 to attack and damage rolls, Improved Critical Feat, +15 to threat confirmation
Moore's voice carries over the roar of rage as Cresiel tenses, magic shattering before you and flowing to you in streams of purple and blue.
Cresiel holds since this screams mage bursts out a radius attack to fire the enemies. Xandra, go.
Can Xandra cast Simmer's Contagious Fireburst? It's an evocation spell, but I don't remember if you banned it.
It's in that hazy realm of soft banning. For the moment, let's not use it.
I should make a decision on it, I forgot after B3 ended.
I would really like to have her cast Gathgorian's Fireball, just, obviously, not Gathgorian's. I know we had discussed this once before and I know a few spells came out of it. I'm fine with it just being a 25d6 ref half fireball in this case. :P
Xandra gestures as a massive ball of chaotic elements hurls itself towards the Balor and its allies!
Actually, I'm dumb.
Nevermind, Hellball is sufficient for this.
[22:05] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+32+15 SR
[22:05] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=4]
DC30 ref halves.
[22:06] <Nephrite> roll 4#10d6 fire, sonic, acid, electricty
[22:06] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 33, 37, 32, 38 >
> roll 1d20+34 evasion frozen balor
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+20 ice spirit 1
> roll 1d20+20 ice spirit 2
> roll 1d20+20 ice spirit 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+20 ice spirit 4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=13]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+20 ice spirit 5
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d20=1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+20 ice spirit 6
> roll 1d20+20 ice spirit 7
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+20 ice spirit 8
> roll 1d20+20 ice spirit 9
> roll 1d20+20 ice spirit 10
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=17]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=11]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=7]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=10]
The blast of all four elements slams into the mass - yet the balor roars, the assault freezing around him cold. Yet the others are ravaged, the forming blizzards burning and sizzling, smoking with acid, vibrating all around as...
Cresiel.
"BREAK!" Cresiel bellows, a golden glow around him, before blasts of pure heavenly glory fly, decimating the foes before you.
> roll 1d20 1 check since touch aC
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+29 SR
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=2]
+15 more for SR piercing aura.
> roll 30d12
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 226 > [d12=9,12,11,12,7,7,10,2,9,9,7,8,6,5,12,4,5,11,5,7,11,10,10,1,10,8,1,3,12,2]
> roll 15d12 ice spirits
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d12=2,3,4,4,2,8,4,7,9,12,2,6,5,6,5]
The bolts of glory rip into the foes before you, more of the spirits howling in pain, the blizzard pushed back by Cresiel's spell. At the same time, a great wail comes from the freezing spirits, all the heat in the world seeming to fade away. At the same time the balor is sent flying back, back against the ice and snow, slamming hard enough to shatter the side of the wall in a loud, stony din.
Fort all.
[spoiler]
Moore: 64+53 = 117
Cresiel: 88+53 = 141
Xandra: 72+53 =125
Kaja: 64+53 = 117
Jetina: 56+53 = 109
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+19 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Burst of Gloryx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 500/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 10th, 2 11th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 491/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
[22:28] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+42+12+3 fort, mettle, Moore
[22:28] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d20=14]
[22:28] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+52 Jetina, mettle
[22:28] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=10]
[22:28] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+50 Xandra
[22:28] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+42 mettle Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+44 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=7]
Yet the howl is resisted, the party holding ground as...
Kaja.
"Bring him in, I'll finish him," Kaja says lowly, waiting.
FS2 is up, Kaja holds so he can shred the balor.
Init is Moore (46) > Cresiel (42) > Xandra (40) > Kaja (31) > FS2 (30) > Jetina = FS3 (29) > Frozen Balor = FS8 (28) > FS4 = FS9 (25) > FS7 (22) > FS6 (20) > FS5 = FS10 (19) > FS1 (16)
From the howling mass, one of the spirits races forward, little more than a blizzard and maw, coming right at Moore.
They have something not to provoke AoOs.
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +8 ???, +1 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=3]
AC?
85, at the moment.
Yet Moore swoops up and out of the way, a graceful dodge as he evades. The spirit howls past, barreling past the party and looping around, like a blizzard unleashed.
Jetina.
Jetina will hold too in case these things do something she needs to recover everyone from.
Quick Perception, doing this very technically out of order but I want to get other posts up before getting deep into a combat post.
Take 10 for 77.
"Go!" The balor shouts in fury, the spirits all launching forward, living blizzards assailing the entire party in a tremendous storm.
> roll 1d20+60 vs Moore 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+60 vs Moore 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+60 vs Cresiel 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+60 vs Cresiel 4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+60 vs Cresiel 5
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+60 vs Xandra 6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+60 vs Xandra 7
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+60 vs Kaja 8
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+60 vs Jetina 9 +3 ???, +8 ???, +1 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???) Bonuses here I forgot to paste over, dur.
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=2]
ACs, all?
Moore is 85, Xandra is 72, Jetina is a nice 77.
Kaja hit once, Cresiel hit twice and Xandra hit twice. Okay.
> roll 1d6+25+3d6 (+4 ????, +1 ???, +8 ????) Cresiel 1
> roll 1d6+25+3d6 (+4 ????, +1 ???, +8 ????) Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d6=3,4,2,4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d6=2,4,4,6]
> roll 1d6+25+3d6 (+4 ????, +1 ???, +8 ????) Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d6=1,5,3,2]
> roll 1d6+25+3d6 (+4 ????, +1 ???, +8 ????) Xandra
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d6=1,1,3,3]
> roll 1d6+25+3d6 (+4 ????, +1 ???, +8 ????) Xandra
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d6=6,6,4,4]
All of this chips away at the temp HP.
The barrage of winter spirits howls amid all of you, icing over the hall. All is ice and snow now, blowing around in howling, slashing spirits. They bite and slash, frozen assaults chilling each of you to the bone. Yet all of you stand unhurt despite taking blows, as the balor charges in - and Kaja is there at the last moment, taking blows to counter, a collision between two titans.
Kaja first 5fts to take position and willingly accepts the AoO for doing so. No avoiding it here since it has a lot of reach on him.
> roll 1d20+78 (+3 ????, +1 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???, +12 winter assault, +4 smite good)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d8+18+12d6+3d6+3d6 (+4 ???, +1 ???)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d8=3][d6=1,4,2,6,4,3,6,1,2,1,6,2,2,1,1,1,4,6]
> roll 1d20 CMB, needs a 20 thanks to Kaja being defensive + Moore + FoM in play
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 18 > [d20=18]
The icy whip lashes out, like a scythe across Kaja's front. Yet he grins despite the blow, vanishing as it moves to constrict him. A moment later he's over the balor, coming down swords first, a roar as the two face each other, a full on assault.
> roll 1d20+88 (-20 PA) gem 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 108 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+83 (-20 PA) gem 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+78 (-20 PA) gem 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 86 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+73 (-20 PA) gem 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+88 (-20 PA) gold 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 95 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+83 (-20 PA) gold 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+78 (-20 PA) gold 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+73 (-20 PA) gold 4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+88 (-20 PA) Gem 1 crit check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 105 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+83 (-20 PA) Gold 2 crit check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d6+84+2d6+2d6
> roll 1d6+84+2d6+2d6
> roll 1d6+84+2d6+2d6
> roll 1d6+84+2d6+2d6
> roll 1d6+84+2d6+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d6=2,1,1,6,2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d6=5,2,2,4,1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 95 > [d6=3,1,2,1,4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d6=5,1,3,5,5]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d6=2,2,5,3,2]
> roll 4d6+340+2d6+2d6
> roll 4d6+340+2d6+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 381 > [d6=5,6,4,5,6,5,6,4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 359 > [d6=1,3,5,1,1,5,1,2]
He did sufficient damage, not bothering with two weapon rend.
Now the balor's attack at the same time.
> roll 1d20+74 (+3 ????, +1 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???, +12 winter assault) sword 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+69 (+3 ????, +1 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???, +12 winter assault) sword 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+64 (+3 ????, +1 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???, +12 winter assault) sword 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+59 (+3 ????, +1 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???, +12 winter assault) sword 4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+74 (+3 ????, +1 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???, +12 winter assault) whip 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+69 (+3 ????, +1 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???, +12 winter assault) whip 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+64 (+3 ????, +1 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???, +12 winter assault) whip 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 73 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+59 (+3 ????, +1 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???, +12 winter assault) whip 4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+74 (+3 ????, +1 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???, +12 winter assault) sword 1 crit check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+59 (+3 ????, +1 ???, +3 ???, +1 ???, +4 ???, +12 winter assault) whip 4 crit check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=2]
> roll 9d6+78+12d6+3d6+3d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 153 > [d6=4,2,4,1,2,6,2,2,3,3,1,3,1,2,4,1,2,5,4,2,1,3,2,3,4,3,5]
> roll 1d8+18+12d6+3d6+3d6 (+4 ???, +1 ???)
> roll 1d8+18+12d6+3d6+3d6 (+4 ???, +1 ???)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d8=2][d6=6,2,2,3,1,6,5,3,5,1,3,6,1,4,3,4,2,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d8=7][d6=6,6,4,5,3,2,1,6,3,3,2,4,6,6,4,3,1,2]
The impact is cataclysmic.
Blood. Ice. Scales. All goes flying as the two meet, Kaja grinning at the raging balor. Blow after blow lands - a slice tears Kaja's chest wide open, a spray of warm blood that sizzles on the balor's body. The fiend's whip lashes across Kaja, squeezing him tight - but it does not matter. Kaja's blades gleam as they slice out at the same time, the balor's chest torn apart in an X, while bursts of bright holy power obliterate the fiend's lower body. It lets out a final howl as it shrivels inwards, before exploding outwards massively, a huge storm of fury engulfing the party like a tomb.
Ref all, balor go boom. Kaja is at 173 HP after that trade off.
[spoiler]
Moore: 64+53 = 117
Cresiel: 88+53 = 62
Xandra: 72+53 = 47
Jetina: 56+53 = 109
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+19 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Burst of Gloryx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 500/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 10th, 2 11th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 173/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
13:06] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41+16 Moore, evasion
[13:06] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=6]
[13:06] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40+16 Jetina, evasion
[13:06] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d20=16]
[13:06] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+35+16 Xandra
[13:06] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=11]
Thank goodness for the temporary HP!
> roll 1d20+55 evasion Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+44 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=3]
Moore, Cresiel and Jetina take none. Xandra takes half. Kaja takes full. Owwies.
> roll 28d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 104 > [d6=4,1,3,6,5,4,3,5,6,5,1,6,6,2,2,3,3,3,6,2,2,6,5,6,4,2,1,2]
The blast leaves Moore untouched, rolling with it - as Kaja flies past, landing in a bleeding heap against the wall, down and not moving.
The spirits are unharmed but fading by the moment, seeming to lose cohesion as...
Free act.
