Step, step, step.
It is not the longest path as your mind continues to clear. A short stroll compared to the long journey of your now concluded mortal life. Yet you are in flux and in turmoil the entire time. Like clay in the hands of an artist, remade and changed as you walk.
Oh, you walk.
Oh, you walk.
There.
"ALYSSA!"
Your...your academy is ahead. Emily's there, face relieved a she rushes to you. Jarem follows slower, expression serious. Bastian hangs back quietly while Dolmaya approaches with an expression of regal composure and regret.
Emily hugs you without reservation, throwing her arms around you tight. "We know what happened."
Alyssa sags a bit into it.
"Everything just... Failed. Every spell just... Didn't work. Even the Words just... failed."
A tighter hug back, "You made it back, at least." Emily says, "I was worried we'd never see you again and...and..."
"Ianvasah," Jarem steps forward, "I'm sorry, there wasn't anything to be done." His expression is solemn and sad, but composed.
"There was plenty that could have been done. We got turned around, we weren't prepared, and none of our spells worked. That won't happen again if I have anything to say about it."
"Worse, you lost all your gear. Let's do something about that," Jarem says, "You up to starting to fight back right away and make this right, Alyssa?"
"Not right away. Like I said, we weren't prepared. There are things to be done to ensure victory. One. That's my next step."
With a half smile, Jarem adds, "Getting ready and preparing is what I meant." He reaches out and clasps your shoulder, "Good to have you back."
Bastian grunts, "I'll be here if you need me, Jessica and I are taking a break because of this."
"You also lost your equipment," Dolmaya says, frowning. "Unacceptable. Should you need a weapon, I can provide one to use."
"What Shaundakul has done has... Given me perspective. Focus. Refinement. I've... Changed. I feel it. I don't have the same... Innate leanings anymore. A Rapier will work better now, I think... And... I need to make an item for the One test... Something focusing on Intelligence, I think. Do we know anyone who can help me make one?"
'I do," Emily expression is...more. Intense, somehow, where it wasn't before. "Latha in Sylica can help you."
"I have a rapier you can borrow," Dolmaya insists, "I'll fetch it for you before we leave."
"I have money to equip you after this, too," Emily says, "Don't you worry about that, I'll get Elle to do it so it's not as expensive."
Alyssa nods.
"I'll worry about the rest of the equipment after I complete the One test. Who knows how it'll change me. For now, let's try to get in contact with Latha and arrange a time...
... And prepare a memorial for Ianvasah."
Emily's face falls, "We've already started that," she murmurs, head bowed.
Bastian nods shortly, "Yeah. We got something, think you'll like it."
Alyssa nods. "How... Long was I gone? Has... Anyone spoken to my family?"
"A few days," Emily responds, "The knew you were coming back, they're waiting for you, too."
Alyssa nods and takes a deep breath.
"Well, let's get this done, then. When's the memorial?"
"Tonight," Bastian says, "Once the moon rises."
"Okay. I'll have to explain things to my family. The memorial. Then Lathia."
"I'll take you to them," Dolmaya says, "We'll all get ready."
I'll assume that Dolmaya gives you this before you meet your family for ease of bookkeeping.
[Reserve Weapon]Son's Lament: Cold iron rapier+6, keen, fey bane and anarchic. Deals a base of 1d10 damage.
Jarem will also offer to loan you these, since he can do without them.
[Wrists]Feldane: These iron bracers are carved with images of city walls, tall and imposing. They grant the benefits of bracers of armor+9. The wearer counts as two size categories larger for the sake of combat maneuvers, including CMB and CMD.
I'll take them both. It'll be temporary anyway, and I don't think I need full gear for trying One anyway?
Not really, no.
Your parents and family await for you in their rooms. Just outside of them Dolmaya stops, simply a look there and, "They're in there," she says.
"Thank you."
Alyssa heads in!
Pacing.
Father paces while Mother sits nearby with your sister. All three turn as you step in and - !
Did your appearance change? I notice you have a different image on your charsheet now.
Nah. I just changed it to signify the rebuild. I think the only thing changed between the pictures is hair color, anyway.
"Oh! My baby!" Mother's to you nigh instantly, hugging you to her. She starts to cry and holds you tight, like she'll never let go. Walt comes over as your sister does the same.
"Alyssa," Walt says, "I thought you might have wings now," he finally says. "Are you alright?"
Alyssa hugs her mom and pats her on the back, responding to her father, "Not yet. There's a spell for that, though, if you think it'd be an improvement. I'm... Not okay. Physically, I am, but I'm rather... Angry. Angrier than I ever remember."
"You look different a little," Alihana says at last, "You're holding yourself differently."
"All we know is something terrible happened and you...you..." Mother can't continue, holding you tight.
"I died. Ianvasah sacrificed her soul so that Shaundakul could bring me back. And.. yes. What Shaundakul did changed my perspective. I'm... More focused in what I am and what I'm going to accomplish."
Father gently helps your mother away from you before, "Then you'll be going back out. I know you," Walt says, "Just come back, it's all your mother wants."
"I'm doing my best. I'll be doing something that will... Significantly increase my survival and power. I won't be caught off guard again."
"Then go and get them," Alihana says, "We won't ever forgive you if you get yourself hurt."
"I'll never forgive myself for Ianvasah... But at least she's not suffering."
Mother wipes at her eyes as Walt simply says, "There's no coming back from what happened to her?"
"No. Shar destroyed her completely. Down to her soul. It's horrific. But at least she's not being tortured."
A sniffle from mother as Walt looks on grimly, "That..." he finally shakes his head. "Be careful. Please."
"I'll do the best I can."
Ready to move along then?
Yepo
Moonlight.
The moon shines with its pale light as the five of you approach. It's a ways beyond your academy, where a cluster of trees stand tall. Pine trees, thick enough to obscure what's inside. "In here," Bastian says, striding within.
Alyssa follows quietly.
The moonlit grove within is quiet. The ground is littered with pine needles, the scent of pine trees heavy here. With the moonlight you can see that a small pond lies in the center, surrounded by a ring of stones. The pond is silvery with the light of the moon. Besides the pond a sapling is planted.
Emily goes to the lake and bows her head, eyes closed tight. Yet tears glitter in the pale moonlight as she stands vigil.
Bastian is besides her, head bowed as well.
Dolmaya comes forward and bows towards the tree, then stands next to Bastian.
Jarem goes to the sapling and turns. "We are here to remember a warrior," he begins. "In her burned the soul of a warrior who sought the keys to victory. More than that, more than our faiths, she was our friend and sister in arms. I'll not stand here and sing her praises, for they are already sung in our hearts. Instead, I will ask for a miracle."
At this, Jarem kneels before the tree. He prays and casts, holy symbol of the Red Knight in hand. "Mother of Strategy, hear me! Grant this tree the majesty to remember a fallen warrior!"
The tree shimmers red in the moonlight. "This tree will grow," Jarem announces, "It will grow and expand in memory of Ianvasah. I am no druid, I know not if they would approve of such a thing. I nonetheless dedicate it to Ianvasah, a tree that will always grow and search for perfection, as she herself sought in her time with us."
"None of us are Druids, yet all of us were her friends. She had few of those, by her training and nature. My relationship with her tells me she would love this. I found her in a grove like this, defending it against a king. She left that place to fight in our larger fight, and accepted to help me make a place fro Druids to gather, meet, and learn.
This will be the same. She may be gone, but this place will be defended tooth and nail in her name. Let's see if we can't also follow on the other parts of why she came to us."
Alyssa goes quiet for a moment, focusing on her will and faith, then begins her own prayer,
"Shaundakul, Rider of the Winds, I pray for a boon. Let the paths of all who love nature, who need sanctuary, who need help, who need knowledge have their path meet here for rest. For respite. For help. For knowledge. I pray to you to lead those creatures of nature who are displaced find their way here, even if for a moment, for safety, for help, for renewal.
Selune, She Who Guides, I ask of you a boon to honor the memory of our fallen friend. She who fell in our mutual fight. I pray for you to bless this place, to make it a place of safety and renewal for those of Ianvasah's kind. Let all she would protect be guided here. Let all who would learn from her example be guided here. Let all she would teach be guided here. Let this place grow and flourish as she would wish."
You silently pray.
The moonlight shines like pale memories around you, while you notice something. Paths. Old dirt paths can be seen just outside of the grove now, winding away from it and out of sight.
"The land is hallowed," Emily announces, "I can feel Selune's touch." Her voice is quiet, marveling.
Alyssa offers a silent prayer of thanks.
"It will serve as a place of gathering for all Ianvasah want to protect, guide, help, and teach. This will become the heart of learning for any Druid, Ranger, or creature that wants to to be here.
"Ianvasah's grove," Dolmaya states, "A worthy name for it."
"Good as any," Bastian says, "It gets right to the heart of it, and helps ensure she won't be forgotten."
Alyssa nods.
Bastian goes to the sapling and bows his head, "Goodbye, Ianvasah," he says then turns to go.
Dolmaya does the same but adds, "I did not know you long, but you spent your life wisely. Thank you."
Jarem kneels before the sapling and murmurs something - you don't catch what - and rises, "Take all the time you need here, I need to rest before we go back out anywhere."
Alyssa nods.
"Ianvasah, I'm sorry I failed you. I wasn't prepared. I should have recognized the danger after the maze restarted us twice. I'll do my best to honor your life and keep the others safe."
Emily stays at your side for this, "I'll make sure Alyssa doesn't join you, too," she insists, "We won't let your sacrifice be in vain."
Alyssa smiles softly.
"Let's get to work."
Okay, next move then?
Item for the one test.
You wanted to go to Latha for that, right, or did you have something else in mind?
Latha is fine.
Any prep for the trip?
I mean, just enough money for it. Daily spells, but I have to rebuild spell list since I lost all my meta magic stuff and the ring for slots.
Sure, work on that tonight, you shouldn't need spells for this. Emily and the others will cover anything in the meantime
Thus you pass through the Felic Gate into the divine realm of Sylica. Through the green fields and to a great forge surrounded by warm, open fields. Emily leads you along as the sun blazes bright above, a vast, tall mountain that glistens opal blue on the horizon. "In here," Emily says, "I sent word ahead, Latha should have cleared time for us."
Bastian nods, "I'll wait out here," he says, "I've never liked forges."
"Strange thing to dislike," Jarem says as he heads in.
"Enjoy your tryst, Bastian."
Alyssa grins and heads in.
Bastian gives you a rude gesture as Dolmaya quietly gives you a look but does not comment.
Within the forges Latha awaits. The sun seems centered on her, even with her inside. She is aglow with it as she gets rushed by Emily. "Aunt Latha," she cries, going to her. "It's terrible! Ianvasah..." she trails off.
"I'm so sorry, Emily. Be strong." Latha gently embraces her niece, a kiss to her forehead. "Be strong." Then she looks up, "Alyssa. You have my condolences, and the condolences of Sylica."
"Thank you. I invite you to visit Ianvasah's Grove. You'll enjoy it, I think. We're... all trying to sort out our feelings right now, still."
Latha parts from Emily and comes to you. "I understand your grief all too well," she confesses. "How can I aid you, Alyssa?"
"I was unprepared. In that I didn't do as much as I could have. I'm going to change that. I need an item that will help strengthen my intelligence as much as possible."
"I can make a diadem to do that," Latha says after a few moments, "Are there any special requirements?"
"I need to be a major part of making it. I'm a blacksmith. And weaponsmith. And armorsmith. But I've got no skill in imbuing magic."
"It's to become One," Emily speaks up here.
"I see." Latha considers this a time, "There are a few ways it can be done. A primal test in Ysgard is the simplest, but also a hard challenge. I have a friend who would be glad to task you with that. Alternately, something made of an exceptional creature or material may do."
"What would the test consist of? I'm... not really in tip top condition. What type of material would be needed?"
"The tests are chosen and designed by him, to be challenging to you," Latha says, "To push you to your limit. As for material - something exceptionally magical and tied to a strong mind. A metal or a gem would be best."
So, is this something I'd need to significantly gear up for? And what price range are we talking about? Or can I use one of the Stars here?
Best to ask those things IC.
Well, as far as the star goes, my concern is the bonus from it not stacking with DvRbonus and thus being wasted.
"Well, what I'm wearing is basically all I have. Would this test require me to fully equip myself? There'll be a delay if so... If a gem would work... I have the Nine Stars."
"...that is not a problem," Latha suddenly smiles rather wryly. "Most of the tests have a strong survival element, and you are often cast out into the wild nude and possibly with further conditions on yourself. To survive against the wilds of Ysgard is one facet of the tests. As for the gems, describe them to me."
An OOC post for the second part of what the gems do will suffice.
If it's just the one gem, then a Int bonusthat won'tbe rendered useless with DvR enhancement bonus. It'll just fit into the crown when the rest of it is done is all.
"Ah. One of those tests. Well, I'm certainly equipped for it at the moment. "
No, I mean, is it something you've already gotten and if so, post me the statistics of it. If it isn't made, say so.
Oh no, we haven't done anything with them yet. They're just the gems I got from the vault as of now.
"They're valuable, but you'd need to do something to imbue them," Latha agrees, "But as a base it would be a worthy object."
"So we loop back to my being naked in a forest. Unless anyone has another idea?"
Emily merely asks, "Does she have to go alone?"
"No," Latha says, "But anyone who goes has to participate in it fully."
"Are weapons allowed?"
"No, you start with nothing," Latha says, "Survival is one aspect, though you now have no need for food and water, nor sleep, so this will be easier in that regard."
"Well, Bastian doesn't really need anything but his hands... The last time I went with only one other person, it didn't turn out so well."
"Scrying is a concern." Emily also adds. "Is there something that can be done to stop that sort of interference?" She frowns faintly, "Anything?"
"I'll talk to him," Latha agrees, "As you consider that, do you need any equipment made?"
"An amulet. One that enhances my natural armor and helps keep me rested and fed?"
"I thought...?" Latha glances at Emily.
"It must have not sunken in," Emily says, a small shake of her head. "Alyssa, you died." She says it plainly, "Spirits like us don't need to eat, drink or sleep. We can choose to, but not a requirement. You need need that manner of magic anymore."
Alyssa lets her eyes widen a little, "Ah... Yes. Well... In that case, just the armor, then. Unless anyone has a better suggestion..."
"It's a good start," Jarem says, "How much money do you have to spend on it, Alyssa?" He gives you a thoughtful look, "Actually, item one should be a general enhancer - those matter so much."
Dolmaya considers, "No, get the amulet first. I believe in this case Alyssa's correct."
Alyssa nods to Dolmaya, "My spell casting isn't far off from where it was, and who knows how it'll affect me if I succeed at becoming One."
"Then the amulet," Latha says, "How strong do you want it?"
I'll ask this OOC: How strong do you want this?
Uh, since it's NA, as strong as I can with 80k. Which... I think is +5 at 50k? But that's not accounting for Latha's discounts.
Emily will gladly help pay for this as well, Jarem too if need be.
Latha would suggest an amulet +7 for 98000/2=49000 gold. She can make weapons, armor, shields and wondrous items, and that's a wondrous item.
