Okay, you said you wanted to start by looking into spellhoarding?
I do. I'd hit the library to check into how to hoard spells and have more on hand. Then, assuming I find something about it in relation to dragons, probably connect the psychosis to it and look for Kascha since she's a dragon specialist, and move to trying to figure out how to do it without going full insane. And hopefully for cheaper than whatever the gem per spell cost was. Maybe something with create magic tattoo. Dunno yet. But that's the general line of thought.
K:A check, include the library bonus.
Take 10+40+15 Library for 65.
Quick OOC question here. What you personally know about spellhoarding?
Me as in me, I know what's in Dragon Magazine #313, Me as in Surraruthru would probably know a bit about it in terms of the psychosis. Probably just that there are dragons that hoard magical knowledge and inscribe it on their bodies.
You read up on spellhoarding. It is a psychosis where a dragon's hoarding instinct shifts to magic. Rather than gold and treasure, they only care about magic as treasure. As such, they transform themselves into living spell books. They become wizards and cast like them, using their scales as spellbook.
As you read that, "Hi," Kascha comes up, "Elena told me you were looking into draconic lore." The library's quiet besides for her and Kascha keeps her voice down.
Surraruthru nods, sliding the relevant books to her. "Yes, I've had an idea. There's a condition for dragons called Spellhoarding. Normally this drives dragons to hoard magical knowledge instead of treasure, twisting their minds. They can use their bodies as spellbooks, using their scales. The idea has merit. I'm looking into using the technique for myself so that I can never be separated from my spells. The last battle had me running very low on magic, and I think this may offer a route to some emergency spells. Also, did Ebony find you?"
"Hm? Yes, she did. She gave it to me," Kascha smiles, "Thank you, Surru." She leans in and read, "Oh. Yes, we had a spellhoarding dragon visit the Cauldron once. It's terribly difficult to cure, Seira sidestepped by using her divine will." As she reads her expression becomes thoughtful. "It should be. I don't believe the psychosis is the source of the scale alterations or tied to them."
Surraurthru nods. "We may need to visit The Cauldron for more details on it. I think it may do something to how they cast that may be useful as well. I'm hoping I can find a way to make the process more efficient, too."
"When are you going?" Kascha asks, "I could just send for the information and have it brought to us if you aren't going right away."
"I can wait. I thought we should make a visit in light of our victory, though. See if there is a celebration in Seira's home."
"That could be fun," Kascha smiles, "Oh! Are you adding anything to your hoard with your income from the battle? I heard you were well compensated."
"I am. Better boots to teleport and move with. That's going to take the bulk of the gold. Maybe a few small things for gifts."
"Really? Get something for your hoard!" Kascha turns to you, ioun stones whirring around her head. She shakes her finger right at your face, "Surraruthru, you're a dragon! You need to improve your hoard! Can you imagine if Baleruk gets wind of that? You don't need much and it's wise and good not to waste money, but even some more coins around would help. Especially with the mood Baleruk's been in since the battle."
Surtarithru grunts at the mention of Balruk. "Indeed. I'll look into it, but first thing first. I've also got plans for two more big projects. I plan to turn my lair into a vault. The other..."
Surraruthru reaches into his haversack, pulling out the Dragonheart and placing it in front of Kascha.
"Though I am a dragon, I'm not a true dragon. Seira's ascention has... inspired me. This is the heart of a Red Dragon. I will rip the essence out and make it my own. It will be part of my hoard."
Kascha startles, a nearby wooden chair knocked over. In the quiet library it's a din and she turns bright red. 'Um...ah..." she looks around and bows her head, "Sorry!"
Once that's passed, "What are you planning, Surru?"
"A ritual to use the connections from my own dragon nature, fire, and celestial power to use with what I've learned from weaving the Tapestry yo draw it into myself. Roughly. Far more complex than that, but that should give you an idea."
"I'm familiar with the ideas. You got inspired by Seira's stories, didn't you?" Kascha smiles.
"Quite. Another reason I want to go to The Cauldron. To start the research to do the ritual. Interested in helping?"
Surrarthru gives Kascha a toothy grin.
"Of course I am," Kascha says, "When do you want to leave?"
"Since I'm already here, I want to look into both the vault and ritual before going and get the boots finished. After that. Care to help me with the research? It would go faster with your help."
Sure thing. What research is next?
Since Kascha is here, we'll do the ritual first, then the Vault.
Go ahead and clarify precisely what you're looking for with the ritual here. Make sure we're on the same page, you know?
Okay, wall-o-text.
Research Proposal (This assumes that both Gold and Balruk agree to give Surraruthru a small amount of blood for the ritual):
Surraruthru intends to use the Red Dragon Heart as the template for the ritual to become a True Dragon. He plans to combine the heart with the blood of other True Dragons (Balruk's blood and Gold's blood ideally, or whoever he can convince to donate) and his own magic to draw the power and natures contained in the heart into himself and bind them with his life force through his abilities, skills, and experience as a Grand Weaver.
Using the Red Dragon Heart as a template for the creature he wants to become, he will use Balruk's blood as a catalyzing agent. He's depending on the nature of a Prismatic Dragon to act as a bridge and link the nature of a True Dragon contained in the heart with the similar nature of Dragon in himself and to be a power magnifier. Gold's blood will provide a second link to the heart by similarly forming a bridge, using the nature of Good that Gold Dragons embody with his nature as a Celestial (Good) and his alignment, which should sympathetic to each other.
Using these two bridges to the heart, Surraruthru will then thread in his magic and life force along those connecting links much in the same way he threads his magic and life force into the Eldritch Tapestry, which allows him to connect his magic with others. After Weaving his magic into the links, he will then draw the power into himself and his life force through the tapestry to complete the ritual.
If Balruk and/or Gold don't agree, he'll go to Cauldron and ask for guidance to find helpful dragons or a boon of blood for the ritual.
Okay, K:A with the library bonus applied and a +2 for Kascha aiding you.
> roll 1d20+40+15+2 K:A Serith
<Serith> IronDragoon roll for Serith < 73 > [d20=16]
The ritual looks doable. It'll require some good Spellcraft and proper utilization of arcane knowledge, but it should work. The transformation will be easier than normal, since you're already a dragon.
Using Gold's blood will work well. The alignment mismatch will be countered by the shared connection to fire between the heart and blood. Baleruk's blood is a complete unknown. Moreover, as it is the blood of divinity, the effects will be magnified at least ten fold. There's no information on using a prismatic dragon's power in here, so you're going blind there.
That aside, the ritual should work. In theory, anyway, and you're fairly sure it's stable and correct theory.
I'll note this one more time OOC for clarity. If you do become a true dragon, one side of your gestalt will become pure racial hit dice. This will provide dragon powers as well as spellcasting (presumably wizard spellcasting due to what you're doing) as normal. The other side of the gestalt will be yours to do with what you will.
Just to be clear that I understand I'd be Dragon 25 on one side and whatever on the other, and the Dragon casting will be equal to Wiz for the purposes of replacing my base Wizard levels? If so, how would that work with school specialization and Master Specialist?
Normally a dragon can't specialize in a school. In this case I'd allow it (and it's not a bad ACF for a dragon with wizard casting anyway) so you keep your specialization. Smoothest way to work it out.
I'm good with that, then. Next research would be the Vault, then, or going to talk to Gold and/or Balruk. I doubt Balruk's going to be receptive, but it's worth trying. He might like that I'm aspiring to be a true dragon.
Finding Baleruk's easy. He's in his lair. He sits there alone, atop his bed of coins and with a vaguely sour expression. His gaze is on you as you enter, but he says nothing.
"Balruk. Our kind never really gets along with each other, but I have... a favor... to ask."
Baleruk glares at you - a harsh glare as he slowly breathes in and out. "What is it?"
"I'm going to try ascend to being a True Dragon. Much like how you became a Prismatic and Seira became a dragon. A small bit of your blood may help things along."
"No. Leave." Baleruk says shortly, not once raising his voice.
Surraruthru sighs. "We both know this isn't going to be easy, so let's cut to it. You have a price. What is it?"
"I have no price," Baleruk's voice is dispassionate, cool. "Please leave."
"Hm. You're not as angry as I thought you'd be. Your help would be useful, Baleruk, but not critical. Very well, I'll leave you to brood here in your gloom. Gold's who I truly need assistance from, anyway."
Surraruthru nonchalantly heads out.
Baleruk says not a word as you go out.
Going after Gold next?
Yeah.
Gold's found in the cafeteria. He's eating a simple meal of a pork cutlet and vegetables, in half elven form and people watching. His gaze sweeps about the busy, noisy cafeteria as he slowly eats.
Surraruthru hops up next to him. "Hello, Gold."
"Surraruthru," Gold greets you in draconic. "How progresses your magic?"
"Very well. I'm actually here to talk to you concerning a ritual. I've designed a ritual to ascend to true dragonhood and you have something that is critical to its success."
"Go on," Gold says, pushing his food aside to give you his full attention.
"I need some of your blood. The ritual will use this preserved dragon heart I have, from a Red, to provide me with the essence of a True Dragon. I need your blood to bridge the gap between it, using the connections of us both being Good and Dragon with the heart's connection to Dragon and Fire. I'll bind the essence to myself with my Tapestry. You're the dragon with the most similar connection to myself. Without your help, I'll have to ask Seira. Asking favors of Gods, no matter how much you like them or they like you, is never cheap nor easy. Nor asking Baleruk."
I'm going to ask for a Diplo check here to help frame it, though it won't be decisive one way or another. Merely part of the calculus.
> roll 1d20+26 Diplo
<Serith> IronDragoon roll for Serith < 43 > [d20=17]
"Were it another, a quest would suffice," Gold says wryly, "There's little point with bothering with such formalities with another dragon."
Surraruthru inclines his head as thanks. "Thank you. Though I'm not a true dragon yet, with your help, that will be fixed shortly. When you're prepared to pass your blood to me, please let me know. I will consider you an ally always for this."
If that's all for here, then Vault time. If the upgrade for the Aurora buffing has been finished, then I'll research threading my Tapestry to that, as well.
"I didn't agree yet," Gold says quietly, "Were you another, a quest would suffice. That doesn't mean I'm going to give it to you freely." Here he pauses and looks you in the eye, "Dragons give nothing away freely. We are exceptions, but our nature is still our nature. Give me something - anything - to show your sincerity and your desire to walk this path."
Surraruthru nods and closes his eyes, consideringly...
He then reaches into his haversack and retrieves two items, placing them before Gold.
"I offer you your choice of these. One is a Ruby: a typical offering to entice a dragon. The other is an item I've devised and used to great effect before. A simple stone, enchanted to produce an Anti-Magic Field once per day. Both are worth roughly the same. An object more suitable for an adventurer and strategic mind."
To be clear, it's these two:
1x Large ruby: 5,000gp
Anti-Magic Field Stone, 6,600gp
Gold takes 10 on the appropriate checks to identify those and appraise them. That's 54 for Appraise and 44 for Spellcraft.
"A humble thing, isn't it?" Gold takes the anti magic stone and holds it up to study. "A humble vessel for a great power, one that can bring low the mighty. We dragons would be wise to learn from this example. In the end, it's always the humble, lesser vessel that claims us. How many chromatics have fallen to the challenges of heroic mortals? How many metallics have perished to the schemes of the wicked?"
Quote from: Anastasia on February 27, 2017, 02:25:33 PM
Gold takes 10 on the appropriate checks to identify those and appraise them. That's 54 for Appraise and 44 for Spellcraft.
