Soulriders 5.0: Legend of the Unending Games

Starting this one OOC as well.

The attack on Lethe itself will be conducted in a straightforward manner so as to keep our forces consolidated, which will allow for a quick retreat should the battle prove untenable or the strike force succeed early on. Any breaches in Lethe's defences will be heavily fortified and widened so as to allow a clean path of retreat at all times while forces led by Jaela will form the vanguard. Smrgol specifically will be tasked with defending Aurora's gates, and he will be accompanied by a pixie of appropriate build dressed up to look like Afina.

Obviously there's a lot of setup. Are you all familiar with what you were told about Lethe before, or do you need a refresher?

First of all, let's go for refreshers! Always good.

As for our action plan/formation/what not, how much do you need provided ooc?

The more the better, usually. Also, there's a question and a choice. On what scale do you want to be involved in this battle? Do you want to be leading a charge on the front line? Commanding in the middle? Overseeing it all in Aurora? Obviously, each PC may make different choices here as well, but that'll help define topics and who is doing what.

Anyway, quote about Lethe incoming.

Quote"Finally, we have Lethe. We know almost nothing of it, for somehow Lixer has made the details of it anathemic knowledge. What we do know is that it is hidden in the Deep Ethereal and that rumor suggests there...there..." Morniel pauses, a murmured prayer spoken aloud, "Oh Zaphkiel, bringer of light, turn away this darkness."

> roll 1d20+33
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+33 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{42}

"Rumor suggests," Each word is a struggle, but Morniel continues. He begins to glow, a golden-white radiance, his words coming softer but clearer. "That Lixer has diverted a tributary of the River Styx there. To what ends are not known, but it may be part of why Lethe is anathemic knowledge."

So the one million gold piece question: How are you going to find a fortress wrapped in anathemic secrecy, when all you know is the plane it supposedly resides on?

Cresiel's been there, he can guide us!

Indeed, that neatly solves that one. Y'all hadn't mentioned how you were getting there so I was wondering.

Aurora will gate over, guided by Cresiel. Half of our forces will be divided under officers as I discussed with Gisfal and Adrian, broken up into squads rather than large armies. The other half will be spread between Aurora defense, lead by Tepen, the vanguard lead by Gisfal (Mirima as second in command) and the reserves lead by Adrian (Hanna as second in command). This specific division will be according to what Gisfal believes is necessary to achieve our main goals of being the most violent distraction possible and keeping Aurora safe.

Candy will be handling telepathic coordination and the backup runners, ridiculously fast, and place herself available to Tepen. Cresiel will also be there, to guard Tepen if need be, and more importantly to provide his input from his knowledge and experience. That information could then be calculated into how our plans change on the go and disseminated to all our commanders more easily than if he were somewhere in the vanguard.

Kascha will be in charge of our healers, and presumably Surraruthru will be bodyguarding (up to Iddy). Similarly, up to Moore if he wants to coordinate buffing efforts or integrate himself with one of the task forces instead. I intend to lead a small taskforce at the vanguard, intent on dealing with powerful enemies that will inevitably show up rather than the actual armies. I believe our armies and commanders are superior to theirs, so as long as I keep the heavy hitters away we should prevail!

For my team, I want Mirajane, Dana and Finnegan. There's an empty spot or two if someone is interested in joining me.

Moore would suggest one of Vivantha and Ebony help out each on the offensive and defensive side of things -- Vivantha is probably better suited to defense? That's of course up to them. Moore is happy wherever -- but I think he's especially helpful on cracking tough nuts, as it were. Of course there's something to be said for bardic music on an army. Ultimately I'm fine with wherever he goes, so maybe just see where everyone else is going before deciding.

I think Cresiel going into a little more depth of what he can remember is important here, so I'll cover that IC.

As everyone prepares, Cresiel is prepped. Balyss and Tepen take him aside and work powerful magics to jog his memory as best they can. When he enters the room where Jaela, Surraruthru, Moore, Adrian, Gisfal and a few others wait, he is clad only in a loincloth. Almost every inch of his skin is covered in one massive arcane diagram and celestial writings. You can spot the names of the Hebdomad about his body, as well as various angelic names, the River Oceanus and Deep Sashelas.