Alright, that's good for the amulet. What else would you suggest? I haven't sat down and gone through books looking for items yet, so I'm open to suggestions. Maybe something that helps with attacks?
Okay, post the expense and how you're splitting the cost up.
"If we're skipping an enhancer," Jarem says thoughtfully, "Can you make one of those ioun stones, the one Bastian uses? It's a dark rose color, he says it makes it easier for him to anticipate attacks that come his way."
"I know those," Latha says, "Several came out of Aurora, though they're not exclusive to it. They're expensive so a seldom used option, but they work well with other defensive means."
The Dusty rose one? Insight bonus to armor?
Dusty Rose, yes. Insight bonus to armor class.
Sure. Suggestion to value here? I know Ioun Stones get stupid expensive. The +1 one is only 5k.
Latha would suggest the +6 insight ioun stone for 180000/2=90k.
That's fine. Alyssa's got 31k left to put towards it. I'm a bit short in the to-hit realm, I think. With Cunning Insight and Haste, I'm hitting +53 right now. Think that's good, or do I need a bit of a push there?
Post the expense and how you'd like the cost split up in loot, I'll sort that out there and update sheets as needed.
"Improving your martial skill?" Latha considers, "I'd consider good bracers of armor next. I even prefer them to armor." She goes to her forge, "I'd also consider a pale green prism ioun stone, which will improve most aspects of your combat."
Alyssa shows her the bracers from Jarem, "Jarem's been kind enough to lend me these, for now. I'll hold off on anything like that since I can also use Epic Mage Armor on myself. The prism stone is a good idea, but I have an ability that would over-ride it, I believe."
Cunning Insight is a competence bonus.
"Not all powers work well together," Latha agrees in thought. "I will complete those while you are on your task. Now - will you go alone?"
"No, not if I don't have to. After recent events... Best stay in strength. Oh, I just thought of something. What about something to help me fend off spell effects?"
Save bonus, not sure how to RP word that.
"Of course," Latha says, "A cloak is best at that, how strong?"
How strong do you want here?
They're fairly cheap, aren't they? What would a +10 run?
Latha would suggest the +7 for 49000/2=24500 gold.
"Hmm... Perhaps pass on the cloak for now. If we can get the intelligence item made, I'm confident in my success with the One test. I think, for now, I'm rather well off."
"Then I will return once I talk to my friend," Latha says, "Rest here a time."
Good to skip ahead?
Yep
Did you decide if you want anyone to go with you or try it alone?
Anyone who wants to come can. Bastian's a fairly obvious choice since Monks don't really need weapons. But pretty much everyone has magic, too, so everyone is viable.
To this, "You alright with this?" Bastian gives you a blunt look, "With your cunt being ou-"
"BASTIAN!" Emily blushes, "Mind yourself!"
"He has a point," Jarem says, "We're all used to armor and weapons, magic woven around us." He shakes his head, "Going with out it is hard, let alone without any clothes. That can get into your minds, make you freeze."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow with a bit of confusion, "Prestidigitation can, at the very least, blur things until I can figure something better out. There's plenty that can be done, and Illusion magic to cover this is... fairly basic."
"That is true," Emily admits, "It's just that...still!"
"I think Alyssa can handle it," Jarem goes on, "But it's a good question to ask, and one you can't answer until you do it. I'll pass on this, I don't really care for a trial here and my magic's limited without a holy symbol. Emily?"
"No, there's little point for me now." With a bit of a smile, "I feel so much more, Alyssa, and to take on a challenge like that now feels meaningless."
Bastian considers for a time, before ta last he gives Dolmaya a look. "You going?" he asks, bluntly. "I'd rather not, illusions or not illusions."
"I will, if you're not man enough to do it," Dolmaya retorts. "I will regardless."
"Then I won't," Bastian says shortly, a decidedly sharp glare sent Dolmaya's way.
Alyssa rolls her eyes at the two, "Okay, Dolmaya and I will go. Jarem, you really should bless some ink or something and get a holy symbol tattoo or something. Is there anything we need to do before we go?"
"It needs to be something material," Jarem says, "But no, we just wait for Latha now."
Alyssa relaxes and waits.
Latha soon returns. "We have a suitable location, one that by its nature will also prevent scryings and teleportation. Also one severe enough to suitably challenge you."
Alyssa nods, "And the goals?"
"We'll discuss them when you get there," Latha offers, "Come with me, you two. The rest of you will be taking to lodging in Sylica while they quest."
Alyssa follows!
Thus the two of you are taken away. Past the forges an angel awaits - a tall deva, a man who is muscled and strong. He awaits and greets you all with, "Alyssa, Dolmaya," he greets. "I'm Strength of Light."
"A pleasure to meet you, for what it's worth. You'll be administering this trial?"
"Yeah," The deva agrees, "Follow me. I'll explain it as we go. Thank you, Latha."
Alyssa does so.
"Thank you for the help, Latha."
Once Latha is gone the two of you walk ahead. "Well..."
Before I explain, I need you to have your spells finished and settled. We'll resume tonight once you have your spell list done.
"Well," Strength of Light says, "You'll be put into a valley surrounded by mountains. The entire area's scry proof because of magical energies that flow in the area. Your goal is to escape. The same magic that stops scrying also makes flight all but impossible."
Alyssa nods, "Does it interfere with any other magics?"
"No," Is the answer, "Besides teleportation, but the easy way out defeats the entire trial," Strength of Light explains.
Alyssa nods, "This valley, what are the dangers in it? Is there anything else to be accomplished there?"
"Many," Strength of Light says, "In this case, not knowing is much of the trial."
"Is there a time limit?"
"None," Strength of Light says, "Take as long as you need."
Alyssa nods. "Is there anything else you think we should know?"
"If you die, you'll be reborn with the dawn. It's the nature of Ysgard," Strength of Light explains, "Be brave, be courageous, be wise. You're stronger than almost all who attempt these and I've chosen a formidable testing ground I rarely employ. Live up to it."
"Thanks for that," Alyssa responds wryly.
"I guess we're ready to go. Dolmaya, any questions?"
Dolmaya smiles tightly. "None," she says, "It's a challenge to overcome, nothing more and nothing less. We have what we have and will triumph."
Ahead - you're in the mountains now, when did that happen? - is a cavern. Strength of Light leads yo uin, just tall enough for him and he ducks his head slightly. Within is a green portal, "That'll take you in, one way. It'll also relieve you of everything on yourself, it'll stay here and be returned when you're done."
"Now, most who come away with an item of power from this do so by making something with their own hands or claiming something powerful," Strength of Light goes on, "Bear that in mind.
Alyssa nods, "My situation is a little different, perhaps. I need something Latha can use to make into a specific item for the test, so I'll be looking for a material."
"Perhaps. Make things as you go with your hands and effort," Strength of Light urges, "It's worked well. That white dress Antenora wears with her armor, have you seen it? It began as something she made on such a trial."
"Quite the motivation. Let's get to it, then."
Before you go, Dolmaya glances back, "You have plans ready, as much as possible?"
"Losely. I have appropriate spells, I think. My new abilities will serve well enough without a weapon. I've studied nature and crafting as best I can. If there's something else to be done to prepare, I can't think of it."
A slight nod, "We'll endure," Dolmaya agrees, "We have a friend to avenge, let's get started." With that, Dolmaya heads through the portal.
Alyssa goes in as well!
Do you need time to make a mini stat block for your stats without gear? Easier than usual for you.
We can start and I'll get it done as we go.
Edit: In fact:AlyssaHP: 405/405
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
AC: 28
SR: 48
Bonuses: Attack+43, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0
Resources: Spell Push (10/10), 25 Inspiration
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Darkvision 60ft, DR 20/adamantine and epic, Resistance 20 Acid/Electricity/Fire 20, Immunity Cold, Never Flat-footed
Sure, I'll do Dolmaya's overnight.
It's...not cold. It's cold but not cold. You lie on ice, your bare body surprisingly fine on it. You feel disoriented but intact.
Alyssa rouses herself with a slight shake, taking in the area and looking for anything they can use to help and trying to identify immediate dangers and needs.
I actually have a few ranks of Survival, so if need be, we can go that route.
Sure, gimme a check and I'll weave it into your reply.
Survival:
Take 10 for 29.
You lie on ice. An iced over river, surrounded by stones and boulders. There's no immediate danger to you since you're resistant to cold now. The river stretches ahead behind you and around a winding bend that stones block, while on the other side a dam of stones and boulders blocks the way ahead that way. You can't quite see over the rocks lying down, but you can see mountains rising in the distance, all around. A valley, looks like.
Alyssa cautiously stands and looks around, trying to see if Dolmaya is near.
She's right behind you, shivering as she looks about, "I envy your protection from the elements already," she remarks candidly, then gestures. A few words of power and she's not longer shivering.
Resist energy, with needs no component unless you're a divine caster with a divine focus.
[spoiler]
Dolmaya: Used resist energy for fatemaker, will have full sheeting up overnight or in the morning.
Alyssa nods slowly, "Yes, well... I can help you with that if you want. I can make you immune, or give you Planar Bubble?"
"This will do for now," Dolmaya says, "At least until get our bearings." She goes over to the nearest river bank and peeks over low lying rocks, "It's a rocky valley," she says, "This is going to be hell on our feet if we walk. Look."
Alyssa moves to stand next to her, surveying the area.
The hilly ground ahead, amid various boulders, is littered with sharp, jagged rocks. They're well worn except for all the points and sharp bits, like a mix between jagged rock debris and smooth, river worn stones. "I've never seen rocks like that before," she says, "River rocks are well worn down by the waters into smoothness all over, not only over parts of them."
> roll 1d20+42 craft stonemasonry is close enough to have a semi informed opinion
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=13]
Long Duration:
Self:
Mind Blank, CL 35, Duration: 24 Hours
Protection from all devices and spells that detect, influence, or read emotions or thoughts.
Energy Immunity x2 (Electricity/Sonic), CL 35, Duration: 24 Hours
Immune to Electicity/Sonic
Epic Mage Armor, CL 35, Duration: 24 Hours
+20 armor bonus to AC.
Bibliotheca Arcana, CL 35, Duration: 24 Hours
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained.
Greater Magic Weapon, CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
+5 bonus to weapon: Fists (Monk)
Prying Eyes, CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
1d4+36 eyes, 120 ft normal vision in all directions, 25 word instructions:
"Orbit me in ringed layers leaving no gaps and report any useful resources or dangers."
Elemental Body (Fire), CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
Attune Form spell, Immune to Fire/Poison/Sleep/Paralysis/Stunning/Flanking/Critical Hits, Fire Sub-type, Darkvision 60ft.
Agility of the Dragon Princess, CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Dex
Mind of the Dragon Princess, CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Int
Many Moments of Prescience, CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
4 uses, +30 Insight bonus to any single attack roll, opposed ability or skill check, saving throw, or AC vs. a single attack.
Everyone:
Mass Energy Immunity (Acid), CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
Combat Duration:
Self:
Duelist's Friend, CL 35, Duration: 35 Minutes
<<See spell write up>>
Grace of the Courre, CL 35, Duration: 35 Rounds
+6 enhancement bonus to Dex, a +2 enhancement bonus to Cha, +3 enhancement bonus to NA, +4 racial bonus to Hide and Move Silently, Weapon Finesse feat.
Effulgent Epuration, CL 35, Duration: 35 Rounds
36 orbs, each can absorb and completely negate any spell or spell-like ability, regardless of level, that directly targets the subject. Only spells and spell-like abilities of deific power can overcome the protection.
Alyssa
HP: 405/405
Init: +18
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
AC: 50
SR: 48
Bonuses: Attack+50/45/40/35, Damage+19, AC+20, Saves+0, Skills+15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge Checks
Resources: Spell Push (10/10), 25 Inspiration
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Darkvision 60ft, DR 20/adamantine and epic, Resistance 20 Acid/Electricity/Fire 20, Immunity Electric/Sonic/Acid/Cold/Fire/Poison/Sleep/Paralysis/Stunning/Flanking/Critical Hits, Never Flat-footed, Attune Form, Fire Sub-type, +4 Insight Bonus Dex/Int
Alyssa takes a few minutes to cast spells on herself then inspects the rocks as well, trying to figure out what type of stone it is and how they could have remained sharp and jagged.
"I'm sorry I can't provide you spells like I used to. The change... Took a lot."
"We'll make do," Dolmaya agrees, then, "How bad was it? I've heard stories of great elevation to considerable adjustments and setbacks, depending."
"... I have almost no metamagic now. And no connection to the Spellpool. I... Lost all of my ability with telekinesis, as well."
"That..." A pause at it, "Were there any upsides?"
"Immune to cold. I can fight better. No food or sleep, apparently. I move faster. Much faster. I have a better sense of where to go and how to find things. My knowledge has increased."
"I managed my own change carefully," Dolmaya remarks at that, "To prevent exactly what you had happen. A privilege of the powerful, one you lost by circumstance."
"Well, if we succeed, my changing isn't finished. Let's get this done while we go."
Which way are you going to go then?
Does my new spider sense of direction tell me anything? Also, I wanted to get some more info about the rocks and area.
Does my Craft: Tailoring and K:whatever let me spot anything I can use to make clothes? Also, Prying Eyes.
Do you have any ranks in K:D or any related skills about rocks or geology?
I have K:All.
Gimme K:D then, it's covered under that.
K:D/Bibliotheca:
Take 10 for 62.
This is a fairly typical valley in design - a river, lots of river rocks deposited, and teh general shape of it is right.
The spiky/smooth rocks themselves are completely unnatural. Those simply aren't made like that. It could be they're artificial or there's magical/abnormal processes here.
"Those rocks aren't natural. Not at all."
Alyssa grabs one, looking for one that's sharp enough to be used as a tool as they head deeper into the valley.
Is my new sense telling me anything about which direction to head?
You aren't lost right now, just out in the open. Not getting lost is what it does, so logically you need to find a path and follow it.
It's easy enough to get a sharp rock that should work as an impromptu instrument.
Alyssa heads in, cycling her Prying Eyes to get a better idea of where they are and what's around them.
Perception, +10 bonus for the eyes.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 10 + 58, total 68[/blockquote]
Around you is empty valley - but you notice something. When your gazes aren't on them, some of the sharp stones move, scurrying along close towards you.
Alyssa moves closer to Dolmaya and whispers, "My spell has spotted some of the stones moving towards us."
Any K to figure out what they are?
K:A.
"Then we know we aren't alone," Dolmaya retorts, "Best to respond strongly enough that they do not attempt to overwhelm us."
K:A/Bibliotheca:
Take 10 for 73.
Your best guess is tiny earth elementals - elementites. They're larval forms of normal elementals in essence, normally part of a greater swarm.
"My best guess is they're elementites. If they are, then perhaps we can simply scare them away."
Would they have intelligence? I can speak Terran.
You recall they do not - they're pretty dim in this stage.
Do I know enough about them to be able to scare them off?
Sure, you can try. They reflexively hate winds and things associated with air.
"A strong enough wind should do the trick. Have anything like that prepared?"
"Nothing worthwhile," Dolmaya murmurs back softly.
"Hmm... Well, I suppose we can either fight them or just try to leave them behind. I'm not too keen on killing things that aren't smart enough to know what's going on. Think we can simply outpace them?"