"A humble thing, isn't it?" Gold takes the anti magic stone and holds it up to study. "A humble vessel for a great power, one that can bring low the mighty. We dragons would be wise to learn from this example. In the end, it's always the humble, lesser vessel that claims us. How many chromatics have fallen to the challenges of heroic mortals? How many metallics have perished to the schemes of the wicked?"
Surraruthru nods.
"It's a lesson that I didn't fully consider being in the offerings, but I agree. That's the sort of wisdom I hope to attain and the power to make full use of it.
And just to tweak Baleruk's nose, of course."
Surraruthru finishes with grin.
Post the loss of the stone in loot.
Gold smiles knowingly and takes the stone. "You can have the blood when you are ready."
"Thank you again, Gold. I look forward to joining you in the ranks of true dragons."
Okay, so now Vault or Aurora buff upgrade -> Tapestry thing. Some more research on Spellhoarding may be called for concerning my board PM, as well.
One interrupt first.
You head back to your hoard for a bit of rest and checking over some notes before your next move. You find 27 is already in there, just inside and waiting for you, stare meeting your eyes as you walk in.
Surraruthru growls, then snorts, knowing its reputation, then sweeping his gaze around his lair, looking for anything out of place.
"I know you don't care about normal beings' sensibilities, but you could at least make some effort to be polite and simply wait outside; at least the first time you want to enter someone's lair."
27 meets your gaze. "Lonely?" The strange slaad asks.
Surraruthru stares at it blankly. "No, not quite. Unless you mean to project your loneliness onto me, or to ask if I'm willing to help relieve someone else's' loneliness."
27 looks you in the eye longer and finally says, "Something terrible is going to happen."
"In our position, with our enemies, that's always the case. By the way you say it's going to happen, I assume you mean it can't be prevented. Coming to me about it, however, means you believe I can minimize the damage."
Surraruthru walks over to 27 and sits in front of it, "What can you tell me, and where can I start?"
"Fire. It will involve fire," 27 says. "A calamity will come. Those with an ebony heart are ready. His revenge is from the blade of betrayals, but none of you are the chosen hand."
"Hmm.. A large strike, of fire. Similar to the fire from the clouds over Benefal? Either a traitor or a cursed weapon, and from outside of Aurora... So someone or something we consider at least friendly enough to let near. Is there more? I'll guess divination won't reveal much... Who else is holding a piece of your puzzle?"
"Jaela," 27 says, looking down. "Freedom comes at a price, be it to the freed or the liberator. Flames do not forget lightly."
Surraruthru nods. "Thank you. I'll work with Jaela to weather the storm you've warned me about. Does this blade of betrayal have a name?"
What languages do you speak?
Common, Draconic, Abyssal, Celestial, Infernal
27 says a word in a language you don't understand. Ra-something. Razzam? Ralim? Hard to tell.
Surraruthru tries to memorize and repeat the word, just the sound so that he can relay it to others later.
"Is there anything else? I have additional research to conduct if not."
27 paces around you a few times before curling up by your side. Within moments he is asleep.
Surraruthru rolls his eyes, thinking to himself, 'Great. I've gotten it to like me. Now I'll never be rid of it. Feed a stray some attention...'
With a sigh, he turns to leave but takes a moment to memorize where everything in his hoard is. There will be a reckoning if 27 touches anything...
Everything's in place, but when you look back, 27 has a obscenely large diamond you've never seen below. He hugs it to his chest as he sleeps, heart-sword gently butting against it. The diamond swirls with all the colors of the rainbow.
Surraruthru growls low, suspecting it to be 27s way of jabbing back for his thoughts, but continues on to the library to do his research.
Next move?
vault research, then on the new buffing arch or whatever the upgrade was being used with my Tapestry, then back to Spellhoarding to see if I can rip the parts of it out that I want.
Okay, brief me on what precisely you're researching here.
I mentioned a looooong time ago that I wanted to reinforce the lair's security and start building it into a grove, and you mentioned living vaults. I also mentioned that I'd like to find something from Lifasa to use as the heart of the grove and maybe tie it into the living vault so that the grove can protect itself and the lair. I liked the idea, and would like to research that.
After that, if the upgrade's been done, I'd like to experiment and see if I can't attach the Tapestry to it.
As far as Spellhoarding, I want to focus more on the Spellcatching and scribing spells into the scales thing.
Just trying to find out about living vaults in general?
As a start point, yeah. I personally don't know much about them beyond that bit you posted once.
Link me to that or paste it and then make an K:A roll. Library bonus is included.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103813.msg1070781.html#msg1070781
> roll 1d20+40+15 K:A
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 74 > [d20=19]
Okay, OOC comments first. As you can see, I didn't get far on that. This happens sometimes on the DM board. I start a project and it sputters out for whatever reason. Maybe I feel it isn't working out and scrap it, maybe it's a rewrite of something and I don't feel it has sufficient pop for my tastes or I just hit design block. These things happen and the living vault ran into that. Sometimes I go back to them later and they work out better.
So the upside is this: Some mechanical details may change from now and whenever I finish them. Chalk up any differences to that.
Living Vaults are in many ways the best way to store treasure. They are great constructs who have a massive extra dimensional space within, one that can be expanded (for a price) as the owner sees fit. They can benefit from treasures within, for instance gaining added defense if you put a ring of protection within one. They can also imprison living creatures, but if this fails, they have mediocre offense, as they are fundamentally defensive creatures.
Making one requires a lot of money and golemcraft skills. Afina could likely do it, of course, but it would be expensive. It also depends on how big an extradimensional space you want within there, but that can be upgraded later if you need more space.
Feel free to ask questions for more details, I'll generally provide them. Easier to do this back and forth.
General idea of price? At the moment I'm looking to just have it use the same space as the lair's room, nothing bigger.
Price reports vary, though the absolute lowest you see is over 200k gold. Due to the nature of being able to customize the extra dimensional space, prices do vary.
Surraruthru makes a note of it and to talk to Afina about it, but shelves it for now, moving onto the next thing on his list to research.
Is the upgrade done yet? If not, there's still Spellhoarding/Spellcatching to try and extract.
The upgrade is done.
Then I'll research connectiong it to my tapestry.
What's your level in war weaver as well as grand weaver?
War Weaver 5/Grand Weaver 5
Make an Int check with a +10 bonus as well as the +15 library bonus.
> roll 1d20+9+10+15 Int check
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 39 > [d20=5]
You spend hours at it. Hours and hours. The only respite is Kascha bringing you a meal and sitting by you. You're making progess and think it's viable, but it's right on the edge of your ability or maybe a bit past it.
"How is it going?" Kascha asks.
Surraruthru shakes his head.
"Not quickly. I'm almost certain I can attach my Tapestry to the War Room, but I can't quite figure the trick to it... See, the Tapestry hooks onto the souls and energy of others... I wonder if the War Room doesn't have enough... presence, for it to really latch on... I may just be grasping at straws, though."
"Would you like me to help?" Kascha says, "Maybe I can find something you're missing."
"Please. This is nearly the last thing before I start the ritual. The faster I can move to the next, the better."
> roll 1d20+11 Kascha
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 29 > [d20=18]
It's just enough. It takes over a day of frantic work, but you think it ca be theoretically done. Just.
Actually doing it will take a lot of work and probably several tries, not to mention you have no idea how it would work with it.
"Excellent! Thank you Kascha! Now that we've figured out the theory, only experimentation is left... Though I think I'll wait for that until after the ritual. If the ritual goes well, my magic will be strengthened, and it may make things go easier. The only thing I have left is a last little bit of research on Spellhoarding. Specifically, the improved abilities of Spellhoarding dragons to counterspell..."
Since it seems like it'd be best to keep Sorc casting for the dragon, I'd like to try and just learn the Spellcatching part, if possible.
Okay, K:A check with the library bonus.
> roll 1d20+40+15 K:A
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 67 > [d20=12]
Theoretically possible but difficult. It takes the sheer, bloody mindedness of the psychosis to pull off. It would make the ritual more difficult and not be assured of working out for you.
Surraruthru decides he'll go for it. It'll make his success all the more delicious! But first, he'll take a moment to consult with Kascha.
Showing her his research on Spellcatching, he asks her, "Can you think of anything that would make success more likely? Another element I could include, or a spell to add to the ritual?"
> roll 1d20+11 Kascha
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 31 > [d20=20]
I used the wrong modifier, but suffice to say she likes her roll.
"Hmm..." Kascha goes over all over it, "I think it's good, though spellcatching will be a risk. If it fails, it might ruin the ritual or you may end up with that psychosis. Worse, it might be tied to the ritual itself, so it may be a permanent change to you. However, if it works, it would be undeniably powerful."
"Hmm.. It's a powerful ability, and I truly want it... But I'm also aware that greed may be playing a part here... What do you think, Kascha? Should I include it? I do really want to learn Spellcatching..."
Kascha's quiet, looking up, "I think it's your choice. Is the risk of failure acceptable to you?" Kascha asks.
Surraruthru gets a sour look on his face. "If I knew the actual odds, then maybe. Without that, no. I'll wait and research more into it after the ritual. Maybe I'll uncover a trick or secret that will let me mimic the ability at some point. For now, though, I'll leave it out. Which means I'm off to Gold to collect his blood, then to begin the ritual. Should I do it here, or in the Cauldron?"
"I would suggest...mmm...." Kascha says, "There's merits to both."
"Hmm.. The Cauldron. Perhaps being in the seat of a Dragon's divine power might provide the last little push. Let's go visit Gold. I'm fairly certain you want to be there for the ritual so you can record it, yes?"
"Of course!" Kascha smiles, "Also in case something goes wrong."
Surraruthru nods and heads out to find Gold with Kascha!
Gold is found outside of Aurora, on the far side from Liber. He is in dragon form, soaking up the sun's rays. He looks to be asleep - or perhaps meditating. Hard to tell.
Surraruthru stops a respectful distance away.
"Gold. I apologize for the interruption, but I'm ready to perform the ritual. I need your blood, please."
Gold opens his eyes and nods. He offers his left claw out, "Do so."
Surraruthru takes a leap and glides to land on the much, much larger dragon's hand, taking his amulet off while digging a small vial out of his haversack and trying to open a small wound on Gold's hand with his claws.
I dunno what the gold cost for a vial is? Like 1 sp or something?
It's trivial enough not to bother taking money from you for it. Aurora has plenty.
Blood flows into the vial, filling it up before a simple spell from Gold closes the wound.
The blood within is a light, fiery red that shimmers constantly. An almost metallic cast to it, rather than a dark red like you'd expect.
"It seems your magic is powerful. Hm. The difference between a lesser dragon and a true dragon, I suppose. Thank you again, Gold. The next time we meet, I hope to impress you with the results of my ritual."
"May Bahamut bless your efforts," Gold says.
Next move?
Gather the rest of the supplies for the ritual and head to the Cauldron. I dunno what all I need, but if you want to just assign me a value to deduct to cover it, that's fine.
What do you have now and what do you know you'll need/expect pricewise?
As you walk back, "Oh, I almost forgot," Kascha turns and sweeps you into a hug, "Thank you for the bracers, Surraruthru! They're lovely!"
I have the blood and the dragon heart. I dunno what else I'll need? I guess stuff for drawing out the ritual or spell components for it? It was never really specified outside of the blood and heart.
