Okay Iddy, hit me with your lizard plan.
Well I honestly have no idea! But going from past stuff, I figure there's some sort of magical item that can apply an elemental template, since people have done similar things to become half-whatevers, so something similar? Like find something that can apply a fire template, get a few of 'em, take a bunch of lizards to the Fire plane, apply said item/template, and go from there.
You're also a deity with alter reality so that greatly simplifies things, not to mention Emily has hands on experience with the elements thanks to her parents. Lay out your goals in a bit more depth and we'll adjudicate?
Well, goal is to get a couple of useful elemental abilities going here, along with an inherent stealth ability. I'll refrain from compound elements:
Shocker: Fine as is, but want some better stealth.
Fire: Similar to Shocker, but want to be able to send them into an enemy camp/town/fortress/whatever and have them start fires that will be harder than normal to put out. So maybe that Scorching Fire or whatever? Something similar to Simmer's fire, but I don't expect it to go to that level.
Earth: Ability to make tunnels and earthquakes. So they can be sent into a place and dig escape tunnels for whatever reason, or into a fort and cause an earthquake to bring sections, or possibly the whole thing, down.
Air: No real good ideas for this one? Maybe the ability to create tornadoes or the like.
Water: Ability to generate water. In large groups create floods and what-not. Idea is that they can go in ahead of a larger infiltration group, position around light sources and quench them, or just flat out flood the place if enough of them are around.
Okay, first of all, refresh me on your domains? Any relevant ones would speed this along nicely.
Domains: Magic, Knowledge, Travel, Forge
All of that could be accomplished with time and Emily's help too, since she grew up around this stuff. Bear in mind they're still low hit dice monsters so effects will be reasonably scaled to them as they are already.
Well, none of it is really planned for direct offense against characters. It's more like terrain manipulation. I want to earthquake a building, not throw rocks at Asmodeus.
Oh sure, just bearing in mind that as a general rule a stronger creature is going to produce a stronger earthquake, to run with the analogy. Of course the beauty of the lizards is that they combo, but just being explicit about the point.
Sure. I mean, I'm up for making them stronger if you want, but since everyone hates Shocker Lizards in the first place, I figured I'd avoid that.
Okay then, give me a 5 d100s.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 57, total 57[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 44, total 44[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 41, total 41[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 35, total 35[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 41, total 41[/blockquote]
"...and there," Emily declares, as the last cage is shut. "The processes will take a little longer, but a first generation should be ready soon. They're already elemental creatures, and with draconic and elemental lore, it's not hard to adjust them with our power."
Alyssa nods, "Thank you for the help. Once we have a decent number of them, we can awaken a few to act as leaders and start deploying them. I can't wait to see the tumble a fortress, or drown a force in a river crossing, or burn a field camp."
You get a warm smile back, "That's one thing down," she agrees.
Okay, while this finishes, next move?
Eh, Knights of Coral. The order/chaos plane is important, but I think it'll also be a big project, so get the easy stuff done first.
Refresh me on it?
Alyssa: "I found some lore on the Knights of the Corals. They're a very militant faction, and don't often engage in trade. I was hoping you, or the Red Knight, might know something about them, or have some sort of contact with them. Their coral is as hard as adamantine, and unique besides. I don't think we can necessarily recruit them to us, but, we might be able to establish some sort of relationship. If so, we can work towards either trade or figuring out how to cultivate the coral ourselves. Any ideas?"
Jarem: "I don't know them, but I know someone who knows them," Jarem says, "It's like that in Warrior's Rest." He gets up, "I'll let you know."
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104413.msg1181791.html#msg1181791
A knock on your door, as you look up from your spellwork.
"A friend of a friend worked it out," Jarem calls, "I'm not sure how much the coral's worth, but they're willing to trade to worthy warriors. That part's already taken care of, Bastian stepped over and impressed them."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "He's been doing a lot of that lately. First on Earth and now the Knights. But it's good for us. We'll set up a trade deal and see what we can do to improve relations further. I'd like to get permission to cultivate it ourselves, but I imagine that's a mountain's worth of effort away. Thank you, Jarem."
To Bastian, Thank you for stepping in with the Knights of the Coral. You've been doing a lot of making friends by punching people. Keep it up.
"Flat impossible, they're not going to budge on it," Jarem shakes his head, "I get the feeling it's something local anyway."
'It's easy. So many people in Creation need to be punched.'