[spoiler]
Moore: 64+53 = 117
Cresiel: 88+53 = 62
Jetina: 56+53 = 109
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+19 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Burst of Gloryx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 495/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 10th, 2 11th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 69/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Jetina goes over to immediately help Kaja!
Mass heal for 275, +11 fast healing for 32 rounds.
Kaja groans as he's healed, "...Bahamut," he mutters under his breath, "I feel dreadful."
At the same time Cresiel strides forward shield first, while Xandra supports him.
"There you go," Jetina casts in the meantime, "Do you need another? He tried to rip you from shoulder to waist."
[spoiler]
Moore: 64+53 = 117
Cresiel: 88+53 = 62
Jetina: 56+53 = 109
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+19 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Burst of Gloryx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 538/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 10th, 2 11th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 355/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+18 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
"It's a good thing my songs bolster your constitution." Moore says with a bit of a smile. "Try and not be -quite- so reckless. Or perhaps I just need to learn more songs to give you more ability to be reckless..."
A shake of his head as Moore looks around the area -- there was an icy wall before, after all.
Looking to see if anything was left by the Balor (Take 10 on Spellcraft for 72 on whatever it is) and if the icy wall is gone or not.
Whatever the balor had is gone, destroyed by its explosion.
The ice walls ahead are beginning to melt.
Getting up with a hand from Jetina, "There's nothing better than facing a foe like that head on. Did you feel it? I think he may have been connected to those elementals or spirits or whatever they were."
"Yeah, as soon as he died the rest of them started to disappear too." Moore says. "Perhaps some way of bolstering his power by tethering it to them?" He shakes his head. "Let's see what's beyond these walls, they were probably trying to keep people out of here for a reason."
As you go a flickering pulse of green momentarily blots out everything, a light of shadows and darkness, creeping over everything like a momentary miasma.
Xandra takes 10 on K:P.
"Lixer's power, I believe," Xandra announces, "Let us move with haste, others do not wait on our leisure. Moore is correct."
Moore nods, moving forward to try and get past the ice wall!
Assuming they can. If not, Cresiel can make a hole or Xandra can, as needed.
Ahead are several gaps in the wall, each leading into what looks to be a vast library. It is frozen over. Here there are dozens of them - short, scaly, pale blue creatures, wrinkled and squat. They read books in small clusters, hissing comments back to one another. Great bookshelves loom over it all, floating platforms bringing the creatures to higher shelves. There are piles of books on the floor, two great heaps of them -one much bigger than the other.
Moore nods to Cresiel and whispers, "Can you muster one of your bursts here, before they notice us?"
Basically trying a surprise round for Burst of Glory.
Cresiel nods slightly, eyeing them a moment. "They aren't reacting to us," he murmurs, "Or even looking up from their books. Look."
"I mean, I can try and just scare all of them away, but I really don't think that's going to work." Moore offers. "Or we could just try and proceed past them and defeat whatever leader is here."
"Think a moment," Kaja says, "They didn't hear any of that loud battle with just those walls of ice? I doubt it," he points at them, still no reaction. "They may not be warriors at all."
"I agree, if they don't fight we don't have to kill them," Jetina murmurs, "What are they?"
Take 10 on K:P for 91, unless something else is relevant here.
K:A, actually.
Still 91 then!
These things were once human, perhaps. Over time and ages they lived in the realm of Cryonax, becoming twisted, stunted aberrations, mutated by the cold of that terrible realm. Known as the Ourano, they are servants and scribes to the Prince of Elemental Evil for Ice. While not great in battle without training, they have sharp minds undulled by the cold and a strange metabolism that allows them to devour anything frozen.
They also have the ability to cloud minds and summon winter gales, as well as travel over ice and snow without difficulty.
"Those things are Ourano, they're servants of Cryonax." Moore explains to the others. "They act as his scribes as well -- he must've sent them here to look through the books to find something... but it isn't right to just attack them, even if they are evil. At the same time, I don't know that just letting them look through everything here is wise either."
He considers for a moment. "They're not the ones causing the disturbance outside, but they're likely the reason so much commotion is being made in the first place..." A shake of his head. "Let's see if we can find the leader -- if we can, and we defeat them, it may just get the rest to scatter for now."
"And if they attack, they attack," Cresiel declares. Kaja shakes his head but doesn't comment beyond it.
Moore nods and proceeds forward into the library. He looks around for anything other than the Ourano assembled.
The Ourano utterly ignore you, focused on their tasks. It's a large library, one central area and various wings branching off - six total, each doored and going in a different direction.
No one else is around, at least in the central area.
Moore looks around, then takes a moment to cast Hindsight.
He's looking to see if there's anything notable about the people here who may not be Mind Blanked, but if the Balor was, then...
Could you elaborate within the bounds of the spell?
Sure, let me get the relevant bits.
Days: You sense the events of the past, stretching back one day per caster level. You gain detailed knowledge of the people, conversations, and events that transpired.
He's looking for anyone notable from the demons and possibly where they went or what they're looking for.
There are a few patches that are utterly blank. Nothing that you can see during those times, no longer than ten minutes.
Beyond that, a few notable figures came. Frosten, a primal ice elemental that takes the form of a small blizzard in such a place, is one of them. He said not a word, watching instead. He was usually joined by Banopel, a half dragon dwarf lich who took notes from the scribes and oversaw them at times.
They seem to be researching something called a Xixecal, trying to find any information on it.
Moore snaps himself back to reality and takes a breath in.
"We're dealing with a primal ice elemental and a half-dragon dwarven lich. ...Weird combination, if you ask me." He shakes his head afterwards. "They're researching something called 'Xixecal,'... which we can look into later. Anyway, that didn't tell me where any of them actually are, so we'll just have to look." Moore says.
He'll try the northern-most door first.
You can make K:P on Xixecals if you like.
Take 10 for 91 as we go!
Xixecal are massive, mobile mountains of ice and hate, attended by hundreds of white dragons that lair within its body. They are abominations, horrible affronts to everything good in Creation. They are said to be tied to Cryonax, Prince of Elemental Evil on Ice and the the Queen of Air and Darkness, who rules the Unseelie fey.
Moore blinks as he goes to open the door.
"...I don't get it, though. Why would they be here researching them, then? Shouldn't Cryonax know everything there is to know about them? They're apparently tied to Cryonax, or supposedly said to be, but... maybe they aren't...?" He shakes his head. "We'll find out once we can find the perpetrators of all of this."
Jetina frowns, "You lost me."
"Xixecal," Xandra murmurs, "Move with caution. I sense that is a cursed, horrible name. Do not speak it lightly."
Kaja glances over, "So like most of our enemies, eh?"
"We may have gotten wrapped up in something a lot more complicated than we realized." Moore says. He shakes his head and goes to try the door.
Which door?
The northern one. If there are 6 of them, then a northern one.
Sure thing.
This door is not locked. It opens easily and readily, revealing a chamber of mounted scrolls. Scrolls big and small, all rolled and kept, hundreds of racks of them. Scrolls of all kinds, a few of the short, blue Ourano reading them. Stairs wind up to higher levels, large gaps in the floor letting you peer upward. Here more scrolls can be seen, more and more racks of them.
"I don't think they're here." Moore says.
He'll go to the next door to his east until we end up finding The Boss, if they're even here at all.
You return back - and as silent as a tomb. All of the Ourano are gone, nothing but stone, dead silence within the library.
"Be alert," Xandra draws her blade, "We are hunted." Her words seem strangled, a whisper choked out despite being spoke normally.
Cresiel begins to speak, but his words are lost. It is silent now. Not a sound is heard in the library. Kaja draws his blades without the faintest rustle of steel.
Moore narrows his eyes as he speaks up, attempting to overcome this silence with the power of his own words.
"We are not afraid of you. Show yourself."
Attempting to use the Words of Creation as a thematic counter to whatever effect this is.
Also take 10 for 71 on Spellcraft, assuming there's some sort of ambient magic in the area.
Charisma check. Are you using DM or something more advanced?
Detect Magic. Unfortunately, Moore doesn't get cool things like Arcane Sight, sigh.
[12:47] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+30 charisma
[12:47] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=8]
Jetina has her sword and shield ready as you utter those words. They are heard aloud, rippling through the silence.
The creature before you is silent, as is all of its kin. Each looks like an overgrown ape with dusts and too fat, blubbery. Each is taller than two Hannas stacked together, furred body ending in cloven hooves that support its considerable bulk. Each one has its mouth stitched shut with thread and sharp needles, blood dripping down their chin and chest from there. There are perhaps two dozen of them, each subtly different, yet each with a sealed, bleeding mouth.
Kaja licks his lips, a drop of blood seen.
Feel free to make K:P here.
I will indeed take 10 for 91.
Also, can I assume that Jetina's fast healing topped off Kaja?
Yes.
These are nalfeshnee, the judges of the Abyss. Notably however, their stitched mouths are highly unusual as...
Fort saves, all.
[13:11] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41+16+3 Moore, mettle
[13:11] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=7]
[13:11] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+38+16 Xandra fort
[13:11] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=2]
[13:11] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+56 Jetina, mettle
[13:11] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+46 mettle Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+48 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=2]
Your lips sting and bleed lightly, but nothing more. You feel something tugging your lips together, but you manage to resist it as...
Suffice to say, init.
[spoiler]
Moore: 64+53 = 117
Cresiel: 88+53 = 62
Jetina: 56+53 = 109
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+19 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Burst of Gloryx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 538/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 10th, 2 11th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 529/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
[/quote]
[13:17] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41 Moore
[13:17] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=9]
[13:17] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+21 Xandra
[13:17] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=16]
[13:17] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20 Jetina
[13:17] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d20=1]
Note that Marshal auras don't work if you can't be heard or understood by your allies. Fortunately however, you managed to speak so they're still active.
> roll 1d20+30 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+30 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+8 Silent Nalfeshnee
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=14]
Init is Moore (50) > Cresiel = Kaja (38) > Xandra (37) > Silent Nalfeshnee (22) > Jetina (21)
Moore opens.
Do I think there might be something I can do to help the others speak? I'd rather not have them be unable to cast due to verbal components of spells, for example.
K:R here.
Take 10 for 94, in that case.
Possibly with the Words of Creation, if done properly. You'd be trying to apply it on the fly, and why it may work depending on how you do it, odds are it's dangerous at best.
We're at a severe disadvantage if we don't try, so Moore will have faith he can do it.
Also, he's switching his aura to charisma booster.
How are you trying it?
Instead of trying to cancel or neutralize whatever effect is working across the area, he'd just want to try and create a zone (basically a sphere) where sound can work normally. Say about 20 feet or so so everyone can benefit from it.
Trying to create something directly, then?
Yeah, kind of like the opposite of the Silence spell, more or less.
Charisma check.