"I'm glad you like them. I assumed they would give you a bit of versatility in your magic; sacrifice a lower spell in order to control movement. I'm not sure if you have anything for the gloves yet, but I would suggest a wand or rod to grant empowerment or more flexibility. Perhaps some healing or a wand of Duelward? In any case, I'm glad you like them. I'm still getting a handle on this mortal fashion thing. Bubbles has been a help, though a painful one."
Should be okay then. We'll assume a flat 5k price for misc components, post the expense in loot. If you're short Kascha'll loan you it, it's no big deal.
"I'm thinking about it," Kascha says, "I'll let you know what I decide."
Done. I can cover it.
"... Perhaps you can find a way to store that book I gave you, so you have something to read on hand at all times... What was it.. Silver and Gold? Perhaps you can share it with our resident Gold dragon."
Surraruthru smirks at Kascha.
Kascha blushes and laughs, as...
Ready to head to the Cauldron?
Yup.
> roll 1d100 astral random encounter
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 46 > [d100=46]
> roll 1d100 astral random encounter
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 45 > [d100=45]
> roll 1d100 astral random encounter
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 76 > [d100=76]
Okay, trip's uneventful. How are you planning on doing this here? The more details the better.
Okay, so I'm not entirely sure how this sorta thing works because that's way more into mechanics than I've ever been, but here's a shot:
I plan to look for a place that's got 1) lots of magical energy. Since this is the seat of power for a dragon deity, I figure the latent power in the place should resonate or whatever with the heart, especially since it's a Red Dragon heart and Seira is/was a Red Dragon; 2) a place that's suitably removed from residences and buildings. Don't want stuff to get knocked over when this happens; 3) a place as close to fire or the volcano as I can.
After meeting those requirements, I plan to draw out the ritual circle? (dunno if that's a thing or not) and try to thread as much of my magic into it as I can, then start the ritual after having Kascha double check stuff.
As for the actual ritual, I figure if I do a three stage compartment/reservoir type deal, with the heart at one end with a channel to meet Gold's blood, then a channel from that to my blood, then thread my magic through the small pool of my blood directly while trying to thread the Ethereal Tapestry to both the heart and Gold's blood, then using that to pull whatever true dragon essence and magic is in the Heart through the tapestry and into myself. Since the tapestry specifically states that it uses both my life force and the life force of whoever/whatever is connected to it, I'm expecting to use that as a path directly to my soul/core of power/whatever D&D uses. I plan to try and use the elemental connection of fire to do this.
On that note, I feel I should use like.. Elemental Body: Fire here to strengthen that connection.
Yes, a deity's divine realm is strong enough to suffice.
As for Elemental Body, that's your call.
Anyway, the ritual will involve a lot of Spellcraft and K:A checks, so do bear that in mind. Any further prep before we start this IC?
Not really that I can think of. Do you suggest any? I haven't ever messed with the mechanics of this kinda thing.
I can't do too much here for impartiality reasons, but I would like to know if anyone besides Kascha is meant to be there for it.
Not that I can think of. I considered asking for help from Seira or a fellow follower but I think it's a better to do yourself thing. So from me, no, unless someone gets sent to help.
Kascha leads you in the undertunnels of the Cauldron. As you go through them, "Would you prefer a room that's elementally balanced," she asks, "Or a room that tilts towards Fire? Or even a room that tilts towards another?"
"Hmm... Is there a room that leans towards Arcane? Pure or raw arcane power? If not, then a balanced room."
"A balanced room it is," Kascha says, "All of the Cauldron works with magic and arcane energies, so that goes without saying." You're soon lead to it - a room with one wall of stone, one of lava that sheds no heat, one of boiling water and the last of sheer ice.
"Here we are," Kascha says, "Good luck."
"Thank you, Kascha. You help and support has been invaluable."
With that, Surraruthru begins his work, pulling out supplies and components from his Haversack as he goes.
First of all, make a Spellcraft check for the circle as well as an K:A check for setting up.
Take 10 for 47 on Spellcraft and 51 for K:A
Setting up the circle and everything's easy enought. It's just prep, you've done it more times than you can count. Kascha stays back as...
You said three phases, so begin phase one and I'll call for any appropriate checks.
I meant three chambers, one for the hear then Gold's and then mine, I'll make each chamber and then the tapestry stuff?
Surraruthru continues to concentrate on the circles, moving to carve out the space for the Red Dragon Heart, working to carve focuses in for the fire, dragon, and magic forces and traits contained in it.
Doable enough, so okay, we'll assume you got that. Two more Spellcraft checks.
Take 10 for 47 on both.
Settingup takes time and effort, but soon enough the basics are set up. Once you begin, there's no going back - win or lose, the ritual can't be stopped.
Proceed when you're ready.
Surrarthru places the rest of the components as need and then begins focusing on his own power, frying to feel the seperate powers inside of himself: the life force that pours forth with raw power of a dragon; the arcane power of his magic flowing from his mind and will; and the burning of his pride and rage hot enough to char the world just from the embers. Once he seperated these in himself, he focuses on threading them into his tapestry like he wove the Bracers for Kascha before trying to find resonating properties in Gold's blood. However, he takes the extra step of threading the power of Good, blooming from his Celestial nature to connect to the same Nature in Gold's blood.
I figure that's a good pause point, or do you want me to do the whole thing at once?
In phases is fine. Make 2 Spellcraft checks and 4 K:A checks.
> roll 1d20+37 Spellcraft
> roll 1d20+37 Spellcraft
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 53 > [d20=16]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 53 > [d20=16]
I feel I've expended my good luck for the round, so take 10 for 51 on the 4 K:A's
Okay. Do me a favor and post the overview of the ritual you wrote a few pages ago real quick?
Surraruthru intends to use the Red Dragon Heart as the template for the ritual to become a True Dragon. He plans to combine the heart with the blood of other True Dragons (Balruk's blood and Gold's blood ideally, or whoever he can convince to donate) and his own magic to draw the power and natures contained in the heart into himself and bind them with his life force through his abilities, skills, and experience as a Grand Weaver.
Using the Red Dragon Heart as a template for the creature he wants to become, he will use Balruk's blood as a catalyzing agent. He's depending on the nature of a Prismatic Dragon to act as a bridge and link the nature of a True Dragon contained in the heart with the similar nature of Dragon in himself and to be a power magnifier. Gold's blood will provide a second link to the heart by similarly forming a bridge, using the nature of Good that Gold Dragons embody with his nature as a Celestial (Good) and his alignment, which should sympathetic to each other.
Using these two bridges to the heart, Surraruthru will then thread in his magic and life force along those connecting links much in the same way he threads his magic and life force into the Eldritch Tapestry, which allows him to connect his magic with others. After Weaving his magic into the links, he will then draw the power into himself and his life force through the tapestry to complete the ritual.
Additional note: Using Gold's blood in place of Baleruk's.
Power begins to flow into you like a torrent, overwhelming as fire erupts all around you. Gah!
Constitution check.
> roll 1d20+8 Con
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=4]
> roll 10d6
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 32 > [d6=1,3,6,2,2,5,1,5,5,2]
32 damage.
Pain as eldritch powers scorch you within, struggling against you as you strive to maintain control of the ritual.
Concentration check. You're in no take 10 territory now due to the danger.
> roll 1d20+53 Concentration
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 67 > [d20=14]
Hit Points: 315/347
You endure and begin to weave it. It's hard - painfully hard like this as you work, striving to connect it all together. You're dimly aware of Kascha being knocked back by the forces as you channel the powers within yourself.
2 more Spellcraft checks, -5 penalty due to the damage you've taken.
> roll 1d20+37-5 Spellcraft
> roll 1d20+37-5 Spellcraft
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 45 > [d20=13]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 42 > [d20=10]
You're shaking all over, but you think you have it under control. The energies - you have to direct them, finish them and stabilize it.
Okay, describe what you're going to do in reaction.
Surraruthru takes the weaving of arcane energies and focuses them towards the Red Dragon Heart, directing them towards the foci he had written into the ritual circle, connecting the parts of the weave to their counterparts in the circle and heart, then binding the resulting weave back into his own life force, completing the weave and holding the pattern into himself until the resulting energies begin to merge with his own change him, completing the ritual.
Gimme a Spellcraft check -5, 2 K:A checks -5 and a Constitution check with no penalty.
> roll 1d20+37-5 Spellcraft
> roll 1d20+41-5 K:A
> roll 1d20+41-5 K:A
> roll 1d20+8 Con
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 38 > [d20=6]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 51 > [d20=15]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 53 > [d20=17]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 9 > [d20=1]
You channel the magic, control it and...!!!
> roll 15d6
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 69 > [d6=5,2,3,6,4,6,5,4,6,4,2,6,5,6,5]
69 damage. Concentration check.
> roll 1d20+53 Concentration
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 71 > [d20=18]
Hit Points: 246/347
On the edge of awareness, barely up - you endure. Magic flows into you and...
Okay, list the goals you had for the transformation.
Primary was to become a True Dragon of the Arcane type. The secondary was to gain the much-improved spellcasting progression that Arcane/Tome Dragons have. Tertiary was to retain the abilities of the Faerie Dragon: SLAs and stuff like Water Breathing and Swim Speed type stuff.
You float in the void of unawareness, wounded and hurting. All is gone save for power.
Amid this void a single roar shakes Surraruthru to the core. A dragon's roar, something ahead of him.
You succeeded on the ritual but it's not quite over yet.
Surraruthru tries to focus through the pain and pull a roar out of himself to match it. Wherever he is, whatever this other dragon is, he'll match it.
It emerges from the void, 100ft ahead. A massive red dragon, snarling and breathing fire. The wyrm's scales burn with flames and are cracked, a sea of fiery red over its body. It looms over you like a furious mountain, roaring its challenge at you.
Without a doubt, you know in your heart this dragon wishes to destroy you. There is nothing but hostility coming from this wyrm. Your instincts rise, making your blood heat up.
Aannnnd I forgot to renew my spell list, so I guess back to basics.
Surraruthru snarls in return and launches himself at it, intent on ripping and tearing the larger dragon apart!
Okay then. If you'd mentioned before the enemy was known, I'd let you change it, but no way to be remotely impartial now.
Init.
Yeah, I didn't notice until I went and looked. I have a few left, but not a lot.
> roll 1d20+13 Init
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=14]Surraruthru
HP: 246/347
AC: 38+4 (Deflection)
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch Atk: 37
Active:
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.
As in you didn't refresh spells from a previous day?
As in, since Benefal combat.
Do you still have the spells you cast on your sheet?
Yeah, they're just crossed out.
I'll assume you have those back but didn't change any. Refreshing your spells is generally assumed and automatic. Changing them if you're a prepared caster isn't, so you lose that chance, but I'd assume you refreshed your Benfal loadout.
> roll 1d20+13 (+5 nerveskitter) dragon
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 16 > [d20=3]
Init is Surraruthru (27) > Dragon (16)
Open.
Alrighty, that'll help, at least.Surraruthru focuses his magic, calling on a spell to take the dragon's power for himself!
Reaving Dispel, CL 32
+20 bonus to Dispel Checks.
Let me know how many effects to roll against.Surraruthru
HP: 246/347
AC: 38+4 (Deflection)
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch Atk: 37
Active:
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.
Zero. Anything else this round or was that it?
Ouch. How far away is it?
100ft away.
Surraruthru keeps his distance for now, biding his time and watching the much larger dragon.
The other dragon advances in one long, headlong charge, roaring as it tries to bite you in half.
> roll 1d20+49 (-10 PA)
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 67 > [d20=18]
Hit.
> roll 12d8+88
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 141 > [d8=7,1,2,4,8,1,1,5,7,8,3,6]
Pain for Surru.