Cresiel's eyes are closed as he walks in and stands before all of you and speaks languidly. "I came on Lomar Mountain on the Deep Ethereal, a great fragment of stone from another plane. I traveled away from it for a time and came on a river. A river black as the Styx, one I followed to Lethe. The devils fight and destroy your mind as you do war there. Memories are lost and you become nothing but a shell. The air is thick with mist from the river. Lethe itself is..."

> roll 1d20+9
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=9]

"I do not remember, only that it sits astride the river."

"Before we get into how we could defend against the effect, were the only memories damaged those of the deep ethereal? Or do you feel other holes in them, trailing back farther?"

"Just the Deep Ethereal," Morniel replies.

"Ahem," Elder Magi Tepen clears his throat, "A brief explanation of anathemic knowledge. Anathemic knowledge is knowledge that cannot be remembered or recorded. The nature of the knowledge or something about it makes it a self-perpetuating secret. There is an excellent example of such in the library, though the details naturally escape me. Mortal magic is generally ineffective at stopping the memory loss, though each instance seems to have slightly different rules or ways to mitigate it."

Tepen pauses to clear his throat again, "Anathemic knowledge is usually self contained. It's not like a curse that attacks the greater memory, but something that cannot be properly remembered. While sometimes associated with the Styx, it is not a property of evil. It is known to us that some of the Arch-Angels of Elysium use it, though I do not recall which ones at this time. In this case, it seems to be tied to the River Styx. As such, I would recommend means of stopping the Styx as a first line of defense. Mind Blank can provide protection to typical Styx water, but there are many places where the waters are stronger and may be able to erode that defense."

Tepen pauses to fetch a glass of water nearby, a sip before he continues. "That's the greatest difficulty of defending against the Styx. It inevitably wears away and erodes any defenses. A hero may resist a brief fall into the Styx, but staying in too long will doom even the most willful champion. I would recommend strong defenses and regularly rotating soldiers back into Aurora."

"That works with our combat model," Jaela muses. "We'll have to see how the rotation of the squad goes, and stipulate they renew their defenses regardless of duration spent outside." Nodding to herself, she decides to change the topic. "Alright, how do we stop the Styx? If Lixer diverted a branch of it, then it must be possible somehow. Ideas?"

Anathemic knowledge? Moore furrows his brow. Is that what he remembers -- or doesn't remember?

"Do you think people inside Aurora will be safe from its effects?" Moore asks.

"I could speculate," Tepen says, "But do bear in mind that it is only speculation. I would guess some sort of dimensional fissure or portal, or otherwise evoking the Styx in the Deep Ethereal. With Lixer's resources, I am hesitant to commit, because he may have something we simply cannot predict. If it is a portal, it is simple enough to find it and destroy it. If not, we will need to know more before taking action."

"What about scouts? How were you first detected, Cresiel? I'm trying to get a measure of when we'll be spotted if we gated to Lomar Mountain, rather than to the closest spot you can remember."

"I was a ways away. Days," Cresiel says in deep contemplation. "It was not fast."

"So it seems that our options are trying to follow the river the other way in hopes of a portal to disrupt or something to divert it with, or ignoring that problem altogether and forcing battle on Lethe directly?" Jaela summarizes. "The former would be a major victory, even should we avoid combat, but we can't guarantee success and it might be time consuming. Days of travel for Cresiel would stretch far more at Aurora's speed. The latter is self-explanatory." Looking over those gathered for the final planning, she says, "I'd like to hear from you."

"I vote for going for Lethe. Cut off the serpent's head and the body dies," Adrian says.

Gisfal hmms slightly, "I think trying to find the source is wiser. We can't afford to be overwhelmed here, and we lack any true element of surprise no matter our options."

"What if I deployed my team to search for the source?" Jaela muses. "After 21, I'm the one best suited to bring any devil portal down."

"Hm, hm, yes, that's advisable. I'd also advise taking Sylvie,' Tepen speaks up, "We've been studying the mind and memory, and we've speculated on how the Styx and 21 would interact. Would merely carrying it grant immunity?"

