Okay, you're commanding the sewer force now. How are you going to run this rodeo?
Same basic idea as before. Whatever Courre I have left will scout with Earth and Waters moving behind. I'll give direction off of my mental map prioritizing finding the people but having the scouts check the off-map caverns as we go. Since we're in the center of the city, we'll just hit whatever's closest at the moment then work our way around in a circular pattern.
Cool. How hands on are you going to be? Front line and fighting or more commanding and letting the troops work?
Mostly command. Back side of the front line so I can respond to threats.
The first few rooms are cleared out - just a few collaborators. The third is a hidden room without anyone, and as you look into it, you see i'ts full of weapons and supplies. "Hi sir," A courre flutters in the air next to you, "Look at all this! We found an intact supply room! What should we do with it?"
"Leave a couple here to monitor it, I'll report it on up. It's likely to be consolidated for the rebuilding effort. Let's continue on; if you have anyone come for it that's not Aurora, your primary concern is survival. Secondary is to track and report whoever it is."
'Tepen, we've come across a supply cache. I've left a few Courre with it to secure it, but we need someone to collect it for distribution for the survivors.'
'Confirm these questions if possible. What quality is the equipment? Are there magical items?' Tepen sends back.
As a note I do I have Detect Magic running, and for Spellcraft I'll take 10 for 47 if need be.
Surraruthru inspects the equipment to get answers for Tepen!
Most of it's non magical. There's a few magic weapons, some armor and what looks to be a cache of potions and scrolls amid the supplies.
Surraruthru passes this along, but does take the time to inspect the few magical items for more details to pass to Tepen so he can redirect them immediately if they're needed somewhere.
I don't need a whole thing on the gear, you can just loot post it or whatever. Just due diligence on cataloguing for Tepen.
It's mostly low grade stuff and will be tallied into the final army loot as needed. Nothing that stands out. It's a useful supply cache, but hardly a source of powerful treasures.
If it's just due diligence I won't go into it unless you want the details. Things like a longsword+1, potion of cure moderate wounds, scroll of web and so on.
Nah, just as long as Tepen knows those details so he can do whatever he needs to with the cache.
'Agreed,' Tepen sends, 'Good hunting down there.'
Surraruthru continues to the next location with the scouts!
> roll 1d100
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=97 ]{97}
> roll 1d100 uh oh subtables
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 uh oh subtables --> [ 1d100=32 ]{32}
You're just going out when suddenly an overwhelming roar sounds, echoing amid the caverns, the sound of it overwhelmingly loud and painful. It sounds like nothing you've heard before, a bellow of pure fury echoed over and over again.
Fort.
> roll 1d20+28 Fort
<Rei-chan> Iddy rolled : 1d20+28 Fort --> [ 1d20=17 ]{45}
You endure that sounds as other scouts do not. Some fall over and others cry and hold their head.
It hardly matters as your blood races. Your heart soars. You know what that sound is after a moment.
It's a dragon's roar. A roar of challenge.
Surraruthru feels it deep. Deep in his chest, pouring from his heart and washing over him like a tidal wave. How dare another challenge him? This will not stand.
Breathing deep, he lets loose his own roar, doing his utmost to pump his own magic and power into it as he bellows his response, trying to make it last as long as the challenging roar, at the very least.
Once the draconic rage is emptied from him into the roar, the haze over him goes with it, giving him a chance to think and respond. With it comes a plan..
'Tepen. There's another dragon here. Haven't seen it yet, but it just challenged me. The Courre with me couldn't withstand the challenge. I'm going.'
Before setting off, he focuses on his Tapestry, releasing the stored magic in it, and then begins to cast new spells into the Quisecent Weaving.
Couple things here. Right now, these are the spells I have from my Reaving Dispel of the Pit Fiend and that I cast on myself during Time Stop:
Mind Blank (CL20), Freedom of Movement (CL20), Superior Resistance (CL20), See Invisibility (CL20), True Seeing (CL20), Death Ward (CL20), Bear's Endurance (CL20), Owl's Wisdom (CL20), Eagle's Splendor (CL20), Barkskin (CL20), Greater Mage Armor (CL20), Might of the Planetar (CL26), Celestial Valor (CL 29), Greater Heroism (CL26), Shield (CL29), Spell Turning (CL29), Duelward (CL29)
Freedom of Movement, Death Ward, Bear's Endurance, Owl's Wisdom, Eagle's Splendor, Barkskin, Might of the Planetar, Celestial Valor, Greater Heroism, Duelward, and Shield all have round, 1 or 10 minutes/level duration. What's expired?