Surraruthru isn't fast enough. The dragon bites down onto him viciously, nearly biting him in half. The maw is much bigger than Surraruthru, flames licking at his feet as he's chewed. Only a ragged, desperate word of power makes the wyrm relent. It's enough to open its mouth, just enough for Surraruthru to dart out. He's bloody, great teeth marks all over his middle, but he's intact.
Go. Suffice to say getting hit is a bad life choice here.
Surraruthru uses his boots to teleport a safe distance away, then begins casting!
At-Will Greater Teleport, Move action. Aiming for 450 feet away, directly backward.
Casting Time Stop, CL 26.
> roll 1d4+1
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 5 > [d4=4]
Round 1: Epic Mage Armor, CL 26, Duration 24 Hours
+20 AC.
Round 2: Superior Mighty Wallop, CL 26, Duration 26 Hours
+4 Size category for unarmed/bludgeoning weapons
Round 3: Haste, CL 26, Duration 26 Rounds
+1 Dodge AC, +1 Attack Rolls, +1 Attack, +30 ft. movement
Round 4: Greater Heroism, CL 26, Duration 260 minutes
+4 Morale Bonus to ATK/Save/Skill, +20 Temp. HP
Round 5: Elemental Body: Fire, CL 26, Duration 26 Hours
Immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet.
Fire: Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).Surraruthru
HP: 105+20/347
AC: 63=38+4+20+1 (Deflection/EMA/Dodge)
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch/Atk: 38/42
Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL26), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL26), Greater Heroism (CL26), Elemental Body: Fire (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.
So that I'm clear: You move back with the teleport and then cast time stop as your standard?
Yeppers. Boots are a move action.
You weave magic around yourself with every second of super speed you have. Protections are formed around you, as you note from this far away you can't see the dragon in the ever-present void. Whatever it's doing, you can't see.
Go.
Surraruthru cautiously begins chanting again, pulling on his magic for another spell!
Still on the ropes here, so I need to make up some effort:
Casting Time Stop, CL 26.
> roll 1d4+1
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 3 > [d4=2]
Round 1: Summon Monster IX, CL 26
Target: Hollyphant, SM8.
> roll 1d3
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 1 > [d3=1]>
Summon in Alternate Form for Globe of Invulnerability effect.
Round 2: Summon Monster IX, CL 26 (SLA)
Target: Hollyphant, SM8.
> roll 1d3
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 1 > [d3=1]>
Summon in Alternate Form for Globe of Invulnerability effect.
Round 3: Might of the Planetar, CL 26, Duration 26 Rounds
+16 enhancement bonus to Strength, a +2 enhancement bonus to Dexterity, a +8 enhancement bonus to Constitution, and a +7 enhancement bonus to natural armor. You gain a slam attack that inflicts 2d8 + 1.5 times your Strength modifier. You gain the benefits of the blind-fight and power attack feats as well.
Minor note: d20 SRD says that summons act immediately on your turn. Is that the current turn or next turn? Essentially, can I have them heal me as soon as Time Stop ends?Surraruthru
HP: 105+20/347
AC: 70=38+4+20+1+7 (Deflection/EMA/Dodge/MotP(NA))
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch/Atk: 38/42+5
Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL26), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL26), Greater Heroism (CL26), Elemental Body: Fire (CL26), Might of the Planetar (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.
This turn. So they can act.
"Hollyphants, keep me healed!"
In response, the Hollyphants focus their magical abilities on Surraruthru!
Using CL 2 here as Cleric 2 is the lowest for availability for CMW, and I didn't see any CL entry for them in BoED.
> roll 2d8+2 CMW #1
> roll 2d8+2 CMW #2
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 9 > [d8=2,5]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 10 > [d8=7,1]
Ain't much, but I'm hoping it's enough to survive the next round and get fully set up.
Edit: +8 additional healing on each.Surraruthru
HP: 140+20/347
AC: 70=38+4+20+1+7 (Deflection/EMA/Dodge/MotP(NA))
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch/Atk: 38/42+5
Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL26), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL26), Greater Heroism (CL26), Elemental Body: Fire (CL26), Might of the Planetar (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.
A few things.
1. The lowest CL for a typical cleric to use CMW is 3, not 2. It's a 2nd level spell, which clerics get access to at caster level 3.
2. The SLA block mentions the caster level at the end of the SLA block. It's 15th. Ergo the heal 2d8+10 damage with it (the maximum), so that's an additional 8 points of healing per cast.
3. Considering the bloated SLA CL, trumpet's issues and a few other things, I may revise hollyphants for this campaign later. So keep that in mind if you're planning to summon them in the future. It won't matter for this battle.
Rodger rodger. Updated and corrected.
You summon and heal. As your wounds recover, you see it coming. A virtual streak of red, the dragon coming your way in a blur. It's burst aflame and is like a meteorite from the heavens, only bigger and meaner.
Reflex save, all three of you.
> roll 1d20+29+4 Ref Save
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 52 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+6 Hopllyphant 1
> roll 1d20+6 Hopllyphant 2
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 12 > [d20=6]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=12]
Do you have evasion, Surraruthru? If you do, note it in your save.
I do. Improved Evasion. I always forget to annotate that.
Please remember, since I could easily forget and you get hammered by avoidable damage.
> roll 24d10+4d8+34 Surru none, hollyphants full
<Serith> Space_Cat roll for Serith < 188 > [d10=9,6,7,3,8,9,1,5,7,7,10,8,6,10,7,1,3,1,3,6,4,4,3,7][d8=4,6,1,8]
Hollyphants are fried.
> roll 1d4+1 recharge breath weapon
<Serith> Space_Cat roll for Serith < 5 > [d4=4]
Tough luck.
Surraruthru dives out of the way out of sheer instinct. He avoids the bulk of it and is instead able to ride the pressure wave out of the way, while the hollyphants are simply obliterated. There's nothing left of them when the dragon's passed - it's now 100ft behind you and turning in light, making a wide loop to come back this way.
Go.
Surraruthru decides to show the larger dragon the same kind of pain he's dished out so far and begins casting!
Queens Displeasure, CL 26, Instant.
> roll 1d20+26+9+10 Queen's Displeasure
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 55 > [d20=10]
> roll 26d8
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 118 > [d8=4,8,8,5,7,1,3,7,4,8,3,5,7,3,7,3,1,3,8,2,2,6,1,3,6,3]
Note that Aligned Spellcaster gives it +1 CL vs Evil Alignment, in which case it gets +1 to attack and an additional 1d8 damage.Surraruthru
HP: 140+20/347
AC: 70=38+4+20+1+7 (Deflection/EMA/Dodge/MotP(NA))
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch/Atk: 38/42+5
Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL26), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL26), Greater Heroism (CL26), Elemental Body: Fire (CL26), Might of the Planetar (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.
Quick question: Is that a regular or touch attack?
This blade makes a single melee attack with an attack bonus equal to the caster's caster level + main spellcasting stat ability modifier + 10
Regular, I believe.
Thanks.
The created gash of force slices deep into the red dragon's scales, leaving its side bleeding blazing blood. That doesn't stop him, however, and he's coming right back around. He barrels full into you, teeth first.
> roll 1d20+49 (-10 PA) vs AC 70
<Serith> Space_Cat roll for Serith < 63 > [d20=14]
So girded, Surraruthru trusts in his mage armor. It's enough - the maw surrounds him again, but a field of force stops it from closing. It glows dark blue on both ends, the mage armor stressed. It gives you enough time to fly out, avoiding the bite as the dragon glides past. As it glides past, its tail whips out, a bevy of gleaming magic missiles pummeling you from the tip of its tail.
> roll 10d4+10
<Serith> Space_Cat roll for Serith < 34 > [d4=4,2,3,2,4,1,2,1,3,2]
Note if you have something up that stops magic missiles.
As you're hit, the dragon goes about 120ft to the other side of you, hazy and indistinct in the void, only semi visible.
Go. Dragon has concealment.
I don't. From watching it fly away and get hazy, do I know about how close I have to be to see it clearly?
You were able to see him clearly at 100ft, so no more than 20ft, unless it's something localized or an effect it made somehow.
Surraruthru uses his boots to teleport above the other dragon, at a distance of 100 ft so he can clearly see his target, and begins casting again! If pure offense is how he wants to play it, he'll race him!
Hellball, CL 26
> roll 10d6 fire
> roll 10d6 sonic
> roll 10d6 acid
> roll 10d6 electricity
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 43 > [d6=5,4,1,6,3,5,6,3,6,4]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 32 > [d6=1,1,3,3,1,3,5,3,6,6]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 48 > [d6=5,4,6,5,1,6,6,3,6,6]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 39 > [d6=6,4,1,2,6,5,5,2,6,2]
Edit: Forgot this originally, figured it'd be called for.
> roll 1d20+26 SR
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 40 > [d20=14]Surraruthru
HP: 126/347
AC: 70=38+4+20+1+7 (Deflection/EMA/Dodge/MotP(NA))
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch/Atk: 38/42+5
Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL26), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL26), Greater Heroism (CL26), Elemental Body: Fire (CL26), Might of the Planetar (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.
> roll 1d20+25
<Rei-chan> Space_Cat rolled : 1d20+25 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{29}
The dragon's sheer flames counter some of the spell, but you see it shocked and sizzled. Somehow that only seems to enrage it more, as it stays back and...
> roll 1d4+1
<Rei-chan> Space_Cat rolled : 1d4+1 --> [ 1d4=4 ]{5}
When you blink again, the dragon is gone. Where is it?
Go. You can Spellcraft what it did if you like.
> roll 1d20+37 Spellcraft Serith
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 49 > [d20=12]
It was time stop. The dragon could be anywhere and had a chance to prepare itself for the battle.
Surraruthru begins casting, holding his position, and calling on his magic to generate a protective field!
Wall of Force (Sculpt Spell), CL 26, Duration 26 rounds
260 sq/ft area; Arrange the squares to form a cube with one hole/murder hole in the center of each side to either fire spells through or teleport out of.Surraruthru
HP: 126/347
AC: 70=38+4+20+1+7 (Deflection/EMA/Dodge/MotP(NA))
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch/Atk: 38/42+5
Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL26), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL26), Greater Heroism (CL26), Elemental Body: Fire (CL26), Might of the Planetar (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.
How big are the holes?
Uh, well, I'm not sure on the physics of magic here, but I'd keep them as small as I possibly can while still allowing myself to teleport out and launch spells through. I dunno how much magic expands at what rate in what distance from the point of magical focus/casting, but I guess that can technically be bypassed by the fact that you can change the point of launching the spell and just like... Stick a claw or the tip of my tail out of the hole.
Let me look up the relevant things.
1. Wall of force doesn't expand. It takes a shape as described in the spell. Read that for information on how you can shape it, bearing in mind sculpt spell is a thing.
2. As the wall is 10ft/square increments, that would be the minimum hole size before sculpt spell. Reading that, it doesn't meaningfully change it. While the dragon could breathe into it, the size of the creature prevents natural attacks from getting through.
That's fine. That's more than enough space for me to work with. Though I can technically make that opening smaller by keeping the interior room as small as possible and laying the outside walls with an offset, but that's WAY to much effort for this. As it is, as long as I can duck into a corner for cover, I'm good.
By the expansion thing, I meant spells that I throw out of it. Like Hellball is a 40 ft. diameter. I dunno if it needs space/distance to expand or if it expands as it travels.
It doesn't expand until it hits. Anyway, that it for your turn?