Yes, why settle for second best, Jaela thinks with a frown. "Okay, let's swap Dana for her. Dana would be happier busting heads, so put her with Ebony for extra protection there." They'll just catch up properly another chance. There will be other battles.

"How about Rosa or Ellese?" Jaela asks Tepen. "I could see arguments where their unique skills might come in handy." And actually, did they ever consider using something with the effects of the Styx to help with difficult experiences? Maybe they should.

"Rosa...perhaps not, after her recent experience," Adrian says, glancing over at Tepen. "Elder Magi?"

"I think that comes down to her choice. As for Ellese, yes. Her unique nature may give her resistance or even immunity to the Styx." Tepen replies.

"Extend the invitation, Old Man," Jaela tells him with a grin. "Make sure to tie Mirajane to Candy and to the rest of us telepathically, too." She claps her hands. "I think we're about done here. Cresiel, I need you to describe the spot where you first chanced upon the river, which way you went and just to confirm that you were heading downstream. I'll use that as my entry point, while you guide the Aurora to Lethe itself."

With the buffs I can give out, I think Surraruthru would be more useful in supporting the assault or defense teams, unless you think the healers are going to be targeted heavily.

"I think if we're trying to make a lasting impression with the army, then I would probably be best served providing that support." Moore says. "Although I'm sure my talents could be used if Miss Jaela's team runs into anything, I'll end up making a bigger impact the more people I can affect."

Go for assault?

That is the idea, yes. Just don't run into anything with 100+ AC this time.

Sounds like we're good. Copy/paste the plan for me and also list who is going where, so I can set up threads as needed.

The attack on Lethe itself will be conducted in a straightforward manner so as to keep our forces consolidated, which will allow for a quick retreat should the battle prove untenable or the strike force succeed early on. Any breaches in Lethe's defences will be heavily fortified and widened so as to allow a clean path of retreat at all times while forces led by Jaela will form the vanguard. Smrgol specifically will be tasked with defending Aurora's gates, and he will be accompanied by a pixie of appropriate build dressed up to look like Afina.

Aurora will gate over to Lethe, guided by Cresiel. Half of our forces will be divided under officers as I discussed with Gisfal and Adrian, broken up into squads rather than large armies. The other half will be spread between Aurora defense, lead by Tepen, the vanguard lead by Gisfal (Mirima as second in command) and the reserves lead by Adrian (Hanna as second in command). This specific division will be according to what Gisfal believes is necessary to achieve our main goals of being the most violent distraction possible and keeping Aurora safe. Moore and Surraruthru would be in the vanguard lead by Gisfal.

Candy will be handling telepathic coordination and the backup runners, ridiculously fast, and place herself available to Tepen. Cresiel will also be there, to guard Tepen if need be, and more importantly to provide his input from his knowledge and experience. That information could then be calculated into how our plans change on the go and disseminated to all our commanders more easily than if he were somewhere in the vanguard. Kascha will be in charge of our healers, and Rosa is to be assigned as her bodyguard if she is able of taking to the field. Ebony will be tasked with supporting Aurora's defenses, under Tepen.

Jaela will lead a small taskforce towards the tributary of the Styx, as far upstream as Cresiel managed to remember and describe. Our goal will be to try and disrupt the portal allowing the river to be diverted to the deep ethereal or, barring that, to perhaps divert it away from Letha. We will be in telepathic communication with Mirajane, who will also be linked with Candy to maintain contact with the Aurora forces. The others on the team are Sylvie, Finnegan and Ellese.

Okay. I'll keep Moore and Surraruthru in here and put Jaela in a new thread. That one's incoming along with the next post here.

Fog.

The first thing Surraruthru and Moore see of the Deep Ethereal. Gisfal stands at the head of the vanguard, calling out as you approach Aurora's gates. "The fog of the Deep Ethereal limits vision. Stay within sight of your allies," he instructs, while Mirima flies behind him. Your forces are moving on out, lillends followed by well trained human martial artists and eladrin.

