Okay, Alyssa. Trip accomplished, book gotten. Next move now that everyone's back and no fires started while you were gone?
Emily researching which artifact she wants to go after. Work on new land/space for the guild while she figures it out.
Okay, how are you working on new land/space?
Well, you never fully decided on the expanded/permanent mage's mansion idea, so either that or researching/building a spell to create new land.
"Raise Island, huh?" Jarem says as the two of you talk it over, "I've heard of it in action. It works pretty good for what it is. Trick is getting your hands on a copy of the spell."
Alyssa nods.
"Indeed. I have to either find another mage's order that has a copy and work something out or try to recreate it from scratch. The latter will take significantly more time."
Alyssa considers what she knows of other mage's guilds or arcane libraries.
Local or extraplanar.
Both. Local is likely the mageocracy which we don't like, but there might be a smaller something around.
The real problem is that there's few guilds who have such mighty magic. Many don't reach beyond mortal magic and the ninth circle, and as such, local guilds aren't very productive. Chasing down an archmage or legendary figure tends to be more productive there.
As for extraplanar ones, it depends on where you aim or otherwise narrowing it down.
Extraplanar, places that would be amicable to either an ally of the Red Knight or trading.
Well, besides Brightwater?
There's a few various war band and guilds that qualify who serve or cooperate with the Red Knight. Do you have any additional preferences to narrow it down?
Um, not that I can think of? If nothing else, I have the mind improvement spell to trade, so that'll be good for any sort of mage or leadership/tactician types.
Okay.
The Red Spellslingers are one such group, they serve the Red Knight and Jarem is an easy in. Another is the Wise Wizards, a group that uses strategy and tactics in magic. A third possibility is the Glomway Boys, a cabal that works out of Brightwater but has ties to the Red Knight's clergy and gets along with them.
"Jarem, between the Red Spellslingers and the Glomway Boys, which would you recommend? Brightwater could open more doors down the line, but it'll also put us more in the light."
"You nailed the problem right there," Jarem says, "I'd have more pull with the Slingers, because they hew closer to the line. Queen, the real question is how risk-adverse do you feel?"
"That depends. How would you rate our defenses now?"
"Passable for now, better long term," Jarem says, "Still a work in progress, though."
"Passable enough to expose us to Brightwater, or would you suggest another project first? Perhaps... Teleport redirection?"
"Again, it comes down to the risk you want to take. It's borderline," Jarem says, "What do you think, Alyssa?"
"Hmmm... I think getting at least the anti-teleport running while Emily does her research would be wiser. That'll give a solid base of preventing intrusion, and give you time to lead a team of your people and ours to find our irksome intruder."
"Then do it," Jarem agrees, "I think it's a reasonable decision."
Alyssa nods.
"Get me a list of people you want for your team. I'll present it to the other regents, one at a time, only showing them the names from their people. If you need anything else, let me know."
After that, she calls for Lorathana and Leogeon.
Easy enough to get them and...
Go ahead.
"Lorathana, could you arrange private meetings with the other Regents once Jarem lets you know his list is complete? And bring me up to speed on anything that's happened that I've missed out on between the anti-scrying project and the trip to the Red Knight's library. Leogeon, get things ready for a large effort. I'm thinking of trying to combine Greater Anticipate Teleportation and... A Forcecage with Dimensional Lock. I recall hearing about a way to divert a teleport.... what was it..."
Referring to to the Psionic Divert Teleport, but since it's Psionic, I'm going to play with her not having it in mind right off the bat. I don't know if there's an arcane or divine version of that, if there is?
It's in the spell collection, 8th level spell. Alicia made it way back. In case that impacts your action here.
Would it have made it's way to Alyssa? I kept it vague so it could go either way.
If it's not in your spellbook no, but you could probably get your hands on it.
Would she have heard about it, or how do you want to go about introducing it?
Gimme another K:A check then.
K:A:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 9 + 58, total 67[/blockquote]
You'd know it exists, at least.
"There's a spell for it, I've heard of one. I'll have to find out about it. Maybe a short trip to Brightwater will be needed after all."
"Of course, ma'am," Lorathana replies, "Is there anything else?"
"Not on my end. Do you have anything for me?"
"Three things," Lorathana begins, "First, there were no assassinations or incidents last night."
"Thankfully. What else?"
"We're increasing our food supplies, just in case. This has gone well and under budget, in what must truly be a miracle." Lorathana says.
"Two spots of good news? This must mean the third is that Madala's put forth a vote to unseat me or the like."
Lorathana hesitates a moment. "The third is...personal."
Alyssa sighs and sits down.
"Leogeon, start gathering things and recruiting people for the spell circles. Go ahead Lorathana."
A nod and your servant is off, then Lorathana says, "Jarem and I are going out this evening," she says, neutrally.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow. "Good. You need to relax. It'll make things easier for me."
She leans forward, "And if he gets out of line, I'll put him back in. He's got a reputation inside his own order I gather. At least from the librarian we ran into. If he pushes too far, ask about her."
"..." A slight twist of Lorathana's lips downwards. "What sort of reputation."
"She was quite upset that he brought two of his, and I quote, floozies with him to the library. Emily didn't seem to catch on, so that's one less explanation I have to give, but I think it's quite telling. Don't let it dissuade you, I think you've got the kind of iron needed to set him straight, but it's gonna be work."
The faintest narrowing of Lorathana's eyes, "Floozies? I see. Floozies."
Alyssa snorts. "Be hard on him, but not too harsh. Remember, what happened before you get together is far more his business than yours. As long as none of it comes back. Remember, whatever path he took wound up leading him to you. If it works out between you, be thankful for that. Doesn't mean you completely let him off the hook for it, but too much will drive him away, too."
"...I suppose some men are more tolerant of that than others," Lorathana finally says, "Jarem seems to have thick skin, though."
"Doesn't mean he'll agree that it's your business. Just keep in mind he's the master of his own life and don't push too hard and you'll be fine. Where's he taking you tonight?"
"The beach," Lorathana says, rather shortly. "There had better not be any other women there."
What's that? Restaurant or something?
No, the beach. As in the shoreline. Where there's sand and water.
Small phone screen. Read it as breach.
"I'm sure there will be. I doubt it's a private beach. But keeping his eyes on you is your responsibility. What do you plan to wear?"
Ooooh, explains it.
"I'm...debating," Lorathana says at last, "Do I need to push it to keep his attention or play harder to get and entice him? If he's so experienced and worldly, I'm not sure which tack I should try." She looks away and down, one arm holding her other.
"Elegence and poise. I think you should go with a stylized one piece and a semi-see through sarong. A one piece cut to show skin on the hips and a bit of cleavage."
A longer pause, "You think so," Lorathana asks, "You think that will get his attention without being too much?"
"I didn't say bare it all. Just show some hips and a bit of cleavage. If you don't like how much it shows, well, use the sarong."
"Alright then," Lorathana agrees, "I'll try that. Is there anything else, ma'am?
"Make sure he's the one getting you drinks and food."
Alyssa grins. "And have fun."
A nod and from there...
Next move?
Hunting down that spell. A quick trip with Emily to Brightwater seems most likely. Small and low-key.
Okay. Who are you aiming for then?
Emily mentioned being there before so I was going to ask her, but likely focus on some sort of mage's association or an information broker as last resort.
Brightwater is as it always is as you walk down the streets with Emily. People come and go at good speed, commerce all around you. Buying and selling - goods and grain, glass and gold and far more beyond that. As you walk down the golden streets, "Well, I have people I can talk to, and Aunt Waukeen hasn't done anything yet so it should be fine," she says.
Alyssa nods. "What's your best bet to find a teleport redirection spell?"
Alyssa idly window shops as they go, looking for anything interesting.
"Oh, I know someone," Emily says, "I'll take you right to him."
Roll and post 1d100.
> roll 1d100 Dune request Serith
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 28 > [d100=28]
Nothing too interesting or affordable on a glance. You end up in a nice shop, dimly lit and with sweet smelling smoke lingering in the air. Sitting in the back before a crystal ball is a red-skinned elf, wearing a loincloth and nothing else. His face is lean, jawbone and cheek bones visible. "I see...I see Emily has returned!"
The shop itself is decorated with this and that - a feathered staff, an iron greatsword, several heaps of books, a rack of scrolls, a table full of potions, that sort of thing. It's all crammed together, overflowing.
Alyssa tries to identify the shopkeeper's race while looking around the store.
K:Local. Any will do.
I have no K:Locals.
You don't know who or what the elf is offhand.
Alyssa approaches the shopkeeper.
"Not to be rude, sir, but I'm a scholar, and I've never seen an elf with red skin. Might I ask for enlightenment about you?"
"Hi, J-" A stop there, "He's a fire elf. Anyway, this is Jeras." Emily introduces you. "Jeras, Alyssa. We're here for a spell."
The elf eyes you then goes on, "Yes, yes, Alyssa, who do you follow, for I feel the wind as you come close, the wind and the scent of the trail."
Alyssa bows to the newly discovered (for her) fire elf semi-formally, "I'm Alyssa Songsteel, and I follow the horizon under the patronage of Shaundakul."
"I thought so, I have a rare spell for sale that may appeal. Have you ever heard of Presip's Life Walk?" Jeras asks, squinting your way, "A lost treasure of spiritual arcana, a spell forged long ago and forgotten by most."
Any K check to know about it? I now have Bardic Lore! Effectively!
K:A, sure.
> roll 1d20+43+15 K:A/Bibliotheca Serith
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 78 > [d20=20]
And since I forgot to post buffs before, let me do that now.
Create Magic Tattoo: +1 Spellcaster Level, CL 25, Duration: 24 Hours.
Magic Vestment +5 (Shield), CL 21, Duration 21 Hours.
+5 armor bonus to armor/shield.
Heart of Air, CL 30, Duration: 30 Hours.
+10 enhancement bonus on Jump checks, and if you have a fly speed, that speed gains a +10-foot enhancement bonus.
Create Magic Tattoo: Spell Resistance 19, CL 29, Duration: 24 Hours.
Spell resistance equal to 10 + 1 per three caster levels.
Create Magic Tattoo: +1 Luck to Attack, CL 17, Duration: 24 Hours.
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls.
Greater Magic Weapon: Shifting Steel +5, CL 30, Duration: 30 Hours.
enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls of +5
Elemental Body (Fire), CL 30, Duration: 30 Hours.
You have the benefits of the attune form spell (page 17) with respect to the appropriate element.
You are immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet.
Fire: Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
Mind Blank, CL 30, Duration: 24 Hours.
This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
Bibliotheca Arcana, CL 30, Duration: 24 Hours.
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained. Perfect recall of memory and anything heard/read. Speak all languages.
Energy Immunity (Cold), CL 30, Duration: 24 Hours.
Energy Immunity (Electricity), CL 26, Duration: 24 Hours.
Energy Immunity (Acid), CL 30, Duration: 24 Hours.
Energy Immunity (Sonic), CL 30, Duration: 24 Hours.
Many Moments of Prescience (3 uses), CL 30, Duration: 30 Hours.
This spell is identical to moment of prescience, 3 uses. The insight bonus equals your caster level (maximum +30).
Epic Mage Armor, CL 30, Duration: 30 Hours.
This spell is identical to mage armor, except that it grants a +20 armor bonus to armor class. (+2 bonus from Mind over Matter)
Alyssa Songsteel
HP: 294/294
AC: 55.
Spells Active: Magic Vestment (CL21), Heart of Air (CL30), Create Magic Tattoo (SR/Spellcaster Level/Attack) (CL29/25/21), Elemental Body: Fire (CL30), Mind Blank (CL30), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL30), Energy Immunity: Cold/Acid (CL30), Energy Immunity: Electricity/Sonic (CL26), Many Moments of Prescience (CL30), Epic Mage Armor (CL30)
Bonuses: +10 Fly Speed (HoA), SR 19 (CMT), +1 Caster Level (CMT), +1 Luck Attack (CMT), +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge checks (BA), +22 Armor Bonus (EMA), +5 Armor Bonus/Shield (MV)
Negative Conditions:
It's a dreadfully obscure spell, something about healing as you walk. You recall a distant mention of it, read years ago. An odd duck of a spell no doubt, designed to heal by using the body's movement to open microscopic portals into the Positive Energy Plane.
"I believe it's a healing spell. Takes the energy of movement to channel energy from the Positive Energy Plane. Very interesting... What's your price for it?"
"900 gold," Jeras says, "For lost arcana."
".... 800, and I'll make you one of my first stops on my next visit. Future business."
Diplo check, +3 bonus.
> roll 1d20+36+3 Diplo Serith
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 53 > [d20=14]
"Deal," Jeras agrees quickly, going to the scroll rack and taking one out. "Here, read it once you pay," he says.
Alyssa hands over the gold!
"And now, for the question Emily brought me here for."
The scroll is handed over.
"What are you looking for?" he asks right back.
"A spell that can divert a teleport to a different location."
Alyssa tucks the spell away for later transferring into her gem and then distribution to the guild.
"Oh yes, that one. I can get my hands on it, and a teleport scrambler instead if you'd prefer that," Jeras says, "Easy as can be."
"What sort of teleport scrambler? What's the effect, exactly?"
"Oh, it's a spell that scrambles the bodies of creatures that teleport near you, it's unpleasant," Emily pipes up, "But it can hurt people who are allied to you, too, so use it wisely."
"Young Emily speaks the truth," Jeras concurs, "A powerful too, but a dangerous one."
"Hmmm... What's the cost for each?"
"1,000 gold for teleport scrambler. 3,300 for divert teleport," Jeras says, "Will you take them?"
I actually don't have that much cash on hand, but I was going to sell my spare weapons at some point. Good as time as any, or how do you want to do this?
Selling them and then coming back is perfectly okay, selling them will largely be done OOC anyway.
"Hm. Let me sell some things and return after I budget everything out. The divert spell is certainly something I want, but there are other things I'm interested in as well."
"Then return with more money," he says.
What'cha gonna sell?
Desiccating Sure Strike Heavy Flail +1, 18,315gp: 1d10, 19-20/x2 Crit, (Desiccating Burst +1, Sure Striking +1)
Magebane Shattermantle Greatsword +1, 18,350gp: 2d6, 19-20/x2, (Shattermantle +1, Magebane +1)
Crossive Eager Rapier +1, 18,320gp: 1d6, 18-20/x2, (Eager +1, Corrosive +1)
Total is 54,985 gp.