Besides being paranoid and looking around for it, just taking cover to block spells and stuff.
As you look around, you hear a roar from above. The dragon's plunging down at you like a mountain thrown by a furious titan, wreathed in flames like before and coming right down at your wall of force. The two meet in a tremendous book that causes cracks of glowing light to travel all around it. Little flecks of it fall away, disintegrating as they're knocked loose by the sheer force of the blow.
> roll 1d4+1 breath weapon recharge
<Serith> Space_Cat roll for Serith < 4 > [d4=3]
Yet it is not enough.
Your wall of force is crumbling before you, flames erupting around it from the meteoric impact. But it holds and keeps you safe, the dragon roaring so loud as to shake the air itself, sending vibrations throughout your body.
Act.
Surraruthru stares into the massive maw above him and simply begins casting, aiming to send his spell right down the dragon's throat!
Hellball, CL 26
> roll 10d6 fire
> roll 10d6 sonic
> roll 10d6 acid
> roll 10d6 electricity
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 34 > [d6=4,1,1,1,3,2,6,5,5,6]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 29 > [d6=5,3,4,4,3,1,3,2,1,3]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 38 > [d6=5,3,3,6,4,2,5,6,1,3]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 44 > [d6=6,5,4,4,1,5,6,3,5,5]Surraruthru
HP: 126/347
AC: 70=38+4+20+1+7 (Deflection/EMA/Dodge/MotP(NA))
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch/Atk: 38/42+5
Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL26), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL26), Greater Heroism (CL26), Elemental Body: Fire (CL26), Might of the Planetar (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.
One flaw with that - you don't have line of effect to the dragon. You put holes on the side of your wall set up and it came from above. However, the sheer bulk of the dragon spills over enough to make winging it with it possible, along with hellball being a radius spread.
> roll 1d20+25 regardless
<Serith> Space_Cat roll for Serith < 45 > [d20=20]
Your hellball grazes the leg of the dragon, freezing and shocking it. It growls even louder, as..
> roll 1d4+1
<Serith> Space_Cat roll for Serith < 4 > [d4=3]
The dragon's gone? You're pretty sure that was another time stop spell, it was the exact same magic.
Go.
Surraruthru figures the Red Dragon is about to try and counter his cube of safe-space, and readies himself for it...
Casting Duelward, CL 26, Duration 26 rounds
While a duelward spell is in effect, counterspelling is an immediate action for you, allowing you to counterspell even when it is not your turn without having previously readied an action. You also gain a +4 competence bonus on Spellcraft checks made to identify spells being cast.Surraruthru
HP: 126/347
AC: 70=38+4+20+1+7 (Deflection/EMA/Dodge/MotP(NA))
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch/Atk: 38/42+5
Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL26), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL26), Greater Heroism (CL26), Elemental Body: Fire (CL26), Might of the Planetar (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.
Do you have true seeing or the like?
I do indeed:
Hathren Mask of True Seeing, 75,000gp: Grants a constant True Seeing effect.
The dragon is silently descending from above, invisible and only revealed thanks to your mask. It's 40ft above you and coming to a quiet hover. It begins to gather power, arcane fire invisibly swirling around it as...
Your chance to use Duelward to counter, if you want.
Can I Spellcraft to tell if it's just regular fire or something that can overcome immunity?
Sure.
> roll 1d20+37 Spellcraft
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 41 > [d20=4]
Also a +4 to that; I forgot until after that Duelward gives a +4 bonus.
No, it's a side effect of his casting. He's about to drop a magic disjunction on you.
Definately counter spelling that.
Casting Superb Dispel, CL 33
Inquisition Domain: +4 on Dispel checks
Master Specialist: Minor Esoterica +5 on Dispel Checks
> roll 1d20+40 Superb Dispel
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 58 > [d20=18]
No roll, he can't beat that.
You erupt with magic, calling on all your power to crush the spell before you. It shatters, the dragon glaring down at you in contempt as arcane fires sputter out around it.
Go.
Since I have Detect Magic, can I tell if he's got any spells on him?
Yes though this takes time and study. Usually it doesn't matter, but this is the middle of combat.
I'm not interested in identifying them, just if he has spells on him. Does that take time the same way?
Yes, one round.
Surraruthru begins casting a spell to prepare for another magical onslaught!
Spell Turning, CL 33, 330 minute duration
From seven to ten (1d4+6) spell levels are affected by the turning. The exact number is rolled secretly.Surraruthru
HP: 126/347
AC: 70=38+4+20+1+7 (Deflection/EMA/Dodge/MotP(NA))
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch/Atk: 38/42+5
Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL26), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL26), Greater Heroism (CL26), Elemental Body: Fire (CL26), Might of the Planetar (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.
Whatever the dragon's doing, you can't see it and don't see any sign of it.
Go, next turn for you.
Surraruthru digs into his Handy Haversack, retrieving his wand of Battlemagic Perception, and uses a charge on himself!
Retrival is a Move Action, wanding is standard.
Battlemagic Perception, CL 5, 50 minute duration
You gain a +5 competence bonus on Spellcraft checks made to identify a spell as it is being cast.
If you have at least 5 ranks in Spellcraft, you are also able to sense the use of any spell or spell-like ability within 100 feet, so long as you have line of effect to the caster.
With a Spellcraft check (DC 15 + spell level) you can even ascertain the spell being cast.
This determination happens quickly enough that you can
attempt to counter the spell as a free action.
Counterspell attempts are otherwise handled normally, and you can counter the spell even if you do not have line of sight to the spellcaster.Surraruthru
HP: 126/347
AC: 70=38+4+20+1+7 (Deflection/EMA/Dodge/MotP(NA))
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch/Atk: 38/42+5
Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL26), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL26), Greater Heroism (CL26), Elemental Body: Fire (CL26), Might of the Planetar (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.
You cast it and again nothing is happening. Where is the dragon...?
Go.
Surraruthru calls on his innate power, deciding to try and play the Red's game.
Obscuring Mist SLA, CL 26, 26 minute duration.
Then as move action, Surraruthru will teleport to the left of the cube far enough to keep it just on the edge of vision. About 125ft, I think.
You teleport away - and you can hazily see a red flaming mass that has to be the dragon slam into your cube. It shatters this time, the dragon going straight through it and plunging down, out of sight.
Go.
Surraruthru pulls on his innate power again and turns invisible, then flies as slowly and quietly as he can down towards where the red dragon disappeared to, hoping to angle in and approach from behind it.
Movement speed?
140 ft
You fly a grand 20ft efore you can begin to make out the dragon, 120ft down and 80ft ahead of you.
That's a move action, going to take a standard?
I used my invisibility SLA. That's a standard isn't it?
So you did.
The dragon looks around and his gaze finds you all too fast. He chants and is gone - teleportation? Looks like it, you've used that very spell moments ago. Where is he now?
Go.
Surraruthru holds his ground for the moment, taking a defensive stance and preparing to dodge what he assumes will be another dive attack.
I need to get into melee, so my intent here is to try and bait him in and dodge just enough to stay in range.
Okay. He has reach on you so he'll get his attack first in regardless of what you do while holding. Okay with that?
Um, is there a way to prep my move action to activation my boots and move in close? Dunno if that's possible.
Like to use it to dodge his attack altogether?
Yeah, but in a way that puts me in place to full-round him next turn. It might be asking too much, but if I can, it'd be super fantastic.
Considering he's been making attacks as he moves in some cases, this is a dicey proposition, since he may continue moving after he attacks you. You okay with that?
Yeah, gonna have to chance it with a combo of dice and hoping that after I've seen it this many times, I can judge it alright. I don't have many offensive spells left, so a solid round of monking is really my only chance of getting this done.
Okay, so where are you aiming for precisely?
Between his wings, at one of the joints. Let's see if I can dislocate a joint or rip it out entirely.
This is incredibly difficult, so it's going to require a Dex check. Make one and I'll adjudicate it.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 14 + 7, total 21[/blockquote]
The dragon comes from above - like a falling star and is just too fast for you. By the time you appear, it's already out of range, ending 100ft below you. It looks up and roars a challenge, already starting to swoop down and back around.
Go.
Surrauthru watchis it, trying to learn its speed better in case it tries again.
The dragon slowly comes up this time - up to 60ft away, where it casts with a sweep of its wing and...
Do you still have a counter spell up that lets you do counterspelling immediately?
Yep. Battlemagic Perception lets me.
Going to use it?
Depends on what it is. It also lets me ID the spells with a +5 bonus, so that first.
> roll 1d20+37+5 Spellcraft
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 60 > [d20=18]
Surraruthru can tell it's an empowered orb of force.
Surraruthru smirks at the Red Dragon, letting the spell hit him and relying on his Spell Turning to deal with it.
The orb flies - and hits your defense, going right back at him.
> roll 1d20 touch AC, he's a dragon so this is only missing on a 1
<Serith> Space_Cat roll for Serith < 1 > [d20=1]
By a sheer fluke the orb somehow misses him, going off errant entirely. The dragon growls as your spell turning holds, then...
Go.
Surraruthru chuckles in amusement at the failed spell, obviously mocking the larger dragon, and uses his boots again before casting a spell.
Teleporting behind him at 110ft, to try and break line of sight before casting again. And since it worked so well last time:
Spell Turning, CL 33, 330 minute duration
From seven to ten (1d4+6) spell levels are affected by the turning. The exact number is rolled secretly.
On a different note, can Surraruthru tell what kind of space this is? As in, can he tell if it's a mental bubble or something? Intent is to find out if Gate would allow me to try and get someone in here to help.Surraruthru
HP: 126/347
AC: 70=38+4+20+1+7 (Deflection/EMA/Dodge/MotP(NA))
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch/Atk: 38/42+5
Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL26), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL26), Greater Heroism (CL26), Elemental Body: Fire (CL26), Might of the Planetar (CL26), Battlemagic Perception (CL5), Spell Turning (CL33)
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.
K:A.
> roll 1d20+41 K:A
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 53 > [d20=12]
It's a sort of soulscape. You aren't escaping without winning this battle.
That's what I figured. In any case, I both moved and cast, so it's Red's turn.
The dragon whirls around, sees you and does what is natural - charges you head on, snarling in fury.
> roll 1d20+59
<Serith> Space_Cat roll for Serith < 65 > [d20=6]
Miss! You see the dragon coming and utter a word of overwhelming arcane power. It pushes the dragon back, maw mere feet at you but briefly held in check.
Go.
Is it in melee/5-foot step range?
Yes, you can hit it right in the face.
Surraruthru snarls at the larger Red Dragon before launching himself at its face, intent on ripping its eyes out, and the upper half of its skull with it, if he can!
> roll 1d6 Flailing Strikes
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 4 > [d6=4]
> roll 1d20+38+9 Unarmed
> roll 1d20+35+9 Unarmed
> roll 1d20+28+9 Unarmed
> roll 1d20+23+9 Unarmed
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 61 > [d20=14]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 57 > [d20=13]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 55 > [d20=18]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 44 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+28+9 Bite
> roll 1d20+28+9 Claw
> roll 1d20+28+9 Claw
> roll 1d20+38+9 Slam
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 43 > [d20=6]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 49 > [d20=12]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 54 > [d20=17]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 66 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+38+9 Flailing Strike
> roll 1d20+38+9 Flailing Strike
> roll 1d20+38+9 Flailing Strike
> roll 1d20+38+9 Flailing Strike
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 55 > [d20=8]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 58 > [d20=11]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 67 > [d20=20]
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 56 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+38+9 Flailing Strike#3 Crit Confirm
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 67 > [d20=20]
Unarmed Damage:
Note: +1 Con Damage per Hit
> roll 7#6d10+15+5 (Unarmed)
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 55, 66, 70, 56, 47, 44, 43 >
> roll 12d10+30 (Flailing Strikes Crit)
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 112 > [d10=3,5,9,7,9,9,7,7,6,9,6,5]
> roll 1d6+15+5 (Bite)
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 26 > [d6=6]
> roll 2#1d4+15+5 (Claw)
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 21, 21 >
> roll 2d8+18 (Slam)
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 27 > [d8=7,2]
Edit: It was supposed to be 1d6-1 for Flailing Strikes, so remove the last attack string:
> roll 1d20+38+9 Flailing Strike
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 56 > [d20=9]
And remove the last damage value for non-crit Flailing Strikes which was 43 total. Total below is recalculated.