[14:02] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+45 (Aura, GI)
[14:02] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=10]
Cool. Constitution check as well.
[14:12] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+8+15 Con
[14:12] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=15]
Moore utters a word of profound power - and his body screams. Agony takes him as sound returns in a rush around all of you - the jangle of metal, the woosh of breathing, all of it. Yet you...
550 damage. Good thing you have temp HP and fortunate fate. What's that leave you at?
442+117 = 559.
So he lives! He has 9 hit points, but he lives!
9/442, for the record.
Moore's world is agony. He's face down and wet everywhere - blood? Then a gentle touch, pain fading away once more to simple, profound relief.
"I have you," Cresiel says, one hand on you as his shield is up, defending you as...
Cresiel and Kaja are up. Cresiel uses his turn to protect you and cast heal on you for +150 hit points. Kaja's up.
> roll 1d20+70 (-20 PA, +2 charge) Gem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+70 (-20 PA, +2 charge) Gem crit?
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=8]
> roll 4d6+340+2d6+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 380 > [d6=5,6,2,5,6,6,6,4]
That's before dire charge, but it's also overkill as it is. Dire charge puts it over 500 on a glance.
Kaja strikes forth into the silence and strikes out. The body of one nalfeshnee is cut in half with one scimitar strike - and not blood comes out, but endless threads and needles, flying out from the carcass at Kaja.
> roll 1d20+48 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=19]
Yet a silence swipe of Kaja's blade severs them apart, blocking the assault head on.
Init is Moore (50) > Cresiel = Kaja (38) > Xandra (37) > Silent Nalfeshnee (22) > Jetina (21)
Xandra, go.
[spoiler]
Moore: 64+53 = 117
Cresiel: 88+53 = 62
Jetina: 56+53 = 109
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+19 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Heal, Burst of Gloryx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 538/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 10th, 2 11th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 529/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
"Begone!" Xandra shouts as she makes a gesture.
Rain of Desolation, she's looking to catch the rest of the nalfeshnees in it, assuming she can do so without catching Kaja.
How many dispel checks, and I assume they all have the same spells, but if not let me know.
Give me 132 dispel checks.
As that's obviously too much to bother with, I'll condense it down to 24 checks and do it in chunks of them.
[14:55] <Nephrite> roll 24#1d20+30 Set 1
[14:55] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 38, 42, 50, 48, 41, 37, 31, 50, 42, 47, 50, 46, 48, 40, 50, 47, 36, 36, 46, 48, 39, 39, 34, 39 >
With cracks of silent lightning, magic tears asunder between the nalfeshnee. They stumble back, stagger silently as...
With all the spells that went down, rain hits max damage. Roll it.
[15:05] <Nephrite> roll 50d6 DC 36 Fort to halve, DC 36 fort also to avoid being blinded
[15:05] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 161 > [50d6=161]
Not sure if the +18 damage from Xandra's casting applies here or not.
What does the bonus apply to?
It's just listed under her Warmage casting as, quote, Xandra deals an extra 18 points of damage per spell.
Then it applies. 179 cold damage total.
Before you they break, they fall to the cold. They crack open like eggs and from them they come. Threads and needles, an absolute tidal wave of them coming for Xandra, coming at her without care of mercy, combining into a four fold assault.
Fortx4, Xandra.
[15:16] <Nephrite> roll 4#1d20+38+16 Xandra fort
[15:17] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 66, 64, 68, 55 >
That last one is a 1, to be clear.
> roll 40d6 Xandra
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 138 > [d6=6,1,4,2,5,1,1,5,5,5,6,4,2,5,3,6,1,5,2,2,2,5,1,4,2,5,2,6,1,1,1,3,2,2,1,6,5,6,6,6]
Full to Xandra. More.
It is too much. Xandra is overwhelmed, throat and face impaled a dozen on a dozen times. Threads and needles sheds her blood as they all strike within her, a strangled cry as her mouth is sewn shut. She collapses, tears falling from her eyes as her mouth is sealed.
Init is Moore (50) > Cresiel = Kaja (38) > Xandra (37) > Silent Nalfeshnee (22) > Jetina (21)
Slain they may be, but the broken nalfeshnee do not fade. Instead threads and needles erupt from them, more and more coming out at the party.
Fort, everyone but Xandra. Xandra is silenced, unable to speak.
[spoiler]
Cresiel: 88+53 = 62
Jetina: 56+53 = 109
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+19 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Heal, Burst of Gloryx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 400/538
Negative Conditions: Silenced.
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 10th, 2 11th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 529/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
[15:30] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41+16+3 Moore, mettle
[15:30] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d20=11]
[15:30] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+56 Jetina, mettle
[15:30] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+46 mettle Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+48 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=18]
Yet the thread and needles are dodged, more and more of it coming from the broken corpses as...!!!
Jetina.
Jetina says a prayer to Raziel to heal her allies!
Mass Heal, 275 healing +11 fast healing for 32 rounds. Should also clear up Xandra's silence, I hope, though I don't know that 'silenced' is an actual affliction covered. Either way, everyone gets healed.
Does Jetina have anything that helps healing unusual, cursed or vile wounds? Anything like that?
Why yes, in fact. She has Absolute Healer:
Benefit: You can heal vile damage as if it were normal damage, as well as other sources of damage that cannot be healed except in special situations, such as frostburn damage. You must succeed on any caster level checks or have a sufficient caster level to do so, if required. Additionally, you can restore hit points permanently lost, such as from a lavawight's blazefire. Doing so requires a restoration or greater restoration spell.
Caster level check then.
[16:02] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+32 CL check
[16:02] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=11]
Jetina's healing flows out - Xandra's jaw snaps open and mends, threads and needles falling away. She gasps in relief as the healing spreads, then...
Moore.
[spoiler]
Cresiel: 88+53 = 62
Jetina: 56+53 = 109
Cresiel
HP: 723/723 (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+19 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Heal, Burst of Gloryx2
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 538/538
Negative Conditions: Silenced.
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 10th, 2 11th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 529/529
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 9th, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
[/quote]
"It looks like we need to reduce them to ashes!" Moore shouts.
[21:23] <Nephrite> roll 12d4 nonlethal
[21:23] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d4=1,2,4,3,4,1,1,3,3,3,2,3]
Redo of Inspire Greatness to give everyone another dose of Temp HP.
[21:24] <Nephrite> roll 8d10
[21:24] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d10=2,4,4,10,10,1,10,7]
Moore: 64+48 = 112
Cresiel: 88+48 = 136
Xandra: 72+48 =120
Kaja: 64+48 = 112
Jetina: 56+48 = 104
He doesn't have anything else meaningful he can do here.
At that moment all the world shivers, shudders. A tremendous pulse of something WRONG SICKENING CHILLING FEVERISH BURN slams through all the air, as if a fever disease gnawing at your insides all at once.
What spells do you have active that stop disease or negative energy damage, all?
We have Mass Death Ward, which should take care of the negative energy.
Okay. ??? succeeds on the dispel roll (can't fail it) and mass death ward is dispelled. Fortitude saves, all.
[21:49] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41+16+3 Moore, mettle
[21:49] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d20=17]
[21:49] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+56 Jetina, mettle
[21:49] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=3]
[21:49] <Nephrite> roll 4#1d20+38+16 Xandra fort
[21:49] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 64, 72, 68, 60 >
[21:49] <Nephrite> oops
[21:50] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+38+16 Xandra fort
[21:50] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=1]
[21:50] <Nephrite> well that's unfortunate
I don't know if you want to count the first roll or not, so I'm including them out of fairness.
First roll for Xandra stands, which is a 64.
> roll 1d20+46 mettle Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+48 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=7]
Moore is the only one that passed and is safe.
Everyone else takes 66 points of damage and 6 negative levels. Jetina is still immune thanks to healer, but the other three are on the hook. Additionally, the three are affected by the Warp Touch diseases from the BoVD. Roll 1d100 three times, Moore. Note the result of 1-10 is revised since ID isn't a thing in this campaign.
[22:04] <Nephrite> roll 3#1d100
[22:04] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 45, 20, 73 >
The pulse leaves changes, twisting. Everything changes - Cresiel's hair becomes a sickly red, like the color of drying blood. Xandra's left leg withers up, becoming a twisted and useless thing, causing her to fall to a knee. Kaja...doesn't seem to change much, at least visibly. As this recedes...
> roll 1d6 Str, Dex, Con drain Xandra
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 6 > [d6=6]
Ow.
Chance to react since WTF is apt.
[spoiler]
Moore: 64+48 = 112
Cresiel: 88+48 = 70
Xandra: 72+48 = 54
Kaja: 64+48 = 44
Jetina: 56+48 = 104
Cresiel
HP: 723 (693)/723 (693) (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions: 6 negative levels
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+24 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons, -6 levels), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+10 (+13 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred, -6 levels)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills-2 (+4 morale, -6 levels), Checks-6 (-6 levels)
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Heal, Summon Planetar, Shardread Weapon, Burst of Gloryx3, Gift of Prophecy, Legion's Gates
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 538 (407)/538 (407)
Negative Conditions: 6 negative levels, 6 points of drain to Str, Dex, Con
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+21 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons, -6 levels, -3 strength), Damage+19 (+18 morale, +4 sacred, -3 strength) AC+13 (+12 morale, +4 sacred, -3 Dex), Saves+10 (+7 reflex)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred, -6 levels)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills-2 (-5 str, dex, con) (+4 morale, -6 levels), Checks-6 (-6 levels)
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 10th, 2 11th, ALL 12th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 529 (499)/529 (499)
Negative Conditions: 6 negative levels
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+24 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons, -6 levels), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+10 (+13 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred, -6 levels)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills-2 (+4 morale, -6 levels), Checks-6 (-6 levels)
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 9th, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
[/quote]
[/quote]
Moore has a pretty good idea of what's going on here and who is probably flexing their divine will on them...
Regardless, he won't let this stop them!
"Just hold strong, everyone!" Moore shouts. "Not even this vile darkness can stand against the light of hope!"
"Xandra, fire," Cresiel calls, "I'll clean up after!"
Cresiel holds since he got his last burst nuked by the negative levels.
Kaja growls, "My FUCKING claws," he hisses, shaking one with scimitar still in hand.
Xandra, go, this really does call for a tactical application of fire.
And as an unfortunate reminder, that isn't her specialty!!
This is for Sunlance:
[22:33] <Nephrite> roll 1d20 touch
[22:33] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=20]
[22:41] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+44 SR if needed
[22:41] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=4]
Using a smite for the SR and increase of DC.
[22:45] <Nephrite> roll 1d20 touch
[22:45] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=17]
Assuming that crits something. She's just aiming it at... one of them?? It doesn't really matter which one.
[22:50] <Nephrite> roll 52d10+18
[22:50] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 342 > [52d10=324]
[22:52] <Nephrite> roll 6d6+18
[22:52] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d6=4,1,1,4,2,3] Sunburst damage, DC is 44 Reflex.