Casting these spells into Quiescent Weaving:
Might of the Planetar (CL26), Dimension Jumper (CL26), Haste (CL26), Duelward (CL29)
'Understood. Be careful,' Tepen sends. 'Call for reinforcements if you need them.'
Death ward, the three stat boosters, might of the planetar, celestial valor, duelward and shield are expired.
"Scouts, retreat until you can recover. Take those that can't move with you. Elementals, guard them just in case, but I want a small group of Earth and Water elementals to follow me as a guard. Stay in the walls and in the water, and stay clear of the fight, if there's going to be one. Your main job is to make sure this whole place doesn't collapse and destroys the city above."
With that, Surraruthru starts flying towards the challenge, pulling up his innate invisibility power as he goes.
Surraruthru
HP: 282/347
AC: 53 =38+4+5+6 (Def/Barkskin/GMA)
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch Atk: 37, ATK/Damage: +4,
Active: Mind Blank (CL20), Freedom of Movement (CL20), Superior Resistance +6 Saves (CL20), See Invisibility (CL20), True Seeing (CL20), Barkskin (CL20), Greater Mage Armor (CL20), Spell Turning (CL29), See Invisibility (CL20), True Seeing (CL20), Greater Heroism (CL26)
Passive: Improved Evasion, Diamond Body, True Seeing, Detect Magic
Moderate School Esoterica: If you are subject to a spell that has a partial or half effect on a successful save, you suffer no adverse effect if you successfully save.
Going to try and follow the sound then?
Yup.
Listen check then.
Take 10 for 46.
You think you can follow it. Ahead, to the left and down that path, you think.
Surraruthru follows cautiously, fighting another dragon in an area that, at the very least, they've prepared is always more dangerous. And if it's this... whatever's lair, even worse.
As an aside, is there any chance I can identify the dragon type by the sound of the roar? Some kinda knowledge check or something?
K:A. Hard check though.
> roll 1d20+40+4 K:A/GH Gimmie a 20 ya damn cat
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 45 > [d20=1]
You aren't sur-!!!
All of reality flashes white. There is a violent shaking, everything trembling. A howl comes from afar, like a vast creature crying out.
"Elementals, do what you can to stabilize the area!"
'Tepen, this whole area is shaking like an Earthquake. White flash and something howling.'
Can I tell if the howl came from the same source as the dragon roar?
'Multiple reports, hold on and hold position,' Tepen commands, as the elementals do just that.
Winds blow through the tunnel, a woman's voice declaring, "Return to Hell or die!"
Surraruthru holds position for a moment, letting the winds slice around him, feeling restless...
'... Tepen, I think I should keep going on. I get the feeling whatever dragon is down here may not be what I thought. That voice just sent wind through the sewers. That means at least a portion of the power backing it is down here, I think... I'm going to keep going, but I'll keep in the shadows and be careful.'
With that, Surraruthru keeps going towards the sound of the dragon roar and winds, using every bit of stealth he can.
Can I take 10 on the hide/move silently checks?
'Surraruthru,' Tepen sends, 'I've received word this is the result of Semyaza, Alicia and Syala crossing blades. All forces have succeeded faster than anticipated, the battle for Benfal has begun earlier than expected. All possible forces, refugees and prisoners are being returned to Aurora with all haste, as conditions will continue to deteriorate. The battle of deities and an archdevil on the Prime will bring about apocalyptic conditions.'
Surraruthru contemplates for a moment, considering his nature, where he is, the roar and voices, and Seira.
'... Tepen, I'm continuing. I have Gate prepared. If need be, I'll go back to the Cauldron for evacuation. I have... an unusual feeling that I need to continue and find the source of this. I'll send the elementals back unless they volunteer to stay, but I think this is something I'm supposed to do.
... If I die, give all my things to Kascha.'
With that, he continues forward.
Surraruthru
HP: 282/347
AC: 53 =38+4+5+6 (Def/Barkskin/GMA)
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch Atk: 37, ATK/Damage: +4,
Active: Mind Blank (CL20), Freedom of Movement (CL20), Superior Resistance +6 Saves (CL20), See Invisibility (CL20), True Seeing (CL20), Barkskin (CL20), Greater Mage Armor (CL20), Spell Turning (CL29), See Invisibility (CL20), True Seeing (CL20), Greater Heroism (CL26)
Passive: Improved Evasion, Diamond Body, True Seeing, Detect Magic
Moderate School Esoterica: If you are subject to a spell that has a partial or half effect on a successful save, you suffer no adverse effect if you successfully save.
'Very well, General Afina has signed off on this. Good luck,' Tepen sends to you.