Post that over in loot.
A little bit of shopping later...
"Ah, there you are," Jeras calls, "Are you ready to buy?"
"I am. I'll take both."
Alyssa hands over 4300 gp.
Post the purchase in loot.
"Excellent," Two scrolls are handed over, "Ah, I also I found another spell by Presip named Presip's Healing Fist. Are you interested?"
"What type of spell? Arcane? What's it do, heal me if I punch myself in the face?"
"A cleric's magic. Precisely so, yes, designed by Presip as a tool against undead primarily, but you can also punch yourself to heal yourself." Giving you a look, "I can let it go for 500 gold coins, if you're interested."
Alyssa chuckles and waves Emily over.
"A spell that heals you when you punch yourself in the face. I'm sure Jarem's going to stumble his way through the date with Lorathana tonight. How about we give it to her to pass to him?"
"Oh that could be a good idea, and new spells are always interesting," Emily says, "I say we take it."
Alyssa chuckles. "I'll take it, but I think 500 gold is a bit high even if the spell is... Unique. It's rather restrictive and specialized in it's use. While that makes it rare and unique, that doesn't mean it's especially useful. I'll offer... 300 gold. A cleric trained as an unarmed fighter is rare."
"My lady, this spell is unique and valuable! The historical value alone makes it worth more than that.. Surely worth at least 470 gold coins!"
Meanwhile Emily stands to the side, watching curiously.
"Unique doesn't equate to value. A clay arrowhead is unique, but not useful. Still, historically... Even considering, it's only value is to complete a set of work. Presip surely made more than two spells, but two isn't a set. 350 gold."
"Ah, but three spells is, and I have a third spell," Jeras retorts, leaning forward, "As part of a set, its value rises greatly. 445 gold."
"The desirability of it depends on the desirability of the set. What's the third spell?"
"Presip's Life Jaunt," Jeras spreads his arms, "An improved version of Presip's Life Walk, with added speed improvements as well. Really a logical next step for the spell."
"Oh indeed? Hmm... How much for the set?"
"Well, you bought the first. 3500 for the set," he says, "For both of them."
"Hmm... The first was 1,000 gold. Is the next one worth 3,000?"
Alyssa considers for a moment. "2850."
"3400 and I toss in a scroll of read magic I need to get rid of," Jeras says, "But no less."
"Read magic? That's a rather simple spell... How about this. 3000 gold with you being one of the first favored brokers for me and mine here on Brightwater? I'll send you plenty of business, I assure you. Emily can verify for you the amount of interest in arcane knowledge I represent."
"She runs a guild, that's easy business," Emily says, "It's a good deal, my Mom would say so too!"
Jeras gives you a long look at that, "A guild? Well, for that you have a deal."
Go post the expense in loot.
Alyssa hands the money over.
"Anything else you think I'd be interested in? Or anyone you'd like to refer me to? I'm sure all of you merchants have a referral network set up."
"Hm, hm, hm," Considering that a time, "I have a high end teleport beacon, but it has a high price tag."
Uh, what would that do exactly? I mean... How would it really be useful?
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103074.msg1075448.html#msg1075448
The exact effect depends on the type and quality of the beacon, but they essentially force teleports within the radius to appear in a certain location, overriding normal targeting.
And how powerful is this one? More powerful than what I can manage with a divert teleport?
You'd have to ask.
"And just how powerful is this teleport beacon?"
"It's a full teleport beacon of one mile - the only flaw is that it's damaged. It's stable, but the range fluctuates. You'd want to repair it for reliable use," Jeras says, "I was thinking 150,000 gold for it."
Alyssa whistles. "Well, even if I were interested, I wouldn't be buying it today. I'll keep it in mind, however. Anything else?"
"That's all," Jeras says and...
Anything else to do here?"
Outside of anything Emily has to suggest and some idle wandering/window shopping, not that I can think of... Actually, some Ioun Stones. I'm interested in an Orange stone, but I'd also be interested in a full run of the stat ones, if I could get something other than an enhancement bonus on them, since it doesn't stack with my belt. If not, I'll just get the orange one and save to improve my belt.
Getting an orange stone is simple enough, go post the expense in loot. Non enhancement bonus stat boosts aren't for sale at the current time.
Anything else?
Not outside of Emily stuff.
As you head out, "What do those spells do, Alyssa?" Emily asks, "They sound good! Like unique spells that's a secret treasure to know, like some of my Mom's magic."
"A few healing with movement spells and one that diverts incoming teleports to another place. What kind of magic does your mother specialize in?"
"Oh, everything. Well, Mom Seira has some powerful magic of all kinds and Mom Amaryl has some powerful magic, too, like her greater arrow mind spell, but she's more of a dabbler, she's not quite to the 9th circle. Really just a hobby," Emily nods along. "She's way better with a bow and arrow, especially setting things on fire with fire hot enough to burn fiends and elementals."
"Impressive. For both. I'd certainly be interested in their magic, but I can imagine they're not exactly eager to be friendly with me, personally, considering the attitudes of the one who came for. Elle, was it?"
That gets Emily to wilt, "Yeah, Mom's really mad at me. I'm going to try talking to my other Mom soon, see if she's less mad."
"I can imagine it'll be like a bandage. Best to rip it off fast and get it over with."
"I hope so," Emily slumps even more, "If both Moms are still angry at me, it might be awhile."
"Eh, I'm sure they're angry because they're worried. They might have hard feelings, but they'll never stop loving you or being your parents. Avoiding them just makes them frustrated."
"I hope so," Emily repeats, then shakes her head, "So what about those spells?"
"What about them? I'll learn them and then provide copies to the guild."
"Well," Emily says, bouncing on the balls of her feet, "Can we look at them first?"
"I suppose we can take a peak, but studying them should wait until we're back at the Order."
Alyssa opens Presip's Life Jaunt to glance over it.
Thus Alyssa finds out the following:
Presip's Life Jaunt
Conjuration/Trasmutation (Healing)
Level: Clr 7, Hlr 7
This spell is identical to Presip's life walk, except as noted here. The target heals 2 hit points for every 5ft they move. Additionally, the gain a +20ft enhancement bonus to movement speed.
"Quite nice for a skirmisher. I'm sure Jarem would love this spell. I think I'll taunt him with it."
"Oh?" Emily says, "That looks nice, what about the earlier version?"
Alyssa opens that one for a glance as well.
Alyssa reads the following:
Presip's Life Walk
Conjuration (Healing)
Level: Clr 3, Hlr 3
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Living creature touched
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
When you cast this spell, the movement of the target's body creates tiny fissures to the Positive Energy Plane, allowing them to heal. For every 5ft the target moves, they heal 1 hit point. For example, if the target moves 30ft, they heal 6 hit points. This healing stacks with fast healing and other sources of healing. Only direct movement by the target causes healing, being pushed or thrown does not, nor does being magically moved in any way (such as teleportation).
This spell was created by Presip, a cleric/monk of Shaundakul. While the spell is not secret, it is obscure due to its unusual nature.
"An interesting concept. Let's return, unless there's something you wanted to get done?"
Okay, next move?
Go back, copy spells, ad get to working on the teleportation defense array.
Goal on the defense array?
Combine the divert to a location that will have the forcecage and a Dimensional Lock that will activate after they arrive in the cage, with a Greater Anticipate Teleportation linked to some sort of alarm or something so security gets a heads up and a couple seconds to prep.
Okay, how are you planning to do that mechanically?
Some sort of contingent spell circle array?
So basically something that triggers those spells on demand?
The divert and forcecage stuff, yeah. Conditions like not part of the guild orthe like.
Okay, go ahead and gimme the costs of a baseline custom item that can use those at will and we'll see from there? Or multiple items if you want to segment it.
Might have messed this up or conflated the amounts due to my CL, but I dunno what level we really need, soo...
Divert Teleport (level 8) 10 min/level: 8*32*2000=512,000*1.5=768,000
Forcecage (level 7) 2 hours/level: 7*32*2000=448,000
Dimesnional Lock (level 8) 24 hours/level: 8*32*2000=512,000/2=256,000
Anticipate Teleportation, Greater (level 6) 1 hour/level: 6*32*2000=384,000
Total= 1,856,000
I'd just recommend a teleportation beacon in place of the divert teleport, same basic function and way cheaper.
Does the Order have that spell?
It's an item, not a spell.
Ah, well, I don't have the 150k for the busted up one.
Okay, as this looks to be expensive as hell, do you have any plans on how to get the money for it?
Not really. I wasn't really expecting it to be that expensive. The beacon is semi-doable, but I still don't have anywhere near that much. So I guess it's back burnered until I can hit some sort of money run.
That afternoon, Jarem comes on over, "So it's that expensive, huh? I heard the figures you came up with," he says, taking a seat as you look up from your work.
Alyssa grunts in disgust.
"This is why they weren't in place before. Hideously expensive. There's a merchant I'm Brightwater that has a damaged one for 150,000 gold, but that's still out of what we can afford."
"So in other words, we need to go have an adventure with Emily and bring back gobs of treasure?" Jarem banters right back, "That's what I'm hearing."
"Indeed. By your tone, you have an idea?"
"Of course I do," Jarem says, "Called in some favors, found out some leads on a good, fresh hoard of treasure." Smiling now, "So Queen, feel like adventuring?"
"We're going to have to. How's the search going for our infiltrator?"
"About as much as a dead end as we thought, but we're narrowing the profile," Jarem says, shrugging. "He was careful and magically warded up to his eyeballs. About what I'd expect for an elite Sharran, we only got as much as we did by plain dumb luck."
"... If you can identify at least one unusual spell he uses, we might be able to track that."
"They're working on it," Jarem shakes his head, "Anyway, no questions about what the lead is?"
"That makes me worry you know I won't like it."
"Queen, Queen, Queen," Jarem chuckles, "No really, this is good. I'm fairly sure of it. You know Aurora? Awhile back they bumped off a dragon in Radiance. Got a lead on a back up treasure hoard he had, one no one found out about."
"Ohhh... Very well done, Jarem. I'm impressed. Almost impressed enough not to ask about your date last night. Almost."
She grins expectingly.
"I had no complaints," Jarem says breezily. "And if you're asking, you didn't hear any, either."
"Perhaps I have and I'm letting you dig your grace deeper."
"Not your style, Queen," Jarem shakes his head. "Anyway, you ever been to Radiance?"
"I have not."
"Bright, blinding and really bright. We'll need planar protections for sure," Jarem ticks off a finger, "Also, backup means of perception are useful if you can manage them. As you might expect, light magic's strong here."
"Hmm, I can start looking into it and planning."
"We can go whenever you're ready," Jarem says, "Are you?"
"Not immediately. I've got some spells to go over. Including one for you, with the understanding that the Order gets to copy it into our library."
"Oh?" Now Jarem looks up, "What sort of spell? Something new or obscure?"
"Obscure, but more than suitable for you." She slides the scroll for healing fist over.
Jarem reads and hms. "It's unique, but I don't fight unarmed, and if I need to heal many people, I'll use a stronger spell. Say, give this to an unarmed warrior or a beast with lots of claws and fangs? You'd be onto something, especially against the undead."
Presip's Healing Fist
Conjuration (Healing)
Level: Clr 4
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: 1 round/level
As a standard action, your touch heals 1d12 points of damage. Additionally, any unarmed strikes or natural weapon attacks you make also cause this healing. Against undead, this deals damage instead of healing.
"I figured since you tend to put your foot in your mouth so often, you might as well get something out of it."
"If you say so," Jarem's tone is light. "Still, thank you - a new spell is always worthwhile, and even if I can't use it, the Red Knight will have others who can."
Alyssa chuckles. "I'll let you know when I'm ready. If you can, get a briefing together for Radiance."
"Yeah, sure. How do you want to do this?" Jarem goes on, "A small strike force with just the three of us, or something more expansive?"
"With our defenses being bare-bones, I half don't want to take away from the forces here. On the other hand, I'm not sure what we'll face in Radiance. I'd say... You, Emily, myself, and two others. Maybe... A conjurer and a necromancer? What do you think of that group?"
"Skip 'em," Jarem says, "Frankly, if we get in a situation where we're in trouble, a couple of them won't change anything. Keep them here in case Shar chooses now to act up."
Alyssa nods.
"Alright then. Let me study some of these spells and do some research into Radiance for what protections would be best and we'll be on our way."
I know jack all about Radiance. K check here for details?
Roll it, sure.
> roll 1d20+43+15 K:P/Bibliotheca
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 70 > [d20=12]
The Quasi Elemental Plane of Radiance is between Fire and the Positive Energy Plane. It is a place of pure light and energy, blinding to normal creatures who end up there.
- Without protection, creatures are blinded here.
- It's largely void of matter, being pure light, but islands of material exist.
- Light magic is much stronger here and darkness magic is far more difficult.
- Most of the natives are adapted to it, so be careful.
Largely it's a no-man's land, not a lot of forces invested in it. Various entities related to light have interests here, but by and large it's a wild frontier. This means it's largely neutral overall, though good has several places it's strong in, as light and good are strongly linked. As such, it's valued for being a neutral ground to sort all sorts of things out without being observed.
So just that planar protect spell is all that's needed?
Yes.
I don't have that in my spell book. Does the guild have it that I can learn?
Sure, it's a common planar spell.
I shall learn it! Or rather, what level is it? I can leave a slot open and spellpool it. On my phone at lunch with family so my referencing abilities are limited.
It depends on which one you want, there's a few. Check the SC.
Planar Tolerance, level 5 spell seems to fit the bill best.
Then you have it. Anything else? Need to prep spells?
Just that I think? That spell will last 32 hours, so. Just to cover basis, lemme post buffs again. I've separated them between everyone and self only buffs.Everyone:Create Magic Tattoo: +1 Spellcaster Level, CL 32, Duration: 24 Hours.Magic Vestment +5 (Shield), CL 23, Duration 23 Hours.+5 armor bonus to armor/shield. (+2 via Mind over Matter: Total bonus +7)
Spell resistance equal to 10 + 1 per three caster levels.