So, so true. Let's make that a core tenet for your followers.
"Nothing is impossible! But for now, yes. So what else is going on?"
"At the moment, more trouble with Gargauth. I was able to find a few leads, Jarem goes on, "Since our main plan will take time."
"Such as? Have you identified any holdings he's interested in?"
"No," Jarem says, "But I think I know someone he's interested in."
"Oh?"
"Tolonar Stonefist, a dwarf," Jarem goes on, "Newly minted rich and in Brightwater. Haven't confirmed it but all the facts line up."
Alyssa leans back, "Well that makes things a bit more complicated. Brightwater. We'll have to let Waukeen know. She won't react well to it if we keep her out of the loop and Gargauth is operating on her turf. We'll have Emily set up a meeting. If Waukeen wants in, we'll have to let her, I think, and I don't know if Queen and Sulia will like that."
"It's too much of a complication," Jarem agrees, "So the answer's easy - get Tolonar out of Brightwater for a little while." He smiles momentarily, tightly, "Nothing nefarious, but figure out a way to get him to another realm."
Alyssa sighs and taps the arm of her chair, "That could be messy too. It's entirely possible Waukeen already knows and is planning to use him as bait. She's already sheltering his one escaped victim, and now a perfect target happens to show up in her plane? Brightwater is the city of trade, and that includes information. I highly doubt it's escaped her notice."
"Maybe," Jarem says, "So we make it slow enough that Waukeen can react if she's watching. No harm done, we let it go at that point."
"Mmmm... We'll talk to Emily about it. She knows her aunt better than we do. Waukeen's one for subtlety, but I don't know how far that applies to things happening under her nose. We've got decent standing with her right now, and with the amount of information and powerful items that flow through her hands I'd rather not risk anything if we don't have to. It's a good lead, solid work."
It's not hard to get Emily.
"Hm? Well..." Emily hesitates, "She'd understand what it is, I think, but she'd make a point of mildly chastising us. I don't think she'd be offended if she found out it was us."
Alyssa puts her chin in her hand, "Hm. Okay. Let me talk it over with Queen and Sulia. They're part of this and have their own relationships with her to consider."
"Alright," Jarem says, no argument to it. "You handle that side of it. Sit around and sip tea while you gossip."
Alyssa points a finger at him, "Keep it up and I'll convince Queen your attitude is playing hard to get in a courtship ritual with her, then send you over to help."
To Queen and Empress Sulia, We've come up with a lead on someone Gargauth may be targeting, but it presents a possible complication in the form of Waukeen. He's in Brightwater and Waukeen has displayed some... animosity towards Gargauth. I wanted to let you know before we tried to lure the target out of Brightwater in case you wanted to contact her about it, or possibly ask her if she wanted to help.
Oh, Waukeen. That's hardly a trifle, I can talk to her personally.
If you decide so. It was more of a question of secrecy. I doubt the target's presence in Brightwater is a coincidence, and was unsure how involved you might want her.
I can talk to her personally. Worry not.
Alright.
To Emily and Jarem, "Sulia's going to have a talk with Waukeen about it."
"Then let Sulia work, she's a part of Brightwater," Emily agrees, "She's in perfect position to negotiate with Waukeen."
"Better than us," Jarem agrees.
"Yes. So in the mean time... Emily, how's Honeydip?"
"She's fine now," Emily says, "She doesn't agree but she understands that not every decision is one she'll agree with." A breath is taken, before, "Just remember what she is."
"I was less concerned with that and more with if she understands that just disagreeing isn't enough around here. She needs to be able to present more options, ideas, and plans than just saying "I don't agree.""
"It's a different viewpoint," Emily says, "She spend centuries fighting demons in the Abyss. She doesn't turn away from evil, she goes up to it and strikes it down. When she says to go after Ogremoch, she is proposing a different plan."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "I literally asked her point blank what her plan was and she didn't say anything."
"I think she meant get up, mobilize as needed and go fight Ogremoch," Emily says at last, "She's not timid."
"That's also not a battle plan, that's just bashing your way through things. Look, I'm not expecting a full deployment plan. You know what I mean. We've got plenty of tacticians here. She can work with anyone, even me, but there needs to be more than, "Go fight.""
"I'll talk to her," Emily promises.
"Emily, this is something I should be talking to her about, but... You're more her kind than I am. Just let her know I have no desire to have followers. I want equals. Leaders. I want her to grow into everything she can be."