"Hardly," Dolmaya says, "But that's the good thing about Ysgard - they'll revive in the morning."
"Hmm... Well, I guess let's start."
Alyssa holds her fists up, "Let's see what this change can do."
Dolmaya smiles and nods at that, as...
Plan here?
Going to turn and use Field of Blades to cover the area.
Init then.
Init/Cunning Insight (24/25):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+29 : 7 + 29, total 36[/blockquote]
Alyssa
HP: 405/405
Init: +18
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
AC: 50
SR: 48
Bonuses: Attack+50/45/40/35, Damage+19, AC+20, Saves+0, Skills+15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge Checks
Resources: Spell Push (10/10), 25 Inspiration
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Darkvision 60ft, DR 20/adamantine and epic, Resistance 20 Acid/Electricity/Fire 20, Immunity Electric/Sonic/Acid/Cold/Fire/Poison/Sleep/Paralysis/Stunning/Flanking/Critical Hits, Never Flat-footed, Attune Form, Fire Sub-type, +4 Insight Bonus Dex/Int
Again: Cunning Insight does not apply to initiative. That's what Brains over Brawn is for. What's that put your init at?
I don't know why I keep mixing that up.
25
> roll 1d20+13
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=12]
Okay, they can't beat that init so go ahead with your spell, I'll adjudicate from there.
Alyssa begins casting one of her original spells!
Field of Blades, CL 35, Duration: 35 Rounds.
35x 10ft squares, arranged to hit as many of them as possible. 10d6 damage.
[blockquote]Rolled 10d6 : 5, 3, 5, 1, 2, 5, 6, 1, 4, 6, total 38[/blockquote]
Does it require an attack roll or allow a save?
As you cast this spell, the sound of a blade unsheathing can be heard. The ground trembles noticeably underfoot as blades erupt in the area of the spell.
Any area with blades in it is considered difficult terrain. A creature within the area or who passes through the area takes 10d6 points of damage. Any creature that takes damage from the blades suffers foot injuries that reduce their land movement speed by half. This lasts until magical healing or rest restores hit points equal to the damage taken from this spell. A successful Reflex save halves the damage and negates movement speed being halved.
When this spell is cast, you can choose to concentrate on it. If you do, you exert a level of control over the blades. This changes the duration of the spell to concentration. Additionally, each round you may have the blades do one of the two following actions as a free action on your turn.
Blades slam into the little stones - they don't cut deep, but it's enough to still them. No signs of movement after, at least where ever you struck.
"If they keep following us, they'll take more damage. Let's go."
Alyssa focuses on forming a path for them out of the field.
You find you can go north from the frozen river and away from the stones - at least the sharp ones. You do so easily enough, standing in a valley. The hills are fairly steep and quickly give way to sharp, jagged mountains. High up silent lightning can be seen, yet there is no thunder heard amid the snowcapped peaks.
"Well, any ideas? Keep to the valley or try mountains."
"We have to get out, so mountains," Dolmaya says reasonably enough, "We'll need to find a path, a pass or a cavern."
Alyssa nods and heads that way, cycling her Prying Eyes to help locate a path, pass, or cavern.
Perception.
Perception:
Take 10 for 58.
As you walk, suddenly your foot plunges into the stony ground, as if it were sand.
Ref save.
Ref/Cunning Insight (24/25):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+40 : 9 + 40, total 49[/blockquote]
Yet you manage to pull your foot out and away, then stumble back. Dolmaya's there, catching you so that you don't have a tumble.
Alyssa looks around to see if there's more of it.
"Careful, who knows what's here, really."
Now that you know it's there, you see the way ahead is littered with such patches.
"Quick stone?" Dolmaya says, "I've heard of it on Earth before, but not on Ysgard."
"Hmm..."
Alyssa takes Dolmaya by the hand and leads her through the patches, inspecting them as they go.
"I wonder if there's something that can make them..."
Dolmaya follows, "Easily enough," she says, "Just a little unique material or magic to make it work with stone instead of sand or clay."
"Hm. Well, pit traps like this usually indicate hunting... Subterranean is likely, but movement through the ground is easy enough if you can already cast this sort of magic."
"That assumes they aren't natural," Dolmaya points out, "It could be a local quirk."
"Safer to assume it's not. Let's keep moving."
Gimme a d100 and another Perception.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 24, total 24[/blockquote]
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 6 + 48, total 54[/blockquote]
As yo ugo, your prying eyes notice something stirring in the quickstone behind you as you go along.
"Something's in the quickstone behind us. What's with this place and ambushes?"
"Smart predators, or something here that can't b e fought head on." Dolmaya retorts.
"Both. Things that survive things that can't be fought head on are usually smart. Let's see if it's confined to a single patch or if there are multiple ones..."
Alyssa keeps going.
Gimme Ref again then.
Ref/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+40 : 13 + 40, total 53[/blockquote]
You hear something - and with a natural bit of instinct you dodge aside, as a jet of acid from behind narrowly misses you.
Alyssa spins around to face the attacker!
You see something like a giant bug sinking into the quick stone, only glimpsed - but you're under attack now!
Init.
Init:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+18 : 19 + 18, total 37[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+13 Dolmaya init
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+8 Ambush Bug
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=19]
Init is Alyssa (37) > Ambush Bug (27) > Dolmaya (20)
Open.
Is it still visible for me to hit?
No, it sunk into the quickstone.
Don'thave any earthquake type spells, so hold action
From a patch of quickstone to the side it emerges and quickly fires another jet of acid at you.
Ref.
Ref/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+40 : 1 + 40, total 41[/blockquote]
> roll 15d8 acid ow
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d8=3,6,8,4,2,6,2,6,1,3,6,8,1,1,7]
Acid resistance applies, at least.
Pain blossoms on your knee as acid lands right on it, sizzling away. Less than it should at least as you grit your teeth, as you get a look at it. It's like an oversized beetle, save with metal shell and girding supporting it, mouth dripping green acid.
Going to take your held action?
Yes, and I have Energy Immunity: Acid.
Alyssa lets the acid splash off of her as she chants a quick spell before she darts forward to slam her fist into the thing!
1st up: Knowledge Devotion, +5 to atk/dam
Dolmaya's Ray of Force, CL 35
20d6 damage, ranged touch attack.
Ranged Touch Attack/ Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+61 : 8 + 61, total 69[/blockquote]
Using Spot the Weakness skill trick:
Perception vs AC, success has next attack as melee touch:
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 4 + 48, total 52[/blockquote]
Melee attack:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+50 : 18 + 50, total 68[/blockquote]
Whoops, forgot the spell damage:
[blockquote]Rolled 20d6 : 5, 3, 4, 6, 5, 4, 6, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 6, 2, 2, 2, 3, 2, 3, 5, total 66[/blockquote]
Do you mean Dolmaya's Force Ray, Iddy? If so, do you have ignore material components to ignore the component?
Forgot I lost that.
I'll do Flash Bolt instead, requires the same roll.
Alyssa lets the acid splash off of her as she chants a quick spell before she darts forward to slam her fist into the thing!
1st up: Knowledge Devotion, +5 to atk/damage
Flash Bolt, CL 35
Ranged Touch Attack, 1d4+1 rounds of blinding.
Ranged Touch Attack/ Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+61 : 13 + 61, total 74[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 4 + 1, total 5[/blockquote]
Using Spot the Weakness skill trick:
Perception vs AC, success has next attack as melee touch:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 1 + 48, total 49[/blockquote]
Punch!
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+50 : 10 + 50, total 60[/blockquote]
Damage:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6+14 : 3 + 14, total 17[/blockquote]
Besides IRC comment, the skill trick is a standard action. How are you punching it if you used up your standard action?
Is it? It was little ambiguous since it said "your next attack against that opponent (which must be made no later than your next turn)" but I guess that's just me. Just ignore the punch then.
Yeah, it says as a standard action at the beginning of it.
The flash of light hits the predator, a shrill cry as it is blinded. It begins to retreat down and away, slipping away as Dolmaya says, "Wait for it..."
Go, it's not immediately coming back out.
Holding action.
And yet...it doesn't show signs of coming back, not at all. As you wait...
Tremorsense?
Not anymore.
Abruptly the ground beneath you erupts, the giant bug coming right for you from below.
At least you can't be flatfooted anymore, which helps.
> roll 1d20+56
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=1]
Lucky.
Yet you hop out of the way, the attacker avoided entirely as...
Going to take your held action?
I surely will.
Now that the annoying creature has exposed itself, Alyssa chants a quick spell before unleashing her fists on it!
Haste, CL 35, Duration: 35 Rounds
+1 atk at full atk bonus, +1 to attack
Haste Atk:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+51 : 6 + 51, total 57[/blockquote]
Atk 1:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+51 : 11 + 51, total 62[/blockquote]
Atk 2:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 19 + 46, total 65[/blockquote]
Atk 3:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+41 : 8 + 41, total 49[/blockquote]
Atk 4:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+36 : 17 + 36, total 53[/blockquote]
All hit. Damage.
Damage:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6+15 : 2 + 15, total 17[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6+14 : 6 + 14, total 20[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6+14 : 5 + 14, total 19[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6+14 : 6 + 14, total 20[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6+14 : 5 + 14, total 19[/blockquote]
What do your fists count as for DR?
Only a level 2 monk, so nothing outside of the +5 from GMW.
You strike but the blows do little - it's armored hide is tough.
Anything else or is Dolmaya good to blast at the same time?
Nope, she's good to go.
Dolmaya snaps her fingers as a barrage of flaming rays pierce your foe. She doesn't even move otherwise as...
Empowered maximized twinned split ray scorching ray.
> roll 1d20 touch AC 1 check
> roll 1d20 touch AC 1 check
> roll 1d20 touch AC 1 check
> roll 1d20 touch AC 1 check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d20=3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=20]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=20]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20 touch AC 1 check crit check 1
> roll 1d20 touch AC 1 check crit check 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d20=10]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20 touch AC 1 check second casting
> roll 1d20 touch AC 1 check second casting
> roll 1d20 touch AC 1 check second casting
> roll 1d20 touch AC 1 check second casting
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 > [d20=9]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d20=16]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 6 > [d20=6]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 1 > [d20=1]
Each ray deals a base of 24 damage maximized and there's 5 normal hits. 24+12=36. 36*5=180.
The two crits deal 48 maximized and there's 2 crits. 48+24=72. 72*2=144. 144+180=324.
A moment later half a dozen holes are in the creature's head, steaming and smoking. It collapses back and goes still.
"Peasant," Dolmaya watches it fall, "Hardly worth an Empress's wrath."
Free act.
Alyssa holds up her fist and gives it a disgruntled look.
"Hm. I'll have to do something about this. I'm certainly able to fight better, but actually punching through armor... It was a good test to see how things went, at least. Spells first from now on, it seems."
She turns the bug and inspects it, looking for anything of use or value.
K:A.
K:A
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+47 : 7 + 47, total 54[/blockquote]
Obviously the metal on it could be useful. As could the bones - creatures who grow metal are almost invariably strong boned, far more than human bones.
Alyssa uses the stone-knife-thing she picked up to harvest the useful things, carrying them a bit awkwardly as they go, keeping an eye out for any type of foliage she could use to weave a bag or clothes.
Give me a survival check, it's close enough here.
Survival/Cunning Knowledge:
Take 10 for 64.
You manage to harvest several 'plates' of iron that you can take with you, strength and ability to carry them permitting.
Alyssa continues on, keeping her searching going for anything to make clothes out of while they go.
"Here Dolmaya, help me carry some of this."
Dolmaya does so, "We could make crude armor or a weapon," she muses, tapping it. "Good quality iron, too."
Alyssa nods, "Yes, but we need at least a few tools first. Keep an eye out for anything that might look useful."
Sure, gimme Perception again post combat.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 6 + 48, total 54[/blockquote]
With that you begin to explore the valley, heading up the slopes. It's fairly barren, but you do notice a bit of grass as you continue upwards. Up the rocks and past the quickstone, past the beast you put down. A cold wind blows as you see ahead - no signs of caves dead ahead, just slopes rising sharply upwards.
"This is a pretty barren area. Not much usable here that I can see..."
"Not much," Dolmaya says, "Still, I think the point is to make something - you want something for your mind?"
Alyssa nods, "I have a way to use it to improve my odds in the test. If I can make something powerful enough, I can almost guarantee success."
A short nod to that, "A circlet - the metal there's a good start, but we'd need something keyed to the mind, too."
Any K check for what that might be?
"And we'd need to find a way to work this metal... I've got immunity to fire, for now, but I still need tools of a sort. Something to serve as an anvil, something for a hammer, and fire..."
For what that may be? You'd need to narrow it down, there's a lot of things that could signify that.
Something that's keyed to the mind part. And, while we're at it, are any of the bones an appropriate shape to be used as a hammer so I can forge this thing?
You could use some of the bones as a crude club or hammer, sure.
"Alright, let's keep moving. We need fire and something keyed for the mind. Ideas?"
"The right gemstone or monster," Dolmaya says, "We're working with what's here, so best to keep our minds open."
Alyssa nods. "Let's keep going, then."
The way ahead is very steep - you'd need climb checks to go any further, or a climb speed.
Alyssa sighs and looks over the mountains.
"Well, I think this is as far as we can go on foot. I've got no real skill in climbing, and any flying is supposed to be blocked. Let's follow along the base and see if we can't find a path. There's got to be one somewhere."
"I've never had the talent myself. Why climb when you can fly?" Dolmaya agrees, "A straight climb is out. We'll need to search for another way out."
Alyssa nods, trying to use her knowledge to try and pick out where they might likely find a path.
Survival again.
Survival:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+19 : 6 + 19, total 25[/blockquote]
You aren't 100%, but you'd suspect you're more likely to find a cave at the ends or the river, or possibly a pass along its banks.
Alyssa heads towards the nearest end of the river.
D100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 83, total 83[/blockquote]
As you walk you see it ahead - another patch of sharp stones blocking progress forward.
Alyssa points it out to Dolmaya, trying to spot any of the little elementals.
Now that you know what to look for, it's easy to spot them.
"Same as last time?" Dolmaya suggests.
Alyssa shrugs, "You want to have a go? I don't have another of that spell ready."
Dolmaya nods slightly, "Step back."
Alyssa does so, watching.
Dolmaya strides forward and they go to meet her. Yet as they do, Dolmaya gestures. A sweeping gesture, as if to ward away something unpleasant. "Begone from me!" she declares.
Dolmaya's Scathing Rejection.
> roll 25d6 fort
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 88 > [d6=1,4,2,1,3,1,4,5,6,5,1,5,5,4,3,5,3,3,3,2,1,6,6,5,4]
> roll 1d20+13
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d20=11]
The assembled rocks are tossed asunder, far away and landing in broken heaps of rubble. For hundreds of feet around her they are all gone, tossed away. "That," Dolmaya glances back at you, "Is how you clear the way."
"... I used to be able to do that with my telekinesis."
Alyssa sighs, "Something to deal with after this."
Dolmaya dusts her hands off, and in a slightly softer voice, "Come along then, let's find a cavern and end this trial."
"Yes, yes, your empress-ness."