> roll 1d20+22
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=5]
Like this, the glorious light of Chronias shines bright through Xandra - or perhaps simply the radiance of the sun. Whatever it is, the threads and needles are bleached white, clattering to the ground and going still. The corpses fade away, leaving behind the threads and needles.
Then in a horridl moment, sound fully returns, cries beyond, echos, clashes, explosions. A chorus of noise, as if the world is alive anew.
Jetina doesn't need a moment, she's there with Xandra, trying to restore her.
Okay, so you'll have to help me, since I think this is right:
Restoration to remove the negative levels and also the ability damage.
Regenerate to restore the limb?
If that's right, Jetina can handle Restoration, Moore will handle the Regenerate.
Caster level checks, both of you.
[11:48] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+32 CL Jetina
[11:48] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=1]
[11:48] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+31 CL Moore
[11:48] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=20]
Well, um, all right then.
Xandra's limb slowly restores itself as she gasps in soft pain, Cresiel meanwhile grimacing. "We've seem to have stumbled on something monumental."
"No shit," Kaja retorts, "What the hell was that?"
"A moment." Moore says as he takes out his Sending stone as Jetina checks the others for any issues.
'Lord Erathaol. I believe we were just assaulted by the divine will of Orcus, but I cannot verify. We defeated a group of 12 Nalfeshnee, here in Foggard. During that, we felt a powerful wave of malice, followed by a disease of some sort. We are fine and recovering, but I wished for you to know.'
"I think it was someone flexing their divine will on us, but I don't know for certain if that was the case, and if so, if it was Orcus or not." Moore says. "Are the rest of you all right? Any lingering problems?"
The response is immediate. 'Retreat. You are not yet ready to face a foe such as Orcus, or bear the risk of that. It is likely an avatar or Orcus himself has taken the field.'
"We're getting out of here, at least temporarily." Moore says. "Orders from On High."
He gives the room a quick look to see if there's anything in the immediate vicinity, besides the needles and threads, before he will try and Greater Plane Shift everyone back to Hope's Landing!
There's lots and lots and lots of scrolls. Kaja grabs a double handful as you get ready, Jetina doing the same - but nothing happens. Blocked.
"Our teleportation is blocked." Moore says. "So let's try and go back the way we came -- if we run into trouble then we'll just have to deal with it. If we run into an avatar of Orcus then we'll try and get away from him."
He uses his stone again. 'Our teleportation is currently blocked, but we will try and get back out. If we run into an avatar, I will inform you immediately.' He sends.
He may as well grab some scrolls himself. He holds his bag open for everyone to throw their scrolls into it.
How many/how long will you pillage scrolls?
"Better with us than int he hands of demons," Cresiel agrees, "They can be returned once the library is liberated."
Let's take about a minute or so. In the meantime, let's also have Jetina redo Mass Death Ward, CL32.
About 20 seconds into your efforts, the walls shake. Scrolls are knocked loose, the entire building quivering like a scared child.
"Hurry," Xandra says, "We may have less time than we anticipate."
"Let's go." Moore says. "Even if this place gets destroyed, we can probably recover the knowledge somehow. We're no good to this place if we get buried with it. Actually..." He pauses a moment to gesture, and then starts moving.
They'll just take what they have so far and start heading back. Moore is casting Limited Wish to create some sort of effect that will pull any nearby scrolls or books into his Portable Hole. I don't know what kind of range he could get with it, but he wants it to basically be a continuous effect as he's moving, if that makes sense?
Yeah, that's reasonable. What's the highest level you can emulate with that?
Sorc/Wiz 6.
Scrolls fly in as the party hurries out, returning the way you came. In the previous room the Ourano have fled and...
Going to try and get books, too?
Yeah, he'll grab them as they go through the area but won't linger too long to get extras.
Back past where the balor was fought, another shake.
Back to where you entered.
Here is a sea of black energies, roiling all around. The wintry fog is gone, twisted, burnt away. In it you see flashes of fiends, elementals, demons and undead fighting, clashing in murky moments of clarity amid pitch darkness.
"This again..." Moore murmurs. "Let me try something."
He takes a breath with a frown.
Take 10 on Bluff for 90 to fake his alignment to Lawful Evil. He's guessing that this is the Mega Utterdark they dealt with during Lifasa's liberation.
You can see ahead now. Demons and evils war, undead and ice para elementals, chaos and law at combat before you. It is a massive thing as a great shaking happens again, and a loud, strong voice declares, "SUFFER!" A wave passes through again, pure hateful chaos that...
Down Mass Death Ward goes again. Fort saves all but Jetina, since she's functionally immune here due to healer.
[13:22] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41+16+3 Moore, mettle
[13:22] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=6]
[13:22] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+38+16 Xandra fort
[13:22] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+40 mettle Cresiel (-6 negative levels)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+42 Kaja (-6 negative levels)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=1]
Moore is the only one that passed and is safe.
Everyone else takes 66 points of damage and 6 negative levels. Jetina is still immune thanks to healer, but the other three are on the hook. Additionally, the three are affected by the Warp Touch diseases from the BoVD. Roll 1d100 three times, Moore. Note the result of 1-10 is revised since ID isn't a thing in this campaign.
You know, I honestly forgot in all the hubbub that we didn't clear the negative levels on the other two. I certainly would've done so before now, but I don't know that it makes too much of a difference anyway.
[13:53] <Nephrite> roll 3#1d100
[13:53] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 35, 32, 25 >
The wave passes, withering most of you. Cresiel becomes thin, bony, flesh clinging to his body unnaturally.
> roll 1d6 str/con Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 2 > [d6=2]
At the same time Xandra cries out, her fingers looping together, flesh bonding together, becoming clubby, mangled things that slowly leak blood.
> roll 1d8 Xandra dex
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 8 > [d8=8]
Yet Kaja's head swells up, a grotesque lump forming across the back and sides as...
> roll 1d6 Int/Wis Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d6=3]
Act.
[spoiler]
Moore: 64+48 = 112
Cresiel: 88+48 = 4
Jetina: 56+48 = 104
Cresiel
HP: 723 (631)/723 (631) (regeneration 18)
Negative Conditions: 12 negative levels, 2 str/con drain.
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+17 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons, -12 levels, -1 str), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+4 (+7 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred, -12 levels)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills-8 (+4 morale, -12 levels), Checks-12 (-12 levels)
Resources: Holy Fury 31/31 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Heal, Energetic Healing, Energy Immunity, Hanna's Charge, Heresy's Reward, Superb Dispelling, Summon Planetar, Shardread Weapon, Burst of Gloryx3, Gift of Prophecy, Legion's Gates
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 526 (365)/538 (377)
Negative Conditions: 12 negative levels, 6 points of drain to Str, Con, 14 Dex
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+18 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons, -12 levels), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+9 (+12 morale, +4 sacred, -7 dex), Saves+4 (+7 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred, -12 levels)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills-8 (+4 morale, -12 levels), Checks-12 (-12 levels)
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 3 10th, ALL 11th, ALL 12th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 507 (447)/529 (469)
Negative Conditions: 12 negative levels, 3 int/wis drain.
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+18 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons, -12 levels), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+4 (+7 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred, -12 levels)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills-8 (+4 morale, -12 levels), Checks-12 (-12 levels)
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 11/11 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 555/555 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used: Celestial Valor, 1 9th, 1 10th, 1 13th,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
"Jetina, now would be a good time for some of your specialized magic!" Moore shouts. "I can get us through the darkness, but not like this."
With that, Jetina raises a hand and calls for divine aid!
Going for a Mass Restoration to get rid of all of that garbage on everyone and clear up all the negative levels.
[14:23] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+32 CL
[14:23] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=19]
With a wave of healing mercy, restoration hits the party. Cresiel cries out in soft pain as he adds, "No time, can we break through now?" he asks, Kaja ready to go, ignoring the lump on his head.
"Yes, let's go. Just listen for my voice, even if you can't see me." Moore says. "I'll be your beacon."
Intent here is to more or less do the same as we did last time -- try to avoid battles and just get away.
Dex checks, all.
[14:40] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+11+15 Moore
[14:40] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=13]
[14:40] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+6+15 Xandra
[14:40] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d20=3]
[14:40] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5+15 Jetina
[14:40] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=20]
Obviously, the dexterity aura is on here.
> roll 1d20+30 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+30 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=5]
The darkness is terrible and without end, seeming to go on and on. But you fly on, fly through the disaster, coming closer and closer, seeing blizzards ahead amid the chaos. Then the four of you break through - Moore, Cresiel, Kaja and Jetina emerge into the snow storm, the unearthly chorus of war behind the party.
"Let's try again." Moore says.
[14:46] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[14:46] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d100=97]
Trying another Greater Plane Shift back to Hope's Landing.
Again, no good. It's still being blocked out here.
"Further?" Cresiel urges a moment later, "Let us make haste away before this falls apart."
"We probably have to get outside of the blizzard." Moore says. "Forward." He says.
Thus the four of you fly on, into the blizzard, leaving the dark battlefield behind. You're fleeing it, no sign of anything as you escape away, wave for a slowly thinning blizzard ahead.
Moore continues forward -- once they get out of the blizzard, he will attempt to get them home again!
[15:07] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[15:07] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d100=77]
Once they get out of the blizzard, assuming nothing stops them.
Home. The warmth of Celestia chases away your pan and suffering, seeming to make your nightmare fade away. The four of you rest on the sands, moments of silence.
Kaja falls back with a groan, no other words as he looks up from lying on his back.
Cresiel bows his head, grimacing, "Jetina, mend all of us, please."
Jetina draws her holy symbol, "I will," she says, "Moore seems fine, I'm fine, you need treatment, Kaja needs treatment and Xandra...? Where's Xandra? Raziel, where's Xandra?" Jetina looks around, not a sign of Xandra around at all.
I'm not going to argue this one too much, but since Moore could clearly see that she wasn't there (and the others wouldn't have noticed due to the darkness), I really don't think he would have ignored that. I, obviously, OOC missed it.
"Cresiel, can you open a Gate back there and maintain it?" Moore asks.
He quickly uses his Sending stone as well.
'Xandra, I'm coming back for you, Are you all right?'
It's less about seeing and more about the panic of retreating in one piece before things fall back behind you.
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d100=58]
"I can," Cresiel says immediately. "Be swift."
'I'm surviving, the darkness pulled me in. I'm trying to escape now.'
'I'm coming.' Moore sends again.
With that, he goes through the gate and back towards the blizzard and the darkness!
Are you going with the party or alone here? It's a little vague?
Originally, I had intended to just go alone, but there's safety in numbers, so let's say everyone goes.