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls.
enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls of +5
+10 enhancement bonus on Jump checks, and if you have a fly speed, that speed gains a +10-foot enhancement bonus.
This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
You have the benefits of the attune form spell (page 17) with respect to the appropriate element.
You are immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet.
Fire: Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained. Perfect recall of memory and anything heard/read. Speak all languages.
This spell is identical to moment of prescience, 3 uses. The insight bonus equals your caster level (maximum +30).
This spell is identical to mage armor, except that it grants a +20 armor bonus to armor class. (+2 bonus via Mind over Matter: Total bonus +22)
HP: 294/294
AC: 57.
Spells Active: Magic Vestment (CL21), Heart of Air (CL30), Create Magic Tattoo (SR/Spellcaster Level/Attack) (CL29/25/21), Elemental Body: Fire (CL30), Mind Blank (CL30), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL30), Energy Immunity: Cold/Acid (CL30), Energy Immunity: Electricity/Sonic (CL26), Many Moments of Prescience (CL30), Epic Mage Armor (CL30)
Bonuses: +10 Fly Speed (HoA), SR 19 (CMT), +1 Caster Level (CMT), +1 Luck Attack (CMT), +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge checks (BA), +22 Armor Bonus (EMA), +7 Armor Bonus/Shield (MV), +1 Caster Level (Ioun Stone)
Negative Conditions:
Okay, I may adjust Emily and Jarem's spells a bit for this, please hold.
Oops, forgot about this one:
Everyone:
Planar Tolerance (Radiance), CL 32, Duration: 32 hours.
Gain temporary respite from the natural effects of a specific plane.
One more thing I really should have mentioned: Do you want Jarem or Emily to provide any spells?
Anything they'd consider useful/beneficial? RP-wise I'm not really super into micro-managing like that unless you want me to, to help take some load off.
Nah, more just giving you the opportunity if there's anything you want them to cover.
Not specifically that I can think of? If they have any long duration non-enhancement stat boost or defensive stuff, that'd be handy, but can't think of anything else.
"Okay," Jarem says, "We ready for this?" The three of you have gathered together, ready to go, each in full gear and armor.
Alyssa checks over their spells.
"I believe so. You know the location, at least roughly, of this hoard, yes?"
"Yeah," Jarem says, "A cloaked, free roaming hunk of dirt and stone in Radiance. I can get us close to where it should be and we'll have to find it from there. The ability to see the invisible will be useful," he adds. "Once we've found it, we fight through the defenses and claim it as our own."
"Well, let's get started then. Emily, anything to add? Know anything about this dragon that Aurora defeated that could give us a clue as to what sort of things it might have set up?"
"Oh, it was early in Aurora's career," Emily says, thoughtfully. "I don't think the dragon was that strong, so we should be alright. Between Jarem and I, we should be able to heal any injuries to our vision, and vision protection will go a long way. Losing vision is a huge disadvantage and creatures on Radiance are used to fighting opponents suffering from that problem."
"Well, in a pinch I have tremor sense, but only out to about thirty feet. Relying on that is a bad idea, though. Unless you two can think of any other protections we should have, let's get going."
Okay, who's doing the magic to get over there and what spell is being used? I presume Jarem will cover it, correct me if I'm wrong.
Yeah, that's good.
Light. You stand in light, atop a small hunk of dirt and rock. Radiance as far as you can see, blindingly bright and yet held at bay. It's nothing but glowing splendor horizon to horizon, the air hot but dry.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
Emily
HP: 408/408
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
"Well, I know where to go to get a tan, at least. Which way, Jarem?"
"That way," Jarem points ahead, "We keep searching until we see an invisible island, so keep your abilities to see the invisible active."
Alyssa adjusts her glasses a bit, but then takes off towards Jarem's pointing.
"Hey, wait up," Emily calls, following along.
Jarem flies along with a smile, "It's like Air, Princess. Just think and fly."
Alyssa, being used to planar flight thanks to her abilities, does a lazy loop, making a show of the ease of it while waiting for Emily to get it down.
Emily jets right up, "I've visited Air plenty of times," she says, a huff afterwards. "Really, Jarem!"
Grinning even more now at that, "Didn't say you hadn't, Princess. Now you know."
Alyssa heads off then! With the others in tow.
Gimme a d100, Alyssa.
> roll 1d100 Serith
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 85 > [d100=85]
About an hour of wandering follows. You're exploring, flying about in a bright but largely empty void. As you go along...
"Hey, Princess," Jarem speaks up. "Do much military training in the Cauldron?"
Emily looks over to him and says, "Well, you mean fighting? I know how to fight and-"
"No, not that," Jarem cuts right in, "No, no. I mean like military tactics, planning, leading soldiers."
"Oh. Some," Emily admits, "Most everyone obeys me anyway if they know who I am, so I have to."
"Proper leadership education is invaluable. I didn't have much when I got promoted through the Order and it hurt at first."
"Yeah," Jarem remarks, "I had to learn it as I went and then learn it once I had hands on experience from a teacher." Shaking his head a bit, "I did some things right, but I also had to unlearn bad habits I had. Better to be taught right in the first place."
Emily hms at that, "Well, elementals are easy to command, at least. I focused a lot on them and they take orders well, if uncreatively."
"Mmm... We have conjurers that think the same. It's not wrong, but Elementals think differently, so how they interpret orders can go wrong sometimes. I've found they're best used as surprise force multipliers. A group of three suddenly becomes six."
"Like earth elementals coming from the ground, fire elementals from a fire your mages start, water elementals from a lake and so on?" Jarem asks. "Relying on them to be surprise and shock troops?"
"Not exactly, but same concept. A good time stop, summoning some elementals, and a few buff spells, and you have instant front line troops to fill holes."
Emily turns back and forth, listening to the two of you.
"Oh sure, but any summoned monster can do that, Queen," Jarem says, "I like to use elementals in a way to play them up, and in terrain that makes them more powerful. Earth elementals are amazing as land support or in any sort of underground battle, for instance, and fire elementals work great after setting an enemy's camp on fire."
"True, but that's all expected. Throw a control weather spell out and make a monsoon. Sudden, unexpected, and gives you the advantage. If I see someone set up near a lake, I expect water elementals."
That gets Jarem to smile, "Then if I know that, I hit you with something more unexpected when you're dealing with them," he says. "Like a reserve of ice elementals who come, freeze the lake over and let the water elementals retreat and decimate overextended, trapped forces in a frozen lake."
"It's an endless back and forth. Use fire elementals to revert the ice, and so on. Which is why I prefer to use them as surprise support."
"What about if you use them as main troops?" Emily pipes up, "Like frontline warriors, how can you maximize them?"
"Ups and downs. They're easily countered. Reliable, though, and they don't break ranks easy."
"Mmm-hmm," Jarem agrees, "Frankly, most elementals except powerful ones are a little slow on the uptake. Bank on the reliability, not the creativity."
Emily makes an agreeing noise as...
Perception.
> roll 1d20+43 Perception Serith
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 44 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+44 Jarem Perception
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+44 Jarem Perception --> [ 1d20=12 ]{56}
> roll 1d20+40 Emily Perception
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+40 Emily Perception --> [ 1d20=1 ]{41}
"DOWN!" Jarem suddenly barks, grabbing both of you by the arms and plummeting down. Just in time, for seconds later a burst of gleaming fire explodes where the three of you were and...!!!
Init.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
Emily
HP: 408/408
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
[/quote]
Init:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 5 + 9, total 14[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+5 Jarem
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 Jarem --> [ 1d20=3 ]{8}
> roll 1d20+9 Emily
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 Emily --> [ 1d20=3 ]{12}
> roll 1d20+12 ???
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 ??? --> [ 1d20=10 ]{22}
Init is ??? (22) > Alyssa (14) > Emily (12) > Jarem (8)
Baddie opens.
Before any of you can react, another blast of burning, gleaming fire engulfs the three of you.
Ref saves. Fire immunity gives you a pass.
Elemental Body: Fire gives immunity.
> roll 1d20+37 evasion Jarem
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+37 evasion Jarem --> [ 1d20=12 ]{49}
> roll 1d20+34 Alyssa
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+34 Alyssa --> [ 1d20=17 ]{51}
> roll 15d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 15d6 --> [ 15d6=52 ]{52}
All made the save, so Jarem takes none and Emily takes 26 before resistance, which knocks it down to 16.
Jarem blocks with his shield as you endure, Emily throwing her arms up and lightly scalded as...
Go.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
Emily
HP: 408+8/408
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
Alyssa looks around for the source of the attack!
About 120ft above you is a strange thing - a mass of tentacles coming from a shining sphere of light, seeming to phase in and out, ghostly.
Uh, roll to ID?
K:P.
K:P/Knowledge Devotion/Bibliotheca/Tale Keeper:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+63 : 6 + 63, total 69[/blockquote]
You know much about things - and that is a xag-ya, a strange and alien creature native to the Positive Energy Plane. Little is known about them, for they rarely communicate and follow their own plans, as well as seldom deal with other creatures. Being aggressive like this is rare but not unheard of.
"A xag-ya. Native to positive energy plane."
Is there a common language on the positive energy plane?
No. Some use telepathy, some use various languages - Ignan and Auran are popular - and others simply don't communicate in meaningful ways. The natives of the Positive Energy Plane tend to be odd, even by planar standards.
Would my check have revealed if these have a language? I
Xag-ya rarely communicate, and when they do they use telepathy or an elemental language. It's rare in any event, they don't seem to favor any language.
Ah, what the hell, it's worked before.
Alyssa shouts in Ingan, "Xag-ya, we mean only to travel! No fighting, no pain for either of us!"
Gimme a Diplo check.
Diplomacy/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 7 + 57, total 64[/blockquote]
The strange being floats where it is.
'Abomination:Man. Man:KnightServant. KnightServant:RedKnight. RedKnight:Abomination.'
Strange words sound in your mind, paired together.
'Abomination:Woman. Woman:DragonServant. DragonServant:DragonPrincess. DragonPrincess:Abomination.'
More words come.
Alyssa takes a moment to address the others as it pauses, "It thinks you two and those you serve are abominations."
She does wait for it to continue.
"Great," Jarem murmurs, "Get it to talk," he says, "It seems willing to talk to you."
Emily gasps, "No! Mom is not an abomination! That's horrible, how dare it? How dare you?!" Emily shouts up at it.
"Emily, it thinks completely different than us. It's logic isn't our logic. Let it continue."
There's no response, but it isn't immediately attacking again, either.
Ball is in your court.
Alyssa turns back and continues speaking to it, "Man, woman: peaceful. Searching only. Xag-ya: unknown, alone. All go separate?"
The strange being is inert a few more moments, before drifting up and off, seeming not to attack any more. Are you safe?
"Be careful, it could be getting the distance for some sort of big attack. Let's move away while it does too."
Saying so, Alyssa begins to drift backwards, keeping an eye out for any sign of attack.
Perception.
> roll 1d20+43 Perception Kobot because Serith's been a PITA
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+43 Perception Kobot because Serith's been a PITA --> [ 1d20=1 ]{44}
Meow, Serith. Meow.
> roll 1d20+44 Jarem Perception
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+44 Jarem Perception --> [ 1d20=10 ]{54}
> roll 1d20+40 Emily Perception
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+40 Emily Perception --> [ 1d20=18 ]{58}
No sign of it.
"Let's get the hell out of here and stay prepared," Jarem says tersely, "I'd bet money it went to get friends rather than attack us head on, after its attack failed so miserably. The fact that it fireballed us and we simply talked to it showed that it didn't have a chance against us."
"You think so?" Emily frowns, "I've never met a Xag-ya before, maybe it was confused? There's no way the Red Knight and Mom are abominations."
"Yeah, that's the thing with fanatics and alien creatures. It doesn't have to make sense, they just have to believe it," Jarem speeds along now, "Eyes sharp, don't fly too close together."
"I agree. Watch for them. Curiously, it never commented on me, only you two. And only your mother and the Red Knight, not Shaundakul. I wonder if there's a connection there... Shaundakul is one of the oldest dieties..."
"Might be," Jarem says, "The Red Knight rose a long time ago, like Seira did." A squint as he slowly rubs his chin, "You might be onto something there. Keep that one in mind in case we run into them again, and record that somewhere. Information on the Xag-ya's scarce, any lore and speculation helps."
Emily reddens faintly as she glowers in the direction it went, "Maybe it just likes old men?"
A chuckle at that from Jarem, "Don't be tart, be sweet. It works better for you, Princess. You don't have the personality to be snappish like that."
Alyssa chuckles. "No hard feelings. It's mind works differently. Just let it be at that. Or I could lock you in a room with something Slaad to get the point across?"
Okay, ready to continue on? Any new precautions or just continuing to search?
Don't know enough about the place to take more precautions, so just continue on more paranoid than before.
Great. Perception, all.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 12 + 43, total 55[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+44 Jarem Perception
> roll 1d20+40 Emily Perception
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+44 Jarem Perception --> [ 1d20=2 ]{46}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+40 Emily Perception --> [ 1d20=13 ]{53}
All of you fly on as you go - and Emily abruptly looks up, "Problem!" she calls, drawing her sword and shield in a flash.
Alyssa spins to look, pulling Shifting Steel into the air with her Telekinesis as she looks for what caused the alarm.
"I hate being right." Jarem curses as he begins to fly to the side.
Above all of you, about 200ft up or so, are many more xag-yas. Several dozen of them, spreading out and coming down towards all of you.
Init, take 2.
> roll 1d20+9 Init Serith
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+5 Jarem
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+9 Emily
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+10 Xag-Ya Swarm
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=10]
Init is Alyssa (25) > Jarem (21) > Xag-Ya Swarm (20) > Emily (17)
Open.
Was I given enough of a description to Greater Teleport to the island? We've got a direction and a rough description of the island, is that enough?
No, or Jarem would've taken you there. More realistically, it's a dragon's lair likely magically warded up.
Alyssa frowns at them. "This is pointless."
She calls on her connection to the Spellpool, pulling a spell into her mind!
Using open level 8 slot: Greater Teleport (Reach), CL 32.
Target: Self and allies in 30 ft.
Using it to teleport them in the direction they were going, beyond the Xag-ya's ability to track, hopefully. I'm gonna say like 10 miles? I'm not sure what's reasonable there.