Totals if everything hits: 475 +10 Con damage. (Note: Not counting Slam in Con damage as it's not specifically covered by the wounding item)Surraruthru
HP: 126/347
AC: 70=38+4+20+1+7 (Deflection/EMA/Dodge/MotP(NA))
Touch AC: 18, Flat Footed: 26, SR: 34, CMB: 28, CMD: 44
Init: +13, Touch/Atk: 38/42+5
Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL26), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL26), Greater Heroism (CL26), Elemental Body: Fire (CL26), Might of the Planetar (CL26), Battlemagic Perception (CL5), Spell Turning (CL33)
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.
You dive in, full steam.
Rip.
Tear.
Blood.
You go into dragon's skull and then brain, an otherworldly flurry of attacks that cause the dragon's entire body to wither. With all your magic you plunge your claws into its gray matter, causing reality to shake and abruptly - !!!
Congratulations, you finished off the wounded dragon. I'm going to pause you until this evening, which at that point we'll go over the after effects of this and how your ritual went.
Okay, one more time, refresh me on the goals of your transformation?
Primary was to become a True Dragon of the Arcane type. T
he secondary was to gain the much-improved spellcasting progression that Arcane/Tome Dragons have.
Tertiary was to retain the abilities of the Faerie Dragon: SLAs and stuff like Water Breathing and Swim Speed type stuff.
Added: Whatever other cool dragon abilities I can rip outta it.
Okay. While I work on this, what's your build going to look like with racial hit dice taking up one side of it? Roughly since I know CL progression is a factor.
Um, I think this:
Side 1: Dragon 21/Half-Celestial 4
Side 2: Abjurer 5/Master Abjurer 10/War Weaver 5/Grand Weaver 5
Okay.
For age category, you use the red dragon scale. This is just for age category and nothing else. Use your dragon racial hit dice and nothing else, including the half celestial levels. That gives you 21 hit dice, which makes you a young adult for age category.
Your size and type do not change.
You gain the natural attacks of a true dragon of your size -1 category (tiny). This is one bite and two claws that deal 1d4+Strength modifier and 1d3+1/2 Strength modifier. These replace any natural weapons from faerie dragon previously. (If you have natural weapons from another source, they aren't affected. Ask me if you aren't sure.)
You gain damage reduction 5/magic. If you have other permanent sources of damage reduction (besides items or the like), say so and we'll combine them.
You gain spell resistance equal to your dragon hit dice + 5. This would currently be 26. If you have better spell resistance from another source, they do not stack. Use whichever is best. (Dragon SR's crummy no matter how you slice it.)
Frightful presence as a true dragon.
The blindsense and keen senses of true dragons.
You gain the alternate form ability of an arcane dragon.
You gain the graceful flight ability of an arcane dragon.
15th level sorcerer spellcasting from your racial hit dice. This goes up at the exact same rate as 3/4ths BAB and is tied to your racial hit dice. So a 22nd racial hit die will give you 16th level sorcerer casting and so on.
Unless said above, you keep any other faerie dragon abilities. Go ahead and start your rebuild.
Dragons gain Natural Armor by Age Category, what would Surraruthru's be?
I do have DR 10/magic from Half-Celestial.
What age category do I use for Frightful Presence DC?
+6.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103074.msg1052960.html#msg1052960 - Short version, you take the 10 and drop the 5.
Young adult.
Surraruthru has Darkvision: 60 ft from Faerie Dragon. Does this stack with the 120 ft from Keen Senses, or does it get replaced?
Would I get 6+intx4 Skill Points at 1st HD of dragon?
Replaced.
Remember the +4 from houserule, but yes, you get the x4.
Immunities (Ex)
All dragons have immunity to sleep and paralysis effects. Each variety of dragon has immunity to one or two additional forms of attack no matter what its age, as given in its description.
Feats
All dragons have one feat, plus additional feats based on Hit Dice just like any other creature. Dragons favor Alertness, Blind-Fight, Cleave, Flyby Attack, Hover, Improved Initiative, Improved Sunder, Power Attack, Snatch, Weapon Focus (claw or bite), Wingover, and any metamagic feat that is available and useful to sorcerers.
Do I get the additional immunity and feats? If so, what are the restrictions?
Faerie Dragon lists the feats Flyby Attack, Improved Initiative, and Weapon Finesse. If you want me to keep these, can I swap one out? Specifically Weapon Finesse?
Spells
A dragon knows and casts arcane spells as a sorcerer of the level indicated in its variety description, gaining bonus spells for a high Charisma score. Some dragons can also cast spells from the cleric list or cleric domain lists as arcane spells.
Do I get the Cleric stuffs? I assume not, but just want to check.
Spell-Like Abilities
A dragon's spell-like abilities depend on its age and variety. It gains the abilities indicated for its age plus all previous ones. Its age category or its sorcerer caster level, whichever is higher, is the caster level for these abilities. The save DC is 10 + dragon's Cha modifier + spell level. All spell-like abilities are usable once per day unless otherwise noted.
List of these or not get them? Faerie Dragon has its own SLAs, so is that what I get?
Does my flight speed change? Faerie Dragon lists 100 ft, but has no progression where as all other dragons get some kind of speed improvement by age category.
1. Fire.
2. No additional feats, those are just feats they tend to select RAW.
3. Are they bonus feats? If you get them just for being a faerie dragon, then no. Are they feats you chose yourself? If so, yes.
4. No cleric stuff.
5. Yes, you kept the faerie dragon SLAs as requested.
6. 120ft.
Quote from: Anastasia on March 11, 2017, 10:43:12 AM
3. Are they bonus feats? If you get them just for being a faerie dragon, then no. Are they feats you chose yourself? If so, yes.
It doesn't say, so I'm not sure since they don't have a progression chart I can't tell if they're selected as their HD increases feats or things just given to them.
C/P: Feats: Flyby Attack, Improved Initiative, Weapon Finesse
It's listed that way in their stat block.Quote from: Anastasia on March 11, 2017, 10:43:12 AM
1. Fire.
Does this come with the vulnerability to cold?
If it lacks a superscript B after the feat, it's not a bonus feat. So those aren't bonus feats, just feats chosen normally.
Yes, part and parcel of the immunity and vice versa for silver and white dragons.
Okay, how goes the rebuild?
Mostly done, just finalizing some spell stuff and waiting on the loot answers.
Right, we'll get those tonight then and get you rolling after work.
Awareness comes slowly, and what comes is pain. You hurt everywhere, dragging you back to awareness.
Surratuthru groans and rills over, trying to stand as he looks around trying to stand.
You feel dizzy, a far away cry. Kascha saying something, a blur of sound and wind.
Surraruthru tries to focus on Kascha's voice, attempting to blink his vision clear, attempting to speak.
"Ow."
Your vision clears. Your vision is sharp and clear, amazingly so. Kascha's sitting on a chair next to you as you lie curled up atop a bed. "Surru?"
"Yes. And pain. More pain than Surraruthru, I believe. I believe I'll choose to not move for a bit longer. How long has it been?"
Saying this, Surraruthru shifts a bit to get more comfortable and keeps an eye towards Kascha, sparing a bit of attention to the new traits to his vision and inspecting the room and Kascha.
"Five days," Kascha says, "You were burning with fever the first two, but it's died down. Oh, here," Kascha says, "Turn around," she points, "You should see yourself in the mirror."
Surraruthru grunts and sits up slowly and carefully, looking at the mirror.
Okay, you have leisure to make any reasonable changes to your appearance from the transformation that you see fit. Feel free to describe them here.
About the only thing I can think of is to have my general appearance a bit more delicate and my horns more intricate, with a general red tinge to my scales.
Cool. Go ahead and describe it then IC.
Surraruthru sees... himself. Except.. The grace of a dragon is more pronounced. His features finer, more sleek and streamlined. His previously white and golden scales are tinged red and his horns and ridges more fine and defined.
"Hm. An interesting change. A bit more... Regal, I think. What do you think, Kascha?"
"It makes you look more mature," Kascha says, "So was the ritual a success?"
"I believe so. I can feel my magic has expanded. It feels much like my natural abilities. I can tell it's much more flexible than my studied magic. I feel.. a bit weaker. My physical combat abilities have suffered in equal measure. Though, I did have to fight the spirit of the red dragon. I was unprepared for it. It was narrower than I would have liked."
"Well, let's go and put you through your paces then," Kascha says, "If you're up to it."
Surratutgru grunts and rises, hoping down from the bed and stretching the ache out.
"Indeed. We'll see how I fare."
From there it's a simple practice, letting you see how you do. You hold up alright, a chance to get a grip on your new skills.
Okay, this part is winding down. This is a chance to do something if you wanna do something IC to any changes. Otherwise we're getting into move along territory.
Make a stop around the Cauldron to one of Seira's representatives to see if there's anything she wants me to accomplish after Benefal, then just back to Aurora. Still checking out some magic items, so I may toss a post out for that. Need to do spells also. But other than that, just the next adventure.
"Oh! Congratulations," Lady Amaryl greets both of you in elven, rising and putting down her teacup. You've been in this candy-laden room before - it's much the same as last time.
"Surraruthru did fine," Kascha says, "The changes aren't as extreme as in others because he was already a dragon, but I can verify them."
Surraruthru sits in front of them, still working out some of his fine motor skills after the transformation.
"Yes, I feel.. Very different, though there's a familiarity to it. There's a new source of magic in me. It's quite different from my studied magic, though not quite as powerful, yet. Truthfully, once I came face to face with the red dragon, I was.. quite worried. He inflicted some significant wounds to me, and being hurt from the ritual before that did not help in the least."
"You overcame it?" Amaryl asks, picking up her teacup. "I expected no less."
Surraruthru nods.
"I did, at the end. I had to use some unconventional tactics to draw it in, but between being able to shut its magic down and it getting close enough to engage in melee, I ripped it apart. Though, hm.."
Surrarruthru raises one claw and flexes it.
"My abilities to fight in close quarters have been vastly reduced. I will have to come up with new tactics for that."
Surraruthru eyes the two women.
"There is something else I think I can manage..."
Surraruthru focuses on one of his new natural abilities and tries to shift his form...
Using Alter Form, 3/day SLA to take Half-Elf male shape. Based loosely off of Amaryl's looks, but masculine. Enough of a resemblance that it's there, but not enough to be insulting.
Are you going to be using this form a lot?
Depends on reactions. Probably not, though, I can't imagine either Amaryl or Seira would really approve of someone running around as her twin/brother's face causing problems.
Your shift gets Kascha to giggles, though she casts a quick glance at Amaryl.
Amaryl sips her tea again, "I accept the complement," she says. "Not an unknown trick for many dragons. How flexible is it?"