Alyssa quirks a small smile at her.
"I'm going to bathe for a week after this."
"Mmm. Not I, I find this rather invigorating," Dolmaya says, "As long as there's privacy and nothing but the challenges of the natural world." She smiles back just a little bit, "It feels daring too, we always depend so much on our equipment, clad in the wealth of a nation to bolster our abilities."
Alyssa chuckles, "Well, now I know what to hint to Jarem."
A bit more quietly, "I.. might have enjoyed this more, with different circumstances."
"A word of advice, not to dull your pain but to grow your wisdom. A peon accepts circumstances. An Empress makes them." Dolmaya strides forward at that, "Let's go make our circumstances."
"Yes. I've been... remade by Shaundakul. Now I'll remake myself into what I want. Step by step."
Alyssa strides forward, looking for the path.
Survival a second time and Perception too.
Survival:
Take 10 for 29.
Perception:
Take 10 for 58.
Luck is with you - The river offers no pass, but near it you see a cavern entrance, leading into the mountains.
Alyssa points it out to Dolmaya.
"How are you with stealth?"
"An Empress does not hide," Dolmaya declares, "It is not my strongest trait."
"One may not hide, but they do tend to be adept with subterfuge of all types. Lag behind a bit, I'll scout it out as best I can."
Okay, quick question so I know: How far ahead o you want to be?
Far enough that she can still make me out and get to me. What's her current movement speed? I'd say about 5-10 feet less than that.
She's at 30ft, so you want to be about 25-20ft ahead?
Sure. Damn she's slow.
She normally has speed boosting boots.
Go ahead and give me Stealth and Perception for the next bit.
Stealth/Cunning Knowledge:
Take 10 for 90.
Perception:
Take 10 for 58.
You creep into the cave. It's fairly wide open and weathered - the trickle of water from above is a constant, semi audible chorus to your adventure within. You go in and deeper, exploring within - and then your keen eyes catch something. A footprint - rather like a bird's foot, pressed hard into the stone, hard enough to sink into it like you might push your finger into wet clay.
'Well, that's not great...'
Alyssa inspects it, trying to identify what could have made it.
K:P.
K:P/Bibliotheca:
Take 10 for 72.
Some sort of giant bird? But the size of it isn't quite right. Strange indeed. A harpy would be your guess, or some other similar creature. Perhaps some varieties of sirens.
Alyssa returns back to Dolmaya to tell her about the tracks and her suspicions of harpies and siren type creatures.
"Unusual but hardly that much of a threat to us," Dolmaya responds quietly. "Keep your eyes open and use force if you need to."
Alyssa nods, "Just keep in mind, everything we've run into so far has been ambush predators. Let's not get caught out by a group of birds."
Alyssa heads in, keeping closer to Dolmaya and helping her pick her way through.
Run me down your array of senses, would you?
Darkvision 60ft, Prying Eyes spell is all. I lost all of those special things and haven't had time/chance to redo perm. spells.
You go ahead a time - and it opens up to a large chamber with a high ceiling -about 70ft high. On a glance up, your sharp eyes and darkvision are enough to note the hints of something moving up in those depths. Meanwhile, at ground level, it's a fairly large chamber, space on both sides as it meanders onward. A single pool of standing water is here, occasionally rippling as a droplet from above falls down.
Alyssa silently points out the movement to Dolmaya, then tries to send one of the Eyes up as stealthily as possible to survey what's up there.
You do so and Dolmaya nods back slightly.
Going up, you can see something moving up there. A half bird, half woman, the lower half a bird's legs and the upper half a gorgeous woman. Her arms are wings and she smoothly flies about, peering carefully down below at the two of you.
Do the eyes spot anything else or just the one?
Just that one.
Alyssa whispers to Dolmaya, "Just the one from what I can tell, but I'm pretty sure she sees us. Diplomacy first?"
"No reason not to try," Dolmaya agrees. "Even if I have doubts of our success."
Alyssa nods, "Then I'll try and you keep ready. This place likes ambushes so much, let's have one ready, too."
With that, Alyssa turns back to the presumed harpy and tries to remember what she knows of them.
K check here to kick off Knowledge Devotion and try to figure out language and if there's any cultural norms to be followed here.
Harpies tend to form tribes and by default are nasty, caustic creatures. They use their songs to lure in travelers and then inflict horrible torments on them. Many are highly skilled archers and occasionally sorcerers or favored souls of evil deities.
However, a harpy in Ysgard is likely going to be of a far different temperament than a standard harpy. This one may well be an exception to the norm who ended up here instead of in the Abyss. That or a nasty one that's still alive is here for reasons of their own.
Anything about languages and proper greetings or rituals?
Harpies generally speak Common as well as any languages local to where they are. If they live and hunt in elven lands, they'll speak Elven for example.
Harpies are generally standoffish, and most diplomacy is best done at a distance - their preference since it favors them with flight and their penchant for song and archery.
Alyssa steps into the mouth of the chamber, leaving her hands visible and speaks clearly and loudly, "Hello! I recognize your kind, Harpy, as one who is intelligent and greet you openly and with respect. I know some of your kind and will keep my distance. I will keep my intrusion into your nest as minimal as I can. I would like to speak with you about this valley and be on my way with minimal disturbance to you."
Well, that was well spoken. Give me Diplo with a +5 bonus.
Diplo/Cunning Knowledge:
Take 10 for 102.
The harpy comes down a little further, visible now above you, about 55ft up or so. "Go," she says, "This isn't my lair. I'm hiding from her - I hear she's moved on but I'm taking no chances."
"Her? As you can see, I'm lacking in.. everything. Please tell me what this danger is. All I'm really looking for is a pass out of this valley."
Dolmaya stands at the ready but lets you talk, gaze upwards as well.
"Her. She calls herself J...something with a J. A woman with long red hair who claims to be a phoenix. She's far too strong." A sour scowl at that, "She knows the arts of a paladin of liberation as well."
That ping anything?
Alyssa nods slowly, "I see. I can understand why you'd be worried; your kind are generally considered on the... less than good side of things. I'm a big more pragmatic than a paladin, however. If you can help us to find a way out from this valley, then if I happen to come across this paladin, I'd be more than happy to try to give her a reason to leave you alone."
K:P.
"Don't bother - the caves change over time, usually overnight," Is the answer, "Everyone has to find their own way out."
K:P/Bibliotheca:
Take 10 for 72.
You've heard the faintest rumors - something about a phoenix paladin. It's pretty muddied and sixth hand or so, though. Moreso because you can rule out over half of them to misunderstood information about Kascha, one of Seira's allies.
"Well that's... Annoying. What an unnecessarily irritating place. Well, I do appreciate your willingness to talk. My name is Alyssa Songsteel, and while I can't say much for it right now, in thanks for your hospitality if you ever make your way out of here and want to find some place new to live, please come find me and I will do what I can to help. I may not be able to offer you place where I am, but I'll certainly help you find a place to call home."
"I may accept that, as long as she isn't there," Is the quick answer, "Be careful, her feet burn like fire."
Alyssa nods, "What is your name, before I leave?"
"Dynasa," Is the answer, simply given.
Alyssa inclines her head and leaves!
Once you're ahead and away from that cavern? Dolmaya asks low, "What was she going on about, do you know?"
Dolmaya takes 10 on K:P.
"Not entirely. It sounds vaguely like one of Seira's people, but I can't be sure since it's lacking in detail. Let's just keep following the river until we get to the end of the valley, then start around the rim. We'll find something eventually."
d100 then real quick.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 11, total 11[/blockquote]
You wander a time - and you follow a downward path. Ahead you can hear the sound of stone grinding on stone.
"Hear that?"
Alyssa continues forward cautiously, searching for the sound.
"Dreadful noise," Dolmaya says, at the ready. It looks to come from a cavern ahead, about 90ft away and in the darkness beyond.
"What kind of earth elemental do you think it is? I'm going to guess.. Elder."
"At least," Dolmaya says, "Or an irritated dragon grinding its teeth."
"Well, let's find out!"
Alyssa heads in, stealthily and cautiously.
Stealth check then.
Stealth:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+50 : 19 + 50, total 69[/blockquote]
You creep ahead as Dolmaya stays back. At 60ft away you see it. Here a ridge of stone rises from the ground. A massive, man like creature in armor is here, grinding a stone sword against it. Sparks fly, yet they shed no light as he works away. A man from the looks of the armor, but it's hard to tell. He's far larger than a human - it's not hard for you to know a titan when you see one.
K here for info on titans?
Alyssa creeps back to Dolmaya.
"A titan. Sharpening a sword."
K:P.
"Dangerous," Dolmaya says, "Best to advance with caution, and strike with overwhelming force if we must."
K:P/Bibliotheca:
Take 10 for 72.
https://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/titan.htm
Note this is just the baseline before gestalt and any advancement an individual titan may have done. Most do advance so expect more than the bare minimum.
"So, the question is... Does this lead out, or is it just a home? If it's just where he lives, do we even need to start this fight?"
"It's Ysgard. The answer to that last question is always yes," Dolmaya declares.
Alyssa nods, "So then, should we at least have manners and introduce ourselves before we attack?"
"Of course." Dolmaya sighs and adds, "And odds are he'll do or say something when he sees us like this to speed it right along."
"All's fair in love and war. Distraction is distraction. Let's go."
Thus you step forward and...
Go ahead.
"Hello Titian! I greet you, warrior to warrior, and pay you respects in your home. I come seeking knowledge, and know that if you are of honor, you will offer it in exchange for a challenge. Do you stand as an honorable soldier of your kind?"
The titan stops his grinding and turns. His face lights up in a smile, "Praise Tempus, my prayers were answered." He shrinks down (and so does his sword) to human size, "They were answered twice!" He's grinning now, "If you're listening, I prefer unwrapping them myself, but this works too!"
"Whoa there, warrior. Let's be civil before we start. I don't suppose you have anything resembling clothes, do you? And Tempus? Excellent. We're allied with The Red Knight. This will turn out well for all."
Dolmaya closes her eyes and slowly exhales.
"Just what I'm wearing," he says, "I didn't expect the Red Knight's kind to be the ones, but I'm flexible."
"Well, we're not her's. Allies, formally. Some her people serve with us in the fight against Shar. But that's neither here nor there, at the moment. In any case, as we're doing this formally, shall we at least introduce ourselves?"
"We can do that after. It's been MONTHS in here," The titan exclaims, "Months! This sword quest is the worst."
"Quest? What's the quest?"
"It's a titan thing," He brushes it aside, then smiles, "Now are you coming here or what?"
"Look, we'll fight. I already greeted you and offered it, but give us at least a little break here. We've been stomping around this place with less than you. How about at least a little bit of figuring this out so we can all get out of here?"
At this the titan sighs and rubs his temple, "Fine. I just happen to have two gorgeous, naked women pass me by...and it's pure coincidence. Just shut up and fight." he growls, grabbing his sword.
"You are a self centered ass," Dolmaya declares, striding forward. "Reflect on this when you resurrect in the morning."
Alyssa sighs and looks over at Dolmaya, "We'll have to mention this one to The Red Knight. Maybe she can put in a word about a quest for manners and civility."
Alyssa readies herself!
Init then, that happened.
Alyssa chants a quick spell!
Nerveskitter, CL 35.
+5 to init.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+21 : 12 + 21, total 33[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+13 Dolmaya
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+18 Titan
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=10]
Init is Alyssa (33) > Dolmaya (32) > Titan (28)
Open.
Alyssa casts a pair of quick spells!
Knowledge Devotion, can't get less than max bonus.
Unseen Needle (Quickened), CL 35
Ranged touch attack, 1d6/CL (max 25d6)
Ranged touch attack/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 13 + 58, total 71[/blockquote]
Damage:
[blockquote]Rolled 20d6 : 1, 2, 2, 3, 2, 5, 2, 6, 5, 5, 1, 4, 4, 2, 4, 5, 3, 5, 2, 2, total 65[/blockquote]
Standard Action:
Time Stop, CL 35
1d4+1 rounds of additional actions.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 2 + 1, total 3[/blockquote]
Alyssa
HP: 405/405
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
AC: 50
SR: 48
Bonuses: Attack+50/45/40/35, Damage+14, AC+20, Saves+0, Skills+15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge Checks
Resources: Spell Push (10/10), 25 Inspiration
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Darkvision 60ft, DR 20/adamantine and epic, Resistance 20 Acid/Electricity/Fire 20, Immunity Electric/Sonic/Acid/Cold/Fire/Poison/Sleep/Paralysis/Stunning/Flanking/Critical Hits, Never Flat-footed, Attune Form, Fire Sub-type, +4 Insight Bonus Dex/Int
You see the unseen needle pierce the titan's shoulder, a split second before time stops entirely.
Go with time stopping.
Round 1:
Standard: Duelist's Friend, CL 35, Duration: 35 minutes.
Move: Move to flank the Titan.
Round 2:
Standard: Superior Mighty Wallop, CL 35, Duration: 35 hours
Size category for bludgeoning melee weapons increase by 4 (Monk unarmed).
Round 3:
Standard: Glorious Rally, CL 35, Duration: 35 Minutes
+6 morale bonus to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws and armor class, gain temporary hit points equal to your caster level times two, immune to fear effects.
A blur of speed. You are now behind the titan, as he begins to turn. Dolmaya smiles, "Should I save him for you, Alyssa?" Magic meanwhile swirls around you, empowering you higher and farther.
"He thanked Tempus for getting a gift of two beautiful, unwrapped women. Why deny him?"
"Fine," Dolmaya smiles confidently, "Goodbye, titan." She points and a ray of force strikes out, splitting apart into many.
Empowered/Split/Maximized/Twinned Dolmaya's Force Ray, since she has ignore material components and can cast it.
> roll 1d20+31
> roll 1d20+31
> roll 1d20+31
> roll 1d20+31
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=10]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=20]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=16]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+31 crit?
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=1]
Four normal hits with touch AC.
180 damage per ray. Also sneak attack applies.
> roll 13d6
> roll 13d6
> roll 13d6
> roll 13d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d6=6,2,5,4,3,4,4,3,1,2,1,3,6]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d6=6,1,6,4,3,4,6,3,5,1,6,6,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d6=1,4,4,1,5,2,6,5,3,4,1,4,5]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d6=3,4,1,5,4,6,3,1,6,5,5,4,2]
912 force damage.
A flash as the titan's head is hit - which explodes into a spray of red mist. His body wobbles back and forth sans a head as Dolmaya lowers her finger.
Then, the headless body begins to move, grasping the sword as the head begins to regrow. "Shit!" Dolmaya scowls, already dodging.
Titan is up.
> roll 1d20+28
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=15]
SR, Alyssa?
SR is 48.
A barrage of purple lightning comes from the titan, which rolls off you harmlessly, striking you again and again. As this happens, the titan lumbers forward for Dolmaya, swinging away at her.
> roll 1d20+50
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=14]
> roll 4d6+43+3d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d6=3,6,4,2,1,3,1]
Dolmaya's side is slammed by the blade, a loud OOF from her as she's knocked aside. As she rolls from the blow...?
Go.
Alyssa chants a quick spell before dashing in at the Titan!