Just trying to track down the roar?
Yep. I have suspicions about what's going on, so I want to track down the roar.
You fly through the tunnels as fast as you can. They shake and quake before you as you fly on, earthquakes shaking everything around you. As you fly along you hear another roar, closer. You're getting closer, you just know it.
It's then that the wall to your left bursts open, ice lined with purple fire exploding out in a jagged rain. A fiendish voice screams in pain from all around you.
Reflex save.
> roll 1d20+29 Reflex
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 45 > [d20=16]
You dodge and roll ahead, avoiding it as you fly along. You dive into the waters and down as a hunk of ceiling falls, emerging up past it safely. Around a corner, hurrying as you see part of the walls ahead melting into a rainbow colored slurry, before shifting into unusual geometric patterns. It hurts to look too closely at them.
Another dragon's roar. Closer. You're getting closer as the apocalypse unfolds around you. It's just ahead, you think, as the water in the tunnel boils away in an instant, leaving behind a black crust on the now dry tunnels.
Surraruthru continues cautiously, believing more and more his suspicions are correct, maintaining both stealth and cover as much as he can, keeping on his toes for more magical surprises as he inspects the magical forces happening around him.
Checking for magical instability or twisting of spells so I can be ready for it if I need to cast or something.
Detect magic-ing? Make Spellcraft if so.
Yes, detect magic. Need someone to roll for me. Dunno how the forum roll works. Need to learn later.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+37 : 7 + 37, total 44[/blockquote]
The magic around here is going wild. There's a chance any spell cast could react in unpredictable ways.
Surraruthru makes a mental note of it and continues on cautiously.
Reality shakes. Everything is moving around you, shuddering as if in seizure. Ahead, a passage down into natural earth. Slain collaborators lie about, bodies broken.
Surraruthru keeps an eye out for any items of use as he goes, using the bodies as cover to hide as he continues down.
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 62 > [d100=62]
As you go, a large hunk of ceiling breaks loose, plunging down in your direction.
Spot check for your lookin' and a Reflex save for the place starting to fall apart around you.
> roll 1d20+36 Spot
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 38 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+29 Ref
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 46 > [d20=17]
Good thing I rolled them in that order.
You don't see anything useful as you land and leap back, avoiding being crushed by falling stone. Another roar from below, loud and close.
Surraruthru crawls around the boulder, approaching as stealthily as he can.
Hide and Move Silently checks. +20 bonus to the Move Silently check due to the noise of all of this going on.
See how this works.
Hide:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+50 : 19 + 50, total 69[/blockquote]
Move Silently:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+49 : 12 + 49, total 61[/blockquote]
You go down as the world continues to crumble. Flames burst out of nothingness as you hear a haughty voice declare, "I'll never give up the Icon!" The voice travels on the wind, blowing past you and echoing in your ears. "This world is MINE!"
Below you see it. A dragon - a brass dragon. He bleeds all over, lying on the ground. Several piles of black glass or black dust lie around it.
Can I tell if the voice came from the Brass dragon? I sorta assume so, but just want to make sure. Also, can I see what it's fighting or what hurt it?
You can assume it was, yes. Unless there's another dragon around here.
From the looks of that glass and dust, devils. K:P plus hands on experience tell you that much.
Surraruthru takes a moment to eye the rest of the area, looking for the devils it's fighting.
The dragon's barely moving, just bleeding. Meanwhile, no sign of any other devils around.
'Tepen, I've found a Brass Dragon that's been severely injured. It looks like it's been fighting devils and I heard a voice saying that it'll never give up the Icon and that this world is theirs.'
In the mean time, Surraruthru continues watching, but prepares to summon some Celestial help.
'Understood. Can you teleport it and yourself to Aurora?' Tepen asks.
'I have a Gate spell ready, but no teleport. If whatever it was fighting holds some sort of dominion over Benefal, then we should assist it. You may want to send some reinforcements here in case it's still here, lurking about. I can summon some Celestials in the mean time and have them do some healing that way.'
'For now heal it and get out of there. The tunnels are doubtlessly at risk of collapse with the earthquakes,' Tepen sends. 'If you use your gate, teleport to Elysium where we previously had Aurora and I'll send someone to get you.'
Surraruthru sends a quick acknowledgment to Tepen, then begins to cast as he moves towards the Brass Dragon.
Using my 1/day SLA Summon Monster IX (Celestials) to summon 1d3 Holyphants, in their small form.