Thus the party goes through and races back. "Damn it," Kaja mutters as you go, "Of all the panicked, stupid..! How did I miss her?"
Speed?
Slowest is Jetina, at 30.
Let me see if Moore can get a Haste off.
[21:14] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[21:15] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d100=80]
Just kidding, that is now 60 for a few minutes.
That helps. d100.
[21:19] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[21:19] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d100=65]
You fly back - and as you go, you see that the snow is now a dull, dark gray color. It's falling in heavier clumps, little clusters of it seeming to form together. The breeze smells of blood and death, of the foul scents of a charnel house.
Moore uses the stone again as he proceeds forward.
'Xandra, we're back to the outskirts of the blizzard. We're heading towards you.'
You get no response.
"I can't reach her, something may be blocking communication." He says as he continues forward.
They haven't been gone that long...
Destruction.
The battle rages on, the darkness ahead remaining and...
Question I should've asked last post but I just didn't think of it. Still mimicking being LE?
Correct.
Moore does his best to look around for any sign of Xandra -- or where she may have... ah!
If he doesn't see any immediate signs of her, he'll use his ability to cast Hindsight, which should catch her since she's not protected from divinations or anything to see where she went / what happened.
Perception here and then I'll describe.
Take 10 for 77.
You can see the war still raging within - and that's not all. Amid it all is Xandra, about 50ft ahead and battling desperately against what appears to be a marilith, one blade against many. Yet all of that? All of that is nothing.
For atop the library, visible despite the darkness and snow, impossible to miss. It is a goat like humanoid, dozens of feet tall and yet so grossly fat as to be as wide as it is tall. Dull brown-purple skin is stretched too far under its bulk, flesh rotting before your eyes. It is dying and yet alive, a putrid thing your mind instinctively reels from. It holds a heavy rod with a skull top like a mace, glowing with its own demonic light. The scent of rot, of filth, of carrion all slam into you like a physical blow. As you reel from that, you see it has a head that is dead and fleshless, two great white tusks coming from its jaw, maw full of rotten, blackened teeth.
Immediate Will saves, bypasses the normal protections for such things. K:R if you're curious who that is.
[22:04] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+66 will, Moore
[22:04] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d20=6]
[22:04] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+39+16 Jetina
[22:04] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=1]
Take 10 for 94, but my guess is Orcus.
> roll 1d20+35 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=16]
Jetina looks on...and goes still, limp. Her mouth opens as if to scream, but no words come out.
Kaja shudders and shudders, shaking hideously as if he's having a seizure.
Act. I suggest you use it wisely.
Also yes, that is Orcus.
This may be a semantics question, but can I tell it's Orcus or an avatar? Does that ultimately matter? Not really, just curious on this one.
A few things don't quite line up, so you think it's probably and 'merely' an avatar. Emphasis on 'merely'. You aren't 100% - such things are hard to say since a deity can easily make an avatar look like themselves - but that's where you'd guess.
"XANDRA!" Moore shouts. "THIS WAY!"
Moore squeezes his stone -- he can't really do much by himself here, but hopefully...
'Lord Erathaol, I'm afraid you were correct. An avatar of Orcus is here. We are trying to rescue Xandra, but the others have fallen prey to his presence.'
If he has to try and muster the power of a Miracle, he will, but if there's some other way...
Xandra...turns. For one moment, bloodied as she is, she turns and out of sheer hope and need, offers her back to her foe as she flees. The marilith lashes out, mouth opening to spew a black sphere, hurtling at Xandra's back.
Amid this skeletons covered in ice grapple with a pair of barbazu. A flash of death as a charging hezrou's head is obliterated by a thin beam, leaving naught but dust behind. You see not the caster as a man-shape blizzard plummets down, green light spreading throughout it, consuming it from within.
> roll 1d20+53
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=1]
Lucky, that was touch AC.
Yet somehow, by some miracle Xandra gets away with it. The orb is errant in the chaos of battle, a stray arm - from who or what you cannot say, only a moment's glimpse of it - flies forth and grazes the sphere, instantly destroyed along with the sphere. Xandra moves to flee, moves to escape the carnage, comes closer - and your blood stops. Your breathing dies in that instant, as the two dead eyes of Orcus gaze at you. In that instant, all darkness and snow between you and him fade, the Demon Prince's attention wholly on you.
Kaja convulses harder, jerking wildly. Jetina stares ahead, gaze utterly empty now, not the slightest movement from her.
Yet Xandra races on in that deadly instant, a beam of green narrowly missing her as Orcus raises his horrible wand. Despite his obscene bulk, he does it faster than you've seen anyone move before, a split second of coruscating purple light gathering around the head as Xandra flees, Xandra runs, Xandra - !!!!
> roll 1d20 greater powers maximize any result, this is purely to check for a critical threat
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 6 > [d20=6]
Fortitude save, Moore.
[22:36] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+61 fort
[22:36] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=13]
Mettle, if it matters.
The beam hits you...and you know pain. An agony of dying, an agony of being dragged down. Your breathing shudders and stops, yet somehow...you live. You exist. The faintest glimmer of light out of the corner of your eye. Even as you are slain, obliterated, you hold onto the light, somehow...somehow...you take one, horrible, pained breath. You feel weaker than you ever have, but you live. You shake, you convulse, you shudder.
You failed the save. You get: 30 negative levels plus an additional -6 profane penalty to saving throws and armor class. Be very happy you don't have any other negative levels right now.
You are barely there. Almost transparent, a dying thing on the verge of the hereafter - or what passes for it in Orcus's grasp. Yet you live, yet you breath. Xandra races to you, bleeding profusely. Her left side is mostly gone, one eye closed and not opening. Gashes cover her back and sides, "O-orcus," she manages to pant in a word.
The fiend watches on, a glare of sheer fury as his wand glows again -
That one is mine to kill, wretch.
- only for Orcus to whirl. The roar that comes from him is not remotely human. Elementals burst into black blood on that roar, lesser devils simply melting to a slurry of dust and blood. In a voice that you have no words to describe beyond unthinkable rage, words are bellowed back in challenge.
LIXER!
YOUR SOUL WILL SCREAM FOR EONS!
Come and fail as you always do, Demon Fool.
I am guessing it bypasses immunity, but I want to verify: Moore's armor has the Soulfire property, which is this: immune to all death spells, magical death effects, and energy drain, and any negative energy effects (such as from chill touch or inflict spells). I am going to roll that it didn't apply, but let me know. It's a lot more lame even if it does apply, if I'm being honest.
Moore can't manage to do anything except pray -- pray inwardly, outwardly.
Pray for the Light of Celestia to come to their aid -- to come and rescue them.
"Pray." is the only word he can manage to muster in his current state.
Pray.
It does not, Orcus is immunity penetrating here.
All the battles pause at that horrid sound, every gaze turning to Orcus as he leaps up and away, bounding to the far side of the building with a cry that seems to deafen everything.
For a few moments, none are looking your way, not even the marilith who tried to slay Xandra.
Taking a shuddering breath, Xandra extends her arm out, "Hold on," she manages to you, offering you her forearm. She grabs Jetina with one hand and Kaja the other, trying to pull them away.
Hurry.
Hurry.
Moore can't do much besides that, but he can at least... can he...?
He waves a hand idly around, as if he thinks something will happen.
Perhaps even a miracle, today.
He's using his Ioun stone for a Mass Heal for everyone. Hopefully it helps Xandra and also maybe will get the other two back on their feet.
Xandra's wounds heal and with that she pulls you along, "My thanks," she manages as you slip into the blizzard, forward and then simply falling, plummeting away, letting simply falling put distance between you and the chaos, falling down and slightly away.
Her strength is sufficient to drag them without a check. Unfortunately Heal doesn't touch negative levels.
"Cresiel... gate." Moore manages to murmur. "Keep... forward."
Was it like this when he died his first death?
Jetina just stares ahead blankly while Kaja shakes, blood starting to trickle from his mouth. "No good," Xandra says as she grimaces, pulling them along, "We'll go fastest falling with all this weight. Use the stone, contact someone to get us out of here."
"I have..." Moore murmurs, as he draws a flute-looking object out of his pack and waves it meekly towards Xandra. "Gate."
Gimme a d100, Moore.
[23:29] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[23:29] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d100=22]
Down you fly and - !!!!
"No getting away, little archon." A hissing voice declares. Glancing up, you see the marilith following, blades menacing, 50ft above and falling in your direction fast. You have a problem!
Init. Kaja and Jetina are not currently combat capable, so it's up to Moore and Xandra. Good luck.
[spoiler]
Xandra
HP: 391/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+19 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 2 9th, 4 10th, ALL 11th, ALL 12th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
So I'm not actually sure how to roll Init in my current situation! Is this: http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/glossary&term=Glossary_dnd_negativelevel&alpha=
Correct? If so, I believe that means Moore's init should be 1d20+41 (his usual initiative) -30?
Correct.
[23:41] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41-30
[23:41] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=11]
[23:42] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+21 Xandra
[23:42] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=19]
If my understanding is correct, the actual aura should still be functioning, but Moore's the one with the penalties.
> roll 1d20+13 marilith
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d20=3]
Go Xandra and Moore.
Xandra's holding for Moore, and now this is going to get technical.
If Moore uses Time Stop (just go with it), would he, Xandra, Jetina and Kaja continue to fall during it, while the marilith would not?
Yes, assuming everyone is in a time stop they can all move as normal.
Okay. Then Xandra holds for Moore's turn.
On Moore's turn, he activates his boots of temporal acceleration, which gives us 2 turns of Time Stop.
I am writing this all out assuming that there wouldn't be something mechanical stopping this from working. If there is, let me know and I will revise. He has time to give the item to Xandra if he needs to.
Time Stop Turn 1: Moore uses Vul'lath's Relief to open a Gate to Celestia, and hopefully we all just fall through it back there.
Time Stop Turn 2: ?????
Time stops and Xandra exhales heavily, "Are we far enough?" she asks the moment it does.
She's asking that before anything else, in case that impacts you.
We're outside the blizzard, right?
You're falling and making headway, but still in the blizzard.
Okay. Rats, I thought it was stated we were out of the blizzard earlier. Well, that's okay, I'll just revise it a little bit.
"I don't... think so. We have to get outside the blizzard." Moore says.
This is kind of an OOC cheating question, but does Xandra have any large-scale distraction spells? I know those are normally illusions, but can you think of anything? Wall of Stone, that sort of thing?
EDIT: Also, for SLAs, would I be correct in assuming I'm treated as Character level 2 for the purposes of spell effects, or do I still have my caster level? Permanent Image in particular.
Her distractions tend to be of the fatal type, unfortunately.
Yes, your CL is currently nuked.
Take 10 on K:P for 91-30 = 61, do Mariliths normally have true seeing? I'm going to try and by tricky here, so I'd like as much information as I can have.
They do.
Well, there goes that idea.