"I will," Emily says, "Or you can go talk to her?"
"I do plan to talk to her, but you already have a rapport with her. Just set the foundation and I'll follow up."
Emily gets up and goes to do just that.
As you await that?
Oh Alyssa, it's funny. Waukeen had no idea at all. Apparently she hadn't noticed that one yet at all.
... Does that mean the Lady of Gold... Owes us one?
A favor, yes. Some of that I redeemed by getting a promise to let us handle it.
Alright. Do you have an idea of what you want to do with this potential target? We can't be overt or Gargauth won't bite.
A business opportunity that entices him, but requires his presence on another plane. That seems the most simple.
Agreed. We found the lead, but none of us are merchants, exactly. Do you have someone to take charge in this and act as liaison between us?
I do. You can't help but ensnare a few when you reside in Brightwater.
I look forward to offering my hospitality to them. I may take the chance to speak to them about some trade opportunities, as well.
We'll see to it.
Alyssa sends to everyone else, Empress Sulia came to an agreement with Waukeen. Surprising, Waukeen had no idea a target was in Brightwater. We don't have any great merchants with us at the moment, so she's going to send one of hers as a liaison, but since Jarem came up with the lead, we'll still be taking point in it. The rough idea is to have her liaison work up a deal that will bait the target to a different plane, hoping Gargauth will take the chance to strike.
So let's wrap up our possible target list and convene with Queen and Sulia for final coordination.
Alright, let's put this into action.
Anything to do before you get this rolling?
Just want to make sure what we've decided on targets.
Cool, gimme a d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 52, total 52[/blockquote]
All the pieces are in place.
At least that's what Jarem says. "So we have this merchant prepared," Jarem says, "He'll be on the borderlands of Limbo and Ysgard, where they set up the opportunity."
"And the strikes to draw away attention?"
"We can send word to get those moving when we need to," Jarem agrees.
Alyssa nods. "And Sulia's liaison?"
"It's set up, they're ready to get the ball going there, too," Jarem agrees.
"Anyone have anything they think we've overlooked or under prepared for?"
"Don't think so," Emily notes, "We're ready to go."
"Then let's get the confirmation from Queen and Sulia and start."
Okay, lay out the full plan for me.
Well, I dunno if we're actually ready? I don't know Queen's and Sulia's targets, but for us, getting Sulia's liaison to bait out Gargauth's target and once he approaches, sending getting the Paladin to strike one of Rumza's holdings that Gargauth has interest in, and the Karam Clan to hit another. I'm not sure we actually identified two that he's vested in, though?
The goal is, when he tries with the dwarf, to be able to either hit his avatar while his attention is split or, at the least, chase him off and be able to track him back to Gargauth's actual location.
Okay then, so go after the dwarf first and get that into place, or something else?
Dwarf.
Okay, are you going to observe this personally or just wait and see?
Watch remotely.
You find your target is...well, a dwarf. When you look he sits in an inn room, waiting. Nice clothes, a nice beard, just a bit out of shape. Nothing too unusual at least to your eyes.
Alyssa takes the chance to look around the room for anything suspicious.
Define suspicious, since it may matter here.
Anything linking him to Gargauth, Rumza, or any "evil" organization/persons.
Perception and K:R.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+64 : 19 + 64, total 83[/blockquote]
K:R/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+72 : 15 + 72, total 87[/blockquote]
Nothing that you see, at least that's out and obvious.
Alyssa simply monitors the situation until something happens.
A knock on the door.
"Enter," The dwarf calls.
A rather strapping young man, dressed in the finery of a noble, enters. He's tall and broad of shoulder, with handsome features and a clean shaven face. Human on a glance, but his ears have a hint of a point to them, plus there' s a certain russet color to his eyes that's anything but human.
"Hello, friend," he greets, "Can I bother you for a few minutes of your time?"
Alyssa focuses on the man, but doesn't want to draw attention.
The dwarf waves a hand, as if merely to tell him to go on.
"I have a business offer for you," The nobleman goes on, withdrawing a small book. "All the details are in here. You'll have a chance to move up considerably in life if you take this. You'll find every venture you touch goes well, like the mythical touch of gold."
Alyssa calls this meeting to the attention of the others.
Do you mean your group or others?
Everyonewho was involved, so my group and Sulia and Queen.