> roll 1d3 Summons
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 2 > [d3=2]
As the Holyphants come into existence, Surraruthru calls out to the Brass Dragon as he approaches, "Brass! Aid from Aurora is here. I am Surraruthru, my summons will heal you and we can evacuate."
The dragon manages to open one eye - the other is empty and bloody - and tries to say something, but only a wet rasp comes out.
"Holyphants, establish telepathy with the Brass and relay what it just tried to say, and heal him as fast as you can. Cover his vitals with yourselves since you have protection in that form."
In the mean time, Surraruthru slinks around the Brass Dragon, suspecting whoever it was fighting to be still lurking around, readying to dodge any spells or assassin attacks...
Telepathy thing was listed in the Book of Exalted Deeds. It also says they have Globe of Invulnerability in their alternate forms.
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 77 > [d100=77]
As you do that, there's a tremendous rumble as the ceiling above collapses, plunging down at all of you.
Bad luck, but earthquakes do that. You have a single action, act wisely.
Okay, couple questions. First, how big is the Brass Dragon? Second, if I throw out a gate and the Brass starts to enter it, will it do an automatic 'suck in' type deal and transport it, or does s/he have to fully get up and walk through it; 2A: since a gate looks to max out at 20 feet in diameter will the dragon even fit into it? Third, does it look like a Disintegrate spell will clear enough of the falling debris to keep it/me safe?
The brass dragon is large. The dragon has to get up and enter it. Yes. Depends on how much disintegrate gets, how much can it destroy?
Eh, only a 10 foot cube. I'll do something else.
Surraruthru begins casting another spell targeting the ceiling falling directly towards them, hoping to buy enough time for the Holyphants to heal the Brass Dragon to functionality.
Hellball, CL 26, 40 ft. radius
> roll 10d6 Fire
> roll 10d6 Sonic
> roll 10d6 Acid
> roll 10d6 Electricity
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 28 > [d6=4,2,1,1,6,4,3,5,1,1]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 41 > [d6=4,5,6,6,5,1,1,5,6,2]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 29 > [d6=1,1,5,1,1,5,3,4,5,3]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 40 > [d6=2,1,6,4,1,6,6,6,4,4]
Hellball explodes about you. Stone is burned, shaken and scalded. The ceiling is broken up to a degree, dust and chunks hitting you rather than crushing force. Water begins to fall - a sewer tunnel above you is pouring down as the entire ground shakes.
Surraruthru turns back to the Brass Dragon as the water begins to rise, "Are you well enough to go through a Gate?"
"Ugh," The dragon rises, "Who...yes, hurry!" the dragon says, "I can move."
'Tepen, Gating to Elysium. Will need pick up shortly.'
Surraruthru begins casting again, not wasting any time.
Casting Gate, CL 26.
Target location: Uhhh, I actually can't personally recall where in Elysium we were, so whatever Aurora was that Tepen mentioned.
The gate appears and the dragon stumbles through it without further comment.
"Holyphants, follow with us and finish healing him on the other side."
After saying that, Surraruthru follows the Holyphants through the gate.
Elysium.
It is peaceful, warm and beautiful. A deep sense of contentment fills you as you stand here, the chaos of Benfal left behind. Just as well - the gate collapses mere seconds after all of you get through, twisting apart like a wet towel.
The brass dragon promptly slumps in relief, "Thank you, friend," he speaks in draconic, "I am Pylathaula, an ally of those who wish to save Benfal."
Surraruthru nods to him. "As I said, I am Surraruthru, with Aurora. Someone should be here shortly to return us to Aurora and Benfal. From what I know, the Goddesses have started direct combat with one of the devils that took over Benfal. Who were you fighting, and what do you know about the Icon? It could be critical for success."
"I am allied with Seira, the Dragon Princess," The dragon replies, sitting up fully now. "I know nothing of an icon, I came through a portal to those caves and fought through more devils."
'Tepen, the Brass' name is Pylathula. He's being cagey. Says he was sent by Seira, can you verify with Kascha? He claims to know nothing of an icon, though I specifically remember hearing a voice speaking of it.'
"Are you now? I was sent to Aurora by Seira. What devil was speaking before I found you, and where'd you portal from? We might be able to get you back there once we return to Aurora."
'I will do so,' Tepen says, 'Exercise caution. Shall I delay retrieval?'
"Near Gransberg, a mountain village ran by a particularly sadistic fallen astral deva. As for the rest, I don't know. I fought the devils I came on, but they wounded me to the brink. I believe I passed out."
'I think we'll be fine, but hold off until Kascha or someone from Cauldron can verify. But have our retrieval put us somewhere that minimizes any threat he may pose once it is, and have enough on hand to deal with him if need be if you need to pull us back before then.'