It's your choice, but I need a number.
10 miles is fine.
Woosh. In an instant all of you are gone, the xag-yas left behind.
"Yeah, saw it coming," Jarem agrees. "That sort of aggression doesn't just got away like that. Lesson for you right there, Princess."
With a slight huff, "I think Mom has a better one - hope for the best and prepare for the worst." Emily says, starting to fly along again.
"Oh sure, but just because she stole it from the Red Knight," Jarem banters back, smiling.
"She did not!" You hear Emily retort.
"We need to find the hoard quickly. Ideas? Divinations? It'll be protected."
"That's the problem, this is going to take time," Jarem says, shaking his head. "I say we brazen it out and if the xag-ya are still hostile, we deal with them."
"I don't know, they aren't evil, are they? Just misguided?" Emily pipes up, shield and sword still out.
"Yeah, that happens in warfare sometimes, Princess. Not all your enemies are fiends or assholes foul enough to resemble a fiend. Sometimes - most of the time in mortal wars - your opponent's some poor fuck who's unlucky enough to be getting his ass kicked by you." Jarem takes a long breath out before going on. "And if the xag-ya escalate even further, we withdraw again if needed. It's all well and good to avoid battles, but we can't let avoidance stop our goals, or they win without a fight."
"Mmm... I can only cast that one more time... I have an idea. What do you think of Air Elementals? They could search a wider area than us. They might be able to feel the flow of air here being impeded by the island."
"I can handle that, but only short term. Summon monster spells don't last long enough," Jarem says. "Got something more suitable?"
"Not at the moment... Perhaps a swarm of tiny golems for searching... But no, at the moment, that's the best I can come up with. Unless either of you have other ideas?"
"Nothing practical," Emily admits, "So let's go. If all else fails, doing something's better than doing nothing."
Jarem shakes his head, "Nothing wortwhile for this."
"Alright. We'll have to rely on a bit of luck and Shaundakul's favor. Let's keep a bit of distance between us and watch for more threats."
Proceeding on then?
Yeah
Gimme a d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]
You go on for perhaps 20 minutes, nothing until...
Perceptionings.
> roll 1d20+43 Perception Serith
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 61 > [d20=18]
You spy it again - this time below all of you, but 300ft away you see them, mostly hidden by the light, but they're back. Xag-yas, dozens of them again, flying inexorably towards the party.
Chance to react, but probably to init.
"Below us, again. Dozens."
Emily looks down and quickly asks, "Fight or flight?"
Jarem merely readies his shield.
Init, unless you're gonna try evading them.
"Think we can take that many?"
Jarem makes a show of rolling his neck, "Yeah, I think so."
Emily nods, "I think we can, too!"
Alyssa nods and begins casting!
> roll 1d20+9 init
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+5 JArem
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+9 mental note remember to cast sign, Jaela had the same problem Emily
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+10 Xag-Ya Swarm
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 21 > [d20=11]
Init is Emily (25) > Alyssa (23) > Xag-Ya Swarm (21) > Jarem (20)
Emily opens, one sec while I consider combat options.
Emily looks up, "Light magic won't work, probably," she murmurs to herself, then brings her hands together in a triangle before her. A white crystal floats within that triangle as she chants in Draconic, "Rain of the sky, rain of sorrow, the cold rain that stripes away vanity and makes all equal, come forth through the Blizzard Gate!" A great, driving rainstorm erupts around the Xag-Ya, bitter cold striking them all.
Rain of desolation. Dispel checks first.
> roll 1d20+30 1
> roll 1d20+30 2
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 31 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+30 3
> roll 1d20+30 4
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 39 > [d20=9]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 45 > [d20=15]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 33 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+30 5
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 36 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+30 6
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 38 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+30 7
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 41 > [d20=11]
> roll 19d6
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 70 > [d6=1,4,4,3,4,6,2,6,5,6,5,3,1,2,5,4,1,3,5]
Ice gathers over the Xag-Ya in the wake of the cold rain, lining them as bursts of glowing light fizzle from them, crumbling away under Emily's spell, as she draws her sword and shield again. "They're strong enough to need more to put them down," she calls, as...
Alyssa.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
Emily
HP: 408+8/408
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used: 1 11th level sorcerer spell,
Can I use Vitrification Bomb here? It says it heats an area of sand, so I dunno if that's viable here.
You need sand.
Alyssa begins casting!
Time Stop, CL 32.
> roll 1d4+1
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 4 > [d4=3]
You have four rounds. Use them well.
Round 1-
Standard: Beauty Triumphant (Echoing), CL 32, Duration 32 minutes.
+10 enhancement to Charisma. Total is now: 23 CHA (+6)
Move: Fly closer to the Xag-ya group (60 ft.)
Round 2-
Standard: Spiderskin (Reach, Chain, Echoing), CL 32, Duration: 320 minutes
+5 bonus to natural armor, saves, and hide checks.
Move: Fly closer to the Xag-ya group (60 ft.)
Round 3-
Standard: Alyssa's Aerial Assembly, CL 32, Duration: 32 rounds.
8 dancing copies of target weapon (Shifting Steel).
Move: Fly closer to the Xag-ya group (60 ft.)
Round 4-
Standard: Dolorous Blow (Reach, Chain, Echoing), CL 32, Duration: 32 minutes
Crit threat range is doubled, critical threats automatically confirm.
Move: Fly closer to the Xag-ya group (60 ft.)
Should put me in 60 ft of them when it wears off.
Alyssa Songsteel
HP: 294/294
AC: 62.
Spells Active: Magic Vestment (CL21), Heart of Air (CL32), Create Magic Tattoo (SR/Spellcaster Level/Attack) (CL30/26/23), Elemental Body: Fire (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL32), Energy Immunity: Cold/Acid (CL32), Energy Immunity: Electricity/Sonic (CL28), Many Moments of Prescience (CL31), Epic Mage Armor (CL31), Beauty Triumphant (CL32), AAA (CL 32), Spiderskin (CL32), Dolorus Blow (CL32)
Bonuses: +10 Fly Speed (HoA), SR 19 (CMT), +1 Caster Level (CMT), +1 Luck Attack (CMT), +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge checks (BA), +22 Armor Bonus (EMA), +7 Armor Bonus/Shield (MV), +1 Caster Level (Ioun Stone), +5 Natural Armor (SS), +10 CHA (BT)
Negative Conditions:
Thus time resumes, Alyssa before the Xag-Ya hoard. Light comes from them, pure radiance still crumbling before your eyes. You feel the presence of them, minds pressing against yours as...!!!
Anything else?
I don't have any other actions, do I?
You don't, just making sure.
Nope then.
Init is Emily (25) > Alyssa (23) > Xag-Ya Swarm (21) > Jarem (20)
From the Xag-Ya swarm a glow forms anew, gathering together as the fan out. They surround you in all angles, a single word pointing into your head. 'ABOMINATION!' before rays of light assail you in all directions.
> roll 1d20+18 touch AC 1
> roll 1d20+18 touch AC 2
> roll 1d20+18 touch AC 3
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 36 > [d20=18]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 37 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+18 touch AC 4
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=4]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=11]
Touch AC?
27.
> roll 4d6 1
> roll 4d6 1
> roll 4d6 3
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 12 > [d6=3,5,2,2]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 12 > [d6=2,4,2,4]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 11 > [d6=2,3,1,5]
DR does not apply.
The blasts pepper Alyssa, light surrounding her and striking her like physical blows, momentarily winding her. The radiance around her's getting brighter by the second.
Gimme a Fort save.
> roll 1d20+17 Fort
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=7]
Immune to blinding?
Unless the Planar Tolerance gives it, or Planar Mastery (Aligned) does.
They do not, sadly.
Ah! All you can see is light now, eyes utterly overwhelmed. You're effectively blind, eyes stinging and tears falling freely. As you reel from this...
Do you have any extra sensory means of perception, like blindsight, mindsight or anything that works without seeing?
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
Emily
HP: 408+8/408
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used: 1 11th level sorcerer spell,
Tremorsense.
Unfortunately unhelpful floating in a light filled void.
> roll 1d20+29
> roll 1d20+29
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+29 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{32}
> roll 1d20+29
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+29 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{41}
> roll 1d20+29
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+29 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{48}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+29 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{42}
Flatfooted, blinded AC?
Less than that.
> roll 2d6+12
> roll 2d6+12
> roll 2d6+12
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 2d6+12 --> [ 2d6=9 ]{21}
> roll 2d6+12
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 2d6+12 --> [ 2d6=6 ]{18}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 2d6+12 --> [ 2d6=9 ]{21}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 2d6+12 --> [ 2d6=4 ]{16}
HP after that?
218/294
Init is Emily (25) > Alyssa (23) > Xag-Ya Swarm (21) > Jarem (20)
You're hit all over, whipped as your vision is nothing but light. Amid all this, "Hold on!" Jarem's voice, shouted over the rush of wind and stinging of tendrils lashing your body.
Whatever Jarem does you can't see. Emily.
> roll 1d4+1
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 2 > [d4=1]
Go.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
Emily
HP: 408+8/408
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used: 1 11th level sorcerer spell, 1 9th level sorcerer spell.
Can I Dimension Door without seeing? I mean, just go backwards.
Yes, you'd have an idea of what's around since you saw it but moments ago.
Alyssa Dimension Doors back to her original position.
You slip away, appearing there safe and sound - for now, anyway. Whew.
Gimme a Perception check.
> roll 1d20+43 Percep
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 53 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+18 touch AC 1
> roll 1d20+18 touch AC 2
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=12]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+18 touch AC 3
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 37 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+18 touch AC 4
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+29
> roll 1d20+29
> roll 1d20+29
> roll 1d20+29
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 37 > [d20=8]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 39 > [d20=10]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 35 > [d20=6]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=1]
The sounds of combat - steel clashing, strange cries. "The Red Knight stands undefeated!" Jarem declares, "The fortress holds and shatters the siege!"
> roll 1d20+43
> roll 1d20+38
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 52 > [d20=9]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 52 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+33
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 43 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+28
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 39 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+43
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 44 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+38
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 56 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d8+13+1d8+13+1d8+13+1d8+13+2d6+18
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 103 > [d8=4,8,8,3][d6=5,5]
Screeches, strange sounds in the blinding light above you.
> roll 1d4+1
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 2 > [d4=1]
Warmth. Your injuries pass, your vision restored. Emily is at your side, as you see Jarem fighting against the swarm, keeping them occupied. His blade cuts into them, as he stands alone amid them, "Alyssa, can you see now?" Emily asks.
Your turn. Go. Blindness healed and 150 hit points healed.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
Emily
HP: 408+8/408
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used: 1 11th level sorcerer spell, 2 9th level sorcerer spell, 1 6th level favored soul spell.
How far am I away?
300ft.
Is anyone in melee with them?
Jarem is.
F'n Jeram getting in the way of long-range AOE casting.
Forgot the DD Cooldown:
> roll 1d4 DD Delay
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 2 > [d4=2]
Alyssa moves to get into closer spellcasting range!
"Jarem, break off!"
"Working on it," Jarem shouts back, dodging a tendril by juking to the side, shield deflecting another.
That it for your turn? How far do you move?
I can move 60 ft.
Init is Emily (25) > Alyssa (23) > Xag-Ya Swarm (21) > Jarem (20)
Problem! The Xag-Ya swarm closes in around Jarem, striking at him again, again and again.
> roll 1d20+29
> roll 1d20+29
> roll 1d20+29
> roll 1d20+29
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 49 > [d20=20]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 32 > [d20=3]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 35 > [d20=6]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 41 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+29
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 49 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+29
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 48 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+29
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 33 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+29
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 42 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+29 crit 1
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 46 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+29 crit 2
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 45 > [d20=16]
> roll 2d6+12
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 15 > [d6=2,1]
> roll 2d6+12
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 18 > [d6=1,5]
33 damage total.
Jarem's surrounding on all angles, "Just finish it, I'll hold up," Jarem shouts back as he gets a tendril across the side, then...
You and Emily. Go.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 440/473
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
Emily
HP: 408+8/408
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used: 1 11th level sorcerer spell, 2 9th level sorcerer spell, 1 6th level favored soul spell.
Alyssa keeps flying closer! She needs to get into 80 ft range!
Double move 120 ft. That puts me at 120 ft out.
For the record, this fight really hard counters some of Emily's best spells (Burst of Glory, Sunlance).
Emily stays at your side and follows along as she murmurs a few words and...
I'm going to be a bit planning out Emily's turn, so if you have any suggestions, feel free. This is a tough spot for her.
Celestial Valor would help Jarem, or maybe Polar Ray or one of the ability penalty rays?
Problem is that it's all ST damage and she's looking for MT damage, but her main gimmicks there are stoppered.
Words of holiness spread from Emily's lips as...
Celestial Valor. Xag-Ya are up.
As one, the Xag-Ya simply withdraw. Wounded and blasted, they part in every direction, fleeing away from the battlefield as Jarem holds his ground a few moments longer.
Going to pursue or otherwise try to take pot shots?
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 440/473
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used:
Emily
HP: 408+8/408
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used: 1 11th level sorcerer spell, 2 9th level sorcerer spell, 1 6th level favored soul spell, 1 10th level favored soul spell.
[/quote]
Waste of power. If they come back again, we'll need the spells for it.
"Damn," Jarem says, "Hopefully we made our point this time."
"Are you alright," Emily's at your side.
"Nothing I can't heal with a spell. I was hoping the protection from the plane would dampen their attacks, but alas. I knew I had a way to escape, it's why I didn't teleport into them. I wanted to save it for an escape if I needed to."
"Yeah," Jarem drifts on down, "I was fighting to hold them for you two to blast them. What happened?"
To this Emily sighs, "Sunlance wouldn't work on them, nor would Burst of Glory. They're too aspected to light and positive energy. I really need to learn a spell like that, one that isn't tied to that. Maybe like Cleansing Rain, but without the sacrifice. Sorry."
"Don't apologize," Jarem says, "Learn from it, that's an apology that will mean something in the future."
"I have one I can teach you. Or suggest. But later for now. I'll have to design something for blinding light. Though, I should have taken the chance to test if my spell would have effectively attacked with the blades without my sight... It's designed to be automatic, but I've never considered testing it that way before..."