Haste (Quickened), CL 35, Duration: 35 rounds
+1 attack, +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves, +30 ft speed.
Alyssa starts punching and kicking away!
ATK 1 (Haste)/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+65 : 11 + 65, total 76[/blockquote]
ATK 1/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+65 : 11 + 65, total 76[/blockquote]
ATK 2/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+60 : 17 + 60, total 77[/blockquote]
ATK 3/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+55 : 9 + 55, total 64[/blockquote]
ATK 4/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+50 : 17 + 50, total 67[/blockquote]
Alyssa
HP: 405/405+70
Inspiration: 20/25
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
AC: 57
SR: 48
Bonuses: Attack+57/52/47/42, Damage+15+3d6, AC+21, Saves+0, Skills+15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge Checks
Resources: Spell Push (10/10), 25 Inspiration
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Darkvision 60ft, DR 20/adamantine and epic, Resistance 20 Acid/Electricity/Fire 20, Immunity Electric/Sonic/Acid/Cold/Fire/Poison/Sleep/Paralysis/Stunning/Flanking/Critical Hits, Never Flat-footed, Attune Form, Fire Sub-type, +4 Insight Bonus Dex/Int, Duelist's Friend, Superior Mighty Wallop, Glorious Rally
It's not in FA range, Iddy, so go ahead and revise as you wish.
Alyssa casts a pair of spells again!
Blade of the Vampire (Quickened), CL 35, Duration: 35 rounds
+1d8 damage (Unarmed Strike), heal equal amount
Standard:
Alyssa's Aerial Assembly, CL 35, Duration: 35 rounds
8 copies of (Unarmed Strike)
Alyssa then moves into melee range for her next turn!
AAA attacks on it's own:
ATK 1:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 15 + 57, total 72[/blockquote]
ATK 2:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 1 + 57, total 58[/blockquote]
ATK 3:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 15 + 57, total 72[/blockquote]
ATK 4:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 9 + 57, total 66[/blockquote]
ATK 5:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 13 + 57, total 70[/blockquote]
ATK 6:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 18 + 57, total 75[/blockquote]
ATK 7:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 12 + 57, total 69[/blockquote]
ATK 8:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 12 + 57, total 69[/blockquote]
Everything but the natural 1 hits.
ATK 1:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 10, 11 + 15, total 36
Rolled 3d6 : 1, 1, 1, total 3[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 4, total 4[/blockquote]
ATK 3:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 7, 10 + 15, total 32
Rolled 3d6 : 6, 2, 1, total 9[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]
ATK 4:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 2, 10 + 15, total 27
Rolled 3d6 : 3, 1, 1, total 5[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 7, total 7[/blockquote]
ATK 5:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 3, 5 + 15, total 23
Rolled 3d6 : 5, 1, 6, total 12[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 8, total 8[/blockquote]
ATK 6:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 1, 2 + 15, total 18
Rolled 3d6 : 1, 3, 5, total 9[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]
ATK 7:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 6, 8 + 15, total 29
Rolled 3d6 : 2, 5, 4, total 11[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 2, total 2[/blockquote]
ATK 8:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 4, 10 + 15, total 29
Rolled 3d6 : 4, 1, 5, total 10[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 8, total 8[/blockquote]
Alyssa
HP: 405/405+70
Inspiration: 20/25
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
AC: 57
SR: 48
Bonuses: Attack+57/52/47/42, Damage+15+3d6, AC+21, Saves+0, Skills+15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge Checks
Resources: Spell Push (10/10), 25 Inspiration
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Darkvision 60ft, DR 20/adamantine and epic, Resistance 20 Acid/Electricity/Fire 20, Immunity Electric/Sonic/Acid/Cold/Fire/Poison/Sleep/Paralysis/Stunning/Flanking/Critical Hits, Never Flat-footed, Attune Form, Fire Sub-type, +4 Insight Bonus Dex/Int, Duelist's Friend, Superior Mighty Wallop, Glorious Rally
294 total damage, heal for 41, but not hurt yet so that doesn't matter.
What does your damage count as for DR?
Nothing, as before, unless the damage being from a spell imparts something.
You cut into the headless body, slicing away more and yet your damages are rapidly healing themselves.
"Nice trick," Dolmaya says as she hops back, "Can you do something to incapacitate it, Alyssa?"
Her next move depends on your answer here.
"I think Acid Cry is my best option for that, but I don't think it's a sure thing."
> roll 1d20 touch AC
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20 touch AC --> [ 1d20=5 ]{5}
> roll 1d20+32
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+32 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{37}
Dolmaya withdraws back - like this it makes no opportunistic attack, and fires a ray at it. A ray of blankness, one that doesn't even slow the headless titan down. Instead it whirls about, swinging all about itself wildly. But as everyone is away from it, nothing happens.
Go.
Alyssa keeps her distance for now and casts a quick spell
Ray of Entropy (Quickened), CL 35, Duration: 35 minutes
The subject takes a –4 penalty to Strength, Constitution, and Dexterity for the duration of the spell.
Ranged Touch Attack/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+66 : 6 + 66, total 72[/blockquote]
Standard:
Acid Cry, CL 35
(maximum 25d6) and permanently blinds the target. A successful Fortitude save halves the damage and reduces the blindness to being dazzled for 1d4 rounds (N/A since headless)
[blockquote]Rolled 20d6 : 2, 6, 6, 4, 2, 3, 2, 1, 1, 2, 5, 5, 3, 1, 2, 5, 2, 6, 2, 6, total 66[/blockquote]
As she casts, the body is pummeled by her spell again!
AAA ATK 1:
As she casts, the body is pummeled by her spell again!
AAA ATK 1:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 3 + 57, total 60[/blockquote]
AAA ATK 2:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 6 + 57, total 63[/blockquote]
AAA ATK 3:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 14 + 57, total 71[/blockquote]
AAA ATK 4:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 3 + 57, total 60[/blockquote]
AAA ATK 5:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 20 + 57, total 77[/blockquote]
AAA ATK 6:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 3 + 57, total 60[/blockquote]
AAA ATK 7:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 9 + 57, total 66[/blockquote]
AAA ATK 8:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 17 + 57, total 74[/blockquote]
Does Acid Cry allow SR? Also all of those hit.
Ah it does, but I was going to use inspiration to bypass. Forgot it in the process of everything. My fault, so just apply SR as normal. Here's the CL for it:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+35 : 18 + 35, total 53[/blockquote]
ATK 1:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 12, 7 + 15, total 34[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 2, 2, 3, total 7[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]
ATK 2:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 12, 1 + 15, total 28[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 6, 1, 3, total 10[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
ATK 3:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 4, 8 + 15, total 27[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 5, 2, 3, total 10[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 4, total 4[/blockquote]
ATK 4:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 11, 12 + 15, total 38[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 6, 3, 4, total 13[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]
ATK 5:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 4, 6 + 15, total 25[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 5, 1, 5, total 11[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]
ATK 6:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 11, 6 + 15, total 32[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 4, 6, 3, total 13[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 7, total 7[/blockquote]
ATK 7:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 5, 2 + 15, total 22[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 3, 2, 4, total 9[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]
ATK 8:
[blockquote]Rolled 2d12+15 : 10, 11 + 15, total 36[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 1, 4, 2, total 7[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
358 damage
Fort save doesn't matter here.
With more fists and acid, the headless titan stumbles, down to a knee and not moving - at least for the moment.
Free act for now.
"He's either done or trying to lure us in."
"Let's go," Dolmaya declares, "A regenerator, so let's lose him if we can't put him down."
"Well, I think he'll likely acknowledge a loss here. He can't help but recognize he's helpless at this point. We could leave, or... We could pull him into helping us find the way out. Having him around to stab things for us can't hurt."
"Do you think his stone sword is the sword he wants to use on us," Dolmaya sneers at him even as he heals, "Unless that's your type and your romance."
"He follows Tempus. I'm pretty sure the stone one is the first answer to everything."
"No." Dolmaya says firmly, "His first answer was to think us divinely sent whores!" With a glare virtually ablaze with fire, "Have more self respect than that."
"Hm, well, I did gloss over most of what he said. There wasn't much in it worth paying attention to... We could always seal the cave up as we leave."
"Fine," Dolmaya says, turning to continue on. "Before he regenerates enough to fight again."
Alyssa nods and heads out.
Back in formation? If so give me Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 20 + 48, total 68[/blockquote]
You continue on - and hello. After some wandering you come to an intercept midway down a tight passage. Here a smooth, circular tunnel with the occasional ridge diverges from this path, large enough for you to walk down standing up.
Alyssa points it out to Dolmaya, "That looks like it leads somewhere specific. Shall we go exploring?"
"It's as good as any other direction," Dolmaya agrees, following.
Alyssa heads down it!
Does my new Minotaur sense give me anything?
You don't feel lost - you're heading in the right direction or thereabouts, and haven't looped back.
Alyssa continues on, "This feels like the right way..."
As you go, your sharp eyes notice something - a few splashes of a dark, rusty color. Little more than droplets, along the bottom of this tunnel.
Alyssa points them out and studies them, trying to figure out what they are.
Survival.
"Hm?" Dolmaya asks, "Do you think it's a trail?"
Survival:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+19 : 18 + 19, total 37[/blockquote]
It looks like blood to your semi trained eye.
"I think it might be blood. Let's be cautious."
A slight nod and nothing else, Dolmaya quiet as she continues on behind you.
Stealth while I'm at it.
Stealth:
Take 10 for 60.
Thus you creep on. This tunnel continues on a good way without restraint - at least a good half hour. At last it ends in a sheer wall going up - the tunnel does a turn straight up, continuing on as if gravity means nothing to it. It looks like it goes 30ft up then continues on straight ahead.
Alyssa looks at it annoyed, and searches for any hand holds that might make this easier...
Nothing substantial. Just enough to give you a prayer, perhaps, unless you're a very talented climber.
"Well... Ideas here? I don't have any shape earth spells."
"Brute force it to climb up like spiders," Dolmaya says simply, "Or go back the way we came."
"Well, I'm not exactly gifted in the brute force area, but we can try."
Alyssa moves to start!
Climb check.
Don't have ranks in climb.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 6 + 7, total 13[/blockquote]
You make an attempt to climb and get nowhere, falling your bare rear for your troubles.
Alyssa sighs, "Exactly what I thought was going to happen. I'm not making it up that."
"Then a wish to spider climb," Dolmaya says plainly.
"I don't have wish ready. I thought destabilizing my magic wouldn't be worth it. Then again, I'm supposed to be able to teleport whenever I want, so climbing something would not normally be an issue."
"Then I have no choice but to do it myself," Dolmaya declares, "Can you cover my slack if I do that?"
"Depends on what we run into. Before we resort to that, let me think..."
Can I use Space Compression to get up there?
As long as it's within range of the spell's effect there's no reason why not.
"I think I might have a spell that can provide a solution..."
Alyssa begins casting!
Space Compression, CL 35.
Connecting a spot next to me to one at the top of the climb so I can walk through.
It is done easily enough - the points are connected.
Alyssa steps through!
Like that both of you are atop the sheer lift, "Much better," Dolmaya agrees.
"A bit of a waste to use a spell on that though."
Alyssa continues on.
You walk several more minutes. Ahead you see a glimmer of light - not sunlight, but of something bright nonetheless.
Alyssa moves quietly and cautiously forward.
Soon enough you see it - crystalline growths, a dull gray color suffused with strong white light. They jut out from the walls, natural deposits.
Alyssa creeps a bit closer and tries to identify what they are.
K:D.
K:D/Bibliotheca:
Take 10 for 72.
It looks to be quartz, but the energy within it suggests otherwise. Your arcana lets you know this quartz is powerfully charged with magic and reactive - it would be wonderfully useful as a reagent or material.
"This quartz is charged with a lot of energy. I can imagine all kinds of uses..."
Alyssa looks for any easy to take pieces since she doesn't have tools.
Perception.
Perception:
Take 10 for 58
Hm?
As you begin to look, you notice a tiny bit of stone fall from the roof above.
Alyssa remembers the previous ambushing attempts, "Above!"
Alyssa backs away a bit to get a better view.
Ref, +5 bonus.
Ref/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 20 + 43, total 63[/blockquote]
It's new to you so I won't get on you too bad yet, but remember to note if you have evasion in your saving throw post for Ref saves. Helps me move faster.
Alyssa leaps back just in time as a chunk of the ceiling comes down, right where she was.
Alyssa looks around to see if anything caused it or if it was random.
Dolmaya raises her fingers up, as if to fire. From the gap a massive snake's head, gray colored, looks out. It's upside down and looking in your direction. "More travelers," It states eagerly, "Fight me!"
Alyssa sighs, "Well, get your scaly ass down here, then."
With that the serpent charges forward - he's not waiting for the word go!
Init.
Alyssa casts a quick spell!
Nerveskitter, CL 35
+5 to Init
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+21 : 1 + 21, total 22[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+13
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{22}
> roll 1d20+6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{13}
Init is Alyssa = Dolmaya (22) > Serpent (13)
Open.
Alyssa casts a brace of spells!
Flash Bolt (Quickened), CL 35
Spending 2 inspiration to bypass SR, blinding for 1d4+1 rounds.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 2 + 1, total 3[/blockquote]
Standard action:
Haste, CL 35, Duration: 35 rounds
Need a ranged touch attack roll there, Iddy.
Ranged touch/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+66 : 4 + 66, total 70[/blockquote]
Dolmaya takes 10 on K:P.
The serpent screams as your flash bolt hits - and Dolmaya calls, "Get back! Out of breath weapon range!"
Alyssa uses her speed to do just that!
I can move 100 ft right now, so I should be plenty safe.
Dolmaya follows, and casually flings a six pack of force beams at it all the while. "It'll come right back, it won't stay dead long," she warns.
Dolmaya's force ray with all the trimmings again.
> roll 6#1d20 this are primarily 1 checks since touch AC on this big a target
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 6#1d20 this are primarily 1 checks since touch AC on this big a target --> [ 1d20=7 ]{7}, [ 1d20=20 ]{20}, [ 1d20=3 ]{3}, [ 1d20=13 ]{13}, [ 1d20=16 ]{16}, [ 1d20=6 ]{6}
> roll 1d20 crit check
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 crit check --> [ 1d20=11 ]{11}
> roll 20*6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 20*6 --> {120}
> roll 180*5
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 180*5 --> {900}
> roll 900+360
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 900+360 --> {1260}
Half a dozen gaping holes now adorn the serpent's head, which causes it crash down face first and stop moving. "It's a Child of Jormugandr. It'll be up again fast, they don't stay dead no matter what you do."
Free act for the moment.
"Well, let's get what we can. See if you can't get something from it's temporary corpse and I'll grab some of these crystals."
Dolmaya nods as...
How do you plan to do that?
Either look for any I can just pick up or bash things with one of the iron bones (as gently as I can to keep things intact).
Have any skill ranks for the latter part, like gemcutting or anything like that?
Uh... Would any of the knowledge's cover it? Nature or Dungeoneering?
Dungeoneering covers some mineral/gem/metal identifications which helps a bit. Anything else?
Nope.
Gimme a Strength check and an Int check.