Okay, Round 1 of Time Stop is now using his Sending Stone.
'Cresiel, met Orcus. Need help immediately. Miracle, if possible.'
Cresiel's not in the time stop, remember.
Not sure what you mean. He has the same ring the rest of us do, right? So he ought to be able to be contacted?
Paste me the write up on those rings?
Ring of the Stowaway: This ring can be attuned to a particular spell by a spellcaster touching it and sacrificing a prepared spell (or a spell per day in case of spontaneous casters), this expends the spell or spell per day as normal. The Ring grants the Spell Stowaway feat for that spell. Only 9th level and lower spells can be sacrificed, the ring cannot provide this for 10th level or higher spells. Sacrificing a new spell to the ring overwrites the old spell, but only one spell can be sacrificed to the ring per day.
I see what you mean now.
Okay. In that case, change the action as such:
Using the Sending Stone for:
'Lord Erathaol. Escaping from Orcus. Almost everyone incapcitated. Need aid.'
Hoping Erathaol is exempt from a time stop, then?
Yes.
A simple message, 'Aid is coming.'
This took a looooot of looking up Temporal Compact stuff and Keepers stuff. How they interact with non local timestops is complicated and basically comes down to mild cheating. Once again time powers are useful.
"We've got help coming. Just... keep falling." Moore says.
Are Mariliths immune to fire? If not, I guess Xandra could use her turn for a Delayed Blast Fireball.
They are not, though they have resistance to it (10).
Let's toss a Delayed Blast Fireball into its path, then. Hopefully when time resumes she can just blow it up.
Round 2 of Time Stop will just be more falling, as there's nothing really meaningful to do there, at least for Moore. Xandra could toss a second Delayed Blast Fireball though.
That it for the timestop, then?
Last call for anything else in it.
Moore is using his standard in round two to use his belts effect to give Xandra 100 temporary hit points.
Once we come out of time stop, Moore is switching his aura to the SR piercing one and Xandra should detonate the fireballs and then try probably try and hit it with a Sunlance or something.
Cool. Gimme SR on the fireballs first.
not sure if you need two so I'll roll two first
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+32 : 17 + 32, total 49[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+32 : 16 + 32, total 48[/blockquote]
Success. Roll damage and then I'll do saves.
i don't know if the board can accommodate it but let's see. Should be 20d6
[blockquote]Rolled 20d6 : 5, 1, 4, 3, 6, 6, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 1, 4, 2, 1, 1, 6, 6, 2, 2, total 60[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 20d6 : 1, 5, 4, 1, 2, 5, 3, 3, 2, 5, 1, 2, 1, 5, 5, 3, 3, 1, 2, 4, total 58[/blockquote]
I didn't realize that DBF is a glorious spell. If you'd allow it I'd like to spend two smites on it. If so, the ref dc rises to 41, without it it's 31.
She will also add 18 to the damage if both fireballs.
On top of all of that it needs to make a fort save to avoid being blinded by both. I do not know if the dc is based on the spell level, or if it's increased via smite.
Yeah sure, that's fine.
> roll 1d20+32
> roll 1d20+32
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=6]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+32 fort
> roll 1d20+32 fort
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=17]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=20]
A double blast of holy power momentarily makes the marilith scream, a sharp noise that's cut off into a snarl. As the four of you plummet, Xandra just finds one problem - the snow's blocking her view, unable to see the marilith now. Whatever she does, you don't see her immediately again and...
Go.
moore doesn't have much to do, Xandra will try and see what she can see.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+61 : 5 + 61, total 66[/blockquote] Perception for her.
If she doesn't see anything she will just try and be ready to give the marilith a smitin'
By the way, are you going to be on IRC anytime soon? Not critical, merely curious.
You're heading down further. The blizzard is slowly thinning as you do - but you catch it coming from above, from deeper in. A faint gleam of black, flying down amid the storm, a blast coming the party's way.
hopefully. Waiting for my car to finish service.
Xandra, knowing two people can't dodge at all right know, tries her best to destroy the blast prematurely!
she is going to try and pull a beam battle by throwing a Sunlance into the blast. Whether it actually works is obviously suspect but it's the only idea she has available at the moment.
Hope it goes well.
Gimme a CL check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+32 : 2 + 32, total 34[/blockquote]
Also, on checking, Xandra's out of 11th level spell charges so I need a different move.
The roll of 2 will be kept as appropriate.
[spoiler]
Xandra
HP: 391/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+19 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 2 9th, 4 10th, ALL 11th, ALL 12th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
my bad! Lets go with Hellball then.
The hellball flies and meets the beam - and the fury of the elements is smashed through, obliterated as the snows continue to thin. You barely have a chance to act before...!!!
Ref saves, all.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+35 : 4 + 35, total 39[/blockquote]Xandra
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+41 : 18 + 41, total 59[/blockquote]Moore, evasion, the other two I assume auto fail
It didn't add the extras, Xandra should be 56 and Moore 45
> roll 20d10
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 106 > [d10=7,10,5,4,7,1,7,7,5,3,4,9,2,5,1,4,5,10,4,6]
Xandra half, Kaja and Jetina full and Moore takes full.
HP after that?
Moore has 112 temp hp so that brought it to 6 so he's still okay.
The others should also be fine due to that, including Xandra. Still waiting on the car ........
Everything okay with your car?
The blast sends you tumbling end over end, the world pain and snow. You're falling away from Xandra, knocked away from her arm as Kaja and Jetina do the same. You barely have a moment to react as you hear a cackle - burned but intact, the marilith from before is charging down.
Init.
[spoiler]
Xandra
HP: 338/538
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+30 (+8 competence, +18 morale, +4 sacred, +2d6 holy weapons), Damage+22 (+18 morale, +4 sacred) AC+16 (+12 morale, +4 sacred), Saves+16 (+19 fort)(+12 morale, +4 morale, +4 sacred)(+14 more vs charm/fear), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 2 9th, 4 10th, ALL 11th, ALL 12th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL32), Celestial Valor (CL32), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold) (CL32), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL32), Mass Death Ward (CL32), Fortunate Fate (CL20), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL??), Surge of Hope (CL31)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
yeah, just being slow.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+11 : 11 + 11, total 22[/blockquote] Moore
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+21 : 17 + 21, total 38[/blockquote] Xandra
> roll 1d20+13 marilith
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=15]
Xandra goes, then the marilith and then Moore. Go Xandra.
[16:35] <Nephrite> roll 1d20 ranged touch
[16:35] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 18 > [d20=18]
[16:35] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+47 SR
[16:35] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=5]
Xandra is spending a smite here (I think she should have some left, she's used... 5? I think). This is Polar Ray.
[16:36] <Nephrite> roll 25d6+18
[16:36] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 103 > [d6=5,1,5,3,2,5,5,2,6,6,1,3,2,6,2,5,5,1,3,4,3,1,3,1,5]
Half is cold, half is divine.
Marilith needs to make a fort save against DC... I'm still not sure what, or else be blinded. Not sure if using the smite increases the DC of the fort save or not, actually...
Also minor note, Xandra should have slightly higher HP. She had 100 temp HP when she got hit and only took half the damage, so she should still have temp HP on top of whatever she was at before then after the Mass Heal.
> roll 1d20+32 fort
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=8]
Same DC as the spell, Neph. What's the DC of it? Calculate it as normal for the spell if it doesn't have one.
Oh, okay. In that case it's 42.
Thanks, I wasn't sure if it was based on something else, but I'll remember that going forward.
The marilith screams and clutches its face as it is frozen over, scurrying back up and away, into the blizzard-fog and falling back. Are...are you safe? You see it retreat to Xandra's magic as your eyes grow heavy. Tired. So tired.
Free act for the moment.
Moore will just keep falling, absent of anything else he can do!
"Great... job." Moore says, quietly, nodding his head slowly and quietly. "Really..."
Falling.
Falling.
Falling.
Falling.
"Moore!" Xandra's voice cuts through it, just enough to be heard. You're shaken, "Wake up!"
Not now, Maca...
His eyes snap open.
"Xandra!" He shouts. "I'm awake!"
The snow is trailing off, the fog returning. Ahead is a glowing white portal as Xandra desperately holds Kaja and Jetina, trying to fly towards it, struggling as one is in each hand as...
Perception.
Take 10 for 47.
Glancing back in a daze, you see it. A black glint in the distance, just like before.
"Throw them into the portal if you have to!" Moore shouts. "We've got another blast coming!"
If he has time, he'll use his Boots of Temporal Acceleration's teleport power (it's only 10 feet, but it's a swift action so it might help) to try and get to the portal.
In that case, init to see if you outspeed the blast.
[22:32] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+11 Moore
[22:32] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=18]
It's a blur. You rush through the portal, frantic and desperate...
As you do, the light of Chronias engulfing you like a forgotten parent, you hear the roar of Orcus in the distance. In that roar, your name echos a thousand times, like a curse made real.
....beach.
....water.
....light.
You can barely move, but a sense of relief fills you.
He certainly owes Lixer a drink.
...
...
...Hopefully no one heard him think that.
...Thinking is way too hard right now... a nap sounds good.
Rest.
Sleep.
The gentle snoring of a dog.
That's what stirs you at last, your bed soft and warm. Wood is curled up at the foot of your bed, fast asleep.
Moore opens one eye... then another.
Did he... make it back?
He blinks a few times as he starts to slowly get his bearings straight, but he takes a moment to just lay in bed and stare at the roof.
It could've been so much worse for all of them.
You breathe in and out.
Unless this is a cruel dream or a dying delusion...you're home.
Wood stirs and stretches, yawning and sitting up to regard you.
"Hi, Wood." Moore says with a weak smile.
Weak?
He flexes his fingers a small bit -- has all that been cured?
Basically looking to see if his negative levels are gone, which I assume they are.
"Sorry to worry you." He says as he moves to get out of bed.
The negative levels are not gone.
You feel tired, but you are able to do that much.
"Oh!" Grias calls as the door opens, "You're awake!"
"Hi, Grias." Moore says rather weakly. "How long have I been here for?"
"Over a day. You're stable for now, at least in the light of Chronias here," Grias says, "That's what Jetina says, but her own magic isn't strong enough to reverse what ..ah...O...Orcus did to you." Slumping in the air, "Kaja's sedated as well, his mind hasn't recovered yet, but Jetina's has."
Moore nods. "I imagined as much." He says with a smile.
"We all got out safely... well, in essence, anyway." He pats his mouth to stifle a yawn. "We may have to ask for some stronger intervention to undo this, do you know if anyone's been contacted yet?"
"Cresiel and Jetina have been handling that," Grias says, "Oh, here," A tray of food flies over to your bed, "Eat and lay down, I'll have them come to you."