To the Holyphants, Surraruthru mentally sends, 'Stop your healing. He's stable and that's enough for now. Let me know if you detect anything dangerous in his thoughts.'
"I'll keep it in mind when we get back. Did Seira give you a specific task? Where'd the portal to Elon Rapids come from?"
"To eliminate the astral deva," The dragon sits up and peers at you now, "It was in a ruin the deva had claimed for his own use, I don't know why it was there or who made it. It looked old."
"Hmm... That might have been the location of this icon that was mentioned... If it's something that's connected to holding Benfal, we should look into it... I don't suppose you got the name of the deva?"
'Tepen, Pylathaula said he was sent to a village near Gransberg, which was run by a fallen astral deva. Apparently, there was a ruin it claimed for its own. If the voice I heard mentioning the icon was the deva's, then the ruin may hold a key to this icon that was mentioned. We should have a recon team look into it, or maybe the diviners. I'm not sure how well the diviners would fare with what's going on, though.'
Surraruthru matches the larger dragon's stare. He may be smaller, he may not be a true dragon, they may both be following Seira, and they may not be fighting... But there's another dragon here and he'll be damned if he's anything except the larger dragon's equal. At the very least.
"Arjas," The brass dragon replies, a great deal of disgust in his voice. "He is a monster."
'Understood,' Tepen replies in the meantime.
Oooh, dragon face off. Opposed Charisma check time.
> roll 1d20+9 Cha
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+6
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=20]
Pylathula meets your gaze and does not blink. The tension rises as the two dragons stare at each other, "I owe you thanks, fey dragon," he finally says. "Your timing was impeccable and your magic is powerful. I am sure your hoard reflects this with great wealth."
Surraruthru maintains eye contact as best he can.
"Thank you, Brass. I didn't get the chance to see you fight, but I'm sure if Seira sent you, it was worth stories. Unfortunately, my magic is fairly taxed. Before coming on you, myself and another disarmed a rather distasteful trap. Meant to destroy Elon Rapids and bring a part Nessus to Benfal. Powered by souls. I'm wearing most of my hoard, but I have a fair bit stashed away as well."
"Devils," The brass dragon spits, "Nothing but trash."
'I've talked to Kascha and she can't currently confirm it due to her spells being expended,' Tepen sends to you. 'Do you still wish for retrieval?'
'Yes, but again, with caution and in a remote or controlled part of Aurora.'
"Indeed. A group I lead beat another devil that used souls. Collected them, really. Secretus."
"I'm not familiar with that one, but one fiend is enough to know them all," the dragon spits again.
"Quite. They're a scourge and I can't wait to be done with them, to be honest. Sadly, that's a 'forever' fight."
As you talk, a shimmering portal appears. A human knight comes through and salutes, "Retrieval, sir?"
Surraruthru nods to the knight.
"Yes, thank you. Pylathula, shall we?"
'Tepen, I forgot to relay it before, but the Deva's name is Arjas,'
Thus the three of you return to Aurora. Behind you the world is breaking apart as you come through the portal, soldiers and officers all around.
What are you doing once you're here?
Surraruthru looks at the world breaking apart.
"Well, that's going swimmingly. Pylathula, what do you remember about the Deva you fought and the ruins?"
I'm honestly not sure what to do now that I'm here. Pump Pylathula for some extra info and then ask Tepen where he wants me. I think we should check out these ruins; whatever this Icon is or was is probably important.
As you begin, 'Surraruthru, please report to Adrian now that you're back,' Tepen says, 'We're defending against impure spirits being released in the battle.'
'Alright. Where is he?'
"I'm being directed elsewhere. If you think of anything that might be important, please let someone know and it'll get passed up."
With that, Surraruthru waits for either Elena to appear or Tepen to give him directions before he heads out.
Elena appears, "Far side of Aurora from the gates, he's directing people there in case a spirit breaks in," she says.
"Thank you, Elena."
Surraruthru takes to the air and heads to Adrian!
Adrian, Gold, Crystal, Hope and Baleruk are manning the back defense. Adrian looks over as you approach, "The dragon party continues to grow," he remarks, "Eyes open, spirits may try to bash their way in or phase through somehow. If they do, we crush them immediately."
Surraruthru lands next to Adrian and nods. "Did Tepen mention the new dragon and the deva? I'll help as I can, but my magic is pretty taxed. Do we have anyone who can cast Greater Mighty Wallop for me?"
"Afraid not," Adrian says.
"A real dragon DOES NOT NEED such magic," Baleruk declares imperiously, not even looking at you.