Many eyes turn to it as...
He strikes so swiftly. Are you ready, Alyssa?
As much as we can be.
The book is read, skimmed really, for a few minutes.
"It's interesting," he finally says, "I'm interested."
The nobleman smiles, quite warmly, "Great choice, friend, great choice."
'Jarem, Bastian, you two decide when to kick this off.'
"How about now?" Bastian says, "We have everything we need, especially if we want to capture him. Give him no chance, simply do it fast."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow at Jarem, "You two have the say."
"Do it," Jarem agrees. "Go."
"Alright," Bastian agrees, "Let's do this. Brace, I have a handful of prepared warriors ready to move."
Alyssa nods and prepares.
Just to be clear, not doing anything and just watching sort of preparing, or something more direct?
I'll let them do their thing and only step in if I have to.
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d100=58]
It all stops when they storm in. A squad of six warriors - and in a blur they're on the nobleman. It's a short, ugly battle. In one blow he bisects one of them with his hand, and the halves burn away to ash. Yet surrounded and with the initiative not on his side, he's quickly forced down, battered and beaten. They tie him up and secure the dwarf, who stares in shock at the sudden interruption.
Alyssa takes a closer look at the now captured suspect, trying to determine if he's the avatar they've been looking for, or what exactly his connection to Gargauth is.
How so? Using any particular power?
Greater Arcane Sight. I figure that combined with divine senses should let me know?
He's not an avatar or proxy, you can tell that much. A servant most likely.
"Well, he's not an avatar or proxy. Which means Gargauth is probably now aware and we missed the target."
"Then we'll have to get what we can out of that one," Bastian agrees, "I'll go talk to him. He'll cooperate."
Alyssa nods, "Want to take Honeydip or Emily with you? Having a Paladin or two lurking near might help make him sweat."
"I'll get Honeydip," Bastian says, going off without further comment.
Alyssa nods and settles in to watch.
'Jarem, Dolmaya, Gargauth is sure to be sending out probes by now. Keep an eye out for anything. Use the crystal since it has some level of safety built in.'
""I'll see to it," Dolmaya agrees, "Anything else?"
"Whatever suggestions you have are welcome. Once Bastian has him somewhere secure, I'll let the other two know and see what they want done."
Okay, good to skip along as they work then?
Yep. Just want to make sure Sulia and Queen know what's going on, but that doesn't really need a scene.
Once Bastian returns, "His name is Morgane Aspwood. An up and coming mortal monster from the sounds of it," he says, "Who is doing Gargauth's footwork in places he'd rather not go personally."
"Mmm... Well, at least he actually is one of Gargauth's. Any information on other targets or places Gargauth has interests or holdings in?"
"Some, we're getting it out of him now," Bastian agrees, "We'll have targets to go after within the hour."
Alyssa nods, "Good. We're making headway. Get as much as you can about Gargauth's defenses. The more we can prepare to break them down, the better."
"Be ready in case we have to strike fast," Bastian agrees. "All of you."
Alyssa nods and sees to preparing.
=Anything you need to cover IC, like spells?
Not IC, but before we kick off any big attack, I do wanna go over spells. I should be 90% okay, but just to make sure. Dunno how far off that is.
Okay, let me know when your spells are in order.
They're good enough, I think. Push comes to shove I can shuffle them around in the field.
Okay.
"Okay, we have one main base and we'll need to strike fast. It's not the base, but it's a hidden one he's been using on Limbo of all places," Bastian begins, "Very well hidden, we'll need to hit it fast and hard."
Alyssa thinks, "Do we have any other enemies floating about in Limbo?"
"No one pressing," Jarem speaks up, "I say we make a small team of us - three should do it - and go sack that place."
"Before they decide it might be compromised?" Emily concludes, "Speed is of the essence then."
"What about Sulia and Queen?"
"Take one with you and one of us with you?" Emily suggests, "A good split group?"
Alyssa nods, "Alright, I'll contact them and see who wants to go."
To Sulia and Queen, We've got a good target. A hidden base in Limbo. Plan is to hit it with a strike team of three. Myself, either of you, and a second of my team, depending on which of you wants to go. Who wants to go?
Allow me, I could use some more time in Limbo. Queen, can you take this should another interfere?
'Very well.'
"Alright, Empress Sulia will be coming. Who else wants to go? Honeydip? You were eager to get out there."