Go ahead and set yourselves up, you two.

Moore nods. "It may not be a bad idea for some of our spellcasters to occasionally cast Lay of the Land to make sure we're going in the right direction, or perhaps once we cross over... although that spell may be dangerous to use where we're going." Moore shakes his head. "I can do it, if necessary."

Statblock Cheatsheet

Surraruthru nods.

"I'll empower everyone before we hit the target directly. I can cast some very powerful spells on us, but they have limited duration. I'll focus on counter spelling and strategic strikes after."

"Be ready with that," Mirima says, "Dragon, make sure to counter evil spells in particular. Some of our angelic allies can only be slain by them."

Moore nods. "Sure."

From here Aurora advances, Cresiel at the gate and leading the way. He peers ahead into the fog and raises a hand, "Stop, we approach and the forces of evil rouse. We will crush them."

"Hear that? Time to make a difference," Gisfal smiles, readying his blade. He points ahead, "Out now in good order. For Lifasa!"

"FOR LIFASA!" The cry echos amid Aurora's forces as forces pour out.

Chance to do anything to prep or just go with the flow of the coming army battle.

Moore's going to wait for the battle to start to start doing his thing, all his other stuff is prepped in advance via the arch and so on.

Surraruthru connects his Tapestry to the other big name heroes in the group: Grisfal, Mirimia, Moore, and five squad leaders. Once connected, he begins pouring his magical power into the Tapestry, empowering them all.

Surraruthru and Moore take position in the back as they weave spells. Lillend are around and behind you, while Gisfal and Mirima lead human martial artists and eladrin forward.

Ahead you can see figures coming out from the fog, distance making everything hazy. But you can hear them more - battle cries as they face off against inhuman things, the warshouts of devils in infernal. Throughout it Gisfal's voice booms, "Hold the line and support the troops," he commands, "Bardic music, now!"

Act as you please, you two. You're in the back and away from combat at the moment. Crappy visibility makes what's going on ahead iffy at best.

Surraruthru uses his Wand of Battlemagic Perception on himself while waiting for things to really kick off.

Stat Block:

With that said, Moore starts his routine.

"Everyone!" He calls out into the area, as magic begins to envelop him and he puts a hand to his chest. "Today we show all of Creation what Aurora is made of! Show them our courage!" His words boom across the battlefield, as he hopes it reaches all of their soldiers.

He's casting Harmonize (allows Bardic music to be started with a movement action) and Inspire Courage. He's also activating the Badge of Valor for more Inspire Courage bonuses.

Total bonus is +16, with fey and plants getting +18. That is to hit, damage and saves against charm and fear.


Statblock Cheatsheet

Music and spells cross the battlefield as combat is joined. You can hear the clash of arms and see the flashes of magic. "Forward, the devils can't stop us like this!" Mirima cries as your forces begin to steadily advance.

"Yes, and watch the rear. Surraruthru, Moore, keep the music going as long as you can pile on more spells!" Gisfal calls back. "Keep an eye on our rear, too!'

Surraruthru throws out another spell to boost the combat abilities of those around him!

Giving targeting priority to those attached to the tapestry first, but it's 1/level and my CL is 27, so apply it on down the line.
Level 10:
Celestial Valor: CL 27, Duration 27 minutes,  Each target of this spell gains a +8 sacred bonus to saving throws against fear and any emotion based effect that would sap the will to fight, such as calm emotions or crushing despair. In addition, celestial valor grants a +4 sacred bonus to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class and saving throws. Finally, any weapon they use counts as a holy weapon for the duration, granting 2d6 extra damage against evil targets. This does not stack if the weapon already has the holy special property.

"Show them our courage and our determination!" Moore calls as he moves with the group.

He's maintaining Inspire Courage for right now since the other songs require more specific targets. He'll also add Destined Strike into the mix, which is +3 to weapon attack and damage and +11 to threat confirmation for crits. He's also got his marshal aura active, so add +11 to dex-based checks and initiative for anyone close enough to him.