Hope meanwhile looks rather intently at you, Crystal patting his neck.
Surraruthru answers Balruk's jab nonchalantly and dismissively, know that's the best way to piss him off. "A real dragon also doesn't need to talk about his power. He simply displays and projects it for all to be awed by. Talking about it is rather lowly mortal thing, in my opinion. In any case, I found a Brass Dragon near dead under Elon Rapids. Devils tore him up and he said he came there from some ruins near a village named Gransberg being held by a fallen Deva named Arjas. I heard mention of an icon and holding dominion over Benfal."
While speaking, Surraruthru notices Hope and locks eyes with him, outwardly maintain poise but betrayed by the sudden rapid flicking of his tail with new energy.
Baleruk growls and Hope begins to reply - when from above there's a loud boom. A formless mass of black matter, akin to a comet in shape more than anything else, slams into the sphere of force right above you. Again and again, cracks of glittering white and gray light showing.
"Everyone up!" Adrian calls, "Intercept it once it breaks through so it can get in and make trouble!"
Surraruthru coils up his body as he pulls on his innate magic, Holy power exploding out around him to engulf and sheath everyone in it's pure brilliance before launching himself into the air like a missile.
140ft fly speed, perfect maneuverability.
Using Holy Aura, CL29, Duration 29 Rounds, DC 26
29 creatures in a 20 ft radius from me get it.
+4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves. Unlike protection from evil, this benefit applies against all attacks, not just against attacks by evil creatures. Each warded creature gains spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures. Blocks possession and mental influence, just as protection from evil does. If an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a warded creature, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save negates, as blindness/deafness, but against holy aura's save DC).
Surraruthru
HP: 282/347
AC: 53 =38+4+5+6 (Def/Barkskin/GMA/)
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch Atk: 37, ATK/Damage: +4,
Active: Mind Blank (CL20), Freedom of Movement (CL20), Superior Resistance +6 Saves (CL20), See Invisibility (CL20), True Seeing (CL20), Barkskin (CL20), Greater Mage Armor (CL20), Spell Turning (CL29), See Invisibility (CL20), True Seeing (CL20), Greater Heroism (CL26), Holy Aura (CL29)
Passive: Improved Evasion, Diamond Body, True Seeing, Detect Magic
Moderate School Esoterica: If you are subject to a spell that has a partial or half effect on a successful save, you suffer no adverse effect if you successfully save.
Like this all of you rise up, reaching roughly 40ft from the point before it breaks. The spirit pours in, howling away violently.
Init here.
Buffs note: Anything else expire since I last asked? It's been a bit.> roll 1d20+13 Init
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=13]
Surraruthru
HP: 282/347
AC: 53 =38+4+5+6 (Def/Barkskin/GMA/)
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch Atk: 37, ATK/Damage: +4,
Active: Mind Blank (CL20), Freedom of Movement (CL20), Superior Resistance +6 Saves (CL20), See Invisibility (CL20), True Seeing (CL20), Barkskin (CL20), Greater Mage Armor (CL20), Spell Turning (CL29), See Invisibility (CL20), True Seeing (CL20), Greater Heroism (CL26), Holy Aura (CL29)
Passive: Improved Evasion, Diamond Body, True Seeing, Detect Magic
Moderate School Esoterica: If you are subject to a spell that has a partial or half effect on a successful save, you suffer no adverse effect if you successfully save.
Nope.
Remember Adrian grants +4 init in an aura.
> roll 1d20+13 Adrian
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 23 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+9 Baleruk
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+12 Crystal
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+4 Gold
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 6 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+15 Malicious spirit
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=1]
Init is Surraruthru (26) > Baleruk (25) > Adrian (23) > Malicious Spirit (16) > Gold (6)
Open.
Distance to the thing?
40ft.
Surraruthru begins casting, chanting quietly to himself as he slices through the air like an arrow towards the thing, focusing the power of the spell at the thing.
Disintegrate
> roll 1d20+26 SR, DC 25
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 32 > [d20=6]
> roll 40d6 Damage
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 156 > [d6=6,6,2,6,1,5,6,5,6,5,2,1,5,2,5,5,5,6,1,1,2,6,3,2,6,4,2,4,6,3,6,6,3,1,1,2,5,5,6,2]
Surraruthru
HP: 282/347
AC: 53 =38+4+5+6 (Def/Barkskin/GMA/)
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch Atk: 37, ATK/Damage: +4,
Active: Mind Blank (CL20), Freedom of Movement (CL20), Superior Resistance +6 Saves (CL20), See Invisibility (CL20), True Seeing (CL20), Barkskin (CL20), Greater Mage Armor (CL20), Spell Turning (CL29), See Invisibility (CL20), True Seeing (CL20), Greater Heroism (CL26), Holy Aura (CL29)
Passive: Improved Evasion, Diamond Body, True Seeing, Detect Magic
Moderate School Esoterica: If you are subject to a spell that has a partial or half effect on a successful save, you suffer no adverse effect if you successfully save.