"Oh,. I know the answer to that. It's called Vision of the Omniscient Eye," Emily quickly pipes up, "I can teach it to you later, it only lasts for a half hour or so, so it's not practical to cast once, you have to keep reapplying it. Mom likes using her ability to change and manipulate magic directly to mimic it."
"Hmm... I'll have to look at the structure and consider a few things with it, but thank you. In any case, let's not linger."
A few words of magic to help with wounds taken before they leave!
Cure Serious Wounds (Reach, Chain, Echoing), CL 32
Hits everyone.
> roll 3d8+15
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 24 > [d8=4,1,4]
Okay, neat. Gimme a d100 roll.
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 52 > [d100=52]
The three of you travel for another hour unremarkably. As you do...
Perception all, and note any special perception/seeing invisibility and so on.
> roll 1d20+43 Perception/True Seeing/Termorsense/Darkvision
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 61 > [d20=18]
That'll do, no need to roll the others.
You fly.
It's a subtle thing, a rippling far ahead, caught by your eagle eyes. You fly to it, in the range of true seeing - and you see it. A vast hunk of floating earth, suddenly visible now that true seeing is sufficient. It's like a hunk of a mountain, a large cave entrance taking up much of the side you are on.
"Well, I found a mountain. With a cave. That's either it, or the lair of something horrific enough to be worth exploring. Let's go!"
"That should be it," Jarem says, "Let's go get rich, Queen."
"As long as there aren't any gelatinous cubes," Emily shivers, "I've heard stories of those hiding above and pouncing on unwary travelers! Or working with shocker lizards, which is even worse and should be a crime punishable by death."
A sidelong glance over at Emily, "I want to know what sort of gelatinous cubes and shocker lizards you've encountered, Princess. That sounds more like describing something fiendish than the sucker traps that they are for foolish adventurers."
Alyssa gets a greedy gleam in her eyes at the mention of shocker lizards...
"If you're worried about gel-cubes, then you're in charge of watching for them. If there are shocker lizards, I want them sent to that animal trainer of yours, Jarem. I've always wanted a... Lounge, I believe it's called, of shocker lizards. So efficient they are. I'd love to get a group of them together... I wonder if I can figure out a way to grant them intelligence..."
"WHAT? NO!"
Emily shrieks that, dashing right in front of you. "Shocker lizards are evil, hateful things! They're horrible! Mom's told me all about them, both of my Moms, and Alicia and her friends have stories about them, too! They're the only thing that dares live in the cursed lands west of Balmuria, blighted by divine battle itself! The only solution is to exterminate them and those beady gazes!"
"O..kay." Jarem says slowly, coming over and gently pulling Emily back. "Princess, I think we need to have a talk, since by the name of the Red Knight's blade, what sort of fiend-corrupted shocker lizards live on that world?"
"I'll make you a deal. I'll keep them in a separate area. I'll have a room for them, maybe connected to my own, and I'll put them away whenever you're around. But I want them. The research I could do. How the generate the fields and reinforce each other. Amazing. Could it be altered? Fire? Water? Gravity even? So many things could be done."
"Y-" Is all Emily gets out, Jarem placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Breathe. Let's worry about them after the hoard, okay?" Jarem says, "Get your shit together, we're going into a dangerous area. Have a bitch fit when our lives aren't on the line."
> roll 1d20+39
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 42 > [d20=3]
Perform: Oratory.
Jarem gets an indignant huff and Emily turns her head away. "F-fine, because we're in danger. Let's go," she says, starting to fly ahead.
Alyssa turns to Jarem, "We'll have to deal with that phobia. If we do run into them, ever, it'll be debilitating to teamwork."
Alyssa follows.
"Later," Jarem agrees, "Remind me when we're back."
Order here?
Well, I'd like Jarem, me, and then Emily.
Done and done.
Thus the three of you reach the cave entrance. It is bright here, the light coming from everything even within. A path deeper in, the cave narrowing and slowly sloping down and deeper into it. You can hear the gentle noise of water dripping, echoing from within.
> roll 1d20+44 Jarem
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 61 > [d20=17]
Jarem Perception.
A little bit in, Jarem holds a hand up and stops, kneeling to examine the floor. "A depressed floor plate," he says, "Built right in. Whatever it it did, it's already been tripped."
Alyssa leans in and inspects it, trying to figure out what the plate triggered.
I've got Trapfinding and Disable Device?
Gimme Disable Device.
> roll 1d20+42 Disable Device
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 58 > [d20=16]
It looks like it connected to a trap on the floor. Something to send magical electricity to shock you.
"Looks like an electric shock trap. Keep an eye out, there's likely to be more."
"More importantly, it's already been tripped," Jarem scowls, "We may have been beaten to it, or something may be lairing here." Standing up, "This might be a little more interesting than I thought."
"I'm trying to ignore the possibility that this is all for naught, Jarem. If something is lairing here, it could have added to the hoard. Let's keep going."
"Also, this is a good time for any medium length spells,' Jarem says, "The ones that last a few minutes to perhaps a half hour."
A chance to cast any spells you want on yourselves.
Magic Circle Against Evil (Reach, Chain, Echoing), CL 32, Duration: 320 minutes
+2 deflection to AC vs. evil, +2 resistance bonus to saves vs. evil, blocks possession/mental control/enchantment. Warded vs. natural weapons of summoned creatures.
Spiderskin (Reach, Chain, Echoing), CL 32, Duration: 320 minutes
+5 Natural Armor enhancement bonus, +5 racial bonus vs. poison, +5 racial bonus on hide.
Heroics (Reach, Chain), CL 32, Duration: 320 minutes
Gain fighter bonus feat: Blind-Fight.
Heroics (Reach, Chain), CL 32, Duration: 320 minutes
Gain fighter bonus feat: Mighty are the Fallen (+4 bonus to your Armor Class against any blow enhanced by the Power Attack feat)
Self only:
Spell Turning, CL 32, Duration: 320 minutes
Spells and spell-like effects targeted on you are turned back upon the original caster.
Jarem casts Red Knight's Skill on himself (self only spell). He follows up with energy immunityx2 for fire and acid immunity. (Somehow missed that one in prep since it's a long term spell.
Emily's good and will toss down battle spells as needed. Anything else?
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 440/473
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL32), Spiderskin (CL32), Heroicsx2 (CL32), Red Knight's Skill (CL31), Energy Immunity (Fire, Acid) (CL31)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed, +2 deflection vs evil, +2 resistance vs evil, blocks enchantment, +5 enhancement to natural armor, +5 racial to poison, +5 racial on hide, blind fight, +4 AC vs power attack, +5 competence attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class, immunity to acid and fire,
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used: Red Knight's Skill, Energy Immunityx2
Emily
HP: 408+8/408
Spells Active: Create Magic Tattoox3 (CL32), Magic Vestment (Shield) (CL23), Greater Magic Weapon (CL32), Heart of Air (CL32), Mind Blank (CL32), Planar Tolerance (CL32), Magic Circle Against Evil (CL32), Spiderskin (CL32), Heroicsx2 (CL32)
Bonuses: +1 caster level, +1 luck attack rolls, spell resistance 28, +5 enhancement to shield, +5 enhancement to weapon, +10 enhancement jump, +10ft enhancement fly speed, +2 deflection vs evil, +2 resistance vs evil, blocks enchantment, +5 enhancement to natural armor, +5 racial to poison, +5 racial on hide, blind fight, +4 AC vs power attack.
Negative Conditions:
Resources Used: 1 11th level sorcerer spell, 2 9th level sorcerer spell, 1 6th level favored soul spell, 1 10th level favored soul spell.
Um... Not that I can think of.
Jarem leads the way along. Ahead the path narrows - yet the walls waver, seeming to stretch out away from you. Ahead is a steel gate, closed shut, tall enough to walk a dozen Hannas through, each standing on the head of the next.
"Ooooh, that's a minor dimensional adjustment for space," Emily says, "Even a dragon could stride down here with space to spare, and I mean a big dragon."
"Good to know the dragon's magic is long lasting," Jarem retorts, "Experienced with that sort of magic, Princess?"
"Of course I am," Emily says, "What, aren't you?" Frowning and leaning forward a bit, on tiptoes, "It's not that hard, unless you're not beyond the mortal spheres of magic."
With an eyeroll unseen as he's leading the way, "No, never studied it that deeply. I know enough to get by, but I focus on magical practical to war. This here? This is a luxury." Waving his shield at a wall, a quick gesture, "I know about a bag of holding, abou ta dimensional lock. Less about more esotoric means that replace sound architecture."
"Now that is magic I need to study. Imagine the space increase for the Order. A single room could house an entire unit of guards, multiply our testing spaces, and exponentially increase the space we have in a greenhouse for food production."
Alyssa casts detect magic on herself and begins studying the weave of magic, hoping to figure out a way to copy it.
Spellcraft.
Emily smiles and perks up at your words, trotting closer to you. "Oh, it's wonderful! Mom does things like that at home sometimes, it's so amazingly useful."
Jarem keeps his gaze ahead, "As long as it doesn't get dispelled or ruined at the wrong time? Ever hear of what happens when a bag of holding gets violently destroyed?"
> roll 1d20+45+21 Spellcraft/Cunning Knowledge
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+45+21 Spellcraft/Cunning Knowledge --> [ 1d20=2 ]{68}
Fascinating. You can see how it works, but you'd need a good chunk of time to sit down with it and study it.
Is that feasible right now, or something for after we clear everything? What's a 'good chunk of time'?
Hours, days. Not anything fast. That's just an off the cuff guess.
Gotcha.
Alyssa makes a few mental notes. "I'll have to come back here later. For now, let's continue clearing this place out."
The party reaches the gates.
Jarem stands aside, "You're the one who looks like they know how to do this," he says, "Go ahead, Queen."
Alyssa studies it, inspecting the mechanism and looking for traps.
No traps - it should open with a push, it's enchanted to be not too hard to open. It will be noisy you think - the hinges are old and rusty.
Can Prestidigitation clean up the hinges and quiet things?
It might help, but it would need treatment and lubrication beyond a mere cantrip.
What are we talking here? Repair light damage? Minor damage?
What'cha got on tap along those lines? Serious question, show me a spell and I'll give you an idea.
I've got open slots for level 1, 2, and 4 for Spellpool stuff, so really anything in those ranges. That covers up to... Repair Serious Damage is level 3, so I can do that as Echoing and pop in the level 4 slot.
Those spells target constructs for healing, not objects.
"Anyone have ideas for a better option than a basic mending here?"
"How about a grease spell on the hinges?" Jarem suggests, "That should eliminate any noise."
Alyssa nods and calls on the connection to the Spellpool and casts Grease on the hinges!
Grease is called and cast as desired.
Alyssa pushes it open, keeping an eye out for any last-second traps.
The doors openly quietly, hinges lubed up. Ahead is a large space, full of bones. Great heaps of bones are everywhere, stacks of them just lying about and blocking the way considerably. You'd have to clear them or work around them to see what's beyond.
Can't even fly over them or anything?
Alyssa tries identifying some of them, to see if they're valuable at all.
You could fly over, sure. Gimme K:N and K:A check.
> roll 1d20+43 K:A
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+43 K:A --> [ 1d20=15 ]{58}
> roll 1d20+43 K:N
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+43 K:N --> [ 1d20=16 ]{59}
There's some odd beasts here - you spy some dragons for certain, a few dinosaurs, a skeleton that may be a satyr based on the horns and many odder things yet - though the majority are fairly mundane bones from typical animals.
"Some of these are useful. Dragons and dinosaur. The rest we'll have to look into. Let's check everything out after we clear this place of danger."
With that, Alyssa takes to the air, slowly and cautiously flying over the piles.
Emily and Jarem follow as you fly over. Beyond them all the cavern continues, another passage leading deeper in and around a bend.
Alyssa keeps going, watching for traps or hidden doors and the like.
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 6 + 43, total 49[/blockquote]
You can hear an odd sound ahead - something rippling and oozing, a very wet noise.
Alyssa motions them to stop and whispers, "Something wet and sludgy ahead. Possibly oozes."
"Possibly," Jarem whispers back, "You any good at sneaking, Queen?"
"Hopefully you are, stalking's never been my strong suit," Emily leans in to whisper.
Alyssa grins. "I'm... Passable. You have an idea?"
"Find out what it is so we can work out a plan rather than go in blind," Jarem smiles back, "Strategy, Queen, strategy!"
"I was asking if you had something more specific in mind than just the basics, oh great strategist. But yes, I'll scout, I suppose."
Alyssa turns to Emily, "If you can't manage stealth on your skill, consider a spell that does some sort of shadow-melding and silence, perhaps. Invisibility is fairly easy to beat, but a shadow cloak of some sort might prove more difficult."
With that, she hurries off to stealthily scout!
> roll 1d20+52 Stealth
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 57 > [d20=5]
Describe how you're doing it, it may matter.
I'd probably stick close to the ceiling and stick to corners and shadows, using handholds to steady myself while flying via my weightless ability.
Ahead you see it. A vast chamber, a riased platform where gold, jewels and brighter things yet are stacked. A great heap of them, but there's more. A thing lies near it - a blob of black ooze with the occasional white spot on it, perhaps the size of Hanna or so. It is not moving or immediately reacting to anything.
Alyssa studies it, trying to identify what it is and what abilities and weaknesses it might have.
Also, Alyssa has no idea what a Hanna is.
I know, it's a meta joke. Don't worry about it.
Gimme K: Dungeoneering.
K: Dungeoneering/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+63 : 9 + 63, total 72[/blockquote]
You made the check. Give me a special follow up K:P check.
K:Planes:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 15 + 43, total 58[/blockquote]
It is not an ooze, no ooze looks like this. It could be unique, but something else pings you. This is a raw blob of pure chaos-stuff, potential slowly growing into who knows what. What it will become is a mystery, though from its size it's pretty close to becoming whatever it'll become.
Alyssa backs off, heading back to Jarem and Emily, running knowledge through her mind, trying to come up with a counter or way to render it inert.
None, really, besides killing it. Unlike an ooze it has an intelligence of sorts, however.
Alyssa relays everything to Jarem and Emily when she reaches them.