Str:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 5 + 7, total 12[/blockquote]
Int:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 5 + 9, total 14[/blockquote]
That Int one is wrong. Forgot the Dragon Princess spell.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+11 : 20 + 11, total 31[/blockquote]
Total then?
16 for the 1st roll.
You get hunks of broken, cracked quartz.
"Nothing I can get fast but a few scale fragments," Dolmaya snatches them and hustles back. "Keep away, its breath is extremely toxic."
Alyssa nods, "I got what I can, but I'm not a gem cutter. I don't think it'll be much use. Unless we can bind that thing, let's get out of here before it finishes regenerating."
It's at that moment that the snake stirs with a loud growl, already rising up.
"Now look, Child of Jormugandr, I know natives here are all about battle, and we just gave you a battle. All we want to do is move on to the next fight. We were victorious over you, by the general rules and nature of this place, you should respect that victory."
Well, that's one alternative to fleeing. Give me Diplomacy, -20 circumstance penalty.
Diplo -20:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+32 : 1 + 32, total 33[/blockquote]
Noooope.
The Child of Jormugandr is back up and moving, and it's only answer is an angry roar.
Init take 2.
Init:
[blockquote]'d120+16' is not a valid dice string![/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+16 : 12 + 16, total 28[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+13
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{27}
> roll 1d20+6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{12}
Init is Alyssa (28) > Dolmaya (27) > Child of Jormugandr (12)
Open.
Alyssa chants a couple of spells!
Flash Bolt (Quickened), CL 35
Ranged Touch/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+66 : 4 + 66, total 70[/blockquote]
Duration:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 2 + 1, total 3[/blockquote]
Standard:
Acid Cry, CL 25
Spending 2 Inspiration to bypass SR
[blockquote]Rolled 20d6 : 4, 6, 6, 1, 2, 1, 5, 6, 4, 3, 1, 2, 5, 6, 6, 3, 5, 2, 2, 2, total 72[/blockquote]
Supossed to be 5 more dice of acid damage.
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 5, 3, 3, 6, 2, total 19[/blockquote]
Does Acid Cry have a save?
Ah, yes, Fort, sorry. DC is 29.
> roll 1d20+30
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+30 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{45}
The serpent is struck again, another cry of sheer irritation. At the same time the acid barely even makes its scales sizzle.
Anything else this turn?
Nope.
Dolmaya looks on, utterly unimpressed. "Be silent, you overgrown worm."
> roll 6#1d20 this are primarily 1 checks since touch AC on this big a target
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 6#1d20 this are primarily 1 checks since touch AC on this big a target --> [ 1d20=17 ]{17}, [ 1d20=8 ]{8}, [ 1d20=9 ]{9}, [ 1d20=5 ]{5}, [ 1d20=16 ]{16}, [ 1d20=9 ]{9}
Another array of Force Rays turn the serpent's head into a beehive of holes. It lands hard once more as she says, "I can't do this all day," she warns, "We had best take our leave now, or render the snake unable to continue."
Free act for now.
Alyssa nods and focuses on her new sense to figure out where to go.
You feel like the way towards the other side of the mountains is ahead, past the serpent.
Alyssa follows the feeling!
That would require getting past the serpent who blocks the way now, currently deceased.
We can't climb over/around it?
It's pretty tight but you could squeeze by. You're also on a time limit before it resurrects again.
"Let's squeeze by as fast as we can."
Alyssa tries!
Escape Artist.
Escape Artist/Cunning Knowledge:
Take 10 for 61.
You slip by, fast as can be. "I'll try," Dolmaya says as...
> roll 1d20+43 oh she has ranks okay then
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+43 oh she has ranks okay then --> [ 1d20=11 ]{54}
Dolmaya follows, almost as smooth at it as you are.
Alyssa hurries away from the body before it returns to life and violence.
How fast are you able to move?
70 ft, 100 if haste is still around.
The two of you run fast as you can, leaving the serpent behind in a blur of hasted movement. Down the burrow tunnel as fast as you can. In the distance as you do, you hear a roar echoing behind you. Dolmaya glances back, "Don't stop!"
Alyssa doesn't!
She does slow enough for Dolmaya to keep up, however.
Con check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+11 : 20 + 11, total 31[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+4 Dolmaya
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Dolmaya --> [ 1d20=19 ]{23}
Run, run, run. Haste expires and you're able to keep the pace as you go down the burrow. The roars of the Child of Jormugandr follow you but you keep the pace. Running, hurrying, fleeing. Up a slope, hurrying away. There! A dead end, a high roofed cavern. But 50ft up near the roof is an exit, sunlight streaming in from it.
"Any ideas this time?"
"A wish," Dolmaya snaps, "Quickly! Weave, honor my power and let us climb!"
Wish for spider climb on both of you.
Immediately Dolmaya begins climbing up the walls as fast as she can.
Alyssa follows!
Up you go as the roars get closer. Just as you're about to reach exit and freedom, you hear a roar behind you of, "DON'T YOU DARE RUN AWAY!"
Alyssa keeps going, but calls back, "Best two out of three!"
Thus you escape out to a roar of fury - onto a cliff ledge, a drop thousands of feet into icy cold waters below. You look out from this vantage, a cliff side view of a crystal blue fjord and mountains all around it. The air is sharply cold, only your innate resistances protecting you from injury. Mountains and rugged forests, valleys, fjords. A great deal can be seen from here, a view for countless miles all around from your lofty perch.
"Well, this is awkward. Let me try something. If we're out of the valley it might work now..."
Alyssa tries to teleport a bit to the side, to see if the block is gone.
It works just fine. Just as well, for a moment later the walls rattle, the entire mountainside shaking, as rocks tumble down to your sides from above.
"Get us out of here," Dolmaya says, pointing, "That forest down there will do!"
"Wish I could still fly. I'd love to see it fall."
Alyssa puts a hand on Dolmaya's shoulder and teleports them down.
It's a thick pine forest, needles all about on the floor. It smells of pine as well as Dolmaya looks about and breathes out, "Safe for now," She says, "Scales and crystals and metal. Think you can make something out of that here?"
Alyssa considers it, "Well... I still need a forge and at leas a big rock to use as an anvil... I wonder if there's like a lava pool or something around..."
"Probably," Dolmaya says, "Let's search around and finish this."
So how does greater teleport work here? It's supposed to be more flexible, so can I just try to teleport to a lava run or something?
You need at least a reliable description of where you want to go.
"Well, I can teleport into the sky and get a view of what's around. Maybe I can spot something useful."
"Go ahead," Dolmaya agrees as...
Perception.
Perception:
Take 10 for 58.
Around you is forest. Further on is a lake - and steaming in the lake, slowly dripping in from a crack on a cliff above, is lava. It sends out a jet of steam whenever any drip sin, becoming stone before your eyes.
Alyssa teleports back down to Dolmaya.
"Found some lava. How are you with heat? I've got immunity at the moment."
"I can resist it," Dolmaya says, "As long as I'm not swimming in lava, it'll do."
Alyssa nods and teleports them to the lava!
You stand at the edge of the lake. Here lava drips from above, steam coming in gushes each time it does so. The waters here are warmer, the warmth felt radiating out from it.
Alyssa looks for suitable rock to use as a makeshift anvil.
Perception and a d100.
Peperception:
Take 10 for 58
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 31, total 31[/blockquote]
It takes a bit of searching, but you come on a good, thick, flat rock in the forest.
Alyssa tries to teleport to the lava area for work!
Easy enough. Dolmaya stays on guard as...
Plan here?
Well, let's go over what I actually have.
Some iron bug plates and bones
Some scales from the snake
Some crack crystals
That's everything?
Yes.
Alright... I guess use one of the iron plates as a surface on the stone and one of the bones as a hammer. Use a second bone to make as best a circlet as I can, using the lava to heat it. Make some mountings and basic slots to hold the scales and crystal, having the scales surround the crystal to try and better hold it in.
Sure. What craft skills do you have?
Craft: Armorsmithing/Blacksmithing/Caligraphy/Mapmaking/Weaponsmithing/Tailoring
Give me general blacksmithing here.
Craft: Blacksmithing/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+82 : 18 + 82, total 100[/blockquote]
Iron from a defeated predator.
Scales of a Child of Jormugandr, cured in countless eons of combat.
Crystals, thrumming with magic, even cracked as they are.
Together you make a tiara that would be something worthy of a masterwork for a lesser smith. It comes together elegantly - stylish cracks all over to match the crystals, the entire circlet on the verge of collapse. Yet it is solid as steel, the metal melted enough to forge and shape it. Hours pass as you work, Dolmaya sitting nearby as you do. As the sun's light pales and night looms, you at last have your circlet, complete and ready.
Alyssa wipes the sweat off of her face, smearing the carbon slag over her face a bit and turns to Dolmaya, showing the circlet to her.
"Well, I think this is the best I can do at the moment..."
"It's gorgeous," Dolmaya leans in to study it with a smile, "It's like wearing a rippled tunic or skirt - done stylishly and it looks right rather than that you're wearing torn clothes."
Clapping.
Strength of Light comes from behind the trees, holding a pair of dresses. "I come bearing gifts and congratulations," he calls, tossing the dresses to Dolmaya, who catches them. Once she does he looks away as Dolmaya quickly dresses.
Alyssa looks mildly annoyed but refuses to be hurried by his presence after he obviously spent time spying on them.
"Thank you. I take it we passed? How long have you watched?"
"I've kept an eye on you," Strength of Light says, "Normally one of these trials involves returning, but this isn't a normal trial. Can I see that circlet?"
Alyssa hands it over, "I thought of using the Words of Creation while making it, but I think I'm going to be cautious with them until I pass the test. I don't have my hammer anymore, which is really, really annoying."
"This will do. Wear it while we finish," Strength of Light says, "Dress and come with me."
Alyssa does so, putting everything on.
It's a short walk - and in between the blinks of the eye you go from forest to forge. Inside to where...
"Alyssa!" Emily calls, "You made it!"
Jarem's there, a bit to the side, hefting a shield made of darkened wood, and then his own shield. He puts both down, "There you are," he says, "How was it?"
"Mildly annoying. We actually only had two real fights. A rude titan and an irritable Child of Jorgmundr."
Alyssa gets an annoyed look, "I had to forge with a bone. A bone. Still... It worked well enough. I'll probably melt it down and use the Words of Creation after I pass the test to make it into my new hammer."
"The circlet's beautiful," Emily smiles and looks to it, "Oh, and it has magic! Have you studied it yet?"
"No, as soon as I finished, Strength of Light showed up."
Alyssa inspects it!
Detect Magic as needed.
Loot.
Alyssa puts it back on, "Well, it's a start. Not nearly what I need it to be yet, but then the only magic in it is what's there naturally. I think it can be refined and improved. Latha, your opinion?"
Latha's not here, Strength of Light is.
"It still means it was a success," Emily smiles, "Thank you."
A nod from Strength of Light," Latha will return shortly, and I have a task to see to. Be strong ahead," he says, before going off.
Alyssa nods, "Thank you for the chance."
Once gone Dolmaya finds a place to sit while Emily comes over and says, "Still, you succeeded! Are you ready yet?"
"No, I don't think so. I think this circlet needs to be more powerful to give me a real shot at this. I'm no good with enchanting items, however."
Quieter, "Will it still work if someone else modifies or strengthens it?" Emily asks. "Oh hold on, I'll ask Aunt Antenora."
Alyssa nods and waits.
A headshake, "She suggests not to risk it," Is the answer you get back.
Alyssa taps her foot, "Well then, how can I improve on this... The only thing I can think of is the Words of Creation."
"It's worth a try," Dolmaya agrees, "We can do it somewhere safe here."
"Risky," Jarem speaks up, "But this entire enterprise is one grand risk."
"Riskier to go unprepared and fail."
Soon enough Latha returns. "Congratulations," Latha offers, "You wish to use the Words?"
Alyssa nods, "I think it's fair for it's current state, but I'd like to see if I can refine it any before I try the test. I'm no good with enchantments myself, so I think the Words are my only real option."
You are taken to a comfortable room, circlet before you. "I'll observe and provide healing," Latha offers, "Light of Chronias protect you."
"Thank you."
Alyssa sits down and begins to focus, trying to bring the image of a strengthened and pristine crown from her mind into reality, "Strengthened and whole," she speaks with the words.
Int check and Cha check.
Int:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 5 + 9, total 14[/blockquote]
Cha:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+11 : 16 + 11, total 27[/blockquote]
You feel a jolt of pain inside, your concentration not quite enough.
100 damage.
Latha is there, your pain healed in a moment.
Alyssa keeps focusing, doing everything she knows how to do to concentrate and focus!
Same checks again.
Int:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+11 : 2 + 11, total 13[/blockquote]
Cha:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+13 : 15 + 13, total 28[/blockquote]
A sharper pain as Latha is there, healing you.
200 damage.
"It's not working," Latha speaks gently, "I don't fee continuing is safe."
Alyssa shakes her head.
"Yes, fine. I suppose I shouldn't let stubbornness get the better of me. To the test, then."
"When all of you are prepared, I'll open a portal to the Beyond," Latha says, "Merely tell me when you're ready."
Consider this a last chance to do anything, prep or simply get a little bit of rest before trying, in case a night's sleep might help Alyssa.
Yeah. I guess I can rest and give improvement one more shot and then go.
Rooms are provided. Yet you lie on your bed, sleep elusive - until there is a gentle knock on your door.
"Come in."
Jarem enters, a bottle of wine in hand. Behind him is Antenora.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asks, then, "So, I was talking to Antenora and I mentioned there's a tradition in my world, a way we remember the dead."
Alyssa nods, "Definitely a good time for it. Just us or everyone?"
"Just us, Emily's asleep and Dolmaya's off doing something," Jarem says. "Telling stories and remembering the best and worst of them. Probably happens on most every other world there is, but damn it, it's a good tradition."
"But three is better than two," Antenora agrees, as Jarem hops onto your bed and uncorks the wine. He has a pull of it before, "I never had much patience for the thinly veiled opinion that women are superior and men are trash. I thought she might like women, but no, she just dislikes men." A pause, a moment before, "One time, you were off doing something and the two of us trained together. She got the better of that one and I ended up on my back. She says some fool thing about men." A beat, "So I kicked her in the crotch."
Antenora blinks as Jarem takes another drink, "It turned into a brawl after that. We beat the Tempus cursed shit out of each other, rolling around in the dirt like brawling acolytes. Finally we end up separated because we've bloodied each other good and neither of us were going to escalate it. She looks at me, nose broken and a hand on her hip even sitting down, and she tells me that I punch like a girl."
A chuckle ripples through Jarem as he offers you the wine bottle, "Word of wisdom - don't laugh with cracked ribs, no matter how funny something she says is."
"...why did you kick her?" Antenora finally asks.
"Because I was sick of her attitude," Jarem admits openly, "Besides, saying that to me? She had balls, and I figured why not try and kick them?"
Alyssa chuckles, "Yes, she had the fire. It needed tempering for sure. Did I ever tell you how I found her? Sitting in a grove of trees on the King's private land, threatening to murder anyone who stepped foot into the grove. Defying a sorcerer king along with fire and venom. It was as brave and courageous as it was hilarious and ridiculous. Most of what she did was that way."