Init is Surraruthru (26) > Baleruk (25) > Adrian (23) > Crystal (20) > Malicious Spirit (16) > Gold (6)
Your spell hits the spirit but nothing happens. Baleruk stays back and rears his head back, five streams of breath weapon coming at once.
> roll 12d8 cold
> roll 12d8 fire
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 52 > [d8=3,4,6,7,6,1,5,2,7,1,5,5]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 49 > [d8=3,5,1,3,2,5,7,5,2,5,8,3]
> roll 12d8 acid
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 54 > [d8=7,6,2,5,2,1,3,7,8,2,7,4]
> roll 12d8 electricity
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 50 > [d8=4,2,4,4,7,4,4,1,7,5,2,6]
> roll 12d8 acid
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 43 > [d8=6,6,1,1,5,3,1,3,8,1,3,5]
> roll 1d20+28 Reflex vs 1
> roll 1d20+28 Reflex vs 2
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 39 > [d20=11]
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 44 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+28 Reflex vs 3
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 35 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+28 Reflex vs 4
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+28 Reflex vs 5
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 37 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d4-1 Baleruk whoops
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 2 > [d4=3]
Five breath weapons hit the spirit, as it twists out of the way of some of it but the rest hits it head on. Acid, gas, fire, ice and lightning all ravage it as Adrian closes in, charging right at the beast Gaelach first.
> roll 1d20+45 (+1 heroes feast, +2 charge, -5 PA)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 51 > [d20=6]
Adrian's blade hits it and goes straight back, sending him flying back in a tumble. It didn't even nick the creature as Crystal follows right behind him, on Hope's back as she charges headlong. "For the glory of the Court!"
Divine favor as a swift action with battle blessing.
> roll 1d20+55 (+2 charge, +12 smite evil, +1 heroes feast, +3 divine favor)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 56 > [d20=1]
Yet this attack is repelled as well, Crystal grimacing as she holds onto Hope, both sent flying away. The malicious spirit howls, a song of suffering and agony.
Fort all.
> roll 1d20+28 Fort
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 48 > [d20=20]
Succulent.
> roll 1d20+31 Adrian
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 44 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+34 Baleruk
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 50 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+34 Crystal
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 53 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+22 Hope
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 32 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+26
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 31 > [d20=5]
> roll 4d6 vile Wisdom damage, Baleruk immuntes from DvR0.
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 10 > [d6=4,1,1,4]
All of you made the save, however, so only 5 vile Wisdom damage.
The cry is overwhelming, sickening. Surraurthru is bombarded with disgusting images, flashes of what the devils have done to the innocent of Benfal. His stomach burns abruptly as Gold roars furiously -
The sound of a bell being rung. It resonates across everything, a beautiful sound that makes the spirit before you crack like glass.
A blur follows.
...let there be...
...now and forever...
...in the sky above...
...the gates....
You awaken on the ground. You slowly blink as you see the spirit is gone. Above, the bright blue sky of Benfal shines, sunlight coming down. There are no signs of the spirit that attacked you nor of the damages you saw wrack the land. Beyond Aurora you see a natural land, full and splendid in life, unblemished.
Surraruthru blinks, stumbling a bit as he stands, looking around for the others and suspecting the sudden shift in landscape being either the work of gods or deception, and looks around for any signs of the latter.
'Tepen, are you there?'
It looks real enough to you.
'I'm here. What happened?' Tepen asks.
'Everything shifted. No damage to the land, clear blue sky, pure nature as far as I can see. The spirit we were fighting screamed and I blacked out.'
"You saw a miracle," Baleruk says, voice unusually quiet. "This world is saved." He then takes to the air, flying towards his lair.
'I'm getting the same report from multiple sources. I know not what happened, but I believe Sylica has triumphed.' Tepen replies. 'See to the wounded.'
"Adrian, you're ranking here. I can't heal, what do you want me to do?"
"Rest if you need it," Adrian rubs the side of his head, taking off his helmet and then doing it again. "Battle's over. If not, take a sweep outside."
Surraruthru nods and takes to the air, wanting to see the renewed land, looping around Aurora.