"Hmm... Let me try..."
Surraruthru tries to shift into a wolf with white and red-tinged fur.
Does the ability allow that sort of transformation?
Yup.
Alternate Form (Su): 3/day as a standard action an Arcane Dragon can assume the form of any animal or humanoid creature of Medium or smaller.
The next one I try won't be allowed, just for the sake of RPing out the limits.
This transformation goes much as the previous, except you're decidedly canine now.
"Oh, you can do that too. Useful," Kascha says, then ruffles your fur, "Also adorable!"
Surraruthru gives Kascha a slight glare, then tries to shift again!
Something decidedly less adorable. A beholder!
No good, nothing happens.
"Aaaaaw!" Kascha says, kneeling down and giving your wolfy form a hug.
Surraruthru snorts and shifts back to being a dragon, with all pointy horns and hard scales.
"Seems like I'm restricted to animals and humanoids. Still, a useful tool with potential. In any case, Lady Amaryl, I wanted to stop in and see if there were any tasks to be accomplished. After Benefal, I'm sure there's some additional work to be done. Ah, speaking of, that Brass Dragon I found underground survived."
"I know. Thank you for that," Amaryl says, "He's recovering. For the moment..." she considers, "No, but there will be one soon. A message will be sent when it is ready."
Surraruthru nods.
"Very well. Since I was here for the ritual, I figured I'd check in. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way. I have to do some research and get to work adding to my hoard."
Next move then?
Nothin' really. I'm probably going to get one or two more things gear-wise. Other than that, return to Aurora, spend some time with the Hydras, then just look for a chance to adventure. There's that one thing I got from the book, but I'm not sure anyone else is ready to go just yet.
Okay, cool. Quick question while I prep some stuff: What does Surru have in his hoard right now?
Hoard/Monies: 79,972.77
1x Large ruby. 9,100gp.
1x Large ruby: 5,000 gold
1x Large blue diamond, perfectly clear and pure: 12,000 gold
A set of six matching amethysts and sapphires: 3,000 gold.
Home again. You're studying in your lair, taking a break to adjust. Kascha's puttering around, humming to herself as she inspects your hoard. "Oh. Surraurthru, how do you feel about stone? Like marble, obsidian or other fancy stones?"
"Hmm. Shaped well enough, it impresses. If I were to use it, however, I'd want to to shape it into my lair. Make my home out of it. Hmm.. a spell, maybe? Transmute spells aren't exceedingly rare... a good source of income after, also. But if I can create it.. manipulation as well?"
"Oh no no no. I was thinking you could use a nice statue of Seira in here," Kascha says, "I'd pay for it. It would be a piece of art, a piece of religion and be a nice change from gold and jewels."
"Hmm.. Well, we can do that, too. But no, not free. As much as I like free. A split perhaps? Though I still think that spell should be done. It'd be wonderful to be able to shape this room into a cave of rare and precious stones. I think I will do so. A waterfall, perhaps? Hm. A stone to give light as well."
"Well, if we go that far, we should talk to...oh Elena, just come here," Kascha calls.
Elena pops in, dressed up in a peasant dress. "Hi! You were talking about modifying the room? If you want to, talk to me rather than trying spells, since otherwise we trip over each other."
Surraruthru blinks.
"Ah, of course. I was just talking theory, though the more I think of it, the more I want to develop the spell regardless, but yes. I would like to make this room carved out of precious stones. Perhaps a small waterfall in the back? Some fertile soil, as well. A garden for rare herbs or plants to freshen the air. A stone that can simulate sunlight for them and make light for visitors. Kascha seems to have all but moved in, apparently."
That gets Kascha to blush and turn, ioun stones whirling around her head.
> roll 1d20+8
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 20 > [d20=12]
Kascha turns on a time and manages, "W-well, it's not like that! You're supposed to look after me, but I feel like more looking after y-you!" She bursts into a bright red blush, deepening as she talks.
Surraruthru raises an eyebrow.
"I feel quite differently. While I'm looking after you, I am not your parent nor are you a child. You are free to do as you will, I will simply be with you to prevent you from dying. The phoenix incident aside, I feel I've done well at that. Though the generals' decision on deployment options do get in the way of that at times."
Still blushing, "I-it just sounds wrong when you say it like that! Like we're a couple!" Kascha wrings her hands together.
Elena's smiling by the end of it, "Well, that's why Mystra made shape changing magic?"
Surraruthru slowly turns to stare at Elena before his form twists and shifts, becoming the 'brother' of Lady Amaryl once again.
"Perhaps. I wouldn't put it past Seira and Lady Amaryl to engineer such a prank to become more than their entertainment."
> roll 1d20+8
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=19]
Kascha startles, quickly keeps her balance and says, "Don't say things like that!" She beats a quick retreat, hurrying out of the room.
Surraruthru chuckles at that.
"Who's treat who like a kid now, hm? Anyway, Elena, what can we do to modify this room? Is there something you need me to do to help?"
"Well, we have some control over it," Elena says, "But it's somewhat limited. Sir Medi made things for a fortress rather than getting into customization."
"Hm. Do you need me to research into it, or would should I just acquire the material, move it in, and manipulate it as I wish? Such would not impact the structure itself."
"Do the research first," Elena says, "We'll figure it out once you get that far."
Surraruthru nods.
"I'll let you know once I have. Thank you."
With that, Surraruthru heads out to the library but decides to stop and spend time with the hydras first.
As you step out of your room, you find 27 blocking the way. He sits and looks up at you, a single white feather held in his mouth.
Surraruthru squeezes his eyes shut as if in great pain and deeply sighs; the sigh of a weary, put-upon soul who knows more pain is sure to come.
"Yes, what is it? Who's feather is this, and what path is it supposed to lead me to?"
"Hanna's," 27 puts it on the floor before you, "You need her luck. They're coming for you now."
Surraruthru raises an eye-ridge at that.
"They? Devils or others?"
Surraruthru reaches over and takes the feather, tucking it into his shirt, under the edge of one of his scales.
"Others," 27 says gravely.
"Hm. Do you know what exactly the others are? Or why they're after me?"
"The Crawling Ones. Hide," 27 whimpers, slumping. "Beware the Crawling Ones."
"Any ideas what they want? Just to kill me or more?"
"Yes," 27 says, meeting your gaze with his own.
"Hm. My death and then to make use of my corpse or power after. Has anyone in Aurora encountered the Crawling Ones before?"
"They watch Jaela from the gaps," 27 whispers, "They watch her from the gaps."
"Hmm... Why do they watch Jaela? Because of Hanna?"
27 shakes his head and goes silent, looking down.
"Hm. Does anyone have records of the Crawling Ones?"
27 hurries away at this, running fast down the hall.
Surraruthru sighs.
"Elena? Could you please tell me where to find either Hanna or Jaela? Tannin might also be interested in hearing this, if he's free. It's about a warning from 27."
"Hanna's in her room, still resting." Hanna appears right by your side, "I'll have Tannin meet you two there."
Surraruthru nods, and looks at his silk bed consideringly, then nods to himself. Time for some lazy.
He begins casting, calling on his new reservoir of magical power.
Casting Floating Disk, CL 16, 16 hour duration.
Once the floating disk forms, he tugs his bed on top of it, moves a small amount of coinage into it along with his two large rubies and blue diamond, then lays down on it all and commands the disk to float him towards Hanna's room.
One flaw in your cunning plan: Floating disc vanishes if you leave the range of the spell, and it's a short range spell.
I thought that was its range to you? If not, I'll revise and post again.
On rereading you're correct. My mistake.
Hanna's in her bed with Tannin sitting nearby. "So then, I told the eladrin that Purple-"
A throat clearing from Hanna stops him as she sits up. "Surraruthru. Elena said you needed to talk to me?"
"Indeed. 27 paid me a visit with a warning and a... present."
At this, Surraruthru reaches into his shirt and pulls out the feather, holding it up.
"He gave me this and said I would need Hanna's luck. He said a mysterious 'they' were coming for me. 'They' are apparently the Crawling Ones. That's about as much out of him as I could get about who or what they are. Along with warnings to hide and be wary of them."
This gets Hanna to slowly sigh, exhaling long and hard. "He's mentioned that in regards to Jaela before. He even gave her a ritual to repel them, though I've never seem them personally."
Surraruthru nods.
"He mentioned Jaela. Says they watch her from the gaps. I couldn't get the reason why they were after her out of him, but apparently, they want my death and have a use for me after. Do we have a record of the ritual? Perhaps we could either enhance the scale of it... Or maybe reverse engineer it. If we can figure out how it blocks perception, we can narrow down the list of things that hunt prey using that method... Cross reference that with the title of Crawling Ones, maybe a divination or an inquiry to the gods..."
Surraruthru trails off, running possibilities through his mind.
"Yeah, it's all shit anyway," Tannin says, "Now you ask me, 27's an entire armory short of an army. Don't put too much time into his babblings, it's all a waste."
Hanna clears her throat, "We've never seen these crawling ones anyway," she says.
"I'm not so sure. He gave me a warning before that proved useful. I'm sure it's not an exact thing, but there's probably a little to it. Does anything of the ritual he gave Jaela still exist? Even if it's nothing, I'm sure a Slaad take on a ritual may prove interesting."
Before either can reply, Calleigh comes through the portal and into the room.
Go ahead, Yuth.
If you haven't seen, Tryll's seeking you out from his thread so they're merging, Iddy.
I saw, but I'm not able to look up the reference of the book at the moment and it's still a bit until lunch. If someone wouldn't mind pasting the relevant info, I'd appreciate it. It was that one about a knight, IIRC.
Do you recall the title of it?
I believe it was this:
Lost Lore of the Abyss: The Quartered Lion
This series of books is written with a great deal of repetition and reinforcement. The entire writing style is highly ordered, as a preface explains this is desirable to better hold the often mutable lore of chaos.
The Quartered Lion was once known as the Lion Knight. A brave champion who defied the Abyss again and again, he ultimately took the mantle of a hellreaver and went to the Abyss to challenge the demons on their home ground. It is known he ultimately failed, falling in battle to Orcus. The demon prince was unwilling to let the knight's soul go free, so he took it and the knight's broken body. Arms and legs were removed and replaced lifeless grafts from an undead dire lion. In his spite, Orcus raised the knight as an undead nightmare and loosed his now corrupted soul out into Thanatos.
The Quartered Knight is a dreadful opponent. He wears ruined plate mail and has a pair of lion's maws for arms and lion's legs for legs. He attacks his enemies viciously and tears them apart with his twin maws. He grows stronger and fatter with each one, now a great round mass that reeks of death. He wanders Thanatos, an object of amusement for the greater demons and undead that rule that horrid place.
I may be misremembering.
"Surrurururururooroo!" Calleigh shouts gleefully, zipping over to fly in circles around Surraruthru's head. "We're going to Sylica! You wanna come!?"
Thanks Iddy.
"Hey, you're interrupting," Tannin says, "We were having a con...actually, you know what? Go on," Tannin kicks back, "Courre's better than 27."
Surraruthru gains the same put-upon face as when he saw 27 earlier.
"Calleigh. Tryll. 27's given me a warning that something he's named the Crawling Ones are coming after me. What's this about Sylica?"
Calleigh lands on top of Surraruthru's head, bending double at the waist so she's looking him in the eye while also upside down. "Don't be grumpy, mister fairie dragon! Bugs crawl all the time, so we can probably get some while you're in Sylica!"
"You're taking random stupidity from 27 far too seriously," Tannin interjects.