"I will," Honeydip agrees, "The three of us will crush them whole. Whatever foes await us, they will not be enough."
Alyssa nods.
Okay, prep for this?
Just standard buffs.
Long Duration:
Self:
Create Magic Tattoo, CL 35, Duration: 24 Hours
+1 spellcaster level
Create Magic Tattoo, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls
Create Magic Tattoo, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
+2 competence bonus on attack rolls.
Mind Blank, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
Protection from all devices and spells that detect, influence, or read emotions or thoughts.
Energy Immunity x2 (Electricity/Sonic), CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
Immune to Electicity/Sonic
Epic Mage Armor, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
+20 armor bonus to AC.
Bibliotheca Arcana, CL 36, Duration: 24 Hours
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained.
Prying Eyes, CL 36, Duration: 36 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 36, Duration: 36 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 36, Duration: 36 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Dex
Beauty of the Dragon Princess, CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Cha
Mind of the Dragon Princess, CL 36, Duration: 36 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Int
Many Moments of Prescience, CL 36, Duration: 36 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 36, Duration: 36 Hours
Pre-combat, medium duration:
Greater Spell Immunity (Crown of the Ten Stars), CL 30, Duration: 300 minutes
1st: Greater Dispel
2nd: Dimensional Lock
3rd: Binding
4th: Ability Rip
5th: Antimagic Ray
6th: Banishment
7th: Enervation
Spell Turning (SLA), CL 36, Duration: 360 minutes
1d4+6 spell levels turned
Any preference on Honeydip's auras?
Nah. She be a combat vet. She knows her job. Speaking of, we still have to go over who you want me to take over.
I'll run them both here - Honeydip's brand new so I want a spin with he rand Sulia's not a node PC.
The three of you gather and...
"I'll open the portal as close as we can get," Sulia says, "According to Bastian, there are defenses around it that confuse and repel chaos, but we should be strong enough to ignore them."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "Well I hope they don't cause me any undue problems, but yes, when everyone's ready."
A portal is opened, with everything beyond a twisting mess of reality and elements. "Through here and ahead," Sulia says, taking point.
Alyssa heads in!
I'll do spoiler blocks in the morning, I don't think you'll be going far tonight with how tired I am.
Chaos. The elements rip at you as...
Are you an anarch?
I.... don't remember? I don't have it noted down, but I also recall that someone had an item or ability that could make anyone an anarch. I guess since I don't have it noted down, just go with no.
Sulia extends a hand out. Limbo calms around you all as she declares, "Forward, swiftly now. Keep your eyes open, it'll come right up on us."
Alyssa nods and moves on.
Reminder note: I have Prying Eyes active.
Sure, give me a Perception check then.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+64 : 9 + 64, total 73[/blockquote]
You fly on, Sulia's will keeping the area calm enough. Then you can see it all at once - a great gloom, a cloying darkness of heat and suffocation.
But it slides right off of you.
Ahead is a path winding through the chaos of the elements, a solid stone road leading further into it.
Alyssa sends to the others, 'That seems like bait, but let's go with it.'
Bait or not, it will suffice.
Honeydip takes point and leads you on, more than ready. The path leads ahead and onward, as...
Fort.
Fort/Cunning Insight/Source of Inspiration:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+54 : 20 + 54, total 74[/blockquote]
Sulia and Honeydip get +18 to their saves.
A feeling of strangeness across your body, but you shrug it off with ease. "Careful," Sulia murmurs, "Did you feel that?"
"I did. Not sure what it was..."
Anything I can do to identify what it was?
Spellcraft.
Spellcraft: Take 10 for 99.
It looks like something to scramble your body's senses and reduce them to confused madness.
"Hmm... Looks like something to scramble the body and confuse. Keep going, but keep an eye out."
The three of you go on - and ahead the path leads into a dark tunnel. Rough stonework is hewn ahead.
Honeydip flutters on, "A good place for fortifications. We may first taste battle here."
"Be ready then."
Marching order in that case?
Well, I dunno Sulia's abilities or build, but Honey dip wanted to be point, so I guess I'll take middle.
Cool, Perception then.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+64 : 12 + 64, total 76[/blockquote]
Into the tunnel. Immeidately you can hear it behind you, the subtle but not well enough hidden sound of scurrying feet.
Alyssa sends to the others, 'I hear scurrying behind us.'
Any chance of IDing the sound?