It looks like it was never touched by a single devil. As you go outside of Aurora, you feel your wounds begin to heal on their own. There is a familiar sense of rightness, of being called home. The call of Elysium, sweet and intoxicating.
Surraruthru breathes in deeply as he flies through the air, taking a moment to enjoy it before winging back down to Aurora to find one of Elena's bodies.
Elena's seen in the courtyard, helping refugees out.
Surraruthru swoops in next to her.
"Elena, would you happen to know where Kascha is and how the Cryohydras are doing?"
"Kascha's in the infirmary," Elena reports, "She was badly drained but she's alive. The cyrohydras did well and are resting in Gytha's demiplane for the moment."
Surraruthru nods, a small bit of pride at hearing the Cryohydras did well coming up.
"Thank you, Elena."
With that, Surraruthru heads to the infirmary.
Kascha's lying on a bed there, gear resting besides her and a blanket over her. "Oh hey," she manages, "How'd it go for you?"
Surraruthru lands at the edge of her bed and shrugs.
"Well. Tryll, Afina, and I defeated a Pit Fiend. Then disarmed a bomb under Elon Rapids designed to detonate the city and open a rift to Nessus, and then I found an almost dead Brass Dragon. How'd you fare? I hear your magic is extremely taxed."
"I was casting spells everywhere," Kascha admits, "I ran into a wizard who greatly drained my life force and then I ended up here. I was mostly support everywhere as things got busier."
Surraruthru nods.
"Though your injuries are unfortunate, it is most excellent that you were triumphant and your power displayed. A new story of your might has been written, and the glory of it is yours alone. You and I have support magic in common, and it was an important brick in the foundation of many great deeds today. I have no doubt that Seira is more than pleased with you, Kascha."
Surraruthru shifts a bit to find a bit better balance on the edge of the bed.
"Speaking of Seira, I rescued another of her dragons. A Brass named Pylathula. He's here in Aurora now. Seira tasked him with felling a corrupt deva, which it seemed he failed at."
"Pyla? Oh, he works for Seira sometimes. He styles himself as a gallant dragon who travels the planes." Kascha sits up just a bit, grimaces and lies back down. "He also takes tasks from other forces of righteousness. Glad he made it out of that one alive."
"Ah, so he was being truthful. I had doubts, considering our enemies. Still, he was near death and went unconscious when I found him. I will hold that dear, and over him, direct some time. In any case, get your rest. I'm going to see how Blue and the others are before seeing if help is needed elsewhere."
"Mm." A little murmur.
"Surru?" Kascha adds after a pause, just as you start to fly off to go.
"Yes, Kascha?"
"Good job." Kascha then falls back, resting.
Surraruthru snorts a bit and continues on to find Blue. He's sure that going through an apocalypse for their first big battle after awakening was more than a small shock.
The hydras are in the ocean. Fairly deep in it, you have to fly and swim a bit. Here a section is far colder than the rest, an icy nest below the waves. "Surraruthru!" Blue calls as you approach, Aquan sounding perfectly normal beneath the waves.
"Hello, Blue. I'm glad to you're in good spirits. I wanted to see how you're all doing after the battle."
The rest of the hydras are eating or sleeping from the looks of it. "We're doing okay! We didn't lose anyone, though we're all famished and tired. Fighting like that's really hard."
"I'm very glad to hear that none of the family is gone. Fu'll see about having the cafeteria get you all something special as celebration. Is there anything anyone needs? I know it was hard on everyone."
"We got healed already," Blue says, then yawns with several heads, while the others eye you from various angles. "We're tired now."
Surraruthru nods. "Rest then. You've earned it. I'll see about a special meal for when you all have woken."
Any other plans in the aftermath?
Not really. If the clean up stuff is being dealt with already, then just where I'm needed, looting, or resting.
You return to your lair, tired but victorious. As you do, "Excuse me. Surraruthru?" Ebony calls, walking up to you from behind.
"Ebony. Glad to see you're not too much worse for wear. What can I help you with?"
"I found this off a devil's body," She withdraws a small carving of a dragon in flight. It's made of polished bone and perhaps as long and wide a human's middle finger. The detail work is remarkably well done, "It's pixie work," she says, "Do you want it? It's not worth much even with the care put into it, but it's rather suited to you."
"I do, but Ebony, I think Kascha would appreciate it more. Even if it will end up in my lair since she seems to be moving in. I think she would like to receive it from you as well."
"I will," Ebony says, "Rest well, Surraruthru."
"You too, Ebony."
Good to pause here?
Works for me. Can't think of anything to deal with immediately.
Okay, pausing you pending all the post battle stuff being concluded.