Jarem hums, "Okay, so that's our problem. Got any wide range illusions handy? If it's a simple minded creature and we're sufficiently quiet and cloaked in an illusion, it may not notice us claiming the treasure."
Emily hums, "At worst, we can fight it. It sounds like a menace, look at all the bones."
"Think of it like an animal. It wants to eat, and it's powerful enough to kill all of those creatures. What do you think of a portal trap with conjured food? Maybe a summoned creature to lure it if we can't pull together a feast?"
"I like it," Jarem says, "Clever and reasonable chances to work. The big question: Where do we portal it?"
Emily nods, "Oh, I like that idea, too. It should hop right in and we can just shut the portal once it's somewhere far away."
"Limbo. Send it home."
"Good." Jarem looks off center a moment, staring at nothing, "We got a backup plan besides fight it if this goes to the way of Garagos?"
"I can set up a screen spell from the Spellpool. If nothing else, that'll give us time to either escape or launch a surprise attack."
"It'll do," Jarem says, "Princess?"
"I'm ready, but I hope it fights. I want to smash it," Emily says, "It sounds like a good opponent."
"Jarem, isn't there some warrior's idiom about not fighting battles you don't have to? In any case, if I'm taking care of the Screen, who's pulling up the bait and who's setting the trap?"
"There are," Jarem agrees, "They rarely work with someone eager to get blooded in combat, like Princess over here."
"I'll set up the gate," Emily agrees quickly enough.
"And I can manage a summon for bait," Jarem says.
Alyssa nods. "Emily, I'll have to have you do some missionary work or the like to see the cost of battle. Medic duty, or repair or the like, so you can see the aftermath. It's always good for soldiers to take part in those things. It brings them closer to the people."
With that, she pulls on her connection to the Spellpool and casts Screen, shielding them from detection.
Screen, CL 32, Duration: 24 hours.
Casting time: 10 minutes.
Illusion to blend into a section of the wall, small enough to give some movement, but not big enough to risk having it wobble or whatever into the illusion.
Where are you placing it relative to the ooze?
Um, a bit around the bend, out of its direct line of sight. Backed up against a wall. I'd want the trap slightly out of sight so it doesn't see it being cast, and then the summon will wander around the bend and then run back to the trap to bait it in, I guess. Some approximation of that tactic.
Thus you position and Jarem chants, before a squad of golden bovines appear. "Go," Jarem gestures, speaking the word in Celestial. It seems to be enough, the bison going on ahead. Emily quietly chants and a portal opens, soon enough the cow running back, the ooze following.
Alyssa waits, watching the Ooze for any sign of detection or change in intent.
Strike my previous line since I wasn't awake yet and one vital fact - the entire area is teleport warded, hence not simply teleporting here.
This is why I shouldn't do PC plans when sleepy past 11 PM at night.
So portals and stuff won't work at all? Boo. Can I try to find and break that spell?
You could, sure.
That, then.
Alyssa begins trying to track down the warding spell to dispel it.
Spellcraft.
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+45 : 14 + 45, total 59[/blockquote]
It's easy - dead ahead, in that horde of treasure.
Is it reasonable that I'd be able to get in range without alerting the ooze?
It depends on how stealthy you were and how good its senses are. Being a chaos spawn, that's a little iffy. Most have some form of vision like blindsight to make up for being giant blobs.
How big is the cavern? More than 30 ft? If I can stealth fly above it to within 30 ft of the object I can TK it to me.
It's about 50ft high and quite wide and long. Plenty of space to play with.
I'll give that a shot.
Alyssa relays her plan to Jarem and Emily.
"If it spots me somehow or it goes wrong, I'll be coming back to you as fast as I can, so be prepared either way."
"Right," Emily agrees, "Good luck!"
Jarem just nods to you, ever so slightly. "We'll be ready."
Alyssa heads off!
How precisely are you doing this?
Flying/stealth along the ceiling into the cavern, ID the item, then try to angle around to TK range for it.
Fantastic. Stealth check and do you have the Darkstalker feat?
I don't... Though, well, I guess technically I could? I have that Factotum feature that lets me select class features, so I dunno if like, a fighter bonus feat or something would let me acquire it?
> roll 1d20+54+21 Stealth/Cunning Knowledge
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 76 > [d20=1]
Thus you fly up and above the hoard. No immediate reaction from the ooze at all.
Alyssa continues, mentally readying a Time Stop, just in case, but searching for the item blocking the teleports.
Amid a heap of gold and some gems, of bracelets and jewelry, of weapons and scrolls? A single metal rod, perhaps 4ft tall and carved with engravings of solid silver, is noted. The magic around it is strong - some sort of dimensional blocker for sure. It's half buried by coins.
Can I study it from where I am to try and figure out how to deactivate it or do I need to move it closer?
What spell are you using for it? Matters.
For what? To deactivate it?
To study it. Different detect spells have different ranges.
Oh. Uh. Detect Magic is the only one I have ready, and I believe I cast it back at the gate.
You can, yes. Spellcraft.
> roll 1d20+45 Spellcraft
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 62 > [d20=17]
Yep, that's it. As long as it's intact and in the area, teleporting in and out will be impossible.
No deactivation option?
Doesn't look like it. It deactivates by moving it out of the range it effects.
Alyssa moves to the best position she can figure out to avoid detection and uses her TK to pull the rod to her, as stealthily as she can.
Gimme another Stealth check.
Stealth:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+52 : 14 + 52, total 66[/blockquote]
Sneak...sneak....sneak.....got it! The rod flies into hand, yours to take and do with what you please.
Alyssa attempts to go back to the others!
You make it back without incident.
Jarem nods at you as...
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 6 + 43, total 49[/blockquote]
You hear a wet, oozing sound coming from the hoard.
Question. Does putting the whatever-item of locking into my haversack stop the effect? Or does it mess with the space of the haversack too?
The haversack is an extra dimensional space, right?
Believe so.
K:A.
> roll 1d20+43 K:A
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 55 > [d20=12]
Putting something that seals dimensional travel into an extra dimensional space is a remarkably poor idea, unless you wanna lose everything in your haversack.
Okay, would magic disjunction suppress it? Or Anti-magic ray?
It's a targeted dispel, so it could suppress it as a normal dispel magic can on a magic item.
"Hmmm... The ooze is coming. Let me try to suppress this rod. If so, we can use the trap. If not, then I'll to get it out of range so you two can send the ooze back."
Magic Disjunction, CL 32.
> roll 1d20+32
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 49 > [d20=17]
Success! The magic of the rod is suppressed - briefly. Act swiftly and act wisely.
> roll 1d4
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 2 > [d4=2]
"Okay, we've only got a few seconds. Go!"
"With what?" Emily asks back quickly, "The plan or something else?"
"The plan. Portal it out."
Just in time, because the ooze has come around the corner - and is coming right at all of you.
Init. You got its attention somehow, or maybe it just felt like coming this way.
> roll 1d20+7 Init
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 11 > [d20=4]
<Iddy> roll 1d20+7 Init
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 11 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+5 Jarem
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+9 Emily
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+8 Chaos Ooze
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=4]
Init is Emily (26) > Jarem (24) > Chaos Ooze (12) > Alyssa (11)
Emily quickly brings her hands together and makes a strange symbol, chanting, "Wayfarer of the gates and roads, I call on you to show the paths beyond paths! Open the road that leads forever and to tomorrow!" A swirling portal appears before the three of you, between all of you and the slime.
"Now! Bless this plan and hold the vagaries of war at bay!" Jarem prays, brandishing his holy symbol, sheathing his sword. A celestial bison appears before the gate, letting out a long and loud moooooooo.
The ooze advances and...
> roll 1d20+50 CMB vs CMD of the bison
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 64 > [d20=14]
> roll 20d6 poor cow
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 60 > [d6=3,4,5,5,3,6,1,2,2,1,1,3,1,2,6,2,4,3,2,4]
The Chaos Ooze flows over the bison, lingering right by the portal.The bison is dissolved in an instant, save for the bones. It goes over it like it isn't even there as...
Go.
Alyssa tries to shove the ooze through the portal!
Spending 2 Inspiration to activate Cunning Breach: Bypass SR
Telekinesis (Violent Thrust), CL 32.
DC: 22
Weight limit: 375 lbs, distance: 320 ft.
> roll 1d20+39+2 TK ATK
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 61 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+12 Will saves are not it sforte
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 15 > [d20=3]
With a great mental shove, the slime is send through the portal, Emily dropping her hands a moment later, the portal closing.
"Ah." Jarem smiles, "The Mistress of Strategy smiles on us today."
Free act.
Alyssa lets out a breath and leads them into the treasure chamber, keeping an eye out for last second traps.
"That worked better than usual. Congrats to both of you. Well done. Emily, what do you think of your first adventure? Two encounters with unusual creatures, all victories, and the recovery of a lost dragon hoard. Not a bad start to your story?"
"It was fun!" Emily smiles agreeably, "But I'm surprised I didn't have a real fight."
"Is there any surer indication of skill than winning without combat?"
"None at all," Jarem says, "The only better thing than a battle one is a battle won without a battle."
"Yes, but..." Emily trails off, "Still. No magic, no clashing swords, no great duel and bloodshed."
"Emily, I assure you, if you tell you mothers about winning a dragon hoard with three spells cast in seconds and no direct combat, they will be suitably impressed. In any case, let's start getting this loot taken care of!"
On the platform is a great heap of coins - gold, silver, copper, platinum and more. Gemstones and jewelry are a part of it, as well as a few odder things - objects, weapons and so forth.
Yet as you approach? A single gemstone rises, a deep, rich blue gem about the size of a fist. It hovers in the air.
'Who are you? This is mine. Why did you get rid of the ooze? It kept riff-raff out.' A genderless voice speaks with open annoyance, 'It was docile and ate anything that came in, it was perfect!'
"It was the best way to remove it without killing on either side. I'm Alyssa Songsteel. Who are you, and what do you mean this is yours? This belonged to a dragon defeated by Aurora, did it not?"
"This is new," Jarem remarks, "Jarem Aruwood, servant of the Red Knight."
"Oh! Emily Aryn," Emily introduces herself, "Um, of the Cauldron!"
The gem hovers in the air, a distinct impression of being gazed at after you speak. "Songsteel, Songsteel. You weren't a bard blacksmith in a previous generation, were you? Aruwood, nope, doesn't ring any bells. You new at this?" Finally, to Emily, "Aryn, Aryn. Nope, doesn't sound familiar, you look like a noble girl who got in too deep."
With a hint of his lips twisting upward, "Call me first generation talent." Jarem says, "I'm guessing you don't get much news beyond your cave."
"You don't know my name?!" Emily gasps, "But my Mom ascended on her own! She's a big deal! How do you not know about that?!"
"... My father was a blacksmith. For the local Lord. How would an intelligent artifact know of him?"
"Steel's in your name, of course," The gem says, "That means one of you was a blacksmith."
Alyssa blinks. "Well. A rather simple deduction, but accurate. We've all introduced ourselves, how about you?"
"I am Sadur," The gem introduces itself, "Once Sadur Of the Ten Victories. Once Sadur of Willwisp Village. Now merely Sadur."
Any knowledge check here? If so, would Tale Keeper apply here?
K:L of a realm you don't have.
What about Lore from Pragnostic Apostle? Same as bardic knowledge.
Sure, go for it.
Lore:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+11 : 17 + 11, total 28[/blockquote]
+5 if Tale Keeper applies.
It doesn't ring a bell.
"Very interesting. None of that sounds familiar, and I'm well-read. I'd be interested in transcribing a chronicle for you."
'Nice of you,' The gem says, 'That dragon's dead I think, he hasn't been back in a long time. Bastard thought I was just a gemstone and silenced me with magic whenever he visited.'
"He is. Aurora defeated him. Not exactly sure when, but they did. We found out about the treasure here and came to claim it. Do you have issue with that? Would you like to come with us?"
'Aurora? I knew an Aurora once. Cute little thing,' the gem replies. 'Why should I give you the treasure? I've expanded it with gains from interlopers here.'
"Call it a trade," Jarem steps right in, "You probably have a soul if you're sentient. Which means magic to put you into an actual body's possible. I think Queen and Princess there could work something out."
Emily nods away, "We could," she says, "Or my Mom could too. Then you'll hear about her for sure!"
"Queen and Princess? They don't look related," The gem remarks.
"He thinks he's clever with nicknames, but we each have our allegiances, though that doesn't keep us from working together. Bit he does have e the thrust of it correctly. Stay here in solitude or enjoy a new chance at life and legacy. As long as you don't act against us, or work towards anything evil, we'll be willing to offer some assistance, as well."
Gimme a quick Diplo. Assume +2 for Jarem aiding.
> roll 1d20+36+21 Diplo/Cunning Knowledge
<Rei-chan> Iddy rolled : 1d20+36+21 Diplo/Cunning Knowledge --> [ 1d20=16 ]{73}
"Do I have a soul? That's a good question!" The gem says, "I'm not really Sadur, more of an imprint. But why not find out?"
Alyssa nods. "Consider what form you're interested in. We can work from there. For now, however, let's sort this treasure out. I'll have to suppress the rod to get us out of here again, but as long as we're ready with spells, it'll be easy enough."
Okay, plans here and how you plan to loot all of this?
Well, take the choice stuff via Haversack, then for the bulk I'll suppress the Rod via Anti-Magic Ray again, then have someone open a gate, go through before the anti-magic wears off and hand the rod off to a minion, and then start shoveling the rest through via TK and people. TK can do like 375lbs at a time. Feasible?
Sounds solid. Make an Appraise check.
Appraise/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+63 : 16 + 63, total 79[/blockquote]
Fantastic. Toss in Perception. You have tremorsense too, right?
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 16 + 43, total 59[/blockquote]
Also yes, Tremorsense.
As you begin to work - you sense it. The faintest noise. Odd. You touch down and feel it - the entire mountainous rock is gently swaying, as if in a minor earthquake.
"The ground is shifting. Something is happening. It's the entire island, I think."
"Ah hell," Jarem says, "Hope those annoyances from earlier aren't trying anything."
Emily frowns and floats off the ground, "It's an entire small mountain. What can they do to it?"
"Enough to make it tremble, which is no simple feat. I'll suppress the rod again and then use a whiskey to try and get us and the teasure out of here. But I need you two to be ready for an emergency in case if fails or only partially works."