Gimme a quick K:P.
K:P/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+72 : 17 + 72, total 89[/blockquote]
It sounds like the too soft footsteps of a bezekira, only audible to you thanks to your inhuman senses and divine abilities.
'I think it's a bezekira. Careful.'
Hardly a serious threat. Can you dispose of it?
Can I hit it? It's still hiding?
Based on your Perception, you think you could, sure.
Does my knowledge check allow me some idea of its HP?
A typical bezekira is no where as hearty as a typical pit fiend or even a horned devil. In other words heroic but hardly legendary endurance.
Alyssa flips around as she flies, facing backwards for a moment as she calls on her divine abilities.
Limited Wish: Acid Storm, Quickened SDA, Maximized SDA, CL 36.
90 Damage, 20 ft. cylinder.
Does it allow SR or a save?
Ref half, DC 32.
> roll 1d20+14
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=8]
You hear the barest hiss of pain as it retreats, fleeing back as acid flays and burns it. It's still moving.
'Hm. They're tougher than what I expected from a bezekira. An altered variation, perhaps?'
Or a stronger one, but it matters not.
'Indeed. Let's keep moving.'
Give me another Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+64 : 15 + 64, total 79[/blockquote]
You advance on - and ahead the way is barred by a veil of green light. Sulia glances at it.
A transparent scan to identify the type of creatures that pass through. If our protections are all adequate, we should be fine.
Can I verify that? 'Protections' is a bit unspecific. I imagine we all have different spells on us.
Gimme a spellcraft.
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+89 : 17 + 89, total 106[/blockquote]
It's indeed a fairly simple barrier. A strong enough nondetection spell should do, or mind blank.
Alyssa continues on.
Do you have mind blank up? If so, what CL?
I do, CL 36.
You slip right through and nothing happens. Beyond that you come out - to a manor, fortified somewhat and strong, but still a manor. It's calm here, no immediate sign of danger or wild elements.
Alyssa looks over the area with a critical eye, looking for tricks and traps, while also sending her Prying Eyes out higher up to get a bird's eye view and give her a layout of the area.
One more Perception then.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+64 : 1 + 64, total 65[/blockquote]
You don't notice anything like that. Once in here, it seems you're past the worst of the defenses, at least for now.
'Hm, I'm not picking up much else for defenses, which seems odd.'
'It may be inside, not outside, or hidden,' Honeydip says, 'Don't let your guard down.'
Be alert, yes.
Alyssa continues on!
The party proceeds ahead. As you do, your sharp vision allows you to notice movements, the subtle brush of upstairs curtains being moved aside and windows cracked open.
Alyssa points it out to the others.
How exactly? Matters here.
Telepathically mentioning it to them and sending them mental pictures of it.
Honeydip calls out one word in your minds, 'Dodge!'
Alyssa does so!
Sulia glides in one direction and you another, as Honeydip leaps back. Just in time, for dozens of lightning bolts, black as night, converge on where the three of you were. The stink of ozone permeates the air after, like a thick blanket.
Can I ID what those were, so I can figure out a counter?
Sure spellcraft.
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+89 : 14 + 89, total 103[/blockquote]
It looks like unholy lightning. Half of it is normal electricity, and the other half is raw unholy power that will pierce protections against electricity.
'Hm. Unholy lightning. Electricity protections will only defend against half.'
'Forward!' Honeydip cries, as...
Init.
Init:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+29 : 3 + 29, total 32[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+35 Honeydip
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+30 Sulia
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+12 shooters
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=19]
+16 to init from Honeydip.
Init is Alyssa (48) > Honeydip (38) > Sulia (32) > Shooters (31)
Go.
Where are they at in relation to me?
They're about 200ft away and 30ft up, though it varies a bit for each window, obviously.
Alyssa chants a pair of quick spells!
Sandalphon's Amazing Barrage, Quickened SDA, Maximized SDA, CL 36
33 damage to all enemies.
Sandalphon's Amazing Barrage, Maximized SDA, CL 36.
33 Damage to all enemies.
Does it allow SR?
No save, no SR
The blasts all hit into the opened windows, flying true. You can hear grunts of pain even from here thanks to your deific hearing, your spells striking home.
Anything else this turn?
That's it.
"Go," Honeydip flies ahead as fast as she can, not slowing down in the slightest as she heads for the manor. Sulia follows as again lightning comes - and this time it's aimed all at you.