Spells and music fly out. The lillend fling spells and music along with the group, armor and shielding your allies. A tremendous surge is followed by the fog-hidden battle ahead shifting, your forces advancing amid the din of war. The shrieks of devils cut down and sent back to Baator is a constant refrain as your forces march.

"Stay sharp, these are merely triflings," Gisfal calls, "Left and right wings, surge and replace as needed!" Surges of golden and white light flash amid the fog, along with flashes of red fire. As your army presses, Aurora slowly advances behind you. Meanwhile, wounded troops stagger back, calls of, "Healers!" and "Help us get back and rotate others out!" by the wounded and those that carry them when needed. Runners race out and help them, Kascha's phoenix cry heard distantly amid the din of war.

Make spot checks, you two.

[22:00] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+34 spot
[22:00] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 48 > [d20=14]

> roll 1d20+31 Spot
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 50 > [d20=19]
Dunno if any additional bonuses apply.

Both of you can notice tiny black droplets of water in the air. Like drizzle, but floating around rather than falling. So small that it's easy to miss in the fog, but your sharp eyes caught it.

Surraruthru tries to identify what it is.. A spell or something else...

Moore does likewise!

K:P, Surraruthru. +3 circumstance bonus.  You as well, Moore.

> roll 1d20+34+3 K:P
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 56 > [d20=19]

[22:06] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40 K:P
[22:06] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 57 > [d20=17]

It looks like tiny droplets of Styx-water. Not in a quantity to be overly dangerous, at least in theory, but it's there.

Is that more or less an expected hazard considering where they are?

Possibly, but not confirmed.

Moore frowns and takes a moment to pass the information on. "Sir Gisfal -- in the air around us are small droplets of black Styxian water. I do not know if it will have an effect on us or if there's anything we can do, but there it is." He calls out.

Any K or Spellcraft I can roll to figure out a counter?

As you shout, an elf in light armor approaches from Aurora, "Sir," he greets, "If you have a message to pass to General Gisfal, a runner like myself can pass it on."

K:N, I suppose.

> roll 1d20+34 K:N
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 46 > [d20=12]

"Let him know that there's black droplets of Styx water in the air around us and see if he wants some of the mages to see if there's anything we can do about it." Moore passes on. He takes a breath to continue his harrowing and rousing of inspiration.

Surraruthru thinks. A wind can move rain in a direction, though a wind strong enough would likely interfere with the attacking force. Perhaps enough heat to cause the droplets to evaporate, but that sort of heat would be dangerous to the army.

The runner nods and takes off.

Quick chance for Surraruthru to act if he has an idea here.

Anything I can do with a dispel?

If you can locate and identify a spell behind it, perhaps. Feel free to make a Spellcraft check if you're using detect magic.

"Moore, if you can identify the spell or the source of it, I may be able to dispel or counter spell it."

Moore nods and tries to detect if there's magic around them and in those droplets!

Take 10 on Spellcraft for 47.

There's a lot of magic here, taking some effort to sift through - and it's all Aurora's enchantments. No sign of whatever's causing the rain. However, you're briefly lost in the study. The greater mage armors, the weakest spell, are starting to change. Some of the magic just isn't doing what it sound, standing idle and lost, the spell ever so slowly starting to unravel. It won't collapse immediately, but everyone's greater mage armor from the arch will eventually collapse. Spells with higher power** seem okay so far, or so little damaged that you can't immediately discern it.

*Lowest caster level, to be clear OOC.
* Higher caster level than greater mage armor's 5.

Moore frowns at that. "Surraruthru -- I think the droplets are slowly starting to erode our spells. It's affecting the weakest ones first. I can't really explain to you how it's doing that, but... it stands to reason, with what we know about Styx, that it would have this kind of impact. Can you find a runner and get word of that to Gisfal? I'm going to focus on maintaining everyone's spirits, since I think that will remain unaffected by this." Moore explains to him.

Surraruthru frowns.

"We need to find the source of it and end it."

"I think it's just an effect of this place. See if Gisfal has anyone who can help us identify it while I maintain our fighting force." Moore says.

"Runner! Tell Grisfal to assign someone to hunt down the source of that spell. In the mean time, we'll start staggering our spells to cover any that fail."