A whiskey?
Wish. Phone autocorrected three times and I just gave up.
Okay, lemme see what your phrasing of the wish is going to be.
"Transport my friends, myself, and everything of value in this cave to my tower at the Arcane Order.
"Oh, oh, let me use a miracle instead. I'll ask Mom, surely she'll be willing to help us here, right?" Emily volunteers.
A sidelong look, "Well, a dragon does respect accruing treasure, but isn't she still upset with you?"
"That's fine Emily. Try it, and if it fails, then I'll try. But we need to get this done quickly. Whatever's happening, I can't imagine it'll be good for us. Ask for us to be moved back to my tower with the treasure. Or anything of value, in case there's something hidden we haven't seen."
So will the teleportation block be down when this is cast?
Yes. I'll coordinate with an anti-magic ray to the rod to shut it down again. Details of timing and all.
I'm going to cheat slightly here. The think is that Cor isn't around right now to answer the miracle, and while push come to shove I doubt she'd say no to Emily, I can't decisively say that. However, Amaryl is newly risen and more than capable of intervening, which she will. Technically, Emily aims this miracle at Seira and it's Seira's call. However, pantheons have a little more flexibility here when they're close, and the fact that Emily's the daughter of both Seira and Amaryl gives them even more flexibility. Having two divine parents who literally answer your prayers gives you a lot of flexibility here. Emily really chose the right parents, huh?
The upshot of this is that I don't want you missing the rest of the evening session over this when it was a spur of the moment idea from Emily.
Emily bows her head and prays. There's a rippling of air and suddenly all of you are back, right in one of your storage rooms in the Guild. Treasure is all around you, sitting there in great heaps.
Alyssa claps Emily on the shoulder.
"Fine work. A treasure hoard, no serious injuries, and a good drinking story. I'll have to pass my thanks to your parents for their help."
Emily smiles at that, "Thanks, Alyssa. How much do you think we got?"
Jarem exhales, "One of the better treasure hunts I've ever been on."
"Let's find out!"
Alyssa begins sorting through the treasure with her TK!
Just going to sort out, then and see what you have?
Yep. Emily's down on magic, right? Seems a good way to spend time.
Okay, I'll have a loot post up sometime in the morning.
Due to RL being a total bitch this morning, I haven't had a chance to whip up the hoard details. We'll put that aside one second so let me ask: What are your immediate plans?
Figure out if I can use the rod to build the anti-teleport defenses, get Emily in a room with her parents (because letting that fester won't be great), start work on the land creation, and then talk to both Shaundakul and the Red Knight about Malcanthet and how to turn her aside without getting another diety targeting me.
How fast will you begin those? Day of the treasure hunt? Day after? Longer?
The rod on the day after. I'd give Emily a day or so at least start arranging something, and I'd point out that using a Maricle would make them aware anyway, and then I'd have Jarem try to arrange a meeting. I dunno about contacting Shaundakul aside from prayer or using like a wish to get his attention.
Okay, gimme a 1d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 46, total 46[/blockquote]
You're in your room that evening, working on your spells when there's a loud, sudden knocking on your door.
Alyssa turns to the door and calls, "You may enter."
A page enters - the one who just burst in when this all began, if you recall right. "Ma'am, there's been another attack."
Alyssa sighs. "Survivor? Also, well done on learning to knock."
"It was an assault on Lord Jarem's soldiers, ma'am. Three dead, one wounded." He answers.
"Very well. I'll go find him."
"Yes, ma'am." The page says, and then hesitates. "Should I call some guards, ma'am?"
"Yes, though I'm sure Jarem is doing the same."
Guards indeed swiftly come, escorting you. Jarem meets you outside of the barracks, face grim.
"Three dead, the fourth wounded but alive," he announces, "Their souls were not captured, so they go onto their reward and final analysis by the Red Knight."
"Did the survivor see the face?"
"No," Jarem says, "He didn't see much, the assassin was fast." He exhales after that, "He's resting, the shock and the injuries shook him."
"We need to find this assassin. What do you think of trying a peace-bond trap?"
"Depends on what precisely you have in mind," Jarem says, face dark. "I want this," A word in a language you don't know follows, but it sounds vile. "Dead and his soul facing the Red Knight's justice."
"Well, he's consistently targeting people when they're either alone or at rest. Give him a target with a peace-bond trap. He won't be able to draw his weapon. We'll be able to, hopefully, capture him or at least track that spell signature."
What do you have in mind by a peace bond trap?
Set up a room with some sort of trap trigger, be it a magical seal or contingency or something, and have it trigger the peace-bond spell and maybe something to mark it. Magic symbol or something. I think there's a spell that creates a hidden magic rune on something that only the caster can see.
"It would have to be strong to affect someone like that," Jarem says, "The base spell's simple, first circle. You'd need a lot of power behind it."
"That's part of why I chose it. I can lead a circle to cast it, and with it being such a low spell, we have lots of people who can cast with me. It's a matter of verifying trustworthiness beforehand. Unless there are other choices?"
"Lots of them, but it's a good arrow in the quiver," Jarem remarks, looking off for a few moments, "The problem is that this sort is almost always skilled in dealing with traps and precautions. They have to be. So we can't rely on just one trap."
Alyssa nods. "Think we should employ an assassin to find an assassin?"
"Unsavory but it's not the worst idea," Jarem says, "So," he gives you another look, more considering, "Know any assassins?"
"Not personally, but there's Brightwater. Anything can be purchased there. Or at least pointed to."
"I'm not sure Brightwater deals in that, unless it's holy assassins like Domiel's merry band, but that should suffice," Jarem finally says.
"If not directly, surely able to point to a reliable contact. Once we sort the treasure out, we can take some pieces for sale or investigation and use that as an excuse."
"Yeah, but excuse?" Rubbing his chin a moment and lowering his voice, "Are assassins illegal in this guild and you're doing something you shouldn't?"
"It's a don't ask don't tell type thing. Political conflict is common, but that's a can of worms no one wants opened. It's too close to the Mageocracy's way of doing things. Besides, it's exactly that we don't have many of those types around that bringing one would get noticed. We'll have e to come up with a pretence as well."
"Congratulations, he's now a private in my deployment," Jarem smiles faintly, "I can work out the details and provide him with what he needs from there so he isn't easily detected."
"Hm. I have a concern about that. It's fairly common knowledge that we don't employ those types here, so I'm worried the obvious first place to look for one being brought in is among your people. I was thinking something a bit more mundane. A refugee from the Mageocracy looking to become one of the local workers. What do you think?"
"Just as good," Jarem says, "Anyone who comes in now will be a natural suspect, we can't help that."
Alyssa nods.
"But it'd make the most sense to watch for an individual. What about a family? Could we arrange for a small team or the like? Or would that be too much?"
"Easy enough," Jarem says, "I can make it happen."
"Actually, I think I want you and Emily to take care of it. Emily will need to learn how to make contacts and judge character and contracts if she's going to operate independently and what skill sets she'll need to contract to fill in the holes in her own."
"Consider it done," Jarem agrees, "You're right, it's a good chance for her to learn. She's familiar with Brightwater so this should be effective."
Alyssa nods.
"So, what do you plan to do with your new-found wealth? I'd suggest investing it in a quiet little place to retire. A few hectares of land, a good-sized house. A place you can retire to with a certain someone. Or a nice luxury vacation to go on with someone."
"Retire?" Jarem smiles at that, shaking his head, "I signed up to the bitter end and beyond it. When I die or when the Red Knight decides to skip that step, I still have so much to do. So many armies to lead. An empire to avoid ruling," Exhaling at that, "Speaking of, if anyone ever shows up and makes noise about me taking what is mine by right of conquest, could you brush them off for me? I'd rather not sit around and play emperor."
"I'll be sure they're shown to a sitting room for you to deal with. I'm not your secretary, Jarem. And regardless of having armies to lead, everyone needs a place to get away from it all."
With the faintest huff as he glances over at you, "I didn't say you were, but I'd consider it a favor."
"We'll see. In any case, how'd your date go? Some of those gems we found would make a fantastic necklace... Or ring."
Alyssa smirks at Jarem.
"Not my type," Jarem says, and sidelong to you, "You can sheathe your claws, I'll let her down gently. She's not suited to the life I lead. She's happy here, serving you and having a normal life. My life is battlefields, training and bloodshed and it's only just begun. She'd be miserable following me."
"But would you be miserable coming home to her? She used to sending people off. I've had her assign teams to expeditions and, well, things don't always work out. I think she has it in her to work out you living your life. I think the harder part will be for you, dealing with the softer side of like. But I think you need it. A blade too hard breaks. Edge tempering and a soft spine in a blade is better all the way through. Having something to remind you of the value of what's beyond the fight is something you need, I think. It might be part of why the Red Knight chose you to work with us. We're civilian, effectively. Researchers. Why would we need a hardened field commander for defensive command?"
"Because you need me," Jarem says, turning away now. "People crying for freedom and the embrace of true order need me, rather than the cruel order of tyrants and despots. She needs a softer life. Me? I have empires to overthrow. Worlds to save. Champions like us have a duty to ourselves and to those we serve."
Alyssa shrugs.
"If you decide so. Either way, I'm happy to have you here. Try not to cause too much trouble around here with your dating life. I wish you the best, but I'll be damned if I have to deal with the fallout. Besides personal lives, what do you think we need to do next?"
"Besides the obvious? How much did the treasure count up to?" Jarem asks.
"Quite a bit. Each of us gets a share of a bit more than five thousand platinum pieces. With one share going to the Order. Was there anything specific that you were interested in?"
"Just curious, got some ideas," Jarem says and from there...
What's your next move, Iddy?
The rod and land creation.
Okay, elaborate what you want to do here.
See if we can devise a way to use the rod to generate a teleport beacon thingy or do some sort of massive interlocking spell circle to amplify it so it can cover the order.
For land, research into the raise island spell I guess, but on the d20 site it says it only creates a 200 ft. diameter island, so I dunno how effective or efficient that would be.
Gimme a Spellcraft check first of all.
Take 10 for 55?
The rod is the opposite of a teleportation beacon. It interdicts the Astral plane around where it is placed, stopping dimensional travel cold. It could be converted, but it would take a good chunk of money to do so.
How much we looking at here?
Gimme K:A.
Take 10 for 68
20 to 50k, depending on how skilled the wizard doing it is.
I'm mostly okay with that, provided the Order splits the cost with me.
Sure. Any preferences on who does it?
Myself would be best. After that, who's most skilled in the Order?
Got any item creation feats or the like?
Depending on how long it'll take, yes. Cunning Brilliance can provide from 3 separate classes for a total of 3 minutes.
It'll take much longer than that.
Then no, though I can assist.
Cool. Someone in the guild or going further afield?
Prefer it to be internal if we have people with the skill. If not then I'd want to bring someone in.
Sure. Gimme 1d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 28, total 28[/blockquote]
Ends up running 35k. Go ahead and post the expense in loot.
50/50 with the order?
Correct.
Donez.
Thus the rod is done. The question now is: Where do you place it?
So what are we looking at for the radius here?
1 mile.
Well, I'd semi leave it up to the Council, but it'd probably be best to situate it to cover as much area as possible?
Sure. Next move as that gets sorted out?
Land generation. And bugging Emily to deal with her parents.
You find Emily in the library. She's curled up in a corner, leafing through a rather thick book of arcane lore. As you approach, "Nonsense!" she declares, "Everyone knows that you don't invert a magic circle like that!"
"Depends on what you are. Slaad do things with magic I'd never touch. Interesting to puzzle out though. Aside from that, you have something to deal with."
"Ah!" Emily fumbles, the book almost dropped but a deft move recovers it. "Alyssa, you startled me!"
"Parents. Go to dinner with them. I don't want this hanging over us for much longer, and it'll only get worse the longer you wait. With the hoard under your belt, you've at least shown that you can stand on your own."
"Okay, okay," Emily slumps a bit, "Let me send a message to Mom and see what she says."
A few beats pass, "Um, Mom Seira's busy right now with important business, so we'll have to wait a bit. That's what Mom Amaryl says, anyway."
"Don't shirk it. In other news, I'm going to start work on making some more land for us. Interested?"
"Oh! Do you have the spell yet?" Emily perks up.
I don't think so? Does the Order have it?
It's a 10th level spell, so no. Getting it will be something you need to do.
"No, we don't. We'll have to find a source for it, or try to reproduce it ourselves."
"I could ask someone in Brightwater or ask at home," Emily says, then coughing, "If this goes well, anyway!"
"Hm. Interesting. I'd appreciate it. I do have a side project I've been considering, if you're interested?"
"Oh, what is it?" Emily asks, "What's it about?"
"A demi-plane. A bit more security and privacy for some of my more extreme experiments."
"Oh!" Emily murmurs and nods, "That's certainly possible, but it's time consuming to make one. Some people say that's why you should take one and make it your own, and that worked great for my Moms, but that can be really dangerous."
"Oh? How so?"
"The people who have them are really strong and don't want to give them up?" Emily tilts her head aside a bit, "Like demon lords or evil sorcerers."
"Well, consider this. We just finished taking a mostly unguarded hoard, right? There might be a demi-plane out there that's been lost in a similar fashion. What do you think about looking into that possibility?"
"Well, that's a great idea!" Emily claps her hands together, "That's what my Moms did, after all, but the trick is finding one!"
"Hmm... Do you know how they did so?"
"Uh huh," Emily nods along, "But they can tell you if we're seeing them soon, they always like telling that story. It usually puts them in a good mood."
"Oh? Did you plan to invite me as well? I was sure the discussion your parents want to have with you is meant to be a private affair."
"Well...yes?" Emily says, looking down, "I mean, if you want to. You want to, right?"
"I certainly wouldn't mind. I just thought it'd be a family matter is all. Let me know when you have it set up."
Ideally that'll be done in a session sometime soon but not right away. While that's hanging due to coordinating it and setting it up, what's your next move?
Ummm... That's the major things to get done: Assassin, land, parents/demi-plane. I guess something low-key then. Celestia or dealing with Malcanthet.
Choose one, first of all.
Celestia. Maybe I can get advice from them on Malcanthet.
Okay, cool, what are you doing here to deal with that?