> roll 1d20+28
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=17]
Yet this mighty magic crackles and bursts against you. Not a spec of it is able to harm you, as you ignore such a lesser spell.
Go.
Alyssa follows after the others!
Movement speed?
Fast. 230/510 fly.
In a blur the party reaches the manor, able to outrace the lightning bolts.
Go ahead and act for now.
Alyssa inspects the doors for any traps or defenses!
Perception and Spellcraft.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+64 : 9 + 64, total 73[/blockquote]
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+89 : 19 + 89, total 108[/blockquote]
Yes, the door's trapped. It'll try and disintegrate anyone who opens it who is not a devil or otherwise attuned to its magic.
CL on it?
'Door's trapped with a Disintegrate spell.'
20th.
"Dispel it," Sulia says right away.
Alyssa snaps off a quick spell!
Alter Reality: Greater Magic Dispel, CL 36
+20 bonus.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+20 : 15 + 20, total 35[/blockquote]
Sure enough, to your will the magic around it completely crumbles away.
'They're sure to be waiting to ambush us, so let me use Xorn movement on all of us. We'll go under, I'll send one of my eyes in to see where they all are, and then we can take them by surprise.'
After saying so, Alyssa casts the spell!
Alter Reality to put it on everyone.
"Hurry," Sulia says and sinks into the ground.
Direction you're going down?
Just under the door and into the mansion.
You go down - and feel a solid force push against you when you try, as if the dirt itself resists.
Can I ID the spell/effect and the CL?
Sure, spellcraft away.
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+89 : 11 + 89, total 100[/blockquote]
It's a wall of force style effect to stop creatures from moving through, like earth elementals.
CL?
34th.
Alyssa casts a brace of spells.
Alter Reality: Greater Dispel, CL 36
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+20 : 13 + 20, total 33[/blockquote]
The spell withstands your magic, surprisingly.
Alyssa tries again!
Superb Dispel, Quickened SDA, CL 36
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+30 : 8 + 30, total 38[/blockquote]
Amazingly enough, that doesn't do it either.
Alyssa tries to figure out if Disintegrate will dispel this spell the same way it would a Wall of Force since the effects are similar.
Your spellcraft tells you that it should.
Alyssa frowns in frustration at the spell as she calls on her divine powers.
Alter Reality: Disintegrate, Maximized SDA, Quickened SDA, CL 36
Sure enough, this undoes the wall of force at last.
Alyssa continues with her plan.
It's not hard to slip in - are you trying to get in ground floor or lower?
Ground, but in a corner to keep hidden. The prying eyes fly on their own, so I'd just send it out to check things over.
You come out in a corner of what looks to be a small mud room. Slots for a few dozen sets of boots and shoes are here, as well as dry stone ground and hooks for coats, capes and jackets.
Alyssa adjusts position out of the coat closet to enact her plan.
Where are the eyes going specifically?
Along the wall/ceiling junction to avoid notice, and mapping out this first big entry room.
This goes well enough. It's a mud room after all, not a lot to map of interest. There's doors ahead, though.
Any enemies waiting to ambush the front door?
No enemies in front of the door, no.
'It's clear, come in.'
You open the door ahead. Here is an entry way, an open hallway with stairways winding up on both sides, symmetrical. They go on and up, as well as paths to stay on this floor and doors beyond them.
You hear loud thumps from behind the stairs.
Alyssa sends eyes out to scout the sounds and rooms.
The sounds are first - two stone statues begin to move, with eyes that are glistening emeralds. Human sized and moving far faster than stone should, human shaped as well.
ID check for them?
K:A.
K:A
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+72 : 17 + 72, total 89[/blockquote]
They're improved stone golems. So expect the normal tricks of those, only with more powers and more abilities. Those emeralds almost certainly shot powerful disjoining rays.
Alyssa relays that to the others and gets ready.
Mere guardians.
As Sulia speaks they come forth - 25ft away and closing, coming out from behind the stairs. They move as fast as your eyes saw as...
Init.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+27 : 2 + 27, total 29[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+35 Honeydip
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+30 Sulia
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=7]
Golems won't even roll. Good guys sweep init so open up Iddy. Marshals do things to init, man.
Any check for CL for the magic animating them?
Spellcraft, I suppose.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+89 : 19 + 89, total 108[/blockquote]
25th.