"Yes, let Gisfal know the weaker spells and protections are being affected first, but it may get worse!" Moore calls out as he resumes his duties to keep their main force motivated!

Your army advances and a runner comes back, "Gisfal agrees and orders you to keep the army's magic up as you can."

Moore nods and continues to focus on that!

He's going to keep maintaining Inspire Courage -- I'm not really sure what the rules on that are, but that's the focus. He may need to take a break for his voice at some point, I'd guess?

Surraruthru keeps watch on the battle, trying to judge where additional support is needed.

I'm basically just watching the flow of the battle and looking for failing spells. I've got a fair bit of blasting power ready if there are any big threats.

Okay. Surraruthru, how are you going to look for failing spells, precisely?

Well, since I don't have detect magic, I'll just watch for portions of the battle lines having trouble, and just focus on that, or ask Moore to check out the spells there.

Okay. Moore, how long does that bardic music as a move action thing last?

1/m level, or 24 minutes.

The army advances on. A little farther, something glimpsed in the fog ahead. Some sort of dark building, shadows and covered by the ever-present fog. Then great blasts of force and water are seen ahead, along with more devil battle cries. "Hold the line, we're hitting the outer rim of the defenses," Gisfal's voice booms over everything. Meanwhile, you can notice the black droplets are growing more common in the air, thicker.

Surraruthru clicks his tongue at the droplets.

"Alright, this is going to be a common thing. We really need to find a counter to those droplets. It's just going to erode our ability to fight."

All around you lillend fan out and sing, covering the grounds in addition to Moore's song. As they do, a runner comes up from Aurora, a lantern archon that bobs in the air, "Sirs," he says to you, barely stopping, "Aurora's been flanked. Be wary of devil maneuvering, there seem to be more than one combat group capable of extremely rapid movement." He then turns and runs off towards the front.

The effect is probably more pronounced, and they're just standing out here in it... ugh.

Moore will call a runner over at that. "Please inform Sir Gisfal the concentration of water is worse here. We should start rotating if we can. That's probably their plan, to just wait us out in this awful nonsense." He then turns to his dragon friend, "Surraruthru, do you have magic that can control the weather, or water? I mean, this nonsense -is- made of water..."

"Hm. High mobility. We'll have to task some more lookouts and scouts. They'll try and smash our formation apart after the droplets have worn away our magics. They only have to hold a defensive line until then. A good strategy, and requires a minimal amount of effort and risk on their part. Unless we can draw them into over extending, then we'll have to hit really hard really fast, and very soon."

Surraruthru considers...

Could water elementals do something about the droplets? Spellcraft or K:P for that?

K:P.

> roll 1d20+34 K:P
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 35 > [d20=1]

As you consider, you see a few martial artists being led back. Staggered and blank-eyed, seemingly incoherent at best. A few at first then a steady trickle, armored knights and griffons racing out to replace them. "Rotate, rotate! Mentally injured, amnesic!" You hear those cries as they race back, runners hurrying back and forth frantically.

Surraruthru considers. They could help some, but not a lot. You'd need a really strong elemental to do it on a wide scale, like a primal water elemental.

"An elemental could help, but it'd have to be an exceedingly powerful one. I don't have the ability to summon anything near that strength... We should check on those coming back."

With that, Surraruthru heads over to gather information about what kind of forces the army is encountering and what kind of damage and attacks they've sustained.

Where precisely are you heading over to?

Where the Martial Artists are trickling through, looking for anyone of authority from their unit.

Wait a minute... water? ...Of course!

Moore takes a breath and casts Snowsong -- designating all of the droplets as his enemies to see what kind of effect the spell has.

Wouldn't work. You designate creatures as enemies or allies, and the droplets are (probably) not creatures.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Okay let me come up with a different idea then.

Moore will call a runner over, then. "We need some magic that can either blow the droplets away from us without hampering our army or freeze them solid."

"Understood, sir. I'll pass it along." Meanwhile you see them flying in from above - devils. A lillend points out, "Another combat group! Be ready!" They're coming in from above like a hurled javelin, right at the support line the two of you are a part of. Masses of spinagons, lead by hulking malebranche and supported by erinyes.