"It was a wild passion, grumpy as it was fearsome," Jarem agrees. "Not animalistic as some of the more extreme nature types go, but deeper. Doppelgangers aren't really trusted if they're found out, and I think she had problems with that in her life. If life hits you hard enough, you either curl up and take it until you die, or you start hitting back." Smiling now, "She'd have made a hell of a man. Maybe too aggressive, but she had the makings of a hell of a warlord in another life."
"Well... She was a doppelganger. She might have been a man once. It would explain her attitude towards them, I think."
Alyssa smirks at Jarem.
An amused chuckle, "Drink up," Jarem prods before, "She and Bastian got along better, but Bastian simply didn't care what she thought. He wasn't interested in what she was selling with that. You ever got the same impression?"
"I did. I think they would have been good for each other as best friends. He's too reserved and she likes pushing buttons. He would have exploded, and he would have shut her down."
Jarem grins a bit as he says, "Bastian, reserved? No. He just has no time or patience for irrelevant bullshit. It's all about the next steps forward for him. Ianvasah specialized in irrelevant bullshit. Bet it's what got him out from under the typical orc fates."
Antenora sits and listens, taking it all in with the two of you.
"I think he avoids a lot of feelings in favor of moving forwards. Not the best choice, but I can't say it hasn't served him well so far. But Ianvasah certainly brought energy to everything."
"Feelings," Jarem retorts, but doesn't push it. Instead, "She brought energy. She felt overwhelmed by all of this at times. Thought she'd have time to grow out of it."
"At times I'm overwhelmed," Antenora says, "There's no shame in it."
"And you have visitors," Antenora says, "Who bear gifts."
Alyssa sighs, "To energy and gifts, then. Who's here? Let's go see them."
You find it's Donald and Ranbar. The former comes forward, "Yeah," he begins, "Not going to mince it. You got beat, we're here to help you back up. We have a few things from Seira that may help."
Alyssa sighs and nods, "Yes... Yes we did. Tip toeing around it won't change it, and I thank you for the help. Let Seira know I greatly appreciate it. I lost a friend and my possessions. What did you bring?"
"These," Ranbar comes forward with a book and a staff.
Endless Spellbook of the Tenth Circle
This book is identical to a blessed book, except that it has 5,000 pages. The following spells are already written within it: Body Softening, Celestial Valor, Circle of Spiritual Protection, Create Living Spell, Hellball, Summon Monster X, True Vulnerability, Unseen Needle. Despite the name and theme, spells of any level can be recorded within it.
Overwhelming Offense
This staff allows you to cast powerfully destructive spells to destroy your enemies. It has 38 charges left. You note Velsharoon's sigil is on the staff's tip as well.
Hellball (1 charge)
Queen's Displeasure (1 charge)
Greater Fire Storm (1 charge)
Greater Polar Ray (2 charges)
Alyssa accepts them, "Wow, this will certainly help. I very much thank you... And... I hate to ask this since it hasn't been very long, but with the way things are going... Do you or Seira know of anyone who might be interested in helping us, long-term?"
"I'll look into it," Donald says agreeably, "You're going to try to become One soon? Good luck."
Note that you're taking the items in loot, Cor cross posted these there.
"Yes. Hopefully I'll be successful. I haven't been doing well using the Words lately. If I can become One, maybe it'll make things go smoother with them."
Donald offers you his hand, "Let me know once you've succeeded."
Alyssa shakes it.
"Thank you again."
Okay then, any more prep to be done before the big day?
Spells and equipment don't go with me, so no.
Thus you all gather with Latha. You all get together and are ready as she says, "Now I'll open the portal. Come back victorious."
Alyssa nods.
"I will."
Jarem places a hand on your shoulder, "We'll see you soon," he promises.
Emily takes a breath, "Victorious," she seconds.
"Triumphant," Dolmaya thirds.
Meanwhile Bastian hangs back but adds, "Keep a portal ready for us," he says.
To all this Latha says, "I will pray to Chronias for your victory." Then she extends her hand, a blank white portal before you. This is it. It's time.
"Well, this is it. Next time I see all off you, I'll be entirely different. Again. One way or another."
With that, Alyssa heads in!
"We are coming," Emily points out as you go. "We can't help, but we can keep the creatures of the Far Realm away from you, if they show up."
Words, but they don't matter.
White. White emptiness. Ahead and forward and up and down and here and forever. Nothingness spreads far and wide, an absence of anything at all. A silent realm, a realm where nothing exists to make noise, or perhaps the concept of sound does not exist. The five of you are the only things here, five little beings of meaning amid endless, infinite forever.
"Form up around Alyssa," Emily says, "Give her space but cover her. Eyes open, don't let anything come and ruin the attempt."
Alyssa breathes slowly, focusing her mind on what she has to do and prepares herself.
Now.
It is empty.
It is nothing.
White emptiness spreads all around you. It is silent and still. It is not void, it is simply nothing at all. Unreality that stretches far as you can see and more aside. Like a blank canvas, unpainted and undetailed.
Alyssa considers for a moment, then tries to impart her will into the area, imagining her perfect library.
Charisma check the first. It begins. Good luck.
Charisma/Brains Over Everything/Book Bonus:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+27 : 16 + 27, total 43[/blockquote]
It's always been a story told in between the pages of dusty books.
A story that passes through many dust choked roads and worn boot heels.
A story told by the crinkle of old paper and the scratching of quill on page.
A story that travels all the winds of the world, here, there and forever.
A story that faces but one question, one question that echos throughout your being as all becomes dim and faraway. They matter little compared to that one, overwhelming question.
The question looms within you, above you and before you. A question as you drown in the endless white, as reality becomes fractals without form.
A question that hangs in the balance is reality is not reality and Alyssa can only be Alyssa.
Is your story worthy?
Is your story worth a book, or is it trash to be thrown aside, away from the others?
Alyssa shouts defiance! The question itself is foolish!
Every story is worth a book! Each life has experiences to learn from! Places to see and experience! Even the mundane, to learn the value of simple things, to frame the greater!
> roll 1d100 meanwhile
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 meanwhile --> [ 1d100=93 ]{93}
> roll 1d100 meanwhile subtable
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 meanwhile subtable --> [ 1d100=38 ]{38}
> roll 1d20+5 Jarem
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 Jarem --> [ 1d20=14 ]{19}
> roll 1d20+11 Emily
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 Emily --> [ 1d20=14 ]{25}
> roll 1d20+4 Bastian
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Bastian --> [ 1d20=4 ]{8}
> roll 1d20+16 Dolmaya
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 Dolmaya --> [ 1d20=19 ]{35}
> roll 1000+3000+10000 (base+exceptional speed+non linear)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1000+3000+10000 (base+exceptional speed+non linear) --> {14000}
> roll 14000+19+25+8+35
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 14000+19+25+8+35 --> {14087}
> roll 14087/5
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 14087/5 --> {2817}
Init is ???? (14000) > ???? Echo (7000) > Split (2817) > Dolmaya (35) > Emily (25) > Jarem (19) > Bastian (8)
> roll 1d100 vs 61 opposed vs swim check Bastian, aiming to roll equal or lower than 61
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 vs 61 opposed vs swim check Bastian, aiming to roll equal or lower than 61 --> [ 1d100=27 ]{27}
Non linear used.
All of your defiance and learning battle against yourself, battle against everything here. A thousand billion questions rage around you like a storm, drowning you as...
Check number 2. Good luck.
Charisma/Brains Over Everything/Book Bonus:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+27 : 14 + 27, total 41[/blockquote]
As you stand there, drowning, there is but one factor:
How will you stand against everything?
Init is ???? (14000) > ???? Echo (7000) > Split (2817) > Dolmaya (35) > Emily (25) > Jarem (19) > Bastian (8)
> roll 8#1d100 vs 32 turn deific foes
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 8#1d100 vs 32 turn deific foes --> [ 1d100=56 ]{56}, [ 1d100=47 ]{47}, [ 1d100=46 ]{46}, [ 1d100=64 ]{64}, [ 1d100=8 ]{8}, [ 1d100=32 ]{32}, [ 1d100=57 ]{57}, [ 1d100=53 ]{53}
Non linear used.
> roll 1d607 Jarem
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d607 Jarem --> [ 1d607=306 ]{306}
> roll 1d821
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d821 --> [ 1d821=434 ]{434}
> roll 1d562 Bastian
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d562 Bastian --> [ 1d562=61 ]{61}
> roll 1d472 Dolmaya
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d472 Dolmaya --> [ 1d472=164 ]{164}
Non linear used.
> roll 1d20 vs eschew materials
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 vs eschew materials --> [ 1d20=17 ]{17}
> roll 1d20+45 Will save
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+45 Will save --> [ 1d20=3 ]{48}
Go.
Alyssa stands against them now. Stood against them as a mortal.
"I will stand against them with my will. With my friends. With my allies. With my knowledge, experience, and heart. As all do."
Make another check, Iddy.
Charisma/Brains Over Everything/Book Bonus:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+27 : 9 + 27, total 36[/blockquote]
Drowning. You're drowning and drowning in endless tides of books and white and roads and lore and emptiness.
> roll 1d20+5 ???
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 ??? --> [ 1d20=17 ]{22}
Init is ???? (14000) > ???? Echo (7000) > Split (2817) > Dolmaya (35) > Emily (25) > ???? (22) > Jarem (19) > Bastian (8)
> roll 6#1d20 Dolmaya touch AC
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 6#1d20 Dolmaya touch AC --> [ 1d20=10 ]{10}, [ 1d20=1 ]{1}, [ 1d20=16 ]{16}, [ 1d20=14 ]{14}, [ 1d20=1 ]{1}, [ 1d20=6 ]{6}
> roll 1d57
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d57 --> [ 1d57=22 ]{22}
Drowning, drowning drowning drowing - !
Air! You gasp as Jarem has you in his strong arms, "To the portal, now!" Both of his heads bark, pulling you along. "Now!"
Alyssa stumbles, confused, gasping and gagging, nearly vomiting at the sudden discordant shift, but tries to keep up.
You flee. A panic, up and down at war. A tumble, a fall into white and...
Roll 1d4-3 for me.
(http://www.soulriders.net/forum/Themes/ambassador_2_0/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d4+3 : 1 + 3, total 4
Edit, was supposed to be -3, so the total is -2.
I told Iddy to edit the last post, the roll's valid.
Gasp.
You suck in air as you're on hands and knees. Yet even now you feel a sense of expansion, a sense of growth. The words of your companions are lost to you as you feel those sensations that spread out amid you. You feel so much more, like you were blind and sleeping until this moment. You feel vastly more alive, a spark within you that glows bright.
Alyssa has gained divine rank zero. Do you need a rundown of the changes from it?
Not a run down, but I know there's a write up somewhere if you can toss me the link? Or is it just what's in the Divine Rules post in the rules & setting board?
DvR0's pretty straightforward and I have a checklist for it. 1+ is when it gets complicated, but this is akin to a template. I would highly suggest applying the enhancement bonus to ability scores first and then working from the topic.
- Outsider type with any appropriate alignment subtypes. You're already an outsider so this doesn't change anything. You do get the chaotic subtype.
- Maximum hit points per hit die. This means you recalculate your hit points as if you got the best possible rolls each level.
- Boosted speed as according to a table based on size, see the divine rules for this table. In short, a medium creature has a base speed of 60ft and a fly speed of 200ft (perfect). Change your base speeds then apply any bonuses to movement speed you have, such as your innate ability that you got recently. The name escapes me, but that'll increase your movement speed even higher.
- A natural armor bonus of +15 that overlaps with preexisting natural armor. In other words, I think you got a...+6 natural armor bonus or so. This overwrites it unless your existing bonus is higher.
- Charisma modifier to armor class as a deflection bonus. - Very straightforward. Charisma modifier as a deflection bonus to armor class. Note that Brains over Everything does not apply to this.
- Damage reduction 10/epic. This is mostly irrelevant as you already have damage reduction, I believe. Correct me if I'm wrong.
- Immunity to aging and it's related effects, cannot die from age. Do not need to eat, sleep or breathe. - Useful to know. Negates certain hazards, such as drowning or starving.
- Can only be permanently slain by an opposed rank check in your home plane. - Which means if killed off your home plane, you simply reform there. Only a deity can kill you for good, and only then if they beat you on a rank check when they do it.
- Immunity to polymorph, petrification, form altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage and mind affecting. A rank check can overcome these immunities. Straightforward here. Note these are divine immunities on your sheet and can be overcome by another deity.
- Spell resistance equal to 15 + HD. This overwrites your existing spell resistance unless it's already better.
- Charisma modifier as a resistance bonus to saving throws. Same rules as the charisma to AC as deflection. This overlaps with a cloak of resistance or similar items.
- +10 enhancement bonus to all ability scores. Basically an extra strong belt of magnificence.
Quote from: Anastasia on February 17, 2020, 01:38:24 PM
- Can only be permanently slain by an opposed rank check in your home plane. - Which means if killed off your home plane, you simply reform there. Only a deity can kill you for good, and only then if they beat you on a rank check when they do it.
What is my home plane now since I technically reside in a demi-plane? The Gates of the Moon?
Also, Planar Bubble imparts bonuses based on home plane, so what would those bonuses be?
Yes. This can be changed if you end up out on your own, but that's it for now.
It's mildly good and chaos aligned, that's about it. Most of the events and things are done directly by Selune or Shaundakul. If you make your own realm or otherwise work it out, you'll be able to adjust and grow your own traits. See the Cauldron and Sylica's writeups for how those two came out.
Alright. I'm still working so I'll do the math stuff on my sheet later tonight.
Alyssa closes her eyes and takes a deep breath in, trying to sort out all the new sensations and feeling, taking a moment to inspect the new spark inside of her, trying to define it to herself before shakily standing and looking at the others.
"I'm... more. Far more now. I feel... like I was sleeping or something before."
Latha is with Jarem, chanting as his second head shrinks down and vanishes.
Emily is with you, "It's incredible, isn't it," She smiles right back. "You did it!" A tight hug follows.
Bastian kneels, coughing up blood that twists and sparks into bands of flame. Dolmaya promptly uses blasts of magic to disperse them once they form.
"What the hell happened? I was... In pure white. I couldn't see, hear, or feel anything."
A hand is offered to you. "That's what it was like for myself as well," Antenora is there and helps you up, as meanwhile Bastian finishes coughing and looks up. "Welcome to our ranks, Alyssa."
"That's a trip I'd rather not take again," he says at last. "Worked, though."
Latha finishes healing Jarem and calls, "You have my congratulations as well."
Alyssa hugs everyone, "Thank you so much. Hopefully we won't have to deal with anything like that again. But if we do, I'll be the one on defense for you. I think we could all use some rest and time to wind down."
"You could," Antenora says, but with an understanding smile, "But our real duties only begin now."
"They begin tomorrow," Jarem says with firmness, "Let's go home."
"Thanks, Aunties," Emily is all smiles, "I'll let everyone know we succeeded!"
Alyssa, "I'm sure I'll have questions, but for now... It's been a long couple days. I want a bath and a bed, even if I don't really need to sleep anymore."