"Perhaps I am. Still, I'll do some mild research, just in case. Anyway, what's this about Sylica?"
As he speaks, Surraruthru shakes his head to knock the... thing... off.
"Yes, I'm curious about that as well," Hanna says, "What business do you have there?"
Calleigh is not dislodged! She does wave her arms about and straighten up, though. "We met Latha down on Benfal a bit ago and she said to drop by later so she could make me a really neat thing and now is later so we're gonna go and say hi!"
"Really?" Tannin drawls, "What sort of neat thing?"
Surraruthru waits for the answer to Tannin's question as regally as he can with Calliegh on his head.
"No idea! Maybe a weapon? I think she said it would be a weapon. Maybe made of sunlight! Wanna go?"
"Hm, it sounds worth checking out. If you want, I'll go with you."
"Yay!" Calleigh points at Tannin, "You too!"
Tannin shrugs and gets up, "Sure, didn't have any plans today anyway. Better than this slaad shit."
Any prep before y'all go?
I need to do spells and stuff.
Do so then and post when done. This is likely a friendly, non combat trip, so bear that in mind. You probably don't need to get super into this set.
Okay, in that case I'll just use the same spells and load up some basic buffs for everyone. I'm assuming it's just going to be Tryll, Calleigh, and myself? If not then add these buffs to whoever else is going.
Quiescent Pre-Loaded Spells:
Resist Energy, CL 26, 260 min Duration x4: +30 Resistance to Electricity, Cold, Sonic, Acid.
Regular Tapestry Spells:
Create Magic Tattoo, CL 26, Duration 24 hours
+1 Luck Bonus on Attack Rolls
Create Magic Tattoo, CL 26, Duration 24 hours
+2 Competence bonus on Attack Rolls
Elemental Body, CL 26, 26 hour Duration: Fire
You are immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet. Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
Energy Absorption, CL 28, 28 hour Duration:
As an immediate action, the subject can cause the spell to absorb the power of a single energy-based attack. The subject gains immunity to any energy types used in that attack (but only for that attack), and also heals a number of points of damage equal to 1/2 the damage the effect would normally have caused.
Surraruthru's Stupendous Dragonskin, CL 26, Duration 26 hours
Grants you a +10 armor bonus to armor class and damage reduction 10/magic.
Agility of the Dragon Princess, CL 26, Duration 26 hours
The target of this spell gains a +4 insight bonus to Dexterity.
Strength of the Dragon Princess, CL 26, Duration 26 hours
The target of this spell gains a +4 insight bonus to Strength.
Mind of the Dragon Princess, CL 26, Duration 26 hours
The target of this spell gains a +4 insight bonus to Intelligence.
Mind Blank, CL 26, 24 hour Duration:
The subject is protected from all devices and spells that detect, influence, or read emotions or thoughts. This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
Surraruthru only:
Epic Mage Amror, CL 28, 24 hour Duration:
+20 armor class bonus.
From there it's a quick gate to Ysgard. You reach Sylica uneventfully, passing through the Felic Gate as the Opal Mountain gleams on the horizon.
Go ahead and get yourselves moving, y'all. Heading to find Latha?
As far as I'm aware.
Yep!
GI check real quick, then, y'all.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+32 : 16 + 32, total 48[/blockquote]
Latha's armory is a grand, classical temple full of forges within. Here Latha and several astral devas pound at a black dragon's scale larger than a pair of Hannas, the sound of the hammering like striking metal rather than mere scales.
Calleigh ooh's and aah's appropriately as she flies in. Tryll silently keeps pace with her.
Latha pauses her work and flies down to the three of you. "Here so soon," she greets you. "Welcome to Sylica."
"Thanks! Hi! Nice place!"
"I promised you a weapon," Latha says, and then to Surraruthru, "Surraruthru, I believe?"
"Indeed. Greetings Latha. What project are you using this scale for?"
Surraruthru strides over to the scale and inspects it out of curiosity.
K:A, Surru.
> roll 1d20+41 K:A
<Serith> Iddy roll for Serith < 49 > [d20=8]
It's the scale of a black dragon. From the size it has to be a great wyrm.
"We are going to forge it into a marvelous suit of armor," Latha says.
"Oh? Interesting. I look forward to the day one of my scales is large enough to make armor from..."
Surraruthru trails off consideringly, then nods to himself before clearing his throat.
"I suppose this is a good opportunity. I've been making efforts to... reduce.. mildly.. my natural inclination for greed. Generosity is... difficult. So I will take the chance now."
Surraruthru reaches up and pulls off two scales with a bit of effort and a wince of pain before offering them to Latha.
"While not nearly as useful or powerful as that scale, you may find a way to make a bauble of them."
The scales are taken and examined, "Thank you," Latha says, smiling, "This will help the armor of a paladin facing cultists of Imix. Would you care for a weapon as well?"
Surraruthru shrugs.
"I'm not much for weapons, truthfully. Anything you gave me would stand as a work of art, not a weapon of war. If you have such a piece, I would gladly make it part of my hoard."
"I have something in mind," Latha says, then turns to Calleigh. "Calleigh, what sort of weapon do you want?"
"Oh well I dunno, I'm not so weapony, if you understand. But! I do favor the bow! A tiny bow!" Calleigh pulls a very small bow from her very small bag of holding and says proudly, "It's almost as annoying as I am!"
"You're not annoying at all," Latha says, "A bow, then?"
"I haven't started trying yet! I'm real good at it!" Calleigh says proudly. "Also, yes. A bow! See?" Calleigh hands over her own tiny bow.
+2 tiny shortbow, evil outsider bane
"May I see it? Since you already have a weapon, I can make this one better instead, if you want," Latha offers.
"I just handed it to you!" Calleigh says, looking confused.
Oh sorry, misread. The perils of posting when zonked and headachy. Regardless, her offer still stands, so say yes or no to it?
"Whatever you think is best. I just blast people."
Your bow is taken to the forges. Here it is worked, not bursting aflame despite the fires that engulf it. Latha watches it, counting the seconds until 70 aloud. She then removes it, examines it closely and nods, "As I thought. A simple task, as your own celestial nature has influenced it."
Your bow now has the holy weapon property.
"Yay! Thanks!" Calleigh takes the bow back.
"You're welcome," Latha says, smiling. "Come with me, Surraruthru."
Surraruthru rises to his feet and meanders along after her, idly inspecting the decor as they go.
It's a forge. There's forges for fire, vats of water for cooling and so forth. Fairly like a mortal one on a glance. It's the inhabitants that change it. Celestials work here, striking with perfect accuracy. It's more like Afina's forges than the works of mortals, products coming out flawless, not a scrap wasted.
You are lead beyond this, to a room in the back. Here hundreds of weapons and suits of armor are on display, from the smallest dagger to the largest sets of full plate. They range in size from fit for a pixie to too large for even Hanna to wield effectively. Some are plain, others are decorated, covered in runes or inlaid with precious metals or gems.
"Here our weapons wait for wielders or to be sent to our troops," Latha explains, "One room of many."
"Of many? Impressive. Perhaps I should begin a collection hall or armory in my lair. Though the practical side of me winced at the thought of it all going unused."
"An army needs much supply," Latha says, flying ahead. She goes to one weapon in particular - a bardiche, mounted on the wall. The haft is pale ashwood and the head is gleaming mithral.
"Arvir, the unsigned." Latha takes it down, "It is meant for the slaying of yugoloths, yet we have never found a wielder that feels right for it. With your recent deeds, perhaps you are the one, or it would rest more comfortably with you."
Surraruthru eyes the weapon.
"I can try, I suppose, but I have little aptitude in such a weapon. I'm unsure how to even weild it correctly. I specialize in magic fairly exclusively."
Do Sorc /Wizard have proficiency with bardiches?
"Then let it rest in your hoard until you find one suited to it," Latha says, "It is a patient weapon to reject so many. Do not fear that it may take time, or may be a part of your hoard for a long time."
They do not, Iddy.
Surraruthru grunts.
"On one hand, I'd like to expand my hoard. On the other, I get the feeling this is one of those missions in disguise things celestials are known for. Very well, I'll take it and watch for a person suitable."
Surraruthru reaches for it, intending to put it away in his haversack.
"It may be one, another or both. I do not know which, only that it will be what it needs to be." Latha says.
Loot post incoming. Iddy and Yuth, do you have anything else you want to do here?
I dunno, I'm just along for the ride for the most part. Unless there's money to be made. I guess I could try to work out a deal to trade in phase spider silk weavings for like the under layers of armor or straps or something, but that seems fairly mundane to really mess with.
Oh! Let's ask Latha if she knows any good things to do with the carapace!
Noted to both.
"A carapace? Of what creature?" Latha asks once all of you get back together in the forges.
"We found a real big astral dreadnought! We wanted to talk but then it ate Tryll and that was a bad idea so it died! Now we have it back on the Aurora! Sorta not-rotting. It's big! And ugly!" Calleigh supplies helpfully.
"I've made shields some something large before," Latha considers, "I could try making a few shields from the best bits."
"That...that would be a lot of shields. It's REAL big. Is that all it's good for? Shields?"
"Not that many, using the best parts only for the best results," Latha replies, "I could try armor as well," she says, "But I'd need more material and need to use less choice bits of it."
"Tell you what, you should swing by the Aurora and look at it. I dunno if you realize how big this thing is." Calleigh offers.
"Very well," Latha says.
Good to head back then?
Yep!
Soon enough you're back and Latha looks over the preserved carapace. "I could make 2 to 5 shields out of this or one suit of armor," she announces, "Which do you prefer?"
Calleigh ponders, "Well, what kind of benefits could the armor convey? What about the face? It's gotta big ol' eye on it and is real ugly."
"Protection from the astral and ethereal attacks, as well as resistance to dimension anchors. It won't stop something like a dimensional lock, though," Latha says.
"Oh wow that's a good set! That's just the skin though right? I sorta wanna keep the eye for now unless you know neat stuff to do with that too."
"I don't need it," Latha says, "Have you made your choice?"
"Hmmmmmmmmmmmm I bet someone could use the armor. Or maybe the shields? ELENA!" Calleigh finishes with a yell.
Elena appears as requested. "Yes?"
"Do we need shields or a suit of armor?"
"Um? Well, I think Cresiel could use a better shield," Elena considers, "Maybe Rosa too? On the other hand, armor, armor...most everyone who uses armor has a good set," she admits, "But treasure's nice either way."
"Shields it is!" Calleigh nods.
Okay, roll 1d4+1.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 3 + 1, total 4[/blockquote]
Loot post, note that you get four of them and not just one.
The shields are a glossy white lined with pale gray. They are smooth to the touch, metallic in spite of coming from the creature's flesh and carapace. Latha emerges from Aurora's forces, "They are done," she says, laying the fourth and final shield down.
"Thanks, Latha! You're the best sun angel girl ever!" Calleigh gushes.
Latha smiles, "Use these shields well," she says, "Do you know who will be using them?"
"Nope! Not me or Tryll, obviously. I don't need one and Tryll is Tryll. Whoever gets one will probly use it well. Maybe. I'm sure they'll help though! I'm not so good with this logistics stuff. I like explosions more!" Calleigh says.
"Then they'll help who they help. Anyone here is worthy," Latha says.
Next move, both of you?
I'd like to move forward on my Paragon research, but I'm not honestly sure where to go with it.
Cool, we can talk about that in a new topic, since I presume Surru's splitting off to his own stuff. I'll wait for his confirmation, though.
Tree thing for me.
New topic time for you two. This one's locked.