Init here.

[13:05] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+31 moore
[13:05] <Rei-chan> Nephrite rolled : 1d20+31 moore --> [ 1d20=9 ]{40}

As a reminder everyone within 60ft gets +11 on the init check

Thanks. Since Iddy's at work and would ask you to do anyway if he peeked on, could you roll init for Surraruthru?

[13:18] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+23 Surru
[13:18] <Rei-chan> Nephrite rolled : 1d20+23 Surru --> [ 1d20=2 ]{25}

> roll 1d20+9 devil army forces
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+9 devil army forces --> [ 1d20=9 ]{18}
> roll 1d20+7 aurora forces
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+7 aurora forces --> [ 1d20=1 ]{8}
> OOC: +11 to that from Moore for a total of 19.

Init is Moore (40) > Surraruthru (25) > Aurora Forces (19) > Devil Forces (18)

Open Moore.

Is Harmonize still in play?

It is.

"Hold strong, friends! Don't worry about us, we can handle ourselves -- just strike these foes down!" Moore shouts, his words echoing with a sudden divine clarity across the battlefield.

Wonderful!

He's going to use Inspire Courage again as his move, activate the Badge of Valor again with an immediate, and then use his standard for Destined Strike.

So +16 to attack and weapon damage (+2 more for fey) and saves against charm and fear. +3 to attack and damage rolls, Improved Crit feat and +11 on the threat confirmation.

IN ADDITION, everyone within 60 ft gains +2 on the attack rolls and +2 to DCs to CL.

So, all together, it's a total of +21 to attack rolls, +19 to damage rolls.


Statblock Cheatsheet

Fantastic. Surraruthru's up. I'll describe both your actions when his resolves. Go Surraruthru.

Surraruthru begins chanting and pulls back, before launching a Hellball at the incoming devils!

Firing off Hellball, level 10 spell. CL 27, I believe.

Great. Roll damage.

> roll 10d6 fire
> roll 10d6 sonic
> roll 10d6 acid
> roll 10d6 electricity
<Serith> Rhaqa roll for Serith < 36 > [d6=4,1,2,1,3,6,6,5,5,3]
<Serith> Rhaqa roll for Serith < 34 > [d6=4,2,1,3,5,3,4,5,4,3]
<Serith> Rhaqa roll for Serith < 37 > [d6=5,3,1,2,4,6,6,1,5,4]
<Serith> Rhaqa roll for Serith < 36 > [d6=1,3,4,6,6,4,4,1,1,6]

> roll 1d20+10 spinagons evasion
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 17 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+20 malebranche
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 28 > [d20=8]

The spinagons where the spell bursts are simply gone - vaporized in the elemental fury. The malebranche are frozen, shocked and shaken, blasted on all sides by elemental power. There is now a large gap in the enemy formation, dozens of tightly packed spinagons massacred.

Following this is shouts of power - sonic blasts with hit other parts of the line and some of the malebranche as well. The lillend begin to move, responding to the threat. A few hold the line to protect the others as a malebranche is overwhelmed and a few more spinagons fly. The unit ahead is bloodied, battered but intact and charges.  Two of the malebranche divert towards the two of you, one on each of you.

> roll 1d20+24 (+2 charge, +2 ????, +1 ????, +4 ????, -17 PA) going for the homerun Moore
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 34 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+24 (+2 charge, +2 ????, +1 ????, +4 ????, -17 PA) going for the homerun Surraruthru
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 34 > [d20=10]

Misses Surraruthru. Moore, what's your AC?

47

Moore is too fast. He avoids the trident - the near miss of cold iron when it comes close makes him shudder - as the devil bears down on him, threatening the entire line. Surraruthru merely utters a word of power, his greater mage armor flaring up and covering him in impenetrable fields of force. It stops the attack cold, protecting him. Meanwhile around you the lillend fight. Generally well, holding the line, though you see one impaled and torn in half at the hands of a malebranche, half hidden by the fog.