Moore nods. "Thanks, Grias. Oh -- can you do me a favor? Can you see if you can find a way to make this room modular? I sometimes need to see people here and it'd be nice if the room could always be just the right size for whoever, or however many people I have."
A smile after that as he lean over the food to start eating. At least he can do that much...
It's soup and a side of honey, as well as a cup of water.
Grias pauses, "Mod..ular? A room? That would need to be magic," he says, "I'll ask a mage, they'll know better."
"It just means that the room can be any size it wants." Moore says with a smile. "If it's easier, just make the room larger for now." He says with a wave of his hand as if it were just that easy.
He will slowly start to eat the soup!
Grias flutters off at that, muttering about modular rooms.
Soon enough Jetina enters - pale as milk, but upright and moving. She's wearing a cloth dress in dull brown, steps careful. "Moore," she says, voice wonderful even if she's hoarse. "How do you feel?"
Moore gives her a weak wave. "Weak, but still here." He says with a smile. "I have a really bad feeling about what was going on there... we need to find out what it was when we're not all nearly still dead." He clears his throat. "How about you? I see you're at least back on your feet."
"My nature as a healer helped," Jetina comes in and sinks heavily into a chair, "Mere exposure to him wasn't as bad as what he did to you, and even then, Kaja's going to need time."
Moore nods. "If we need to, we can go to Illmater's realm, but I imagine we have sufficient resources here in Celestia to help." A smile at that.
"You're going straight to Empyrea on Mertion for full diagnosis and healing," Jetina says, "Transportation will be ready within an hour. I'll be going with you, Cresiel will manage things here and keep an eye on Kaja."
"Doctor's orders?" Moore asks with a smile. "Very well. Thank you for arranging it."
"Doctor's orders," Jetina agrees.
Moore nods. "So it shall be, then." A smile as he finishes off his soup and puts his spoon down. "You say transportation, but... can't we just get there on our own?"
Jetina opens her mouth and stops as the door knocks. Grias pushes it open, "Sir, Lady Alyssa and companions are here to see you. What do you want me to tell them?"
"I'm not in such a state that I can't see a visitor." Moore says. He turns to Jetina with a small smile. "Unless my doctor thinks otherwise?"
"You're not that dead," Jetina says, shaking her head.
From there...
Soon enough Alyssa and friends enter and...
Go ahead, Iddy.
"Lord Moore! Hello, how have you been?"
Moore raises a hand in greeting to Alyssa. There's a bit of weakness to it, perhaps tiredness.
"Lady Alyssa, it's good to see you again." Moore says. His voice is the same, but a little weak-sounding as well. "You'll have to forgive me for not being at my best. I had a rather nasty run-in with a literal demon lord and need some magical healing. Nonetheless, I'm sure I can help you with whatever it is that brought you here -- tell me, what's going on?"
"He's recovering," Jetina agrees, getting a glimpse from Emily.
Ianvasah takes it in, expression pinched. She hangs back for the moment.
Alyssa smiles and steps close to Moore and casts a spell on him.
Heal, CL 32
+150 HP, fixes ability damage, blinded, confused, dazed, dazzled, deafened, diseased, exhausted, fatigued, feebleminded, insanity, nauseated, sickened, stunned, and poisoned.
Moore blinks, then smiles a bit apologetically.
"We need something a bit stronger than that, unfortunately." Moore says. "I'm not really sure how to describe it, I was hit by a rather strong spell from Orcus, if you're familiar. It's why I have to go somewhere specialized to get fixed up." A small shrug, though it's weak. "It doesn't mean I can't at least help you."
Alyssa narrows her eyes and hums, inspecting him, looking for what the spell did to him and how it might be undone.
"Well, I was hoping for a lesson, but I think you have plenty of other things to do. I also have a research project I need a specific reagent for: blood that's strongly law aligned. I was hoping you might know a donor."
A chuckle after that. "Once I'm fully back on my feet, that won't be a problem. Hm, as for lawful blood... do you mind if I ask what it is you're doing with it? It isn't a matter of not trusting what you will do with it, it's entirely a curiosity on my party." He admits.
Give me Spellcraft, Alyssa.
Spell craft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+56 : 6 + 56, total 62[/blockquote]
"A local Lord I know has had an odd ability awaken due to an odd balance in his blood of chaos and law. I'm trying to replicate it."
Moore nods.
"I get it. That sort of thing is tough." He turns to look at Jetina. "Would you mind being a donor in this case? I know blood is powerful and can be used in all sorts of bad ways, but I have no reason not to trust Alyssa's use of it."
"If there are any concerns, whoever does can travel with me to over see it's use."
Jetina frowns deeply, "Alright," she finally says, "If it's all of you, it's important."
"Thank you," Emily says warmly, "That will help us as we prepare - we have so much going on now."
That gets Jetina to glance over, "You're welcome, Amaryl."
A beat, "Emily." Emily says, a look of exasperation on her face.
Darkness and a thick curse lies over Moore, something you can tell won't easily be healed. It's malicious, for lack of a better word. Festering, dark. Foul.
"A curse. Festering and malicious, of course. Hmm.."
Alyssa considers ways of weakening its hold...
It'd be cool if Words of Creation could do something.
"Emily," Jetina coughs and looks away, blushing.
Alyssa's pretty sure that she'd need tremendous power to move this - a curse from a Demon Lord or Demon Prince is not lightly undone. Lots and lots and lots of power would be required.
Moore smiles. "You have that look on your face that says you want to try and do something about it yourself. Admirable, if nothing else." He says with a small laugh. "I'll let you know what they end up using to break this, maybe we can come up with some way of duplicating that later."
"Hmm... I could do it... With enough power..."
Alyssa considers the power of those here, would it be enough working together?
Too bad I'm the only one with cooperative spell.
Possibly, but Alyssa's trained instinct is that she isn't sure. She's never had to fight that sort of power.
"I wouldn't worry too much about it, honestly." Moore says, smiling. "I appreciate the offer though. Were things a bit more dire and we needed something immediately, I think I'd consider it."
Alyssa nods.
"Agreed. Though I'll have to put some work into a spell to work to counter things like this. I already have an idea of what to build from."
Moore smiles. "You'll have to let me know what you come up with."
He sits back to let Alyssa collect what she needs from Jetina!
Getting a blood sample is easy enough, though it requires some persistence. Jetina's flesh knits back together at the slightest injury, restoring itself before your eyes. Nonetheless you get a vial of blood after some fiddling.
"Please use this responsibly," Jetina says, "I've been told by others not to give blood because it can be used against me, but all circumstances considered I'm willing to trust you with it."
"Jetina, I can make my way to Empyrea with the transpiration provided. If you want to go see what they're doing with it, you have an invitation." Moore says with a smile.
"Well, the one assisting me on this is Professor Tinsel of Queen Morwel's court. He's her librarian, I believe. The two of us and the subject will be the only ones present."
"Thank you, but no," Jetina says, "It's my responsibility to tend to Moore. Another time."
"Please let us know if you have success, then." Moore says.
Alyssa nods.
"I look forward to the next lesson! Thank you for your help with this."
I don't really have anything more here.
Okay, new topic incoming, Iddy.
Once they're gone, Jetina shakes her head, "Really," she says flatly, "Moore! Take your situation seriously!"
Moore smiles at Jetina. "I wouldn't be me if I wasn't painfully cheery."
Jetina ever so slowly exhales, "Yes, but sending the HEALER away when you're...you're..." she takes another long exhale, "Raziel, please," she murmurs. "Protect those who need it the most. Especially stubborn, cursed pixies."
Moore smiles. "You wouldn't be gone that long. Besides, you were just complaining the other day about not having something to do."
The look you get is flatter than the plains of Lifasa, Jetina's lips turning into a disapproving frown. "Yes, but not something that involves a curse from ORCUS on you! There's busy and then there's too busy. Don't be stupid."
His face becomes serious, his smile and optimism: gone.
"I am cognizant of how close we all came to being prisoners of Orcus for a long time, if not forever." Moore says. "It teaches us we should all take strides to get stronger and improve our defenses against things like that."
"Too close," Jetina agrees, "Any event where Lixer is the reason you escape alive should spur the deepest soul searching."
A hand to her hair, gently going through it. "I read about Thanatos, Orcus's realm, while you were asleep. It's said that he has an entire hall filled with the undead made from heroes he's slain, and that each has the soul of the hero within, twisted by Orcus's evil. Or the realm of Everlost, Orcus's city and seat in Thanatos."
"Trust me, I'm aware of the fact that I somehow owe a debt to Lixer, of all people." Moore says.
A shake of his head afterwards. "It's a place that we will go one day, if only to burn it to the ground with the light of the pure."
Jetina nods slightly, "Alright. Moore....just be careful, please. With what we know..." Letting it go at that, "I'll have your transportation ready soon."
"I know." Moore affirms.
With that, he settles in to wait.
It's not long - your transport is a carriage, forged of golden metal and pulled by a team of winged pegasi. No driver is here, and as you take it in, one of the horses turns, "Duke," it says in flawless Celestial, "We will take you to Mertion as commanded."
"You probably get this a lot," Moore says with a small smile and a laugh as he goes to get inside. "This is... more than I was expecting."
"We guarantee safe passage, including magic wrought by Ilmater's touch to protect the ill," The pegasus says, "Duke, my name is Stefares. We will not let you down."
Within is a comfortable set of seats, cushioned. The windows let in plenty of light as you get comfortable, Jetina sitting next to you. You look up, a moment of dizziness hitting you in lieu of anything else.
"I have no doubts about that. Thank you, Stefares." Moore says as he steps in to sit down, stumbling for a moment as he lands on the seat with less grace than he originally intended.
Gimme a Fort save.
[22:47] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+45 fort
[22:47] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=19]
You cling to awareness, drained for sure but not passing out. The ride is smooth, the light of Chronias bright. Yet you feel tired, fading away, the world trying to go dim, dark - yet the light is persistent, banishing the gray each time.
Moore takes in slow but sure breaths as they go. He focuses entirely on his own breathing, doing his best to stay as conscious as possible.
Thank you, Lord Zaphkiel.
Jetina's hand rests on your shoulder. "Breathe," she murmurs, "Like that. Don't strain yourself at all."
Moore nods. "I'm... glad we're here, I think there were more effects to this than I realized." He says.
In.
Out.
In.
Out.
In.
Out.
Your eyes droop and it's hard to focus. Fragments of spells drift in your mind, like shattered glass floating on the surface of the ocean.
You drift. You breathe.
The light from above sustains you, keeping the world real, keeping it alive.
"Moore," Jetina's voice, gently shaking you from a revere you weren't aware you took. "We're here."
Moore nods. "Thank you." He says both to her and to their driver.
He slowly -- wearily, steps out and flies, dipping and sagging a small bit as he does, but manages to maintain himself.