I know golems are immune to a lot of magic, does that include dispels? And is there a counter spell like Disintegration for Wall of Force?
If it targets them directly, generally yes.
As for the second question, elaborate? Like a counter spell for golems?
Well, Disintegrate instantly counters Wall of Force. Is there something like that for the animate golem or whatever spell? I don't know what spell is the cause of the golems to look it up.
There is not.
They're not a spell, they're made more like items and considered creatures. There's no counterspell like that.
Alright, what kind of room layout is there? Like, I can cast Wall of Iron. Is there a way to just block them in with two castings of it and then just ignore them?
You could block the way sure, but you'd also block the way further on the ground floor. You could still take the stairs up.
Could I block the way forward, go up the stairs, block them from behind, then simply fly from the stairs to the other side of the 'box?'
No, though it's possible there's stairs and passages further on that would allow you to go back down and past it. You just can't see from here so you can't verify it.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and taps into her divine power.
Wall of Iron, CL 36.
Quickening both via SDA/Multiaction, blocking the golems in and ignoring them.
The golems are thus blocked.
Sulia head to the stairs and up, "This way," she calls.
Alyssa follows along!
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+64 : 2 + 64, total 66[/blockquote]
You rush up the stairs. Here are many rooms - and you don't see any immediate dangers or servants. How are you going to search this place?
Hmm... I don't know all the spells, but can I use something like Ethereal Jaunt on the Prying Eyes?
If you like.
Alyssa chants a few quick spells!
Alter Reality: Summon Monster 6, SDA Quickened (Multi-Action), CL 36
Using it to summon 1d3 Medium Earth Elementals via SM5.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
Alter Reality: Summon Monster 6, SDA Quickened (Multi-Action), CL 36
Using it to summon 1d3 Medium Earth Elementals via SM5.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]
Alter Reality: Summon Monster 6, CL 36
Using it to summon 1d3 Medium Earth Elementals via SM5.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
Instructions for summons: Open doors and alert us to hostiles.
You open doors - bedrooms, a study, a lounge. All palatal. A library - one that smoke races out from the door when it is opened, flickers of flame glimpsed within.
Alyssa sends the prying eyes into the open rooms to search for anything that might be valuable, useful, or interesting, while walking over to inspect the likely burning room.
'If you can, use your own summons to search for anything that might be useful or valuable and gather it to go through later. Who knows what dealings or plans we may come across; I've already found good information to give allies during the hunt for this place. I'm sure there'll be plenty here.'
Amazingly yes, when you see smoke and fire the room is indeed burning.
Sulia merely glances and the flames quench themselves. "It appears they realized this location was revealed," she decides at last. "We'll gather what we can here."
"Indeed. The more summons we have to scour the area, the more likely we are to find them before they destroy anything else truly useful. Let's get them out and searching before they get away."
Okay, give me a Perception check as well as explain how you're searching and at what pace.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+64 : 16 + 64, total 80[/blockquote]
As for the searching, I'll be using a combination of my Prying Eyes and Summons. I'll likely summon a bunch of Medium Air Elementals since they're likely to be the fastest, and use Telepathic Bond on them, all via Alter Reality since TB is level 5 and SM6 is level6. However the others do it is up to them, but the more, the better and faster.
As for pace, I'd say very quick.
As an aside, is there a teleport blocker in place that I can detect? Basically, I want to call some followers/soldiers to come in behind us and start looting/gathering since Summons are only round/level, and even at 36 that's only like 3 1/2 minutes.
Yes, but you'll find it as you search and can disable it if you want. This is mostly clean up at this point, they clearly cut their losses here.
Then yeah, I'd do that. Look for it and disable it. If they've straight up abandoned this place, I'd be interested in taking it over as an outpost; this being Limbo, I'm sure Alyssa would be able to work out a way to shift its location and then reinforce the defenses. I can populate it with CN servants, I guess. Though you and I still need to sit down and decide exactly what those would best be.
Unless Sulia or Queen want it. If they have interest in it, we can work out some sort of joint outpost?
That's well and good, okay. This is mostly clean up now - do you have anything else related to this IC that needs to be knocked out?
Uh... I don't think so? We went after this as part of the targeted strike to draw out Gargauth, so unless he does something immediately, then yeah, it's just clean up and discussion about what we find, and what Sulia and Queen wanna do next.
Okay, we'll handle that after break. Welcome to level 37, enjoy your level up.