"Retreat!" You hear the words as you begin to see the front lines falling back. "Hold and fall back!"

Moore.

"Erathaol lends us his strength!" Moore calls out as he moves slowly backwards with the forces.

Recitation, Allies gain a +2 luck bonus on attack rolls and saving throws, or a +3 luck bonus if they worship Erathaol. Enemies suffer a -2 luck penalty on attack rolls and saving throws. 13 rounds.

Moore, you have a malebranche right in your face. Moving back will provoke an AoO from it.

That's fine. In fact, he can deal with some Greater Mirror Images if he wants to try and go after me. :)

> roll 1d20+22 (+2 ????, +1 ????, +4 ????, -17 PA)
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+22 (+2 ????, +1 ????, +4 ????, -17 PA) --> [ 1d20=12 ]{34}
> How many images, Erad?
<Erad> Oh sorry, it's 8
> roll 1d9
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d9 --> [ 1d9=1 ]{1}

Swing and a miss. Go ahead, Surraruthru. You're up now. I'll describe your entire side's actions once you resolve.

Surraruthru stares at the malebranche headed for him and chants, opening his mouth and releasing a massive blast of sound!

Using Greater Shout, CL 27. I'll angle the cone to hit the one going for Moore too, if I can do so without hitting friendlies.

> roll 10d6
<Rei-chan> Rhaqa rolled : 10d6 --> [ 10d6=40 ]{40}

SR. Since Iddy's at work, can someone roll SR for him?

[19:22] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+27 for Iddy
[19:22] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+27 for Iddy --> [ 1d20=17 ]{44}

Init is Moore (40) > Surraruthru (25) > Aurora Forces (19) > Devil Forces (18)

Your shout shatters more devils, the malebranche in front of you taking the worst of it. But he's still up, battered and all. The shout peels his ears away, blood falling down the sides of his head. Then - refrains. Music is sung and repeated, spinagons falling back in disarray as further forces arrive. The vanguard! They're falling back, elements in a running battle you can only indistinctly see through the fog.

If anything, the chaos increases. The battle is messy, out of control. The devil on Surraruthru withdraws, falling back nimbly into the fog, avoiding and parrying blows aimed at it as it does. The one on Moore does the same, managing to skewer a lillend that tries to stop it.

Free act for the moment, you two.

Moore will just wait for now, but will raise his voice for healing the battered wounds of those around and nearby.

Using Healing Hymn for now to help people recover as we start to advance towards the rear, as it were. 27 ranks in perform.

So noted. Iddy?

Surraruthru takes a moment to survey the lines, trying to figure out a way to stabilize things and focus the units once more.

It's a mess. Parts have devils being held back or menacing, while others are clear. The vanguard's beginning to reach you and falling back, adding even more chaos. The soldiers are holding reasonably well, but it's up close combat with a fallback as well. Orderly and stabilizing isn't easy. Best as you can figure, eliminating devils will help, since they're the real problem.

How close is the biggest clump of fighting? Could I strafe the middle to back of the devils there without ripping apart friendlies?

30ft away. You'd hit at least a few friendlies - it's just getting too compacted with the vanguard falling back.

Surraruthru decides to follow suit with Moore and uses his ability to summon creatures to help provide a little on-the-spot healing.

Using Summon Nature's Ally IV to summon a Unicorn to do a little healing.

Okay, you have a unicorn. What spell or ability is it using?

A unicorn can use cure light wounds three times per day.
That for now, unless there's someone who's seriously hurt. Then it's got a 1/day cure moderate.

Okay, cool. Roll it.

[10:57] <Nephrite> roll 3#1d8+5+27
[10:58] <Rei-chan> Nephrite rolled : 3#1d8+5+27 --> [ 1d8=7 ]{39}, [ 1d8=5 ]{37}, [ 1d8=3 ]{35}

Wounds are healed as you fall back. The vanguard arrives, Gisfal leading them as you sweep devils away. "Back, back, back," His commands echo as you all retreat. Everyone's falling back as the lillend and all of you are surrounded by allies, steadily falling back to Aurora.

Moving you all over to Jaela's thread.