Strange question, but what sort of bathroom/bath set up does Alyssa have for when she bathes? Just like it is a private tub, a bigger set up or even a public baths sort of deal?
It would be a private bath, but nothing super fancy. We really haven't discussed design/layout of the tower, but I'd imagine her to have like a large tub sectioned off somewhere. A room would be fine if one is available, but an area with a big tub sectioned off with screens or something would work for her as well.
Home.
No resistance. No great happenings. You feel different and yet..your mind needs rest.
When you step into your baths, it is anything but. An elegant, open air bath is not what you expected. The full moon shines bright above as a marble and shining silver inlaid tub big enough for twenty awaits you. It's sunken into the ground and pillars of of stone surround the tub.
At the edge of the tub sits a young woman, clad in a towel and nothing else, wrapped around her body. She is beautiful and with silver hair that blends and flows into the moonlight from above.
It is time that we talk, Alyssa.
Alyssa inclines her head in acknowledgement, not only of the talk but her position in regards to the other Goddess, "Yes, it is. Thank you for allowing me to bathe and relax some while we do."
Several towels and other bath accessories appear in the air before you.
You have my congratulations in what has become a stunningly common event these past days.
Alyssa takes them and begins bathing, "Thank you, My Lady. But, desperate times, I suppose. Stories of ascension are numerous but no real direct treatise on it are exactly available. We've had a significant amount of help, as well."
A nod, as the young woman is now old. She joins you within as she speaks softly, "Then the question is who you shall be."
"Few mortals ever really know that. It's a question that will... Take some thought. I know I've changed, but... I think most of what I was is still there. Reseracher, explorer. I can still feel the pull of it. The unknown, the horizon. Wanting the stories and knowledge, new and lost. I can't imagine not being free to do those things."
"Then you will become those," The old woman agrees, "You will understand as you grow."
Alyssa nods, "So, I can feel I'm more, but not quite a God yet... What comes with the position? Where do I go from here, beyond continuing the fight?"
"Responsibility and power," Is Selune's answer, the crone hunched over now. Ancient indeed, wispy as the moonlight. "Compete, Alyssa, and all will come to you as you triumph."
Alyssa considers, "I.. haven't quite formed an opinion on the Competition yet, but... I will study and plan for it. For now, I need to immerse myself in this new... existence and learn. Any suggestions?"
A young woman is again next to you, youth once more as she says, "Compete. Learn by doing. You may fail at first, but you will learn."
Alyssa nods, "So, as my host, what are my new responsibilities to you?"
"Should a threat come to the Gates of the Moon, I may call on you to defend this realm. You are to answer the call no matter what." Selune goes on, as the moonlight cascades down. "Do not aid or harbor evil, especially Shar. Respect the ways of Shaundakul and myself."
Alyssa nods, "Straight forward enough. I'll have to have a talk with Shaundakul, actually. I feel like I should be some sort of subordinate to him? I'm not sure how this is all structured yet."
"We've never had a need for a great deal of structure," Selune's gaze meets yours, "If you aren't the only one, we will."
Alyssa nods, "Still, I'm sure there will some sort of change in our relationship. It's something to get settled on the front end."
"Much will change," Selune says, and reaches out. She gently taps your forehead and murmurs, "Your mind is weary. Close your eyes and rest here."
"It's... Been a long few days. Oh, thank you for blessing the grove. Ianvasah would have loved it."
Alyssa leans back to rest and enjoy the water.
You fall asleep in an instant to Selune's smile.
You awaken moments later with a clear mind. You lie in your bed, curled up under the blankets. The morning light spills into your room as you awaken all at once, no fatigue. Only a clarity of mind sharper than anything before. You are refreshed and rejuvenated. You feel like you've rested a long time, a good night's sleep that chases away all demons and mends all wounds.
Alyssa lays there, blinking and contemplating her new instant wakefulness.
Then pouts. "I guess no more lazy mornings. And I really like my blankets."
With a sigh, Alyssa gets up and dresses, then heads out to find the others.
You find them all sharing breakfast, chatting away as...
Go ahead.
Alyssa slides into a seat next to them and begins eating, then casually.
"I found the first thing I don't like about how I am now."
"Morning," Jarem says, smiling a bit over his eggs. "How're you?"
Dolmaya glances up, "What, do angels not sing you to rest?" she retorts with no heat to it.
"Oh? What is that?" Emily says, "I haven't found anything like that."
Alyssa pouts a bit, "I woke up instantly. Wide awake. Apparently I don't get to have lazy mornings. I hate it."
"...I slept last night and I didn't have that problem," Emily says, "It might be just this morning?" She frowns, "That sounds terrible!"
Alyssa grunts, "It better be. Do you know how hard I worked to save up for those blankets and pillows? They're fantastic and perfect, and I swear if I don't get to enjoy them as much as I want, I'll write a spell to put myself asleep for longer."
Bastian eats up before, "If that's your first thing you say about ascension..." He lets it trail off.
"Really, how is it for you?" Emily asks, "How do you feel otherwise?"
"Fantastic, honestly. I feel great. Healthier than I ever was. Stronger. I think more clearly."
"Isn't it the best?" Emily gushes, "It's like the first time I cast a spell like bull's strength, so so much better!"
"It's intoxicating. Dangerously so, I think. I feel like I can take on anything."
Alyssa turns to Bastian, "I'm appointing you to remind me I'm not invincible."
"You're not invincible," Bastian deadpans.
"It's so good," Emily agrees, "You all really have to try this!"
Jarem smiles thinly, "Speaking of that, we have tasks to do, don't we? How about we go upstairs and have a talk about it?"
Alyssa nods, "Let's. We need to get things in order."
Once upstairs and properly protected by Zaphkiel's gift?
"We should go get a seed," Jarem says without preamble.
Alyssa nods a bit, "Yes... but not immediately, I don't think. We're... down Ianvasah. I've gotten more power, but I'm not all-powerful. I can still only be in one place and do so much. We need to fill the holes in our abilities. We're all fighters here, but I think that leaves us holes. I think we need some support people. A copy of Moore would be fantastic, for example.
I'm also going to need time and some resources to replace my equipment. What I've been given as gifts are fabulous, but not complete. The last time I went into something unprepared..."
Alyssa leaves that hanging.
"Yes, but time's not on our side," Jarem says firmly, "We don't have time to recruit, because if we delay, we may miss chances we can't get back. Unless you have someone you can bring in on this right this minute, I don't think we have time to wait on that. As for equipment, what do you still need?"
"We'll carry you if we need to," Dolmaya says, "Jarem's right. Chances like this wait little for us to be perfectly prepared."
"I don't know..." Emily murmurs, "Alyssa has a point. But I worry about Gathgorian and Bel getting seeds, too."
Alyssa nods, "I didn't mean recruit from the ground up. The others involved, Seira, Alicia, Moore? They're sure to know people who can help. Pull a couple in, round out our ranks. Equipment will solve itself, eventually, but it's a hole to watch for. We still need to pick out which seed we'll go after, also. There's lag time there we can take advantage of.
For now, let's get that call out to the others to see if they can suggest anyone who can help support us. Bastian, how's your work with Jessica been going? We've got a few options, but I'd rather go for something we have first hand knowledge of."
"We have some leads in the Beastlands," Bastian says, "We keep getting lucky, we're about to the point where our group should go investigate. Jesisca's offered to go with us since Sylica's hunting other seeds right now, though she's going to talk to them first to make sure there's no problems." He sits back, "I figure you can handle that."
Alyssa nods, "That sounds like a solid plan. Excellent work. I'll make a stop over to Jessica in person, and then drop in on the others to see if they have any people they can suggest as recruits. By the time I finish that, we should, hopefully, be fully lined up to go to the Beastlands."
"It's a plan," Emily says, "And you mean we'll all go."
"To the Beastlands? Of course. I hardly need all of you to visit the others, though. Unless you just want to."
"We want to," Jarem says, "Better than sitting here," he gets up, "Let's get going."
"Far better these days," Bastian agrees.
Alyssa nods and attempts to use the weird 'walk to where you want to be' trait of this place to find Jessica!
It's not hard to find Jessica - space just...melts before you. It's easy, like stepping ahead. Not like magic, just natural and right to you. Jessica awaits quietly in a guest room, in silent meditation. She sits on her bed, ready to go at a moment's notice, in her full battle gear.
"Hello! Sorry to drop in like this, I was testing something and it seems to have worked far better than I thought... I thought it would bring me to the general area and not directly to you... Interesting."
"It's easier for you now," Jessica says, "It's the same for myself in Sylica. The realm responds to your will."
Alyssa nods slowly, "I'll have to test the limits of it. In any case, tell us what you and Bastian have discovered about the Beastlands."
"He hasn't told you?" Jessica asks, "Then sit down and I'll tell you."
Alyssa does so!
"No, not a full run down. I think he wanted you to be present since you worked together on this. He's sweet in his own way."
"All of our leads are on Karasuthra," Jessica begins, "The lowest level of the Beastlands, a land of eternal night. Have you ever been there?"
"Not that I recall. I'll do some research on it before we leave."
"There's many stories of over predators that hunt there, the greatest of their kind." Jessica says, "Our first idea is that one of those is the Guardian, but of course the difficulty is narrowing it down." She smiles a little bit, "Of course it's dangerous, but nothing that we shouldn't be able to handle."
Alyssa nods, "So... The top predator in a land of predators... Likely to have a smaller territory than it should, perhaps?"
"It's a good place to look," Jessica says, "There's no moral imperative against it. While they're as intelligent as a human, they're also creatures of the Beastlands and their nature. It's only normal for them to hunt and be hunted. I suggest not killing them, however."
Alyssa nods, "If possible, I have no complaints against that. They are, however, predators. They may not give us the option. That said, let's get what we know together and see if we can't narrow the possibilities down a bit more than the entire lowest level of the Beastlands. I'll be dropping by a few of the others to see if they have any tidbits or someone we can recruit. We are... unfortunately undermanned."
"There's a few more possibilities as well," Jessica agrees after that. "Would you like to hear them?"
Alyssa nods.
"Please, any information will help."
"There's stories of the Ravenshead Lodge - a moving hunting lodge that can't be escaped until you're allowed to leave," Jessica says, "I've heard of powerful enough figures trapped there that I wonder if it's more than normal magic. It's hard to find, it's said it finds you instead. It usually targets elite hunters. It's possible the Guardian uses it to entertain themselves."
Alyssa nods, "I think we'll qualify. Anything else?"
"One more. Rumors of a golden bear, said to be invincible," Jessica says, "No weapon or spell can harm it."
"Hm... Could be the guardian. Two things to look for. If no spell or weapon can hurt it... I suppose we can try to shove it through a portal to somewhere that it can't survive. I wonder if it can breathe water..."
"Well then, I'll offer my help in this matter," Jessica says, "Since you're short handed."
Alyssa nods, "It's only right that you see the fruits of your labor in this. We'll be leaving shortly after I get back. Relax until then."
"I will," Jessica agrees, as...
Next move?
Well, Seira and Moore are both out and about... I wanted to drop by Seira and see if I couldn't get her to introduce me to Honeydip... How far off is she from being done?
Not anytime soon, most likely.
Poop. Well, I guess do some research on the Hunting Lodge and this bear before we leave just to cover all our bases.
Sure, K:P.
K:P/Bibliotheca/Cunning Insight:
Take 10 for 112. +5 to that for the Bear for Talekeeper.
Very good. Give me a followup K:A check.
K:A/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge:
Take 10 for 112.
Ravenshead Lodge is fairly new - within about 4000 years - by planar standards. Not much is known about it and matches what Jessica told you.
Interestingly, one bit of recent lore comes to mind for the golden bear - Commander Hellman Oberuth has that as a nickname. However, as he's on your side and also not a Guardian or related to one, you can safely discard that. With that aside, there's been various talk of powerful celestial bears, including a few that never get caught. Murmurs of an invincible one are known, but rare. Magic, weapons, tricks, nothing sticks to it. If it's not invincible, no one's found the trick yet. However, a few old stories suggest they only go after those who have defeated at least one other great predator or animal lord in the Beastlands.
Alyssa calls the others together to pass on what little she found.
"Thin," Jarem says at last, "Well, there's little to help it and it's a lead. If we hunt those powerful predators, it may help with the rest of it, anyway."
"Which mean it makes sense," Dolmaya seconds, a little nod.
"More reason to travel on over there," Bastian agrees, "It's hard going down there, lots of untamed forest and animal and hunting paths. It's slow without magic."
Alyssa nods, "We have the Bag of Holding that Moore sent the weapons over in. Let's pack what we might need to make this easier and let's get moving."
Okay then, prep for this?
I still need to finish my spells since I got the huge int boost.
Get that done then.
Are spells done then, Iddy?
Yep.
Okay then, any prep before you go out?
Don't think so. Just supplies, food and stuff.
Jessica's going to offer resistance to energy (30) for all elements, freedom of movement, pass without trace, nondetection. Do you want those, Alyssa?
The last three, sure. I'll throw up my normal buffs:
Long Duration:
Self:
Mind Blank, CL 35, Duration: 24 Hours
Protection from all devices and spells that detect, influence, or read emotions or thoughts.
Energy Immunity x2 (Electricity/Sonic), CL 35, Duration: 24 Hours
Immune to Electicity/Sonic
Epic Mage Armor, CL 35, Duration: 24 Hours
+20 armor bonus to AC.
Bibliotheca Arcana, CL 35, Duration: 24 Hours
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained.
Greater Magic Weapon, CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
+5 bonus to weapon: Fists (Monk)
Prying Eyes, CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
1d4+36 eyes, 120 ft normal vision in all directions, 25 word instructions:
"Orbit me in ringed layers leaving no gaps and report any useful resources or dangers."
Elemental Body (Fire), CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
Attune Form spell, Immune to Fire/Poison/Sleep/Paralysis/Stunning/Flanking/Critical Hits, Fire Sub-type, Darkvision 60ft.
Agility of the Dragon Princess, CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Dex
Mind of the Dragon Princess, CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Int
Beauty of the Dragon Princess, CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Cha
Many Moments of Prescience, CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
4 uses, +30 Insight bonus to any single attack roll, opposed ability or skill check, saving throw, or AC vs. a single attack.
Everyone:
Mass Energy Immunity (Acid), CL 35, Duration: 35 Hours
Combat Duration:
Self:
Duelist's Friend, CL 35, Duration: 35 Minutes
<<See spell write up>>
Grace of the Courre, CL 35, Duration: 35 Rounds
+6 enhancement bonus to Dex, a +2 enhancement bonus to Cha, +3 enhancement bonus to NA, +4 racial bonus to Hide and Move Silently, Weapon Finesse feat.
Effulgent Epuration, CL 35, Duration: 35 Rounds
36 orbs, each can absorb and completely negate any spell or spell-like ability, regardless of level, that directly targets the subject. Only spells and spell-like abilities of deific power can overcome the protection.
Aren't the dragon princess spells multitarget, Iddy?
No, they're creature touched. They were for Surraruthru via the Tapestry, and were for Alyssa before via Reach/Chain Spell.
Okay, cool. We'll go ahead and start in a new thread since this one's about done.