Council with the deities I have contact with for advice, then discuss what they give with the council before meeting with whatever rep we can find.
Go ahead and take whatever action you're going to take, then.
Alyssa goes to hunt down Jarem.
"Jarem, I want to plan an outing. I'll need your help with security, though it should be a simple matter."
Jarem's in an office he's commandeered, reading a scroll. "Yes?" He looks up from it, "What is it?"
"I'm thinking of putting together a group to go to Celestia and enjoy the festival. A working vacation, so-to-speak. I want to get some advice on how to deal with Malcanthet."
"Oh, that's easy," Jarem goes back to his scroll, "What you do is strip naked, come over to her and..." Chuckling, "Seriously though, do you care about insulting her at all? How do you want to play it?"
"I'd rather not insult her. I imagine she's going to be unhappy with how long I've put her off already, but one less deity after my head is a good thing."
"Be polite, talk a good game and don't promise anything. Let her understand you're politely uninterested, in a way that she can't openly call out. Malcanthet knows how the game is played and knows how to handle a soft rejection. She may hate you for it anyway, but she'll have no overt cause against you." Jarem says, putting down his scroll. "Giving her respect will at least soothe her ego, rather than some mortal bumpkin insulting her and treating her like a common succubus. As disagreeable as it is, she sits atop the Razor Throne and demands the respect a Queen is due."
"Seems the standard for most deities. I might do some research into some sort of gift to her, as well. Nothing binding or overt, small but enough to save face."
"Good idea," Jarem says, "Flattery can get you somewhere." Kicking back now, "Also, I suggest not involving Emily. I've heard through the grapevine of reports that Seira's primary ally has poor relations with Malcanthet. It may be best to avoid any possible incident there, Queen."
"Indeed. Still, it's something for a bit later. Small security team for a trip to Celestia. I'm going to see if any of the council want to go."
"Celestia, eh?" Jarem says, "Any particular reason?"
"Festival is going on of some sort. Figure why not take part in it. It's sure to lift some spirits."
"I heard - Chronias is bright. Think less a festival and more a religious rapture," Jarem scratches his chin before going on, "I don't know about all of that, but I do know that anything about Chronias is a Big Deal, uppercase letters included. You ask any archon and they'll tell you it's the ultimate fate of everything."
"Still, it'll be a decent get away, I think. Spirits need lifting, and it'll give Emily a chance to get the agent in here."
"Sure," Jarem nods, "The Red Knight has a few embassies in Mertion, Empyrea to be precise. If you're going that way, I can write you a letter of introduction and they'll give you some aid and information."
"Sounds good. I'll go talk to the council."
Okay, do you have anyone in mind or just seeing if you can get someone to tag along?
Just anyone.
Thus the Council fills in and...
Go ahead and do your pitch, I'll give you various reactions and get it rolling once you do.
"Thank you all for coming. I've got a proposal for a working vacation of sorts. Celestia is in the midst of a festival. We've all had a lot of stress with the new attention we've received and with the attacks. I'd like us to attend the festival for a bit of fun. I also know there's some here who are, to varying degrees, not entirely satisfied with the alliance I've made or the manner in which I've made it. I'd like to offer everyone here the opportunity to use the festival to make their own inquiries into gaining support. Up to this point I've effectively bullied the Order into responding to things the way I want. It was for a reason, and now that we have functional defenses, I'd like to open things back up for us all."
Of all of them, it is Madala who reacts first. She sits back and declares, "Finally. Why Celestia, it's hardly allied with us. That's a realm for paladins and martyrs, not wizards."
Delaize is quiet as he sits back, head half bowed as he murmurs, "She is not wrong. I do not see the immediate appeal of Celestia for it. The connections are not strong."
Ule keeps his voice down as well, adding, "Disagreed. They are natural enemies of Shar."
Alyssa points to Ule.
"That. We're no slouches in wizardry, but holy power to smite devil's and demons? A thing we lack. Holy artifacts and items of power we can use? We had a more pressing need for soldiers in case of direct attack. Now we have tome and breathing room to make deals with as few strings as possible."
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 19 + 43, total 62[/blockquote]
You hear the faintest thump outside the room, barely audible.
Alyssa holds a hand up and locks eyes with Madala, pointing to her ear, then outside the door, moving to get out of the direct path of the door, off to the side and waits for something to happen...
Madala nods and silently moves, the rest of the Council moving as well. Silence, nothing immediately happening.
Alyssa moves closer to the door and holds up fingers, counting down before throwing open the door with her TK.
Two guards stand out there, as expected. They turn at the door opening, one asking, "Ma'am?"
"There was a thump..." She looks around, including the ceiling. It might have been a scrying spell if sorts.
"Oh, sorry. I dropped something," One of the guards says. "Sorry, ma'am."
Madala exhales, "Idiots, don't drop things!"
"What was it?"
"My backup knife," he says, holding it up, along with a sheathe with a strapped strap. "The strap just gave, ma'am."
"Just gave? That's a bit unusual, don't you think? Nothing at all to prompt it?'
"It was strange, ma'am," The guard agrees, "I had an armor strap give like that before, years ago. No sign of it, something must have been illmade inside of it."
"Hmm. Be more careful and get your equipment checked regularly."
Alyssa closes the door and looks at Madala, "Straps don't give way with no warning. It's wear and use. Either they're not maintaining their equipment or someone might be toying about."
"It could be a fluke," Madala says, "Paranoia serves no one."
"It's not paranoia if we're being stalked as it is," Delaize adds, very softly.
"Mmm. I agree with both of you. A thing to watch for, but to go borrowing trouble for. It could be nothing, or it could be a probe into our awareness."
Alyssa sits down with a shake of her head. "Back on track. Celestia."
"Yes, so you want to ally them, gain aid," Delhaize murmurs.
Madala merely says, "As long as we can bear the price, then."
"I'd rather us get advice on defenses and offenses than anything that puts another yoke on us, but you're all part of the council. Anything you get that you think should be considered, bring to us."
Perception again.
> roll 1d20+43 Perception
<Rei-chan> Iddy rolled : 1d20+43 Perception --> [ 1d20=18 ]{61}
Nods all around at that, as you hear the faintest gurgling sound outside.
Alyssa TK opens the door again, this time sure she'll see someone being killed.
They guards are already down. They're both gushing blood from the throat, while 50ft away you see someone going around the corner, a blur of black glimpsed for a split-second before it's gone.
"Gond's cock!" Delhaize gasps, already up as Madala springs forth, pulling out a glass vial from her pocket. She throws it at the ground, the wounds on the two guard's throats beginning to regenerate.
"Bastard," she snarls, already moving, "You strike this close to us?!"
Alyssa takes to the air, flying after the target, intent on immobilizing it with TK, flying along the ceiling, high up.
Movement speed?
50 ft, but I'll supplement it with Dimension Door to cover straightaways.
Give me Perception and note any special senses you have.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 9 + 43, total 52[/blockquote]
Termorsense, Darkvision, True Seeing
You race around the corner and see a broad, wide hall. Here is one of the main arteries of the building, leading all about. It's currently covered in thick black smoke, pages coughing and stumbling out of it. The way ahead is hidden by it.
Can I use TK push to clear the smoke?
I'd allow it, sure.
Alyssa throws out a burst of her telekinesis to dissipate the smoke!
The smoke is cleared. People are all about, coughing and hacking. Nos ign of an assassin anywhere.
Alyssa watches the people in the room, looking for any sort of unusual behavior and looking for the ring she saw before.
Gimme another Perception.
Perception/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+64 : 12 + 64, total 76[/blockquote]
Nothing like that - just confused people, dazed and coughing from the smoke.
Alyssa grunts in frustration.
"Everyone here will remain here for interview. If I find out that anyone has left, I will personally throw that person through a window."
"Then I'll throw them out another," Madala barks, catching up.
Okay, plan here since it looks like the assassin's gotten away?
Round up the people and interview, maybe someone saw something. After that, another viewing of the past like before. I might be able to get a few more details.
Great. Who is going to do the interviewing and what are the general questions going to be?"
Madala with Jarem. What they saw and any details of the other people in the hall, to see if anyone stands out.
Awesome. Going to do anything while they do or just wait on that?
The viewing of the past thing. Can't recall the spell off hand.
Hindsight is it, unless you mean a different spell?
Yeah, think that was it. I might have Alyssa start looking into time magic for this crap.
Make a CL check on it.
CL check:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+32 : 19 + 32, total 51[/blockquote]
Ah, you see it. A black blur comes ni and slashes, neatly severing the necks of the two before being gone in an instant, moving so fast that you can barely track him at all. He's blazingly fast.
Can I use a time stop with this?
No. It's a divination, not actually being there.
Since I know where he's going, can I move the vision there?
Insight is an instantaneous divination, it gives you the info on the area you chose. A second casting would be needed.
Hindsight? That's fine for me, though I'll have to mess with spell slots. Could I solve this with a Wish, by the by? I already have that prepped.
By solving it, how do you want it solved?
To be able to view time running backwards so I can follow the assassin back from the attack to where I can hopefully see the face.
I'd allow it as just on the cusp for that sort of divination, but you'd have to deal with any defenses against divinations he has as well as being entitled to a Will save.
Hm. The issue with that is the spell failure. Is there a way to try and punch through those protections before the spell failure kicks in?
If you have any relevant spells that can be cast and would help before it?
I honestly don't even know what spells would be relevant. I suppose I could coordinate spell the wish and just boost the CL? I'm not sure what would work here.
Sure, go for it. Gimme a CL check first of all.
Well the CL would depend on how many people are in the circle, or do you want me to do a CL check and you just add the bonus for however many join in?
Yes, as normal for it.
> roll 1d20+32 CL Check
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=2]
I meant as normal for the circle, which yeah, was a bad way to express it. Say three others. Total with that?
CL is 37, then. DC is pumped up to 30. Of note, I'll spend 2 Inspiration to activate Cunning Breach, bypassing SR.
You throw your power into it, but the circle is slightly off. Just enough to ruin the spell, unable to breach the protections this time.
Just bad luck with a natural 2.
Yeah, used to it. Doesn't make it less annoying, but used to it.
Alyssa sighs. "Nothing. Let's check the hall for any residue of the smoke. There may be something unique and identifiable there."
Go ahead and elaborate how you're trying to get any residue from the smoke.
Alyssa checks over the columns and walls where the smoke made contact, looking for any residue, and tries to find where the smoke originated from, hoping in the center of the cloud, there might be something to scrape up and study.
Perception here, +2 circumstance bonus.
> roll 1d20+43+2 Perception
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=15]
You find a few smudges on the walls, hints of the smoky vapors that filled the hall. You get a few samples of it easily enough once found.
You find a tiny bit of glass on the floor, residue on them as well.
Alyssa collects the glass, surely from a vial. So it's likely some sort of alchemical smoke, which means the ingredients should be identifiable! Off to research!
Give me K:A here.
If you have Craft(Alchemy) ranks, make a check on that as well.
> roll 1d20+43+15 K:A/Bibliotheca
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=4]
You aren't sure on the finer details, as alchemy isn't an area of study for you, but it seems to be a fairly straight forward smoke bomb. Unusually potent, perhaps.
Does the guild have anyone who's more versed on this?
Certainly. Going to bring someone in?
Sure, whatever specialist we got.
> roll 1d20+30
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=5]
The expert is Researcher Malcas, a man tall and with a heavy limp, leaning on a cane despite only being perhaps 40. Human but with eyes of pure silver, an oddity to be sure. "The residue suggests unusual potency," he begins, "It's easy to tell whomever made this was skilled."
"Can we use it to find this person? If there's unusual potency here, then could it be some special ingredient or special equipment used?"
"It's powerful but not that powerful," Malcas says, "No, no, no," shaking his head, "Too many could make this. Far too many. It means skill but skill is common in the Planes. I can think of half a dozen people who could do this on our world, too, that I know of offhand."
Alyssa gets a sour look on her face.
"So no way to use this to find them... I wonder. Inside the guild, this formula shouldn't be too common. We don't have many who carry smoke bombs around. Maybe I could design a tracking spell to find this specific formula. It'll be fairly useless otherwise, but locally..."
"Try a wish, it may be able to manage that," Malcas suggests, "Divinations are the key, if you can make them work."
"Hm. Thanks for your help on this, Malcas. Keep it quiet, between us. Council orders."
With that, Alyssa heads back to find Madala and Jarem.
"Short version?" Jarem says, Madala not in, "We're still interviewing and gathering information, but most people saw a black blur and nothing else. The bastard was moving damned fast. Fast enough to make untrained eyes unable to see anything but a flash of dark colors."
"I got the same in my Hindsight spell. Couldn't tell anything. However, I did find residue from his smoke. It was an alchemical mixture. Not especially rare, but unusually potent. Since tools like that aren't exactly commonplace here, as opposed to a true adventurer's guild, we might be able to design a divination spell to track that formula. It'll likely give us multiple candidates, but that's better than everyone not in this room."
"I'll look into it," Jarem says, "Anything else?"
"Service for the guards. I knew their gear failing like that was suspicious. Have the rest keep watch for it. Apparently, this assassin likes to test people for fun."
"I don't think testing was it," Jarem shakes his head, leaning in. "Two guards are meaningless for him to kill. This wasn't about killing, it as about getting into our heads. It was about making the rest of the guild fearful and doubtful."
"Likely. It was quite bold to attack the council guards like that. He might be getting over-confident."
"I'll see if I can't boost morale too, somehow," Jarem exhales, "Alright. You're going off with Emily, right?"
"At some point. She hasn't let me know when the dinner is supposed to be. I'm also arranging a trip for the council to Celestia. Let them get out and try to find some help themselves. Also removes them from being targets here while our agent arrives. I seriously doubt our assassin will follow to Celstia and try anything."
"Find out," Jarem says, and...
Assuming Cor doesn't have anything come up we're on and ready for that trip. Anything to do in prep for it?
A small gift, perhaps, but I don't know of anything I have on hand that they'd like.
Up to you there. You have a few minutes while Cor is en route to home.
No ideas honestly.
Okay, we'll roll without one unless you come up with one before then. Post if yo udo. We're basically waiting on Cor to get home and post and we'll roll with that. So I'll lock this thread once Cor gets in.