It's warm out here, warm as a summer day. Yet you shiver, a chill passing through you. You are within an interior courtyard of a white marble temple, brilliantly green grass all about here. A few ornate fountains can be seen as Jetina helps you out, "This way, Moore, this way," she urges. "It's not far."
He nods, maybe a bit absentmindedly as he takes her guidance and moves forward!
It's to the nearest fountain, made of smooth polished marble. You rest on the lip of it, Jetina helping you stay upright.
"Have a drink, it'll help," she says, voice soft, soothing.
Under normal circumstances, he'd be a bit more discerning and try and figure out the magic that's surely here.
He's not in any sort of normal circumstance, so he leans down to cup some water in his hands to drink.
It's ice cold water, yet warmer than your chills. They slow and cease after a drink, the taste of a mountain spring, winter memories and long forgotten days of travel rippling through your mind.
Moore takes in a breath again as he rights himself to flutter up.
"I can make it. Let's go." He affirms.
"No need, they come to the sick here," Jetina's hands stay on you. "An expert healer will be here soon. Let's just talk - about the old days." A wry laugh at that, "As it were."
"You remember back then?" Moore asks. "I don't... remember, were you born there?"
"I was. I meant our times together," Jetina says, gently. You know who Wood reminds me of, don't you?"
"I don't... think it's a coincidence." Moore says. "For a variety of reasons."
"Oh? Go on," Jetina encourages, as you find yourself getting thirsty.
Moore leans down to cup more water to drink. "I think Wood was placed in our care by someone special." He gestures above his head and off in the distance. "I have it on good authority that He likes dogs."
"Dogs are nice," Jetina says, "Friendly and loyal. Whenever I have idle time and I find myself at a loss, Wood comes over to play."
Moore nods. "I think he's there for a variety of reasons. I mean... it's a little strange that there's an animal like that at all in Celestia, isn't it?" A quiet laugh, followed by some coughing.
"Ah... ha. Ow, that one hurt a bit." He mutters. "Haha... do you remember when we found you on that island? I think it was an island... was it an island?"
"I think it was," Jetina murmurs, a soft smile growing on her face. "Do you remember the ship?"
"It's hard to forget. Remember when that..." He waves his hands wildly. "Something came up and just destroyed it! I don't think I ever remember figuring out what that was..."
"I remember Veren and Pepo...there's Lucy in Aurora, too, but she seems happy there," Jetina says, "Do you remember that shocker lizard?"
"I do." Moore says with a nod. "As for Lucy... I was really disappointed she didn't remember me. But... I think everyone who got out of there is leading their own life. If they ever want to find me, they can find me. I don't think I want to interfere with their lives if they're leading them peacefully."
As you walk, a figure approaches. An old man who walks with a walking stick, wearing old, rather tattered clothes. He's stone bald and has a bushy white beard, barefoot.
Moore blinks a few times but raises a hand in greeting. "Hello."
Jetina rises and bows, "Healer," she greets.
"Ah, ah, I'm not one to honor. Lord Ilmater is, or Lord Raziel." The old man says, "I am but a humble servant...and you are someone who is suffering greatly, Duke Moore."
"Is it that obvious?" Moore asks with a small smile that hardens into a serious expression. "It seems there are a lot more side effects to whatever Orcus did than I realized."
The old man bows low to you, "I thank Chronias that you are alive, Duke. Many would not be. I am Hallar, of no house and no name."
Moore nods. "I wish we were meeting under better circumstances, but... I suppose I'm blessed to even be able to be speaking to you, considering everything."
The old man reaches out, taking your chin with two fingers and bringing you to meet his gaze. He studies your eyes as he adds, "Most die when they're cursed by Orcus. The strong such as you may survive, but it's usually only a matter of time. That you've made it here would alone at least save you, even if you were bound to these springs and unable to proceed further. For there are scant few cures for the deadly magic of Orcus."
Moore's eyes glisten with a faint determination, if nothing else at the moment.
"I can only imagine the horrors he can manage to inflict on others." He says quietly. "I will do whatever I must."
Your chin is let go, your arm taken and inspected. "A good attitude," he says, "Have you had any fatigue or sudden lapses of awareness, or a sense of dissociation from your body?"
"Fatigue." Moore responds affirmatively. "I've almost fallen asleep a few times on the way here... but..." He gestures up and over his head. "The light's kept me awake and conscious. I've... I think I've had a few lapses into daydreaming, if that makes sense."
"I see." Now your other arm, "Any muscle spasms, speaking with words not your own or seeing the world as dead or dying?" Your other arm gets a close look at, wrist tapped a few times.
"Nothing of the sort." Moore responds.
"Good." A pause, "No dying flesh, sudden inability to breathe or the complete loss of sight, hearing or taste?"
"No." He shakes his head. "No dying flesh. I ate... just about an hour ago." Moore says. "I didn't notice anything amiss then with the food. I haven't had any trouble seeing except when I get dizzy and tired, and I've been able to hear without trouble."
"Surely a miracle of Chronias being radiant," The old man agrees, pausing to stroke his beard. "Now then, do you want to talk details or ways to possibly restore yourself?"
"I certainly can't live like this." Moore says. "Details are fine -- however you would like to proceed. I trust in your wisdom and experience."
"The first is a question: Are you drawn to Chronias yet? If it is your time to ascend, then even this will pass as you cross the Bridge of Al-Sihal." The old man asks, leaning on his staff.
Moore gives a shake of his head as an answer.
"The second is for Lord Ilmater to see to you. He will heal it or send you in the direction of overcoming it," he says.
Moore nods. "Very well then. Should we wait here, then?" He asks.
Hallar comes to sit next to you. "Ilmater walks with pain so others do not have to. He will come to us."
After a few moments, Jetina turns to him, reclining back a little bit, looking up. "Do you know Muirfinn? He's with Aurora, and was cursed so that it took Ilmater's intervention to save him."
"I heard about him." Moore says. "I saw him a few times once they recovered him. It's unfortunate what was needed to be given to Hell to secure his release. If Illmater was able to help him recover from being in Asmodeus' clutches, I'm... not worried."
"I've not met him, but I heard the story," The old man says, "You shouldn't be. Lord Ilmater is kind and heals any who come to him asking, no matter if they can repay it or not, so long as they turn aside from the ways of the wicked."
"I'm sure we can find a way to offer him aid in return." Moore says. He takes in another breath as he rights himself again, doing his best to stay flying.
From here it's not long.
He is broken. He is bleeding. He walks hunched over, as if under a great burden. A mostly bald man wearing a loincloth and little else, shambling along. Despite the expression of pain on his face, he brings an immediate sense of peace to you, your sickness seeming ever so faintly less.
Moore bows his head down deeply. "Lord Illmater, I admit I wish we were meeting under better circumstances."
"You live. That is good enough circumstances," Ilmater says, slowly offering you his hand. "Let me see you."
Moore extends his hand out to touch Illmater's, assuming that's what he's asking for!
> roll 1d20+13
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+20 (+4 strata)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=16]
Warmth comes to you, life returning and yet...you still feel cold in your bones.
"The power of Orcus resists," Ilmater says, voice heavy. "My friend."
In that moment a burning heat is around you, an intent, "We shall not let Orcus wins," the voice says, "Begone, touch of the Abyss."
> roll 1d20+14
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+20 (+4 strata)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=5]
Yet the cold remains.
"Worry not, for there is a third way," Ilmater says.
Moore nods. "Hope always remains, even in the darkest times."
Stooping and pained, Ilmater continues on. "The third way is to go to a place of power, or a place that empowers you. There, you must take an artifact dedicated to Orcus and destroy it."
"I... don't suppose we have one of those just laying around." Moore says quietly.
"One," Ilmater finally says, "But it is exceedingly dangerous: The Frozen Skull of the Silent."
Moore frowns again.
He takes a breath in and out again. "It sounds like I don't have much of a choice, then. But, no matter what, at least there's hope."
Jetina stays quiet as Ilmater asks in a shaking voice, his back lacing open with a wealth of cuts. He shudders as his knee pops and breaks, yet stays standing. "Do you know of the skull?"
Moore shakes his head. "I've not heard of it before."
You can make an K:P check here if you like.
I kind of figured I wouldn't get much given the negative levels, but I'll try -- Take 10 for 64.
You recall mentions of various darkskulls and skulls, but nothing fitting that particular name.
"I... feel like I'm forgetting about something." Moore says with a sigh. "Normally this sort of thing is right up my alley, but..." a deep breath and then a shake of his head again. "I'm afraid in my current condition it may not be a good idea for me to even be near something like that."
Ilmater's face reddens with welts, while his arms slowly blacken and burn. "No...no...you would not know of this one, for this one we stopped before it was used for the first time. The Frozen Skull of the Silent causes freezing temperatures that leech the life from the living - and steals the air so that all living creatures suffocate. It does so in a large enough range to cover an entire Prime. It is one of the most foul works of Orcus and had we not stopped it and sealed it away, would have caused the death of at least one world. All that it leaves behind is a dead, frozen world."
"An entire..." Jetina trails off, "Chronias protect us," she looks upward, as the light from above continues to shine down.
Moore frowns even more deeply.
"That... truly is an awful thing." Moore agrees. "I..."
He takes in a slow breath.
"Were I in a more capable state, it wouldn't even be a thought to rally a force to go somewhere and take another of his artifacts for this." He says quietly. "The path laid before me is fraught with danger once again, it seems."
"There's more," Ilmater continues, his body breaking a dozen times over, echos around him. Of cries of pain, of whimpering, dying lamentations. "Once unsealed, the skull's power will spread - unless a single person absorbs it all and bears it. You will have precious little time if you make it that far."
Another frown. "I see."
He closes his eyes and takes in a breath. "I don't believe in hopelessness or hopeless situations. If that's what's required then that's what's required and I will simply have to find a way to do it."
At this Ilmater's hand reaches to your shoulder, the touch making you feel awake, alive. Ilmater seems stooped anew, body withered. "I cannot remove the damage you have suffered, but I can bear your fatigue and weakness from it, so you can function with a clearer mind. Erathaol will inform you of what you need to know to continue, if you pursue this path."
This removes the fatigue and general out of it-ness of it. It doesn't remove the negative levels or the mechanical effects of it.
"I will ensure you are properly repaid for this debt." Moore says, his voice a little bit clearer and the bow he makes more crisp.
"There are many more to help," Ilmater says, "We all have so much more to do." Then with a final shudder, Ilmater is gone.
Moore takes in a breath again and turns to Jetina. "I suppose we should go back, then."
Your healer steps back and bows, "I will pray for you, Duke Moore."
Jetina rises, "Thank you again," she says, as...
Next move?
Time to head back to Hope's Landing and see what's going on there, unless we're interdicted on our way back.
d100.
[22:20] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 give me that 77
[22:20] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d100 give me that 77 --> [ 1d100=72 ]{72}
It's time for a new thread, please hold.